Environmental conservation methods and environmental conservation systems

Abstract

To provide an environmental conservation method and an environmental conservation system which can foresee increase of carbon monoxide concentration by incomplete combustion by gas combustion means to prevent an accident by carbon monoxide.SOLUTION: An environmental conservation system 1 comprises: a dish washing apparatus which washes dishes with rinse water heated by combustion exhaust gas; a server 20 which receives information from a control panel 31 which is connected with various sensors held in the dish washing apparatus to calculate heat exchange efficiency of heat exchange means, selects representative heat exchange efficiency for every date, and calculates a date when it is predicted that the representative heat exchange efficiency decreases to a predetermined value from a plurality of combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and date thereof; and a maintenance staff terminal 12 which is connected with the server. The system transmits the date when it is predicted that the representative heat exchange efficiency decreases to the predetermined value to the maintenance staff terminal before a predetermined period of the date when it is predicted that the representative heat exchange efficiency decreases to the predetermined value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental protection method and an environmental protection system that can safely use a dishwashing device that washes dishes by spraying washing water heated by combustion exhaust gas.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when using a dishwashing device equipped with a so-called gas booster, combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen in the air and gas by combustion means is used to heat washing water, which is fresh water stored in a tank, to a predetermined temperature. The washing water heated to the predetermined temperature is sucked in and discharged by a pump and sprayed toward the dishes to wash the dishes.

[0003] If incomplete combustion occurs in the combustion means that burns oxygen in the air and gas when heating the washing water stored in the tank to a predetermined temperature, the concentration of carbon monoxide in the combustion exhaust gas will increase. If the space where the dishwashing device is installed is in a nearly airtight state, and a part of the combustion exhaust gas flows into the facility where the dishwashing device is installed, the concentration of carbon monoxide in that space will increase, and in the worst case, it may endanger the life of the operator handling the dishwashing device.

[0004] What is described in Patent Document 1 is a gas alarm device and a gas alarm method used together with a gas appliance such as a combustion means. When the concentration of carbon monoxide exceeds the set value, the timer is started for the gas alarm device and the gas alarm device gives an alarm if the concentration of carbon monoxide does not fall below the set value within the set time. [[ID=2,2]]

[0005] If the concentration of carbon monoxide falls below the set value within the set time after the timer is started, the timer is reset, but instead, a delay counter is started. The delay counter gives an alarm by the gas alarm device if the concentration of carbon monoxide remains below the set value until a predetermined time has passed.

[0006] ​This prevents gas alarms from triggering (false alarms) due to a temporary increase in carbon monoxide concentration caused by the cooling of gas appliances when gas is started to burn. Furthermore, the delay counter helps to prevent accidents involving workers using gas appliances due to carbon monoxide, even when there are significant fluctuations in carbon monoxide concentration. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-14573 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 had the problem that it could not prevent accidents caused by carbon monoxide unless the concentration of carbon monoxide in the combustion exhaust gas actually increased and was detected by a gas alarm.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an environmental protection method and system that can foresee an increase in carbon monoxide concentration due to incomplete combustion in gas combustion means and prevent accidents caused by carbon monoxide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the environmental conservation method according to the present invention is A method for protecting the environment inside a facility where a dishwashing machine that uses washing water to wash dishes is installed, A heating step involves heating the cleaning water stored in a first water storage tank to a predetermined temperature by performing heat exchange using combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air using a gas combustion means, which is a heat exchange means, and detecting the temperature of the cleaning water to be heated and the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means multiple times at predetermined intervals. A server transmission step that transmits to a server information on the temperature of the heated cleaning water detected multiple times at predetermined intervals during the heating step, information on the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means, information on the date and time when the temperature of the cleaning water and the flow rate of the gas were detected, and information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank. A heat exchange efficiency calculation step in which, based on the information transmitted in the server transmission step, the server calculates the heat exchange efficiency for predetermined time intervals using the combustion exhaust gas, and for each date on which the temperature of the washing water and the flow rate of the gas are detected, selects a representative heat exchange efficiency that is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies for predetermined time intervals belonging to that date, A maintenance timing calculation step, which calculates a date on which the representative heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to a predetermined heat exchange efficiency requiring maintenance of the heat exchange means, from a plurality of combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and the date to which the representative heat exchange efficiency belongs, calculated in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step, Includes, A message transmission step is performed to send the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to the predetermined level, calculated in the maintenance timing calculation step, to the maintenance personnel terminal of the facility where the dishwashing device is installed, a predetermined period before that date. It is characterized by the following:

[0011] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the environmental protection system according to the present invention is A dishwashing device comprising: a first water storage tank and a main washing tank for storing washing water; a gas combustion means for generating combustion exhaust gas by burning oxygen and gas in the air; a heat exchanger for heating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank by performing heat exchange using the combustion exhaust gas; and a first supply pipe for flowing the washing water stored in the first water storage tank, heated by the heat exchanger, to the main washing tank to heat the washing water stored in the main washing tank; and washing dishes by pumping in and discharging the heated washing water stored in the main washing tank and spraying it onto the dishes. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the washing water heated by the heat exchanger multiple times at predetermined intervals, A flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means multiple times at predetermined intervals, A control panel that holds information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, and is connected to the temperature sensor and the flow rate sensor, and transmits information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, information on the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank as detected by the temperature sensor, information on the gas flow rate as detected by the flow rate sensor, and information on the date and time when the temperature of the cleaning water and the gas flow rate were detected. A server that receives the information from the control panel, calculates the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger based on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank detected by the temperature sensor, and the gas flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, selects a representative heat exchange efficiency that is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies belonging to each date for which the temperature of the cleaning water and the gas flow rate were detected, and calculates a date on which the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is predicted to decrease to a predetermined value requiring maintenance, based on multiple combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and the date. A maintenance staff terminal held by the maintenance staff of the facility where the aforementioned dishwashing device is installed, Equipped with, The control panel, the server, and the maintenance personnel terminal are connected via a network. The server transmits to the maintenance personnel terminal the date on which the representative heat exchange efficiency is expected to decrease to the predetermined value, a predetermined period before that date. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the environmental protection method and environmental protection system of the present invention, an increase in carbon monoxide concentration due to incomplete combustion in the combustion means can be predicted, and an accident caused by carbon monoxide can be prevented in advance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the network in the environmental protection system of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the server in the above environmental protection system. [Figure 3] Front schematic view of the dishwasher that constitutes a part of the above environmental protection system. [Figure 4] Front schematic view of the second heat exchange means in the dishwasher of the above environmental protection system. [Figure 5] Front schematic view of the dishwasher in the water storage step and heating step in the environmental protection method using the above environmental protection system. [Figure 6] Front schematic view of the dishwasher in the washing step in the environmental protection method using the above environmental protection system. [Figure 7] Front schematic view of the dishwasher in the reheating step in the environmental protection method using the above environmental protection system. [Figure 8] Graphs created in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step in the environmental protection method using the above environmental protection system, (a) "Graph of time and temperature" showing the relationship between the passage of time and the temperature of the washing water heated by the first heat exchange means, (b) "Graph of time and heat exchange efficiency" showing the relationship between the passage of time and the heat exchange efficiency created by the calculation unit. [Figure 9] "Graph of date and heat exchange efficiency" showing the relationship between the passage of date and the heat exchange efficiency created in the maintenance time calculation step in the environmental protection method using the above environmental protection system. [Figure 10] Step diagram of the environmental protection method using the above environmental protection system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The first invention is, A method for protecting the environment inside a facility where a dishwashing machine that uses washing water to wash dishes is installed, A heating step involves heating the cleaning water stored in a first water storage tank to a predetermined temperature by performing heat exchange using combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air using a gas combustion means, which is a heat exchange means, and detecting the temperature of the cleaning water to be heated and the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means multiple times at predetermined intervals. A server transmission step that transmits to a server information on the temperature of the heated cleaning water detected multiple times at predetermined intervals during the heating step, information on the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means, information on the date and time when the temperature of the cleaning water and the flow rate of the gas were detected, and information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank. A heat exchange efficiency calculation step in which, based on the information transmitted in the server transmission step, the server calculates the heat exchange efficiency for predetermined time intervals using the combustion exhaust gas, and for each date on which the temperature of the washing water and the flow rate of the gas are detected, selects a representative heat exchange efficiency that is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies for predetermined time intervals belonging to that date, A maintenance timing calculation step, which calculates a date on which the representative heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to a predetermined heat exchange efficiency requiring maintenance of the heat exchange means, from a plurality of combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and the date to which the representative heat exchange efficiency belongs, calculated in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step, Includes, A message transmission step is performed to send the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to the predetermined level, calculated in the maintenance timing calculation step, to the maintenance personnel terminal of the facility where the dishwashing device is installed, a predetermined period before that date. This is an environmental conservation method characterized by the following features.

[0015] This system sends a date on which the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange means is expected to decrease, leading to an increase in carbon monoxide due to incomplete combustion in the gas combustion means. This information is then sent to the maintenance personnel's terminal at the facility where the dishwashing equipment is installed, prompting them to perform maintenance on the heat exchange means. By notifying the maintenance personnel, the increase in carbon monoxide concentration due to incomplete combustion in the gas combustion means can be foreseen, preventing accidents caused by carbon monoxide.

[0016] The second invention is, in the first invention, In the heating step, the carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air using a gas combustion means is detected by a CO sensor. Following the heating step, if the carbon monoxide concentration detected by the CO sensor is above a predetermined concentration, a first alarm step is performed in which an alarm is triggered by the alarm triggering means. This is an environmental conservation method characterized by the following features.

[0017] This not only allows for the prediction of increased carbon monoxide concentration due to incomplete combustion in gas combustion systems caused by decreased heat exchange efficiency, prompting maintenance, but also enables the detection of actual carbon monoxide concentration, thereby preventing accidents caused by carbon monoxide.

[0018] The third invention is, in the first or second invention, After the heating step is started, an oxygen saturation transmission step is performed in which the oxygen saturation level of the worker washing dishes using the dishwashing machine is detected at predetermined intervals and the oxygen saturation level is transmitted to the server. Following the oxygen saturation transmission step, a second alarm step is performed in which, if the oxygen saturation falls below a predetermined value, an alarm signal is transmitted from the server, and the alarm means issues an alarm. This is an environmental conservation method characterized by the following features.

