Washing machines and washing systems

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and a washing system capable of improving workability when cleaning a washing chamber, and keeping the washing chamber cleaner.SOLUTION: A controller of a preliminary washing machine 1 controls a drain valve 34 to discharge water pooled in a washing water tank upon receipt of an instruction command for cleaning a washing chamber, controls a rinsing pump 27 to cause the washing water tank to pool water by injecting water in a rinsing tank inside the washing chamber from an upper side rinsing nozzle and a lower side rinsing nozzle, controls a washing pump 23 to inject the water pooled in the washing water tank inside the washing chamber from an upper side washing nozzle and a lower side washing nozzle, and controls the drain valve 34 to discharge the water pooled in the washing water tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a washing system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a washing machine that performs a washing operation in which one cycle includes executing a washing process of spraying water stored in a washing water tank into a washing chamber to wash an object to be washed and executing a rinsing process of spraying water stored in a rinsing water tank into the washing chamber to rinse the object to be washed, and in the rinsing process, the water supplied into the washing chamber is recovered into the washing water tank and used in the washing process of the next cycle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which an overflow pipe for draining water supplied in excess of a predetermined level in the washing water tank during the washing operation is provided in a state of being inserted into a drain port provided at the bottom of the washing water tank. In such a washing machine, by pulling out the overflow pipe from the drain port, the water stored in the washing water tank can be drained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above conventional washing machine, when cleaning the washing chamber, in order to drain the water stored in the washing water tank, an operator needs to pull out the overflow pipe from the drain port, resulting in poor workability. Further, in the above conventional washing machine, when draining, the water in the rinsing tank is sprayed into the washing chamber to clean the inside of the washing chamber, but it is required to maintain the inside of the washing chamber cleaner.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a washing machine and washing system that improves the work efficiency when cleaning a washing room and can maintain the washing room in a cleaner condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cleaning machine according to the present invention is a cleaning machine that, in a cleaning operation that includes in one cycle the execution of a cleaning process in which water stored in a cleaning water tank is sprayed into a cleaning chamber and in a rinsing process in which water stored in a rinsing water tank is sprayed into a cleaning chamber, recovers a predetermined amount of water supplied by spraying into the cleaning chamber during the rinsing process into the cleaning water tank and uses it in the next cleaning cycle, and replaces a portion of the water stored in the cleaning water tank in one cleaning operation cycle, and comprises a discharge device for discharging the water stored in the cleaning water tank, a cleaning pump for spraying the water stored in the cleaning water tank into the cleaning chamber from a cleaning nozzle, a rinsing pump for spraying the water stored in the rinsing water tank into the cleaning chamber from a rinsing nozzle, a discharge device, a cleaning pump The cleaning control unit comprises a control unit that controls a rinsing pump and a cleaning pump, and the control unit has a reception unit that receives an instruction command to clean the cleaning chamber, a first control that, upon receiving an instruction command at the reception unit, controls the discharge device to discharge the water stored in the cleaning water tank, a second control that, after executing the first control, controls the rinsing pump to spray the water from the cleaning water tank into the cleaning chamber from the rinsing nozzle to store water in the cleaning water tank, a third control that, after executing the second control, controls the cleaning pump to spray the water stored in the cleaning water tank into the cleaning chamber from the cleaning nozzle, and a fourth control that, after executing the third control, controls the discharge device to discharge the water stored in the cleaning water tank.

[0007] In this configuration of the cleaning machine, the control unit controls the discharge device to discharge the water stored in the cleaning water tank, eliminating the need for the operator to pull out the overflow pipe from the drain. This improves the work efficiency when cleaning the cleaning chamber. Furthermore, in this configuration, after all the water has been drained, a second control is performed to spray clean water from the rinse water tank into the cleaning chamber, and then a third control is performed so that the piping and nozzles between the cleaning water tank and the cleaning chamber can also be cleaned. As a result, not only the walls of the cleaning chamber and the surface of the cleaning water tank are cleaned, but also the aforementioned piping and nozzles can be cleaned, allowing the cleaning chamber to be kept cleaner.

[0008] The cleaning machine according to the present invention further includes a detection unit that detects when water is drawn into the cleaning pump from an intake section formed in the cleaning water tank, and that a specified water level, which is the minimum water level that does not cause air to get trapped in the cleaning pump, is stored in the cleaning water tank. The second control may spray water from the rinsing water tank into the cleaning chamber from the rinsing nozzle until the detection unit detects that the specified water level has been stored in the cleaning water tank. In this configuration, the amount of water stored in the cleaning water tank for cleaning the inside of the cleaning machine is set to the minimum amount that does not cause air to get trapped in the cleaning pump. This makes it possible to suppress the amount of water used for cleaning while preventing failure of the cleaning pump.

