Cleaning System

Abstract

To provide a washing system capable of suppressing an occurrence of malfunction even when a new device is added.SOLUTION: A washing system 1 includes a preliminary washing machine 2A, a carry table 3, a main washing machine 2B, an inter-device conveyance device 4, a carryout device 90, and a lift device 5. Each of the preliminary washing machine 2A, the carry table 3, the main washing machine 2B, the inter-device conveyance device 4, the carryout device 90, and the lift device 5 includes a control part for controlling an operation of each device. Each control part outputs information indicating one of a first state in which work is not executed, a second state, which is a standby state, and a third state in which work is executed, to a device that executes work at least earlier than a device controlled by this control part, and determines an operation of the device controlled by this control part depending on a state of a device that is to execute work later than the device controlled by this control part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system. [Background technology]

[0002] A known washing system includes a dish loading device that loads dish racks containing dishes into a washing machine, a washing machine that washes the dishes, a cart that is arranged vertically and has shelves that can store the dish racks, and a lifter device that loads dishes washed by the washing machine onto the shelves of the cart (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a washing system can automatically perform the process from loading the dishes into the washing machine to loading the dishes into the cart, thereby reducing the number of people required for dishwashing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-41922 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a washing system, a series of operations for each device (dish feeding device, washer, etc.) is set by a control program. When a new device is added to such a washing system, the control program must be changed to include the new device in the series of control operations. Changing the control program when a new device is added can complicate the program and lead to programming errors, etc. This can cause malfunctions in the washing system.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that can prevent malfunctions from occurring even when a new device is added. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cleaning system of the present invention comprises a preliminary cleaning machine that cleans the objects to be cleaned, a first conveying device that transports racks containing the objects to be cleaned into the preliminary cleaning machine, a main cleaning machine that cleans the objects to be cleaned that have been cleaned by the preliminary cleaning machine, a second conveying device that transports racks that are transported from the preliminary cleaning machine into the main cleaning machine, a transporting device that transports racks from the preliminary cleaning machine to the second conveying device, and a third conveying device that transports racks that are transported from the main cleaning machine to a rack storage section, and each of the first conveying device, preliminary cleaning machine, second conveying device, main cleaning machine, and third conveying device has a control unit that controls the operation of each device, and each control unit outputs information indicating one of the following states to at least one device that will perform work before the device itself: a first state in which no work is being performed, a second state in which the device is waiting, or a third state in which work is being performed, and determines the operation of the device depending on the state of the device that will perform work after the device itself.

[0007] In the cleaning system according to the present invention, information indicating one of the first, second, and third states is output to at least one device that will perform a task before the device itself, and the operation of the device is determined based on the state of the device that will perform the task after the device itself. This allows each device in the cleaning system to determine its operation based on the state of the device that will perform the task after the device itself. Therefore, even when a new device is added to the cleaning system, it is not necessary to change the control program to include a series of control contents that include all devices. This prevents the program from becoming too complex and causing programming errors, thereby preventing malfunctions in the cleaning system.

[0008] In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the second transport device includes a conveyor that transports racks transported from the preliminary washer in the direction toward the main washer, a transport arm that pushes the racks transported by the conveyor into the cleaning chamber of the main washer, and a detection unit that detects the racks at a predetermined position on the transport path of the conveyor. The control unit of the second transport device may operate the conveyor when the unloading device starts to transport the racks, and may operate the transport arm when the detection unit detects the rack but then no longer detects it. With this configuration, the transport arm is operated after the detection unit no longer detects the rack, thereby preventing the transport arm from contacting the side of the rack. This prevents the rack from being damaged by the transport arm contacting the side of the rack.

[0009] In the washing system according to the present invention, when the preliminary washer finishes washing the objects while the main washer is washing the objects, the unloading device unloads the rack from the preliminary washer to the second transporting device, and the second transporting device transports the rack unloaded by the unloading device to a position where the detection unit detects it. When the main washer finishes washing the objects, the second transporting device operates the conveyor and the transport arm to transport the rack to the main washer. In this configuration, the second transporting device transports the rack to a predetermined position before the main washer finishes washing, and then transports the rack to the main washer after the main washer finishes washing. This shortens the time between the end of washing in the main washer and the next washing compared to transporting the rack from the preliminary washer after the main washer finishes washing. Therefore, the washing system can improve washing efficiency.

[0010] In the cleaning system according to the present invention, the second transport device may include a main body on which a conveyor and a transport arm are installed, a door that can be opened and closed relative to the main body, and a detector that detects when the door is opened. The unloading device may stop unloading racks from the preliminary washer to the second transport device when the detector detects that the door is open. With this configuration, if the door of the second transport device is opened during maintenance, racks are not loaded into the second transport device. Therefore, maintenance of the second transport device can be performed safely without having to turn off the power to the cleaning system. Furthermore, even if, for example, a load shift occurs in the second transport device and the door is opened, racks are not loaded into the second transport device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent racks from being loaded into a second transport device where a load shift has occurred.

[0011] The washing system according to the present invention may include a first setting unit that sets whether or not to wash the objects to be washed in the spare washer. For example, when washing objects that are not very dirty, the objects can be washed only by washing in the main washer. In this case, by setting the first setting unit to not wash the objects to be washed in the spare washer, washing is not performed in the spare washer. This shortens the washing time in the spare washer and also saves the water and electricity used for washing in the spare washer.

[0012] In the washing system according to the present invention, the spare washer may perform a washing operation including a washing step and a rinsing step, and the spare washer may include a second setting unit that sets whether or not to perform the rinsing step. In this configuration, the rinsing step can be omitted by setting the second setting unit to "no" for the rinsing step. This reduces the time required for the rinsing step in the spare washer and also saves water and electricity used in the rinsing step.

[0013] In the washing system according to the present invention, the preliminary washer includes a collection section disposed below the location where the objects to be washed are stored, which collects food residue adhering to the objects and which falls with the water sprayed into the washing chamber; and a storage section disposed below the location where the objects to be washed are stored, which stores water sprayed into the washing chamber and passes through the collection section. When the amount of food residue in the collection section exceeds a predetermined amount, the first conveying device may stop delivering racks to the preliminary washer. When food residue accumulates in the collection section, it becomes difficult for water to pass through the collection section, preventing water from circulating between the washing chamber and the storage section. Therefore, when the amount of food residue in the collection section exceeds a predetermined amount, the first conveying device stops delivering racks to the preliminary washer. This allows an operator to know that food residue has accumulated in the collection section by stopping the delivery of racks. This allows the operator to remove the food residue in the collection section. As a result, water can circulate between the washing chamber and the storage section.

