JP2022180936A - Device for use in confirmation of state of washing and/or rinsing, washer, and method for confirming state of washing and/or rinsing - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device that is suitably used to easily confirm poor washing and poor rinsing in a washer, so as to reduce food product sanitary problems such as food poisoning and foreign matter inclusion.SOLUTION: A device for use in confirmation of a state of washing and/or rinsing in a washer comprises two or more sensors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a device used to check the washing and/or rinsing condition, a washing machine and a method for checking the washing and/or rinsing condition.

2. Description of the Related Art Washing machines such as dishwashers that automatically wash tableware are widely used.
When washing an object to be washed using such an automatic washing machine, first, the object to be washed is set in a washing chamber provided in the automatic washing machine. Next, the cleaning liquid is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle into the cleaning chamber to clean the object to be cleaned. After that, rinsing water is jetted from the rinsing nozzle into the cleaning chamber, and the object to be cleaned is rinsed.
Patent Literature 1 discloses such a dishwasher.

JP-A-2003-24261

Washing machines such as dishwashers usually use a solution of detergent dissolved in hot water as the cleaning liquid, suck this cleaning liquid with a pump, and spray it from a special nozzle (washing nozzle for cleaning liquid) to remove physical force and heat. It has a structure that removes stains attached to the object to be cleaned by energy and chemical action due to the composition of the cleaning agent. In addition, after the cleaning process using the cleaning liquid, hot water is used as the rinsing liquid, and the rinsing liquid is sucked in by a pump and sprayed from a separate dedicated nozzle (rinsing nozzle for rinsing liquid) to rinse away the cleaning liquid. There is a process.
It is most important for the washing machine that the spray from each nozzle is performed correctly in the washing process and the rinsing process.

However, since a large amount of dirt adhering to objects to be washed such as tableware is brought into a washing machine such as a dishwasher, the dirt flows into the washing tank in which the washing liquid is stored and is mixed with the washing liquid.
As a result, depending on the size and type of dirt, the cleaning liquid mixed with dirt may pass through the cleaning nozzle, and the cleaning nozzle may be clogged with contaminants. Nozzle clogging can also often occur in rinse nozzles. Calcium, magnesium, and silica contained in the water used (fresh water) precipitates and clogs the rinsing nozzle.

In addition, for example, in a model called a batch type (door type) dishwasher, the jet from the nozzle is efficiently distributed to the washing rack (a tray installed in the washing machine for placing and washing dishes, which is usually viewed from above). (Sometimes square shape) In order to spread it over the entire surface, most of them use a rotating nozzle system in which multiple nozzles are arranged in a pipe extending from the center in a rod shape and rotated.
This rotating nozzle secures the rotational force by the reaction force when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle, but it may cause deterioration over time such as sliding parts, accumulation of dirt, malfunction of the pump for ejecting the liquid, and nozzle failure. Depending on the composition of the liquid, such as wear, deformation, deterioration, etc., it may not rotate sufficiently.
If the nozzle is clogged, the washing pressure is low, or the rotating nozzle does not rotate sufficiently, the washing liquid or rinsing liquid will not hit the objects to be washed, such as dishes, causing problems such as insufficient washing power and insufficient rinsing. Let me.

If problems such as insufficient detergency or insufficient rinsing occur, dirt will remain on the object to be washed, causing the growth of harmful bacteria, contamination with foreign matter, etc., which can lead to serious food sanitation accidents. sexuality increases. In addition, since the inside of the washing machine becomes unsanitary, bacteria grow inside the washing machine, increasing the possibility of cross-contamination of objects to be washed.

Therefore, in order to eliminate problems such as food poisoning and foreign matter contamination, food sanitation managers need to periodically check the cleaning of nozzles and peripheral parts of washing machines such as conventional dishwashers.
However, it takes time and effort (labor) to check the cleaning of nozzles (maintenance work) with a washing machine.
First, since most of the existing washing machines such as dishwashers are covered with metal such as stainless steel, it is not possible to check the state of movement during the washing process and the rinsing process. In a door-type washing machine or the like, if you try to open the door even a little to check the inside, the safety device will work and the operation will stop.