[0009] The cleaning machine according to the present invention further includes an operating unit that receives input from an operator instructing them to clean the cleaning chamber, and the receiving unit may receive instruction commands output from the operating unit when an instruction is input to the operating unit. In this configuration, the cleaning of the cleaning chamber can be instructed by operating the operating unit provided in the cleaning machine. Therefore, the instruction to clean the cleaning chamber can be given with simple operation.

[0010] The washing machine according to the present invention may further include a food residue collection filter positioned below the position where the objects to be washed are contained, which collects food residue that has adhered to the objects to be washed as it falls down with the water sprayed into the washing chamber. This configuration prevents food residue from mixing into the washing water tank, thereby suppressing contamination of the water in the washing water tank.

[0011] The cleaning system according to the present invention may include the above-mentioned cleaning machine provided as a pre-cleaning machine, and a main cleaning machine that cleans the objects to be cleaned in the pre-cleaning machine. Since such a pre-cleaning machine is installed primarily for the purpose of removing food residue and other debris attached to the objects to be cleaned, the contamination of the cleaning water tank progresses more rapidly. In this cleaning system, the work efficiency when draining all the water stored in the cleaning water tank in such a pre-cleaning machine is improved, and the cleaning room can be kept cleaner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the work efficiency when cleaning the washing room is improved, and the washing room can be kept cleaner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pre-washing machine and the main washing machine. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic configuration of the pre-washing machine. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the pre-washing machine. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of an operation panel. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cleaning system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the washing machine. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of this washing machine.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. In the following description, the directions (vertical direction, front-rear direction, left-right direction) defined in FIGS. 2 to 4, 7 and 8 are used for the description.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning system 200 includes a preliminary immersion tank 203, a first transfer unit 204, a preliminary cleaner 1, a main cleaner 101, and a second transfer unit 205. The preliminary immersion tank 203, the first transfer unit 204, the preliminary cleaner 1, the main cleaner 101, and the second transfer unit 205 are arranged in an L-shape in a plan view.

[0016] The preliminary immersion tank 203 is a tank for storing water. In the preliminary immersion tank 203, removal of severe dirt or the like adhering to the tableware (object to be cleaned) D may be performed. The first transfer unit 204 is arranged adjacent to the preliminary immersion tank 203. The first transfer unit 204 transfers the tableware rack R into the cleaning chamber 3 of the preliminary cleaner 1. The tableware rack R is a grid-like member on which tableware D such as plates and bowls are arranged. When it is detected that the tableware rack R is placed on the base 204a of the first transfer unit 204, the arm member 204b moves to push the tableware rack R into the cleaning chamber 3 of the preliminary cleaner 1.

[0017] The preliminary cleaner 1 is a cleaner provided to wash away the remaining food or the like adhering to the surface of the tableware D prior to cleaning the tableware D in the main cleaner 101. That is, the preliminary cleaner 1 is a cleaner that performs preliminary cleaning of the tableware D that was previously performed manually in the preliminary immersion tank 203.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, the preliminary washer 1 has a washer main body 2 covered with a stainless steel panel. The washer main body 2 is partitioned into an upper part 2A where a washing chamber 3 is formed and a lower part 2B where a machine chamber 4 is formed. At the corner part on the back side of the washer main body 2, columns 6 extending vertically across the upper part 2A and the lower part 2B are arranged, and a back panel 5 is arranged between the columns 6, 6.

[0019] In the upper part 2A of the washer main body 2, a box-shaped door 7 for opening and closing the washing chamber 3 is provided. This door 7 is guided to move vertically by a pair of stainless steel columns 6, 6 and moves vertically by a handle 8A extending horizontally in the front. The door 7 is automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the conveyance of the first conveyance unit 204. Also, the door 7 is automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the end of the washing operation of the tableware D.

[0020] The tips of a pair of left and right rotating arms 8B, 8B are fixed to both ends of the handle 8A, and the rotating arms 8B, 8B are obliquely arranged along the side surface 7A of the door 7. One end of a link part 8C arranged along the side surface 7A of the door 7 is rotatably connected to the rotating arms 8B, 8B, and the other end of the link part 8C is connected to the door 7 via a shaft pin 8D, enabling the door 7 to move vertically with respect to the rotational movement of the handle 8A. Legs 9 are attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the washer main body 2.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a rack rail 11 is detachably arranged inside the washing chamber 3, and a grid-shaped dish rack R on which dishes D such as plates and bowls used for eating and drinking are arranged is placed on this rack rail 11. An upper washing nozzle 12A consisting of three radially extending arms and an upper rinsing nozzle 13A consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged in the upper part of the washing chamber 3. Similarly, a lower washing nozzle 12B consisting of three radially extending arms and a lower rinsing nozzle 13B consisting of two arms are rotatably arranged in the lower part of the washing chamber 3. Washing water is sprayed from above and below by the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B, and rinsing water is sprayed from above and below by the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B.