[0014] The washing system according to the present invention may include an alarm unit that notifies the operator when the amount of leftover food in the collection unit exceeds a predetermined amount, and a reset unit that resets the alarm from the alarm unit after the leftover food in the collection unit has been removed. In this configuration, the alarm unit can notify the operator that leftover food has accumulated in the collection unit. This allows the operator to remove the leftover food in the collection unit. After the leftover food has been removed from the collection unit, the alarm from the alarm unit can be reset by operating the reset unit. In this way, the state related to leftover food detection can be reset by simply operating the reset unit, without operating the power supply or the like.

[0015] The washing system according to the present invention includes an alarm unit that notifies the user when the amount of leftover food in the collection unit reaches a predetermined amount, and a water level detection unit that detects when the water in the storage unit reaches a predetermined level. After the amount of leftover food in the collection unit reaches a predetermined amount, the water level detection unit detects that the water in the storage unit has reached a predetermined level. The alarm unit may be reset when the water level detection unit detects that the water in the storage unit has reached a predetermined level. When leftover food accumulates in the collection unit, it becomes difficult for water to pass through the collection unit, preventing water from circulating between the washing chamber and the storage unit, and causing the water level in the storage unit to drop. When leftover food is removed from the collection unit, water passes through the collection unit, causing the water level in the storage unit to rise. Therefore, after the amount of leftover food in the collection unit reaches a predetermined amount, the water level detection unit detects that the water in the storage unit has reached a predetermined level. This resets the alarm unit automatically. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, even when a new device is added, it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire cleaning system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is a front view of the carry table, and FIG. 2(B) is a plan view of the carry table. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the preliminary washer and the main washer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the preliminary washer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the inter-apparatus conveying device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a side view of the lift device as seen from the wagon side, and FIG. 6(B) is a side view of the lift device as seen from the purifier side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a wagon. [Figure 8]FIG. 8(A) is a plan view showing the carry-out device, and FIG. 8(B) is a perspective view showing the carry-out device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the control unit of each device. [Figure 10] 10(A) and 10(B) are diagrams showing the operation of the inter-apparatus transfer device. [Figure 11] 11(A) and 11(B) are diagrams showing the operation of the inter-apparatus transfer device. [Figure 12] 12(A) and 12(B) are diagrams showing the operation of the inter-apparatus transfer device. [Figure 13] 13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing the operation of the inter-apparatus transfer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0019] 1, the washing system 1 includes a carry table (first conveying device) 3, a spare washer 2A, an inter-apparatus conveying device (second conveying device) 4, a main washer 2B, a lifting device (third conveying device) 5, a cart (rack storage unit) 6, and a carry-out device 90. In the washing system 1, the carry table 3 and the spare washer 2A are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, and the spare washer 2A, the inter-apparatus conveying device 4, the main washer 2B, the lifting device 5, and the cart 6 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction. In the washing system 1, the carry table 3, the spare washer 2A, the inter-apparatus conveying device 4, the main washer 2B, the lifting device 5, and the cart 6 are arranged in an L-shape in a plan view so that a dish rack R containing dishes D moves from the front to the rear and then from the right to the left.

[0020] The carry table 3 transports a dish rack (rack) R on which dishes (items to be washed) D are stored to the preliminary washer 2A. As shown in Figures 1, 2(A), and 2(B), the carry table 3 has a base 10, four legs 19 that support the base 10, a transport mechanism 11, a sensor 14, and a controller (control unit) 12.

[0021] Base 10 is a table on which dish rack R is placed. Base 10 has mounting surface 10a on which dish rack R is placed. Base 10 is provided with sliding section 16 that protrudes from mounting surface 10a and extends along the conveyance direction of dish rack R, allowing dish rack R to slide. Sliding section 16 is composed of a plate-shaped member made of, for example, polyacetal resin, and is fixed to mounting surface 10a with screws or the like.

[0022] The conveying mechanism 11 moves the dish rack R on the base 10. The conveying mechanism 11 has an arm member 11A, a support portion 11B, a chain 11C, sprockets 11D, 11D, and a drive portion 11E. The conveying mechanism 11 is housed in a housing 17. When the carry table 3 is viewed from the front, the housing 17 is disposed behind the base 10 and protrudes above the mounting surface 10a of the base 10.

[0023] Arm member 11A is a member that pushes out dish rack R and is supported by support portion 11B so as to be rotatable on placement surface 10a. Support portion 11B is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction along a guide rail (not shown) arranged parallel to chain 11C, and is fixedly connected to a portion of chain 11C. Chain 11C is wound around two sprockets 11D, 11D. Drive portion 11E is, for example, a gear motor. One of sprockets 11D is supported on the rotation shaft of drive portion 11E.

[0024] The arm member 11A is fixed to the support portion 11B via a torsion spring (not shown) so that the tip of the arm member 11A can rotate between a state in which it faces the right side of the carry table 3 and a state in which it faces the front side of the carry table 3. The torsion spring biases the arm member 11A in a direction that rotates counterclockwise (left-handed) in a plan view. In other words, the torsion spring biases the arm member 11A in a direction that advances it from the housing 17. The action of the torsion spring causes the arm member 11A to advance into an advance area on the placement surface 10a, which is outside the housing 17, unless it comes into contact with a regulating member such as a shutter (not shown).

[0025] Arm member 11A rotates left and right when viewed from the front of carry table 3 by interlocking with sprocket 11D and chain 11C driven by drive unit 11E. Arm member 11A advances from within housing 17 onto placement surface 10a when transporting dish rack R, and retreats into housing 17 when in a standby state. More specifically, arm member 11A advances onto placement surface 10a when sensor 14 detects a dish rack R on placement surface 10a, or when start button B2 on operation unit 18 is pressed.

