Noodle washing device

Abstract

To restrain a backflow of water to a pump in a noodle washing device for washing noodles by using aeration.SOLUTION: A noodle washing device 1 comprises a washing tank 10 capable of storing water, a plurality of aeration nozzles 25 attached to a bottom of the washing tank 10, a pump capable of ejecting air, and an air header 62. The air header 62 comprises an inflow connection port for connecting a pipe for making the air flow in, and a plurality of discharge connection ports 62C for connecting pipes for discharging the air. The washing device 1 also comprises a first pipe connecting the pump and the inflow connection port of the air header 62, and a plurality of second pipes 64 for connecting the discharge connection ports 62C of the air header 62 and the aeration nozzles 25. The air header 62 is fixed above a water surface of the water stored in the washing tank 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a noodle washing device for noodles such as buckwheat noodles, udon noodles, kishimen noodles, chilled wheat noodles, glass noodles, and Chinese noodles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a noodle boiling and washing device used in restaurants and the like is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). This device is a set of a noodle boiling device, a washing device, and a cooling device. In a washing tank for washing noodles with water, air from a pump is ejected from an aeration nozzle installed at the bottom of the washing tank, and the noodles are washed by the convection generated by the air ejected from the aeration nozzle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when installing an aeration nozzle at the bottom of the washing tank, there is a risk of water flowing back from the washing tank to the pump after the pump stops. Therefore, a check valve needs to be installed between the pump and the aeration nozzle. However, since the check valve may also fail due to aging deterioration, it is insufficient as a countermeasure against water backflow to the pump.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress water backflow to a pump in a noodle washing device that washes noodles using aeration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a noodle washing apparatus comprises a washing tank capable of storing water, a plurality of aeration nozzles attached to the bottom of the washing tank, a pump capable of ejecting air, an air header having an inlet connection port for connecting a pipe for introducing air, and a plurality of discharge connection ports for connecting a pipe for discharging air, a first pipe connecting the pump and the inlet connection port of the air header, and a plurality of second pipes connecting the discharge connection ports of the air header to the aeration nozzles. The air header is fixed above the water level of the water stored in the washing tank.

[0007] In this noodle washing system, the air header is positioned above the water level in the washing tank, which prevents water from flowing back from the washing tank to the pump after the pump is stopped. In particular, the air header has a larger space than the piping, making it easier to suppress backflow. Also, since the air header is fixed at a position higher than the water level, even if an inexperienced worker disconnects and reconnects the piping, a portion of the path from the washing tank to the pump (the air header section) will always be positioned above the water level, thus preventing water from flowing back from the washing tank to the pump.

[0008] The noodle washing apparatus described above may further include a frame that supports the washing tank. In this case, the frame may have a pump support below the washing tank, and the pump may be supported by the pump support.

[0009] With this configuration, the pump is housed beneath the cleaning tank, making the cleaning device compact. Furthermore, when moving the cleaning device, there is no need to disconnect the piping, allowing for easy relocation.

[0010] The washing tank includes a plurality of cylindrical washing tanks capable of receiving the tebo, and the aeration nozzle may be located at the center of each of the cylindrical washing tanks in a plan view.

[0011] With this configuration, water can be circulated efficiently within the strainer, allowing for efficient washing of the noodles.

[0012] The noodle washing device preferably further includes an air valve consisting of a solenoid valve that switches between spraying and stopping air from an aeration nozzle, a switch, and a timer that, when the switch is operated, switches the air valve open to keep it open for a set predetermined time.

[0013] With this configuration, each time the switch is operated, the air valve is opened for a set predetermined time, and the noodles can be washed for a set period of time by the ejection of air from the aeration nozzle.

[0014] The noodle washing apparatus described above may further include a nozzle capable of spraying water into the washing tank. In this case, the nozzle may have at least one of an upper nozzle capable of spraying water into the washing tank from above, and a lower nozzle capable of spraying water from the bottom of the washing tank.

