JP2017502832A - Cart washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cart cleaning machine and a method of using the same, and the cart cleaning machine (30, 160, 200) includes a cleaning station (32) for cleaning a cart (106) soiled with a cleaning agent, and the cleaning station (32). A disinfection station (34) for disinfecting the soiled cart (106) with a disinfectant and connected to the cleaning station (32) or the disinfection station (34), the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or A pre-wash station (162) that deactivates both the cleaning agent and the disinfectant. The use of the cart washer (30, 160, 200) comprises the steps of providing a cleaning agent to the cleaning station (32), supplying a disinfectant to the disinfection station (34), and a neutralization station (162). Inactivating the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or both the cleaning agent and the disinfectant. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present application relates to a cart washer, and also relates to methods of manufacture, assembly, disassembly, installation, placement, maintenance and use in the cart washer.

  In the airline catering service, carts carrying food and beverage boxes, cups and trays must always be reused and cleaned regularly. When conducting airline catering operations, carts are sometimes referred to as air trolley car, aircraft car, air cart, aircraft meal service cart, car cart and in-flight meal cart. Today, airlines that provide frequent flight services are seeking rapid cart turnover to maintain low cart inventory and storage space for cart reuse. For cart handling, cart cleaning is the most important process that determines the sanitary quality of airline catering services. However, the cart cleaning is a tedious operation requiring a lot of time and labor. In particular, since manual cart cleaning is mainly used around the world, workers who always perform cleaning in a humid environment with a lot of oil stains always face health and safety problems.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful new cart washer. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an effective new method for manufacturing, assembling, disassembling, mounting, placing, maintaining and using the cart washer. The essential features of the invention are provided by the independent claims, while the advantageous features are provided by the dependent claims. This application was filed on the basis of a Singapore patent application with an application number 2014000319, filing date 3 January 2014, the name of the invention is a cart washing machine, claiming priority of the Singapore patent application, The entire contents are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

  According to a first aspect, the present application provides a cart washer that includes a cleaning station that cleans one or more dirty carts with a cleaning agent. The cart is also called a food service cart or trolley for in-flight serving or lunch. Further, the cart washer includes a disinfection station connected to the cleaning station, which disinfects one or more dirty carts with a disinfectant. Further, the cart washer includes a prewash station connected to the wash station or the disinfection station, the prewash station comprising the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or both the cleaning agent and the disinfectant. Is inactivated.

  The neutralization station inactivates, dilutes, disintegrates or inactivates the cleaning agent (detergent), the disinfectant (disinfectant), or both the detergent and disinfectant at or by the neutralization station. Configured to reduce. Here, the detergent is a surfactant or a mixed and diluted solution of a surfactant having a “cleaning function” and is also called a cleaning agent. The detergent contains any of synthetic, organic, liquid or water-soluble detergents, is not made of fat and oil, is not inactivated by hard water, and has the properties of a wetting agent and an emulsifier. The detergent (that is, the cleaning agent) or the cleaning agent is oil-soluble and floats insoluble foreign matter, so that it may be used as a dry cleaning detergent containing lubricating oil or soap. The disinfectant includes antiseptics (eg, bactericidal and bacteriostatic), antibacterial materials (eg, bactericides) and bactericides that destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria, disease fungi or fungi. In addition, the disinfectant includes only purified water for washing away the remaining cleaning agent, or a mixture of purified water and other liquids. An example of the neutralization action is that the neutralization station decomposes the nonionic detergent Symperonic NP10 using an iron-based nanocomposite by the Fenton method.

  Although the cart can be effectively cleaned with the detergent and the disinfectant, there is a possibility that the environment may be adversely affected when the used detergent or the disinfectant is discharged directly into the sewer. For example, the release of soluble phosphate into natural waters causes undesirable problems such as eutrophication and growth of organisms in lakes and rivers. Australia began to abolish the use of phosphate-containing detergents in 2011 and is expected to ban all the way to 2014. In the cart washer of the present invention, the neutralization station collects the detergent / detergent, the disinfectant or both from the neutralization station or other stations by disassembling, reducing or diluting them. The discharged cleaning liquid is more environmentally friendly. For example, household detergents (surfactants) can be obtained by periodically, intermittently, periodically or continuously charging aquatic fungi, aquatic bacterial flora, bacteria, Bacillus cereus or other types of bacteria into the neutralization station. Agent) is effectively decomposed. Therefore, the cart cleaning machine of the present invention is called a green cart cleaning machine or an environmentally friendly cart cleaning machine. Further, in the cleaning liquid from the cleaning station or the disinfection station, another liquid (for example, salt water or purified water) or a liquid after use (for example, dirty water) is added. Damage to the environment caused by discharged waste water from the cart washer is reduced. In other words, before being discharged into the environment (eg sewer or drainage system), the neutralization station performs chemical neutralization on the used detergent / detergent, disinfectant or both, eg pH 7. Close to 0 (about pH 6.2-8.0 or even closer to pH 7.0).

  In addition, the cart washer includes a conveyor that is connected to the cleaning station, the disinfection station, the prewash station, or any combination of these stations to clean the dirty cart for cleaning. Transport. The conveyor helps to transport the dirty cart from one wash station to another without any manual work. Thus, the cart cleaner can automatically clean dirty carts under the control of a PLC (programmable logic controller), microcontroller or other computer. Specifically, the conveyor includes a chain, a jig or a locking device for fixing the dirty cart during the cleaning process.

  Further, the cart washer includes a wash tank, which is connected to the wash station and delivers the cleaning agent. Further, the cart washer includes a disinfection tank, which is connected to the disinfection station and supplies the disinfectant. Cleaning and disinfecting agents are separated and used sequentially to clean the dirty cart. More effective is to clean the dirty cart with the cleaning agent at the cleaning station and subsequently with the disinfectant at the disinfection station. Deliver appropriate amounts and concentrations of cleaning and disinfecting agents by separately monitoring and controlling the liquid level and the rate of fluid supply.

  The cleaning station includes a cleaning chute for reusing the cleaning agent at the cleaning station. Preferably, the cleaning chute is attached to the bottom of the cleaning station, so that the used cleaning agent does not require a pump drive and can be drawn to gravity and flow into the cleaning chute.