[0019] This allows for the detection and notification of a situation where, in the event that a gas combustion device burns oxygen in the air with a gas, combustion exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher is emitted and flows into a facility where a dishwashing machine is installed, a worker using the dishwashing machine to wash dishes is suffering from or at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, thereby ensuring the safety of the worker's life.

[0020] The fourth invention is, A dishwashing device comprising: a first water storage tank and a main washing tank for storing washing water; a gas combustion means for generating combustion exhaust gas by burning oxygen and gas in the air; a heat exchanger for heating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank by performing heat exchange using the combustion exhaust gas; and a first supply pipe for flowing the washing water stored in the first water storage tank, heated by the heat exchanger, to the main washing tank to heat the washing water stored in the main washing tank; and washing dishes by pumping in and discharging the heated washing water stored in the main washing tank and spraying it onto the dishes. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the washing water heated by the heat exchanger multiple times at predetermined intervals, A flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means multiple times at predetermined intervals, A control panel that holds information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, and is connected to the temperature sensor and the flow rate sensor, and transmits information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, information on the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank as detected by the temperature sensor, information on the gas flow rate as detected by the flow rate sensor, and information on the date and time when the temperature of the cleaning water and the gas flow rate were detected. A server that receives the information from the control panel, calculates the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger based on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank detected by the temperature sensor, and the gas flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, selects a representative heat exchange efficiency that is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies belonging to each date for which the temperature of the cleaning water and the gas flow rate were detected, and calculates a date on which the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is predicted to decrease to a predetermined value requiring maintenance, based on multiple combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and the date. A maintenance staff terminal held by the maintenance staff of the facility where the aforementioned dishwashing device is installed, Equipped with, The control panel, the server, and the maintenance personnel terminal are connected via a network. The server transmits to the maintenance personnel terminal the date on which the representative heat exchange efficiency is expected to decrease to the predetermined value, a predetermined period before that date. This is an environmental conservation system characterized by the following features.

[0021] This system sends a date on which the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is expected to decrease and carbon monoxide levels due to incomplete combustion in the gas combustion system are predicted to increase, to the maintenance personnel's terminal at the facility where the dishwashing equipment is installed, prompting them to perform maintenance on the heat exchanger. By notifying the maintenance personnel, the increase in carbon monoxide concentration due to incomplete combustion in the gas combustion system can be foreseen, and accidents caused by carbon monoxide can be prevented.

[0022] The fifth invention is, in the fourth invention, A second water storage tank for storing the cleaning water, A combustion exhaust gas piping discharges combustion exhaust gas into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank, and heats the cleaning water by heat exchange through gas-liquid contact, A CO sensor detects the carbon monoxide concentration in the combustion exhaust gas, which is discharged from the aforementioned combustion exhaust gas piping and whose temperature has decreased due to heat exchange by gas-liquid contact, and transmits the carbon monoxide concentration to the control panel. An alarm means that, when the carbon monoxide concentration transmitted from the CO sensor to the control panel exceeds a predetermined concentration, alerts the surroundings to an abnormal situation, A second supply pipe heats the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank by flowing the cleaning water, which has been heated by heat exchange through gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas, into the main cleaning tank. Furthermore, it is equipped with This is an environmental conservation system characterized by the following features.

[0023] This reduces the temperature of the high-temperature combustion exhaust gas, preventing the CO sensor, which detects carbon monoxide concentration, from being negatively affected by the high temperature. This allows for stable detection of carbon monoxide concentration in the combustion exhaust gas, thereby preventing accidents caused by carbon monoxide.

[0024] The sixth invention relates to the fourth or fifth invention, A detection communication means comprising: a sensor worn by an employee washing dishes using a dishwashing machine to detect the employee's oxygen saturation level at predetermined intervals; and a communication unit that transmits the employee's oxygen saturation level detected by the sensor to a server at predetermined intervals; An alarm means that triggers an alarm signal transmitted from the server to the control panel to notify the surroundings of an abnormal situation, Furthermore, The server has a function to send an alarm signal to the control panel when the oxygen saturation level of a worker, as transmitted from the communication unit, falls below a predetermined value. This is an environmental conservation system characterized by the following features.

[0025] This allows for the detection and notification of a situation where, in the event that a gas combustion device burns oxygen in the air with a gas, combustion exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher is emitted and flows into a facility where a dishwashing machine is installed, a worker using the dishwashing machine to wash dishes is suffering from or at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, thereby ensuring the safety of the worker's life.

[0026] (Embodiment 1) (Configuration of the environmental protection system) First, the configuration of the environmental protection system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the environmental protection system 1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which at least an information aggregation device 11, a maintenance personnel terminal 12, a management terminal 13, a detection communication means 14, and a server 20 are connected to a network 10, which is, for example, a closed communication network that blocks external access or the internet.

[0028] The information integrator 11 is a device that integrates information transmitted from the control panel 31 and transmits it to the server 20 via the network 10. The information integrator 11 also receives and integrates information transmitted from the server 20 via the network 10 and transmits it to each control panel 31.

[0029] The maintenance personnel terminal 12 represents a device that can communicate information via the network 10, such as a mobile phone, wireless device, or personal computer, and is owned by maintenance personnel who maintain safety by protecting the equipment in the facility where the dishwashing machine 30 is installed. The management terminal 13 represents a terminal of the maintenance department of the company operating the environmental protection system 1, such as a personal computer.

[0030] The maintenance personnel terminal 12 and the management terminal 13 have a display unit that can view information sent via the network 10, and an operation unit and a communication unit that can input and transmit information to other terminals or servers 20, etc., via the network 10.

[0031] The detection communication means 14 represents a device capable of communicating information via the network 10, such as a portable device like a wristwatch. The detection communication means 14 has a detection unit that irradiates light onto the wearer's wrist, etc., and collects the wavelength of the transmitted light as information using a sensor to measure the oxygen saturation level in the wearer's blood. The detection communication means 14 also has a communication unit that can transmit the oxygen saturation level to other terminals or servers 20 via the network 10, and receive information via the network 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the server 20 includes a communication unit 21 that handles information received via the network 10 and information transmitted via the network 10, a calculation unit 23 that performs calculations on the information, a storage unit 24 that stores the information, and a control unit 22 that distributes the information to the communication unit 21, the calculation unit 23, and the storage unit 24.

[0033] The control panel 31 shown in Figure 1 is a control panel that controls the operation or stopping of each device in the dishwashing machine 30 shown in Figure 3, and the opening and closing of valves, for example, in a school lunch center or employee cafeteria that is designed for large-scale consumption.

[0034] (Configuration of a dishwashing machine) The dishwashing apparatus 30 shown in Figure 3 transports the items to be washed, such as used dishes, W, which are placed on the transport means 35, continuously from the entrance 33 into the washing chambers 40 and 50. Inside the washing chambers 40 and 50, washing water containing detergent is sprayed onto the items to be washed W for washing, and then washing water, such as clean water (tap water), is sprayed onto the washed items W for a final rinse. After the final rinse, the items to be washed W are discharged from the exit 34.

[0035] The dishwashing device 30 is An outer shell 32 formed by a frame and sheet metal, A conveying means 35, such as a bar conveyor, transports the object to be washed W, which is placed at the entrance 33, into the main washing room (washing room) 40, to the final rinsing room (washing room) 50, and then discharges it from the exit 34. The cleaning chamber 40 draws in and discharges cleaning water at a predetermined temperature stored in the cleaning tank (tank) 41 using the cleaning pump (pump) 42, and sprays it from the cleaning nozzle 44 towards the object to be cleaned W through the cleaning pipe 43. A finishing rinse chamber 50 is provided, in which clean water is supplied through the first water supply pipe 36 and the finishing rinse pipe 51, and sprayed from the finishing rinse nozzle 52 toward the object to be cleaned W. A first heat exchange means (heat exchange means) 60 heats the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank (tank) 61 to a predetermined temperature by exchanging heat in a heat exchanger 67 using the thermal energy of the combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air using a gas combustion means 66, A second heat exchange means (heat exchange means) 70 heats the clean water, which is stored in the second water storage tank (tank) 71, to a predetermined temperature by passing the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66 through it and exchanging heat through gas-liquid contact. It is equipped with.

[0036] In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is referred to as the first predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature of the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 is referred to as the second predetermined temperature, and the predetermined temperature of the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 is referred to as the third predetermined temperature.

[0037] The dashed arrows above the object W to be cleaned in Figures 3 and 6 indicate the direction of transport of the object W. The solid arrows in Figures 4 to 7 indicate the flow direction of the cleaning water. The dashed arrows in Figures 4, 5, and 7 indicate the flow direction of the combustion exhaust gas.

[0038] Next, the specific configuration of the dishwashing device 30 will be described.

[0039] (Main washing room) As shown in Figure 3, the washing chamber 40 is The main cleaning tank 41 stores the cleaning water, which is clean water supplied through the first water supply pipe 36 and the second water supply pipe 45, A water level sensor (sensor) 41a detects the water level of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41, A temperature sensor (sensor) 41b detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41, When the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 exceeds a predetermined water level detected by the water level sensor 41a, an overflow pipe 41c drains the excess amount of water. A detergent supply means (not shown) supplies detergent to the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 so that the cleaning water reaches a predetermined concentration. The conveying means 35 has a conveying surface on which the object to be cleaned W is placed and conveyed, and the cleaning nozzle 44 is provided above and below the conveying surface, which is the surface on which the object to be cleaned W is placed and conveyed, and the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 is sucked in and discharged by the cleaning pump 42, and sprayed through the cleaning pipe 43 toward the object to be cleaned W, It holds.

[0040] (Finishing rinse room) The finishing rinse room 50 is, A finishing rinse nozzle 52 sprays clean water, which is cleaning water supplied through the first water supply pipe 36 and the finishing rinse pipe 51, toward the object to be cleaned W. When the cleaning water sprayed from the finishing rinse nozzle 52 falls below the conveying means 35, the flow section 53 is a flat surface that slopes downward toward the cleaning tank 41, which causes the cleaning water to flow into the cleaning tank 41. It holds.