In addition, washing machines such as dishwashers generally use a strong alkaline detergent, so if you try to check inside during operation, your whole body will be covered with the washing liquid, which is very dangerous.
Therefore, in the case of washing machines, it is necessary to disassemble the nozzles to check whether the nozzles are clogged. Particularly in large conveyor-type washing machines, it is necessary to remove the outer wall and there are many nozzles. , has become a very time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

In addition, if the rinsing nozzle is malfunctioning and the object to be washed such as tableware is insufficiently rinsed, the alkaline component of the cleaning liquid remains on the object to be washed, which may cause health hazards and promote deterioration of the object to be washed. To test for insufficient rinsing, arrange the items to be cleaned (such as glasses) on a dedicated rack, and when the rinsing process is complete, hit the items to be cleaned with pH test paper to check for residual alkalinity. A phenolphthalein reagent is dripped onto the object to be cleaned to check for residual alkali, but it is necessary to repeat this process many times until it is determined which part of the rinse nozzle is malfunctioning. Further, in many cases, the identification of the cause involves disassembling everything and visually confirming it.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce food sanitation problems such as food poisoning and foreign matter contamination, and to facilitate washing and rinsing failures in washing machines. An object of the present invention is to provide a device suitable for use in confirming the

The device of the present invention is a device used for checking the washing and/or rinsing state in a washing machine, characterized in that it comprises two or more sensing sensors.

The device of the invention comprises two or more sensing sensors. By installing this on a washing rack or the like and carrying out a normal washing operation with the washing machine, the detection sensor will react when there is an injection from the nozzle. As a result, it is possible to acquire data indicating which position of the sensing sensor reacted at what timing, and it can be used to comprehensively and easily check the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in the cleaning machine. Furthermore, when a part of the nozzle is clogged, it becomes easier to identify the nozzle and determine whether the rotation of the rotating nozzle is malfunctioning. As a result, the time required for maintenance work on conventional nozzles can be greatly reduced, and the labor involved is also greatly reduced.
Note that the above data can be stored in the device or transferred in real time to a mobile communication device such as a smart phone, if necessary.

In the device of the present invention, the sensing sensor is preferably a pressure sensor.
Since the pressure sensor can suitably sense the state of the liquid ejected from the nozzle, the device of the present invention can detect the washing and/or rinsing in the washing machine by providing two or more pressure sensors. It becomes possible to confirm the state more suitably.

The device of the present invention preferably comprises four or more sensing sensors arranged in a grid and/or three or more sensing sensors arranged in a line.
This makes it possible to check the ejection status from the nozzles in more detail. For example, it becomes easy to calculate the number of revolutions per hour in the rotary nozzle of the washing machine.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the sensing sensor preferably includes a sensing sensor having an upward sensing portion and a sensing sensor having a downward sensing portion.
As a result, it is possible to simultaneously check the operation of the upper nozzle (downward jetting) and the lower nozzle (upward jetting) in the washing machine, so that the cleaning and/or rinsing state can be checked more comprehensively and easily. It becomes possible. It is also preferable to include a sensing sensor with variable sensitivity. By changing the sensitivity of the sensor, it is possible to suppress the effects of washing machine vibrations and various noises.

Preferably, the device of the invention is for installation in a washing rack or an object to be washed.
Washing racks generally have a size of 50 cm×50 cm or 25 cm×50 cm, and door-type washing machines, conveyor-type washing machines, and the like are designed to accommodate general racks.
The apparatus of the present invention to be installed on a washing rack may be installed on the washing rack after installation, or may be fixed to the washing rack from the beginning.
As a result, it is possible to more preferably confirm the state of ejection from the nozzles.
Among other things, the apparatus of the present invention is preferably intended for installation in a square wash rack, although it can also be used with wash racks that are rectangular or the like when viewed from above.

The device of the invention is preferably used for checking the washing and/or rinsing condition in a dishwasher.
As a result, it is possible to greatly shorten the time required for nozzle maintenance work in dishwashers that require high-level hygiene management, and to greatly reduce the labor involved, which is of great technical significance.

The present invention is also a washing machine comprising the device of the present invention.
The washing machine of the present invention can suitably confirm defective washing and defective rinsing.

The present invention is also a method of checking the washing and/or rinsing status in a washing machine using two or more sensing sensors.
The method of the present invention can suitably confirm poor cleaning and poor rinsing.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The device of the present invention is preferably used for checking defective cleaning and defective rinsing in a washing machine. In addition, the washing machine of the present invention can suitably confirm defective washing and defective rinsing. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can suitably confirm poor cleaning and poor rinsing in the washing machine.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pattern when cleaning and/or rinsing is good when checking the cleaning and/or rinsing state in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of a pattern of poor cleaning and/or poor rinsing when checking the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention, and a suspected malfunction. It is a schematic diagram which shows a nozzle. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern example of good cleaning and/or rinsing when the cleaning and/or rinsing state in a conveyor type cleaning machine is checked using the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an example of a pattern of poor cleaning and/or poor rinsing when the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in a conveyor-type cleaning machine is checked using the apparatus of the present invention, and nozzles suspected of being out of order. It is a schematic diagram showing. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of arrangement of sensing sensors in the device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement example of sensing sensors in the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement example of sensing sensors in the device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement example of sensing sensors in the device of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an integral pattern when cleaning and/or rinsing is good when checking the cleaning and/or rinsing state in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention. . FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an integral pattern for poor cleaning and/or poor rinsing when checking the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention. . FIG. 11(a) is a schematic view schematically showing the internal structure of a washing machine including the device of the present invention installed on a washing rack. FIG. 11(b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a washing machine including the device of the present invention installed on an object to be washed.