[0026] Arm member 11A pushes out dish rack R towards spare washer 2A. A bearing (not shown) may be provided at the tip of arm member 11A, i.e., the part that abuts against dish rack R. Once arm member 11A has transported dish rack R to spare washer 2A, it returns to a standby position that is part of the retraction area inside housing 17.

[0027] The controller 12 controls the overall operation of the cleaning system 1, including the carry table 3. The controller 12 includes an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside, a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) storing programs and information for processing, a random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data, a central processing unit (CPU), and a communication circuit. Based on signals output by the CPU, the controller 12 stores input data in the RAM, loads programs (control programs) stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes the programs loaded into the RAM to perform various processes. The controller 12 controls, for example, the operation of the carry table 3, the opening and closing operations of the doors 23 of the preliminary washer 2A and the main washer 2B (the driving operations of the drive mechanisms 7 and 76), the transport operation of the inter-apparatus transport device 4, the operation of the lift device 5, and the operation of the unloading device 90. The controller 12 is housed, for example, in a housing 17.

[0028] The operation unit 18 is arranged on a part of a panel forming the housing 17. The operation unit 18 is provided with an emergency stop button B1, a start button (reset unit) B2, a close button B3, a close button B4, a changeover switch (first setting unit) SW, a stop lamp LP1, an abnormality lamp LP2, an operation lamp LP3, and a leftover lamp (alert unit) LP4. The operation unit 18 is also provided with an operation panel CP1 and an operation panel (second setting unit) CP2.

[0029] The emergency stop button B1 stops the operation of the washing system 1. The start button B2 starts the operation of the washing system 1. The close button B3 closes the door 23 of the main washer 2B. The close button B4 closes the door 23 of the spare washer 2A. The selector switch SW switches whether or not the spare washer 2A washes dishes D. When the selector switch SW is set to "ON" for washing dishes D by the spare washer 2A, the spare washer 2A performs the washing operation. When the selector switch SW is set to "OFF" for washing dishes D by the spare washer 2A, the spare washer 2A does not perform the washing operation. In this case, the dish rack R removed from the carry table 3 is removed by the removal device 90 to the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 and transported to the main washer 2B.

[0030] The operation panel CP1 is a panel that controls the operation of the main washer 2B. The operation panel CP1 can be used to turn the operation of the main washer 2B on and off and to set the temperature of the wash water, etc. The operation panel CP2 is a panel that controls the operation of the spare washer 2A. The operation panel CP2 can be used to turn the operation of the spare washer 2A on and off and to set the temperature of the wash water, etc. The operation panel CP2 can be used to set whether or not to include the rinsing step in the cleaning operation that includes the washing step and rinsing step performed by the main washer 2B. That is, if the rinsing step is set to "yes" on the operation panel CP2, the rinsing step will be performed in the spare washer 2A, and if the rinsing step is set to "no," the rinsing step will not be performed in the spare washer 2A.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the spare washer 2A is disposed adjacent to the carry table 3 on the left side thereof. The spare washer 2A is provided to wash away food scraps and the like adhering to the surfaces of the dishes D prior to the dishes D being washed in the main washer 2B. In other words, the spare washer 2A is a washer that performs the preliminary washing of the dishes D, which has previously been done manually in a preliminary soaking tank or the like. The spare washer 2A washes dishes stored in a dish rack R. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spare washer 2A has a washer main body 20 covered with a stainless steel panel. The washer main body 20 is divided into an upper part 20A in which a washing chamber 21 is formed, and a lower part 20B in which a machine chamber 22 is formed.

[0032] A box-shaped door 23 for opening and closing the cleaning chamber 21 is provided on the upper portion 20A of the washer main body 20. The door 23 is connected to a connecting member 76C (see FIG. 5), which will be described in detail later. The connecting member 76C is driven by a drive motor 76A controlled by a controller 4C. Driven by the drive motor 76A, the door 23 moves between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 3) where the door is located at the lowest height position in the vertical direction and closes the cleaning chamber 21, and an open position (position shown in FIG. 1) where the door is located at the highest height position in the vertical direction and opens the cleaning chamber 21.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 3, rack rails 25 on which dish racks R are placed are detachably arranged within washing chamber 21. Dish racks R carried from carry table 3 to spare washer 2A are pushed onto rack rails 25. Upper washing nozzle 26A consisting of three radially extending arms and upper rinsing nozzle 27A consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged at the top of washing chamber 21. Similarly, lower washing nozzle 26B consisting of three radially extending arms and lower rinsing nozzle 27B consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged at the bottom of washing chamber 21. Washing water is sprayed onto dishes arranged on dish rack R from above and below by upper washing nozzle 26A and lower washing nozzle 26B, and rinsing water is sprayed onto dishes from above and below by upper rinsing nozzle 27A and lower rinsing nozzle 27B.

[0034] A cleaning pump 29 is connected to the cleaning water tank 28 via a cleaning water suction port. A cleaning water discharge pipe 30 is connected to the discharge port of the cleaning pump 29. The cleaning water discharge pipe 30 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B, with the first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A being connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 26A and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 30B being connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 26B.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, a plate-shaped partition plate 28A is disposed in the upper opening of wash water tank 28. Partition plate 28A has two openings (not shown), and below each of the openings, residue collection filters (collection sections) 28B are provided. Residue collection filter 28B is disposed below the position where tableware D is stored, and collects residue adhering to tableware D that falls with the water sprayed into washing chamber 21. Residue collection filter 28B is detachably disposed in the opening of partition plate 28A.

[0036] Flush water tank 28 is provided with a water level sensor (water level detection unit) 28C. Water level sensor 28C detects the level of the flush water in flush water tank 28. Water level sensor 28C outputs the detection result of a predetermined flush water level in flush water tank 28 to controller 35. If the detection result output from water level sensor 28C does not detect the predetermined water level, that is, if the flush water in flush water tank 28 is below the predetermined water level, controller 35 determines that the amount of leftover food in food residue collection filter 28B has reached a predetermined amount or more. Controller 35 outputs leftover food information indicating that the amount of leftover food in food residue collection filter 28B has reached the predetermined amount to controller 12 of carry table 3.