[0041] Alternatively, a final rinse tank may be provided adjacent to the main cleaning tank 41, and the cleaning water stored in the final rinse tank may be heated using an electric heater or booster. This water may then be drawn in and discharged by a final rinse pump and sprayed through the final rinse piping 51 from the final rinse nozzle 52. This allows for final rinsing with heated cleaning water.

[0042] (First heat exchange means) The first heat exchange means 60 is The cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 is sucked in and discharged by a circulation pump (pump) 63, and the cleaning water that flows through the circulation pipe 62 is stored in a first water storage tank 61, A water level sensor (sensor) 61a detects the water level of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61, and a temperature sensor (sensor) 61b detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61. A gas combustion means 66 generates combustion exhaust gas by burning the gas supplied from the gas supply pipe 65 together with oxygen in the air, A heat exchanger 67 heats the internal copper fins using combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66, and heats the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 to a first predetermined temperature by exchanging heat with the cleaning water. A flow sensor (sensor) 65b detects the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas supply pipe 65, The first supply pipe 64 is a pipeline through which the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 flows to the main cleaning tank 41, via an overflow section 61c into which the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 overflows. It holds.

[0043] The gas combustion means 66 has a fan (not shown) that supplies air to the gas so that it burns at an appropriate air-fuel ratio, in response to the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas supply pipe 65 detected by the flow sensor 65b. Alternatively, if the gas combustion means 66 can properly burn the gas, it may be designed to allow natural air intake. Furthermore, if the gas flow rate per unit time can be detected, a premixed gas, which is gas mixed with air to achieve an appropriate air-fuel ratio, may be supplied to the gas combustion means 66.

[0044] (Second heat exchange means) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second heat exchange means 70 is A second water storage tank 71 stores clean water, which is washing water, supplied through the first water supply pipe 36 and the third water supply pipe 72, A water level sensor (sensor) 71a, such as a ball tap, detects the water level in the second water storage tank 71 so that the water level of the cleaning water remains approximately constant, and supplies cleaning water when the water level drops. A temperature sensor (sensor) 71b detects the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71, The combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air in the gas combustion means 66 of the first heat exchange means 60 is guided into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71, discharged into the cleaning water through multiple holes 74a, and the combustion exhaust gas is brought into gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water as bubbles (combustion exhaust gas) B, thereby heating the cleaning water. A second supply pipe 73 is a pipe that flows heated cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 to the main cleaning tank 41, A duct 76 exhausts the combustion exhaust gas discharged from multiple holes 74a in the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 to the outside of the facility where the dishwashing device 30 is installed, through a discharge port 75 provided on the upper surface of the second water storage tank 71. A CO sensor (sensor) 76a detects the carbon monoxide concentration contained in the combustion exhaust gas flowing through the duct 76, It holds.

[0045] (Control panel) The control panel 31 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is electrically connected to each component of the dishwashing machine 30, such as the conveying means 35, the main washing pump 42, the circulation pump 63, the gas combustion means 66, and the valves 45a, 51a, 65a, 72a, and 73a, and controls the operation and opening / closing of each of these components. It is also electrically connected to the water level sensors 41a and 61a, the temperature sensors 41b, 61b, and 71b, the flow sensor 65b, and the CO sensor 76a, and receives signals from each sensor. The information integrator 11 and the control panel 31 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0046] The control panel 31 holds information in a holding unit (not shown), for example, information about the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 until the water level sensor 61a detects it.

[0047] Furthermore, the control panel 31 has an alarm means 31a, such as a rotating light equipped with a buzzer, which notifies the surroundings of an abnormal situation when it receives an alarm signal from the server 20 or when certain conditions are met.

[0048] Furthermore, the control panel 31 may be provided with an operating section that allows for key input, for example, to input and edit information to be held in the holding section, such as the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61. Alternatively, the control panel 31 may be configured to calculate the volume from the weight of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 by measuring its weight, and to hold the weight and volume in the holding section of the control panel 31.

[0049] (Environmental conservation method) As shown in Figure 10, the environmental conservation method carried out in environmental conservation system 1 is divided into three processes, (1) to (3), and each process is further divided into steps. (1) Cleaning process of the object to be cleaned S100 • Water storage step S110: Water is stored in the main cleaning tank 41, the first water storage tank 61, and the second water storage tank 71 up to a predetermined water level. • Heating step S120: Heat the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 until it reaches a third predetermined temperature. • A first alarm step S130 detects the carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas generated in the heating step S120 and triggers an alarm if the carbon monoxide concentration is above a predetermined level. The cleaning step S140 involves spraying cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 onto the object to be cleaned W, which is being transported by the transport means 35, and then spraying clean cleaning water afterwards to perform a final rinse. - If there is a possibility that the object to be cleaned W will be cleaned again within a few hours after the cleaning is complete, a reheating step S150 is performed in which the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 is heated again until it reaches a third predetermined temperature. (2) Notification process for maintenance timing S200 After the heating step S120 is started, the server transmission step S210 transmits to the server 20 the information transmitted from the sensors 61b and 65b of the dishwashing device 30 to the control panel 31, along with the information held in the control panel 31. • Heat exchange efficiency calculation step S220: Based on the information sent to server 20 in server transmission step S210, the heat exchange efficiency is calculated. • Based on the heat exchange efficiency calculated in step S220, calculate the maintenance timing in step S230. - Message transmission step S240: Sends the maintenance timing calculated in maintenance timing calculation step S230 to the maintenance personnel terminal 12. (3) Maintenance process S300 based on oxygen saturation After the heating step S120 is started, the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 is performed, in which the oxygen saturation level of the worker, who is washing dishes using the dishwashing device 30, is detected by the detection communication means 14 worn by the worker and transmitted to the server 20. • A second alarm step S320 is triggered when the oxygen saturation transmitted to the server 20 in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 falls below a predetermined value. If the oxygen saturation transmitted to the server 20 in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 falls below a predetermined value, a maintenance step S330 is performed after the second alarming step S320.

[0050] The three processes described above—the cleaning process S100 for the object to be cleaned, the maintenance timing notification process S200, and the maintenance process S300 based on oxygen saturation—proceed independently and in parallel.

[0051] The following explains each step of each process, referring to Figure 10.

[0052] (1) Cleaning process of the object to be cleaned (Water storage step) First, as part of the cleaning process S100 for the object to be cleaned, we will explain the water storage step S110, in which cleaning water is stored in the main cleaning tank 41, the first water storage tank 61, and the second water storage tank 71 up to a predetermined water level.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, valve 45a is opened to supply clean water, which is cleaning water, to the main cleaning tank 41 through the first water supply pipe 36 and the second water supply pipe 45, and the cleaning water is stored in the main cleaning tank 41 until it reaches the water level detected by the water level sensor 41a. At the same time, the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 is sucked in and discharged by the circulation pump 63, and the cleaning water is stored in the first water storage tank 61 through the circulation pipe 62 until it reaches the water level detected by the water level sensor 61a.

[0054] Furthermore, by opening valve 72a, clean water (washing water) is supplied to the second water storage tank 71 through the first water supply pipe 36 and the third water supply pipe 72, and the washing water is stored in the second water storage tank 71 until it reaches the water level detected by the water level sensor 71a.

[0055] After filling the main cleaning tank 41, the first water storage tank 61, and the second water storage tank 71 with cleaning water to a predetermined level, the process proceeds to the next heating step S120.

[0056] (Heating step) Next, we will describe the heating step S120, in which the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 is heated to a third predetermined temperature.

[0057] In the heating step S120, first, the gas combustion means 66 burns oxygen and gas in the air to generate combustion exhaust gas. The heat energy from this combustion exhaust gas heats the heat exchanger 67, heating the wash water stored in the first water storage tank 61 to a predetermined temperature, for example, approximately 80°C.

[0058] During this process, while the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the cleaning water is detected by the temperature sensor 61b at predetermined intervals. The gas flow rate supplied to the gas combustion means 66 is also detected by the flow rate sensor 65b at predetermined intervals. The timing of the temperature sensor 61b detecting the cleaning water temperature and the timing of the flow rate sensor 65b detecting the gas flow rate are approximately simultaneous.

[0059] The detected information, including the temperature of the washing water and the gas flow rate, is transmitted to the control panel 31 as it occurs and stored in the control panel 31 along with the date and time information of the detection, such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. Details of this information transmitted to and stored in the control panel 31 will be explained in the server transmission step S210 and subsequent steps described later.

[0060] Thus, detecting the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 at predetermined intervals using the temperature sensor 61b, and detecting the gas flow rate supplied to the gas combustion means 66 at predetermined intervals using the flow rate sensor 65b, are performed from immediately after the gas combustion means 66 burns oxygen and gas in the air to generate combustion exhaust gas, until the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0061] After the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature, the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 is drawn in and discharged by driving the circulation pump 63, and sequentially flowed back into the first water storage tank 61.

[0062] As the cleaning water flows sequentially into the first water storage tank 61, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature and overflows from the overflow section 61c, flowing through the first supply pipe 64 to the main cleaning tank 41.

[0063] Then, until the temperature sensor 41b detects that the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 reaches a third predetermined temperature, for example, approximately 60°C, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 is drawn in and discharged by the circulation pump 63 and flowed into the first water storage tank 61. The cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61, which is continuously heated by the heat exchanger 67, is then flowed from the overflow section 61c through the first supply pipe 64 to the cleaning tank 41.

[0064] Simultaneously, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66 is flowed through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 to the second water storage tank 71, and discharged from multiple holes 74a of the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 shown in Figure 4 into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71. The combustion exhaust gas discharged into the cleaning water comes into gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water as bubbles B, exchanging heat and heating the cleaning water. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the thermal energy remaining in the combustion exhaust gas after heating the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61.

[0065] After heating through gas-liquid contact with the washing water, the combustion exhaust gas flows from a discharge port 75 located at the top of the second water storage tank 71 into a duct 76 and is discharged outside the facility where the dishwashing device 30 is installed. Inside the duct 76, a CO sensor 76a detects the carbon monoxide concentration in the combustion exhaust gas after heat exchange through gas-liquid contact at predetermined intervals, for example, every 10 minutes. The detected carbon monoxide concentration is then transmitted to the control panel 31.