The device of the present invention is a device used for checking the state of washing and/or rinsing in a washing machine.
Confirming the state of washing and/or rinsing means confirming at least one of the following: whether the nozzle is clogged, whether the washing pressure is sufficient, or whether the rotating nozzle is rotating sufficiently.

The device of the invention is characterized in that it comprises two or more sensing sensors. By providing the device of the present invention with two or more sensing sensors, it is possible to suitably confirm poor cleaning and poor rinsing in the washing machine.
One of the causes of poor cleaning and poor rinsing is nozzle clogging. Here, when judging that there is a suspicion that the nozzle is clogged, it is judged that there is a suspicion because the measurement result by the detection sensor does not reach the preset physical quantity when normal washing and rinsing are performed. Alternatively, it may be determined that there is a suspicion that the physical quantities are significantly different from each other by comparing the physical quantities measured by the respective sensing sensors.

It should be noted that the washing machine is usually provided with a plurality of nozzles for spraying washing liquid and/or rinsing liquid. There are, for example, batch type (rotating nozzle type) washing machines and conveyor type washing machines. In the batch type, normally, multiple nozzles arranged in a pipe rotate and move while they are basically stationary. The object to be washed is washed and/or rinsed.In the conveyor type, usually, a plurality of nozzles arranged in a pipe are arranged in a line perpendicular to the traveling direction of the conveyor, and the object to be washed is Washing and/or rinsing are sequentially performed while moving on a conveyor. In the batch type, it is common to use a three-pronged (Y-shaped) pipe as a pipe with a plurality of nozzles, but the pipe may be a rod-shaped pipe, or a pipe with four or more forks. may Further, in the conveyor type, it is common to use a rod-shaped pipe as a pipe in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged, but the shape of the pipe is not particularly limited. In either case, the nozzle will move relative to the object to be cleaned. Also, for each nozzle there is an area for spraying cleaning and/or rinsing liquid.
In the apparatus of the present invention, the two or more sensing sensors are arranged not only for one area sprayed by one nozzle in the washing machine, but for a plurality of areas sprayed by a plurality of nozzles in the washing machine. and more preferably arranged separately so as to correspond to the regions jetted by all the nozzles in the washing machine.
The device of the present invention will be described below.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the sensing sensor refers to a sensor capable of sensing changes in at least one of physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, amount of light, and humidity.
Among others, as described above, the sensing sensor is preferably a pressure sensor capable of sensing pressure changes caused by the cleaning liquid and/or the rinsing liquid.
Any type of the pressure-sensitive sensor can be used, other than the pressure-sensitive switch, as long as it can measure the pressure change associated with ejection from the nozzle, such as a pressure-voltage conversion element and a pressure-resistance conversion element.
As the sensing sensor such as the pressure sensor, a waterproof type that can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to alkaline chemicals is particularly suitable.

If the pressure-sensitive sensor is a pressure resistance conversion element, it is also possible to obtain an electric signal by constantly passing a current through a dry battery or the like in order to obtain electric information from the response of the pressure-sensitive sensor. Further, when the pressure sensor is a pressure-voltage conversion element, an electromotive force is generated when the pressure sensor receives pressure, and an electric signal can be obtained. In this way, an electrical signal can be obtained from a sensing sensor such as a pressure sensor when a physical quantity such as pressure changes.
With these electrical signals, the location of sensors such as pressure sensors and the timing of changes in physical quantities are stored as data in the device itself, then imported into a smartphone or computer, or transferred to a smartphone, etc. be able to. Therefore, it is not necessary for the apparatus main body of the present invention to have the function of displaying the confirmation result.

By increasing the number of detection sensors, it is possible to check the injection situation in more detail.
For example, the device of the present invention preferably comprises 3 or more sensing sensors, more preferably 5 or more sensing sensors, even more preferably 8 or more sensing sensors, and 12 or more sensing sensors. It is particularly preferred to have a sensor.
The upper limit of the number of detection sensors to be arranged is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the size of the washing rack or the like, but is usually 1300 or less.
The area per sensing sensor (preferably pressure-sensitive sensor) is preferably 0.5 cm ² or more and less than 100 cm 2 , more preferably 1.5 cm ^{2 or} more and less than 20 cm ² , and 2 cm ² or more and less than 15 cm ² . is more preferred.
The total area of the sensing sensors (preferably pressure sensors) is preferably 1 cm ² or more and less than 1000 cm ² , more preferably 2 cm ² or more and less than 500 cm ² , and even more preferably 3 cm ² or more and less than 300 cm ² .

