JP2002085036A - Cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning machine capable of reducing the damage of vegetables and having enough sterilizing power to make fresh vegetables and fruits capable edible. SOLUTION: This cleaning machine is provided by installing rotary nozzles 25, 26 for ejecting tap water at the upper and lower part of a cleaning chamber, arranging a cleaning basket 31 having a cylindrical shape and swinging by the weight of water in the middle of the above cleaning chamber and light sources 29 irradiating an ultraviolet light having <=380 nm wave length a the left and right of the above cleaning basket 31 and installing a photo-catalyst part 30 on the inner wall surface of a U-shaped blocking plate 28 arranged as covering the above light source 29.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing cut vegetables and fruits for salads to be eaten raw.
In particular, the present invention relates to a water-saving type cleaning / sterilizing apparatus which does not use a special agent and has a high sterilizing effect.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for sterilizing fresh food materials such as vegetables, a swirling flow is generated by storing ozone water in a washing tank as disclosed in JP-A-9-19376. There has been known an apparatus for cleaning the same.

[0003] This conventional food cleaning apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the food cleaning device. 1 is a washing tank, 2 is a washing liquid for washing food, the washing liquid 2 is usually tap water, a washing liquid supply pipe 3 is provided on a side wall of the washing tank 1, and a washing liquid discharge pipe 4 is provided on a bottom of the washing tank 1. Have been.

The cleaning liquid supply pipe 3 and the cleaning liquid discharge pipe 4 are provided with solenoid valves 5 and 6 for controlling supply and discharge, respectively. Reference numeral 7 denotes an injector for injecting the cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a liquid pump for conveying the cleaning liquid 2,
The jet body 7 is arranged on the side wall of the cleaning tank 1 so as to be located below the level of the cleaning liquid 2.

The jet 7 and the liquid pump 8, and the cleaning tank 1 and the liquid pump 8 are connected by cleaning liquid transfer pipes 9 and 10, respectively. The swirling flow generating means for generating a swirling flow in the cleaning liquid 2 includes an injector 7, a liquid pump 8, a cleaning liquid transport pipe 9,
10.

Further, reference numeral 11 denotes an ozone generator, which is configured to supply the generated ozone to the cleaning tank 1 by a gas pump 12 and a gas transport pipe 13 for transporting gas and ozone. Reference numeral 14 denotes an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes when ozone is supplied and stopped.

In the above arrangement, when a control section (not shown) issues a cleaning start signal after the food such as vegetables is put into the cleaning tank 1, the electromagnetic valve 5 on the cleaning liquid supply side is opened and the cleaning liquid 2 is opened. Is supplied to the washing tank 1, and when the required amount is reached, the electromagnetic valve 5 is closed and the supply is stopped.

Next, the liquid pump 8 and the ozone generator 11,
The gas pump 12 and the electromagnetic valve 14 operate simultaneously, and the ozone generated by the ozone generator 11 is injected by the gas pump 12 through the gas transport pipe 13 into the cleaning liquid 2 in the cleaning tank 1, and is injected into the cleaning tank 1. As a result, a swirling flow is generated, and food such as vegetables is washed with a washing liquid containing ozone.

When a predetermined cleaning time has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 6 is opened and the cleaning liquid 2 is discharged.

[0010] Therefore, contaminants such as bacteria and pesticides attached to food such as vegetables can be removed, and the cells of the food can be rehydrated and freshness can be revived. .

[0011]

However, in the food cleaning apparatus having the above structure, since the cleaning liquid is ozone water, ozone gas is scattered from the water surface of the cleaning liquid into the air.
Therefore, there has been a problem that an unpleasant smell of ozone or unpleasant feeling is caused. In addition, since the tissue of fruits and vegetables is easily damaged, there is a problem that browning easily occurs after washing and the shelf life is poor.

Further, since the whole object to be cleaned must be completely immersed in the cleaning liquid, a large amount of water is required.

[0013] Further, since the whole food such as vegetables to be washed is constantly immersed in the washing solution, there is a problem that nutrients of foods such as vitamin C flow out into the washing solution more than necessary. Was.