[0022] A cleaning pump 23 is connected to the front of the cleaning water tank 15 via a cleaning water intake port 22. A cleaning water discharge pipe 21 is connected to the discharge port of the cleaning pump 23. The cleaning pump 23 is controlled by a controller (control unit) 35. The cleaning water discharge pipe 21 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 21A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 21B. The first cleaning water discharge pipe 21A is connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 12A, and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 21B is connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 12B. Inside the cleaning water tank 15, there is a detection unit 22A that detects a specified water level, which is the minimum water level at which air will not get trapped in the cleaning pump 23 when water is drawn into the cleaning pump 23 from the cleaning water intake port 22. The detection unit 22A is, for example, a detection switch that detects contact with water, and is set to contact the water in the cleaning water tank 15 when the specified water level is reached, which is when the cleaning water intake port 22 is completely submerged in water. The detection result from the detection unit 22A is acquired by the controller 35. Note that the detection unit 22A may also use pressure sensors, non-contact sensors, etc., in addition to the contact-type sensor described above. A washing water heater 16 is provided inside the washing water tank 15 to heat the washing water in order to improve washing and sterilization capabilities.

[0023] A plate-shaped partition plate 18 is positioned at the upper opening of the washing water tank 15. The partition plate 18 has two openings 18a (in Figure 4, the other opening 18a is located on the front side of the cross section and is therefore omitted from the illustration), and a food waste collection filter 19 is provided below each of the openings 18a. Note that in Figures 3 and 7, the food waste collection filter 19 is omitted from the illustration for the sake of explanation. The food waste collection filter 19 is formed in a cage shape, and its sides and bottom are made of mesh material. Food waste that flows into the food waste collection filter 19 is caught by the mesh material, and the water that flows into the food waste collection filter 19 passes through the mesh material and flows into the washing water tank 15. In other words, the water sprayed from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B is collected in the washing water tank 15.

[0024] A drain port 15c is formed on the bottom surface 15a of the cleaning water tank 15, to which the first drain pipe 33 is connected. The drain port 15c is located below the drain port 15d, which will be described later, that is, the open end of the first drain pipe 33 is located below the open end of the second drain pipe 17. The bottom surface 15a is inclined toward the drain port 15c. The first drain pipe 33 is connected to the drain port 15c. A drain valve (discharge device) 34 is provided in the first drain pipe 33. The drain valve 34 is a so-called ball valve type valve, and the ball, which is a valve body placed in the water flow path of the first drain pipe 33, is rotated by the drive of a motor to stop or start the flow of water in the first drain pipe 33. The drain valve 34 is controlled by a controller 35, and the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 is drained when the valve body of the drain valve 34 is opened.

[0025] A drain port 15d is formed on the side 15b located at the front of the washing water tank 15, to which the second drain pipe 17 is connected. The second drain pipe 17 not only functions as an overflow pipe that drains water supplied to the washing water tank 15 above a predetermined water level H, but also has the function of discharging dirt (e.g., oil and suspended matter) that accumulates near the water surface stored in the washing water tank 15, and preventing overflow due to a malfunction of the drain valve 34. The food residue collection filter 19 is positioned such that its bottom surface 19a is located above the predetermined water level H1. The drain port 15d to which the second drain pipe 17 is connected is formed on the front of the washing water tank 15, making it easy to clean.

[0026] Inside the machine room 4, there is a rinse water tank 25 to which rinse water is supplied from the outside via a water supply pipe 25A. A rinse pump 27 is connected to the rinse water tank 25 via a rinse water suction pipe 29. A rinse water discharge pipe 31 is connected to the discharge port of the rinse pump 27. The rinse pump 27 is controlled by a controller 35. The rinse water discharge pipe 31 branches into a first rinse water discharge pipe 31A and a second rinse water discharge pipe 31B, with the first rinse water discharge pipe 31A connected to the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the second rinse water discharge pipe 31B connected to the lower rinse nozzle 13B.

[0027] On the side of the main washing machine body 2 is an operation panel (operation unit) 10 which displays various statuses of the auxiliary washing machine 1 and allows the operator to input various settings. As shown in Figure 5, the operation panel 10 is equipped with a washing water replacement button B. The washing water replacement button B receives an instruction to replace all the water stored in the washing water tank 15 and to clean the washing chamber. When the washing water replacement button B is pressed by an operator (for example, by holding it down for 3 seconds), the operation panel 10 outputs a cleaning start signal (instruction command) to the controller 35 to start cleaning. The operation panel 10 accepts input for the washing water replacement button B when the auxiliary washing machine 1 is ON and in standby mode. The operation panel 10 does not accept input for the washing water replacement button B when the machine is OFF, during initial hot water supply, during course operation, and when all the water in the washing water tank 15 is being drained (the operation of button B is disabled). The control panel 10 is further equipped with buttons for turning the unit on / off, pausing the unit, switching between courses, setting the temperature, and a display for showing the temperature.