The sensing sensors (preferably pressure sensors) in the above device are preferably arranged in a grid and/or linear fashion, more preferably in a grid and/or radial fashion.
When the device of the present invention is viewed from above, the sensing sensors are arranged in a grid pattern, and the sensors are arranged regularly so that they are arranged in the inner part separated by the grid. However, for example, it is preferable that the edges of the rectangular sensors are arranged in a grid pattern. In that case, the sensing sensors may be arranged in each of the parts partitioned by the lattice, or may be arranged in a checkered pattern without adjoining vertically or horizontally. .
In the apparatus of the present invention, when the sensors are arranged in a grid pattern, it can be suitably used for both batch-type (rotating nozzle type) washing machines and conveyor-type washing machines. .

The linear arrangement of the sensors means that the sensors are arranged in a straight line when the device of the present invention is viewed from above. Note that when the sensors are arranged in a straight line, the intervals between the sensors may be uniform or not uniform, or preferably uniform. For example, it is one of preferred embodiments of the present invention that the sensors are arranged in a straight line without gaps (the sensors are arranged without gaps).
Further, when the device of the present invention is used in a conveyor-type washing machine, the sensors are preferably arranged on a straight line forming an angle of 45° or more and 90° or less with respect to the traveling direction of the conveyor. Preferably, they are arranged in a substantially vertical alignment, more preferably.
In addition, it is also one of the preferable forms in the device of the present invention that the sensing sensors are arranged obliquely (on an oblique line).
In the apparatus of the present invention, when the sensing sensors are arranged in a line, it can be preferably used especially for a conveyor-type washing machine.

The expression that the sensors are arranged radially means that the sensors are arranged so as to line up in at least two straight lines from the center of the device when the device of the present invention is viewed from above. It is preferable that they are arranged so as to line up on a straight line in four directions from the center of the device. For example, when the washing rack is viewed from above, the sensing sensors may be arranged along at least one diagonal line of a square or rectangular washing rack, and two sensors of the square or rectangular washing rack may be arranged. Preferably, the sensors are arranged diagonally.
In the apparatus of the present invention, when the sensors are arranged radially, it can be suitably used for both batch-type (rotary nozzle type) washing machines and conveyor-type washing machines.

As mentioned above, the device of the present invention preferably comprises four or more sensing sensors arranged in a grid and/or three or more sensing sensors arranged in a line.
More preferably, the number of four or more sensing sensors arranged in a grid is nine or more. For example, it is preferable that the squares are arranged separately in each part divided by a square or rectangular lattice with m vertical and n horizontal squares, or that the squares are arranged in a checkered pattern in the lattice. It is more preferable that the eyes are arranged separately in each part divided by a grid of n vertical and n horizontal squares, or that they are arranged in a checkered pattern on the grid. Each of m and n is an integer of 2 or more, preferably 3 or more, more preferably 4 or more, and even more preferably 5 or more.

The number of the three or more sensing sensors linearly arranged is more preferably four or more, and even more preferably five or more.

As described above, in the apparatus of the present invention, the sensing sensor preferably includes a sensing sensor having an upward sensing portion and a sensing sensor having a downward sensing portion. For example, when a pressure sensor is used as the sensing sensor, the pressure sensor preferably includes a pressure sensor having an upward pressure sensing portion and a pressure sensor having a downward pressure sensing portion. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously check the operation of the upper nozzle (downward injection) and the lower nozzle (upward injection) in the washing machine.
It is also possible to check the operation of the upper and lower nozzles by measuring the device of the present invention in which the sensing portion of the sensing sensor is on only one side, for example, by measuring the first time facing upward and the second time facing downward.

The device of the present invention may have a mesh shape or a sheet shape, but preferably has a mesh shape, for example. When the apparatus of the present invention has a mesh shape, and the detection sensor is arranged in a part of the mesh and the other part is an opening in which the detection sensor is not arranged, the apparatus of the present invention is installed in the washing rack. When this is done, the object to be washed can be set on the washing rack through the opening, and the apparatus of the present invention can be preferably used while washing and rinsing the object to be washed.
For example, it is one of preferred embodiments of the present invention that the device of the present invention has a mesh shape, the sensors are arranged in a checkered pattern, and the other mesh portions are openings.