According to the present invention, in the washing of foods, particularly in the washing and sterilization of fruits and vegetables, it is possible to obtain a bactericidal effect which is safer than before and can be carried out with a small amount of a washing liquid without using a special agent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of minimizing outflow of nutrients such as nutrients.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a cleaning machine according to the present invention comprises a cleaning chamber, a cleaning space at the top of the cleaning chamber, and a water storage tank at the bottom for storing a cleaning liquid. A washing nozzle provided on at least one of the surface and the upper part of the water tank, a washing space formed in the middle of the washing chamber, and a rotatable cylindrical washing basket arranged in the washing space;
A light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less on both left and right sides of the cleaning basket, and a U-shaped shielding plate provided to cover the light source and open up and down, and the left and right shielding plates A photocatalyst member is provided on the inner wall surface, and a water receiving tray and a balancer for keeping the water receiving tray horizontal are disposed on the circumference of the cleaning basket, and the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is circulated into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle. The cleaning liquid is brought into contact with the shielding plate by being sprayed, and the cleaning basket naturally swings by the weight of the cleaning liquid stored in the water receiving tray.

[0016] Thereby, the washing product can be washed evenly and efficiently, a high sterilizing effect can be obtained with a small amount of washing solution, and when the washing product is a fruit or vegetable, the outflow of nutrients such as vitamin C is minimized. It is something that can be done.

A washing chamber; a washing space at an upper part of the washing chamber; a washing tank at a bottom part for storing a washing liquid; and a washing nozzle provided on at least one of a top surface of the washing chamber and an upper part of the washing tank. A washing space formed in the middle of the washing space, a rotatable cylindrical washing basket disposed in the washing space, a light source emitting ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less on both left and right sides of the washing basket, and covering the light source. And a light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less in the water storage tank, wherein a photocatalyst member is provided on the inner wall surfaces of the shielding plates on both the left and right sides. A photocatalyst member is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank, and the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is circulated and injected into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle.

As a result, the opportunity for the circulating cleaning liquid to come into contact with the photocatalyst and ultraviolet rays is greatly increased, and the water tank and the cleaning liquid being jetted are efficiently sterilized, and the sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid is maintained. it can.

The photocatalyst member has a corrugated plate shape, and is formed by fixing a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component to a dull-finished stainless steel plate.

As a result, the contact area is large, the adhesion strength of the photocatalyst is increased, and a photocatalytic film having a large specific surface area is formed, so that a high photocatalytic activity is obtained, and the water tank and the washing liquid being sprayed are efficiently sterilized. In other words, the sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid can be maintained.

The photocatalyst member is formed by spraying ceramics on the surface of a corrosion-resistant metal material such as stainless steel and fixing a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component on the upper surface thereof.

As a result, the adhesion strength of the photocatalyst is increased, the water resistance is improved, and a photocatalytic film having a large specific surface area is formed, so that a high photocatalytic activity is obtained, and the water tank and the cleaning liquid being sprayed are more efficiently sterilized. Will be
The sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid can be further maintained.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention can be carried out by adopting the constitutions described in the claims. However, in order to make it easier to grasp the embodiments, the constitutions and the functions of the constitutions will be described below. .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning chamber, a cleaning space at an upper part of the cleaning chamber, and a water tank for storing a cleaning liquid at a bottom part, and at least one of a top surface of the cleaning chamber and an upper part of the water tank. A washing nozzle formed in the middle of the washing chamber; a rotatable cylindrical washing basket disposed in the washing space;
A light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 80 nm or less;
It consists of a U-shaped shielding plate provided to cover the light source and opened up and down, provided with a photocatalyst member on the inner wall surface of the shielding plate on both the left and right sides, a water receiving tray and a water tray on the circumference of the cleaning basket. Arrange a balancer that keeps the water tray horizontal,
The cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is circulated and injected into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle so that the cleaning liquid comes into contact with the shielding plate, and the cleaning basket naturally swings with the weight of the cleaning liquid stored in the water receiving tray. Since the items to be cleaned in the cleaning basket are evenly and efficiently cleaned and the cleaning solution is constantly sterilized during the cleaning, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the sterilizing power of the cleaning solution. Can be sterilized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning chamber, a cleaning space at an upper portion of the cleaning chamber, and a water tank for storing a cleaning liquid at a bottom portion, and at least one of a top surface of the cleaning chamber and an upper part of the water tank. A cleaning nozzle provided; a cleaning space formed in the middle of the cleaning chamber; a rotatable cylindrical cleaning basket disposed in the cleaning space;
A light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 80 nm or less;
A U-shaped shielding plate provided so as to cover the light source and having an open top and bottom, and a photocatalyst member provided on inner wall surfaces of the shielding plates on both the left and right sides, and further, ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 380 nm or less in the water storage tank. A light source that emits light, and a photocatalyst member is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank, and the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is configured to be circulated and jetted into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle. The chance of contact is greatly increased, so that the water tank and the cleaning liquid being sprayed are efficiently sterilized, and the sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid can be maintained for a long time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the photocatalyst member is corrugated, the surface area of the cleaning solution in contact with the photocatalyst and the surface area for receiving ultraviolet rays from the light source are increased, and furthermore, the sterilizing power and Organic matter decomposition ability can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, since the photocatalyst member is a member in which a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component is fixed to a dull-finished stainless steel plate, the photocatalyst has high adhesion and a large specific surface area. Since the film is formed, it is possible to efficiently sterilize food-borne germs such as fruits and vegetables washed out in the washing liquid and to efficiently decompose residual agricultural chemicals.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the photocatalyst member is a member obtained by spraying ceramics on the surface of a corrosion-resistant metal material such as stainless steel and then fixing a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component on the upper surface. Therefore, the adhesion strength of the photocatalyst is increased, the water resistance is improved, and a photocatalytic film having a large specific surface area is formed, so that a high photocatalytic activity is obtained, and the water tank and the cleaning liquid being sprayed are more efficiently sterilized. As a result, the sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid can be further maintained.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a washing machine 1 of the present invention.
5 is a sectional view showing the configuration of FIG. 5, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance. The washing machine 15 is provided with a hermetically sealed box 17 made of stainless steel and the like having an openable and closable door 16 on the front surface, and a cleaning liquid supply source (not shown) on the upstream side. Here, the washing liquid supply source is a tap water source, and the washing machine 15 is described as a washing machine for fruits and vegetables.