[0028] The machine room 4 houses an electrical box (not shown) containing a controller 35 that controls the overall operation of the pre-washing machine 1. The controller 35 controls various operations in the pre-washing machine 1, which performs a cleaning operation consisting of a cleaning process in which water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3, and a rinsing process in which water stored in the rinsing water tank 25 is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3, forming one cycle. More specifically, the controller 35 controls various operations in the pre-washing machine 1, such as recovering a predetermined amount of water (e.g., 2.0 L) supplied to the cleaning chamber 3 during the rinsing process into the cleaning water tank for use in the next cleaning cycle, and replacing a portion of the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 in one cleaning cycle.

[0029] The controller 35 is interconnected with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. As shown in Figure 6, the controller 35 is formed by an operation control unit 61 that performs various control processes in the pre-washing machine 1 when, for example, a program stored in ROM is loaded onto RAM and executed by the CPU, as well as a reception unit 62 and a cleaning control unit 63.

[0030] The operation control unit 61 controls the operation of the rinsing pump 27 based on a preset water supply amount. More specifically, the controller 35 controls the drain valve 34 so that the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 is less than the amount of water supplied in the rinsing process (supply amount) (e.g., 2.0 L) (e.g., 1.7 L). The operation control unit 61 controls the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 to be less than the supply amount by controlling at least one of the opening time and opening degree of the drain valve 34 (and / or by measuring the amount of water flowing through the first drain pipe 33 with a flow sensor).

[0031] The reception unit 62 receives a cleaning start signal that will replace all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 and clean the cleaning chamber. In this embodiment, the cleaning start signal is received when the cleaning water replacement button B on the operation panel 10 is pressed (for example, held down for 3 seconds) by an operator or the like, and the operation panel 10 outputs the cleaning start signal.

[0032] When the cleaning control unit 63 receives a cleaning start signal at the reception unit 62, it drains all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 and performs cleaning in the cleaning chamber 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as performing cleaning control). More specifically, when the cleaning control unit 63 receives a cleaning start signal at the reception unit 62, it controls the drain valve 34 to drain all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 (first control). After performing the first control, the cleaning control unit 63 controls the rinse pump 27 to spray water from the rinse water tank 25 into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the lower rinse nozzle 13B, thereby storing water in the cleaning water tank 15 (second control). At this time, the cleaning control unit 63 controls the rinse pump 27 to spray water from the rinse water tank 25 into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the lower rinse nozzle 13B until water is detected by the detection unit 22A.

[0033] After executing the second control, the cleaning control unit 63 controls the cleaning pump 23 to inject the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper cleaning nozzle 12A and the lower cleaning nozzle 12B (third control). After executing the third control, the cleaning control unit 63 controls the drain valve 34 to drain all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 (fourth control). Cleaning of the cleaning chamber 3 is performed by executing these first to fourth controls. After executing the fourth control, the cleaning control unit 63 controls the rinsing pump 27 to inject water from the rinsing water tank 25 into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, thereby storing a predetermined water level H in the cleaning water tank 15 (initial hot water supply).

[0034] Next, the main washing machine 101 will be described. The main washing machine 101 washes the dishes D that have been pre-washed in the pre-washing machine 1. The main washing machine 101 is identical in configuration to the pre-washing machine 1, except that it is equipped with a third drain pipe 133 and an overflow pipe 134 as shown in Figure 7, instead of the second drain pipe 17, first drain pipe 33 and drain valve 34 (see Figure 4) provided in the pre-washing machine 1. That is, in Figures 7 and 8, the components of the main washing machine 101, which are indicated by the same reference numerals as the components of the pre-washing machine 1, have the same function as the components of the pre-washing machine 1. For the sake of convenience of explanation, different reference numerals will be used for the "washing water tank 115," "bottom surface 115a," and "drain port 115c," even though they have the same function. Here, only the third drain pipe 133 and the overflow pipe 134 will be described.

[0035] A drain port 115c is formed at the bottom 115a of the cleaning water tank 115 of the main cleaning machine 101, to which a third drain pipe 133 is connected. Unlike the pre-cleaning machine 1, the third drain pipe 133 is not equipped with a drain valve 34. Therefore, water flowing into the third drain pipe 133 is not blocked midway through the pipe and flows directly downstream. The third drain pipe 133 is connected to the drain port 115c of the cleaning water tank 115, and an overflow pipe 134 extending vertically upward is inserted into it. The upper end of the opening of the overflow pipe 134 is located at a predetermined water level H of the main cleaning machine 101. During the rinsing process, water supplied to the cleaning water tank 115 that exceeds the predetermined water level H is discharged from the third drain pipe 133 via the overflow pipe 134. The overflow pipe 134 is detachably installed in the drain port 115c, and by pulling it out of the drain port 115c by an operator, all the water stored in the washing water tank 115 can be drained.