[0066] The carbon monoxide concentration transmitted to this control panel 31 will be explained in the next step, the first alarm activation step S130.

[0067] The combustion exhaust gas that flows into the duct 76 undergoes heat exchange with the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 via the heat exchanger 67, and further heat exchange occurs through gas-liquid contact in the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71. As a result, the temperature of the exhaust gas is lower than when it was generated in the gas combustion means 66, for example, 60°C. In addition, carbon monoxide contained in the combustion exhaust gas has the characteristic of being poorly soluble in water.

[0068] Therefore, by discharging the combustion exhaust gas into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 to lower the temperature of the combustion exhaust gas, the CO sensor 76a can be prevented from being adversely affected by high temperatures, while the CO sensor 76a can accurately detect the carbon monoxide concentration contained in the combustion exhaust gas.

[0069] Then, after the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 reaches a third predetermined temperature, the valve 65a of the gas supply pipe 65 is closed to stop the supply of gas to the gas combustion means 66, and the supply of air by the fan of the gas combustion means 66 is also stopped.

[0070] When the supply of gas and air is stopped, combustion of gas with oxygen in the air in the gas combustion means 66 stops, and the flow of combustion exhaust gas through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 to the second water storage tank 71 stops. Then, the process proceeds to the next first alarm step S130.

[0071] (First alarm activation step) Next, we will describe the first alarm step S130, which detects the carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas generated in the heating step S120 and triggers an alarm if the carbon monoxide concentration is above a predetermined level.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, in the heating step S120, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66 is flowed through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 to the second water storage tank 71, and discharged into the cleaning water from multiple holes 74a in the combustion exhaust gas piping 74, where the cleaning water is heated by heat exchange through gas-liquid contact. The carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas, whose temperature has decreased due to this heat exchange and which has flowed into the duct 76, is detected by the CO sensor 76a and transmitted to the control panel 31.

[0073] In the first alarm activation step S130, if the carbon monoxide concentration transmitted to the control panel 31 is above a predetermined concentration, for example, 200 ppm or more, which is the concentration at which inhaling air containing that carbon monoxide concentration causes a mild headache in the forehead within 2 to 3 hours, the control panel 31 will activate the alarm activation means 31a.

[0074] Specifically, the alarm system 31a emits a loud sound and illuminates a rotating light to alert workers using the dishwashing machine 30 to wash dishes, as well as other workers in the surrounding area. In addition to alerting users via the alarm system 31a, an alert message may also be sent to the maintenance personnel terminal 12.

[0075] This allows for the detection of carbon monoxide generation exceeding a predetermined concentration, informing workers that incomplete combustion is occurring in the gas combustion means 66, prompting them to take action against the incomplete combustion, and thus preventing accidents caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

[0076] Furthermore, the control panel 31 may be configured to issue an alarm via the alarm means 31a only when the carbon monoxide concentration detected by the CO sensor 76a remains above a predetermined concentration for a predetermined period of time, for example, 30 seconds or more. This suppresses alarms when the carbon monoxide concentration in the combustion exhaust gas temporarily increases, such as when the gas combustion means 66 burns gas with oxygen in the air at a low temperature, thereby reducing the number of false alarms and enabling stable operation of the environmental protection system 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the subsequent response may be changed according to the carbon monoxide concentration detected by the CO sensor 76a. For example, if the carbon monoxide concentration is 400 ppm or higher, which can cause premature headaches and nausea within 1 to 2 hours, in addition to activating the alarm means 31a on the control panel 31, a broadcast warning may be made over the public address system of the facility where the dishwashing machine 30 is installed.

[0078] Furthermore, if the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds 800 ppm, which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or convulsions within 45 minutes, the control panel 31 may activate the alarm means 31a, and the facility where the dishwashing machine 30 is installed may also make an announcement. In addition, the control panel 31 may transmit the carbon monoxide concentration value to the server 20 via the network 10 through the information collection device 11, and the server 20, upon receiving the carbon monoxide concentration value, may send a warning message to the maintenance personnel 12 via the network 10.

[0079] If an alarm is triggered by the alarm means 31a in this first alarm step S130, the use of the dishwashing device 30 is stopped to prevent accidents due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and the combustion of gas between oxygen in the air and gas by the gas combustion means 66 is stopped, thereby ending the washing process S100 of the items to be washed. The cause of the carbon monoxide concentration in the combustion exhaust gas exceeding a predetermined concentration is then investigated, and maintenance or other countermeasures are taken.

[0080] Furthermore, if the carbon monoxide concentration detected by the CO sensor 76a exceeds a predetermined concentration, the control panel 31 may issue an alarm via the alarm means 31a and automatically stop the supply of gas and air to the gas combustion means 66.

[0081] As a result, even if the control panel 31 is located adjacent to the dishwashing machine 30, the operation to stop the gas combustion means 66 does not require workers to approach the dishwashing machine 30, which is generating carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher, and the generation of carbon monoxide can be safely stopped.

[0082] Furthermore, if no alarm is triggered by the alarm means 31a in this first alarm triggering step S130, the process proceeds to the next cleaning step S140.

[0083] (Washing step) Next, we will explain the cleaning step S140, in which the object to be cleaned W, which is being transported by the transporting means 35, is cleaned by spraying cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41, and after cleaning, a final rinse is performed by spraying clean cleaning water.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, the control panel 31 is operated to drive the conveying means 35. After driving the conveying means 35, the main cleaning pump 42 is driven to suck in and discharge the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41, and the cleaning water is sprayed from the main cleaning nozzle 44. In addition, the valve 51a is opened to spray room temperature cleaning water supplied through the first water supply pipe 36 and the final rinse pipe 51 from the final rinse nozzle 52.

[0085] The object to be washed, W, for example, tableware, is placed face down on the transport surface on the driven transport means 35, with the eating side facing downwards, and the object to be washed W is transported into the main washing chamber 40 from the entrance 33. The object to be washed W transported into the main washing chamber 40 is washed by washing water sprayed from the main washing nozzle 44. At this time, the washing water sprayed from the main washing nozzle 44 flows into the main washing tank 41 and circulates after washing the object to be washed W.

[0086] After cleaning in the main cleaning chamber 40 is complete, the object to be cleaned W is given a final rinse in the final rinse chamber 50 with room temperature cleaning water sprayed from the final rinse nozzle 52. At this time, the cleaning water sprayed from the final rinse nozzle 52 reaches the fluid section 53 of the final rinse chamber 50, flows along the upper surface of the fluid section 53 to the main cleaning tank 41, and circulates in the main cleaning chamber 40.

[0087] After the final rinse in the final rinse chamber 50 is completed, the object to be washed W is discharged from the discharge outlet 34.

[0088] Furthermore, the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 decreases while the cleaning and final rinsing are being performed on the object to be cleaned W. This decrease in the temperature of the cleaning water occurs, for example, when the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 44 comes into contact with the object to be cleaned W, which is at room temperature, or when the room temperature cleaning water sprayed from the final rinsing nozzle 52 flows into the cleaning tank 41 after cleaning the object to be cleaned W.

[0089] If the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 falls below a third predetermined temperature, the valve 73a of the second supply pipe 73 is opened to allow the cleaning water at a second predetermined temperature stored in the second water storage tank 71 of the second heat exchange means 70 to flow into the main cleaning tank 41.

[0090] Since the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 is heated to a second predetermined temperature by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66, the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 can be heated.

[0091] When the second cleaning water at a predetermined temperature stored in the second water storage tank 71 is flowed into the main cleaning tank 41, the amount of cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 decreases. However, the water level sensor 71a detects that the water level in the second water storage tank 71 is decreasing, and cleaning water is automatically supplied to the second water storage tank 71 through the first water supply pipe 36 and the third water supply pipe 72 so that the water level remains approximately constant.

[0092] Then, in the main cleaning tank 41, any cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 that exceeds a predetermined water level detected by the water level sensor 41a is drained through the overflow pipe 41c.

[0093] This allows the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 to be heated without having to perform the heating step S120 again. Furthermore, since there is no need to burn oxygen and gas from the air, thermal energy can be saved.

[0094] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 71b may detect that the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 is below the second predetermined temperature, or that it is lower than the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 as detected by the temperature sensor 41b. In this case, even if the valve 73a of the second supply pipe 73 is opened and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 flows into the main cleaning tank 41, it may take a long time for the cleaning water in the main cleaning tank 41 to heat up, or it may not heat up at all.

[0095] In such a case, the valve 73a of the second supply pipe 73 is not opened, the cleaning water is heated by the first heat exchange means 60, the circulation pump 63 is driven to flow the cleaning water from the main cleaning tank 41 to the first water storage tank 61, and the heated cleaning water is then flowed from the overflow section 61c through the first supply pipe 64 back to the main cleaning tank 41 to heat the cleaning water.

[0096] If there is a possibility that the object to be cleaned W will be cleaned again within a few hours after the cleaning of the object to be cleaned has been completed, proceed to the next reheating step S150. If there is a gap of several hours before the object to be cleaned W is cleaned again, the next reheating step S150 is not performed, and the cleaning process of the object to be cleaned S100 is terminated.

[0097] (Reheating step) At the end of the cleaning process S100 for the object to be cleaned, if there is a possibility that the object to be cleaned W will be cleaned again within a few hours after the cleaning process is complete, a reheating step S150 is described in which the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 is heated again to a third predetermined temperature.

[0098] As shown in Figure 7, after the cleaning of the object to be cleaned W is completed, the control panel 31 stops the drive of the transport means 35 and the main cleaning pump 42, and closes the valve 51a.

[0099] If the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 falls below a third predetermined temperature, the gas combustion means 66 burns oxygen and gas in the air to generate combustion exhaust gas. The heat energy from this combustion exhaust gas heats the heat exchanger 67, heating the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 to a first predetermined temperature, for example, approximately 80°C.

[0100] After the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature, the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 is drawn in and discharged by driving the circulation pump 63, and sequentially flowed back into the first water storage tank 61.