That is, the washing machine 15 is a so-called water supply direct connection type, is connected to a water tap (not shown) by a conduit 18 such as a vinyl chloride pipe, and controls the stop of supply of tap water by opening and closing a solenoid valve 19. .

The cleaning chamber 20 inside the closed box 17
Is composed of a storage unit 21, a water storage unit 23 at the bottom of the storage unit 21, which serves as a water storage tank for tap water 22 as a cleaning liquid, and a machine room 24 below the water storage unit 23.

Further, tap water 22 is placed on the top surface of the washing chamber 20.
A rotary nozzle 25 is provided for initially injecting water and spraying during washing, and a rotary nozzle 26 for absorbing and spraying a predetermined amount of tap water 22 stored above the water storage section 23 at the bottom. The upper and lower spray rotary nozzles 25 and 26 are provided with a plurality of spray ports 25a and 26a, respectively, for spraying the cleaning liquid at a fixed angle.

The rotary nozzle 2 on the bottom of the cleaning chamber 20
A net shelf 27 is attached to the upper part of the rack 6, and a U-shaped shielding plate 28 is provided on both left and right sides of the net shelf 27 as shown in the sectional view of the main part of FIG. It is arranged so as to surround the light source 29. The light source 29
Is a waterproof type running water germicidal lamp which is detachable from the back surface and irradiates light having a wavelength of 254 nm.

Further, a corrugated photocatalyst member 30 is provided inside the shielding plate 28. The photocatalyst member 30 is shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 7, a photocatalyst 30c containing titanium dioxide as a main component is applied to a dull finished surface 30b of a dull finished stainless steel plate 30a having fine irregularities formed on the surface by a roller or the like, and then baked and fixed.

A washing basket 31 with a cylindrical rotatable lid is provided at the center of the washing chamber 20, and its rotating shaft 31 a is fixed to the shielding plate 28.

The washing basket 31 is provided with a water receiving tray 32 and a balancer 32 for keeping the water receiving tray 32 horizontal on the circumference of the cleaning basket 31, as shown in the sectional view of the main part of FIG.
a, the shower water sprayed from the top surface and the bounce water from the wall are accumulated and the tap water (cleaning liquid) 22 is rotated and tilted by the weight of the stored tap water. Water is spilled out of the balancer 32a, and the water tray 32 is returned to its original position again by the weight of the balancer 32a, and the washing basket 31 swings by repeating this operation.

The shielding plate 28 is provided at a height such that strong ultraviolet rays from the light source 29 do not directly hit the fruits and vegetables 33 in the washing basket 31.

In the machine room 24, a water pump 34 for sucking and pumping the tap water 22 stored in the upper and lower rotary nozzles 25 and 26 and a control circuit board 35 for controlling a series of washing operations are provided. Is provided.