[0036] Next, the operation of the cleaning system 200 will be explained. When the power switch of the pre-cleaning machine 1 is turned ON, the hot water in the rinse water tank 25 of the pre-cleaning machine 1 is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3 via the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the lower rinse nozzle 13B by the rinse pump 27, thereby supplying hot water to the cleaning water tank 15, and water at a predetermined water level H is stored in the cleaning water tank 15. Also, when the power switch of the main cleaning machine 101 is turned ON, the hot water in the rinse water tank 25 of the main cleaning machine 101 is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3 via the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the lower rinse nozzle 13B by the rinse pump 27, thereby supplying hot water to the cleaning water tank 115, and water at a predetermined water level H is stored in the cleaning water tank 115.

[0037] The temperature of the hot water in the rinse water tank 25 of the pre-washer 1 and the main washer 101 is set to, for example, around 80°C. This completes the initial hot water supply in the main washer 101 and the pre-washer 1. Then, an amount of detergent corresponding to the initial hot water supply is supplied to the wash water tank 115, and the detergent concentration of the wash water in the wash water tank 115 reaches a predetermined concentration.

[0038] In addition, in the pre-washing machine 1 and the main washing machine 101, instead of supplying water to the washing chamber 3 via the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, a configuration in which a dedicated hot water supply pipe is provided may be used to supply water.

[0039] After the initial hot water supply, when the user places the dish rack R on the base 204a of the first transport unit 204, the first transport unit 204 detects that the dish rack R has been placed on the base 204a and starts pushing the dish rack R into the pre-washer 1 using the arm member 204b. When it is detected that the dish rack R has been transported into the washing chamber 3 of the pre-washer 1 and the door 7 has been closed, an operation start signal is input to the controller 35. When the operation start signal is input to the controller 35, the washing operation of the dishes D in the pre-washer 1, that is, a washing operation that includes the washing process and the rinsing process in one cycle, is started. The washing process of the dishes D is performed by spraying the washing water in the washing water tank 15 toward the dishes D in the washing chamber 3. The temperature of the washing water in the washing water tank 15 is set to, for example, 60°C to 70°C.

[0040] The washing water stored in the washing water tank 15 is pumped to the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B via the washing water discharge pipe 24, etc., when the washing pump 23 is started, and is sprayed from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B towards the dishes in the washing chamber 3. The washing water sprayed into the washing chamber 3 from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B removes food residue and dirt (hereinafter also referred to as "food residue, etc.") from the dishes, flows into the opening 18a along with the washing water, and is collected in the basket-shaped food residue collection filter 19. The washing water collected in the washing water tank 15 is circulated and supplied back into the washing chamber 3 by the washing pump 23. After a predetermined washing time (for example, 41 seconds) has elapsed, the washing process ends, and after a temporary pause (for example, 5 seconds), the rinsing process begins.

[0041] The drain valve 34 starts operating 1 second before the end of the washing process and stops operating immediately before the start of the rinsing process. More specifically, during the 6 seconds that is the 1 second just before the end of the washing process plus a 5-second pause, the valve body (ball) is opened for the first 3 seconds and closed for the last 3 seconds. This operation of the drain valve 34 causes a smaller amount of water (first water volume V1) (e.g., 1.7 L) than the preset supply water volume V0 (e.g., 2.0 L), i.e., the amount of water injected into the washing chamber 3 during the rinsing process, to be drained through the first drain pipe 33. This drainage through the first drain pipe 33 until the start of the rinsing process mainly discharges the water stored at the bottom of the washing water tank 15.

[0042] Furthermore, if the rinsing process is started without a pause after the washing process is completed, the washing water that adheres to the upper washing nozzle 12A and the upper surface of the washing chamber 3 during the washing process will drip down (post-drip), mix with the rinsing water, or adhere to the dishes D, thus reducing the rinsing performance. The aforementioned pause (5 seconds) is provided for the purpose of starting the rinsing process after the post-drip described above has settled down. In this embodiment, drainage is performed via the first drain pipe 33 using the pause provided for this purpose, so even if the drainage operation described above is performed, the total time required for one washing cycle will not be extended.

[0043] The rinsing process for tableware D is performed by spraying rinsing water from the rinsing water tank 25 towards the tableware D in the washing chamber 3. The rinsing water stored in the rinsing water tank 25 is pumped through the rinsing water discharge pipe 31, etc., to the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B when the rinsing pump 27 in the pre-washer 1 is started, and is then sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B towards the tableware. The temperature of the rinsing water pumped from the rinsing water tank 25 is set to, for example, around 80°C.