  The disinfection station includes a disinfection chute for reusing the disinfectant at the disinfection station. Like the cleaning chute, the disinfecting chute collects used disinfectant at the bottom, circulates and transfers the used disinfectant to the spray head and uses it for repeated cleaning of the dirty cart. Since the water usage amount and disinfection resources due to the reuse plan of the present invention are significantly reduced, the operation cost of the cart cleaning is low.

  Furthermore, the cart washing machine includes an electrolyzed water generator, and the electrolyzed water generator is connected to the washing tank or the washing station and delivers alkaline electrolyzed water as the cleaning agent. The electrolyzed water generator uses a salt water chlorination treatment, in which a dissolved salt (2,500-6,000 ppm) is stored as a raw material of the chlorinator. The electrolyzed water generator generates hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) using electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt (NaCl), and generates a chlorine generator, molten salt battery, dissolved It is also called a salt generator or a chlorine injector. When the electrolyzed water generator is installed on site, newly generated alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic electrolyzed water can be quickly transported to the cleaning station and the disinfecting station, respectively. Avoid conventional chemical cleaners (eg, cationic cleaners, anionic cleaners and nonionic, amphoteric cleaners) or disinfectants (bactericides or antibacterials) for cost reduction and environmental protection . For example, when using the cart washer of the present invention, reduce or eliminate alcohol, aldehydes (eg formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde) and oxidants (eg sodium hypochlorite), phenolic resins or other disinfectants. To avoid.

  The electrolyzed water generator is connected to the disinfecting tank or the disinfecting station, and provides acidic electrolyzed water as the disinfectant. Therefore, since the disinfectant is conveniently generated by passing an electric current through the salt water, the cost and energy consumption are low. In this way, the cart washer does not require the supply of additional or prescribed chemical disinfectants, reducing operating costs.

  The pre-wash station includes a pre-wash chute that is deactivated by mixing the detergent, the disinfectant, or both the detergent and disinfectant, respectively. When the cleaning agent is alkaline and the disinfectant (disinfectant) is acidic, the neutralizing solution is safely discharged into the sewer by mixing the cleaning agent and the disinfectant and neutralizing them effectively. Or can be washed with water. Therefore, the cart washing machine can provide an environmentally friendly cart washing solution that is low-cost and efficient.

  Further, the cart washing machine includes a fluid bubble generating device connected to the one or more washing stations and generating bubbles in the cleaning liquid. The washing station includes the prewash station, the washing station, and the disinfection station. The bubbles generated by the fluid bubble generator include millimeter bubbles (diameter: about 10-3 meters), fine bubbles (diameter: about 10-3 to 10-6 meters), and ultrafine bubbles (diameter: about 10-6 to about 10-6 meters). 10-9 meters). Air bubbles in the cleaning liquid (eg, water) can promote the growth of microorganisms and increase the degradation rate of organic matter (eg, oil). The surface of the fine bubbles has a negative charge, attracts or attracts organic matter, and provides stronger cleaning power to the cleaning liquid. Cleaning liquids filled with a large amount of bubbles can be effectively disinfected, reducing the discharge of chemicals and wastewater. In use, the fluid bubble generator provides a bubble of about one billionth of a meter, penetrates deep into the groove of the cart surface, and removes dirt and odors, making the cart surface clean. to enable.

One form of the fluid bubble generator is an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator is used to quickly generate and disappear microbubbles in the surrounding liquid (for example, water), and is also called a cavity phenomenon. The microbubbles increase rapidly until they collapse toward the dirty cart surface in the wash station. The energy released at the time of disintegration peels the dirty material from the deepest part of the complex shaped appliance, for example, the trace of the cart.

  Another type of fluid bubble generator is a fine bubble diffuser that produces a large amount of small bubbles in the fluid. The microbubble diffuser can generate oxygen-enriched bubbles in the cleaning liquid, which allows bacteria to generate enzymes that break down organic waste.

  The fluid bubble generator is connected to the cleaning tank and provides bubbles to the cleaning agent. The fluid bubble generator may be connected in series in the order from the purified water supply to the fluid bubble generator, and then the cleaning tank. In addition, the fluid bubble generator may be connected in series in the order from the purified water supply to the washing tank and then the fluid bubble generator. Further, the fluid bubble generator may be connected in parallel to the cleaning tank. Thus, the fluid bubble generator allows the cart cleaner to operate at various pH values by generating bubbles in the cleaning agent, purified water or both, and is flexible.

  The fluid bubble generator is connected to the disinfection tank and provides bubbles to the disinfectant. The fluid bubble generating device can be connected in series in the order from the purified water supply to the fluid bubble generating device and then to the disinfection tank. In addition, the fluid bubble generating device can be connected in series in the order from the purified water supply to the disinfection tank and then the fluid bubble generating device. Furthermore, the fluid bubble generator can be connected in parallel to the disinfection tank. Thus, the fluid bubble generator allows the cart washer to operate at various pH values by generating bubbles in the disinfectant, purified water or both, and is flexible.

  In one embodiment, the fluid bubble generator is preferably connected to the electrolyzed water generator to stabilize the electrolyzed water. Therefore, the fluid bubble generating device provides salt water filled with bubbles to the electrolyzed water generating device to perform an electrolysis process. Furthermore, the fluid bubble generator includes two channels connected to the alkaline electrolyzed water and the acidic electrolyzed water from the electrolyzed water generator, respectively. Alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic electrolyzed water filled with fine or ultrafine bubbles extend the effectiveness of the electrolyzed water and improve stability.

  The one or more washing stations include an automatic heater, cooler or heat exchanger that regulates the temperature of the washing liquid. The heater or cooler (cooling device) is called a heat exchanger. The automatic heater can control the temperature of the cleaning liquid (for example, purified water, alkaline electrolyzed water, acidic electrolyzed water) at the one or more washing stations by a thermostat. Specifically, compared to conventional hot water (72 ° C. or higher) cleaning, the cleaning station enables low temperature cleaning with a cleaning liquid of 72 ° C. (degree of Celsius) or less. In fact, in most cases, the cart cleaner of the present invention can effectively clean a dirty cart at 62 ° C. In tropical countries with a room temperature of about 25-32 ° C, the cart washer can clean a dirty cart with a cleaning solution of about 25-45 ° C or less, effectively saving large amounts of heating energy. it can.