[0101] As the cleaning water flows sequentially into the first water storage tank 61, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature and overflows from the overflow section 61c, flowing through the first supply pipe 64 to the main cleaning tank 41.

[0102] Then, the circulation pump 63 is driven while the gas combustion means 66 burns oxygen and gas from the air to heat the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 until the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 reaches a third predetermined temperature, for example, approximately 60°C.

[0103] Simultaneously, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66 is flowed through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 shown in Figure 4 to the second water storage tank 71, and discharged into the cleaning water from multiple holes 74a in the combustion exhaust gas piping 74. The combustion exhaust gas discharged into the cleaning water comes into gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water as bubbles B, heating the cleaning water. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the thermal energy remaining in the combustion exhaust gas after heating the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61.

[0104] Then, after the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 reaches a third predetermined temperature, the valve 65a of the gas supply pipe 65 is closed to stop the supply of gas to the gas combustion means 66, and the supply of air by the fan is also stopped. Finally, the circulation pump 63 is stopped.

[0105] When the supply of gas and air is stopped, combustion of gas with oxygen in the air in the gas combustion means 66 stops, and the flow of combustion exhaust gas through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 to the second water storage tank 71 stops. Then, without waiting for several hours, preparations are made for the cleaning step S140, which is performed when a part to be cleaned W that needs to be cleaned again appears.

[0106] Furthermore, the heated cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 may be supplied to the main cleaning tank 41 at times other than the cleaning step S140. For example, it may be supplied to the main cleaning tank 41 during the water storage step S110, the heating step S120, or the reheating step S150.

[0107] This allows heated cleaning water to be immediately supplied to the main cleaning tank 41 simply by opening valve 73a, thereby heating the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41. In addition, the cleanliness of the cleaning water, which has decreased in cleanliness due to cleaning the object to be cleaned W, can be improved by adding highly clean cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71 to the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41.

[0108] In addition, although the circulation piping 62, which supplies the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 by drawing it in and discharging it using a circulation pump 63, was connected to the first water storage tank 61, it is also possible to configure the system so that a pipeline branched from the first water supply piping 36 is connected to the first water storage tank 61.

[0109] As a result, even if the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 becomes contaminated during the cleaning step S140, the dirt contained in the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41 will not adhere to the heat exchanger 67, thus maintaining the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 67.

[0110] Furthermore, if the carbon monoxide contained in the combustion exhaust gas flowing from the discharge port 75 to the duct 76 shown in Figure 7 reaches a predetermined concentration or higher while the reheating step S150 is being performed, the control panel 31 may issue an alarm using the alarm means 31a, similar to the first alarm step S130. This allows for the detection of carbon monoxide exceeding a predetermined concentration, informing workers that incomplete combustion is occurring in the gas combustion means 66, prompting them to take action against the incomplete combustion, and thus preventing accidents caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

[0111] (2) Notification process for maintenance schedule (Server transmission step) Next, we will explain the maintenance timing notification process S200. First, as part of the maintenance timing notification process S200, we will explain the server transmission step S210, which, after starting the heating step S120, transmits the information sent from the sensors 61b and 65b of the dishwashing device 30 to the control panel 31, along with the information held in the control panel 31, to the server 20.

[0112] As shown in Figure 5, in the heating step S120, the gas combustion means 66 burns oxygen and gas in the air to generate combustion exhaust gas. The heat energy from this combustion exhaust gas heats the heat exchanger 67, heating the wash water stored in the first water storage tank 61 to a predetermined temperature, for example, approximately 80°C.

[0113] While the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated from room temperature to a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the cleaning water is detected at predetermined intervals by the temperature sensor 61b. In addition, the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means 66 is detected at predetermined intervals by the flow rate sensor 65b.

[0114] The information detected at predetermined intervals by these temperature sensors 61b and flow sensors 65b is transmitted to the control panel 31 as needed and stored in the control panel 31 along with the date and time information of the detected timing, such as year, month, day and hour, minute, and second.

[0115] As shown in Figure 1, in the server transmission step S210, the information held in the control panel 31 and the transmitted information, namely the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 held in the control panel 31, the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 detected at predetermined intervals by the temperature sensor 61b, the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means 66 detected at predetermined intervals by the flow rate sensor 65b, and the date and time information of the timing detected by the temperature sensor 61b and the flow rate sensor 65b, respectively, are transmitted to the server 20 via the network 10 through the information accumulating device 11.

[0116] Then, the process moves on to the next step, S220, which calculates the heat exchange efficiency.

[0117] (Heat exchange efficiency calculation step) Next, we will explain the heat exchange efficiency calculation step S220, which calculates the heat exchange efficiency based on the information sent to the server 20 in the server transmission step S210.

[0118] As shown in Figure 2, the information transmitted to the server 20 in the server transmission step S210 is transmitted to the communication unit 21 of the server 20 and held in the holding unit 24 by the control unit 22. The information held in the holding unit 24 is then sent to the calculation unit 23.

[0119] As shown in Figure 8(a), based on the information sent from the holding unit 24, the calculation unit 23 creates a "time and temperature graph" with time tn, i.e., times t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, on the horizontal axis and the temperature of the washing water, for example, the temperature Tn of the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 61 at time tn, i.e., the temperatures T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 of the washing water, on the vertical axis.

[0120] Specifically, in the "time and temperature graph," for example, time t1 is set to 10 minutes after the worker turns on the power to the control panel 31 of the dishwashing machine 30, time t2 is set to 10 minutes later, and time t3 is set to another 10 minutes later. The time when the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 61 reaches a predetermined temperature T5 is set as time t5 and plotted as the last point on the horizontal axis, creating the "time and temperature graph."

[0121] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(b), the calculation unit 23 calculates all the heat exchange efficiencies ηn between time tn and time tn+1 from time t1 to the last plotted time t5 in the "time and temperature graph" of Figure 8(a), and creates a "time and heat exchange efficiency graph" with time tn~tn+1, i.e., time t1~t2, t2~t3, t3~t4, t4~t5 on the horizontal axis and heat exchange efficiencies ηn, i.e., η1, η2, η3, η4 on the vertical axis. Then, it selects the heat exchange efficiency ηmax, which is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies ηn for that day, as the representative heat exchange efficiency for that day.

[0122] The calculation unit 23 then stores the "time and temperature graph" and the "time and heat exchange efficiency graph," along with the heat exchange efficiency ηmax, which is a representative heat exchange efficiency for that day, in the storage unit 24 shown in Figure 2, along with the date.

[0123] Thus, the creation of the "time and temperature graph" and the "time and heat exchange efficiency graph" in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step S220 is performed only during the heating step S120, when the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated by the heat exchanger 67 and reaches the first predetermined temperature. For this reason, the creation of the "time and temperature graph" and the "time and heat exchange efficiency graph" is basically performed once a day.

[0124] Note that the heat exchange efficiency ηmax, which is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies ηn for that day, remains almost constant, but the "time and temperature graph" and the "time and heat exchange efficiency graph" can be created multiple times a day.

[0125] As shown in Figure 8(a), the same process is repeated from the next day onward. For example, starting from time t1 when the worker turns on the power to the control panel 31 of the dishwashing machine 30, the temperature of the washing water T1 to T5 is recorded until time t5 when the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 61 reaches a predetermined temperature T5. A "time and temperature graph" for that day is then created. In addition, the heat exchange efficiency ηn between time tn and time tn+1 is calculated for all periods, and a "time and heat exchange efficiency graph" is created showing the time from tn to tn+1 and the heat exchange efficiency ηn.

[0126] Then, a representative heat exchange efficiency ηmax for that day is selected, and the "time and temperature graph," the "time and heat exchange efficiency graph," and the heat exchange efficiency ηmax are stored in the storage unit 24 shown in Figure 2, along with the date, thereby accumulating daily data in the storage unit 24.

[0127] Although it is stated that the interval between time tn and time tn+1 is 10 minutes, this time interval is just an example, and it could be 5 minutes or 20 minutes. Also, although time t5 is shown as the last plot in the "Graph of Time and Temperature," if the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 61 has not reached the first predetermined temperature T5 at time t5, time t6 or later may be used as the last plot.

[0128] As shown in Figure 9, the calculation unit 23 further creates a "Graph of Time and Heat Exchange Efficiency" after the "Graph of Time and Heat Exchange Efficiency" for the first day has been created. From that day onward, the horizontal axis is plotted with the dates dn on which the "Graph of Time and Heat Exchange Efficiency" was recorded, i.e., dates d1, d2, d3, ..., and the vertical axis is plotted with the heat exchange efficiency ηdn, i.e., the heat exchange efficiency ηd1, ηd2, ηd3, ..., which is the representative heat exchange efficiency ηmax for date dn.

[0129] However, in Figure 9, for the sake of readability and ease of overview, the horizontal axis shows the year yn, which represents the last day of the year to which date dn belongs, i.e., years y1, y2, y3, y4, y5, y6, y7, y8, y9, y10 as dates. This is because the heat exchange efficiency ηmax hardly changes over 7 or 30 days. The vertical axis shows the heat exchange efficiency ηyn, which represents the heat exchange efficiency ηy1, ηy2, ηy3, ηy4, ηy5, ηy6, ηy7, ηy8, ηy9, ηy10, on the last day yn of the year to which the heat exchange efficiency ηdn belongs.

[0130] Here, for example, the values ​​are defined as follows:

[0131] The heat exchange efficiency ηn, calculated from the relationship between time tn, tn+1 and the temperature Tn of the washing water in Figure 8(b), can be calculated using the following known formula (1). ηn=Q1 / Q2×100 (calculation formula (1)) Here, ηn: Heat exchange efficiency (%) Q1: Thermal energy (kJ) used for heat exchange in the first water storage tank 61. Q2: Thermal energy (kJ) supplied to heat exchanger 67 That is the case.