[0044] During the rinsing process, the rinse water collected in the wash water tank 15 mixes with the wash water and is used as the wash water for the next wash process. During the rinsing process, the drain valve 34 does not operate, and no water is discharged through the first drain pipe 33. In this state, water sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B that exceeds the predetermined water level H in the wash water tank 15 is drained from the drain port 15d through the second drain pipe 17.

[0045] More specifically, in the washing process, the same amount of water (first water volume V1) as the water drained through the first drain pipe 33 is sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B in the rinsing process. At this point, the water in the washing water tank 15 reaches a predetermined water level H, and the second water volume V2 (i.e., the amount obtained by subtracting the first water volume V1 from the supply water volume V0) sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B is drained from the drain port 15d through the second drain pipe 17. In the rinsing process, the water is mainly discharged from the surface of the water stored in the washing water tank 15. After a predetermined rinsing time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed, the rinsing process ends, and after a temporary pause (e.g., 1 second), one cycle of washing operation in the pre-washing machine 1 is completed.

[0046] The cleaning operation of the preliminary cleaning machine 1 may be set so that the total time required for the cleaning process (e.g., 41 seconds), pause time (e.g., 5 seconds), rinsing process (e.g., 6 seconds), and pause time (e.g., 1 second) of the preliminary cleaning machine 1 is synchronized and linked with the cleaning operation of the main cleaning machine 101, which will be described later, is equal to the total time required for the cleaning process, pause time, rinsing process, and pause time of the main cleaning machine 101, which will be described later.

[0047] When one cycle of washing is completed in the pre-washer 1, the door 7 of the pre-washer 1 opens, and the first transport unit 204 pushes the next dish rack R into the washing chamber 3 of the pre-washer 1, thereby pushing the washed dish racks R into the main washer 101 in a chain reaction. As a result, the dish racks R washed in the pre-washer 1 are transported into the washing chamber 3 of the main washer 101. Once the dish racks R are transported into the washing chamber 3 of the main washer 101, the door 7 of the main washer 101 is closed. When the door 7 of the main washer 101 is closed, an operation start signal is input to the controller 35. When the operation start signal is input to the controller 35, the washing operation of the dishes D in the main washer 101 begins. The dishes D are washed by spraying the washing water in the washing water tank 115 towards the dishes in the washing chamber 3. The temperature of the washing water in the washing water tank 115 is set to, for example, 60°C to 70°C.

[0048] When the washing pump 23 is started, the washing water stored in the washing water tank 115 is pumped through the washing water discharge pipe 24, etc., to the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B, and sprayed from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B towards the dishes in the washing chamber 3. The washing water sprayed into the washing chamber 3 is collected in the washing water tank 115. The dishes D to be washed in this washing machine 101 have had most of the food residue removed in the pre-washing machine 1. Therefore, the washing water collected in the washing water tank 115 is relatively clean. The washing water collected in the washing water tank 115 is then circulated and supplied back into the washing chamber 3 by the washing pump 23. When the dishes have been washed with the washing water for a predetermined time, the washing pump 23 stops operating. As a result, the operation of this washing machine 101 is temporarily suspended.

[0049] Next, when the rinse pump 27 is started, the rinse water stored in the rinse water tank 25 is pumped through the rinse water discharge pipe 31, etc., to the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the lower rinse nozzle 13B, and sprayed from the upper rinse nozzle 13A and the lower rinse nozzle 13B toward the dishes. The temperature of the rinse water pumped from the rinse water tank 25 is set to, for example, around 80°C. During the rinsing process, the rinse water collected in the wash water tank 115 mixes with the wash water and is used as the wash water for the next washing process. Additionally, any water supplied to the washing chamber 3 that exceeds the predetermined water level H in the wash water tank 115 is discharged from the wash water tank 115 via the overflow pipe 134. Once a predetermined rinsing time has elapsed, the rinsing process ends, and after a temporary pause, one cycle of washing operation in the washing machine 101 is completed. The first transport unit 204 then remains in a standby state until it detects that the dish rack R has been placed on the base 204a or until the operator presses the wash start button.

[0050] In the pre-washing machine 1, the washing cycle described above is repeated, and for example, when the water stored in the washing water tank 15 becomes contaminated or when the day's operations end, all the water stored in the washing water tank 15 can be discharged. In the pre-washing machine 1, when it is in the standby state as described above, if the operator presses the washing water replacement button B on the control panel 10 (for example, by pressing and holding for 3 seconds), the valve body of the drain valve 34 opens, and all the water stored in the washing water tank 15 is discharged.

[0051] When all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 is drained, water is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B. When the cleaning water tank 15 is filled to the specified level, the rinsing pump 27 stops operating. When the cleaning water tank 15 is filled to the specified level, water is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper cleaning nozzle 12A and the lower cleaning nozzle 12B. After water is sprayed from the upper cleaning nozzle 12A and the lower cleaning nozzle 12B for a predetermined time, the cleaning pump 23 stops operating. Subsequently, the drain valve 34 operates, and all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 is drained. After that, the rinsing pump 27 operates, and water is sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3 from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, and water at the specified level H is stored in the cleaning water tank 15.