[0037] When controller 12 receives the leftover food information from controller 35, it stops the transport of dish rack R from carry table 3 to spare washer 2A. Controller 12 also turns on leftover food lamp LP4, which notifies the operator that leftover food has accumulated in leftover food collection filter 28B of spare washer 2A. The operator removes leftover food from leftover food collection filter 28B, and then installs leftover food collection filter 28B in spare washer 2A.

[0038] After determining that the amount of leftover food in residue collection filter 28B has reached a predetermined level, if the detection result output from water level sensor 28C indicates that the predetermined water level has been detected, i.e., if the flush water in flush water tank 28 is at or above the predetermined level, controller 35 outputs reset information to controller 12 of carry table 3. Upon receiving the reset information from controller 35, controller 12 resumes transport of dish racks R from carry table 3 to spare washer 2A and turns off residue lamp LP4. The reset may also be performed by pressing start button B2 on operation unit 18 of carry table 3.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, a rinse water tank 31 is disposed within the machine chamber 22, to which rinse water is supplied from the outside via a water supply pipe (not shown). A rinse pump 33 is connected to the rinse water tank 31 via a rinse water suction pipe 32. A rinse water discharge pipe 34 is connected to the discharge port of the rinse pump 33. The rinse water discharge pipe 34 branches into a first rinse water discharge pipe 34A and a second rinse water discharge pipe 34B, with the first rinse water discharge pipe 34A being connected to the upper rinse nozzle 27A and the second rinse water discharge pipe 34B being connected to the lower rinse nozzle 27B. The first rinse water discharge pipe 34A is disposed within the first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A. In other words, the first cleaning water discharge pipe 30A and the first rinse water discharge pipe 34A form a double-pipe structure.

[0040] The machine room 22 accommodates an electrical box (not shown) that houses a controller (controller) 35 that controls the overall operation of the preliminary washer 2A.

[0041] The spare washer 2A is equipped with a heat exchange unit 36. The heat exchange unit 36 ​​condenses the water vapor discharged from the cleaning chamber 21 of the washer main body 20 and discharges the air with a reduced amount of water vapor to the outside. The spare washer 2A is equipped with four legs 37 that support the washer main body 20.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the inter-machine transfer device 4 transfers dish racks R removed from the spare washer 2A into the main washer 2B. The inter-machine transfer device 4 is located adjacent to the left side of the spare washer 2A. The inter-machine transfer device 4 is located between the spare washer 2A and the main washer 2B in the left-right direction.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the inter-device conveying device 4 includes a main body 70, a door 71, a conveying arm 72, an arm drive unit 73, a conveying belt 74, a belt drive unit 75, a drive mechanism 76, a rack sensor (detection unit) 77 (see Figure 10(A)), a door sensor (detection unit) 78, an exhaust fan 79, and a controller (control unit) 4C (see Figure 9).

[0044] The main body 70 forms the outer shape of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 and accommodates some or all of the transfer arm 72, arm drive unit 73, transfer belt 74, belt drive unit 75, and drive mechanism 76.

[0045] The door 71 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening on the front side of the main body 70. The door 71 opens the space in the main body 70 in which the conveyor belt 74 and the like are arranged. The door sensor 78 detects that the door 71 is opened. The door sensor 78 is composed of, for example, a magnet provided on the door 71 and a reed switch provided on the main body 70. The door sensor 78 detects that the door 71 is opened when the magnet moves away from the reed switch. When the door sensor 78 detects that the door 71 is opened, it outputs door information indicating that the door 71 is opened to the controller 4C. When the controller 4C receives the door information, it outputs stop information to the controller 90C of the carry-out device 90 to stop operation. As a result, the carry-out device 90 does not carry out the dish rack R to the inter-device conveyor 4 when the door 71 is open.

[0046] Conveyor belt 74 transports dish racks R removed from spare washer 2A toward main washer 2B. Conveyor belt 74 is activated when a sensor (not shown) detects that a dish rack R has been removed from spare washer 2A and that part of the dish rack R is positioned on conveyor belt 74, causing the dish rack R to move toward main washer 2B. Conveyor belt 74 is driven by belt drive unit 75. Belt drive unit 75 is, for example, a motor.

[0047] The transport arm 72 pushes out the dish rack R by rotating a rotation axis extending in one direction around the rotation center. The transport arm 72 rotates by being driven by an arm drive unit 73, and pushes out the dish rack R located in a predetermined position into the washing chamber 21 of the main washer 2B. The arm drive unit 73 is, for example, a motor. The inter-apparatus transport device 4 has four legs that support the main body 70.

[0048] The drive mechanism 76 drives the door 23 of the preliminary washer 2A to a closed position and an open position. The drive mechanism 76 has a drive motor 76A, a pair of sprockets (not shown), a chain (not shown), a slider 76B, a connecting member 76C, and a guide rail 76D.

[0049] The drive motor 76A is, for example, a gear motor. The drive motor 76A is disposed, for example, on the upper part of the inter-device conveying device 4. An output shaft of the drive motor 76A is connected to a sprocket. The sprocket rotates in response to the rotation of the sprocket via a chain. The chain is stretched across a pair of sprockets.

[0050] The slider 76B is connected to a chain. The slider 76B moves up and down in response to movement of the chain. The slider 76B is connected to a guide rail 76D extending in the up-down direction and moves along the guide rail 76D. A connecting member 76C connects the slider 76B to the door 23 of the preliminary washer 2A. The connecting member 76C extends in the front-to-rear direction. One end of the connecting member 76C is fixed to the slider 76B, and the other end of the connecting member 76C is connected to the door 23 of the preliminary washer 2A via a pivot pin (not shown). A support member (not shown) is provided on the connecting member 76C. The support member is connected to the connecting member 76C and the lower end of the door 23 of the preliminary washer 2A, and supports the door 23 from below when the door 23 of the preliminary washer 2A is raised.

[0051] The rack sensor 77 detects the dish rack R. The rack sensor 77 detects the dish rack R at a predetermined position on the transport path of the dish rack R by the transport belt 74. The rack sensor 77 is positioned opposite the transport arm 72 in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the rack sensor 77 is positioned downstream of the position of the rotation axis of the transport arm 72 in the transport direction of the dish rack R. The rack sensor 77 outputs detection information indicating whether or not the dish rack R has been detected to the controller 4C.