  The cart cleaner of the present invention includes a drying station that removes residual cleaning liquid from the cleaned cart. The drying station includes a rotating workbench, one or more cold / hot gas (air and steam) nozzles, or a water absorbent pad to dry the cleaned cart.

  Further, the cart washer includes a vision inspection station that automatically inspects the cleaning quality of the cart. The vision inspection station can monitor and control the cleaning process or quality by including one or more cameras that check dirty or cleaned carts via machine vision or computer vision. For example, the vision inspection station may reject a cleaned cart that has left food stains. The vision inspection station can increase the alkalinity or acidity of the cleaning liquid depending on the condition of the dirty cart.

  In addition, the cart cleaning machine includes a steam station for cleaning a cart contaminated with water vapor. The steam station can be cleaned by spraying a dirty cart or the conveyor with superheated or saturated steam. The steam station can select power according to cleaning needs.

  In addition, the cart cleaner includes a dirty cart, a cleaned cart, or an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that transports both the dirty cart and the cleaned cart. The automatic guided vehicle reduces the manual work of carrying a dirty cart to the cart washing machine and carrying out the washed cart from the cart washing machine. Therefore, the cart washing machine works independently or integrated with the in-flight food distribution center, thereby reducing the dependency on manual work and reducing errors due to manual work.

  Further, the cart washing machine includes one or a plurality of industrial robots, and the industrial robots carry the cart in the washing station or the drying station. While the industrial robot handles the cart efficiently and accurately, it is difficult to handle large, wet, dirty and heavy carts when hand-operated. In addition, the industrial robot reduces the hiring of workers so that the in-flight meal distribution center can accommodate 24-hour shift work. Therefore, the cart washing machine is provided with one or a plurality of industrial robots for washing and / or transporting the cart, thereby providing a modular system with convenient arrangement. In other words, the cart cleaning machine can be easily scaled up or down based on the production amount (product), but the robot integrated station includes a plug-and-play system and is therefore easy to arrange.

  Further, the cart washing machine includes one or more computers, which are connected to the washing station and the drying station of the cart washing machine, and wash the dirty cart according to a predetermined program. The station operating parameters (e.g., cleaning agent flow rate, hot air temperature) are automatically adjusted according to the predetermined program.

  The present application provides an in-flight meal distribution center that supplies a food cart to an airplane, and the in-flight meal distribution center includes the cart washing machine and a water circulation system that is connected to the cart washing machine to provide purified water and treat waste water. Including. The in-flight meal distribution center provides a convenient and clean environment for the operation of the cart washing machine regardless of whether it is equipped with a dishwasher or other devices. Therefore, by integrating the cart washing machine with other devices, the work efficiency of the in-flight meal distribution center is high and cost effective.

  According to a second aspect, the present application provides a method for using a cart washer. The method includes a first step of providing a cleaning agent to a cleaning station, a second step of supplying a disinfectant to the disinfecting station, and a neutralizing station to provide the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or the cleaning agent and the disinfectant. And a third step of inactivating both agents. The order of the first step and the second step can be changed. Effective strong cleaning agents and / or disinfectants are desirable for effective cleaning of carts, but after use the cleaning agents and disinfectants (type of wastewater) are discharged directly into the sewer. To affect. The cart cleaning machine of the present invention reduces or eliminates the impact on the surrounding environment when using the cart cleaning machine by degrading, deactivating, decomposing or diluting the cleaning agent or disinfectant. Compared to a conventional cart washer that is cleaned with hot water, the cart washer requires less energy consumption (reduces heating or does not heat) and therefore has a lower operating cost.

  Inactivating the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or both the cleaning agent and the disinfectant includes mixing the disinfectant with the cleaning agent. When the cleaning agent is alkaline and the disinfectant is acidic, the acidity and alkalinity of the cleaning liquid can be effectively nullified by mixing the two. Neutralized wash solution (water used at pH 6.7-8.1) has a small impact on fish and aquatic plants.

  Further, the method includes providing small, fine, fine or ultra fine bubbles to the cleaning agent and the disinfectant. The bubbles enrich the cleaning solution with oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, so that the cleaning agent or the disinfectant can more effectively clean a dirty cart. The alkalinity or acidity of the cleaning solution / agent also increases stability and durability (long-lasting).

  Further, the method includes the step of adjusting the temperature of the cleaning agent, the disinfectant or the cleaning liquid to 72 ° C. or lower. In other words, the cart washing machine of the present invention does not require hot water (temperature of 72 ° C. or higher) during cart washing, and is energy saving. In fact, the cart washing machine can effectively wash a normal dirty cart through a low temperature (23-45 ° C.) washing liquid (for example, alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic electrolyzed water).

  Further, the method includes the step of drying the cleaned cart. The wet cart after cleaning is dried in a dry atmosphere or sealed room. Also, the cleaned cart can be dried by airflow (air knife or steam knife) or centrifugal force by rotation. The method further includes monitoring and tracking the sanitary conditions of the cart to adjust the cleaning process. The cleaning process may be adjusted by changing the pH value of the cleaning agent and the disinfectant, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid (water), the temperature of the heating device, the steam temperature, and other parameters or combinations thereof, either temporarily or according to a predetermined program. it can.

  The cart washing machine includes an electrolyzed water generator that generates electrolyzed water on site. In other words, the cart washing machine obtains an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid used for cart washing.

  The electrolyzed water generator generates electrolyzed water on site. The alkaline aqueous solution close to the cathode of the electrolyzed water generator is used as a cleaning agent, and the acidic aqueous solution close to the anode of the electrolyzed water generator is used as a disinfectant. The alkaline aqueous solution and acidic aqueous solution after use are neutralized by mixing, so that they can be safely discharged to sewers and ordinary water pipes.

  The alkaline aqueous solution can remove oil, proteins, fats and dirt in the cart as a cleaning agent, and the acidic aqueous solution can remove germs, bacteria and viruses as a disinfectant. The alkaline water tank of the cart washing machine is filled with the alkaline aqueous solution and sprays directly into the washing station to wash the cart. Thereafter, the acidic water tank is filled with the acidic aqueous solution by transporting the cart to the disinfection station and sprayed directly onto the cart in the disinfection station. Finally, wastewater is neutralized and does not affect the environment by discharging the alkaline / acidic aqueous solution after use / used up through a common discharge mixing device.