Further, a three-way electric valve 36 is provided in front of the rotary nozzle 25 on the top surface and the rotary nozzle 26 on the bottom surface, respectively.
37 is provided, and the upper and lower rotary nozzles 25 and 26 are connected to each other by a conduit 38 via these three-way electric valves 36 and 37.

The rotary nozzle 25 on the top surface and the three-way electric valve 36 are connected by a conduit 39, and the rotary nozzle 26 on the bottom surface and the three-way electric valve 37 are connected by a conduit 40.

The two three-way electric valves 36, 37
Is controlled by a signal from the control circuit board 35, so that the tap water 22 absorbed from the suction port 41 provided on the bottom surface 23a of the water storage tank 23 flows through the conduit 38 side. Is configured such that the rotary nozzle 25 on the top surface rotates by jetting water, and the rotary nozzle 26 on the bottom surface similarly rotates when water is supplied to the conduit 40 side.

Further, an operation button 42 and a cleaning mode selection button 43 for selecting the number of cleanings and the cleaning time are provided on the front surface of the closed box 17.

The fruit and vegetable washing machine 15 configured as described above
1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the fruits and vegetables 33 such as vegetables and fruits are already stored in the washing machine 15.
The door 16 on the front of the washing machine 15 shown in FIG. 2 is opened, and the rotating shaft 31 a of the washing basket 31 is inserted into a predetermined position of the shielding plate 28 to store the washing basket in the washing room 20.

When the door 16 is closed after being stored, it becomes operable, and the operation button 42 provided on the front of the closed box 17 is provided.
Is pressed, the solenoid valve 19 is opened by an electric signal for starting the cleaning from the control circuit board 35, and the tap water is supplied from the conduit 18 to the three-way valve 36 and the top-side rotary nozzle 25.
A fixed amount is supplied to the cleaning chamber 20 through the cleaning chamber 20.

That is, a predetermined amount of tap water 22 as a washing liquid is stored in the water storage section 23 while being poured in a shower shape onto the stored fruits and vegetables 33.

When a predetermined amount is reached,
The solenoid valve 19 is controlled by a signal from the control circuit board 35.
Are closed, and the two three-way electric valves 36 and 37 are closed.
Are opened and closed to establish a flow path state in which the tap water 22 flows toward the conduit 38.

Next, the water supply pump 34 is operated in conjunction with this, and the tap water 22 in the water storage unit 23 is pressure-fed from the suction port 41 to the rotary nozzle 25 on the top surface as shown by the arrow A, and The rotating nozzle 25 on the top surface rotates while the tap water 22 is vigorously jetted downward from the port 25a. Then, bacteria and mold attached to the surface of the fruits and vegetables 33 are washed away with the jet water of the tap water 22 to remove the bacteria.

The light source 29 is turned on almost simultaneously with the above-mentioned ejection operation, and ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 254 nm is irradiated. Then, the photocatalyst 30c on the surface of the photocatalyst member 30 disposed on the shielding plate 28 of the cleaning chamber 20 is excited to generate hydroxyl radicals or superoxide anions as shown in the reaction formulas (Chem. 1) and (Chem. 2). Generates reactive oxygen radical species.

[0051]

Embedded image

[0052]

Embedded image

Then, the tap water 22 is constantly sterilized during washing by these active oxygen radical species.

Further, when cleaning of the top surface by the rotary nozzle 25 is completed for a predetermined time, the three-way electric valve 36 is closed, and this time the three-way electric valve 37 is opened and closed so as to guide the tap water 22 to the conduit 40. In operation, the tap water 22 sucked in as shown by the arrow B is sent to the rotary nozzle 26 on the bottom surface by pressure.

As a result, the rotating nozzle 26 on the bottom is rotated while vigorously blowing up tap water 22, and the fruits and vegetables 33 are washed and disinfected from below. After the cleaning, the cleaning liquid is drained from a drain pipe (not shown). Normally, the washing is completed once for each of the upper and lower sides.

However, when the continuous cleaning mode is selected by the operation button 42 and the cleaning mode selection button 43 shown in FIG. 2, the solenoid valve 19 is again activated by the signal from the control circuit board 35 after the aforementioned drainage. Open the tap water 22
And a cleaning operation is started. And
The operation is controlled so that the fruits and vegetables 33 are washed a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time by repeatedly storing and draining the tap water 22.