As mentioned above, the device of the invention is preferably for installation on a washing rack or an object to be washed.
When the apparatus of the present invention is to be installed on a washing rack, as described above, the apparatus of the present invention can be installed on the washing rack afterward, or can be fixed to the washing rack from the beginning. is. In the case of a configuration in which the apparatus is installed on a washing rack afterward, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in a plurality of washing machines, thus expanding the range of utilization of the apparatus of the present invention. For example, at a restaurant or the like where a dishwasher is installed, the device of the present invention can be used periodically to check the state of nozzle jetting. In addition, in the case of the form of fixing to the washing rack, positional displacement is less than when installed after installation, and it is easy to prevent the device of the present invention from blowing off due to the force of the jet from the nozzle.
The washing rack is used in the washing machine and may be fixed in the washing machine, but it is not necessary and may be detachable (portable). That is, objects to be washed such as tableware may be set on a washing rack and the whole washing rack may be put into a washing machine. In many washers the wash rack is of this type. In this case, the device of the present invention can be installed in a washing rack and put into a washing machine together with the washing rack.
Further, the apparatus of the present invention for being installed on an object to be washed means that, for example, it is installed on an object to be washed such as tableware, the object to be washed is set on a washing rack, and the washing rack is placed in a washing machine. It can be put in and used. Also, the apparatus of the present invention can be installed on an object to be washed such as tableware, set the object to be washed on a washing rack as necessary, and then placed in a washing machine with a belt conveyor.

Also, in the device of the present invention, an electrical signal can be obtained from the sensing sensor, as described above.
With these electrical signals, the position of the sensing sensor such as the pressure sensor and the timing of the change in physical quantity are stored as data in the device body, and then connected with a USB cable, etc., and the data is transferred to a smartphone or computer. can also be taken in. Also, a battery such as a dry battery can be installed in the device of the present invention, and data can be transferred to a smart phone or the like in real time by wireless communication.
The data in which position information is linked to the reaction signals of these sensing sensors is graphed using analysis software, etc., and the actual placement positions of the sensing sensors are displayed on the screen, and the reaction signals are continuously reproduced in animation-like processing. can also be done.
In addition, it is also possible to integrate the response signal of the sensing sensor with the positional information, and graph the position where the washing liquid/rinse liquid is poorly applied.
This makes it possible to visualize areas where the jet water flow from the nozzle hits well, areas where it hits poorly, and areas where it does not hit at all, making it easier to identify malfunctioning areas of nozzles and rotary nozzles.

By analyzing the measurement results of the device of the present invention, it is also possible to calculate how many times the rotating nozzle rotates per hour. If the number of rotations is less than a certain number, there is a high possibility that the sliding portion of the rotating nozzle is abnormal, and such an abnormality is easily detected.

If these mechanisms are incorporated into a washing rack or the like that is normally used in a washing machine, it becomes possible to measure and accumulate data on nozzle ejection conditions during normal washing operations. For example, if data communication is performed in real time in combination with an IoT communication device, it is possible to monitor the operation status of the washing machine.

The device of the present invention makes it possible to easily check the state of the jetting nozzle and rotating nozzle of a washing machine such as a dishwasher. Therefore, it is possible to greatly shorten the time required for nozzle maintenance work.
Even in a dishwasher that performs the washing process continuously like a conveyor type, the state can be changed by simply running the washing rack equipped with the device of the present invention, which is equipped with, for example, two or more detection sensors, without stopping the washing process. can be grasped.
Therefore, it is possible to greatly shorten the time required for nozzle maintenance work.
Furthermore, by analyzing the data with a smartphone or the like at the cleaning site, malfunctions can be found immediately, and the position of the malfunctioning nozzle can be easily identified. Therefore, work such as removal of clogged nozzles can be performed efficiently.
Also, in restaurants and the like where dishwashers are installed, the device of the present invention is used periodically to check the state of nozzle jetting, thereby avoiding unsanitary conditions due to insufficient washing and rinsing of dishes. can do.

The washing machine using the apparatus of the present invention is preferably a dishwasher, as described above. That is, the device of the present invention is preferably used for checking the washing and/or rinsing conditions in a dishwasher.

(Washing machine of the present invention)
The present invention is also a washing machine comprising the device of the present invention.
In the washing machine of the present invention, as described above, the apparatus of the present invention may be installed on a removable washing rack or an object to be washed inside the washing machine, or may be installed on a washing rack that is fixed inside the washing machine. It may be installed on a belt conveyor in a conveyor-type washing machine.