[0052] The exhaust fan 79 is disposed on the upper part of the main body 70. The exhaust fan 79 is disposed on the front side at the upper part of the main body 70. The exhaust fan 79 exhausts steam from the main body 70.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the main washer 2B is disposed adjacent to the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 on the left side. The main washer 2B washes dishes stored in the dish rack R. The main washer 2B washes dishes that have been pre-washed by the spare washer 2A. The main washer 2B has the same configuration as the above-described spare washer 2A except for the following configuration, so only the differences will be described in detail here. That is, the door 23 of the main washer 2B is connected to a connecting member 64 (see FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B)), which will be described in detail later. The connecting member 64 is driven by a drive motor 60 controlled by the controller 12. The door 23 is driven by the drive motor 60 to move between a closed position (position shown in FIG. 3) at the lowest vertical position to close the washing chamber 21, and an open position (position shown in FIG. 1) at the highest vertical position to open the washing chamber 21.

[0054] The lift device 5 is disposed adjacent to the main washing machine 2B on the left side. The lift device 5 transfers the dish rack R removed from the main washing machine 2B to a predetermined position on the cart 6. As shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the lift device 5 includes a main body 40, a lift 41, a drive mechanism 7, and a controller (controller) 5C (see FIG. 9). The main body 40 includes a frame 40A and a pair of side sections 42A, 42B facing each other in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of side sections 42A, 42B are panel-shaped members. The main body 40 is open on both sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the pair of side sections 42A, 42B. The main body 40 is provided with a side section 42C that covers part of the upper side of the opening on the main washing machine 2B side. The lift device 5 includes four legs 47 that support the main body 40.

[0055] The lift 41 moves up and down by a drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism includes, for example, a drive motor, sprockets, and chains. The lift 41 has belts 43A and 43B that transport the dish rack R to the cart 6. When the dish rack R is transported out of the dish washing machine 2B and sensor 44 detects that part of the dish rack R is positioned on the lift 41, the lift 41 activates the belts 43A and 43B to take in the dish rack R.

[0056] When the lift 41 takes in the dish rack R, it transfers the dish rack R to a shelf section (tier) of the cart 6 that does not already contain the dish rack R. The lift 41 operates belts 43A and 43B to send the dish rack R to the cart 6. The availability of each shelf section of the cart 6 is detected by sensors (not shown) provided on the top and bottom plates of the lift device 5, for example, or a sensor (not shown) provided on the lift 41.

[0057] The drive mechanism 7 drives the door 23 of the washer 2B to a closed position and an open position. The drive mechanism 7 has a drive motor 60, a pair of sprockets (not shown), a chain (not shown), a slider 63, and a connecting member 64. The drive mechanism 7 is provided on the rear side of the lift device 5. The drive motor 60 is, for example, a gear motor. The drive motor 60 is, for example, disposed on the upper part of the lift device 5. The operation of the drive motor 60 is controlled by the controller 12 of the carry table 3. An output shaft of the drive motor 60 is connected to the sprocket. The sprocket rotates via the chain in response to the rotation of the sprocket. The chain is stretched around the pair of sprockets.

[0058] The slider 63 is connected to a chain. The slider 63 moves up and down in accordance with the movement of the chain. The slider 63 is connected to a guide rail 65 extending in the up and down direction and moves along the guide rail 65. A connecting member 64 connects the slider 63 to the door 23 of the main washer 2B. The connecting member 64 extends in the front-to-rear direction. One end of the connecting member 64 is fixed to the slider 63, and the other end of the connecting member 64 is connected to the door 23 of the main washer 2B via a pivot pin (not shown). A support member (not shown) is provided on the connecting member 64. The support member is connected to the connecting member 64 and the lower end of the door 23 of the main washer 2B, and supports the door 23 from below when the door 23 of the main washer 2B is raised.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the wagon 6 is disposed adjacent to the lift device 5 on the left side thereof. The wagon 6 can store multiple (four in this embodiment) dish racks R. The wagon 6 stores the dish racks R by the lift device 5. The wagon 6 is detachably mounted on the lift device 5.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 7, the wagon 6 has a pair of side sections 50A, 50B arranged opposite each other, an upper section 51 provided at the upper end of the pair of side sections 50A, 50B, and a bottom section 52 provided at the lower end of the pair of side sections 50A, 50B. The pair of side sections 50A, 50B are formed of panel-like members. The pair of side sections 50A, 50B, the upper section 51, and the bottom section 52 form a storage space in the wagon 6 for storing a dish rack R. The wagon 6 is open on both sides in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the pair of side sections 50A, 50B.

[0061] A pair of support rails 53A, 53B are provided on the inner surface of each of the pair of side portions 50A, 50B, at positions facing each other. The pair of support rails 53A, 53B support a dish rack R. The pair of support rails 53A, 53B form a shelf portion of the wagon 6 that stores the dish rack R. A plurality of support rails 53A, 53B are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Operation handles 54A, 54B that can be gripped by an operator are provided on the outer surface of one of the side portions 50A. The bottom portion 52 is provided with four rollers 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D that allow the wagon 6 to move freely when the wagon 6 is removed from the lift device 5, and installation mechanisms 56A, 56B that install (fix) the wagon 6 when the wagon 6 is attached to the lift device 5.

[0062] The carry-out device 90 pushes out the dish rack R that has been carried into the spare washer 2A and carries it out to the inter-apparatus transfer device 4. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the carry-out device 90 is provided in front of the right side surface of the spare washer 2A. As shown in FIG. 8(B), the carry-out device 90 has an arm 91, a motor 93, a restricting unit 96, and a controller (control unit) 9C (see FIG. 9).

[0063] Arm 91 pushes out dish rack R by rotating about pivot shaft 91A, which extends in one direction. The dish rack R pushed out by arm 91 slides along rack rail 25 and is transported from spare washer 2A to inter-apparatus transfer device 4. Arm 91 is rotatable about pivot shaft 91A and has first bearing 92A and second bearing 92B that are arranged to be in contact with the dish rack R. Motor 93 rotates arm 91 about pivot shaft 91A, which is the output shaft. Restriction unit 96 restricts arm 91 from rotating beyond the origin position in the direction opposite to the direction in which it pushes out dish rack R.