As described above, when the shower water jetted from the top surface or the water splashed from the wall accumulates in the water receiving tray 32 of the cleaning basket 31 during the cleaning, the weight of the stored tap water (cleaning liquid) 22 is applied. The washing basket 31 rotates and tilts,
Next, water is spilled from the water receiving tray 32a, and the water receiving tray 32 returns to its original position again by the weight of the balancer 32a. By repeating this operation, the washing basket 31 swings.

As a result, the tap water (washing liquid) 22 is uniformly showered on the fruits and vegetables 33 placed in the washing basket 31.

Since the photocatalyst 30c is excited by light in the ultraviolet region of 380 nm or less, the light source 29 may be a black light that emits light having a wavelength of about 330 nm to 370 nm. In addition, general fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of light in the ultraviolet range, so that functions such as sterilizing power are reduced, but they can be used. However, it is indispensable to use waterproof specifications.

Therefore, the washing machine 15 has the following effects.

As a result of a study by a washing experiment, it was found that the use of the washing machine 15 of the present invention provides a high washing and disinfecting effect equivalent to the use of ozone water, and the damage of tissues such as fruits and vegetables, especially cut vegetables. It turned out to be less.

An example of the cleaning and sterilizing effect will be described below.

The washing machine 15 accommodates 100 g of cut lettuce cut into approximately 5 cm squares. Ozone water having an ozone concentration of 0.35 mg / liter in water and a tap water having a free residual chlorine concentration of 0.6 ppm are stored as washing liquid. A comparison of the bactericidal effect when 3 liters of water were stored in each case and washing was repeated twice for 5 minutes showed that the same bactericidal effect was obtained for general bacteria and coliform bacteria, and both had a bactericidal rate of 99% or more. Was.

Therefore, if the photocatalyst 30c is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the tap water 22 can be used as a cleaning liquid having the same sterilizing effect as ozone water. In addition, there was obtained an effect that the cut lettuce surface was less damaged and the browning after storage was clearly less than that in the case of washing with ozone water.

When the cut lettuce was washed, freshness was maintained only after the washing.

Further, immediately after cleaning, the cleaning chamber 20
When the negative ion inside was measured, it was about 20,000
It was found that negative ions were generated at a rate of 個 / cm ³ . This phenomenon is caused by the collision of water, which is generally called the Leonard effect.

Incidentally, if the measurement during the washing was possible, it was considered that a larger amount of negative ions had been generated.

Of course, these sterilizing effects and freshness maintaining effects are due to the synergistic effect of the physical detergency of the jet water from the upper and lower rotary nozzles 25, 26, the photoactive action of the photocatalyst 30c and the negative ions. It is considered to be.

The bactericidal effect is achieved by washing the cut lettuce with a commonly used high-concentration sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution (recommended to wash at 100 ppm for 10 minutes or 200 ppm for 5 minutes). It has the same bactericidal effect.

Further, the cut vegetables and the like washed with sodium hypochlorite have a large damage to the tissue, so that the browning during storage is severe and the destruction of vitamin C is large. In this case, it was found that the browning was very slight and that the loss of vitamin C was less than about 20 to 30%.

In addition, a commonly used high-concentration sodium hypochlorite generally has a residual property, and trihalomethane, which is said to be a carcinogen, may be produced by reaction with an organic substance. After washing and sterilization, sufficient water washing is indispensable, and a large amount of purified water is used.

On the other hand, if the washing method of this embodiment is used, a relatively small amount of tap water can be used, and water can be saved, so that it is economical and a small amount of pesticide residue attached to fruits and vegetables can be obtained. Can be decomposed on the surface of the photocatalyst 30c, which is extremely safe.

Further, since there is no unpleasant odor of ozone or strong chlorine odor of sodium hypochlorite, it is possible to provide an extremely safe working environment for workers.

Further, since the ultraviolet rays do not directly hit the fruits and vegetables 33 by the shielding plate 28, the fruits and vegetables 33 can be prevented from being damaged by the ultraviolet rays.

Further, since the photocatalyst member 30 is corrugated, the surface area of the tap water (washing liquid) 22 in contact with the photocatalyst 30c and the surface area for receiving ultraviolet rays from the light source 29 increase, so that sterilization is further increased. Strength and ability to decompose organic substances can be improved.