  The electrolyzed water generator includes one or a plurality of pH measuring instruments for measuring the pH value (acidity or alkalinity) of the aqueous solution in the acidic water tank and the alkaline water tank. The one or more pH measuring devices are glass electrodes that include sensors or measuring probes and are connected to an electronic meter, and are used to measure and display the pH value. The generation rate of the electrolyzed water generator is adjusted based on the measured values of one or more dishwashing stations of the cart washer. For example, the electrolyzed water generator adjusts the output rate of the alkaline aqueous solution and maintains a pH of 12.3 or higher in the alkaline water tank and the washing station of the cart washer so that dirty cart oil is removed. It can be removed effectively and quickly. In contrast, the electrolyzed water generator effectively and quickly removes the germs of the cart by adjusting the output rate of the acidic aqueous solution and maintaining the pH 6.8 or lower at the disinfection station. Can kill. Online FAC (Free Effective Chlorine Analyzer for Electrolyzed Water Treatment) or ORP (Redox Potential) instrument provides continuous monitoring, ensuring the desired acidity at all times, and effective and continuous disinfection / disinfection Maintaining the cleaning is more efficient than monitoring only the final cleaning temperature or using a temperature sensor / temperature label.

  The cart cleaner does not reduce or use hot water or steam (eg, temperatures above 70 ° C.) when cleaning dirty carts. As is well known, hot water and steam, particularly in combination with chemical cleaners, effectively clean the cart, but both hot water and steam generation consume enormous amounts of energy. The airline catering center always bears high costs due to enormous energy consumption when washing with hot water or steam. In addition, any of the chemical cleaning agents adversely affects the environment, and it is necessary to spend a large amount of money to reduce the adverse effects.

  Further, since the cart cleaner supplies the cleaning agent and the disinfectant on site, it does not require an external supply of the cleaning agent and the disinfectant or requires a small external supply. The cart washing machine has little influence on the environment, and the pollution caused during washing is small or does not cause pollution.

  The cart washing machine of the present invention maintains a water temperature of 50 ° C. or lower in the part or every washing station. The energy consumption for heating the water is greatly reduced or avoided. In addition, the cart washing machine effectively cleans dirty dishes using electrolyzed water, and further, a feedback circuit reaches a preset value of a predetermined dishwashing station pH value. Under a hot atmosphere, the cart washing machine can wash the cart by flowing water at 30 ° C. without heating the water. In the case of winter in a cold atmosphere, the cart washing machine heats water appropriately and the washing temperature is only 20-30 ° C. In other words, the cart washing machine of the present invention does not need to increase the water temperature to 72 ° C. or higher for dissolving oil or removing germs.

  The cart cleaning machine of the present invention provides one or more sanitary sensors or analyzers for continuously measuring the sanitary conditions of the cart in real time and / or online and monitoring the effectiveness of the cleaning, disinfection and / or neutralization process. including. The hygiene sensor or hygiene analyzer includes machine vision inspection / computer vision inspection. In other words, the cart washer includes a hygiene sensor that automatically checks the cleaning quality of the cart in the form of a vision inspection station. The concentration level of the cleaning agent and the disinfectant, or the flow rate of cleaning and drying can be adjusted according to the sanitary conditions of the cart in any station of the cart cleaner. For example, the cart washer includes a pH / ORP (redox potential) analyzer that is attached to each station of the cart washer (eg, a wash station or a drying station). The pH / ORP analyzer continuously and sequentially checks the sanitary conditions or cleaning quality of the cart during the cleaning process. Other hygiene quality analyzers (eg, FAC analyzers) are installed along the conveyor or at each station of the cart washer. Hygiene sensors include sensors that monitor the cleanliness of the cart, such as W4S-3 hygiene sensor (IP 69K photoelectric sensor) and QMH26 hygiene sensor. Thus, the cart washer can track the sanitary conditions of the cart and adjust operating parameters (eg, pH value, flow rate and cleaning temperature).

The accompanying drawings (diagrams) illustrate the embodiments and serve to interpret the principles of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that these drawings are merely illustrative and do not limit the present application. By way of example, embodiments that do not limit the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first cart washer 30. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the second cart washer 160. FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a third cart washer 200.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first cart washer 30 includes four wash stations 32-38 connected sequentially and sequentially via a conveyor 40 at the bottom of the stations 32-38. Further, the cart washer 30 includes an electrolyzed water generator 42 connected to a washing station 32 and a disinfection station 34, respectively. The cleaning station 32 is also called a cleaning agent cleaning station 32.

  In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water generator 42 includes an acidic water tank 44, an alkaline water tank 46, a water purification tank 48, a salt container 50, a thermostat (not shown), a heating device (not shown), a valve (not shown). Not), a pressure gauge (not shown), a pump (not shown), and a microcontroller (not shown). The acidic water tank 44, the water purification tank 48, and the salt container 50 are connected in order. Similarly, the alkaline water tank 46, the water purification tank 48, and the salt container 50 are also connected in order. In the acidic water tank 44, an anode (not shown) of the electrolyzed water generator 42 is inserted into salt water, and a cathode (not shown) of the electrolyzed water generator 42 is placed in the alkaline water tank 46. Plugged in.

  The conveyor 40 includes rollers 52 and 54, and a conveyor belt 56 is installed around the rollers 52 and 54. The conveyor belt 56 is annular so that the conveyor belt 56 is tightly wrapped around and driven by the rollers 52, 54. Accordingly, the conveyor belt 56 includes an upper portion 58 and a lower portion 60 connected to each end of the rollers 52, 54. The conveyor belt 56 is installed at the bottom of the four washing stations, and the four washing stations 32-38 are adjacent to the top 58 of the conveyor belt 56.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the four washing stations 32 to 38 are installed in order along the conveyor 40 from the left to the right as the process direction 62 and are continuously connected to each other. A station 36 and a drying station 38 are included.