[0064] The discharge device 90 is configured as a unit in which a motor 93 to which an arm 91 is attached and a regulating part 96 are fixed to a mounting plate 97. The mounting plate 97 has a first mounting part 97A that is attached to the spare washer 2A and a second mounting part 97B that is attached to the carry table 3.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 9, the controller 12, the controller 35 (preparatory cleaning machine 2A, main cleaning machine 2B), the controller 4C, the controller 5C, and the controller 90C are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The controller 35 (preparatory cleaning machine 2A) and the controller 90C are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The controller 90C and the controller 4C are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The controller 4C and the controller 35 (main cleaning machine 2B) are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The controller 4C and the controller 5C are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0066] Next, the operation of the cleaning system 1 will be described.

[0067] In the washing system 1, commands are output from the device that will perform a task first to the device that will perform the task next. Specifically, the controller 12 of the carry table 3 outputs a command to the spare washer 2A to wash the dishes D. The controller 35 of the spare washer 2A outputs a command to the controller 90C of the carry-out device 90 to carry out the dish rack R. The controller 90C of the carry-out device 90 outputs a command to the controller 4C of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 to transfer the dish rack R. The controller 4C of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 outputs a command to the controller 35 of the main washer 2B to wash the dishes D. The controller 4C of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 outputs a command to the controller 5C of the lift device 5 to transfer the dish rack R.

[0068] In the washing system 1, the controllers 12, 35 (spare washer 2A, main washer 2B), 4C, 5C, and 90C each output the status of their own machine. Each of the controllers 12, 35 (spare washer 2A, main washer 2B), 4C, 5C, and 90C outputs information indicating one of the following states to the device that will perform the work before itself: a first state in which no work is being performed, a second state in which the device is waiting, and a third state in which the device is performing the work. The second state is a state in which the device is waiting to operate depending on the status of the device that will perform the work after itself. Each of the controllers 12, 35, 4C, 5C, and 90C determines the operation of its own machine depending on the status of the device that will perform the work after itself.

[0069] Specifically, the controller 35 of the preliminary washer 2A outputs status information indicating one of the first status, the second status, or the third status to the controller 12 of the carry table 3. The inter-apparatus transfer device 4 outputs status information to the controller 90C of the carry-out device 90. The controller 35 of the main washer 2B outputs status information to the controller 4C of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4. The lift device 5 outputs status information to the controller 35 of the main washer 2B. The carry-out device 90 outputs status information to the controller 12 of the carry table 3 and the controller 35 of the preliminary washer 2A.

[0070] The controller 12 of the carry table 3 determines the operation of the carry table 3 depending on the state of the spare washer 2A. When the spare washer 2A is in the first state, i.e., when it is not performing a task (washing), the controller 12 causes the spare washer 2A to carry out the dish rack R from the carry table 3 (activates the transport mechanism 11) and instructs the spare washer 2A to wash. When the spare washer 2A is in the second or third state, the controller 12 puts the carry table 3 into standby mode.

[0071] The controller 35 of the spare washer 2A determines the operation of the spare washer 2A depending on the state of the unloading device 90. When the unloading device 90 is in the first state, i.e., when no work (unloading) is being performed, the controller 35 instructs the unloading device 90 to unload the dish racks R. When the unloading device 90 is in the second or third state, the controller 35 puts the spare washer 2A into standby mode.

[0072] The controller 90C of the carry-out device 90 determines the operation of the carry-out device 90 depending on the state of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4. When the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 is in the first state, i.e., when not performing work (transportation), the controller 90C causes the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 to transfer the dish rack R from the preliminary washer 2A (activates the motor 93) and instructs the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 to transfer. When the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 is in the second or third state, the controller 90C puts the operation of the carry-out device 90 into standby mode.

[0073] The controller 4C of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 determines the operation of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 depending on the states of the main washer 2B and the lift device 5. When the main washer 2B is in the first state, i.e., when not performing a task (washing), and the lift device 5 is in the second state, i.e., when not performing a task (transporting a dish rack R), the controller 4C causes the main washer 2B to transport the dish rack R from the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 (activates the arm drive unit 73 and belt drive unit 75) and instructs the main washer 2B to wash. When the main washer 2B and the lift device 5 are in the second or third state, the controller 4C puts the operation of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 into a standby state.

[0074] The controller 5C of the lift device 5 determines the operation of the lift device 5 according to the state of the wagon 6. When there is free space in the wagon 6, the controller 5C causes the lift device 5 to transport the dish rack R to the wagon 6. When there is no free space in the wagon 6, the controller 5C puts the operation of the lift device 5 into standby mode.

[0075] Next, we will explain the operation of the inter-machine transfer device 4 and the carry-out device 90. First, we will explain the case where the main washing machine 2B is on standby (not washing) when the dish rack R is transferred from the spare washing machine 2A to the main washing machine 2B.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10(A), when washing is completed in preliminary washer 2A and door 23 is opened, arm 91 of discharge device 90 starts operating, and conveyor belt 74 of inter-apparatus transfer device 4 also starts operating. This causes dish rack R to be transferred from preliminary washer 2A to inter-apparatus transfer device 4. As shown in Figure 10(B), dish rack R is transferred to inter-apparatus transfer device 4, and when dish rack R moves to a predetermined position, rack sensor 77 detects dish rack R. At inter-apparatus transfer device 4, conveyor belt 74 continues to transfer dish rack R even after rack sensor 77 detects dish rack R.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11(A), when the rack sensor 77 no longer detects the dish rack R, the inter-machine transfer device 4 starts operating the transfer arm 72. Then, as shown in Figure 11(B), when the dish rack R is pushed into the main washer 2B by the transfer arm 72, the operation of the transfer belt 74 is stopped and the transfer arm 72 is returned to its original position.

[0078] Next, a case where the main washer 2B is in the middle of washing when the dish rack R is transported from the spare washer 2A to the main washer 2B will be described.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12(A), when washing is completed in preliminary washer 2A and door 23 is opened, arm 91 of discharge device 90 starts operating, and conveyor belt 74 of inter-apparatus transfer device 4 also starts operating. This causes dish rack R to be transferred from preliminary washer 2A to inter-apparatus transfer device 4. As shown in Figure 12(B), dish rack R is transferred to inter-apparatus transfer device 4, and when dish rack R moves to a predetermined position, rack sensor 77 detects dish rack R. When rack sensor 77 detects dish rack R, inter-apparatus transfer device 4 stops the operation of conveyor belt 74.