Further, the photocatalyst member 30 is formed by forming a dull-finished stainless steel plate 30a on the photocatalyst 3 containing titanium oxide as a main component.
0c is a fixed member, so that a photocatalytic film having high adhesion and a large specific surface area is formed, so that it is possible to efficiently sterilize food-borne germs such as fruits and vegetables washed out in the washing solution or to remove residual bacteria. Pesticides can be decomposed efficiently.

(Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Embodiment 1
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine 44 according to the second embodiment.
Two light sources 45 and the photocatalyst member 4
6 and the configuration of the photocatalyst member 46 is different.

As shown in FIG. 7, the photocatalyst member 46 is formed by spraying ceramics 46b containing alumina, silica, or the like on the surface of a stainless steel plate 46a, and then forming titanium oxide on the upper surface of the ceramics 46b. Is fixed.

In the thermal spraying of the ceramics 46b, the ceramics is instantaneously heated to a molten state at a high temperature of about 3000 ° C., and is colliding with the stainless steel plate 46a at a high speed so as to have a specific surface area of about 10 to 300 μm in thickness. Form a large coating.

As the thermal spraying method, a low-temperature thermal spraying method using a gas combustion flame may be used. In this case, it is possible to use plastics instead of the stainless steel plate 46a as the base material.

Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the circulating cleaning liquid 22 is supplied to the photocatalysts 30 c and 46 c and the light source 2.
The opportunity to come into contact with ultraviolet rays radiated from 9 and 45 is greatly increased, so that the water reservoir 23 and the tap water 22 being jetted are efficiently sterilized, and the sterilizing effect of the tap water 22 is maintained. it can.

The stainless steel plate 46a and ceramics 46b, and the ceramics 46b and photocatalyst 4
6c has high adhesion strength, so water resistance is improved,
Since a photocatalytic film having a large specific surface area is formed, a high photocatalytic activity is obtained, and the water storage portion 23 and the tap water 22 being sprayed are provided.
Is more efficiently disinfected, and the disinfection effect of the tap water 22 and the decomposition effect of organic substances can be further maintained.

The common effects of the above-described embodiments include a harmful substance such as trihalomethane, which is a carcinogen contained in a small amount in tap water generated by the reaction between residual chlorine and organic substances, and the surface of the fruits and vegetables 33. It also has the effect of decomposing small amounts of pesticides, which are believed to be attached to the soil, to render them harmless.

In addition to the fact that ozone water is not produced as compared with the conventional example, it is economical, and the ozone production time and the ozone decomposition time are not required, so that the cleaning time can be shortened as a whole, and there is an effect that browning etc. Reduces damage to fruits and vegetables.

Further, since there is no unpleasant odor of ozone or strong chlorine odor of sodium hypochlorite, it is possible to provide an extremely safe working environment for workers.

The upper and lower rotary nozzles 25 and 26 may be of a fixed type.

The light sources 29 and 45 and the photocatalyst member 3
Reference numerals 0 and 46 denote the light source 45 and the photocatalyst member 4 only in the water storage section 23.
6 may be provided.

The washing machines 15, 44 of the present invention are not limited to washing fruits and vegetables. Further, instead of thawing of seafood such as shrimp and the like in running water, the washing machine of the present invention can also be used to automatically and hygienically and automatically thaw.

[0090]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cleaning chamber, the upper part of the cleaning chamber is a cleaning space, and the bottom part is a water storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid. A cleaning nozzle provided in at least one of the upper parts of the tank, a cleaning space formed in the middle of the cleaning chamber, a rotatable cylindrical cleaning basket disposed in the cleaning space, and 380 nm or less on both left and right sides of the cleaning basket. A light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of, and a U-shaped shielding plate provided to cover the light source and open up and down, and provided with a photocatalyst member on inner wall surfaces of the shielding plates on both the left and right sides, A water receiving tray and a balancer for keeping the water receiving tray horizontal are arranged on the circumference of the cleaning basket, and the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is circulated and injected into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle, so that the cleaning liquid is supplied to the shielding plate. Contact and front The cleaning basket swings naturally with the weight of the cleaning liquid stored in the water tray, so that the items to be cleaned in the cleaning basket are evenly and efficiently cleaned and the cleaning liquid during cleaning is constantly sterilized. In this state, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the sterilizing power of the cleaning solution, so that it can be sterilized with a small amount of the cleaning solution. Organic substances can be decomposed and made harmless. In addition, it is possible to avoid damage to food such as fruits and vegetables due to the sterilization line.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the cleaning chamber, the upper part of the cleaning chamber is a cleaning space, the bottom part is a water tank for storing the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning chamber is provided on at least one of the top surface and the upper part of the water tank. A cleaning nozzle, a cleaning space formed in the middle of the cleaning chamber, a rotatable cylindrical cleaning cage disposed in the cleaning space, and 380 nm on both left and right sides of the cleaning basket.
A light source that emits ultraviolet light having the following wavelengths, and a U-shaped shielding plate provided to cover the light source and open up and down are provided, and a photocatalyst member is provided on inner wall surfaces of the shielding plates on both the left and right sides. Further, a light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less in the water storage tank, and a photocatalyst member provided at the bottom of the water storage tank, and the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is circulated and injected into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle. Therefore, the opportunity for the circulating cleaning liquid to come into contact with the photocatalyst and ultraviolet rays is greatly increased, and the cleaning liquid in the water tank and the jet is efficiently sterilized, and the sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid can be maintained for a long time. it can.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the photocatalyst member is corrugated, the surface area of the cleaning solution in contact with the photocatalyst and the surface area for receiving ultraviolet rays from the light source are increased, and furthermore, the sterilizing power and the decomposition of organic substances are increased. Improve ability.