[0015] By simultaneously spraying air from the aeration nozzle and water into the washing tank, the noodles can be washed efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the backflow of water from the washing tank to the pump after the pump has been stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XX section in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the YY section in Figure 2, showing the washing tank and overflow tank. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the internal structure of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a side view showing the internal structure of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram of the water supply system for supplying water to the ejection part. [Figure 8] It is a diagram of the air supply system for supplying air to the aeration nozzle. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view (a) and a plan view (b) showing another form of the cleaning tank.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, the noodle cleaning device 1 is a device that can clean the boiled noodles while they are placed in the tebo 2. The cleaning device 1 includes a plurality of cleaning tanks 10 capable of receiving the tebo 2, an overflow tank 30, and a compressor CM (see FIG. 5) as an example of a pump capable of ejecting air.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaning tank 10 is a cylindrical tank capable of storing water, and the bottom is closed. Specifically, the cleaning tank 10 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top. The bottom 11 of the cleaning tank 10 is a circular flat surface. The cleaning tank 10 has a drain plug 12 with a lid that can be opened and closed at the bottom 11, a lower ejection part 22 as an example of an ejection part, and an aeration nozzle 25. The cleaning tank 10 can store water by closing the drain plug 12, and can discharge the water in the cleaning tank 10 by opening the drain plug 12.

[0020] The cleaning device 1 includes six cleaning tanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F. The six cleaning tanks 10A to 10F are arranged in two rows, with three in each row. Specifically, the six cleaning tanks 10A to 10F are arranged such that a row of three cleaning tanks 10A to 10C arranged in the front and back and a row of three cleaning tanks 10D to 10F arranged in the front and back are arranged side by side on the left and right.

[0021] In this embodiment, the cleaning tanks 10A to 10C are referred to as "multiple first cleaning tanks," and the cleaning tanks 10D to 10F are referred to as "multiple second cleaning tanks." That is, the multiple cleaning tanks 10 have cleaning tanks 10A to 10C as multiple first cleaning tanks and cleaning tanks 10D to 10F as multiple second cleaning tanks.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the overflow tank 30 is a tank for collecting water that has overflowed from the multiple washing tanks 10. The overflow tank 30 has an overflow recovery tank 31 and an overflow drainage tank 32 which is deeper than the overflow recovery tank 31.

[0023] The overflow recovery tank 31 has a bottom plate that makes up the bottom surface 31A, and in this case, it has a plurality of, specifically, six, circular through holes 31B. The upper end of the cleaning tank 10 is joined to the edge of the through holes 31B provided in the bottom surface 31A of the overflow recovery tank 31 by welding or the like. In Figure 4, the upper end (upper surface) of the cleaning tank 10 is shown to be approximately flush with the bottom surface 31A of the overflow recovery tank 31, but the upper end of the cleaning tank 10 may protrude above the bottom surface 31A of the overflow recovery tank 31.

[0024] The overflow drain tank 32 has one drain outlet 33 at the bottom for draining the collected water. As shown by dashed lines in Figure 4, the water that overflows from the washing tank 10 into the overflow recovery tank 31 flows over the bottom surface 31A of the overflow recovery tank 31, into the overflow drain tank 32, and is discharged from the drain outlet 33.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, one lower nozzle 22 is provided for each of the multiple washing tanks 10. The lower nozzle 22 is a nozzle that sprays water into each washing tank 10 from the bottom 11 of each washing tank 10, agitating the water in the washing tank 10 with the water flow. The noodles are washed by the water flow as water is sprayed from the lower nozzle 22. The lower nozzle 22 is positioned offset from the center C of the bottom 11 of each washing tank 10. More specifically, the lower nozzle 22 is positioned offset backward from the center C. The lower nozzle 22 may also be provided at the center C of the washing tank 10. The lower nozzle 22 has a lower nozzle 22A corresponding to the cleaning tank 10A, a lower nozzle 22B corresponding to the cleaning tank 10B, a lower nozzle 22C corresponding to the cleaning tank 10C, a lower nozzle 22D corresponding to the cleaning tank 10D, a lower nozzle 22E corresponding to the cleaning tank 10E, and a lower nozzle 22F corresponding to the cleaning tank 10F. The lower nozzle 22 (22A to 22F) is capable of spraying water into the corresponding cleaning tank 10 (10A to 10F).

[0026] In this embodiment, the lower ejection sections 22A to 22C are multiple first ejection sections provided corresponding to multiple first cleaning tanks, and the lower ejection sections 22D to 22F are multiple second ejection sections provided corresponding to multiple second cleaning tanks. That is, the multiple lower ejection sections 22 have lower ejection sections 22A to 22C as multiple first ejection sections and lower ejection sections 22D to 22F as multiple second ejection sections.