The washing machine of the present invention is preferably an automatic washing machine, and more preferably a batch type (door type) automatic washing machine. The cleaning machine of the present invention comprises, for example, an internal space that is a cleaning chamber and/or a rinsing chamber, a cleaning liquid supply mechanism that supplies cleaning liquid to the internal space, and the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply mechanism to the internal space. The automatic washing machine may include a recovery mechanism for recovery, a circulation mechanism for circulating the cleaning liquid recovered by the recovery mechanism to the internal space, and a rinsing liquid supply mechanism for supplying the rinsing liquid to the internal space. .
The washing machine of the present invention is preferably a dishwasher, more preferably an automatic dishwasher.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pattern when cleaning and/or rinsing is good when checking the cleaning and/or rinsing state in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of a pattern of poor cleaning and/or poor rinsing when checking the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention, and a suspected malfunction. It is a schematic diagram which shows a nozzle.
1 and 2 show a 6×6 grid. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the filled squares indicate the locations where physical quantities such as pressure are sufficiently changed by jetting from the nozzles. Also, in FIG. 2, the outer frame of the grid is indicated by a thick line, but the portions that are not filled but are white are the portions where the physical quantity such as pressure has not changed sufficiently due to the injection from the nozzle. show. The same applies to FIGS. 3, 4, and Tables 1 to 4, which will be described later.

In FIG. 1, it is shown that the physical quantity such as pressure changes sufficiently corresponding to each rotating nozzle, and the injection from each nozzle is normal, and washing and / or rinsing is good It is shown. On the other hand, in FIG. 2, compared to FIG. 1, the outer frame of the grid on the left end is indicated by a thick line, but the portion that is white indicates that the physical quantity such as pressure has not changed sufficiently. Out of the rotating nozzles, the nozzle at the end is suspected of being abnormal.
Such a pattern can be suitably measured using the apparatus of the present invention with sensing sensors arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. Sufficient measurement can also be performed by using the apparatus of the present invention in which

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern example of good cleaning and/or rinsing when the cleaning and/or rinsing state in a conveyor type cleaning machine is checked using the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an example of a pattern of poor cleaning and/or poor rinsing when the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in a conveyor-type cleaning machine is checked using the apparatus of the present invention, and nozzles suspected of being out of order. It is a schematic diagram showing.
3 and 4 also show 6×6 grids.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, when the belt conveyor is viewed from above, the belt conveyor moves to the right and sequentially receives jets from nozzles arranged in a vertical direction. FIG. 3 shows that physical quantities such as pressure are sufficiently changed corresponding to each nozzle, indicating that jetting from each nozzle is normal and washing and/or rinsing are good. It is On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the second square from the top, which is white, does not show a sufficient change in physical quantity such as pressure, and it is suspected that the corresponding nozzle is abnormal.
Such patterns can be suitably measured using the apparatus of the present invention with sensing sensors arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 5; Sufficient measurement can also be performed by using the apparatus of the present invention in which

5 to 8 are schematic diagrams showing examples of arrangement of sensing sensors in the apparatus of the present invention.
In the arrangement example of the sensing sensors shown in FIG. 5, 36 sensing sensors are arranged in a grid pattern, and more specifically, they are arranged in each of 6×6 cells.
In the arrangement example of the sensing sensors shown in FIG. 6, 13 sensing sensors are arranged in a grid pattern. are placed.
In the arrangement example of the sensing sensors shown in FIG. 7, five sensing sensors are arranged radially. are placed in
In the arrangement example of the sensing sensors shown in FIG. 8, five sensing sensors are arranged in a line. It is

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an integral pattern when cleaning and/or rinsing is good when checking the cleaning and/or rinsing state in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention. . FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an integral pattern for poor cleaning and/or poor rinsing when checking the state of cleaning and/or rinsing in a rotary nozzle type washer using the apparatus of the present invention. .
In this way, the response signal of the detection sensor is integrated with the positional information, and the position where the washing liquid/rinse liquid hits poorly is graphed to determine the position where the jet water flow from the nozzle hits well. , Poor hit points and no hit points can be visualized.

FIG. 11(a) is a schematic view schematically showing the internal structure of a washing machine including the device of the present invention installed on a washing rack. FIG. 11(b) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the internal structure of a washing machine including the device of the present invention installed on an object to be washed.
The automatic washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) is a door-type automatic washing machine for washing dishes.
As shown in FIG. 11(a), the automatic washing machine 1 has an internal space 10 serving as a washing chamber and a rinsing chamber, an upper nozzle 71a serving as a supply port when the washing liquid or rinsing liquid is supplied to the internal space 10, and a lower nozzle 71a. It comprises a nozzle 71b, and a washing rack 60 on which a device 61 of the present invention comprising a plurality of sensing sensors is installed between the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b. In addition, in the device 61 of the present invention, the sensors are arranged in a checkered pattern.
In FIG. 11(b), the tableware 2 to be washed is placed on the washing rack 60 in the internal space 10 of the automatic washing machine 1. In FIG. In FIG. 11(b), a device 62 of the invention comprising a plurality of sensing sensors is installed on the dishes 2 instead of being installed on the washing rack 60. In FIG.

