JP2017189396A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Cleaning equipment

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cleaning device that heats cleaning water by a combustion device and sprays the heated cleaning water to clean an object to be cleaned.

  Conventionally, as this type of cleaning device, the following is known.

A heat exchanger is disposed in a hot water tank for storing the washing water, the rinse water is heated by the heat exchanger, and the heated rinse water in the hot water tank is heated by the heated rinse water. The heated cleaning water is jetted from the nozzle to wash the object to be cleaned, and then the heated rinse water is jetted from the nozzle to perform rinsing.
Further, a cleaning device that heats the air sent into the air chamber around the combustion chamber, discharges the heated high-temperature air from the high-temperature air injector, and dries moisture remaining on the surface of the cleaning target after rinsing. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

In order to heat the washing water in the water tank, the washing water heated by the gas combustor is introduced into the circulation water channel from the water tank and sprayed onto the tableware conveyed by the conveyor to wash the dishes.
Further, a hot air blow-out pipe is connected to an exhaust duct of the gas combustor through a blower, and hot air from the hot air blow-off pipe is blown to drip and dry the dishes washed by the spray nozzle, thereby drying the apparatus. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2-46816 Published Utility Model Application No. 56-125157

However, what is described in Patent Document 1 is as follows.
High-temperature water used for rinsing and hot water for cleaning used for cleaning removes the washing debris that has been washed off by rinsing or rinsing with a descaling dish and is again stored in a hot water tank. Although the solid components of the dirt components can be removed by the descaling dish, liquid dirt components and fine solid components cannot be removed, so that these dirt components are mixed with the washing hot water.

  The dirt component adheres to the surface of the outer peripheral body plate of the heat exchanger that heats the cleaning hot water mixed with the dirt component, and the dirt component is fixed due to the high temperature. The heat exchanger is disposed inside the hot water tank, and the side and lower surfaces of the outer shell of the heat exchanger are inaccessible and have poor cleaning properties. The dirt component remains on the surface of the outer peripheral body plate, making it difficult to efficiently heat the cleaning water.

  In addition, since it is not to force convection around the surface of the outer shell plate of the heat exchanger, dirt components are likely to adhere to the surface of the outer shell plate, and further, washing water is locally generated on the surface of the outer shell plate. It becomes high temperature, and it is difficult to uniformly heat the washing water in the hot water tank. As a result, the temperature of the cleaning water to be sprayed is not uniform, so that the cleaning effect may not be stable.

  In addition, since the heat exchanger is arranged in the hot water tank, the size of the hot water tank becomes large, so that the amount of stored water increases, and it may take time to heat the washing water.

  In addition, when used for a long period of time, scale, which is a deposit such as calcium contained in the quality of fresh water, adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the multiple pipes through which exhaust gas inside the heat exchanger passes, and the heating efficiency increases over time. Cleaning is required. However, since the inside of the heat exchanger is provided with a plurality of pipes and has a complicated structure, cleaning is extremely difficult and maintenance is poor. Therefore, it becomes difficult to efficiently heat the cleaning water.

  Furthermore, since the heat exchanger, from which the exhaust gas is led from the burner, has a complicated structure and cannot be easily cleaned, it can only be heated through "rinse water" (clear water), and must be heated through cleaning water containing dirt components. It is difficult. In addition, since the structure inside the hot water tank becomes complicated, it is difficult to clean the hot water tank.

  Further, the water in the hot water tank is heated via the outer shell plate using the rinse water heated and exchanged as a heat source. The temperature difference Δt between the heated rinsing water and the water in the hot water tank is a secondary heating, and the temperature difference Δt between the heated rinsing water and the water in the hot water tank is increased because the rinsing water as the heat source can only raise the temperature up to 100 ° C. In comparison, it is difficult to obtain high heating efficiency.

  Further, when burning the burner to heat the washing water stored in the hot water tank, the structure of the heat exchanger requires that new rinsing water (fresh water) be supplied, so that the heat exchanger is in an empty-fired state. The supplied new rinse water (fresh water) is heated and guided to the hot water tank, but overflows and is discharged from the washing water discharge pipe that keeps the water level of the hot water tank constant, and water and heat are wasted. There is a problem. In addition, when washing with hot water for washing, a new rinse water (fresh water) is supplied to the hot water tank, so the concentration of the detergent in the hot water tank decreases and the detergent is also supplied. , The amount of detergent used may increase.

Also, the one described in Patent Document 2 described above:
During the washing operation, the washing water in the washing tank falls from the opening to the lower tank, and is jetted from the fountain nozzle by the pump. That is, the dirt component removed by the cleaning is mixed with the cleaning water, and the dirt component in the cleaning water increases as the cleaning is continued.
The cleaning water mixed with the dirt component is subjected to heat exchange in the circulating water channel inside the water tank. There is a risk of sticking.

In addition, since the circulation water channel serving as the heat exchange unit is introduced into the gas combustor and is located at the back of the water tank, it is difficult to reach and cannot be cleaned, and it is difficult to remove a dirt component.
In this way, cleaning cannot be performed each time washing is performed, and contaminants remain attached and accumulate, hindering heat exchange of the washing water, and making it difficult to efficiently heat the washing water.

  In addition, the washing water is heated in the circulation channel, but since there is no active flow of the cleaning water from the circulation channel into the water tank, dirt components easily adhere to the inner wall surface of the circulation channel. Therefore, it becomes difficult to uniformly heat the washing water in the entire water tank. As a result, the temperature of the cleaning water to be sprayed is not uniform, so that the cleaning effect may not be stable.

  Since the circulating water channel for heat exchange is disposed in the water tank, the water tank becomes large, so that the amount of stored water increases and it may take time to heat the washing water.

  In addition, as described above, since it is difficult to reach and it is difficult to clean, it is not possible to increase the heat transfer area by attaching fins or the like to the heat exchange section and increase the heating efficiency of the washing water.

  In addition, since the gas combustion unit is disposed outside the cleaning chamber, and the surface of the gas combustion unit is in contact with the outside air, heat is radiated to the outside of the cleaning machine. However, the working environment is also deteriorated. In order to prevent this, a heat insulating material or the like is required outside the gas combustor, and there is a problem that the structure becomes complicated.

  Since it is a continuous dishwasher, hot air used for dropping and drying is always required during the washing operation. That is, heating by the gas combustor is always required, and the washing water in the water tank is always heated. It is difficult to keep the washing water at a predetermined temperature.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device that can easily perform cleaning of a heat exchanger and efficiently perform heating of cleaning water. Things.

The cleaning device of the present invention
A cleaning chamber having a loading opening and unloading port of the object to be cleaned as well as disposing the nozzles to accommodate the object to be cleaned, to inject wash water prior Symbol object to be cleaned,
Conveyance means for moving the object to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port,
A first water tank for storing a predetermined amount of washing water;
A second water tank for storing a predetermined amount of washing water and flowing to the first water tank;
A combustion device for heating the washing water in the second water tank;
A combustion exhaust outlet pipe that is disposed to extend in the vertical direction in the cleaning chamber and discharges combustion exhaust generated by the combustion device into cleaning water in the second water storage tank;
Circulating means for supplying the stored washing water of the first water tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe;
With
An outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe faces the cleaning chamber,
By the gas-liquid contact between the discharged combustion exhaust gas and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank, the cleaning water in the second water storage tank is heated,
Flowing the washing water in the heated second water tank to the first water tank ;
The washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the circulating means flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and heat exchanges with the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to be heated. , And introduced into the first water storage tank .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the washing | cleaning apparatus of this invention, while cleaning a heat exchanger can be performed easily, the heating of washing water can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a basic configuration of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view showing a basic configuration at a position of a combustion exhaust outlet pipe in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a basic configuration of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment. (A) Step diagram of the main cleaning in the first embodiment, (b) Step diagram of the main cleaning in the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a water storage operation step in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a heating operation step according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an operation after a heating operation step is completed in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating operations of a water storage operation and a heating operation immediately after starting driving of a cleaning pump in a cleaning operation step according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a cleaning operation step in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a water storage operation during a cleaning operation step according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a heating operation during a cleaning operation step according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a water storage heating operation step according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a partial block diagram illustrating a configuration according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of a neutralization operation step in a fourth embodiment.

The invention described in claim 1 of the present invention
A cleaning chamber having a loading opening and unloading port of the object to be cleaned as well as disposing the nozzles to accommodate the object to be cleaned, to inject wash water prior Symbol object to be cleaned,
Conveyance means for moving the object to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port,
A first water tank for storing a predetermined amount of washing water;
A second water tank for storing a predetermined amount of washing water and flowing to the first water tank;
A combustion device for heating the washing water in the second water tank;
A combustion exhaust outlet pipe that is disposed to extend in the vertical direction in the cleaning chamber and discharges combustion exhaust generated by the combustion device into cleaning water in the second water storage tank;
Circulating means for supplying the stored washing water of the first water tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe;
With
An outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe faces the cleaning chamber,
By the gas-liquid contact between the discharged combustion exhaust gas and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank, the cleaning water in the second water storage tank is heated,
Flowing the washing water in the heated second water tank to the first water tank ;
The washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the circulating means flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and heat exchanges with the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to be heated. The cleaning device is introduced into the first water storage tank .

  Accordingly, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, which is a heat exchanger, is disposed in a state of being exposed in the cleaning chamber, and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe can be easily cleaned during cleaning. That is, the state in which the dirt is removed can be maintained, so that high heating efficiency can be maintained. Further, direct heating by gas-liquid contact with good heating efficiency is applied to heating of washing water.

  Thereby, by supplying the washing water to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and flowing down, the cleaning water is heated by the combustion exhaust outlet pipe heated by the combustion exhaust from the combustion device flowing inside the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Indirect heating is possible.

Heating of the cleaning water is more efficient by two types of heating: heating of the cleaning water by gas-liquid contact in the second storage tank, and heating of the cleaning water by flowing down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Can be done.

  Therefore, the heat exchanger can be easily cleaned and the cleaning water can be efficiently heated.

The invention described in claim 2 of the present invention is the invention described in claim 1,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the combustion exhaust gas after gas-liquid contact is introduced into the cleaning chamber, passes through the cleaning chamber, and is discharged out of the cleaning chamber.

Thereby, the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber can be effectively heated by the combustion exhaust gas introduced into the cleaning chamber. That is, the temperature drop of the washing water at the start of the washing can be reduced, and the heating of the washing water becomes more efficient. Therefore, it is possible to maximize the use of the heat generated by the combustion by effectively using the combustion exhaust gas after heating the washing water.

  Further, by allowing the combustion exhaust gas to pass through the cleaning chamber and then discharge the combustion exhaust to the outside of the cleaning chamber, the inner surface and the components of the cleaning chamber can be effectively heated. That is, the combustion exhaust gas is exhausted to the outside of the cleaning chamber after sufficient heat exchange. Therefore, the combustion exhaust gas after heating the washing water can be effectively used, and the temperature of the discharged combustion exhaust gas can be reduced, so that a favorable working environment can be provided.

  In addition, since the cleaning chamber can be used as an exhaust passage without providing an exhaust flue or the like, the apparatus can be simplified.

The invention described in claim 3 of the present invention is the invention described in claim 1 or 2,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is arranged along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber.

  Thereby, maintenance such as cleaning and replacement of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is facilitated by being disposed along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber. For example, if the wall constituting the cleaning chamber is removed, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, which is a heat exchanger, can be easily accessed, and cleaning can be easily performed while reducing the burden of cleaning on the operator. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe can be maintained in a state in which no dirt is attached, and high heating efficiency can be maintained.

  In particular, when a removable door is fitted in a portion of the wall constituting the cleaning chamber facing the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, a door serving as a wall constituting the cleaning chamber is removed. The exhaust outlet pipe is exposed in a state in which the exhaust chamber is cut vertically in the cleaning chamber.

The term "disposed along the wall surface" means that it is disposed in the vicinity of the wall surface and within a reach of an adult man who is a cleaning worker when a part of the wall surface is removed. means. Specifically, it means that the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is located within 1 m from the wall surface.

The invention described in claim 4 of the present invention is the invention described in claim 2 or 3 ,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning water heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe flows directly to the first water storage tank without flowing to the second water storage tank.

  This eliminates the flow of the once-washed wash water to the second storage tank by flowing down the outer peripheral surface, and increases the temperature difference Δt between the combustion exhaust and the wash water in the heating of the wash water in the second storage tank. Can be taken.

  Therefore, the washing water in the second water storage tank can be heated with high heating efficiency while the washing water flows down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and is heated.

The invention described in claim 5 of the present invention is the invention described in claim 4 ,
The circulating means, the cleaning water in the first water storage tank and the water storage supplies to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust gas discharging pipe, and can supply the washing water of the first water storage tank and the water to the second reservoir,
Heating of washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and combustion discharged from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe of the cleaning water supplied to the second water storage tank. Heating the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank using heating by gas-liquid contact with exhaust gas,
Switching means for switching between washing water supplied from the first water storage tank and heating of the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank only by heating for causing the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The cleaning device is provided with the cleaning device.

Thereby, the heating for flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and the heating of the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank using the heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust,
Heating the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank only by heating causing the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down;
Can be switched and used properly, and these two types of heating can be selected.

  It is known that water changes from alkaline to neutral due to gas-liquid contact between alkaline water and combustion exhaust gas.

When the wash water by the gas-liquid contact with combustion exhaust may be changed to the neutral side, the first reservoir used in combination with heating to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the heating by the gas-liquid contact combustion exhaust gas discharging pipe As the heating of the supplied cleaning water, the heating of the cleaning water can be efficiently performed by two types of heating.

  When it is not desired to change the washing water from alkaline to neutral due to gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust, heating of the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank only by heating to cause the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down. As described above, heating of the washing water can be performed while suppressing the change to the neutral side.

  Therefore, heating can be selected according to cleaning water to be used, such as cleaning water mixed with an alkaline detergent, so that various cleaning waters can be used, and efficient heating can be performed.

The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein
A first circulation path for sucking the washing water from the first water tank by the circulation means,
A second circulation path for supplying cleaning water sucked from the first water storage tank by the first circulation path and discharged by the circulation means to a second water storage tank;
A third circulation path for supplying cleaning water sucked from the first water storage tank by the first circulation path and discharged by the circulation means to an outer peripheral surface of a combustion exhaust outlet pipe,
The switching means includes: a supply of the wash water of the first water tank using both the second circulation path and the third circulation path; and a supply of the wash water of the first water tank only by the third circulation path. This is a cleaning device characterized by switching.

Thereby, heating can be selected only by switching the circulation path for supplying the cleaning water of the first water storage tank to the heating unit, and it is possible to easily cope with the cleaning water to be used.

The invention described in claim 7 of the present invention is the invention described in claim 5 or 6 , wherein
Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
Washing the washing target by spraying the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent from a nozzle,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank is heated only by heating that causes the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down.

  Accordingly, in a state where the alkaline detergent is mixed in the cleaning water of the first water tank, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is not heated by the gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas in the second water tank, and the combustion exhaust gas is discharged. Since the outer peripheral surface of the outlet pipe flows down and is heated, it is possible to suppress a change of the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent to the neutral side.