  The cleaning station 32 includes two cleaning upper nozzles 64, two cleaning lower nozzles 66, and two cleaning columns 68. The upper nozzle 64 is fixed to the top 70 of the cleaning station 32, and the lower nozzle 54 is provided at the bottom 72 of the cleaning station 32. Therefore, the upper nozzle 64 and the lower nozzle 66 are opposed to each other, so that the water jet from the nozzles 64 and 66 can be sprayed in the opposite direction perpendicular to the process direction 62. On the other hand, each of the two cleaning columns 68 includes a plurality of injection units 74 arranged perpendicular to the support column. Each of the spray units 74 includes a plurality of openings, and the water jet from the spray unit 74 is installed so as to spray the cleaning liquid horizontally along the process direction 62. All the nozzles 64 and 66 and the injection unit 74 of the cleaning station 32 are connected to the alkaline water tank 46 for discharging pressurized alkaline electrolyzed water having a pH of about 11.0 to 12.0. The cleaning station 32 includes a cleaning chute 75 connected to the bottom 72. The washing chute 75 includes a tube (not shown) connected to the sewer 77 of the factory floor.

  The structure of the disinfection station 34 is the same as the structure of the cleaning station 32. In other words, the sterilization station 34 includes two sterilization upper nozzles 76, two sterilization lower nozzles 78, and two sterilization columns 80. The upper nozzle 76 is fixed to the upper part 82 of the sterilization station 34, and the lower nozzle 78 is provided at the bottom 84 of the sterilization station 34. Therefore, the upper nozzle 76 and the lower nozzle 78 are opposed to each other, so that the water jet from the nozzles 76 and 78 can be sprayed toward the central portion of the disinfection station 34 along the relative direction. On the other hand, each of the two disinfecting columns 80 includes a plurality of injection units 86 arranged perpendicular to the supporting columns 80. Each of the spray units 86 includes an opening, and the disinfecting water jet is disposed so as to be discharged from the spray unit 86 along the process direction 62 that is substantially parallel to the opposite sides 58 and 60 of the conveyor 40. All nozzles 76, 78 and jet 86 of the disinfection station 34 are connected to the acidic water tank 44 which discharges a disinfectant with a pH of about 2.7-5.0. The sterilization station 32 includes a sterilization chute 87 connected to the bottom portion 84. The disinfection chute 87 includes a pipe (not shown) connected to the cleaning chute 75.

  The washing station 36 is more compact than the washing station 32 or the disinfection station 34. The washing station 36 includes one washing upper nozzle 88, one washing lower nozzle 90, and a washing column 92. The upper nozzle 88 is fixed to the top 94 of the rinsing station 36, and the lower nozzle 90 is provided at the bottom 96 of the rinsing station 36. Therefore, the upper nozzle 88 and the lower nozzle 90 are opposed to each other, so that the water jet from the nozzles 88 and 90 can be sprayed toward the central portion of the washing station 36 along the relative direction. On the other hand, the disinfecting column 92 includes a plurality of injection units 98 arranged vertically. The spray unit 98 includes openings that are uniformly arranged along the support column 92, and a water jet (not shown) from the spray unit 98 is installed to spray along the process direction 62. All the nozzles 88 and 90 and the injection unit 98 of the washing station are connected to a faucet (not shown) to acquire or inject clean water having a pH of 7.0.

  At one end of the cart washer 30, the drying station 38 includes a blower 100 having a plurality of narrow gaps (not shown) at the bottom. The blower 100 is connected to the top 102 of the drying station 36 and allows the gap to be directed to the bottom 104 of the drying station 36. The washing station 36 and the drying station 38 share a single washing chute 109 and have a hose (not shown) connected to the washing chute 75.

  In use, the serving carts 106 and 108 to be cleaned are fixed to the conveyor belt 56. The conveyor belt 56 is provided with a jig (not shown), whereby the carts 106 and 108 are firmly fixed to both sides 70 and 72 of the conveyor belt 56. As shown in FIG. 1, the carts 106, 108 include a first cart 106 to be cleaned and a second cart 108 after cleaning, and the carts of the cleaning stations 32, 34, 36, 38 are described clearly and easily. To be omitted. The electrolyzed water generator 42 is supplied with electric power, and the sodium chloride solution (NaCl is dissolved in water) receives a charge or a direct current flowing through the anode and the cathode. The electrolyzed water generator 42 generates electrolyzed water (alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic electrolyzed water), respectively, and is also called EOW, ECA, oxidation potential water, electrolysis active water, or electrochemically active aqueous solution. Specifically, the cathode in the alkaline water tank 46 generates hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions to form an alkaline solution mainly composed of sodium hydroxide.

  In the acidic water tank 44, elemental chlorine is generated in the vicinity of the anode of the electrolyzed water generating device 42 by oxidizing chlorine ions. The part of the chlorine is bound to hydroxide ions from the alkaline water tank 46, whereby the chlorine is disproportionated into hypoacid and oxidant hypochlorous acid. In contrast, the cathode in the alkaline water tank 44 generates hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions to form an alkaline solution mainly composed of sodium hydroxide (NaClO). Sodium hydroxide is a major component of general household bleach. The water formed in the acidic water tank 44 is also called a cleaning agent and a disinfectant / disinfectant. By means of a sensor control system (not shown), the acidic aqueous solution in the acidic water tank 44 is maintained at about pH 2.5-5.0, and the alkaline aqueous solution in the alkaline water tank 46 is maintained at about pH 12.3 or higher. Is done. The acidic aqueous solution called “disinfectant” is transferred from the acidic water tank 44 to the disinfecting station 34. Conversely, the alkaline aqueous solution called “cleaning agent” is discharged from the alkaline water tank 46 to the cleaning station 32. The “cleaning agent” and the “disinfectant” are maintained at about 28 ± 5 ° C. in the acidic water tank 44 and the alkaline water tank 46 by a thermostat and a heating device (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rollers 52, 54 (only two shown) of the conveyor belt 56 transport the first cart 106 (dirty cart) to the cleaning station 32 as it rotates clockwise. When approaching is detected by a sensor (not shown) of the cleaning station 32, the upper cleaning nozzle 64 and the lower cleaning nozzle 66 automatically spray the alkaline aqueous solution onto the first cart 106. Further, the spray unit 74 of the cleaning column 68 sprays the alkaline aqueous solution into the first cart 106 through the open door of the first cart 106. The washing step is carried out for about 42 to 96 seconds (depending on the soiled condition and the size of the first cart 106), so that both the inside and outside of the first cart 106 are clean alkaline aqueous solutions from the alkaline water tank 46; Alternatively, cleaning is performed using an alkaline aqueous solution collected in the cleaning station 32. In other words, the washing chute 75 collects alkaline electrolyzed water dripped from the first cart 106, and subsequently transports the alkaline electrolyzed water to the spray heads 64 and 66 through a pump, thereby continuously washing the first cart 106 with water.