According to the fourth aspect, the photocatalyst member is
Since the photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as the main component is fixed to a dull-finished stainless steel sheet, a photocatalytic film with high adhesion and a large specific surface area is formed, so foods such as fruits and vegetables washed out in the cleaning solution It is possible to efficiently sterilize attached germs and efficiently decompose pesticide residues.

According to claim 5, the photocatalyst member is
Since the surface of a corrosion-resistant metal material such as stainless steel is sprayed with ceramic and a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as the main component is fixed on the upper surface, the adhesion strength of the photocatalyst is increased and the water resistance is improved. Since a photocatalytic film with a large surface area is formed, high photocatalytic activity is obtained,
The cleaning liquid being sprayed into the water storage tank and the jet is more efficiently sterilized, and the sterilizing effect of the cleaning liquid can be further maintained.

According to the present invention, not only washing of food but also thawing of seafood such as shrimp and the like can be used instead of running water thawing, and automatic thawing can be performed hygienically and efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a cleaning machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of a shield plate of the washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of a photocatalyst member of the washing machine.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of a washing basket of the washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a cleaning machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a main part of a photocatalyst member of the washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional food cleaning device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 15, 44 Washing machine 16 Door 20 Washing room 22 Tap water (washing liquid) 23 Water reservoir (water tank) 25, 26 Rotating nozzle 28 Shielding plate 29, 45 Light source 30, 46 Photocatalyst member 30a Dull-finished stainless steel plate 30c, 46c Photocatalyst 31 Cleaning basket 32 Water tray 32a Balancer

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A washing chamber, a washing nozzle having an upper part of the washing chamber as a washing space, and a bottom part as a water tank for storing a washing liquid, the washing nozzle being provided on at least one of a top surface of the washing chamber and an upper part of the water tank, A washing space formed in the middle of the washing space, a rotatable cylindrical washing basket disposed in the washing space, a light source emitting ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less on both left and right sides of the washing basket, and covering the light source. A photocatalyst member is provided on the inner wall surfaces of the shielding plates on both the left and right sides, and a water receiving tray and the water receiving tray are horizontally arranged on the circumference of the cleaning basket. And a cleaning liquid circulated and injected into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle by the cleaning nozzle so that the cleaning liquid comes into contact with the shielding plate and the cleaning basket is stored in a water receiving tray. Weight A washing machine characterized in that it is configured to swing naturally by itself. 2. A cleaning chamber, a cleaning nozzle provided on a top surface of the cleaning chamber and at least one of a top surface of the cleaning chamber and an upper part of the water storage tank, and A washing space formed in the middle of the washing space, a rotatable cylindrical washing basket disposed in the washing space, a light source emitting ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less on both left and right sides of the washing basket, and covering the light source. And a light source that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 380 nm or less in the water storage tank. And a photocatalyst member provided at the bottom of the water storage tank, and the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank is circulated and injected into the cleaning chamber by the cleaning nozzle. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst member has a corrugated shape. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the photocatalyst member is a member in which a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component is fixed to a dull-finished stainless steel plate. 5. The photocatalyst member according to claim 1, wherein a ceramic is sprayed on the surface of a corrosion-resistant metal material such as stainless steel, and a photocatalyst containing titanium oxide as a main component is fixed on an upper surface thereof. The washing machine as described.