[0132] Furthermore, the thermal energy Q1 in calculation formula (1) can be calculated using the following known calculation formula (2). Q1=mcΔT=ρVcΔT (calculation formula (2)) Here, Q1: Thermal energy (kJ) used for heat exchange in the first water storage tank 61. m: Weight (kg) of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 c: Specific heat of water (4.186 kJ / (kg·℃)) ΔT: The temperature difference (°C) obtained by subtracting the temperature of the washing water Tn from the temperature of the washing water Tn+1. ρ: Density of water (997 kg / m³) 3 ) V: Volume of washing water stored in the first water tank (m³) 3 ) That is the case.

[0133] Furthermore, the thermal energy Q2 in calculation formula (1) can be calculated using the following known calculation formula (3). The type of gas used in calculation formula (3) is, for example, 13A. Q2=Qa×Qf×t(calculation formula (3)) Here, Q2: Thermal energy (kJ) supplied to heat exchanger 67 Qa: Thermal energy of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means 66 (45,000 kJ / m³) 3 ) Qf: Flow rate of gas supplied to the gas combustion means 66 (m 3 ( / sec.) t: The time (in seconds) between time tn and time tn+1. That is the case.

[0134] Here, we will explain the predetermined value ηL of the heat exchange efficiency shown in Figures 8(b) and 9.

[0135] The predetermined value ηL of the heat exchange efficiency represents the heat exchange efficiency when the time it takes for the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 67 shown in Figure 5 to heat the wash water stored in the first water storage tank 61 to a predetermined first temperature has increased. This state indicates an abnormal situation such as deformation of the components constituting the heat exchanger 67, obstruction of the supply of air or gas to the gas combustion means 66, blockage of the combustion exhaust gas piping 74, duct 76, etc., which are the discharge paths for combustion exhaust gas from the gas combustion means 66, or malfunction of the gas combustion means 66.

[0136] As shown in Figure 9, between date d1 and year y3, the heat exchange efficiency decreases from ηd1 to ηy3 as the date progresses. This decrease in heat exchange efficiency is due to, as explained as an example, the deposition and adhesion of calcium and other components contained in the cleaning water as scale on the surface of the heat exchanger 67, thereby reducing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 67.

[0137] In this state, the thermal energy of the heat exchanger 67 shown in Figure 5 is not easily transferred to the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61. As a result, the thermal energy from the combustion of oxygen in the air and gas in the gas combustion means 66 becomes trapped inside the heat exchanger 67, causing it to overheat.

[0138] If the heat exchanger 67 is heated more than necessary, the components that make up the heat exchanger 67, such as the copper fins that increase the thermal conductivity of the heat exchanger 67, will deform due to the thermal energy, and a part of the passage through which the combustion exhaust gas flows inside the heat exchanger 67 will become blocked. As a result, the combustion exhaust gas inside the heat exchanger 67 will have difficulty being discharged, and the combustion in the gas combustion means 66 will become incomplete, creating a situation where carbon monoxide is easily generated.

[0139] Therefore, in this invention, maintenance of the dishwashing device 30 is performed when the heat exchange efficiency falls below ηL.

[0140] In Figure 9, the heat exchange efficiency for year y3 is plotted as a line approximately parallel to the vertical axis, and the heat exchange efficiency ηy3 and heat exchange efficiency ηy3' are plotted. This indicates that the heat exchange efficiency ηy3 in year y3 was approximately the same as ηL, and problems arose in continuing to use the dishwashing device 30 in that state. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 67 was restored through maintenance performed as a result of the message transmission step S240 described later, or through the maintenance step S330 described later. Similarly, the heat exchange efficiency between year y5 and year y6, and between year y7 and year y8, is plotted as a line approximately parallel to the vertical axis, representing similar results.

[0141] Even if the heat exchange efficiency of the dishwashing machine 30 is restored through maintenance, it is practically difficult to restore the heat exchange efficiency to the level of ηd1, which was the level immediately after the purchase of the dishwashing machine 30. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency in year y3 recovers to a value lower than ηd1, becoming ηy3'. Similarly, although the heat exchange efficiency is restored through maintenance between years y5 and y6, and between years y7 and y8, the heat exchange efficiency only recovers to a value lower than the heat exchange efficiency ηd1.

[0142] Therefore, after maintenance is performed between years y5 and y6, the number of days between years y7 and y8, which is the date when the heat exchange efficiency next reaches a predetermined value ηL, is shorter than the number of days between years y3 and y5 and y6. Similarly, after maintenance is performed between years y7 and y8, the number of days between years y9 and y10, which is the date when the heat exchange efficiency next reaches a predetermined value ηL, is shorter than the number of days between the date when maintenance was performed between years y5 and y6 and between years y7 and y8.

[0143] Here, we will further explain the predetermined value ηE of the heat exchange efficiency shown in Figure 9.

[0144] The predetermined value ηE for heat exchange efficiency is a heat exchange efficiency that is even lower than the predetermined value ηL for heat exchange efficiency. Leaving this condition unattended can lead to fatal accidents, such as the failure of the heat exchanger 67 or an increase in the carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of oxygen and gas in the air by the gas combustion means 66.

[0145] At a predetermined heat exchange efficiency of ηL, it is unlikely that a fatal accident such as immediate failure of the dishwashing machine 30 would occur if left unattended. However, when the heat exchange efficiency drops to a predetermined value ηE, there is a risk of harm to workers operating the dishwashing machine 30. Therefore, it is necessary to perform maintenance on the dishwashing machine 30 before the heat exchange efficiency drops to the predetermined value ηE. If the heat exchange efficiency of the dishwashing machine 30 actually drops to ηE without maintenance being performed, the dishwashing machine 30 may be stopped and prevented from operating until maintenance is performed.

[0146] Furthermore, between years y9 and y10, the heat exchange efficiency is plotted as a line roughly parallel to the vertical axis, and the heat exchange efficiency has recovered to approximately the same value as ηd1, indicating that the heat exchanger 67 was replaced or the dishwashing device 30 was repurchased.

[0147] In calculation formulas (1) to (3), the heat exchange efficiency is calculated using time tn and time tn+1, and the washing water temperature Tn and temperature Tn+1. However, if a method can be used to determine the heat exchange efficiency with less error, the heat exchange efficiency may be calculated using different times and different temperatures. For example, the heat exchange efficiency may be calculated using time tn and time tn+2, and the washing water temperature Tn and temperature Tn+2, or it may be calculated using time tn and time tn+3, and the washing water temperature Tn and temperature Tn+3.

[0148] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 67 is structured to heat the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 without actively causing it to flow. However, by structuring the first water storage tank 61 and the heat exchanger 67 so that the cleaning water and combustion exhaust gas flow in countercurrent or parallel currents, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 can be heated with higher heat exchange efficiency. In that case, the calculation formula (2) for calculating the thermal energy Q1 can be calculated using a known calculation formula that uses the logarithmic mean temperature difference.

[0149] In this process, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature, and then the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 is drawn in and discharged by the circulation pump 63, flowing sequentially to the first water storage tank 61. However, the timing of starting the circulation pump 63 may be earlier. For example, the circulation pump 63 may be started at the same time that the heat exchanger 67 begins heating the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61. This increases the heat exchange efficiency because the cleaning water is heated by the heat exchanger 67 while being circulated by the circulation pump 63. In this case, V used in calculation formula (2) is the volume (m³) of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 and the main cleaning tank 41. 3 It is preferable to calculate the heat exchange efficiency using the following method:

[0150] (Maintenance timing calculation step) Next, we will explain the maintenance timing calculation step S230, which calculates the maintenance timing based on the heat exchange efficiency calculated in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step S220.

[0151] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step S220 of the maintenance timing notification process S200 due to decreased heat exchange efficiency, the calculation unit 23 of the server 20 creates a "time and temperature graph," a "time and heat exchange efficiency graph," and a "date and heat exchange efficiency graph" from the information transmitted from the control panel 31.

[0152] When the calculation unit 23 creates a "graph of date and heat exchange efficiency" using date d1 and heat exchange efficiency ηd1, and date d2 and heat exchange efficiency ηd2, it derives a function using the date and heat exchange efficiency and calculates the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to the heat exchange efficiency ηE, as shown in Figure 9. The function for calculating the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to the heat exchange efficiency ηE is, for example, a linear function passing through the two points of date d1 and heat exchange efficiency ηd1, and date d2 and heat exchange efficiency ηd2, and the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to ηE is calculated using that linear function. In Figure 9, the graph of that function is shown by a dashed line, and the linear function passing through the two points of date d1 and date d2 is the heat exchange efficiency ηE between year y3 and year y4.

[0153] Furthermore, when the date dn+2 is plotted in addition to dates d1 and d2, it often becomes impossible to derive the function using a linear function. In such cases, an approximate curve or line is used that minimizes the error by least squares, as a function that passes through three or more points: date d1 and the heat exchange efficiency ηd1, date d2 and the heat exchange efficiency ηd2, and date dn+2 and the heat exchange efficiency ηdn+2. Note that a method other than the least squares method may be used to find the approximate curve or line.

[0154] Then, the same function is calculated for dates after date dn+2, and it is represented as a dashed line extending downward from between year y5 and year y6 to between year y6 and year y7, and a dashed line extending downward from between year y7 and year y8 to between year y8 and year y9.

[0155] If the day on which the maintenance timing calculation step S230 is performed is earlier than the "maintenance timing," which is a predetermined period from the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to ηE, for example, a date in June, the maintenance timing calculation step S230 is terminated.

[0156] If the day on which the maintenance timing calculation step S230 is performed is the day of the maintenance or a later date, the process proceeds to the next message sending step S240.

[0157] In step S230, the maintenance timing was set to a predetermined period, for example, June, from the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to drop to ηE. However, a different period, such as March or September, may also be used.

[0158] (Message sending step) Next, as the final step of the maintenance timing notification process S200, we will explain the message sending step S240, which sends the maintenance timing calculated in the maintenance timing calculation step S230 to the maintenance personnel terminal 12.

[0159] The control unit 22 of the server 20 shown in Figure 2 transmits a message via the communication unit 21 to the maintenance terminal 12 held by the maintenance staff of the facility where the dishwashing machine 30 is installed, through the network 10 shown in Figure 1, informing the maintenance staff of the maintenance schedule and recommending that the dishwashing machine 30 be maintained.