  Next, after the first cart 106 leaves the cleaning station 32, the conveyor belt 56 transports the first cart 106 into the disinfection station 34. The sterilization station 34 also includes a sensor (not shown) that detects that the first cart 106 has approached, whereby the sterilization upper nozzle 76 and the sterilization lower nozzle 78 cause the acidic aqueous solution to pass through any outer surface of the first cart 106. To spray. Further, the spray unit 86 of the disinfecting column 80 sprays the pressurized “disinfectant” into the first cart 106. The disinfection station 34 disinfects and cleans the first cart 106 for 52 to 107 seconds. The disinfecting chute 87 collects the used acidic electrolyzed water dripped from the first cart 106, so that the used acidic electrolyzed water is filtered and transferred to the spray heads 76 and 86, and the first cart is washed again. To do.

  When the sterilization station 34 completes the sterilization step, the first cart 106 is transported to the washing station 36 by the conveyor belt 56. Similarly, when it is detected that the first cart 106 is approaching, the washing upper nozzle 88 and the washing lower nozzle 90 spray clean tap water on the first cart 106. The spray unit 98 of the washing column 92 sprays a high-pressure water jet into the first cart 106 through the open door of the first cart 106. Accordingly, the first cart 106 receives “heavy rain” of about 5 to 28 seconds. The washing station 36 is connected to a microcontroller (not shown) and includes a machine vision (not shown) for inspecting the cleaning quality of the first cart 106. If the machine vision detects sanitary quality non-compliant carts 106, 108, an alarm is sounded. The sanitary quality non-conforming carts 106 and 108 are pressed against an adjacent place to be inspected by humans or returned to the disinfection station 34 for cleaning again. On the other hand, if the first cart 106 meets predetermined sanitary quality standards, the first cart 106 is transported to the next washing station.

  When a sensor (not shown) detects that the first cart 106 is approaching, the drying station 38 is activated. The blower 100 is supplied with electric power and blows out a hot air stream pressurized in the form of an air curtain called an air knife from the narrow gap. The air knife dries the first cart 106 by cutting residual water from the top of the first cart 106 toward the bottom. Residual water from the drying station 38 and the washing station 36 are both collected in the washing chute 109, and the collected water is filtered and then transferred to the spray heads 88, 90, 98, and the first cart 106. Used to re-wash. In the drying station 38, a rotary workbench fixes the first cart 106, whereby the first cart 106 rotates at a high speed (for example, 180 to 2000 rotations / minute). The air knife dries the outside of the first cart 106 while the residual water inside the first cart 106 scatters from the first cart 106. The drying station 38 fully dries the first cart for about 56 to 96 seconds. Nevertheless, the sensor continuously monitors the drying step and stops the drying step only when it detects that there is no water inside and outside the first cart 106. When the drying is finished, the first cart 106 is unlocked, leaves the drying station 38 and becomes the second cart 108.

  Waste water and waste aqueous solution from the washing station 32, the disinfection station 34, the water washing station 36 and the drying station 38 are collected together and discharged to a sewer 77 and a drainage system. Specifically, the used acidic aqueous solution from the disinfection station 34 and the used alkaline aqueous solution from the cleaning station 32 are mixed and neutralized before being discharged to the sewer 77.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second cart washer 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second cart washer 160 includes the same or similar members or methods and steps as the first embodiment. For any association and application, the same or similar method or step elements are hereby included in the disclosure as forming part of this specification.

  Specifically, the second cart washer 160 includes five wash stations 162, 32-38 connected in series via a conveyor 40 at the bottom of the stations 162, 32-38. Further, the second cart washer 30 includes a fluid bubble generator 165 connected between the electrolyzed water generator 42 and the water purification tank 48.

  The five washing stations 162 and 32-38 include a pre-washing station 162, a washing station 32, a disinfection station 34, a water washing station 36 and a drying station 38 which are connected in sequence. The prewash station 162 includes a prewash upper nozzle 164 located at its upper portion 166 and a prewash lower nozzle 168 located at its bottom 170. Further, the prewash station 162 includes a wheel brush 172 installed on a side wall, whereby the wheel brush 172 is configured to rub the wall of the cart in the prewash station 162. The pre-washing station 162 includes a pre-washing chute 174 at the bottom 170 so that used water and cleaning liquid are collected in the pre-washing chute 174 before being discharged to the sewer 77.

  The second cart washer 160 includes pipes 176, 178, 180, 182, 184 and pumps 186, 188, 190, 192 connected to the chutes 174, 75, 87, 109. Specifically, the second cart cleaner 160 includes a prewash tube 176 connected to the bottom of the prewash chute 174, a wash tube 178 connected to the bottom of the cleaning station 32, and a base of the disinfection station 34. A sterilization tube 180 connected to the section, and a rinsing tube 182 connected to the floor of the rinsing chute 109. Further, the water washing pump 186 is attached to the lower end of the water washing pipe 182, the sterilization pump 188 is fixed to the bottom end of the sterilization pipe 180, the washing pump 190 is connected to the end of the washing pipe 178, and the prewash pump 176 is Connected to the bottom end of the prewash tube 192. The pumps 186, 188, 190 and 192 are connected horizontally through a common pipe 184.

  When the second cart washer 160 is activated, the water purification tank 48 obtains a part of the salt from the salt container 50, dissolves the salt in the purified water, and maintains a predetermined concentration level. When the salt water passes through the fluid bubble generator 165, the fluid bubble generator 165 puts the salt water from the outer surface of the porous cylinder and supplies high-pressure air to the inner surface of the porous cylinder. Generates a large amount of fine bubbles. The salt water is milky white because the fine bubbles float. Actually, the fluid bubble generating device 165 supplies fine bubbles having a diameter of 10 −3 to 10 −6 meters to the salt water. By employing different parameters (e.g. smaller perforated cylinder, higher pressure, velocity air and brine), the fluid bubble generator will be ultra fine with a diameter of 10-6 to 10-9 meters in the brine. Bubbles can be generated. In other words, the fluid bubble generator allows the salt water to saturate bubbles that approximate the size of human cells (about 10-5 meters) and viruses (about 10-8 meters). Therefore, the fine bubbles can float in the salt water for a longer time, for example, 2-3 days or more.