[0052] Next, the effects of the cleaning system 200 of this embodiment will be described. In the pre-cleaning machine 1 of the cleaning system 200, the operation control unit 61 controls the drain valve 34 to discharge all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15, thus eliminating the need for the operator to pull out the overflow pipe from the drain, as in conventional systems. This improves the work efficiency when cleaning the cleaning chamber 3.

[0053] Furthermore, in this configuration of the pre-washing machine 1, after all drainage, clean water from the rinse water tank 25 is sprayed into the washing chamber 3, so that the clean water is stored in the washing water tank 15, and then the water stored in the washing water tank 15 is sprayed into the washing chamber 3, so that the piping (washing water discharge pipe 21) and nozzles (upper washing nozzle 12A and lower washing nozzle 12B) between the washing water tank 15 and the washing chamber 3 can be cleaned. As a result, not only the inside of the washing chamber 3 but also the piping and nozzles can be cleaned, so the washing chamber 3 can be kept cleaner.

[0054] In the preliminary cleaning machine 1 of the cleaning system 200, the amount of water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 for cleaning the cleaning chamber 3 is kept to the minimum amount necessary to prevent air from getting trapped in the cleaning pump 23. This prevents failure of the cleaning pump 23 while suppressing the amount of water used for cleaning.

[0055] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0056] In the pre-washing machine 1 of the washing system 200 in the above embodiment, a drain valve 34 was described as a discharge device for draining water stored in the washing water tank 15 from a first drain pipe 33 located at a position lower than a predetermined water level H. However, instead of the drain valve 34, a drain pump may be provided, for example. Also, in the above embodiment, the second drain pipe 17 of the pre-washing machine 1 was described as being connected to the side surface 15b of the washing water tank 15. However, for example, it may be a straight pipe that extends vertically from the bottom surface 15a of the washing water tank 15 and whose upper end is located at the predetermined water level H. Furthermore, the above embodiment of the pre-washing machine 1 may be configured so that the water is discharged only from the first drain pipe 33, without a second drain pipe 17.

[0057] In the above embodiment and modified cleaning system 200, examples were given in which the configuration of the main cleaning machine 101 differs from that of the pre-cleaning machine 1. However, the configuration of the main cleaning machine 101 may be the same as that of the pre-cleaning machine 1.

[0058] In the above embodiments and modifications, examples were given in which an operation panel 10 is provided on both the pre-washing machine 1 and the main washing machine 101, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a unified operation panel for operating both the pre-washing machine 1 and the main washing machine 101 together may be provided on the side of the pre-washing machine 1, or on the first transport unit 204 or the second transport unit 205. In addition, terminal devices such as tablets and smartphones with similar functions may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the above-mentioned operation panels.

[0059] In the above embodiment and its modifications, when the cleaning water replacement button B on the operation panel 10 is pressed, all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 is drained, followed by cleaning of the cleaning chamber 3, and then water is supplied up to a predetermined water level H (initial hot water supply). However, initial hot water supply is not required. Such control that does not perform initial hot water supply may be performed, for example, by providing a separate cleaning button on the operation panel 10, etc., and having the operator press this button.

[0060] In the above embodiments and modifications, an example was given in which cleaning control is performed when the cleaning water replacement button B on the operation panel 10 is pressed. However, cleaning control may also be performed, for example, when a predetermined number of cleaning cycles have been performed, when the number of cleaning cycles or an indicator value of the degree of contamination in the cleaning water tank 15, derived from a sensor that measures the turbidity of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 15, exceeds a predetermined value, or when the power button of the auxiliary cleaning machine 1 is pressed after the end of the day's business.

[0061] In the above embodiments and modifications, we have described an example in which all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 is discharged when the cleaning water replacement button B on the operation panel 10 is pressed and when cleaning control is performed. However, the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 may be discharged in such a way that a portion of the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 remains.

[0062] In the above embodiment and modified examples of the pre-washer 1 and the main washer 101, an example in which a food waste collection filter 19 is provided below the opening 18a of the partition plate 18 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. The food waste collection filter may, for example, be provided in a storage section located on the front surface of the lower part 2B of the washer body 2. The storage section has a storage space for housing the food waste collection filter. In this configuration, the food waste collection filter is positioned below the position where the dishes D are stored, and falls into the washing chamber 3 with the water sprayed into it, and collects food waste that is guided (directed) to the food waste collection filter by, for example, a guide member.

[0063] Although the above embodiment and modified versions of the preliminary washing machine 1 and the main washing machine 101 were described using a washing operation that consists of a washing process and a rinsing process as one cycle, other processes such as a drying process and a steam recovery process may also be included in addition to these processes.