Therefore, while efficiently heating the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent, it is possible to suppress the change of the alkaline washing water to the neutral side, and to maintain a stable temperature and the washing effect of the detergent with a high level. Detergency can be exerted.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein
Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
In a state where the movement of the object to be cleaned by the transport means is stopped,
A cleaning device characterized by heating the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank, which uses both heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas and heating to cause the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down. It is.

  Thereby, in a state where the alkaline detergent is mixed in the cleaning water of the first water tank, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is jetted from the nozzle to complete the cleaning of the object to be cleaned, and then the operation of the neutralization step is performed. The washing water can be drained after the combustion exhaust gas and the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent are brought into gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank to change the liquid property to the neutral side. Therefore, the burden on the wastewater treatment facility can be reduced, and the environment-friendly cleaning operation can be performed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.
(Embodiment 1)

  A cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a basic configuration of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The detailed configuration will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 100 is mainly divided by an endless conveyor 103 which is a conveying means, and an upper part by an upper outer body 101 and a lower part by a lower outer body 102 by the conveyor 103. It constitutes the outer shell. In the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, tableware 104 which is an object to be washed such as a plate or a bowl is placed on a conveyer 103 in a prone state, and is conveyed in a direction indicated by a solid line arrow in FIG.

The cleaning apparatus 100 includes a cleaning chamber 105 in an upper outer body 101 at an upper portion, a carry-in port 106 for carrying tableware 104 into the cleaning chamber 105, and carrying out the tableware 104 from the cleaning chamber 105. Outlet 107 is provided. The tableware 104 is carried into the washing room 105 from the carry-in port 106 by the conveyor 103, is conveyed in the washing room 105, and is carried out of the washing room 105 from the carry-out opening 107.

  The cleaning chamber 105 includes a main cleaning zone 200 located on the side of the entrance 106 serving as the entrance side, and a finishing cleaning zone 300 located on the side of the exit 107 downstream of the main cleaning zone 200 and located on the exit side. . Note that the configuration of the cleaning chamber 105 is not limited to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the main cleaning zone 200, nozzle pipes 208 and 209 that spray cleaning water by a cleaning pump 203 from a first water storage tank 201 that stores a predetermined amount of cleaning water are provided in an upper manifold 206 and a lower manifold 207 branched from a manifold 205, respectively. It is equipped and equipped. A lower portion of the main cleaning zone 200 is provided with a first water storage tank 201 for storing a predetermined amount of fresh water supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108 as cleaning water, and a cleaning pump 203 for jetting the cleaning water. The cleaning pump is connected by piping so that the suction side communicates with the first water storage tank 201, and is connected by piping so that the discharge side communicates with the manifold 205.

  Further, a second water storage tank 202 partitioned inside the first water storage tank 201 is provided. A combustion device 401 is provided on a ceiling upper surface of the cleaning device 100 so as to heat and maintain the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 at a predetermined temperature. A combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, is provided in the washing chamber 105 so as to extend from the ceiling to the second water storage tank 202 so as to extend vertically through the washing chamber. 2 is located inside the water storage tank 202. Further, a circulating pump 204 is provided as a circulating means for circulating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 to the second water storage tank 202 and the upper portion of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  The finishing washing zone 300 is provided with a nozzle tube 302 and a nozzle tube 303 that spray fresh water supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108 as finishing washing water, mounted on the manifold 301.

  Below the conveyor 103, which is the entrance 106 of the tableware 104, a receiving tank 109 for receiving leftovers, residual juice, etc., which falls from the surface side of the tableware 104, is positioned below the discharge pipe 110.

  In addition, a drain receiver 111 is located below the conveyor 103 in the finishing washing zone 300 on the side of the carry-out port 107 of the tableware 104 and discharged to the outside through a drain pipe 112 for disposal.

  Doors 113 capable of opening the main cleaning zone 200 and the finish cleaning zone 300 are provided on the front side and the rear side of the upper outer body 101, respectively, and can be removed in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. The door 113 is formed of a plate extending over the entire height of the washing room, and is fitted into the front opening and the back opening of the washing room to form a part of the wall surface. The combustion exhaust outlet pipe is disposed at a location where an opening into which the door is fitted, that is, at a location facing the inner surface of the fitted door 113. By removing this door, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is exposed in a state where the pipe extends vertically in the cleaning chamber. Further, an exhaust pipe 403 is provided on the upper surface of the ceiling of the cleaning device 100, and an exhaust duct 404 is provided above the carry-in port 106.

  Further, a control unit (not shown) is provided which is connected to a main element system (control target) of the entire cleaning apparatus 100 and controls basic operation, operation, display, and the like.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the main cleaning zone 200 of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5.

<Manifold, nozzle>
As shown in FIG. 1, an upper manifold 206 and a lower manifold 207 are connected in a substantially horizontal direction to a manifold 205 installed in a vertical direction (substantially vertical direction), and each manifold is provided with a plurality of openings (not shown). ing. The lower end of the manifold 205 communicates with the main cleaning water supply pipe 226.

  A seal ring (not shown) made of rubber or the like having a predetermined elasticity is inserted and fixed in a plurality of openings (not shown) of each of the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207 branched from the manifold 205.

  The nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are formed with a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) for injecting cleaning water. Further, one end of both ends is opened, and the other end is covered. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the front end is crushed and closed in a plate shape and a lid is provided.

  One open end of the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 is inserted into an elastic seal ring (not shown) fixed to a plurality of openings (not shown) of each of the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207. The other end, whose tip is crushed and closed as a plate, is inserted into an opening (not shown) of a fixed plate separately fixed to the cleaning device 100, and a seal ring (not shown) and an opening of the fixed plate (not shown) are provided. ).

  A plurality of nozzle pipes 208 removably mounted on the upper manifold 206 are installed above the conveyor 103 serving as a conveying means, and are located below a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 208. Spray the washing water on. As a result, the washing water is sprayed on the upper surface side (the lower surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 in a prone position to remove dirt.

  A plurality of nozzle pipes 209 detachably mounted on the lower manifold 207 are installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103, and are located above a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 209. Spray the wash water on the side. As a result, the washing water is sprayed on the lower surface side (surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 which is prone to remove dirt.

  The manifold 205, the upper manifold 206, and the lower manifold 207 are disposed on one side in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the tableware 104 is conveyed by the conveyor 103, and the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are substantially the same as the direction in which the tableware 104 is conveyed by the conveyor 103. Multiple rows are arranged in the orthogonal direction.

  The nozzle pipes 208 and 209 are mounted on a resilient seal ring (not shown) fixed to the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207 (not shown). Insert the end. At this time, the tips of the other ends of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209, which are crushed and closed in a plate shape, are inserted until they are closer to the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207 than a fixed plate (not shown). After the insertion, the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are pulled back, and the other ends of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are inserted into the openings (not shown) of the fixing plate and fixed. When the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are removed for cleaning or the like, an operation reverse to that at the time of fixing is performed.

  The nozzle tubes 208 and 209 basically share the same configuration. In the nozzle tube 208 mounted on the upper manifold 206, a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) face downward, and the lower manifold A plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) are arranged in an upward direction in a nozzle tube 209 attached to the nozzle tube 207.

<Structure description of tank part>
The first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 for storing cleaning water used for cleaning the main cleaning zone are located below the main cleaning zone 200 in the lower outer body 102. The second water storage tank 202 is configured to be partitioned inside the first water storage tank 201.

  A fresh water supply pipe 108 for supplying fresh water as cleaning water to the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 is provided inside the lower outer body 102, and the second water storage pipe is provided at the bottom of the partitioned second water storage tank 202. The pipe is connected to the tank 202 and connected thereto. The fresh water supply pipe 108 is provided with an opening / closing valve 221 for controlling water supply on the way. In the first embodiment, the valve 221 is an electrically driven valve controlled by a control unit (not shown). The fresh water supply pipe 108 extends to the carry-out port 107 side of the cleaning device 100 and is connected to a water pipe (water supply, not shown) via an opening / closing valve 220.

  A water level sensor 222 for controlling the water level of the first water storage tank 201 to a predetermined water level (full water position) is attached to the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201. A temperature sensor 223 for detecting the temperature of the stored washing water is attached to the bottom of the first water storage tank 201.

  An overflow pipe 224 extending in the up-down direction is provided on the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201. The upper end of the overflow pipe 224 is located at a position slightly higher than a predetermined water level (full water position). Excess washing water in the first water storage tank 201 flows into the overflow pipe 224 from the upper end of the overflow pipe 224 and is discharged to the outside. The overflow pipe 224 is configured to be detachable from the first water storage tank 201. By removing the overflow pipe 224, a drain port (not shown) into which the overflow pipe 224 has been inserted is exposed on the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201, and the washing water in the first water storage tank 201 can be drained.

  The second water storage tank 202 is formed by partitioning the partition member 229 in the first water storage tank 201 by standing. Since the bottom surface of the second water storage tank 202 shares the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201, a part of the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201 becomes the bottom surface of the second water storage tank 202. The first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 are independent water tanks. The predetermined water level (full position) of the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is the height of the partition member 229. The height of the partition member 229 of the second water storage tank 202 is higher than a predetermined water level (full water position) of the wash water stored in the first water storage tank 201. That is, the washing water exceeding the predetermined water level in the second water storage tank 202 overflows and falls and flows into the first water storage tank 201.

The partition member 229 is detachably fixed to the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201, and forms a second water storage tank 202 partitioned in the first water storage tank 201. When cleaning is performed in a cleaning step S600 described later, the partition member 229 can be removed from the first water storage tank 201. In addition,
When the partition member 229 is not made detachable from the first water storage tank 201, the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is provided by separately providing a drainage unit for draining the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202. Is desirably drainable.

(About the flow of wash water from the second water tank to the first water tank)
In the present embodiment, in the first water tank and the second water tank, a height difference is provided on each water surface, and by forming the partition member 229 between the first water tank and the second water tank, the partition member 229 is formed. And it is allowed to fall and flow. In addition, the bottom of each water tank and each water surface may be provided with a height difference, and the water may fall from the water tank wall of the second water storage tank to the first water storage tank. A communication pipe may be communicated between the first storage tank and the second water storage tank, and a forced flow means such as a pump may be interposed in the communication pipe so as to flow by the forced flow by the forced flow means.

  Further, the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is configured to be located inside the second water storage tank 202.

  A water level sensor 227 for detecting that the water level of the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 has reached a predetermined water level (overflow position) of the second water storage tank 202 is provided in the partitioned second water storage tank 202. Is attached to the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201 serving as the bottom surface of the first water storage tank. Furthermore, a lower limit water level slightly higher than the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe located inside the second water storage tank 202 is detected, and a water level sensor 228 for preventing so-called empty heating is similarly partitioned. It is attached to the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201 serving as the bottom surface in the second water storage tank 202.

  Comparing the water storage amounts of the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 at respective predetermined water levels, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the water storage amount of the second water storage tank 202 is larger than the water storage amount of the first water storage tank 201. Although the configuration is small, the configuration may be such that the amount of water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is larger than the amount of water stored in the first water storage tank 201.

<Wash pump>
The cleaning pump 203 is fixed inside the lower outer body 102, and has a suction pipe 225 communicating with the bottom of the first water storage tank on the suction side, and a main cleaning water supply pipe 226 communicating with the manifold 205 on the discharge side. ing.

<Circulation pump>
The circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is fixed inside the lower outer body 102, has a first circulation path 231 communicating with the bottom of the first water storage tank on the suction side, and has a bottom surface of the second water storage tank 202 on the discharge side. And a third circulation path 233 communicating with a downflow stabilization tank 405 provided above the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Among them, the second circulation path 232 is provided with an opening / closing valve (switching means) 234. The valve (switching means) 234 switches the circulation path to be used between a first system including the second circulation path and the third circulation path and a second system including only the third circulation path. Functions as switching means.
The first system is a system for supplying the wash water of the first water storage tank by using both the second circulation path and the third circulation path, and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe is operated by the combustion heating operation of the combustion unit. Heating the washing water supplied to the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the outer peripheral surface thereof, and heating the washing water supplied to the second water storage tank by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust discharged from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. This is a system for heating the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank.
The second system is a system for supplying the cleaning water of the first water tank only by the third circulation path, and the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the combustion heating operation of the combustion unit. The system is configured to heat the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank only by heating that causes the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down.
In the first embodiment, the valve (switching means) 234 is an electrically driven valve controlled by a control unit (not shown).

<Combustion part, heat exchange part>
The combustion device 401 is provided on the ceiling of the cleaning device 100, and the burner 409 is fixed in a state where the burner 409 penetrates from the ceiling of the cleaning device 100 into the cleaning room 105 so that the combustion unit is disposed in the cleaning room 105. The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, has a tubular shape with a rectangular cross section so as to cover the combustion part of the burner 409, and is disposed vertically in the washing chamber 105 in the vertical direction (substantially vertically). ing. The upper end is fixed to the ceiling surface in the cleaning chamber 105, and the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, which is the lower end, is opened in the second water storage tank 202.

The combustion device 401 includes a gas supply pipe 408, a burner 409, a premixed gas supply unit (not shown), and the like. The premixed gas supply means includes a blower, an air-fuel ratio proportional control device, a mixer serving as an air gas mixing unit, an air flow switch, and the like. In burning the premixed gas, a commonly used gas is used.

  Inside the upper end of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, in addition to the burner 409, two spark bars (not shown) having a predetermined interval as ignition means and a frame rod (not shown) as flame detection means are provided. Has been installed. The tips of the spark bar (not shown) and the frame rod (not shown) are located close to the burning part of the burner 409.

  The spark bar (not shown) is connected to an igniter (not shown) that generates a high voltage. A spark is generated between the spark bars by an igniter (not shown), and the premixed gas supplied to the burner 409 is ignited. The flame rod (not shown) is connected to a DC power supply (not shown), and detects the presence or absence of combustion by flame detection.

  In addition, although the ignition means of the spark type of the spark bar (not shown) was used, the invention is not limited to this, and other means such as a red heat electric heater may be used. Further, the ignition may be manually performed by a gas torch or the like.

  The flame detecting means is a combustion detecting means for detecting the electric conductivity of the combustion flame by a flame rod (not shown). However, it is a means based on a thermocouple, and further a remote detecting means based on infrared detection, ultraviolet detection and the like. Is also good.

  The premixed gas supply means (not shown) has a blower (not shown) for supplying combustion air, and discharges air from the blower (not shown) to a mixer (not shown) which is an air gas mixing unit. A supply pressure of air from a blower (not shown) to a mixer (not shown) is applied to an air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown) via a branch pipe (not shown). An air flow switch (not shown) for detecting the supply pressure of air is provided in the middle of the branch pipe (not shown).

  A gas supply pipe 408 for supplying gas is connected to an inlet of the air-fuel ratio proportional controller (not shown), and gas is supplied to a mixer (not shown) at an outlet of the air-fuel ratio proportional controller (not shown). A gas pipe (not shown) is connected, and the amount of gas supplied to the mixer is controlled by proportional control based on the pressure of air applied from the blower so as to obtain an optimum air-fuel ratio. .

  A premixed gas of air and gas mixed well by a mixer (not shown) is supplied to a burner 409 via a gas pipe (not shown).