[0160] This allows maintenance personnel at the facility where the dishwashing machine 30 is installed to be notified of the maintenance timing before the heat exchange efficiency drops to the heat exchange efficiency ηE, making it easier to adjust the timing of maintenance on the dishwashing machine 30.

[0161] In addition, by foreseeing damage to the heat exchanger 67 or failure of the gas combustion means 66, and prompting maintenance personnel to take appropriate action such as maintenance in advance, accidents caused by carbon monoxide can be prevented. Furthermore, by detecting abnormal situations such as the reason for decreased heat exchange efficiency, for example, obstruction of the supply of air or gas to the gas combustion means 66, blockage of the combustion exhaust gas piping 74, duct 76, etc. which are the discharge paths for combustion exhaust gas from the gas combustion means 66, deformation of the heat exchanger 67 due to overheating, or failure of the gas combustion means 66, the lifespan of the dishwashing machine 30 can be extended by prompting workers to resolve the abnormal situation.

[0162] Then, after sending a message to the maintenance personnel terminal 12 recommending that maintenance be performed on the dishwashing machine 30 and informing the maintenance personnel terminal 12 of the maintenance timing, the message sending step S240 and the maintenance timing notification step S200 are completed.

[0163] The maintenance notification process S200 may be performed after the start of the reheating step S150. In other words, while the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 is heated to a predetermined temperature in the reheating step S150, the temperature of the cleaning water detected by the temperature sensor 61b and the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means 66 detected by the flow rate sensor 65b at predetermined intervals can be transmitted to the control panel 31 at the same time as in the heating step S120. However, if dirt is mixed in with the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61, the heat exchange efficiency may change compared to when clean water is heated in the heating step S120. Even in this case, the heat exchange efficiency can be calculated using a coefficient that takes into account that the reheating step S150 is a reheating step of dirty cleaning water.

[0164] (3) Maintenance process based on oxygen saturation (Oxygen saturation transmission step) Next, we will explain the maintenance process S300 based on oxygen saturation. First, as part of the maintenance process S300 based on oxygen saturation, we will explain the oxygen saturation transmission step S310, in which, after starting the heating step S120, the oxygen saturation of the worker washing dishes using the dishwashing device 30 is detected by the detection communication means 14 worn by the worker and transmitted to the server 20.

[0165] The detection communication means 14 shown in Figure 1 is worn by workers who wash dishes using the dishwashing machine 30. The detection communication means 14 has a detection unit that measures the oxygen saturation level in the wearer's blood, and the detected oxygen saturation level is transmitted to the server 20 via the network 10 at predetermined intervals, for example, every 15 minutes, by the communication unit of the detection communication means 14.

[0166] The oxygen saturation level transmitted to server 20 is sent to the communication unit 21, which is part of server 20 as shown in Figure 2, and is then stored in the storage unit 24 by the control unit 22. The oxygen saturation level stored in the storage unit 24 is then sent to the calculation unit 23.

[0167] When the oxygen saturation level is sent to the calculation unit 23, the calculation unit 23 calculates whether the oxygen saturation level is below a predetermined value, for example, 95%. Generally, the oxygen saturation level in the blood of healthy individuals is said to be between 96% and 99%, so the predetermined value is set to, for example, 95%. However, considering the detection accuracy of the detection communication means 14, it may be set to 95% or higher, or to a value below 95%.

[0168] If the oxygen saturation level is not below a predetermined value, the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 is terminated, and the oxygen saturation maintenance process S300 is terminated.

[0169] If the oxygen saturation level falls below a predetermined value, the system proceeds to the next second alarm step, S320.

[0170] (Second alarm activation step) Next, we will describe the second alarming step S320, which is triggered when the oxygen saturation transmitted to the server 20 in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 falls below a predetermined value.

[0171] In the oxygen saturation transmission step S310, the calculation unit 23 calculates that the oxygen saturation is below a predetermined value. Then, the control unit 22 of the server 20 transmits an alarm signal to the information accumulating device 11 via the network 10 shown in Figure 1 through the communication unit 21. The alarm signal transmitted to the information accumulating device 11 is then transmitted to the control panel 31 of the dishwashing machine 30, which is operated by a worker wearing the detection communication means 14. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the control panel 31 issues an alarm using the alarm means 31a.

[0172] Specifically, the alarm system 31a emits a loud sound and illuminates a rotating light to alert workers using the dishwashing machine 30 to wash dishes, as well as other workers in the surrounding area. In addition to alerting users via the alarm system 31a, an alert message may also be sent to the maintenance personnel terminal 12.

[0173] This allows for the detection and notification of a situation where, if the gas combustion means 66 burns oxygen in the air with gas, combustion exhaust gas containing carbon monoxide at a predetermined concentration or higher is emitted, and that combustion exhaust gas flows into the facility where the dishwashing device 30 is installed, a worker using the dishwashing device 30 to wash dishes is suffering from or at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

[0174] Furthermore, even if a worker using the dishwashing machine 30 to wash dishes becomes impaired due to inhaling air with a carbon monoxide concentration exceeding a predetermined value, the safety of the worker's life can be ensured by someone other than the worker wearing the detection communication means 14, which detects that the oxygen saturation level is below a certain level.

[0175] Furthermore, upon receiving the alarm signal, the control panel 31 may immediately close the valve 65a of the gas supply pipe 65 to stop the supply of gas to the gas combustion means 66, and also stop the supply of air by the fan, thereby stopping the combustion of gas between oxygen in the air and gas in the gas combustion means 66. The system may also be made inoperable until the maintenance step S330, described later, is performed.

[0176] Furthermore, in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310, the detection communication means 14 detects the oxygen saturation of the workers at predetermined intervals, for example every 15 minutes, and transmits it to the server 20. By performing the second alarm step S320 each time, accidents caused by carbon monoxide, which occur during times when workers' attention is likely to decrease, can be prevented regardless of the workers' level of attention.

[0177] Next, we move on to the maintenance step for the S330.

[0178] In addition, the second alarming step S320 is described as an alarm issued by the alarming means 31a after the calculation unit 23 calculates in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 that the oxygen saturation is below a predetermined value, but this is not limited to this. For example, the calculation unit 23 may calculate in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 that the oxygen saturation measured at predetermined time intervals is showing a decreasing trend, and the alarming means 31a may be controlled to issue an alarm before the oxygen saturation concentration falls below a predetermined value.

[0179] As a result, compared to a system that only triggers an alarm when the oxygen saturation concentration falls below a predetermined value, the system can detect at an earlier stage that a worker using the dishwashing machine 30 is at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and notify those around them, thereby more reliably ensuring the safety of the worker's life.

[0180] (Maintenance Steps) At the end of the oxygen saturation maintenance process S300, if the oxygen saturation transmitted to the server 20 in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 falls below a predetermined value, a maintenance step S330 is performed after the second alarm step S320.

[0181] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when an alert is issued by the alerting means 31a in the second alerting step S320, the control unit 22 of the server 20 sends a notification via the communication unit 21 to the management terminal 13 of the maintenance department of the company operating the environmental protection system 1 via the network 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0182] Based on the notification, the maintenance department of the company operating the environmental protection system 1 notifies the facility's maintenance staff that there are workers whose oxygen saturation levels have fallen below a predetermined value, and then performs maintenance on the dishwashing machine 30.

[0183] Maintenance procedures vary depending on the cause of the oxygen saturation falling below a predetermined value. If the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 67 has decreased due to, for example, scale buildup on the surface of the heat exchanger 67, clean water is stored in the first water storage tank 61 shown in Figure 3, citric acid is added to reach a predetermined concentration, the heat exchanger 67 is immersed for a predetermined time, and then cleaned.

[0184] In addition, if the abnormal situation is caused by, for example, deformation of the components constituting the heat exchanger 67, obstruction of the supply of air or gas to the gas combustion means 66, blockage of the exhaust path for combustion exhaust gas from the gas combustion means 66 by an obstacle, or malfunction of the gas combustion means 66, then maintenance corresponding to each case shall be performed.

[0185] Furthermore, if the problem is caused by insufficient ventilation in the facility where the dishwashing machine 30 is installed, maintenance will be performed on the facility's ventilation equipment.

[0186] In this way, the maintenance step S330 detects that the oxygen saturation level has fallen below a predetermined value and sends a notification to the management terminal 13 of the company's maintenance department. This allows for an investigation into the cause of the oxygen saturation level falling below the predetermined value, as well as maintenance of the heat exchanger 67. This enables the foresight of damage to the heat exchanger 67 or failure of the gas combustion means 66, thereby preventing accidents caused by carbon monoxide and restoring heat exchange efficiency.

[0187] Then, after performing the necessary maintenance, the maintenance step S330 and the maintenance process S300 based on oxygen saturation are completed.

[0188] Furthermore, the information accumulating device 11, the control panel 31 connected to the information accumulating device 11, the maintenance personnel terminal 12 connected via the network 10, the management terminal 13, the detection communication means 14, and the server 20 shown in Figure 1 may be one or two or more, as long as the present invention can be implemented.

[0189] Furthermore, the detection communication means 14 may be equipped with an alarm unit that triggers an alarm upon receiving an alarm signal transmitted from the server 20 via the network 10, and the server 20 may also be equipped with a function to transmit an alarm signal to the detection communication means 14 via the network 10.

[0190] As a result, in the second alarming step S320, if the oxygen saturation transmitted to the server 20 via the network 10 in the oxygen saturation transmission step S310 falls below a predetermined value, the safety of the workers can be more reliably ensured, even if the workers have difficulty hearing the alarm issued by the alarming means 31a due to noise at the work site.

[0191] Furthermore, the transmission of an alarm signal to the detection communication means 14 may be made not only to the detection communication means 14 of the worker who detected that the oxygen saturation level had fallen below a predetermined value, but also to the detection communication means 14 of other workers in the facility. This makes it possible to ensure the safety of workers more reliably.

[0192] Furthermore, in the first alarm step S130, if the carbon monoxide concentration detected by the CO sensor 76a shown in Figure 4 is above a predetermined concentration, a function may be added to the control panel 31 shown in Figure 1, which requests the server 20 via the network 10 to send an alarm signal to the detection communication means 14. This ensures worker safety more reliably, even if the carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas flowing into the duct 76 is above a predetermined concentration, and even if the noise at the work site makes it difficult for workers to hear the alarm issued by the alarm means 31a.