In the automatic washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b serve as washing nozzles and rinsing nozzles, respectively. It may be provided as a nozzle.
The automatic washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) further includes a pipe 70 for supplying washing liquid or rinsing liquid to the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b, and recovering the washing liquid or the rinsing liquid from the internal space 10. A recovery mechanism 80 is provided.

The automatic washing machine 1 includes a cleaning liquid tank 31, a water supply port 21 for supplying water to the cleaning liquid tank 31, a cleaning composition supply mechanism 40 for supplying a cleaning composition to the cleaning liquid tank 31, and a pipe 70 from the cleaning liquid tank 31. and a first pump 51 for supplying cleaning liquid to the.
The automatic washing machine 1 also includes a rinse liquid tank 32 , a water supply port 22 that supplies water to the rinse liquid tank 32 , and a second pump 52 that supplies the rinse liquid from the rinse liquid tank 32 to the pipe 70 .
The recovery mechanism 80 is branched into a circulation pipe 80a and a drain port 80b, and a switching valve 81 can control the direction in which the cleaning liquid flows. Also, the circulation pipe 80 a can supply the cleaning liquid to the first pump 51 .

11(a) and 11(b), water and a cleaning composition are supplied to the cleaning liquid tank 31 from the water supply port 21 and the cleaning composition supply mechanism 40, respectively, to prepare the cleaning liquid.
After that, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the pipe 70 by the first pump 51 .
The cleaning liquid is supplied to the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b through the pipe 70, and the cleaning liquid is sprayed into the internal space 10 from the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b.
As a result, the injection state of the cleaning liquid is measured by the device of the present invention. In addition, in FIG.11(b), the tableware 2 is wash|cleaned simultaneously.
After that, the cleaning liquid is recovered by the recovery mechanism 80 and supplied again to the first pump 51 through the circulation pipe 80a, so that the cleaning liquid is circulated in the internal space 10 and drained from the drain port 80b.

In the automatic washing machine 1, the shape of the detergent composition supplied by the detergent composition supply mechanism 40 is not particularly limited, and may be a liquid detergent composition or a solid detergent composition. .

In the automatic washing machine 1, the detergent composition supplied by the detergent composition supply mechanism 40 is not particularly limited, and a normal detergent composition for automatic washing machines may be used. In addition, even if the components of the detergent composition for automatic washing machines contain surfactants, acid agents, alkaline agents, bleaching agents, enzymes, metal corrosion inhibitors, polymer dispersants, disinfectants, etc. good.

In the automatic washing machine 1, the collecting mechanism 80 may collect the washing liquid by any means. For example, it may be a mechanism for actively collecting the washing liquid by a suction mechanism. It may be a mechanism for collecting.
A switching valve 81 can be provided to control whether the cleaning liquid is supplied to the pump 51 through the circulation pipe 80a or drained through the drain port 80b.
The switching timing of the valve can be determined by cleaning time or the like.

In the automatic washing machine 1, the rinsing liquid can also be jetted after the cleaning liquid is jetted from the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b as described above.
When spraying the rinsing liquid, first, water is supplied from the water supply port 22 to the rinsing liquid tank 32 to store the rinsing liquid.
After that, the rinse liquid is supplied to the pipe 70 by the second pump 52 . That is, the second pump 52 is a rinse liquid supply mechanism.

The rinse liquid is supplied to the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b through the pipe 70, and the rinse liquid is sprayed into the internal space 10 from the upper nozzle 71a and the lower nozzle 71b.
As a result, the injection state of the rinsing liquid is measured by the device of the present invention. In addition, in FIG.11(b), the tableware 2 is rinsed with a rinse liquid at the same time. As a result, stains and washing liquid are less likely to remain on the tableware.

A rinse agent may be supplied to the rinse liquid.
The rinse agent is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a lower alkylene oxide polymer.

Thereafter, the rinsing liquid is recovered by the recovery mechanism 80 and drained from the drain port 80b.

Although the first pump 51 and the second pump 52 are separated in the automatic washing machine 1, one pump may have the functions of the washing liquid supply mechanism and the rinse liquid supply mechanism.

Although the automatic washing machine 1 is a door-type automatic washing machine for washing dishes, the automatic washing machine of the present invention may be a conveyor-type automatic washing machine.