  The burner 409 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and the length direction of the cylindrical shape is set to a substantially vertical direction, and the burner 409 is cleaned from the ceiling of the cleaning device 100 such that the combustion unit is disposed in the cleaning chamber 105. It is fixed while penetrating into the chamber 105. A combustion section of the burner 409 is arranged in the cleaning chamber 105, and is formed so that a gas pipe (not shown) for supplying a premixed gas to the burner 409 is connected above the ceiling.

  The burning part of the burner 409 uses heat-resistant metal fiber as a surface burning member. The burner 409 is rolled into a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length, wound around in the circumferential direction, and fixed to the burner 409 almost in close contact by electric welding or the like. I have. A plurality of nozzles (small holes) are formed in the portion covered with the refractory metal, and the premixed gas supplied to the burner 409 is jetted onto the surface of the surface combustion member and burned.

The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, has a rectangular tubular cross section so as to cover the combustion part of the burner 409, and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 faces the cleaning chamber 105,
In the washing room 105, the washing room is hung from the ceiling to the second water storage tank 202, and the washing room is vertically traversed. The washing room 105 is arranged substantially vertically along the wall surface constituting the washing room. Further, the upper end of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is fixed to the ceiling surface in the cleaning chamber 105, and the lower end face 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe serving as the lower end is opened inside the second water storage tank 202. The inner surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is configured to guide the combustion exhaust downward from above the burner 409 and discharge it from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. A burner 409 is arranged inside the upper end of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  A flow-down stabilization tank 405 is provided near a portion covering the burner 409 on the upper end side of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. A third circulation path 233 connected to the discharge side of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is connected to the flow-down stabilization tank 405 in communication therewith. A water level sensor 406 for detecting washing water stored in the downflow stabilization tank 405 is provided, and a downflow opening 407 is formed at the bottom surface of the downflow stabilization tank so that the washing water flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. ing.

  The downflow stabilization tank 405 is configured to flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 from the downflow opening 407 while storing a predetermined amount of cleaning water supplied from the circulation pump (circulation means) 204.

  Further, a guide member for guiding the cleaning water flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402 into the first water storage tank 201 near the upper portion of the second water storage tank 202 on the lower end side of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402. 410 is provided. By the guide member 410, the washing water flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 does not flow into the second water storage tank 202, but flows into the first water storage tank 201 and is introduced.

  The guide member 410 is detachably fixed to the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the guide member 410 can be removed from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 when cleaning is performed in a cleaning step S600 described below. The guide member 410 may be divided so as to be detachable from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. After the partition member 229 fixed to the second water storage tank 202 is removed as described above, the partition member 229 may be removed from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the exhaust pipe 403 has a cylindrical shape provided on the upper surface of the ceiling of the cleaning apparatus 100 and communicating with the cleaning chamber 105 of the main cleaning zone 200, and has a rectangular cross section. The exhaust duct 404 is provided above the carry-in entrance 106, and has a tubular shape having a square cross section.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is located in the cleaning chamber 105 in the vicinity of a front door 113 serving as a wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber 105. Specifically, among the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning chamber 105, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is located on the front side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the tableware (object to be cleaned) 104 is transported by the conveyor (transporting means) 103. A removable door 113 is fitted into the opposing portion. The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 extends along the inner surface of the door 113 in the height direction in the cleaning chamber. That is, when the front door 113 is removed, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be easily accessed from outside the cleaning chamber 105. Further, the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe from which the combustion exhaust is discharged, and the exhaust pipe 403 that discharges the combustion exhaust from the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 to a diagonal position across the conveyor 103 in the cleaning chamber 105. It is arranged so that it becomes.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the finish cleaning zone 300 of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an opening (not shown) is provided at an upper portion and a lower portion of the manifold 301 installed in the finishing washing zone 300 in a vertical direction (substantially vertical direction). As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end of the manifold 301 is communicated with the finish cleaning water supply pipe 305. The finish cleaning water supply pipe 305 is formed by branching off from the fresh water supply pipe 108, and is provided with an opening / closing valve 304.

  In each opening (not shown) of the manifold 301, a seal ring (not shown) made of rubber or the like having a predetermined elasticity is inserted and fixed.

  The nozzle tubes 302 and 303 are formed with a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) for injecting cleaning water. Further, one end of both ends is opened, and the other end is covered. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the front end is crushed and closed in a plate shape and a lid is provided.

  One end of each of the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 having an opening is inserted into each opening (not shown) of the manifold 301, and the other end of the nozzle tube 302, whose tip is crushed and closed as a plate, is connected to a cleaning device. 100 is inserted into an opening (not shown) of a fixed plate separately fixed to the fixing plate 100 and is held by a seal ring (not shown) and an opening (not shown) of the fixed plate.

  A nozzle tube 302 detachably attached to an upper opening (not shown) is installed above the conveyor 103 as a conveying means, and is provided from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle tube 302. Inject the washing water downward. As a result, the washing water is sprayed on the upper surface side (the lower surface side of the dishes) of the tableware 104 which is prone, and the cleaning water containing the dirt of the main cleaning zone 200 and the detergent in the main cleaning zone 200 are used. In some cases, detergent components are removed.

  A nozzle tube 303 detachably mounted in a lower opening (not shown) is installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103, and a plurality of nozzles (small holes) formed in the nozzle tube 303 (not shown). Spray the washing water from above. As a result, the washing water is sprayed on the lower surface side (the surface side of the dishes) of the tableware 104 which is prone, and the cleaning water containing the dirt of the main cleaning zone 200 and the detergent in the main cleaning zone 200 are used. In some cases, detergent components are removed.

  The manifold 301 is arranged on one side in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the tableware 104 is conveyed by the conveyor 103, and the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 are arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the tableware 104 is conveyed by the conveyor 103.

  The nozzle pipes 302 and 303 are mounted by first inserting one open end of the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 into an elastic seal ring (not shown) fixed to an opening (not shown) of the manifold 301. . At this time, the other ends of the nozzle tubes 302 and 303, which are crushed and closed in a plate shape, are inserted until they are closer to the manifold 301 than a fixed plate (not shown). After the insertion, the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 are pulled back, and the other ends of the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 are inserted into the openings (not shown) of the fixing plate and fixed. When the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 are removed for cleaning or the like, the operation reverse to that at the time of fixing is performed.

  The nozzle tubes 302 and 303 basically have the same configuration and share a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) in a downward direction in the nozzle tube 302 attached to the upper opening (not shown). A plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) are arranged in an upward direction in a nozzle tube 303 attached to a lower opening (not shown).

In addition, although the dish to be washed is the tableware 104 such as a dish and a bowl, it may be a tray on which the tableware is placed, a canned container, or another general container, plate, processed product, or the like. Further, tableware 104 to be washed, such as a plate, a bowl, etc., is placed on the conveyer 103, which is a conveying means, in a prone state. For example, depending on the configuration of the conveyer 103, trays, plate-like objects, processed products, etc. May be conveyed in a vertical orientation. Further, the entire tableware 104 to be stored in a dedicated basket may be washed together with the basket.

  Although not shown, the conveyor 103 is formed in a lattice shape, a net shape, or the like, and has an opening such that the tableware 104 does not drop. It is configured to sufficiently contact (collide) with the class 104. Thereby, the tableware 104 and the conveyor 103 themselves can be washed with the sprayed washing water. The endless conveyor 103 is rotated by driving means (not shown) such as a motor, and conveys the dishes 104 on the upper conveyor surface. Further, another holding conveyor may be installed on the upper surface of the tableware 104 in order to prevent the tableware 104 from floating on the conveyor 103.

  Although not shown, a drain pipe having a valve for discharging all of the washing water in the first water storage tank 201 may be provided at the bottom of the first water storage tank 201.

  The number of nozzle tubes 208 and 209 is plural, but the number is not limited. In addition, an injection nozzle may be attached instead of a nozzle (small hole) to obtain an injection pattern and an injection amount according to the application.

  Although the opening / closing valve 304 is manually operated, it may be controlled as an electrically driven valve so that the valve is opened simultaneously with the driving of the conveyor 103 in conjunction with the operation of the conveyor 103.

  Note that a curtain may be provided between the main cleaning zone 200 and the finish cleaning zone 300 to divide the cleaning zone. It is possible to prevent the scattered washing water from moving to the adjacent zone. In addition, since there is a low-temperature finish cleaning zone on the carry-out port 107 side, an exhaust duct is not provided above the carry-out port 107, but may be provided as needed. The finish cleaning water may be hot water. In this case, it is preferable to provide an exhaust duct.

  The shape of the burner does not have to be cylindrical, and may be selected according to the intended use, such as a prism, a cone, a hemisphere, or the like. Examples of the surface burning member include a metal knit in which heat-resistant metal fibers are knitted, and a metal fiber mat in which heat-resistant metal fibers are randomly laminated and fixed on a porous substrate. It is only necessary to apply a burner used for burning the premixed gas, which is not limited to the surface combustion type burner.

  When fresh water is supplied as washing water to the second water storage tank 202 from the fresh water supply pipe 108 connected to the bottom of the second water storage tank 202, or from the second circulation path 232 also connected to the bottom of the second water storage tank 202. When the wash water is supplied to the second water storage tank 202, it is preferable that the back pressure of the burner 409 does not fluctuate due to the flow of the wash water. For example, the cleaning water is supplied from a position not opposed to the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, or the cleaning water is not supplied to the combustion exhaust discharged from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Good. Accordingly, the combustion back pressure of the burner 409 can be kept constant, and stable combustion of the burner 409 can be achieved.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

First, an outline of the main cleaning performed in the main cleaning zone 200 of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the main cleaning, each step shown in FIG. The detailed operation of each step will be described later for each step.

  First, in the water storage operation step S100, the cleaning water is stored in the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank. Next, in the heating operation step S200, the stored cleaning water is heated to a predetermined temperature. Next, in the washing operation step S300, the tableware 104, which is the object to be washed, which is conveyed by the conveyor 103 as the conveying means by spraying the heated washing water, is washed. Next, in stop step S500, the heating operation and the water storage operation are stopped. Finally, in the cleaning step S600, the cleaning device is cleaned, and the main cleaning is completed. These steps are the basic operation method of the main cleaning of the cleaning apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Further, FIG. 4A shows an example in which the cleaning operation is performed between the cleaning operation step S300 and the stop step S500, and a neutralization operation step S400 for neutralizing the cleaning liquid in the first water storage tank after the cleaning is added. are doing. The neutralization operation step S400 will be described in detail in a fourth embodiment described later.

  In the finish cleaning performed in the finish cleaning zone of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, finish cleaning water is injected from the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 in synchronization with the start of driving of the conveyor 103. The details will be described later in the operation of the cleaning operation step S300.

  Next, the operation of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail step by step with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operation of the water storage operation step S100 of supplying fresh water to the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank as washing water and storing the water at a predetermined water level will be described with reference to FIG.

  The water storage operation is started by inputting a water storage operation start instruction input to a control unit (not shown).

  First, the open / close valve 221 is opened, and fresh water is supplied to the second water storage tank 202 as washing water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 connected to the bottom of the second water storage tank 202 and connected to the second water storage tank 202 by piping. And start storing water.

  When the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 exceeds a predetermined water level, the cleaning water overflows from the second water storage tank 202, becomes overflow water Wa, falls and flows into the first water storage tank 201, and flows into the first water storage tank 201. Water storage in the tank 201 is started. At this time, the water level sensor 227 of the second water tank 202 detects that the water level is at a predetermined level.

  When the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level and the water level sensor 222 detects the predetermined water level, the valve 221 is closed to stop supplying the cleaning water. The supply of fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202 is stopped, and the falling flow of the overflow water Wa from the second water storage tank 202 to the first water storage tank 201 is stopped. The washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 has a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor 222 of the first water storage tank 201 and the water level sensor 227 of the second water storage tank 202 detect the predetermined water level. It will be in the state of having done.

  Thereafter, when the water level sensor 222 of the first water storage tank 201 or the water level sensor 227 of the second water storage tank 202 detects that the water level does not reach the predetermined water level until the water storage operation is stopped in a stop step S500 described later, The valve 221 is opened to supply fresh water, and the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 are controlled so as to maintain predetermined water levels, respectively.

Next, the operation of the heating operation step S200 for heating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 to a predetermined temperature in the water storage operation step S100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The heating operation step S200 includes cleaning the second water storage tank 202 where the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe is located, and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402 that is a heat exchange part, in the first water storage tank 201. The cleaning water is heated by supplying water, burning the burner 409 covered by the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and flowing and discharging the combustion exhaust Ex to the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. In the second water storage tank 202, the combustion exhaust gas Ex and the circulated cleaning water come into gas-liquid contact to directly heat the cleaning water, and the indirect heating of the cleaning water supplied and flowing down on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. I do. Further, the combustion exhaust gas Ex after the direct heating is diffused into the cleaning chamber 105 to heat the inside of the chamber.

  The heating method differs between the initial heating after the water storage before the cleaning operation and the heating in the cleaning step S300. The details of the heating in the cleaning operation step S300 will be described later in the operation of the cleaning operation step S300.

  The heating operation is started in response to a heating operation start instruction input to a control unit (not shown). In the water storage operation step S100, the heating operation may be automatically started by a signal detected that the water level of the first water storage tank 201 and the water level of the second water storage tank 202 are at a predetermined water level, or the control unit The heating operation may be started by an operation switch provided in (not shown).

<Circulation of washing water>
First, a circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven to supply the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 to the second water storage tank 202 serving as a heating unit and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. . The circulation pump (circulation means) 204 sucks the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 through the first circulation path 231 communicating with the bottom of the first water storage tank 201, and the second circulation path 232 and the third circulation path 233. And discharge.

  At this time, the valve (switching means) 234 provided in the second circulation path 232 is open, and the washing water discharged to the second circulation path 232 flows through the second circulation path 232 and is supplied to the second water storage tank 202. Is done. It overflows from the second water storage tank 202, falls and flows as overflow water Wa into the first water storage tank 201, and is again in a circulating flow state where it is sucked into the circulation pump (circulation means) 204.

  Further, the wash water discharged to the third circulation path 233 flows through the third circulation path 233 and is supplied to the downflow stabilization tank 405 provided above the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. The washing water supplied to the downflow stabilization tank 405 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 from the downflow opening 407 formed on the bottom surface of the downflow stabilizer tank 405, and drops along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. It flows down as flowing water Wb, is introduced into the first water storage tank 201 by the guide member 410, and is again in a circulating flow state where it is sucked into the circulating pump (circulating means) 204.

  In the circulating fluid state, the washing water is circulated using both the second circulation path 232 and the third circulation path 233. Thereby, the entire washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 can be circulated.

  Further, since the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 faces the cleaning chamber 105, the falling water Wb flowing down along the outer peripheral surface is exposed to the cleaning chamber 105 and flows down. .

Further, the amount of the circulating and supplied cleaning water is set so that the washing water supplied to the downflow stabilization tank 405 can be supplied from the downflow opening 407 in a state of being stored in the downflow stabilization tank 405 to some extent.
It adjusts the amount of washing water that flows down. For example, the amount of circulated and supplied water may be increased, and the water may overflow from the upper end of the downflow stabilization tank.