  Further, salt water filled with fine bubbles is injected into the electrolyzed water generator 42 through a pump, so that alkaline electrolyzed water is transported to the cleaning station 32 as a cleaning agent and sprayed by the nozzles 64 and 66. . On the other hand, the acidic electrolyzed water from the electrolyzed water generator 42 is supplied to the disinfecting station disinfectant (disinfectant or cleaning agent) as a disinfectant. As in the first cart washing machine 30, the used cleaning agent is collected in the washing chute 75, the used disinfectant is collected in the disinfecting chute 87, and the used washing water is collected in the washing chute 109. It is done. Further, the clean water for washing is discharged from the discharge port of the fluid bubble generator 165, so that the clean water for washing is filled with fine bubbles and ultrafine bubbles.

  Also, when the dirty cart 160 enters the first washing station 162 (i.e., the pre-washing station), the pre-washing upper nozzle 164 and the pre-washing lower part 168 spray a water flow onto the dirty cart 160. Further, the wheel brush 172 rotates and rubs the outer surface of the dirty cart 160 to remove food residues and dirt.

  The second cart washer 160 includes a water circulation system 194 and a detergent neutralization system 196. The water circulation system 194 includes the chutes 174, 75, 76, 87, 109 that collect the washing liquid of the respective washing stations 162, 32, 34, 36, 38, and the pumps 192, 190, 188, 186 are the chutes 174 , 75, 76, 87, 109 are transferred and sprayed onto the dirty cart 106 at each station 162, 32, 34, 36, 38 for cleaning. Sensors (not shown) are attached to the chutes 162, 32, 34, 36, 38, and dirty cleaning liquid and used cleaning liquid are transferred to the pre-washing station 162 for initial cleaning of the dirty cart 106. Thereafter, the used cleaning liquid (dirty water) from the pre-washing station 162 is discharged to the sewer 77.

  The detergent neutralization system 196 includes a portion of the second cart washer 160, and specifically includes the cleaning station 32, the disinfection station 34, and the prewash station 164. In the second cart washing machine 160, alkaline electrolyzed water having a pH of 11.0 to 13 filled with bubbles removes oil and fat as a cleaning agent, and acidic electrolyzed water having a pH of 2.0 to 5.0 filled with bubbles is a bacteria as a disinfectant. Remove odor and bleach. The used alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic electrolyzed water are collected in the respective chutes 75 and 87. Furthermore, the used alkaline electrolyzed water and acidic electrolyzed water are mixed with the prewash chute 174, so that the prewash station 162 reuses the used water having a pH value of about 6.5 to 8.0. Then, the dirty cart 106 is cleaned in the pre-washing station 162. Dirty water from the prewash station 164 is discharged to the environment through the sewer 77 near the second cart washer 160.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a third cart washer 200. The third cart washer 200 includes the same or similar members or methods and steps as in the first embodiment. For any association and application, the same or similar method or step elements are hereby included in the disclosure as forming part of this specification. The third cart washer 200 is also called an automatic cart washer because its stations are programmable and can operate independently without manual work. When working with an AGV (automated guided vehicle or automatic guided vehicle) that transports the dirty cart to the third cleaning machine 160 or carries out the cleaned cart from the third cleaning machine 200, the third cart cleaning machine 200 is in-machine. It becomes a component of the food distribution center, thereby seamlessly and automatically integrating cart cleaning, food preparation and set-up packaging.

  The third cart cleaner 200 includes a cleaning station 32, a disinfection station 34, a drying station 38, and a cart transport device 40 connected together. The cart transport device 40 transports carts along each wash station and is called a conveyor 40. The cleaning station 32, the disinfection station 34, and the drying station 38 include a cleaning robot 202, a disinfection robot 204, and a drying robot 206, respectively. The cleaning robot 202 includes an end effector in the form of a spray nozzle 64 and sprays alkaline electrolyzed water. The disinfecting robot 204 has an end effector in the form of a spray nozzle 76 and injects acidic electrolyzed water. The drying station 38 is provided with an end effector in the form of a blower 100 and emits hot air and hot steam. The third cart cleaning machine 200 is a plug and play cart cleaning system, and is installed along the transport path of the in-flight meal distribution center. The cart transport system (i.e., the conveyor 40) is installed on the side wall of the in-flight meal distribution center to save work floor area and reduce manual work. The third cart cleaning machine 200 is controlled by a programmable computer, and the robots 202, 204 and 206 use alkaline electrolytic water as a cleaning agent, acidic electrolytic water as a disinfectant, hot air as a desiccant, and a cart. Automatic cleaning is called automatic self-cleaning or cart automatic cleaning. The stations 32, 34, 38 are sealed in the channels, so that it is possible not only to reuse the used cleaning liquid but also to inject it into the surrounding devices. Each station 32, 34, 38 is sealed in a transparent plastic housing. The third cart cleaning machine 200 is provided with a drainage groove at the lower part of a work floor (not shown), and the used cleaning agent and disinfectant are mixed and neutralized before being discharged to the sewer 77. .

  In this application, unless stated otherwise, the terms “comprising”, “including” and grammatically varying terms indicate “open” or “inclusive”. This application includes enumerated elements, but is not limited to this, and may include additional, implicit enumerated elements.

  As used herein, in the context of formulation component concentrations, the term “about” generally refers to +/− 5% of the indicated value, more typically +/− 4% of the indicated value. More typically +/− 3% of the displayed value, more typically +/− 2% of the displayed value and thus more typically +/− 1% of the displayed value and more typically This means +/- 0.5% of the displayed value.