In the washing machine of the present invention, the internal space may be divided into a washing chamber for washing the dishes and a rinsing chamber for rinsing the dishes. Especially in the case of a conveyor-type automatic dishwasher, if the internal space is divided into a washing chamber for washing dishes and a rinsing chamber for rinsing dishes, dishes can be washed efficiently.

The washing machine of the present invention is preferably a washing machine for washing tableware, but may be a washing machine for washing objects other than tableware. Suitable objects to be cleaned other than tableware include, for example, cooking utensils, tools, laboratory instruments, vegetables, fruits, and the like. Here, it is preferable that the cleaning machine of the present invention cleans an object to be cleaned other than the cleaning machine itself.

(Method for checking the state of washing and/or rinsing of the present invention)
The present invention is also a method of checking the washing and/or rinsing status in a washing machine using two or more sensing sensors.
Suitable types, number of arrangement, arrangement method, etc. of the two or more sensing sensors are as described above.
The method of the invention preferably comprises the step of calculating the number of revolutions per hour in the rotating nozzle of the washing machine. This makes it possible to identify the cause of insufficient detergency or insufficient rinsing due to insufficient rotation of the rotary nozzle.
According to the method of the present invention, poor cleaning and poor rinsing in a washing machine can be suitably confirmed.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described below in more detail with examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Automatic dishwasher Hoshizaki JWE-680 (manufactured by Hoshizaki Co., Ltd.) is used as a door-type dishwasher, and automatic dishwasher Hoshizaki JWE-2400 (manufactured by Hoshizaki Co., Ltd.) is used as a conveyor-type dishwasher. A pressure confirmation test was performed. In addition, the number of sensing times of the pressure-sensitive sensor per unit time was measured as follows.

(Pressure confirmation test)
A washing rack equipped with a pressure-sensitive sensor arranged as shown in Tables 1 to 4 below was set in the washing machine, and the state of the washing nozzle or rinsing nozzle was checked. Data were collected for 10 seconds for each sensor and each peak value was averaged.
Evaluation criteria ◎: 0.1 MPa or more ○: 0.05 MPa or more and less than 0.1 MPa △: 0.01 MPa or more and less than 0.05 MPa ×: less than 0.01 MPa is bad and the nozzle is suspected to be clogged.

A washing rack equipped with a pressure-sensitive sensor arranged as shown in Table 4 below was set in the washing machine, and the state of the washing nozzle or rinsing nozzle was checked. In Table 4 below, the evaluation criteria are as follows.
(Number of detections)
The number of sensing times of the pressure sensor per unit time
* Depends on the number and number of nozzles. In Examples 11 and 12 shown in Table 4 below, the pressure sensor senses the pressure three times each time the nozzle rotates once. is the number of nozzle rotations per unit time.
Evaluation criteria ⊚: 3 times/second or more ◯: 1 time/second or more, less than 3 times/second ×: Less than 1 time/second Incidentally, ⊙ is good, but ◯ and × are considered to be rotation failure.

In Tables 1 to 4 below, the locations where the cells are filled and numbered are the locations where the sensors are arranged. The numbers specify the positions of the sensors used in each example and each comparative example, and are shown in Tables 1 to 4. In addition, the number of the sensor is numbered from 1 on the upper left side to the right side and the bottom side.

From the results shown in Tables 1 to 4 above, it was found that the apparatuses of Examples 1 to 12 can be suitably used for checking defective cleaning and rinsing in the cleaning machine due to clogged nozzles. Further, from the results shown in Table 4 above, it was found that the apparatuses of Examples 11 and 12 can be suitably used for checking defective cleaning and rinsing in a cleaning machine due to defective rotation of the rotary nozzle.

1 Automatic washing machine 2 Tableware 10 Internal space 21, 22 Water supply port 31 Cleaning liquid tank 32 Rinsing liquid tank 40 Cleaning composition supply mechanism 51 First pump 52 Second pump 60 Washing racks 61, 62 The present invention provided with a plurality of sensing sensors Device 70 Piping 71a Upper nozzle 71b Lower nozzle 80 Recovery mechanism 80a Circulating pipe 80b Drain port 81 Switching valve

Claims (8)

A device used to check the state of washing and/or rinsing in a washing machine,
A device, wherein the device comprises two or more sensing sensors. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensing sensor is a pressure sensor. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus comprises four or more sensing sensors arranged in a grid and/or three or more sensing sensors arranged in a line. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensing sensor includes a sensing sensor having an upward sensing portion and a sensing sensor having a downward sensing portion. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus is for installation on a washing rack or an object to be washed. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device is used for checking the washing and/or rinsing condition in a dishwasher. A washing machine comprising a device according to any one of claims 1-6. A method for checking the washing and/or rinsing status in a washing machine using two or more sensing sensors.

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