[0027] An aeration nozzle 25 is provided for each of the multiple washing tanks 10. The aeration nozzle 25 is a nozzle that ejects air from the bottom 11 of each washing tank 10. When air is ejected from the aeration nozzle 25, the water in the washing tank 10 is agitated by the rising air, and the noodles are washed by contact with the foam. The aeration nozzle 25 is positioned at the center C of the bottom 11 of each washing tank 10. The aeration nozzle 25 may be positioned offset from the center C. The aeration nozzle 25 includes an aeration nozzle 25A corresponding to washing tank 10A, an aeration nozzle 25B corresponding to washing tank 10B, an aeration nozzle 25C corresponding to washing tank 10C, an aeration nozzle 25D corresponding to washing tank 10D, an aeration nozzle 25E corresponding to washing tank 10E, and an aeration nozzle 25F corresponding to washing tank 10F. The aeration nozzles 25 (25A-25F) are capable of spraying air into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10 (10A-10F).

[0028] In this embodiment, aeration nozzles 25A to 25C are referred to as "a plurality of first aeration nozzles provided corresponding to a plurality of first washing tanks," and aeration nozzles 25D to 25F are referred to as "a plurality of second aeration nozzles provided corresponding to a plurality of second washing tanks." That is, the plurality of aeration nozzles 25 have aeration nozzles 25A to 22C as a plurality of first aeration nozzles and aeration nozzles 25D to 22F as a plurality of second aeration nozzles.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cleaning device 1 further includes a drain tank 40 located below the cleaning tank 10. The drain tank 40 is a tank for receiving water discharged from the cleaning tank 10 by opening the drain plug 12. The drain tank 40 has a drain plug 41 at the bottom for draining water. The drain plug 41 may be always open or may be openable and closable by a lid or the like. The drain tank 40 is detachably mounted on a frame F that supports the cleaning tank 10 and the overflow tank 30. The frame F also has a pump support section F1 below the cleaning tank 10 and the drain tank 40. The compressor CM is supported by the pump support section F1. Because the pump support section F1 supports the compressor CM, the compressor CM can be housed below the cleaning tank 10 and the drain tank 40, making the cleaning device 1 compact. In addition, when moving the cleaning device 1, it is not necessary to disconnect the piping, and it can be moved easily.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the water supply system for supplying water to the lower ejection section 22 will be described. As schematically shown in Figure 7, the cleaning device 1 further includes a first water supply system 50A for supplying water to the lower ejection sections 22A to 22C and a second water supply system 50B for supplying water to the lower ejection sections 22D to 22F.

[0031] The first water supply system 50A comprises a primary connecting pipe 51, a lower header 52B, a secondary connecting pipe 54, a first on / off valve 55A, a lower primary adjustment valve 56B, and a lower secondary adjustment valve 58. The second water supply system 50B also comprises a primary connecting pipe 51, a lower header 52B, a secondary connecting pipe 54, a second on / off valve 55B, a lower primary adjustment valve 56B, and a lower secondary adjustment valve 58. The first water supply system 50A and the second water supply system 50B have a substantially symmetrical structure. Therefore, the first water supply system 50A will be described below, and the second water supply system 50B will be omitted as appropriate.

[0032] The primary connecting pipe 51 is a pipe for supplying water from a water source W, such as a water supply system, to the lower header 52B. The primary connecting pipe 51 connects the water source W and the lower header 52B.

[0033] The lower header 52B is a device for distributing water supplied from the water source W to the lower discharge sections 22A to 22F. The secondary connecting pipe 54 is a pipe for supplying water from the lower header 52B to the lower discharge section 22. The secondary connecting pipe 54 is provided corresponding to each of the lower discharge sections 22A to 22F and connects the lower header 52B to the corresponding lower discharge section 22.

[0034] The on / off valves 55A and 55B are solenoid valves that open fully when energized and close fully when the energization is stopped. The first on / off valve 55A is a valve that switches between the discharge and stopping of water discharge from the lower discharge sections 22A to 22C, and the second on / off valve 55B is a valve that switches between the discharge and stopping of water discharge from the lower discharge sections 22D to 22F. The first on / off valve 55A is installed in the primary connecting pipe 51 of the first water supply system 50A, and the second on / off valve 55B is installed in the primary connecting pipe 51 of the second water supply system 50B.