  In each part disclosed by this disclosure, certain specific embodiments are disclosed in a range display format. The description disclosed in the range display format is merely for convenience and brevity and does not limit the disclosure scope. Thus, for a range description, every possible sub-range, and each numerical value within that range, is considered to be specifically disclosed. For example, for a description of a range that is 1-6, its sub-ranges 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, etc., and 1, 2, within that range, Each numerical value of 3, 4, 5, 6 is also considered to be specifically disclosed. The above description applies to all ranges regardless of the range width.

It should be understood that various modifications and changes can readily be made by those skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Any such modifications or changes will fall within the scope of the appended claims.

30 Cart washing machine 32 Cleaning station 34 Disinfection station 36 Water washing station 38 Drying station 40 Conveyor 42 Electrolyzed water generator 44 Acidic water tank 46 Alkaline water tank 48 Water purification tank 50 Salt container 52 First roller 54 Second roller 56 Conveyor belt 58 Upper part 60 Bottom 62 Process direction 64 Cleaning upper nozzle 66 Cleaning lower nozzle 68 Cleaning column 70 Upper 72 Bottom 74 Injection section 75 Cleaning chute 76 Disinfection upper nozzle 77 Sewer 78 Disinfection bottom nozzle 80 Disinfection pillar 82 Top 84 Bottom 86 Injection section 87 Disinfection chute 88 Washing top nozzle 90 Washing bottom nozzle 92 Washing column 94 Top 96 Bottom 98 Injection unit 100 Blower 102 Top 104 Bottom 106 First cart 108 Second cart 109 Washing chute 160 Second G washing machine 162 Prewash station 164 Prewash upper nozzle 165 Fluid bubble generator 166 Upper 168 Prewash bottom nozzle 170 Bottom 172 Wheel brush 174 Prewash chute 176 Prewash tube 178 Wash tube 180 Disinfection tube 182 Water wash tube 184 Common tube 186 Water washing pump 188 Disinfection pump 190 Cleaning pump 192 Prewash pump 194 Water circulation system 196 Cleaning agent neutralization system 200 Third cart washing machine 202 Cleaning robot 204 Disinfection robot 206 Drying robot

Claims (27)

A cart washing machine (30, 160, 200),
A cleaning station (32) for cleaning the cart (106) soiled with the cleaning agent;
A disinfection station (34) connected to the cleaning station (32) and disinfecting the dirty cart (106) with a disinfectant;
-A pre-washing station (162) connected to the cleaning station (32) or the disinfection station (34) to inactivate the cleaning agent, the disinfecting agent, or both the cleaning agent and the disinfecting agent; Including cart washing machine.   In addition, a dirty cart (106) connected to the cleaning station (32), the disinfection station (34), the prewash station (162) or any combination of these stations (32, 34, 162) for cleaning. 2. The cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to claim 1, comprising a conveyor (40) for transporting the carrier. And a cleaning tank (46) connected to the cleaning station (32) for delivering the cleaning agent;
A cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a disinfection tank (44) connected to the disinfection station (34) and supplying the disinfectant.   The cart cleaning machine (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning station (32) includes a cleaning chute (75) for reusing the cleaning agent at the cleaning station (32). ).   The cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the disinfection station (34) comprises a disinfection chute (87) for reusing the disinfectant at the disinfection station (34). ).   The cart cleaning according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrolyzed water generator (42) connected to the cleaning tank (46) or the cleaning station (32) and delivering alkaline electrolyzed water as the cleaning agent. Machine (30, 160, 200).   The cart washer (30, 160,) according to claim 6, wherein the electrolyzed water generator (42) is connected to the disinfection tank (44) or the disinfection station (34) and delivers acidic electrolyzed water as the disinfectant. 200).   Any of the preceding claims, wherein the prewash station (162) includes the precleaning chute (174) for inactivating the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or a mixture of both the cleaning agent and the disinfectant. The cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the above.   A cart washer (30, 30) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fluid bubble generator (165) connected to at least one washing station (162, 32, 34) and generating bubbles in the cleaning liquid. 160, 200).   The cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) according to claim 9, wherein the fluid bubble generator (165) comprises an ultrasonic generator.   The cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to claim 9, wherein the fluid bubble generator (165) comprises a fine bubble diffuser that produces a large amount of small bubbles in the fluid.   The cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fluid bubble generating device (165) is connected to the washing tank (46) and provides bubbles to the cleaning agent.   The cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fluid bubble generator (165) is connected to the disinfection tank (44) and provides bubbles to the disinfectant.   The cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the fluid bubble generator (165) is connected to the electrolyzed water generator (42) and stabilizes electrolyzed water.   The cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the at least one washing station (162, 32, 34) comprises an automatic heater for adjusting the temperature of the washing liquid.   A cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drying station (38) for removing residual cleaning liquid from the cleaned cart (108).   The cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sanitary sensor for checking the sanitary conditions of the cart.   A cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a steam station (38) for cleaning the cart (106) soiled with water vapor.   The cart washer (30, 160) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an automated guided vehicle for transporting the dirty cart (106), the cleaned cart (108) or both (106, 108). 200).   One of the preceding claims, further comprising an industrial robot (202, 204, 206) connected to at least one of said stations (162, 32, 34, 36, 38) and handling a cart (106, 108) The cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) described in 1.   Further, at least one computer connected to the station (162, 32, 34, 36, 38) of the cart cleaning machine (30, 160, 200) for cleaning the dirty cart (106) according to a predetermined program. A cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: A method for using a cart washer (30, 160, 200),
Providing a cleaning agent to the cleaning station (32);
Supplying a disinfectant to the disinfection station (34);
Inactivating the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or both the cleaning agent and the disinfectant by a neutralization station (162).   23. A cart washer according to claim 22, wherein the inactivation of the cleaning agent, the disinfectant, or both the cleaning agent and the disinfecting agent comprises mixing the disinfectant with the cleaning agent. 30, 160, 200).   24. A method of using a cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to claim 22 or 23, further comprising providing fine bubbles to the cleaning agent or the disinfectant.   The method for using a cart washing machine (30, 160, 200) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising adjusting a temperature of the cleaning agent, the disinfectant or the cleaning liquid to be lower than 72 ° C.   26. A method of using a cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any of claims 22-25, further comprising monitoring sanitary conditions of the cart (106, 108) to adjust the cleaning process.   27. A method of using a cart washer (30, 160, 200) according to any of claims 22 to 26, further comprising drying the cleaned cart (108).

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