[0080] As shown in Figure 13(A), when washing is completed in the main washer 2B and the door 23 is opened, the conveyor belt 74 of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 resumes operation. When the rack sensor 77 no longer detects the dish rack R, the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 starts operating the transfer arm 72. Then, as shown in Figure 13(B), when the dish rack R is pushed into the main washer 2B by the transfer arm 72, the operation of the conveyor belt 74 is stopped and the transfer arm 72 is returned to its original position.

[0081] Next, the effects of the cleaning system 1 will be described. In the cleaning system 1 according to this embodiment, each of the controllers 12, 35, 4C, 5C, and 90C outputs information indicating one of the first state, the second state, and the third state to at least the device that will perform a task before itself (the carry table 3, the spare cleaning machine 2A, the carry-out device 90, the inter-device transfer device 4, the main cleaning machine 2B, and the lift device 5), and determines the operation of the device depending on the state of the device that will perform a task after itself. This allows each device in the cleaning system 1 to determine its operation depending on the state of the device that will perform a task after itself. Therefore, even when a new device is added to the cleaning system 1, it is not necessary to change the control program to include a series of control contents that include all devices. In the cleaning system 1, each device is controlled and operates independently. This prevents the program from becoming complicated and causing programming errors, thereby preventing malfunctions in the cleaning system 1.

[0082] In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 includes a conveyor belt 74 that conveys the dish rack R removed from the preliminary washer 2A in the direction toward the main washer 2B, a conveyor arm 72 that pushes the dish rack R transported by the conveyor belt 74 into the washing chamber 21 of the main washer 2B, and a rack sensor 77 that detects the dish rack R at a predetermined position on the transport path of the dish rack R transported by the conveyor belt 74. The controller 4C of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 activates the conveyor belt 74 when the unloading device 90 begins to remove the dish rack R, and activates the conveyor arm 72 when the rack sensor 77 detects the dish rack R but then no longer detects it. This configuration activates the conveyor arm 72 after the rack sensor 77 no longer detects the dish rack R, thereby preventing the conveyor arm 72 from contacting the side of the dish rack R. This prevents the conveyor arm 72 from contacting the side of the dish rack R and damaging the dish rack R.

[0083] In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, if the washing of dishes D in the spare washer 2A is finished while the main washer 2B is washing dishes D, the carry-out device 90 transfers the dish rack R from the spare washer 2A to the inter-machine transfer device 4. The inter-machine transfer device 4 transports the dish rack R transferred by the carry-out device 90 to a position where it is detected by the rack sensor 77 using the conveyor belt 74. When the washing of dishes D is finished in the main washer 2B, the inter-machine transfer device 4 operates the conveyor belt 74 and the transfer arm 72 to transfer the dish rack R to the main washer 2B. In this configuration, the inter-machine transfer device 4 transfers the dish rack R to a predetermined position before the washing in the main washer 2B is finished, and then transfers the dish rack R to the main washer 2B after the washing is finished in the main washer 2B. This shortens the time between the end of washing in the main washer 2B and the next wash compared to when the dish rack R is transferred from the spare washer 2A after the washing in the main washer 2B is finished. Therefore, the cleaning system 1 can improve the cleaning efficiency.

[0084] In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, the operation unit 18 of the carry table 3 has a selector switch SW for setting whether or not to wash the dishes D in the spare washer 2A. For example, when washing dishes D that are not very dirty, the dishes D can be washed only in the main washer 2B. In this case, by setting the selector switch SW to not wash the dishes D in the spare washer 2A, washing is not performed in the spare washer 2A. This shortens the washing time in the spare washer 2A and also saves the water and electricity used for washing in the spare washer 2A.

[0085] In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, the spare washer 2A performs a washing operation that includes a washing step and a rinsing step. The operation unit 18 of the carry table 3 has an operation panel CP2 that allows the spare washer 2A to set whether or not to perform the rinsing step. In this configuration, the rinsing step can be omitted by setting the rinsing step to "off" on the operation panel CP2. This shortens the time required for the rinsing step in the spare washer 2A and also saves the water and electricity used in the rinsing step.

[0086] In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, the spare washer 2A is provided with a residue collection filter 28B, which is positioned below the position where the dishes D are stored, and which collects residue adhering to the dishes D that falls along with the water sprayed into the washing chamber 21, and a wash water tank 28, which is positioned below the position where the dishes D are stored and which stores water that is sprayed into the washing chamber 21 and passes through the residue collection filter 28B. In the washing system 1, when the amount of residue in the residue collection filter 28B exceeds a predetermined amount, the conveyance of the dish rack R from the carry table 3 to the spare washer 2A is stopped. When residue accumulates in the residue collection filter 28B, it becomes difficult for water to pass through the residue collection filter 28B, and water no longer circulates between the washing chamber 21 and the wash water tank 28. Therefore, when the amount of residue in the residue collection filter 28B exceeds a predetermined amount, the conveyance of the dish rack R from the carry table 3 to the spare washer 2A is stopped. This allows the worker to know that leftover food has accumulated on the carry table 3 because the carry-out of the dish rack R has stopped. This allows the worker to remove the leftover food from the carry table 3. As a result, water can be circulated between the washing chamber 21 and the washing water tank 28.

[0087] In the cleaning system 1 according to this embodiment, the operating unit 18 of the carry table 3 includes a food residue lamp LP4 that indicates that the amount of food residue on the food residue collection filter 28B has exceeded a predetermined amount, and a start button B2 that resets the notification from the food residue lamp LP4 after the food residue on the food residue collection filter 28B has been removed. In this configuration, the notification from the food residue lamp LP4 can be used to indicate that food residue has accumulated on the food residue collection filter 28B. This allows the operator to remove the food residue from the food residue collection filter 28B. After the food residue on the food residue collection filter 28B has been removed, the notification from the food residue lamp LP4 can be reset by operating the start button B2. In this way, the state related to food residue detection can be reset by simply operating the start button B2, without having to operate the power supply or the like.