[0035] The lower primary adjustment valve 56B is a valve that can adjust the flow rate of water supplied to the lower header 52B and is provided at the connection point between the primary connecting pipe 51 and the lower header 52B. The lower secondary adjustment valve 58 is a valve that can adjust the flow rate of water ejected from the lower discharge section 22 and is provided at the connection point between the lower header 52B and each secondary connecting pipe 54, corresponding to each of the lower discharge sections 22A to 22F.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the air supply system for supplying air to the aeration nozzle 25 will be described. As schematically shown in Figure 8, the cleaning device 1 further includes a first air supply system 60A for supplying air to aeration nozzles 25A to 25C and a second air supply system 60B for supplying air to aeration nozzles 25D to 25F.

[0037] The first air supply system 60A comprises a first pipe 61, an air header 62, a second pipe 64, a first air valve 65A, a primary air adjustment valve 66B, and a secondary air adjustment valve 68. The second air supply system 60B also comprises a first pipe 61, an air header 62, a second pipe 64, a second air valve 65B, a primary air adjustment valve 66B, and a secondary air adjustment valve 68. The first air supply system 60A and the second air supply system 60B have a substantially symmetrical structure. Therefore, the first air supply system 60A will be described below, and the second air supply system 60B will be omitted as appropriate.

[0038] The air header 62 is a device for distributing air supplied from the compressor CM to the aeration nozzles 25A to 25F. The air header 62 has a distribution pipe 62A with an internal space, an inlet connection port 62B, and a plurality of outlet connection ports 62C.

[0039] The inlet connection port 62B is a joint for connecting a pipe that allows air to flow in, and the first pipe 61 is connected to it via the primary air adjustment valve 66B. The first pipe 61 connects the compressor CM to the inlet connection port 62B.

[0040] The discharge connection ports 62C are joints for connecting piping that discharges air, and in this embodiment, four are provided. Three of the four discharge connection ports 62C are connected to second piping 64 via secondary air adjustment valves 68. Each second piping 64 connects the discharge connection port 62C to an aeration nozzle 25 (25A to 25F).

[0041] Air valves 65A and 65B are solenoid valves that open fully when power is supplied and close fully when power is cut off. The first air valve 65A is a valve that switches between supplying and stopping air from aeration nozzles 25A to 25C, and the second air valve 65B is a valve that switches between supplying and stopping air from aeration nozzles 25D to 25F. The first air valve 65A is installed in the first piping 61 of the first air supply system 60A, and the second air valve 65B is installed in the first piping 61 of the second air supply system 60B.

[0042] The primary air adjustment valve 66B is a valve that can adjust the flow rate of air supplied to the air header 62 and is provided at the connection point between the first pipe 61 and the air header 62. The secondary air adjustment valve 68 is a valve that can adjust the flow rate of air ejected from the aeration nozzle 25 and is provided at the connection point between the air header 62 and each of the second pipes 64, corresponding to each of the aeration nozzles 25A to 25F.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the air header 62 is positioned above the water level in the cleaning tank 10. For example, the air header 62 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the walls that rise to the left and right of the overflow recovery tank 31. The water overflowing from the cleaning tank 10 flows over the bottom surface 31A of the overflow recovery tank 31 and into the overflow drain tank 32, so the water level in the cleaning tank 10 is at the same height as the bottom surface 31A of the overflow recovery tank 31. The air header 62 is fixed at a position sufficiently higher than this bottom surface 31A. The air header 62 may be positioned so as to be hidden beneath a flange made of metal plate that forms the upper surface of the wall of the overflow recovery tank 31. This is desirable because it is inconspicuous and does not interfere with work. In this case as well, it is preferable to position it above the water level of the water stored in the washing tank 10.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cleaning device 1 further includes a first timer TM1 and a second timer TM2 as timers, a first switch SW1 and a second switch SW2 as switches, a first pilot lamp PL1, and a second pilot lamp PL2. These timers TM1, TM2, switches SW1, SW2, and pilot lamps PL1, PL2 are not provided separately for the water supply system and the air supply system, but rather one set of timers TM1 and TM2 is used to control both the water supply system and the air supply system.