[0064] In the above embodiment and modified cleaning system 200, the pre-immersion tank 203, the first conveying unit 204, the pre-cleaning machine 1, the main cleaning machine 101, and the second conveying unit 205 were described as being arranged in an L-shape when viewed from above, but they may also be arranged in a straight line.

[0065] In the above embodiment and modified washing system 200, the first transport unit 204 moves the dish rack R to the pre-washer 1 and moves the dish rack R from the pre-washer 1 to the main washing machine 101, and the second transport unit 205 moves the dish rack R from the main washing machine 101. However, each of these movements may be performed by an operator.

[0066] Although the above embodiment and modified pre-washer 1 and main washer 101 were described using as an example a washer in which the door 7 is provided to be movable in the vertical direction, they can also be applied to dishwashers of the type in which the door 7 is provided on the front side of the washer body 2, such as an oven.

[0067] In the above embodiments and modifications, a washing system 200 was described using as an example a pre-washing machine 1 that performs pre-washing on tableware D and a main washing machine 101, separate from the pre-washing machine 1, that performs main washing, arranged side by side. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a washing machine of the type in which there is only one housing, but a pre-washing chamber for performing pre-washing and a main washing chamber for performing main washing are formed, and the movement of tableware D from the pre-washing chamber to the main washing chamber is carried out by a conveyor or the like.

[0068] The pre-washing machine 1 described above as an embodiment and a modified example has been explained using an example of its use in the washing system 200, but it may also be used as a standalone washing machine. Even in this case, the work efficiency when draining all the water stored in the washing water tank 15 can be improved, and the washing chamber 3 can be kept cleaner.

[0069] The present invention may be appropriately combined as described above as embodiments, modifications, and other modifications, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...Preliminary washing machine (washing machine), 3...Washing room, 10...Control panel, 15...Washing water tank, 17...Second drain pipe, 19...Food residue collection filter, 22...Washing water intake (intake section), 22A...Detection unit, 23...Washing pump, 25...Rinsing water tank, 27...Rinsing pump, 33...First drain pipe, 34...Drain valve (discharge device), 35...Controller (control unit), 61...Operation control unit, 62...Reception unit, 63...Cleaning control unit, 101...Main washing machine, 115...Washing water tank, 133...Third drain pipe, 134...Overflow pipe, 200...Washing system, B...Button, D...Dishes, R...Dish rack.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising a washing operation that includes a washing process in which water stored in a washing water tank is sprayed into a washing chamber and a rinsing process in which water stored in a rinsing water tank is sprayed into the washing chamber, wherein a predetermined amount of water supplied by spraying into the washing chamber during the rinsing process is recovered into the washing water tank and used in the washing process of the next cycle, and a portion of the water stored in the washing water tank is replaced during the washing operation of the first cycle, A drain valve for discharging the water stored in the aforementioned cleaning water tank, A cleaning pump that sprays water stored in the cleaning water tank into the cleaning chamber from a cleaning nozzle, A rinsing pump that sprays water stored in the rinsing water tank into the washing chamber from a rinsing nozzle, A control unit that controls the drain valve, the washing pump, and the rinsing pump, Equipped with, The drain valve is provided in the drain pipe connected to the bottom of the washing water tank. The control unit, A reception unit that receives instructions and orders to clean the aforementioned cleaning room, A cleaning machine having a cleaning control unit that, upon receiving the instruction command at the reception unit, performs a first control that controls the drain valve to drain all the water stored in the cleaning water tank; a second control that, after performing the first control, controls the rinsing pump to spray the water from the rinsing water tank into the cleaning chamber from the rinsing nozzle, thereby storing water in the cleaning water tank; a third control that, after performing the second control, controls the cleaning pump to spray the water stored in the cleaning water tank into the cleaning chamber from the cleaning nozzle; and a fourth control that, after performing the third control, controls the drain valve to drain all the water stored in the cleaning water tank.

2. The system further includes a detection unit that detects whether a specified water level, which is the minimum water level required to prevent air from getting trapped in the cleaning pump, is stored in the cleaning water tank when water is drawn into the cleaning pump from an intake section formed in the cleaning water tank. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second control sprays water from the rinsing water tank into the washing chamber from the rinsing nozzle until the detection unit detects that the prescribed water level of water has been stored in the washing water tank.

3. The system further includes an operating unit that receives input from an operator instructing them to clean the aforementioned cleaning chamber. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving unit receives the instruction command output from the operating unit when the instruction is input to the operating unit.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a food residue collection filter positioned below the position in which the object to be washed is contained, for collecting food residue that was attached to the object to be washed and which falls down together with the water sprayed into the washing chamber.

5. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is provided as a pre-washing machine, A cleaning system comprising a main cleaning machine for cleaning objects that have been cleaned in the aforementioned pre-cleaning machine.

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