  As a result, the washing water supplied to the downflow stabilization tank 405 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 from the entire downflow opening 407 in a uniformly stable state. The supplied washing water flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as falling flowing water Wb while being uniformly spread on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  The washing water overflowed from the upper end of the flow-down stabilization tank 405 may flow to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 to flow down. In addition, without providing the downflow opening 407, the cleaning water stored in the downflow stabilization tank 405 may overflow and flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  The amount of washing water that flows down from the downflow stabilizing tank 405 as falling flowing water Wb is, for example, about 3 to 13 liters per minute. What is necessary is just to set according to the quantity of the wash water to be heated, a predetermined temperature of the wash water, the combustion amount of the burner, and the like.

  Further, when the driving of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is started, the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is sucked into the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 via the first circulation path 231, and The water is discharged into the circulation path 232 and the third circulation path 233 and is supplied to the second water storage tank 202 and the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and circulates, but the flowing washing water is sucked into the first water storage tank 201. The amount of washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is reduced by the amount of washing water flowing before returning, and the water level is lowered. When the water level sensor 222 detects that the water level has dropped below a predetermined water level, the valve 221 is opened and fresh water is supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water tank 202 and overflows to be supplied to the first water tank 201. Then, the water level of the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is maintained at a predetermined water level.

  The wash water is circulated, the water level sensor 406 detects that the wash water stored in the downflow stabilization tank 405 is at a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor 227 detects that the wash water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is at a predetermined level. If the water level is detected, it is determined that the circulation of the washing water is in a stable state, and the burner 409 of the combustion device 401 starts burning.

<Explanation of burner combustion>
When a signal to start combustion is output from a control unit (not shown), the igniter (not shown) is energized to generate a discharge spark between a spark bar (not shown) located near burner 409.

  Next, a blower (not shown), which is a premixed gas supply means, is driven to start supplying combustion air to a burner 409 with a mixer (not shown). The supply air pressure from a branch pipe (not shown) to a mixer (not shown) is applied to an air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown), and the supply air pressure is detected by an air flow switch (not shown).

  Next, when the air for combustion is supplied, the gas for combustion flows from the gas supply pipe 408 to the mixer (not shown) via the air-fuel ratio proportional control device and the gas pipe (not shown), and the gas and the combustion air Mix. Further, the premixed gas obtained by mixing the gas and the combustion air is supplied to the burner 409 from a mixer (not shown) via a gas pipe (not shown) for supplying the premix.

At this time, the correlation between the amount of combustion air supplied to the mixer (not shown) and the supply air pressure applied from the branch pipe (not shown) to the air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown) is grasped. Pressure is applied to an air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown) to apply air-fuel ratio (mixing ratio of air and gas)
The amount of gas supplied to a mixer (not shown) is controlled by an air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown) so that is within a predetermined value range.

  The setting of the gas combustion amount in the burner 409 is performed by controlling the gas flow rate in accordance with the supply air pressure applied to an air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown). The change in the gas combustion amount is performed by controlling the rotation speed of a blower (not shown).

  The premixed gas supplied to the burner 409 is ejected from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) formed in a portion of the burner 409 which is covered with the surface combustion member, spreads inside the surface combustion member (not shown), and is ejected from the surface portion. I do. The ejected premixed gas is ignited by a discharge spark formed between the spark bars (not shown) and starts burning in the entire surface combustion member (not shown). After the burner 409 starts burning, the discharge spark of a spark bar (not shown) is stopped. Further, combustion is confirmed by a frame rod (not shown), and the operation is continued.

  During the combustion of the burner 409, when the water level sensor 406 provided in the downflow stabilization tank 405 detects that the water level of the downflow stabilization tank 405 has dropped below a predetermined water level, it flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. It is determined that the amount of the falling flowing water Wb, which is the washing water, is insufficient, and the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped to prevent abnormal heating. Further, the water level sensor 228 mounted inside the second water storage tank 202 lowers the water level of the second water storage tank 202 from the lower limit water level that is slightly higher than the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe located inside. When this is detected, it is determined that the amount of cleaning water to be brought into gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 is insufficient, and the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped. The water level sensors 406 and 228 function as safety devices.

  In addition, a basic interlock circuit for stopping combustion when the water level of the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 is lowered and the drive of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is stopped is provided. . Further, an interlock circuit may be provided so that the heating operation cannot be started when the water storage operation is stopped. Further, a temperature sensor (not shown) for preventing excessive temperature rise may be provided in the cleaning chamber 105, and the combustion of the burner 409 may be stopped when the temperature in the cleaning chamber 105 rises excessively.

<Flow of combustion exhaust Ex>
As shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6, the combustion exhaust gas Ex generated by the combustion of the premixed gas is guided by the inner surface of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402, and the inside of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402 is discharged from the burner 409 side. It flows downward from above toward the lower end surface 411 of the tube. Since the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is located in a state of being immersed in the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202, the lower end surface is under water pressure. It is discharged into the wash water from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The combustion exhaust gas Ex discharged into the cleaning water floats in the cleaning water, is diffused from the surface of the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 into the cleaning chamber 105, and is introduced.

  The discharge of the combustion exhaust gas Ex into the cleaning water is heating by a so-called submerged combustion method, in which high-temperature combustion exhaust gas Ex obtained by burning the fuel with a burner is directly jetted into the liquid to make gas-liquid contact. Is known as a method of performing direct heating, and is known as a heating method capable of obtaining high heating efficiency. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the submerged combustion method of performing direct heating by gas-liquid contact with high heating efficiency is applied to heating of washing water.

(Introduction of combustion exhaust cleaning room)
The space above the second water storage tank is communicated with the cleaning room. Thus, the combustion exhaust gas after gas-liquid contact is introduced into the cleaning chamber, passes through the cleaning chamber, and is discharged outside the cleaning chamber.
For example, in the embodiment, the second water storage tank is opened upward in the cleaning chamber near the transport direction downstream side, and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank faces one end side in the cleaning chamber. An exhaust port of an exhaust duct is provided in the cleaning chamber near the upstream side in the transport direction, and the exhaust port of the exhaust duct faces the other end side in the cleaning chamber. That is, the second water storage tank is disposed at a lower portion on one end side in the cleaning chamber, and an exhaust duct is disposed on an upper portion on the other end side in the cleaning chamber opposite to the one end side.
The combustion exhaust gas Ex after the gas-liquid contact in the second water tank is diffused and introduced into the cleaning chamber 105, flows through the cleaning chamber from one end side of the cleaning chamber 105 to the other end side, and passes through the main chamber. Is guided to the exhaust pipe 403 and discharged out of the cleaning chamber 105. The combustion exhaust Ex also flows and passes through the cleaning chamber 105, is discharged from the entrance 106, is guided to the exhaust duct 404, and is discharged to the upper part. The combustion exhaust Ex led to the upper portion is collected by an exhaust hood (not shown) provided separately and discharged to the outside of the building in which the cleaning device 100 is installed.

  Since the amount of water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is made smaller than the amount of water stored in the first water storage tank 201, and fresh water can be directly supplied to the second water storage tank 202, the second water storage tank 202 is maintained at a predetermined water level. It becomes easy and stable, and the water pressure applied to the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe can be kept constant. Thereby, the combustion back pressure of the burner 409 becomes constant, and the combustion of the burner 409 becomes stable. The structure is such that stable combustion can be realized despite the submerged combustion method.

<About heating of washing water>
The washing water enters a circulating fluid state, and the burner 409 burns, so that heating of the washing water starts.

<Direct heating by gas-liquid contact>
The lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe having a square cross section arranged to cover the combustion portion of the burner 409 is in a state of being submerged in the wash water stored in the second water storage tank 202. The combustion exhaust gas Ex flows through the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as a heat exchanger from the burner 409 toward the lower end face 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and is stored in the second water storage tank 202 from the lower end face 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. It is discharged into the washed water. The cleaning water is directly heated by the gas-liquid contact between the combustion exhaust Ex discharged into the cleaning water and the cleaning water.

  Since the washing water is circulated by the circulation pump (circulating means) 204, the washing water directly heated by the gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 overflows from the second water storage tank 202 and becomes the first water storage. It flows down into the tank 201 as overflow water Wa.

  In addition, instead of locally heating a part of the stored and not circulated cleaning water to conduct heat to the whole as in the conventional cleaning apparatus, the entire cleaning water is circulated and fluidized while flowing. Is to be heated. By circulating the cleaning water, it is possible to directly heat the cleaning water having a slightly lower temperature by bringing the cleaning water into gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex, and to increase the temperature difference Δt in the heating.

  Thereby, the direct heating by gas-liquid contact with good heating efficiency can be applied to the heating of the washing water and the temperature difference Δt can be increased, so that the heating efficiency of the direct heating by gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 can be improved. The washing water circulated in a state where the water content is further increased can be heated. By circulating low-temperature washing water, heating can be performed under high heating efficiency, and the time for heating the washing water to a predetermined temperature can be shortened.

<Indirect heating of falling running water Wb>
The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is heated by the combustion flame of the burner 409 burning inside the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the combustion exhaust Ex flowing downward, and the heated outer surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is heated. The falling running water Wb, which is the washing water flowing down, is indirectly heated.

  At this time, since the water is allowed to flow down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 while being stored in the downflow stabilization tank 405, the falling flowing water Wb flows down substantially along the entire outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Therefore, indirect heating can be performed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the heated combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and efficient heating can be performed.

  The falling flowing water Wb, which is the washing water that flows down while being heated, does not flow to the second water storage tank 202 but flows to and is introduced into the first water storage tank 201 by the guide member 410 provided below the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. You.

The guide member 410 is located above the second water storage tank 202, and is heated by the combustion exhaust Ex radiated from the surface of the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202. The guide member 410 is also heated by heat conduction from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 because the guide member 410 is mounted in contact with the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 heated by leading the combustion exhaust Ex.
The falling flowing water Wb flowing along the heated guide member 410 is further heated. The falling flowing water Wb heated by flowing along the guide member 410 is introduced into the first water storage tank 201, is sucked into the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 again, enters a circulating flow state, and repeats heating.

  The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is made of a heat conductor, guides the combustion exhaust Ex of the burner 409 to flow inside, and discharges it from the lower end face 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and extends along the height direction of the cleaning chamber. It is arranged to extend straight. With this arrangement, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 faces the cleaning chamber in the vertical direction. When the combustion exhaust gas Ex from the combustion device flows inside the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402, the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is heated in the height direction by using the combustion exhaust discharge pipe 402 as a heat conductor. ing. Further, the combustion exhaust gas is caused to flow inside the combustion exhaust pipe 402, and the circulating means supplies the washing water of the first water storage tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. When the washing water flows down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, heat exchange occurs between the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the falling water running water Wb that is the washing water, so that the washing water is indirectly heated. Is done.

  As described above, by circulating the washing water using both the second circulation path 232 and the third circulation path 233, the direct heating of the washing water supplied into the second water storage tank 202 and the combustion exhaust outlet pipe The cleaning water can be efficiently heated by using two types of heating, that is, the indirect heating of the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning member 402, and the heating time can be reduced.

  Further, in the conventional cleaning apparatus, the flow of the cleaning water near the heat exchange section is weak and the cleaning water often stays there, and local heating near the heat exchange section is often performed. In the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, during heating when the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped, the circulating flow for causing the falling flowing water Wb to flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the second water storage By using the circulation flow to the tank 202 together, the entire circulation of the wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 becomes active, and the first water tank 201 and the second water tank are activated. 202 can be uniformly heated without a temperature difference.

The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is arranged so as to extend vertically and vertically along the vertical direction intersecting the substantially horizontal conveyance direction and along the height direction of the cleaning chamber 105, so that the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is disposed. The outer peripheral surface of 402 faces the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 in the vertical direction. The outer peripheral surface is heated by the flow of the combustion exhaust gas Ex inside the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the washing water is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 by the circulating means. And the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is heated.

  It is sufficient that at least a part of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 extends in the height direction in the cleaning chamber 105. For example, as another embodiment of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 may extend obliquely downward, or as still another embodiment, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 may be bent in the cleaning chamber 105. For example, one extending in the vertical direction in the cleaning chamber 105, for example, one that bends and extends in a step-like manner may be used.

Further, a configuration in which the guide member 410 is not provided on the lower end side of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 may be adopted. In this case, the falling water flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and indirectly heated is caused to flow to the second water storage tank 202, and further, the combustion exhaust gas Ex and the air are discharged into the second water storage tank 202. The liquid is directly heated by the liquid contact, overflows from the second water storage tank 202, and falls and flows as overflow water Wa into the first water storage tank 201.
As will be described later in detail, when an alkaline detergent is mixed, it is preferable to provide a guide member in order to suppress a change in liquid property.

<Inside heating>
The combustion exhaust gas Ex discharged from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe comes into gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 to float the cleaning water while directly heating the cleaning water. The washing water stored in the water storage tank 202 is diffused from the surface of the washing water into the washing chamber 105 and introduced.

  The combustion exhaust Ex diffused and introduced into the cleaning chamber 105 often maintains a relatively high temperature even after being heated by gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water and heat exchange. While flowing through the cleaning chamber 105, it comes into contact with the inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105, the manifolds and the nozzle pipes in the cleaning chamber 105, and the components such as the conveyor 103 which is a transport means located inside the cleaning chamber 105, and the upper outer body 101 and the structure. Heat the parts.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, since the second water storage tank 202 and the exhaust pipe 403 are located at the diagonal of the cleaning chamber 105, the exhaust pipe 403 is diffused from the water surface of the second water storage tank 202. , The combustion exhaust Ex flows and passes through the cleaning chamber 105 as long as possible to effectively heat the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber 105. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use the combustion exhaust gas and maximize the use of the heat generated by the combustion.

  Further, since the cleaning chamber 105 can be used as an exhaust passage without providing an exhaust flue or the like, the apparatus can be simplified.

  The combustion exhaust gas Ex heats the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber 105 while flowing and passing through the cleaning chamber 105, and then is guided to the exhaust pipe 403 and discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber 105 or discharged from the carry-in port 106. It is led to the duct 404 and discharged to the upper part. The combustion exhaust gas undergoes sufficient heat exchange and is discharged out of the cleaning chamber. Therefore, the combustion exhaust gas after heating the washing water can be effectively used, and the temperature of the discharged combustion exhaust gas can be reduced, so that a favorable working environment can be provided.

  Further, since the falling flowing water Wb flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is exposed to the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 and flows down, it is heated at the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchanger. A part of the heat of the falling falling water Wb is released into the cleaning chamber 105, so that the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is heated.

  The released heat comes into contact with components such as the inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105, the manifold and the nozzle pipe in the cleaning chamber 105, and the conveyor 103 which is a transport means located inside the cleaning chamber, similarly to the combustion exhaust Ex. The upper outer body 101 and the components are heated.

  The effect of heating the upper shell 101 and the components will be described later in the operation of the cleaning operation step S300.

<Heating stop control>
By circulating the cleaning water and heating the cleaning water by burning the burner, the temperature of the cleaning water increases. When the temperature sensor 223 provided in the first water storage tank 201 detects that the temperature has reached a predetermined temperature, the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped. FIG. 7 shows the state at this time, and the washing operation step S300, which is the next step, can be started.