[0045] The first timer TM1 switches the opening and closing of the first on-off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A to keep them open for a set predetermined time, and the second timer TM2 switches the opening and closing of the second on-off valve 55B and the second air valve 65B to keep them open for a set predetermined time. The first timer TM1 and the second timer TM2 are connected to the power supply P.

[0046] The first timer TM1 energizes the first on-off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A when the first switch SW1 is operated, and stops energizing the first on-off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A when a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, when the first switch SW1 is operated, the cleaning device 1 fully opens the first on-off valve 55A and sprays water from the lower spraying parts 22A to 22C into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10A to 10C, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the first on-off valve 55A fully closes and stops spraying water from the lower spraying parts 22A to 22C. Also, when the first switch SW1 is operated, the cleaning device 1 fully opens the first air valve 65A and sprays air from the aeration nozzles 25A to 25C into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10A to 10C, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the first air valve 65A fully closes and stops spraying air from the aeration nozzles 25A to 25C.

[0047] Furthermore, when the second switch SW2 is operated, the second timer TM2 energizes the second on-off valve 55B and the second air valve 65B, and stops energizing the second on-off valve 55B and the second air valve 65B after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, when the second switch SW2 is operated, the second on-off valve 55B of the cleaning device 1 fully opens, and water is sprayed from the lower spraying sections 22D to 22F into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10D to 10F. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the second on-off valve 55B fully closes, stopping the spraying of water from the lower spraying sections 22D to 22F. Also, when the second switch SW2 is operated, the second air valve 65B of the cleaning device 1 fully opens, and air is sprayed from the aeration nozzles 25D to 25F into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10D to 10F. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the second air valve 65B fully closes, stopping the spraying of air from the aeration nozzles 25D to 25F.

[0048] Thus, the washing device 1 is configured to wash noodles by spraying water from the lower spray section 22 into the corresponding washing tank 10 and spraying air from the aeration nozzle 25 into the washing tank 10 for a predetermined period of time when switches SW1 and SW2 are operated. The predetermined period can be arbitrarily set according to the type of noodles, the quality of the flour, the amount of water added, the cooking time, the temperature of the washing water, the water quality, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined period (the setting time for timers TM1 and TM2) can be set individually.

[0049] The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are, for example, push-button switches.

[0050] The first pilot lamp PL1 lights up only while the first on / off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A are energized, and turns off when the power to the first on / off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A is turned off. As a result, the first pilot lamp PL1 lights up only while the lower ejection nozzles 22A~22C are ejecting water into the corresponding washing tanks 10A~10C and the aeration nozzles 25A~25C are ejecting air into the corresponding washing tanks 10A~10C, in other words, only while the noodles are being washed in the washing tanks 10A~10C.

[0051] Furthermore, the second pilot lamp PL2 lights up only while the second on / off valve 55B and the second air valve 65B are energized, and turns off when the power to the second on / off valve 55B and the second air valve 65B is turned off. As a result, the second pilot lamp PL2 lights up only while the lower ejection nozzles 22D~22F are ejecting water into the corresponding washing tanks 10D~10F and the aeration nozzles 25D~25F are ejecting air into the corresponding washing tanks 10D~10F, in other words, only while the noodles are being washed in the washing tanks 10D~10F.

[0052] The operation and effects of the cleaning device 1 configured as described above will now be explained. The user of the washing device 1 first fills each washing tank 10 with water from a separately provided water tap. They also turn on the power to the compressor CM. When the noodles are cooked, they place the baskets 2 containing the noodles into one of the washing tanks 10. If there are multiple balls of noodles cooked at the same time, and there are three or fewer of them, they place the baskets containing each ball into the washing tanks 10 on one side of the row. For example, they place three baskets 2 into washing tanks 10A, 10B, and 10C. The flow rate of air ejected from each aeration nozzle 25 and the flow rate of water ejected from each lower ejection section 22 are adjusted in advance using the primary air adjustment valve 66B, secondary air adjustment valve 68, lower primary adjustment valve 56B, and lower secondary adjustment valve 58.