[0088] In washing system 1 according to this embodiment, spare washer 2A has water level sensor 28C that detects when the water in washing water tank 28 reaches a predetermined level or above. In washing system 1, after the amount of leftover food in leftover food collection filter 28B reaches a predetermined amount or above, water level sensor 28C may reset the notification by leftover food lamp LP4 when it detects that the water in washing water tank 28 has reached the predetermined level or above. In this configuration, when water level sensor 28C detects that the water in washing water tank 28 has reached the predetermined level or above, the notification by leftover food lamp LP4 is reset. This allows the leftover food lamp LP4 to be reset automatically.

[0089] In the washing system 1 according to this embodiment, the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 includes a main body 70 on which a conveyor belt 74 and a conveyor arm 72 are mounted, a door 71 that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 70, and a door sensor 78 that detects when the door 71 is opened. When the door sensor 78 detects that the door 71 is opened, the carry-out device 90 stops the transfer of the dish rack R from the spare washer 2A to the inter-apparatus transfer device 4. With this configuration, if the door 71 of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 is opened during maintenance, the dish rack R is not transferred into the inter-apparatus transfer device 4. Therefore, maintenance of the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 can be performed safely without having to turn off the power to the washing system 1. Furthermore, even if a load collapse occurs in the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 and the door 71 is opened, the dish rack R is not transferred into the inter-apparatus transfer device 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dish rack R from being transferred into the inter-apparatus transfer device 4 where the load collapse has occurred.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the inter-apparatus conveying device 4 drives the conveyor belt 74 to convey the dish rack R removed by the inter-apparatus conveying device 4 to the washing machine 2B, but this is not limiting. For example, the inter-apparatus conveying device may be configured to have a roller conveyor instead of the conveyor belt 74 and the belt drive unit 75.

[0092] In the above embodiment and modified example, the storage unit including the cart 6 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rack storage unit for storing the dish racks R carried out from the lift device 5 may be a shelf.

[0093] The present invention may be modified in any suitable manner by combining the above-described embodiments, modifications, and other modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...Washing system, 2A...Backup washer, 2B...Main washer, 3...Carry table (first conveying device), 4...Inter-device conveying device (second conveying device), 4C, 5C, 9C, 12, 35...Controller (control unit), 5...Lift device (third conveying device), 6...Wagon (rack storage unit), 21...Washing room, 28B...Waste food collection filter (collection unit), 28C...Water level sensor (water level detection unit), 70...Main body, 71...Door, 72...Conveying arm, 77...Rack sensor (detection unit), 78...Door sensor (detection unit), 90...Discharge device, B2...Start button (reset unit), CP2...Operation panel (second setting unit), D...Dishes (items to be washed), LP4...Waste food lamp (alarm unit), R...Dish rack (rack), SW...Selector switch (first setting unit).

Claims

1. A preliminary washing machine for washing the object to be washed; a first conveying device that carries a rack containing the objects to be cleaned into the preliminary cleaning machine; a main washer for washing the object to be washed by the preliminary washer; a second conveying device that conveys the rack conveyed from the preliminary washer into the main washer; a conveying device that conveys the rack from the preliminary washer to the second conveying device; a third transport device that transports the racks discharged from the main washer to a rack storage section, each of the first conveying device, the preliminary cleaning machine, the second conveying device, the main cleaning machine, and the third conveying device includes a control unit that controls the operation of each device; The second conveying device is a conveyor that transports the racks that are removed from the preliminary washer in a direction toward the main washer; a transport arm that pushes the rack transported by the conveyor into a cleaning chamber of the main cleaning machine; a detection unit that detects the rack at a predetermined position on a transport path of the rack by the conveyor, Each of the control units is outputting information indicating one of a first state in which the task is not being performed, a second state in which the task is being waited, and a third state in which the task is being performed, to at least one device that will perform the task before the device itself; determining the operation of the own device according to the state of the device that will perform the work after the own device; A cleaning system in which the control unit of the second transport device operates the conveyor when the unloading device starts unloading the rack, and operates the transport arm when the rack is no longer detected by the detection unit after the rack is detected by the detection unit.

2. When the cleaning of the object to be cleaned in the preliminary cleaning machine is completed while the object to be cleaned is being cleaned in the main cleaning machine, the carrying-out device carries out the rack of the preliminary washer to the second transport device, The second conveying device is The rack is transported by the conveyor to a position where the rack is detected by the detection unit.

2. The washing system according to claim 1, wherein when washing of the object to be washed in the main washing machine is completed, the conveyor and the transport arm are operated to transport the rack to the main washing machine.

3. The second conveying device is a main body on which the conveyor and the transfer arm are installed; a door that is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the main body; a detection unit that detects that the door is opened, 3. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the unloading device stops unloading the rack from the preliminary cleaning machine to the second transport device when the detection unit detects that the door has been opened.

4. The washing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first setting unit that sets whether or not the object to be washed is to be washed by the preliminary washing machine.

5. The pre-washer performs a washing operation having a washing step and a rinsing step; The washing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second setting unit that sets whether or not the rinsing step is to be performed in the preliminary washing machine.

6. The preliminary cleaning machine is A recovery unit is disposed below the position where the object to be washed is stored, and recovers leftover food adhering to the object to be washed, which falls together with the water sprayed into the washing chamber; a storage section that is disposed below the position where the object to be cleaned is accommodated and that stores the water that has been sprayed into the cleaning chamber and passed through the recovery section; The washing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the amount of leftover food in the collection section reaches a predetermined amount or more, the transport of the rack from the first conveying device to the preliminary washing machine is stopped.

7. When the amount of leftover food in the collection section becomes a predetermined amount or more, an informing unit notifies that the amount of leftover food has become a predetermined amount or more; The washing system according to claim 6, further comprising: a reset unit that resets the notification by the notification unit after removing the leftover food from the collection unit.

8. When the amount of leftover food in the collection section becomes a predetermined amount or more, an informing unit notifies that the amount of leftover food has reached a predetermined amount; a water level detection unit that detects when the water in the reservoir reaches a predetermined water level or higher; The washing system of claim 6, wherein after the amount of leftover food in the collection section reaches a predetermined amount or more, the water level detection section detects that the water in the storage section has reached a predetermined water level or more, and then resets the notification by the notification section.

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