  After the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the temperature of the washing water decreases until the heating operation is stopped in a stop step S500 described later, and when the temperature sensor 223 detects that the temperature of the cleaning water has dropped below a predetermined temperature, the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped. Once started, reheating begins and the wash water is controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature. Even if the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is kept driven to circulate the washing water.

If the drive of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is stopped in accordance with the stop of the combustion of the burner 409, the washing water circulated in the third circulation path 233 is returned to the first water storage tank 201, and the first water storage tank 201 is returned to the first water storage tank 201. The 201 water level becomes higher than the predetermined water level and is discharged from the overflow pipe 224.
Thereafter, when the temperature of the washing water decreases and becomes lower than a predetermined temperature and reheating starts, first, the driving of the stopped circulation pump (circulation means) 204 starts. At that time, the water level in the first water storage tank 201 is reduced by the amount of the washing water sucked by the circulation pump (circulating means) 204, and the fresh water is supplied by that amount, and the temperature of the washing water is reduced by the supply of the fresh water. As the amount of water used increases, more energy is required for heating.

  Although the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped but the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is kept driven, the amount of water used and the energy required for heating can be reduced, and the time required for reheating can be shortened. . Furthermore, since combustion can be started without waiting for recirculation pump (circulation means) 204 to be re-driven, responsiveness when reheating is improved.

  Further, the circulating flow by flowing down the falling water Wb along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the circulating flow to the second water storage tank 202 cause water to be stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202. The circulation of the entire washing water thus activated becomes active, and the entire washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 can be maintained at a uniform temperature with no temperature difference.

  However, since the burner 409 is not burning, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 has been driven for a long time, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of power saving. Some consider that the effects of the need to be taken into account.

  After the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 may be driven for a predetermined time under control of a timer or the like and then stopped. A predetermined time may be set so that the residual heat of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is exchanged with the washing water to lower the temperature of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Further, the driving of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 may be controlled at the same time as the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped. Which control should be selected may be selected according to the operating conditions and the like.

  However, as described above, the amount of water used and the energy required for heating can be reduced, the combustion of the burner 409 can be started without waiting for the operation of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, and the first water tank 201 and the second water tank When the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 may be driven in order to keep the entire washing water stored in the water storage tank 202 at a uniform temperature without a temperature difference. preferable.

  Also, once the cleaning water is heated to a predetermined temperature, even if the temperature of the cleaning water is slightly reduced, the reheating is not performed to maintain the predetermined temperature, and the reheating operation may be performed immediately before the cleaning operation is started. Sometimes it's good. In this case, the operator may stop the heating operation itself via the control unit (not shown).

  The supplied fresh water is usually about 10 to 25 ° C. for tap water, and is heated to a temperature suitable for washing, for example, to about 60 to 80 ° C. The predetermined temperature of the washing water may be controlled with an appropriate clearance value for the predetermined temperature, and is not strictly a predetermined temperature. The clearance value may be set to, for example, about ± 3 ° C. with respect to a predetermined temperature.

  In addition, the water storage operation step S100 and the heating operation step S200 are performed, and a worker is notified by a display lamp (not shown) that the predetermined water level and the predetermined temperature have been reached and the next washing operation step S300 can be started. You may make it.

<Washing operation step>
Next, referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a cleaning operation step S <b> 300 in which heated cleaning water is sprayed to remove stains on tableware 104 which is a cleaning object conveyed by conveyor 103 which is a conveying means. Will be described.

  The outline of the cleaning operation step S300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the cleaning operation step S300 is started, as shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning pump 203 of the main cleaning zone 200 is driven to inject cleaning water from the nozzle pipes 208 and 209, and further, the conveyor 103 which is a conveying means is driven to finish. In the cleaning zone 300, the valve 304 is opened, and finishing cleaning water is injected from the nozzle pipes 302 and 303. When the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is started, the stored cleaning water is sucked into the cleaning pump 203 and the water level is lowered. Fresh water is supplied as fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 by the amount of the cleaning water. Since the temperature of the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is reduced by the supply of the washing water, the washing water is heated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first water storage tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level, the supply of fresh water is stopped, and when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, combustion of the burner 409 is stopped. The contaminants 104 are conveyed, and dirt attached to the tableware 104 is removed by the sprayed washing water.

  In the cleaning operation step S300, the cleaning pump 203 of the main cleaning zone 200 is driven and the cleaning water is injected from the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 in a state where the water of the cleaning water is stored at the predetermined water level and heated to the predetermined temperature. Then, the conveyor 103 serving as a conveying means is driven, and the dishes 104 to be washed are thrown in from the carry-in port 106, and washing water and finishing washing water are injected while the thrown dishes 104 are conveyed by the conveyor 103. After washing, the tableware 104 is discharged from the carry-out port 107, the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped, and the driving of the conveyor 103 is stopped.

Also in the washing operation step S300, the above-mentioned water storage operation and the heating operation are continued, and the predetermined water level and the predetermined temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 are maintained.
That is, also in the washing operation step, when either the water level sensor 222 of the first water storage tank 201 or the water level sensor 227 of the second water storage tank 202 detects that the water level is below the predetermined water level, the fresh water supply pipe 108 supplies The supply is started and controlled so as to maintain a predetermined water level. When the temperature of the cleaning water decreases and becomes lower than the predetermined temperature, combustion of the burner 409 is started and heating is started, and the cleaning water is cooled to a predetermined temperature. It is controlled to maintain the temperature.

  The cleaning operation step S300 will be described in detail step by step.

  First, an operation when the cleaning pump 203 is driven by an instruction to start a cleaning operation to a control unit (not shown) will be described with reference to FIG. When the cleaning pump 203 starts to be driven, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 at a predetermined water level at a predetermined temperature is sucked through a suction pipe 225 communicating with the bottom of the first water storage tank 201. The cleaning water sucked into the cleaning pump 203 flows to the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207 via the main cleaning water supply pipe 226. The washing water flowing into the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207 is supplied to a nozzle (small hole) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 208 mounted on the upper manifold 206 and the nozzle pipe 209 mounted on the lower manifold 207. Spray the washing water from. The jetted washing water is used for removing stains on tableware, collected in the first water storage tank 201, and brought into a washing flow state to be sucked into the washing pump 203 again.

  A description will be given of how the heating method of the cleaning water changes when the cleaning pump 203 is driven to change the circulation flow path of the cleaning water.

The circulation flow path in the heating operation up to the start of the cleaning operation step S300 is a circulation path using both the supply to the second water storage tank 202 and the supply to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the cleaning water is directly heated. And indirect heating.
On the other hand, the circulation flow path of the heating operation in the cleaning operation step S300 does not circulate to the second water storage tank 202, but only supplies to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Indirect heating is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  When the cleaning pump 203 is driven, the opening / closing valve (switching means) 234 provided in the second circulation path 232 is closed. As a result, the washing water discharged from the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 flows only through the third circulation path 233 and is supplied to the down-flow stabilization tank 405, and the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 from the down-flow opening 407 of the down-flow stabilization tank 405. Flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the first water storage tank 201 and flows into the first water storage tank 201 by the guide member 410.

  Cleaning water is no longer supplied to the second water storage tank 202. The washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is controlled so as to be maintained at a detection position of the water level sensor 227 which is a predetermined water level. Further, when the water level of the washing water in the first water storage tank 201 falls below a predetermined water level, the valve 221 is opened, the fresh water is supplied to the second water storage tank 202, overflows from the second water storage tank 202, and the first water is discharged. The water falls and flows into the water storage tank 201 as overflow water Wa, and is stored in the first water storage tank 201.

  The operation and effect of changing the circulation flow path when the cleaning pump 203 is driven will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is started, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is sucked into the cleaning pump 203 and discharged to the main cleaning water supply pipe 226, and the nozzles formed in the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 ( (Not shown). Then, the washing water flows into the washing tank 203 and is again sucked into the washing pump 203.

  At this time, the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 decreases by the amount of the washing water flowing until the cleaning water flowing through the washing pump 203 is sucked into the cleaning water pump 203 and collected in the first water storage tank 201, and the water level is reduced. Go down. When the water level sensor 222 detects that the water level has dropped, the valve 221 is opened and fresh water is supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water tank 202 as washing water, and overflows from the second water tank 202 as overflow water Wa. The fall water flows and is supplied to the first water storage tank 201, and the water level of the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is maintained at a predetermined position.

  In the conventional cleaning device, when the level of the cleaning water stored at the time of starting the operation of the pump decreases, fresh water having a lower temperature is supplied accordingly, and the temperature of the entire cleaning water decreases to recover to a predetermined temperature. There was a problem that it took time. In addition, after the temperature of the stored washing water has dropped, in order to start washing at a predetermined temperature, there has been an inconvenience of having to wait a long time until the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature.

  Also in the first embodiment of the present invention, fresh water with a low temperature is newly supplied, but the fresh water overflows into the first water storage tank 201 via the second water storage tank 202 formed by partitioning by the partition member 229. As falling and flowing. At this time, the cleaning water that has already been heated in the heating step S200 is stored in the second water storage tank 202, and the low-temperature fresh water is supplied thereto, so that the heated cleaning water and the low-temperature fresh water are supplied. The mixed water is dropped and flows as overflow water Wa into the first water storage tank 201 in a state where the temperature of the fresh water is raised, and supplied.

  Although this overflow water Wa is lower than a predetermined temperature of the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201, it still falls and flows into the first water storage tank 201 as cleaning water having a higher temperature than fresh water having a lower temperature. In addition, the temperature of the entire washing water is hard to decrease.

  Since the washing water dropped and flown into the first water storage tank 201 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the washing water is detected by the temperature sensor 223 and the burner 409 is burned to start the heating operation. At this time, as described above, the circulation flow path at the time of the heating operation in the cleaning operation step does not circulate to the second water storage tank 202, but only circulates to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  When the heating operation is started in addition to the water storage operation, indirect heating of the cleaning water supplied by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the circulation pump (circulation) is supplied to the second water storage tank 202. (Means) In 204, the cleaning water is not supplied, and the supplied fresh water is directly heated by gas-liquid contact.

  The cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, flows down as falling flowing water Wb, is indirectly heated, and is further heated by the guide member. It is also heated when introduced into the first water storage tank 201 by 410.

  In the second water storage tank 202 partitioned and formed by the partition member 229, the stored washing water is not circulated and flown by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, and the supplied fresh water having a low temperature immediately comes into gas-liquid contact. As a result, the temperature is raised by direct heating, and the falling water flows as overflow water Wa into the first water storage tank 201 and is supplied. Thereby, the recovery of the cleaning water to a predetermined temperature due to the temperature decrease due to the supply of the fresh water to the first water storage tank 201 can be completed earlier than the conventional cleaning device.

When the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level and the water level sensor 222 detects the predetermined water level, the valve 221 is closed to stop supplying the cleaning water. The supply of fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202 is stopped, and the falling flow of the overflow water Wa from the second water storage tank 202 to the first water storage tank 201 is stopped. The washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 has reached a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor 222 of the first water storage tank 201 and the water level sensor 227 of the second water storage tank 202 have detected the predetermined water level. State.

  When the temperature sensor 223 provided in the first water storage tank 201 detects that the temperature has reached a predetermined temperature, the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped. When the supply of fresh water is stopped at a predetermined water level and the combustion of the burner is stopped at a predetermined temperature, the washing water enters a circulating flow state and a cleaning flow state shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram including a state in which tableware 104 described later is transported.

  Further, in the conventional cleaning apparatus, even if the cleaning water is heated before the start of the cleaning operation, the cleaning chamber is not heated, and the cleaning water is sprayed after the cleaning operation is started and the cleaning chamber is not heated. There is a problem that the temperature of the washing water is reduced because the temperature of the washing water is reduced. In addition, after the temperature of the stored washing water has dropped, in order to start washing tableware at a predetermined temperature, there has been an inconvenience of having to wait a long time until the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature.

  According to the cleaning device of the first embodiment of the present invention, as described in the heating operation step S200, the combustion exhaust Ex diffused and introduced into the cleaning chamber 105 flows through the cleaning chamber 105 while flowing through the cleaning chamber 105. The inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105 comes into contact with components such as a manifold and a nozzle pipe in the cleaning chamber 105, and a conveyor 103 located in the cleaning chamber, and heats the upper outer body 101 and the components to pass through the cleaning chamber. Then, it is guided to the exhaust pipe 403 and discharged out of the cleaning chamber 105, or discharged from the carry-in port 106 and guided to the exhaust duct 404 and discharged to the upper part.

  Further, part of the heat of the falling water Wb flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is released into the cleaning chamber 105, so that the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is indirectly heated.

  Since the upper outer body 101 and the components are warmed, when the cleaning pump 203 is driven to spray the cleaning water, the cleaning water injected into the cleaning chamber 105 touches the heated upper outer body 101 and the components. However, it is possible to recover the temperature in the first water storage tank 201 while keeping the temperature drop to a minimum. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the decrease in the temperature of the stored washing water, and to shorten the heating time until the washing of the tableware is started.

  In addition, during heating when the cleaning pump 203 is being driven, the falling flowing water Wb is caused to flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, thereby circulating the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201. And the entire washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 can be uniformly heated without a temperature difference. As a result, it is possible to always spray the cleaning water at a uniform temperature, and it is possible to perform stable cleaning. Further, by the effective heating, the recovery of the temperature of the washing water is quick, and the time until the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature can be shortened.

  Along with the driving of the cleaning pump 203, the conveyor 103, which is a conveying means, is driven.

  In the finishing washing zone 300, the valve 304 provided in the finishing washing water supply pipe 305 is opened simultaneously with the start of driving of the conveyor 103, and the finishing washing water is jetted from the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 through the manifold 301. The valve 304 may be an electrically driven valve and controlled by a control unit (not shown) to operate in conjunction with the conveyor 103.

  The cleaning pump 203 and the conveyor 103 may be driven at the same time, or the conveyor 103 may be driven first. When the tableware 104 is put into the cleaning device, the cleaning pump 203 is driven and the cleaning water flows from the nozzle pipes 208 and 209. It only needs to be injected.

Next, the dishes 104 to be washed are put on the conveyor 103 from the entrance 106 side. The tableware 104 is put on the conveyor 103 in a prone state with the opening side of the tableware facing down. At this time, it is preferable to insert the tableware 104 after confirming that the temperature of the washing water has reached a predetermined temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the tableware 104 put on the conveyor 103 from the entrance 106 is conveyed into the cleaning chamber 105 by the conveyor 103, first moves to the main cleaning zone 200, and is subjected to main cleaning. Cleaning water sprayed from nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 of the main cleaning zone 200 removes dirt attached to tableware.

  The plurality of nozzle pipes 208 installed above the conveyor 103 spray cleaning water downward from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipes 208, and the tableware is prone. Cleaning water is sprayed on the upper surface side of 104 (the back side of tableware) to remove dirt.

  The plurality of nozzle pipes 209 installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103 inject washing water upward from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 209, and face down. Cleaning water is sprayed on the lower surface side of the tableware 104 (surface side of the tableware) to remove dirt.