[0053] Then, switches SW1 and SW2 corresponding to the washing tank 10 in which the basket 2 is placed are pressed. This activates the timer TM1 and TM2 corresponding to the operated switches SW1 and SW2, causing at least one of the first on-off valve 55A and the second on-off valve 55B to open for a predetermined time, and at least one of the first air valve 65A and the second air valve 65B to open for a predetermined time. For example, if three baskets are placed in washing tanks 10A, 10B, and 10C, pressing only switch SW1 will open the first on-off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A for a predetermined time. As a result, water is sprayed into the washing tank 10 from the lower spray section 22 corresponding to the operated switches SW1 and SW2, and air is sprayed from the aeration nozzle 25. Inside the washing tank 10, the force of the water sprayed from the lower spray section 22 circulates the water, washing the noodles in the basket 2, and the air from the aeration nozzle 25 efficiently washes the noodles.

[0054] Then, when closing the store or otherwise ceasing the use of the cleaning device 1, the drain plug 12 is opened to drain the water from the cleaning tank 10, the device is cleaned, and then the power to the compressor CM is turned off.

[0055] Thus, if all the water in the cleaning tank 10 is drained, the water in the cleaning tank 10 will not return to the compressor CM after use. However, if the water in the cleaning tank 10 is not drained and the power to the compressor CM is turned off and left unattended, or if there is a power outage, a similar situation may occur.

[0056] In such a case, if the first air supply system 60A and the second air supply system 60B, including the air header 62, were below the water level of the water stored in the cleaning tank 10, the water in the cleaning tank 10 would flow back into the compressor CM. Furthermore, even if the first air supply system 60A and the second air supply system 60B were equipped with backflow prevention valves, there remains a risk that the water in the cleaning tank 10 would flow back into the compressor CM due to a malfunction of the backflow prevention valves or other reasons. However, in the cleaning device 1 of this embodiment, since the air header 62 is positioned above the water level of the water stored in the cleaning tank 10, the water in the cleaning tank 10 cannot rise to the air header 62 and is unlikely to flow back into the compressor CM. In particular, since the air header 62 has a larger space inside the distribution pipe 62A than the pipe itself, even if the water inside the pipe moves due to changes in temperature and pressure, it is unlikely that the distribution pipe 62A will be filled with water, and backflow can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, since the air header 62 is fixed at a position higher than the water level, even if an inexperienced worker disconnects and reconnects the piping, a portion of the path from the cleaning tank 10 to the compressor CM (the air header 62 portion) will always be positioned higher than the water level, thereby suppressing backflow of water from the cleaning tank 10 to the compressor CM.

[0057] Furthermore, since the aeration nozzle 25 is located in the center of the cylindrical washing tank 10, it can efficiently circulate water within the strainer 2 and efficiently wash the noodles.

[0058] Furthermore, each time switches SW1 and SW2 are operated, air valves 65A and 65B are opened for a set predetermined time, and the noodles can be washed for a set period of time by the ejection of air from the aeration nozzle 25 and water from the lower ejection part 22. Therefore, the noodles can be washed under consistent conditions regardless of the user's skill level.

[0059] Furthermore, since the pilot lamps PL1 and PL2 only light up while the noodles are being washed, for example, after operating switches SW1 and SW2, you can perform other tasks while the pilot lamps PL1 and PL2 are lit, and once the pilot lamps PL1 and PL2 turn off, you can return to the task of removing the noodles from the washing tank 10, draining the water, and serving them, which is very convenient.

[0060] Furthermore, since the system is equipped with a first timer TM1 and a first switch SW1 corresponding to the first on / off valve 55A and the first air valve 65A, and a second timer TM2 and a second switch SW2 corresponding to the second on / off valve 55B and the second air valve 65B, the noodles can be washed using only one of the washing tanks 10A-10C and washing tanks 10D-10F. This allows the noodle washing process to be carried out using the other system, even if, for example, one timer fails and cannot be repaired immediately.

[0061] Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented with appropriate modifications.

[0062] For example, in the above embodiment, the water supply system and the air supply system were divided into two systems, and each system was provided with on / off valves 55A, 55B and air valves 65A, 65B and timers TM1, TM2 to control them. However, instead of dividing the water supply system and the air supply system into two systems, they could be combined into one system, and one on / off valve and air valve, along with a timer to control the on / off valve and air valve, could be used to control the ejection and stopping of air from all aeration nozzles, as well as the ejection and stopping of water from the ejection section.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, water was ejected from the bottom of the washing tank 10, but an upper ejection section may be provided to eject water from above the water surface of the washing tank 10 toward the water surface. Alternatively, only the upper ejection section may be provided without the lower ejection section. Alternatively, no ejection section may be provided, and water may be supplied as needed from a water tap by the user. Also, the lower ejection section 22 does not have to eject water with force. For example, a water inlet that supplies water slowly may be provided in a part of the washing tank 10.