[0193] Furthermore, if the server 20 and the control panel 31 can send and receive information from each other, the control panel 31 may not be connected to the information accumulating device 11, but rather connected to the server 20 via the network 10, or the server 20 and the control panel 31 may be directly connected. This eliminates the time required for information accumulating in the information accumulating device 11 and the time required for sending and receiving information via the network 10, allowing for a quick response to accidents caused by carbon monoxide.

[0194] Although it is stated that the alarm activation means 31a should be provided in the control panel 31, it may be provided in any other location as long as it can activate an alarm in the first alarm activation step S130 and the second alarm activation step S320 and notify the worker operating the dishwashing machine 30 of the abnormal situation.

[0195] In this embodiment, cleaning water is stored in the first water storage tank 61 shown in Figure 3 and heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat exchanger 67, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the heat exchanger 67 may be installed inside the cleaning tank 41 to determine the heat exchange efficiency of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 41. In this case, the first water storage tank 61 does not need to be provided, thus simplifying the configuration.

[0196] As shown in Figure 4, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of oxygen and gas in the air by the gas combustion means 66 is discharged through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 71. However, the combustion exhaust gas 74 may also be configured to be discharged into the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 or into the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41.

[0197] As a result, the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41 can be directly heated by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas, which is bubbles B. Compared to the method of heating the cleaning water stored in the second storage tank 71 by gas-liquid contact before flowing it into the main cleaning tank 41, this method suppresses the temperature drop of the cleaning water that occurs when it passes through pipes, etc., and effectively heats the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 41.

[0198] As shown in Figure 4, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of oxygen and gas in the air by the gas combustion means 66 is discharged into the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 71 through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74. However, the configuration may be made without the second heat exchange means 70. In this case, instead of the combustion exhaust gas piping 74, a duct for discharging the combustion exhaust gas generated by the first heat exchange means 60 can be provided, and a CO sensor can be installed in the path of that duct.

[0199] As shown in Figure 4, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of oxygen and gas in the air by the gas combustion means 66 of the first heat exchange means 60 is discharged through the combustion exhaust gas pipe 74 into the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 71 of the second heat exchange means 70. However, the first heat exchange means 60 may be replaced with the second heat exchange means 70.

[0200] In this case, the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustion means 66 is discharged through the combustion exhaust gas piping 74 to the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 61 via multiple holes 74a. The combustion exhaust gas discharged into the cleaning water comes into gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water as bubbles B, heating the cleaning water.

[0201] Figures 8 and 9 are simplified representations to aid understanding and do not reflect detailed fluctuations in values. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that when implementing the present invention, the plotted values ​​will contain some errors.

[0202] The embodiments described above are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or uses. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0203] 1. Environmental Protection System 10 Networks 11. Information Integration Device 12 Maintenance personnel terminal 13 Management terminal 14. Detection and communication means 20 servers 21 Communications Department 22 Control Unit 23 Arithmetic section 24 Holding part 30 Dishwashing equipment 31 Control Panel 31a Method of reporting 32 Outer shell 33 Loading entrance 34 Exit 35 Conveying means 36. First water supply pipe 40 Washing Rooms (Washing Rooms) 41 main washing tanks (tanks) 41a Water level sensor (sensor) 41b Temperature sensor (sensor) 41c Overflow piping 42 Cleaning pumps (pumps) 43 Cleaning Pipes 44 cleaning nozzles 45. Second water supply pipe 45a valve 50 Finishing rinsing room (washing room) 51 Finishing rinse piping 51a Valve 52 Finishing rinse nozzle 53 Fluid section 60 First heat exchange means (heat exchange means) 61. First water storage tank (tank) 61a Water level sensor (sensor) 61b Temperature sensor (sensor) 61c Overflow section 62 Circulation piping 63 Circulation pump (pump) 64 First supply piping 65 Gas supply pipe 65a valve 65b Flow sensor (sensor) 66 Gas combustion means 67 Heat exchanger 70 Second heat exchange means (heat exchange means) 71. Second water storage tank (tank) 71a Water level sensor (sensor) 71b Temperature sensor (sensor) 72 Third water supply pipe 72a valve 73 Second supply piping 73a valve 74 Combustion exhaust gas piping 74a hole 75 Discharge port 76 Duct 76a CO sensor (sensor) B. Bubbles (combustion exhaust gas) W Items to be washed S100 Cleaning process of the object to be cleaned S110 Water storage step S120 Heating step S130 First alarm step S140 Cleaning Step S150 Reheating Step S200 Maintenance Schedule Notification Process S210 Server Sending Step S220 Heat exchange efficiency calculation step S230 Maintenance Interval Calculation Steps S240 Message Sending Step S300 Maintenance process based on oxygen saturation S310 Oxygen saturation transmission step S320 Second alarm activation step S330 Maintenance Steps

Claims

1. A method for protecting the environment inside a facility where a dishwashing machine that uses washing water to wash dishes is installed, A heating step involves heating the cleaning water stored in a first water storage tank to a predetermined temperature by performing heat exchange using combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air using a gas combustion means, which is a heat exchange means, and detecting the temperature of the cleaning water to be heated and the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means multiple times at predetermined intervals. A server transmission step that transmits to a server information on the temperature of the heated cleaning water detected multiple times at predetermined intervals during the heating step, information on the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means, information on the date and time when the temperature of the cleaning water and the flow rate of the gas were detected, and information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank. A heat exchange efficiency calculation step in which, based on the information transmitted in the server transmission step, the server calculates the heat exchange efficiency for predetermined time intervals using the combustion exhaust gas, and for each date on which the temperature of the washing water and the flow rate of the gas are detected, selects a representative heat exchange efficiency that is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies for predetermined time intervals belonging to that date, A maintenance timing calculation step, which calculates a date on which the representative heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to a predetermined heat exchange efficiency requiring maintenance of the heat exchange means, from a plurality of combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and the date to which the representative heat exchange efficiency belongs, calculated in the heat exchange efficiency calculation step, Includes, A message transmission step is performed to send the date on which the heat exchange efficiency is predicted to decrease to the predetermined level, calculated in the maintenance timing calculation step, to the maintenance personnel terminal of the facility where the dishwashing device is installed, a predetermined period before that date. An environmental conservation method characterized by the following:

2. In the heating step, the carbon monoxide concentration of the combustion exhaust gas generated by burning oxygen and gas in the air using a gas combustion means is detected by a CO sensor. Following the heating step, if the carbon monoxide concentration detected by the CO sensor is above a predetermined concentration, a first alarm step is performed in which an alarm is triggered by the alarm triggering means. The environmental conservation method according to feature 1.

3. After the heating step is started, an oxygen saturation transmission step is performed in which the oxygen saturation level of the worker washing dishes using the dishwashing machine is detected at predetermined intervals and the oxygen saturation level is transmitted to the server. Following the oxygen saturation transmission step, a second alarm step is performed in which, if the oxygen saturation falls below a predetermined value, an alarm signal is transmitted from the server, and the alarm means issues an alarm. The environmental conservation method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A dishwashing device comprising: a first water storage tank and a main washing tank for storing washing water; a gas combustion means for generating combustion exhaust gas by burning oxygen and gas in the air; a heat exchanger for heating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank by performing heat exchange using the combustion exhaust gas; and a first supply pipe for flowing the washing water stored in the first water storage tank, heated by the heat exchanger, to the main washing tank to heat the washing water stored in the main washing tank, wherein the heated washing water stored in the main washing tank is sucked in and discharged by a pump and sprayed onto the dishes to wash the dishes. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the washing water heated by the heat exchanger multiple times at predetermined intervals, A flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the gas supplied to the gas combustion means multiple times at predetermined intervals, A control panel that holds information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, and is connected to the temperature sensor and the flow rate sensor, and transmits information on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, information on the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank as detected by the temperature sensor, information on the gas flow rate as detected by the flow rate sensor, and information on the date and time when the temperature of the cleaning water and the gas flow rate were detected. A server that receives the information from the control panel, calculates the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger based on the volume of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank, the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank detected by the temperature sensor, and the gas flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, selects a representative heat exchange efficiency that is the maximum value among the heat exchange efficiencies belonging to each date for which the temperature of the cleaning water and the gas flow rate were detected, and calculates a date on which the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is predicted to decrease to a predetermined value requiring maintenance, based on multiple combinations of the representative heat exchange efficiency and the date. A maintenance staff terminal held by the maintenance staff of the facility where the aforementioned dishwashing device is installed, Equipped with, The control panel, the server, and the maintenance personnel terminal are connected via a network. The server transmits to the maintenance personnel terminal the date on which the representative heat exchange efficiency is expected to decrease to the predetermined value, a predetermined period before that date. An environmental protection system characterized by the following features.

5. A second water storage tank for storing the cleaning water, A combustion exhaust gas piping discharges combustion exhaust gas into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank, and heats the cleaning water by heat exchange through gas-liquid contact, A CO sensor detects the carbon monoxide concentration in the combustion exhaust gas, which is discharged from the aforementioned combustion exhaust gas piping and whose temperature has decreased due to heat exchange by gas-liquid contact, and transmits the carbon monoxide concentration to the control panel. An alarm means that, when the carbon monoxide concentration transmitted from the CO sensor to the control panel exceeds a predetermined concentration, alerts the surroundings to an abnormal situation, A second supply pipe heats the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank by flowing the cleaning water, which has been heated by heat exchange through gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas, into the main cleaning tank. Furthermore, it is equipped with The environmental protection system according to feature 4.

6. A detection communication means comprising: a sensor worn by an employee washing dishes using a dishwashing machine to detect the employee's oxygen saturation level at predetermined intervals; and a communication unit that transmits the employee's oxygen saturation level detected by the sensor to a server at predetermined intervals; An alarm means that triggers an alarm signal transmitted from the server to the control panel to notify the surroundings of an abnormal situation, Furthermore, The server has a function to send an alarm signal to the control panel when the oxygen saturation level of a worker, as transmitted from the communication unit, falls below a predetermined value. The environmental protection system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the features described above.

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