  During the cleaning operation, the dirt adhering to the tableware 104 during the main cleaning is removed by spraying the cleaning water, and is collected in the first water storage tank 201 together with the cleaning water. The collected washing water is again sucked and jetted by the washing pump 203.

  When the cleaning pump 203 is driven as described above, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven but the valve (switching means) 234 is closed, and the supply to the second water storage tank 202 is not performed. The cleaning water for the first water storage tank 201 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the outlet pipe 402.

  In other words, the circulated cleaning water flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 also contains a dirt component.

  Even if the washing water circulates in a state containing dirt, it flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 while flowing down as falling flowing water Wb. Dirt does not easily adhere to the surface.

  The tableware 104 that has passed through the main cleaning zone 200 moves to the final cleaning zone 300 and is subjected to final cleaning. When the final cleaning water jetted from the nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 is used for cleaning water containing dirt in the main cleaning zone 200 or when detergent is used in the main cleaning zone 200. To remove the detergent components.

  The nozzle tube 302 installed above the conveyor 103 injects finish washing water downward from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle tube 302, and the tableware 104 which is prone. Spray finish wash water on the upper surface side (back side of tableware) to remove dirt.

  The nozzle pipe 303 installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103 injects finish cleaning water upward from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 303 and is prone. Finish cleaning water is sprayed on the lower surface side of the tableware 104 (surface side of the tableware) to remove dirt.

  In the finishing washing zone 300, the finishing washing water used for the finishing washing is collected in a drain receiver 111 located below the conveyor 103 in the finishing washing zone 300, and is discarded from a drain pipe 112 (see FIG. 1).

  The tableware 104, which is the object to be cleaned after the final cleaning, is discharged out of the cleaning chamber 105 from the carry-out port 107. The discharged tableware 104 is stored in a basket or the like and stored for the next meal.

  Next, the water storage operation and the heating operation during the cleaning operation will be described.

  During the cleaning operation, cleaning water attached to the tableware 104 in the main cleaning zone 200 and cleaning water sprayed and scattered from the nozzles (small holes) of the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 to the tableware 104 move out of the main cleaning zone 200. Then, the amount of cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 decreases by the amount of the moved cleaning water, and the water level of the first water storage tank 201 decreases. When the water level sensor 222 detects that the water level is lower than the predetermined water level, the valve 221 is opened, the supply of fresh water is started, and control is performed so as to maintain the predetermined water level.

  Further, during the cleaning operation, the water level drops due to the movement of the cleaning water, and the temperature of the cleaning water decreases when fresh water is supplied. Furthermore, the temperature of the stored washing water decreases due to the heated washing water coming into contact with the low-temperature tableware 104 to remove heat or radiating heat from the surface of the upper outer body 101. When the temperature sensor 223 detects that the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the combustion of the burner 409 is started and controlled to maintain the temperature at the predetermined temperature.

  Each of the water storage operation and the heating operation during the cleaning operation may be independently performed. When performing only the water storage operation without the heating operation during the cleaning operation, only the heating operation may be performed without the water storage operation. In addition, the water storage operation and the heating operation may be performed simultaneously.

  In many cases, the water storage operation starts alone, then the heating operation starts in parallel with the water storage operation, and finally, the heating operation is performed independently. When the tableware 104 is continuously washed, the washing water always moves to the outside of the main washing zone 200, and the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 decreases. It is necessary to continue the water storage operation for supplying fresh water at short intervals to make up for the decrease in the wash water, and perform the heating operation simultaneously when the temperature of the wash water decreases based on this water storage operation. There are many.

  First, a case in which only the water storage operation is performed without the heating operation during the cleaning operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, when the cleaning pump 203 is driven, the valve (switching means) 234 is closed, and the cleaning water in the second water storage tank 202 is not circulated by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 and is heated to a predetermined temperature. The used washing water is stored at a predetermined water level (full water position). Fresh water having a low temperature is supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202 in this state, and is supplied to the first water storage tank 201 by falling and flowing as overflow water Wa. Are mixed, and the overflow water Wa that is dropped and flows into the first water storage tank 201 and supplied is in a state where the temperature is higher than that of the supplied fresh water.

  As described above, instead of supplying fresh water having a low temperature to the first water storage tank 201 as it is, by mixing with the heated cleaning water of the second water storage tank 202 and increasing the temperature, the cleaning water is supplied at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined water level can be recovered while minimizing the temperature drop below the temperature of. The opportunity of the heating operation can be reduced. Therefore, the cleaning operation can be performed while maintaining the predetermined temperature, and a stable cleaning effect is exhibited.

For example, if the amount of fresh water supplied when the water storage operation is performed is small and the cleaning water can maintain a predetermined temperature, the heating operation is not performed. If the washing water drops below a predetermined temperature during the water storage operation, the heating operation is started. The case where the water storage operation and the heating operation are performed simultaneously will be described later.

  Further, when the water level of the first water storage tank 201 decreases, the supply of the wash water is started by causing the water to fall and flow as overflow water Wa from the second water storage tank 202, but the second water storage tank 202 is kept at a predetermined water level. Therefore, there is no delay in the falling flow of the overflow water Wa, and the washing water can be supplied to the first water storage tank 201 immediately.

  Next, a case where only the heating operation is performed without the water storage operation during the cleaning operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  During the cleaning operation, when the temperature sensor 223 provided in the first water storage tank 201 detects that the temperature of the cleaning water has dropped below a predetermined temperature, combustion of the burner 409 is started and heating of the cleaning water is started. As shown in FIG. 11, the indirect heating of the circulated cleaning water on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the gas-liquid contact of the non-circulated cleaning water with the combustion exhaust Ex in the second water storage tank 202. Direct heating begins.

  The cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is circulated by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, flows down as falling flowing water Wb, is indirectly heated, and is further heated by the guide member. It is also heated when introduced into the first water storage tank 201 by 410.

  The washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is not circulated by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, but flows into the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. It is directly heated by gas-liquid contact by the discharged combustion exhaust Ex.

Since the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is not circulated, it may be heated above a predetermined temperature. As described above, when the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 201 exceeds the predetermined temperature, water is stored in the first water storage tank 201 from the outer surface of the partition member 229 forming the second water storage tank 202. It can be heated by exchanging heat with washing water.

Thereby, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 can be heated, and the cleaning water can be maintained at a predetermined temperature (heat retention), thereby contributing to a stable cleaning effect.

  When the temperature sensor 223 provided in the first water storage tank 201 detects that the temperature of the washing water has reached a predetermined temperature, the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, and the heating of the washing water is stopped.

  During the heating when the cleaning pump 203 is being driven, the falling flowing water Wb is caused to flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, thereby circulating the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201. It becomes active, and the entire washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 can be uniformly heated without a temperature difference. As a result, it is possible to always spray the cleaning water at a uniform temperature, and it is possible to perform stable cleaning.

  When the water level of the first water storage tank 201 drops in a state where the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 exceeds a predetermined temperature, fresh water having a low temperature is supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202. The water is supplied to the first water storage tank 201 by falling and flowing as overflow water Wa, and the cleaning water having a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature is mixed with fresh water having a lower temperature. In a state close to the above, the water falls, flows and is supplied to the first water storage tank 201 as overflow water Wa.

In other words, the washing water in the second water storage tank 202 is directly heated by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas Ex while the washing water being washed is indirectly heated on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the next water storage operation is performed. In case, the temperature of the washing water in the second water storage tank 202 can be raised. Thereby, even if fresh water having a low temperature is supplied, the heating time required to reach a predetermined temperature can be shortened, which contributes to a stable cleaning effect.

  Separately from the wash water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and washed and flown as the wash water, the heated wash water is stored in the partitioned second water storage tank 202, and the effective heating by supplying fresh water to the stored wash water, The recovery of the temperature of the washing water can be accelerated, and the washing in a state where the temperature of the washing water has dropped can be shortened.

  If only the heating operation is performed without the water storage operation, the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is directly heated by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas Ex, so that the cleaning water evaporates and the second water storage The water level of the tank 202 may drop below a predetermined water level (overflow position). When the water level sensor 227 attached to the bottom surface of the second water storage tank 202 detects that the level of the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is lower than a predetermined water level (overflow position), the valve 221 is turned on. It is opened to supply fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202, and the water level in the second water storage tank 202 is maintained at a predetermined water level (overflow position).

  In addition to the case where only the heating operation is performed without the water storage operation, when the water level of the second water storage tank 202 falls below a predetermined water level (overflow position), the water level of the first water storage tank 201 becomes the predetermined water level. Even in this case, the valve 221 is opened to supply fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202.

  Further, during the cleaning operation, the dirt attached to the tableware 104 removed by the injection of the cleaning water is collected in the first water storage tank 201 together with the cleaning water, and is sucked again by the cleaning pump and injected. As a result, the washing water containing the dirt component is indirectly heated while flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  Even if the washing water circulates in a state containing dirt, heat is exchanged and heated on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 while flowing down as falling flowing water Wb, so that the combustion exhaust outlet pipe which is a heat exchanger is used. Dirt does not easily adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the 402.

  Next, a case where the water storage operation and the heating operation are simultaneously performed during the cleaning operation will be described.

  When the water storage operation and the heating operation are simultaneously performed during the cleaning operation, the state of the cleaning water circulates and the state of the cleaning flow shown in FIG. 8 are obtained. However, FIG. 8 shows a state immediately after the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is started as described above, and shows a state before the tableware 104 is conveyed.

  The case where the water storage operation and the heating operation are performed at the same time means that the cleaning operation is started when the washing water drops below a predetermined temperature during the water storage operation, and that the heating operation is performed. In some cases, the water level of the washing water may decrease and the water storage operation may be started. Further, the water storage operation and the heating operation may be started almost simultaneously.

The operation has been described for the case where only the above-described water storage operation is performed and the case where only the heating operation is performed, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.
When the water supply operation and the heating operation are simultaneously performed during the cleaning operation, the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is supplied while supplying low-temperature fresh water to the second water storage tank 202. Since direct heating is performed by bringing the exhaust gas Ex discharged into the water into gas-liquid contact with the exhaust gas Ex, the temperature difference Δt between the exhaust gas Ex and the cleaning water can be increased during heating.

  Thereby, the cleaning water can be heated in a state where the heating efficiency of the direct heating by the gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas Ex in the second water storage tank 202 is further improved. The supplied fresh water having a low temperature can be dropped and flown as overflow water Wa into the first water storage tank 201 while heating under high heating efficiency, and can be supplied with a minimum temperature drop of the washing water. Contributes to the cleaning effect.

  In the conventional cleaning device, when the water level in the water storage tank drops, fresh water is supplied, and by supplying fresh water having a low temperature, the temperature of the wash water is reduced, so that a heating operation is performed. Therefore, the temperature reduction width of the water storage tank becomes large, and the heating to the predetermined temperature is delayed. For this reason, it is considered that the cleaning was performed with the cleaning water at a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature during this time, and a stable cleaning effect could not be obtained.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the heated washing water is stored in the partitioned second water tank 202 while indirectly heating the washing water that is stored and washed and flows in the first water tank 201, and when the water level falls, Fresh water is supplied to the second water storage tank 202, and is supplied to the first water storage tank 201 by falling and flowing as overflow water Wa.

  Thereby, instead of supplying fresh water having a low temperature to the first water storage tank 201 as it is, the temperature is raised by mixing with the cleaning water heated in the second water storage tank 202, and the fresh water having a low temperature is supplied by gas-liquid contact. After being directly heated, it can be dropped and flown as overflow water Wa and supplied. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the temperature drop due to the water storage operation during the washing operation, reduce the chance of the heating operation, and shorten the time required for heating. Further, the recovery from the temperature drop due to the water storage operation is quick, and the cleaning operation can be performed in a state where the predetermined temperature is maintained, so that a stable cleaning effect is exhibited.

  When the introduced tableware 104 is washed and completely discharged from the carry-out port 107, the driving of the conveyor 103 as the transporting means is stopped and the cleaning pump 203 is driven by inputting an instruction to stop the cleaning operation to a control unit (not shown). To stop.

  The timing for stopping the driving of the cleaning pump 203 and the conveyor 103 may be simultaneous. The driving of the cleaning pump 203 may be stopped first, and it may be confirmed that the inserted tableware 104 has been carried out of the cleaning device, and the driving of the conveyor 103 and the driving of the cleaning pump 203 may be stopped.

  In the finish cleaning zone 300, at the same time as the driving of the conveyor 103 is stopped, the valve 304 provided in the finish cleaning water supply pipe 305 is closed, and the injection of the finish cleaning water from the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 is stopped.

  When the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped, the method of heating the cleaning water changes by changing the circulation flow path of the cleaning water. When the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped, contrary to the driving of the cleaning pump 203, an opening / closing valve (switching means) 234 provided in the second circulation path 232 is opened, and the circulation flow state shown in FIG. Become. That is, the cleaning water is circulated using both the second circulation path 232 and the third circulation path 233.

The circulation pump (circulation means) 204 sucks the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 through the first circulation path 231 communicating with the bottom of the first water storage tank 201, and the second circulation path 232 and the third circulation path 233. And discharge.
The wash water discharged to the second circulation path 232 flows through the second circulation path 232, is supplied to the second water storage tank 202, overflows from the second water storage tank 202, and falls into the first water storage tank 201 as overflow water Wa. The circulating fluid flows and is again sucked into the circulating pump (circulating means) 204 to be in a circulating fluid state.

  Further, the washing water discharged to the third circulation path 233 flows through the third circulation path 233 and is supplied to the downflow stabilization tank 405 provided above the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and is supplied to the downflow stabilization tank 405. The washing water is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 from the downward opening 407 formed on the bottom surface of the lowering stabilization tank 405, and flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as falling flowing water Wb. At 410, the water is introduced into the first water storage tank 201, and is again in a circulating fluid state where it is sucked into the circulation pump (circulation means) 204.

  As a result, the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 is circulated, and the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 is subjected to a temperature difference. It can be maintained at a uniform temperature.

When the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped and the cleaning operation is finished, the above-mentioned jetted cleaning water does not move out of the main cleaning zone 200, and the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is stabilized at a predetermined water level. Then, the supply of fresh water to the second water storage tank 202 becomes unnecessary. For this reason, the effect of keeping the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 higher than the predetermined temperature as in the cleaning operation is lost.
Therefore, in order to maintain the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 at a uniform temperature without a temperature difference, the method of heating the cleaning water is changed.

  At this time, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven to maintain the state of circulating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202, while maintaining the water storage operation and the heating operation. The cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 is maintained at a predetermined water level and a predetermined temperature. That is, if the stored washing water falls below a predetermined water level due to evaporation or the like, the valve 221 is opened and fresh water is supplied. If the cleaning water falls below a predetermined temperature due to heat release or the like, the burner 409 starts burning. Thereafter, when the tableware 104 is additionally washed, the washing operation step S300 may be performed again.

  In addition, since the cleaning of the tableware 104 has been performed, the cleaning water containing the dirt component adhered to the tableware 104 removed by spraying the cleaning water during the cleaning operation is circulating and flowing. Even if the washing water contains dirt, the valve (switching means) 234 is opened to circulate the washing water to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the second water storage tank 202 so that the entire washing water flows. Accordingly, dirt hardly adheres to the inside of the second water storage tank 202 and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchanger.