[0064] Furthermore, the washing device 1 may also be equipped with an ejector on the primary connecting pipe 51. An ejector is a device that draws outside air into the water flow by the negative pressure generated by the water flow. By providing an ejector, air bubbles can be drawn into the water ejected from the lower ejection section 22, thereby further enhancing the effect of removing the slime that has formed on the surface of the noodles.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the washing tank 10 was cylindrical to match the shape of the basket 2, but it may also be a large, rectangular washing tank in plan view. For example, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), the washing tank 110 may have a rectangular shape in plan view and have a bottom surface 111 and an inclined surface 112 extending from the bottom surface 111 toward one side wall. In this case, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of aeration nozzles 25 along the longitudinal direction on the bottom surface 111. The drain port, the drain plug 12 that closes the drain port, and the lower ejection part 22 can be provided at appropriate locations.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cleaning device 1 was equipped with six cleaning tanks 10, but the number of cleaning tanks is arbitrary. Also, the arrangement of the cleaning tanks is arbitrary. Furthermore, although the cleaning tank 10 was cylindrical in the above embodiment, it may also be rectangular. Alternatively, the cleaning tank may be cylindrical, with a shape such that its diameter decreases towards the bottom. Also, although the bottom 11 of the cleaning tank 10 was flat in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this; for example, the bottom of the cleaning tank may be a curved surface such as a hemispherical shape.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the multiple cleaning tanks 10 were identical in shape and size, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shape of some of the multiple cleaning tanks may differ from the shape of the other cleaning tanks. Also, the size of some of the multiple cleaning tanks may differ from the size of the other cleaning tanks.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the on / off valves 55A, 55B and the air valves 65A, 65B were controlled by timers TM1, TM2, but handles may be provided to allow manual opening and closing. Also, in the above embodiment, a compressor CM was shown as an example of a pump, but the pump configuration is arbitrary as long as it can eject air. For example, it may be a pump called a blower.

[0069] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Washing device 10 (10A~10F) Washing Tank 25 (25A~25F) Aeration Nozzle 61. First Piping 62 Air Header 62B Inlet connection port 62C Discharge connection port 64. Second Piping 65A First air valve 65B Second air valve CM Compressor F. Base section F1 Pump support section SW1 1st switch SW2 Second Switch TM1 First Timer TM2 Second Timer

Claims

1. A plurality of cylindrical washing tanks capable of receiving and corresponding to a Tebo, comprising a plurality of washing tanks capable of storing water, Multiple aeration nozzles attached to the bottom of the aforementioned cleaning tank, A pump capable of ejecting air, the pump being located below the cleaning tank, An air header having an inlet connection port for connecting a pipe that brings in air, and a plurality of outlet connection ports for connecting a pipe that discharges air, A first pipe connecting the pump and the inlet connection port of the air header, Multiple second pipes connecting the discharge connection port of the air header and the aeration nozzle, The washing tank comprises a lower ejection section capable of ejecting water from the bottom of the washing tank, and the lower ejection section being located at a different position from the aeration nozzle, The plurality of aeration nozzles are attached to the outer surface of the bottom of the cleaning tank and are not submerged in water outside the cleaning tank. The air header is fixed above the water level of the water stored in the washing tank. The noodle washing apparatus is characterized in that the second pipe does not pass inside the washing tank, but passes outside the washing tank, connecting the discharge connection port of the air header to the aeration nozzle.

2. The washing tank is further supported by a frame section, The aforementioned frame section has a pump support section below the washing tank, The noodle washing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump is supported by the pump support portion.

3. The noodle washing apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the aeration nozzle is located at the center of each of the cylindrical washing tanks in a plan view.

4. An air valve consisting of a solenoid valve switches between the ejection and stopping of air from the aeration nozzle, Switch and The noodle washing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a timer that, when the switch is operated, switches the opening and closing of the air valve to keep the air valve open for a predetermined set time.

Images