<Stop step>
Next, the operation of the stop step S500 for stopping the heating operation and the water storage operation to stop the operation of the cleaning device will be described.

  Even if all the tableware washing operations are completed in the washing operation step S300, the water storage operation and the heating operation are maintained, so the heating operation and the water storage operation are stopped in the stop step S500.

  First, the heating operation is stopped by inputting a heating operation stop instruction to a control unit (not shown). When the burner 409 is burning, the combustion is stopped, and then the driving of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is stopped, and the heating operation is stopped. When the burner 409 is not burning, the driving of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is stopped, and the heating operation is stopped.

When the drive of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is stopped, the washing water flowing in the pipe returns to the first water storage tank 201 and exceeds the predetermined water level. Water is discharged from the upper end of the overflow pipe 224 to the outside.

  After the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven for a predetermined time by stopping the combustion of the burner 409 in order to reduce the residual heat of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 for a predetermined time. After the cleaning water is circulated for a while on the outer peripheral surface of 402, the driving of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 may be stopped to stop the heating operation.

  Also, at this time, in order to more effectively lower the temperature of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, fresh water having a low temperature is circulated while forcibly supplying fresh water having a low temperature from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water tank 202. May be discharged from the upper end of the overflow pipe 224 to the outside. By replacing the washing water containing the high-temperature contaminant component used for cleaning with freshly supplied low-temperature fresh water, the temperature of the cleaning water gradually decreases, and the contaminant component also gradually decreases.

  Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, the first circulation path 231, the second circulation path 232, the third circulation path 233, the first water storage tank 201, the second water storage tank 202, While lowering the temperature of the flow-down stabilizing tank 405, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the inside of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, and the inner surfaces of the first circulation path 231, the second circulation path 232, and the third circulation path 233 are reduced. The effect of removing the dirt component is also obtained.

  At this time, if the cleaning pump is temporarily driven, the inside of the cleaning pump 203, the suction pipe 225, the inner surface of the main cleaning water supply pipe 226, the manifold 205 in the cleaning chamber 105, and the pipes of the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 are formed. The effect of removing dirt components can be obtained while lowering the temperature of components such as the conveyor 103, which is a transporting means, located inside the cleaning chamber 105 and the inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105.

  Next, the water storage operation is stopped by a stop instruction input of the water storage operation to a control unit (not shown). When the valve 221 for supplying fresh water is open, the valve 221 is closed, supply of fresh water is stopped, and the water storage operation is stopped.

<Cleaning step>
Next, a cleaning step S600 for mainly cleaning the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 of the cleaning apparatus 100 will be described.

The dirt attached to the dishes during the cleaning operation is removed by spraying the cleaning water and scattered into the cleaning chamber, or the cleaning water containing the dirt component is scattered, thereby causing the inner surface of the upper outer body 101 and Contaminants are attached to components such as the manifold 205, the outer surfaces of the nozzle pipes 208 and 209, and the conveyor 103.
If left as it is without cleaning, the adhered dirt will adhere and the adhered dirt will accumulate, which is unsanitary. In particular, if dirt adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, not only is it unsanitary, but heat exchange with the falling flowing water Wb is deteriorated, and heating efficiency of the cleaning water is deteriorated.

  In order to remove these dirt, in the cleaning step S600, the dirt adhering to the inner surface of the upper outer body 101 and the components is rubbed with a sponge or a scrubber while spraying water with a hose or the like, or by wiping with a towel or the like. to clean up.

To start cleaning the inside of the cleaning chamber 105, the doors 113 provided on the front side and the rear side of the upper outer body 101 are removed. Next, the overflow pipe 224 provided in the first water storage tank 201 is removed, and the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is drained to the outside. The cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 can be removed from the first water storage tank 201 by removing the partition member 229 configuring the second water storage tank 202 from the first water storage tank 201. The water is drained from the water storage tank 201 to the outside.

  When the drainage of the cleaning water from the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 is completed, the removable components in the cleaning chamber 105 are removed. In addition to the overflow pipe 224, the partition member 229 forming the second water storage tank 202, and the door 113 already removed, the nozzle pipes 208, 209, 302, 303, the guide member 410, and the like are removed from the cleaning device. The removed component may be cleaned by washing it with water or the like in another place, and attached to a predetermined position after cleaning to prepare for the next operation.

  After removing the removable components, the components such as the inner surface of the upper outer body 101, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the inner surface of the first water storage tank 201, the water level sensor, the temperature sensor, and the conveyor provided in the cleaning chamber 105 are removed. Clean while rubbing or wiping with water.

  The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, is vertically arranged on the front side of the cleaning chamber 105 so as to face the cleaning chamber. By simply removing the door 113, it is possible to easily check for dirt and directly. It is easily reachable, and dirt attached to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be easily cleaned. In the first embodiment of the present invention, since the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 has a square tubular cross section, it can be easily rubbed or wiped off, and dirt can be easily removed.

  The guide member 410 is detachable, and removing the guide member 410 facilitates cleaning of the guide member 410. In addition, by removing the guide member 410, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the first water storage tank 201 can be easily reached, and cleaning can be facilitated.

  During the washing operation, the washing water containing the dirt component is heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, but by arranging the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 vertically, the flow velocity of the falling flowing water Wb is reduced. Since the washing water is fast and stable and does not stay, the dirt component hardly adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. In addition, since it is easy to clean, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be kept in a state where no dirt component is attached.

  Furthermore, since the heat exchanger is not complicatedly constructed inside the water storage tank as in the prior art, the first water storage tank 201 has a simple structure and can reduce the water storage capacity and is compact and clean. The area is also reduced, and in this respect, the cleaning property is good. Further, since the water storage capacity can be reduced, the amount of water used can be reduced, the heating time can be shortened, and water saving and energy saving can be improved.

  In addition, if the interior of the refrigerator is opened with the door 113 removed until the next operation, drying in the refrigerator can be promoted, and the interior of the refrigerator can be kept more sanitary. At the next operation, the operation is started after the door 113 is attached.

  In the conventional cleaning device, the flow of the cleaning water near the heat exchange section is weak and the cleaning water often stays, so that the dirt component easily adheres to the heat exchange section. Further, since the heat exchange unit is located in the back of the water storage tank, it is not possible to check the adherence of dirt, and it is not accessible, and the cleaning property is very poor. For this reason, it is difficult to remove the dirt component attached to the heat exchange unit, and the heating efficiency of the washing water is deteriorated.

On the other hand, in the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the dirt component hardly adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, and can be easily cleaned. Dirt can be easily removed only by wiping, and good heating efficiency of the washing water can be maintained. Further, since the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is located at a position where it can be easily accessed just by removing the door 113, the burden on the cleaning operator is small.

  This makes it possible to easily clean the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, while reducing the burden of cleaning on the operator, and to maintain a state in which no dirt is attached. Heating efficiency can be maintained.

As described above, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the extremely efficient direct heating by gas-liquid contact is applied to the cleaning water heating, and the cleaning water is directly heated and the combustion exhaust Ex is supplied to the cleaning chamber. To heat the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber and then discharged out of the cleaning chamber.
Further, the cleaning water is indirectly heated with a simple structure of flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 provided to be exposed in the refrigerator, and a part of the heat of the heated cleaning water is released, The inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is heated.
Furthermore, since the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is disposed so as to be exposed in the cleaning chamber, even if a dirt component adheres to the outer peripheral surface, it can be easily removed. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be easily cleaned and the cleaning water can be efficiently heated.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The cleaning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is in the operation of the operation, and as shown in FIG. 4B, a water storage heating operation step S150 is performed instead of the water storage operation step S100 and the heating operation step S200 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the heating operation step S200 is started after the completion of the water storage operation step S100. However, in the second embodiment, heating is performed while storing water as the water storage heating operation step S150.

  The operation of the water storage heating operation step S150 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The water storage heating operation is started by input of a storage water heating operation start instruction input to a control unit (not shown).

  First, similarly to the water storage step S100 of the first embodiment, the valve 221 for opening and closing is opened, and the fresh water supply pipe 108 is connected to the bottom of the second water storage tank 202 and connected to the second water storage tank 202 by piping. (2) Fresh water is supplied as washing water to the water storage tank 202 to start water storage.

  When the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank 202 reaches a predetermined water level, the cleaning water overflows from the second water storage tank 202, falls and flows as overflow water Wa into the first water storage tank 201, and flows into the first water storage tank 201. Start storing water. At this time, the water level sensor 227 of the second water tank 202 detects that the water level is at a predetermined level.

  When the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is stored to such a level that the air does not bite even when the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is operated, the heating step S200 of the first embodiment is continued while the water storage operation is continued. Start operation. The control of the timing of starting the operation of the heating step S200 may be performed by providing a water level sensor (not shown) and detecting and controlling the water level at which the air does not bite, or measuring the time from the start of the water storage operation to the timer. May be controlled.

Similar to the heating step S200 in the first embodiment, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 supplies the combustion exhaust discharge pipe to the second water storage tank 202 where the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe is located, and the combustion exhaust discharge pipe serving as a heat exchange unit. The circulation of the cleaning water is performed in combination with the supply of the cleaning water to the outer peripheral surface of 402. Then, the burner 409 covered by the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is burned, and the combustion exhaust Ex flows to the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and is discharged from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, thereby cleaning the inside of the second water storage tank 202. The cleaning water is heated using two types of heating, that is, direct heating of water and indirect heating of the cleaning water on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. The difference from the first embodiment is that the heating operation is started without waiting for the first water storage tank 201 to reach a predetermined water level by the water storage operation, and the water storage operation and the heating operation are performed in parallel.

  Since the water storage operation and the heating operation are performed in parallel, the low-temperature fresh water supplied to the second water storage tank 202 from the fresh water supply pipe 108 flows from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe in the second water storage tank 202. After being directly heated by the gas-liquid contact with the discharged combustion exhaust Ex, it is dropped and flows as overflowing water from the second water storage tank 202 to the first water storage tank 201 and supplied and stored. The washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 after being heated in this way is further indirectly heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, or the second water storage tank At 202, the gas is further heated to a predetermined temperature by direct heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas Ex.

  The water storage operation and the heating operation are continued in parallel, and when the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level, the water storage operation is stopped, and the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 reaches a predetermined temperature. When it reaches, the heating operation stops.

  Thereafter, as described above, if it is detected that the stored washing water is below the predetermined water level until the water storage operation and the heating operation are stopped in the stop step S500, the supply of fresh water is started again to set the predetermined water level. When the temperature is controlled to be maintained, and when it is detected that the stored washing water has dropped below a predetermined temperature, the heating operation is started again to control the temperature to be maintained at the predetermined temperature.

  In the water storage heating operation step S150, the low-temperature fresh water supplied to the second water storage tank 202 is directly heated by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas Ex discharged into the second water storage tank 202, Since the water is dropped and flows into the one water storage tank 201 as overflowing water Wa and supplied and stored, a large temperature difference Δt can be obtained in direct heating. Thereby, the washing water can be heated in a state where the heating efficiency of the direct heating by the gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 is further increased. Efficient heating becomes possible, and the time from when the water storage heating operation is started to when the water reaches a predetermined water level and a predetermined temperature can be shortened. Therefore, the time until the cleaning operation step S300 is started can be reduced, and efficient work can be performed.

  Compared to the case where the water storage operation step S100 and the heating operation step S200 are each performed independently, by performing the water storage heating operation step S150, the water storage tank is not filled with water, the water level is increased to a predetermined water level and a predetermined temperature. It is possible to shorten the time required to reach (the initial heating with water filling which is a so-called cleaning preparation).

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the downflow stabilization tank 405 provided above the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 in FIGS. 5 to 11 is omitted, and an injection nozzle 420 is provided as shown in FIG. The arrangement is such that the washing water circulating and flowing toward the outer peripheral surface is jetted.

If the cross-sectional shape of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is, for example, a square cylindrical shape, it is preferable to arrange nozzles on each of the four surfaces in order to improve the heat exchange rate. Moreover, if it is a cylindrical shape, it is arranged at two places, preferably four places, more preferably six places so that it can flow down over the entire outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to make the falling flowing water Wb, which is the washing water, uniformly flow down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 while providing a simpler structure without providing the downflow stabilization tank 405, Cleanability can be made easier.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The cleaning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description of the same portions will be omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that a detergent supply device (not shown) for supplying an alkaline detergent for improving the cleaning effect to the cleaning water for the main cleaning is provided.

  First, a configuration different from the first embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. A detergent supply device (not shown) for introducing the alkaline detergent into the cleaning water for the main cleaning is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the cleaning device 100 or the like. The detergent supply device (not shown) includes a bellows pump (not shown) for supplying the alkaline detergent stored in the detergent tank (not shown) to the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201. . Further, a control unit (not shown) for detecting the concentration of the alkaline detergent in the washing water by a sensor (not shown) provided in the first water storage tank 201 and controlling the driving of a bellows pump (not shown) is provided. .

  A bellows pump (not shown) operates in response to a signal to the control unit, sucks in an alkaline detergent in a connected detergent tank (not shown), and supplies an alkaline detergent into the first water storage tank 201 to give a predetermined detergent. Maintain concentration. The bellows pump (not shown) and the first water storage tank 201 are connected by a pipe such as a hose.

  In addition to detecting the concentration of the alkaline detergent, for example, the control may be performed by detecting the PH value. Alternatively, control may be performed so that a certain amount of detergent is added to the entire amount of the washing water so that the washing water has a predetermined concentration. In addition, when the processing amount of the object to be cleaned is small, an alkaline detergent is directly added to the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 before starting the cleaning operation so as to have a predetermined detergent concentration without using the detergent supply device. It may be input manually.

  The control unit (not shown) controls the detergent supply device (not shown) to start simultaneously with driving the cleaning pump 203.

  Next, an operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention that is different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a neutralization operation step S400 is performed between the cleaning operation step S300 and the stop step S500. The steps up to the cleaning operation step S300 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments. In the cleaning operation step S300, an alkaline detergent is supplied, and after the cleaning operation step S300 is completed, the neutralization operation step S400 is performed. The stop step S500 and the cleaning step S600 performed after the neutralization operation step S400 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  It is also known that a phenomenon in which the liquid property changes from alkaline to neutral due to gas-liquid contact between the water mixed with the alkaline detergent and the combustion exhaust gas Ex. It is forewarned that the sex operation step S400 is performed.

First, in the cleaning operation step S300, an alkaline detergent is added to the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201. At the same time as driving the cleaning pump 203, the operation of a detergent supply device (not shown) is started, and the alkaline detergent is supplied and maintained until a predetermined detergent concentration is reached. Since the washing pump 203 is driven, the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is in a washing fluid state, and the supplied alkaline detergent is diffused throughout the washing water to become washing water having a uniform detergent concentration.

  If the temperature of the washing water is low (for example, about 30 ° C.) when the alkaline detergent is introduced, when the washing pump 203 is driven to make the washing fluid, the washing water foams and the washing pump 203 is caught by air. May be caused. It is preferable to select a low-foaming detergent, or to add the detergent after heating to a predetermined temperature.

  When a predetermined detergent concentration is reached, the supply of the alkaline detergent is stopped. Thereafter, when the detergent concentration decreases, for example, when fresh water is supplied by the water supply operation, the detergent is supplied so as to maintain the detergent concentration at a predetermined value.

  The subsequent operation of the cleaning operation step S300 is the same as the operation after driving the cleaning pump 203 in the cleaning operation step S300 of the first embodiment. By mixing an alkaline detergent into the washing water, dirt attached to tableware can be more effectively removed.

  As described in the first embodiment, when the cleaning pump 203 is driven, the opening / closing valve (switching unit) 234 provided in the second circulation path 232 is closed. As a result, the washing water discharged from the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 flows through the third circulation path 233 and is supplied to the down-flow stabilization tank 405, and from the down-flow opening 407 of the down-flow stabilization tank 405 to the outer periphery of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 The water flows down as falling flowing water Wb along the surface, and flows and is introduced into the first water storage tank 201 by the guide member 410. Wash water is no longer circulated to the second water storage tank 202.

  Therefore, during the heating operation after driving the cleaning pump, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is not directly heated by the gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202, but is indirectly heated on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Will be done. Further, it is further heated when flowing along the heated guide member 410.

  As a result, the washing water indirectly heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is not introduced into the second water storage tank 202 that performs direct heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex. Can be suppressed. Therefore, while heating the cleaning water efficiently, the change of the alkaline cleaning water to the neutral side is suppressed, the cleaning effect of the detergent is maintained, and a stable cleaning power can be exhibited.

  Although the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is prevented from being introduced into the second water storage tank 202, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is dispersed in the second water storage tank 202 due to scattering of the cleaning water injected from the cleaning pump 203. A small amount may be introduced into 202. Since the guide member 410 is located above the second water storage tank 202, a large amount of cleaning water mixed with an alkaline detergent is not introduced into the second water storage tank 202, so that the entire cleaning water is alkaline. Does not affect liquid properties.

(Example of embodiment of switching means)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the first circulation path for sucking the washing water from the first water tank by the circulation means,
A second circulation path for supplying cleaning water sucked from the first water storage tank by the first circulation path and discharged by the circulation means to a second water storage tank;
A third circulation path for supplying the cleaning water sucked from the first water storage tank by the first circulation path and discharged by the circulation means to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe;
A first system for supplying the wash water of the first water storage tank by using the second circulation path and the third circulation path together;
A second system that supplies the wash water of the first water tank only by the third circulation path without using the second circulation path;
Switching means (not shown) for mutually switching any one of the above.

Among these, the first system uses the second circulation path and the third circulation path together to supply the washing water sucked from the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank and to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe. This is a system that supplies water directly to the first water storage tank through the supply of water.
Further, the second system uses only the third circulation path without using the second circulation path, so that the washing water sucked from the first water storage tank is supplied only to the first water storage tank without being supplied to the second water storage tank. It is a direct supply system.

  By the switching means, it is possible to switch to the second system in order to prevent a change in the liquidity of the alkaline detergent during the cleaning operation, and to neutralize the alkaline detergent in order to promote the liquidity change of the alkaline detergent after the completion of the cleaning. Can be switched to the first system.

(Switch to the second system in the cleaning operation)
It is known that water changes from alkaline to neutral due to gas-liquid contact between alkaline water and combustion exhaust gas. When gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas is used for the alkaline cleaning water due to the occurrence of this phenomenon, it is conceivable that the liquidity of the alkaline cleaning water changes. Therefore, in order to prevent such a change in the liquid property, in a state where the alkaline detergent is mixed in the cleaning water of the first water storage tank, the cleaning operation is performed by switching from the first system to the second system by the switching means. May be directly supplied to the first water storage tank without being supplied to the second water storage tank, and the cleaning water may be heated only by heating to cause the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down.

  That is, as a cleaning method by the cleaning device of the present invention, in a state where an alkaline detergent is mixed in the cleaning water of the first water tank, the supply of the cleaning water of the first water tank in the cleaning operation is performed from the first system to the second system. It may be controlled to switch. By switching the first system to the second system by the switching means, the supply from the first water tank is performed only by heating to cause the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down without mixing the alkaline detergent into the second water tank. The heated washing water can be heated. By this cleaning method, it is possible to suppress the change of the alkaline cleaning water to the neutral side while efficiently heating the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent, and maintain a stable temperature and the cleaning effect of the detergent. As a result, high cleaning power can be exhibited.

  As an embodiment for automatically executing the switching operation of the switching unit in the cleaning method, there is provided a liquidity detecting unit (not shown) for detecting that an alkaline detergent is used for the cleaning water in the first water storage tank. The apparatus further comprises: the switching means for controlling the supply of the washing water in the first water tank in the washing operation from the first system to the second system by detecting the alkaline detergent by the liquidity detecting unit. It may be.

  Next, the driving operation in the neutralization driving step S400 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  After the cleaning operation step S300 is completed, a neutralization operation step S400 is performed. In the neutralization operation step S400, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent and the combustion exhaust gas Ex discharged from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust discharge pipe are brought into gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 to be in a liquid state. To the neutral side.

  As described in the first embodiment, when the cleaning operation step S300 is completed and the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped, the valve (switching means) 234 is opened and the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven, and the combustion exhaust is derived. In the fourth embodiment, cleaning water mixed with an alkaline detergent is supplied to the second water storage tank 202 where the lower end surface 411 of the pipe is located and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchange section. The circulation state shown in FIG.

  The drive of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped by inputting a stop instruction input of a cleaning operation (cleaning operation step S300) and a start instruction input of a neutralization operation (neutralization operation step S400) to a control unit (not shown). When the gasification operation is started, the burner 409 covered with the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is burned, and the combustion exhaust Ex flows to the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and is stored in the second water storage tank 202 from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. To the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent. The state shown in FIG. 14 is obtained.

  As a result, the combustion exhaust gas Ex and the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent are brought into gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202, so that the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent changes to the neutral side. At this time, indirect heating of the cleaning water flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as falling flowing water Wb is performed, and the combustion exhaust Ex after the direct heating is diffused into the cleaning chamber 105 to heat the inside of the chamber. are doing.

  Unlike the control of the heating operation for maintaining the cleaning water at the predetermined temperature in the cleaning operation (the cleaning operation step S300), the burner 409 is burned for neutralization regardless of the predetermined temperature of the cleaning water. There is a need. In general, when the temperature of the washing water exceeds a predetermined temperature of 60 to 80 ° C., the heating efficiency deteriorates at a stretch. From this, even if the heating is continued beyond the predetermined temperature due to the change to the neutral side, the temperature does not reach 90 ° C. or more. However, for safety, it is preferable to stop the combustion of the burner 409 once at the time of heating to 85 to 90 ° C.

  As described above, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is supplied to the second water storage tank 202 and brought into gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas Ex, so that the cleaning water can be changed to the neutral side. Further, the cleaning pump 203 is also driven. Unlike the cleaning operation, in the neutralization operation, the valve (switching means) 234 remains open even when the cleaning pump 203 is driven.

  By driving the cleaning pump in the neutralization operation (neutralization operation step S400), the alkaline cleaning agent remaining inside the main cleaning water supply pipe 226, the upper manifold 206, the lower manifold 207, the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 is mixed. It is possible to circulate the washing water that has been made, and by making gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex in the second water storage tank 202, it is possible to change the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent to the neutral side.

  After starting the neutralization operation, perform the neutralization operation for a certain period of time, for example, about 20 to 30 minutes, or confirm whether the PH value of the neutralized washing water is a desired PH value. When the neutralization of the washing water is confirmed, the combustion for neutralizing the burner 409 is stopped, the driving of the washing pump 203 is stopped, and the neutralizing operation step S400 is ended. The circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven until the heating operation is stopped in the stop step S500. When the neutralization operation step S400 is completed, the washing water is supplied to the second water storage tank 202 and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as the heat exchange section as shown in FIG.

After the neutralization operation step S400, the cleaning water stored when performing the cleaning step S600 through the stop step S500 is drained. However, the combustion exhaust Ex in the second water storage tank 202 is performed by the neutralization operation. The washing water whose liquid property has been changed to neutral by contacting with the gas and liquid can be drained. Therefore, the burden on the wastewater treatment facility can be reduced, and the environment-friendly cleaning operation can be performed.

  Further, after the neutralization of the washing water is completed and the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the valve 221 is opened to the neutralized washing water to supply the clean water, and the amount of the washing water exceeding a predetermined level is supplied. By draining from the overflow pipe 224, the washing water can be replaced little by little.

  This makes it possible to gradually purify the circulating washing water containing the dirt components removed from the dishes during the washing operation, and to purify the pumps, pipes, etc., which are the circulating routes of the washing water. At this time, if the amount of fresh water to be supplied is increased, the temperature of the cleaning water can be gradually reduced, and the temperature of the cleaning device is lowered at the time of cleaning, so that cleaning can be performed immediately.

  If the temperature of the washing water drops, the detergent may be easily foamed.However, while supplying fresh water, drain the washing water that exceeds the specified water level to replace the washing water and reduce the temperature. In the process of lowering, the detergent component mixed in the washing water is gradually reduced, so that there is no foaming.

The neutralization operation step S400 is performed after the cleaning operation step S300 is stopped. That is, the cleaning operation is performed after the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped. When the cleaning operation step S300 is stopped, the neutralizing operation step S400 may be continuously performed while the cleaning pump 203 is kept driven.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the change of the washing water containing the alkaline detergent to the neutral side during the washing operation, and to perform the washing water containing the alkaline detergent after the washing operation. Neutralization treatment is possible.

<Heating for neutralization after washing>
As described above, in the present embodiment, as a neutralization operation after finishing the cleaning by nozzle injection of the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent,
Heating for neutralizing the alkaline cleaning liquid can be performed in a state where the cleaning by the nozzle injection of the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is stopped.

That is, in the cleaning method using the cleaning device of the present invention, in a state where the alkaline detergent is mixed in the cleaning water of the first water tank, the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is jetted from the nozzle to finish the cleaning of the object to be cleaned. After that, by switching from the second system at the time of cleaning to the first system after cleaning by the switching unit,
It is possible to heat the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank using both the heating by the gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust gas and the heating for flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe.

In addition, as an embodiment for automatically executing the switching operation of the switching unit in the cleaning method,
Liquidity detecting means (not shown) for detecting that an alkaline detergent is used for the washing water in the first water tank;
Cleaning end detecting means (not shown) for detecting the end of the cleaning operation of the first water storage tank with the cleaning water,
A cleaning unit that switches the second system to the first system by detecting the end of the cleaning operation by the cleaning completion detecting unit and detecting an alkaline detergent by the liquidity detecting unit. It can be.

  The present invention can be applied not only to tableware, but also to washing of objects to be washed such as machined parts.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Cleaning device 101 Upper outer body 102 Lower outer body 103 Conveyor (transporting means)
104 Tableware (thing to be washed)
105 Washing room 106 Carry-in port 107 Carry-out port 108 Fresh water supply pipe 109 Receiving tank 110 Drain pipe 111 Drain receiver 112 Drain pipe 113 Door

200 main washing zone 201 first water storage tank 202 second water storage tank 203 cleaning pump 204 circulation pump (circulation means)
205 Manifold 206 Upper manifold 207 Lower manifold 208 Nozzle tube 209 Nozzle tube

220 valve 221 valve 222 water level sensor 223 temperature sensor 224 overflow pipe 225 suction pipe 226 main cleaning water supply pipe

227 Water level sensor 228 Water level sensor 229 Partition member

231 First circulation path 232 Second circulation path 233 Third circulation path 234 Valve (switching means)

300 Finish washing zone 301 Manifold 302 Nozzle tube 303 Nozzle tube 304 Valve 305 Finish washing water supply tube

401 Combustion device 402 Combustion exhaust outlet pipe (heat exchanger)
403 Exhaust pipe 404 Exhaust duct 405 Downflow stabilization tank 406 Water level sensor 407 Downflow opening 408 Gas supply pipe 409 Burner 410 Guide member 411 Lower end face of combustion exhaust outlet pipe

420 injection nozzle

Wa Overflow water Wb Falling water Ex Combustion exhaust

S100 Water storage operation step S150 Water storage heating operation step S200 Heating operation step S300 Cleaning operation step S400 Neutralization operation step S500 Stop step S600 Cleaning step

Claims (8)

A cleaning chamber having a loading opening and unloading port of the object to be cleaned as well as disposing the nozzles to accommodate the object to be cleaned, to inject wash water prior Symbol object to be cleaned,
Conveyance means for moving the object to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber from the carry-in port toward the carry-out port,
A first water tank for storing a predetermined amount of washing water;
A second water tank for storing a predetermined amount of washing water and flowing to the first water tank;
A combustion device for heating the washing water in the second water tank;
A combustion exhaust outlet pipe that is disposed to extend in the vertical direction in the cleaning chamber and discharges combustion exhaust generated by the combustion device into cleaning water in the second water storage tank;
Circulating means for supplying the stored washing water of the first water tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe;
With
An outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe faces the cleaning chamber,
By the gas-liquid contact between the discharged combustion exhaust gas and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank, the cleaning water in the second water storage tank is heated,
Flowing the washing water in the heated second water tank to the first water tank ;
The washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the circulating means flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and heat exchanges with the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to be heated. The cleaning device , wherein the cleaning device is introduced into the first water storage tank . The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the combustion exhaust gas after the gas-liquid contact is introduced into the cleaning chamber, passes through the cleaning chamber, and is discharged outside the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is disposed along a wall surface forming the cleaning chamber. The washing water heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and flowing directly to the first water storage tank without flowing to the second water storage tank, according to any one of claims 2 and 3 , Cleaning equipment. The circulating means, the cleaning water in the first water storage tank and the water storage supplies to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust gas discharging pipe, and can supply the washing water of the first water storage tank and the water to the second reservoir,
Heating the washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and burning the cleaning water supplied to the second water storage tank discharged from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Heating of the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank using heating by gas-liquid contact with exhaust gas,
A switching unit for switching between washing water supplied from the first water storage tank and heating of the cleaning water supplied only from the heating for flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The cleaning device according to claim 4 , wherein the cleaning device is provided. A first circulation path for sucking the washing water from the first water tank by the circulation means,
A second circulation path for supplying cleaning water sucked from the first water storage tank by the first circulation path and discharged by the circulation means to a second water storage tank;
A third circulation path for supplying cleaning water sucked from the first water storage tank by the first circulation path and discharged by the circulation means to an outer peripheral surface of a combustion exhaust outlet pipe,
The switching means includes: a supply of the wash water of the first water tank using both the second circulation path and the third circulation path; and a supply of the wash water of the first water tank only by the third circulation path. The cleaning device according to claim 4 , wherein the cleaning device is switched. Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
Washing the washing target by spraying the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent from a nozzle,
The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank is heated only by heating that causes the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down. Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
In a state where the movement of the object to be cleaned by the transport means is stopped,
Heating by gas-liquid contact with the flue gas, and, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the heating of the washing water supplied from the first reservoir to use a heating to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust gas discharging pipe The cleaning device according to item 1.