JP6771301B2 - Cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device in which cleaning water is heated by a combustion device and the heated cleaning water is sprayed to clean the object to be cleaned.

Conventionally, the following are known as this kind of cleaning device.

The heat exchanger is located in the hot water tank that stores the washing water. The heat exchanger heats the rinse water, and the heated rinse water heats the hot water for washing in the hot water tank. The heated washing water is ejected from the nozzle to wash the object to be cleaned, and then the heated rinse water is ejected from the nozzle to perform rinsing.
In addition, the air sent into the air chamber around the combustion chamber is heated, and the heated high-temperature air is ejected from the high-temperature air injector to dry the moisture remaining on the surface of the object to be cleaned after rinsing. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

In order to heat the washing water in the water tank, a circulating water channel from the water tank is introduced inside, and the washing water heated by the gas combustor is sprayed onto the tableware conveyed by the conveyor to wash the tableware.
In addition, a hot air blowing pipe is connected to the exhaust duct of the gas combustor via a blower, and hot air from the hot air blowing pipe is blown to remove and dry the dishes after cleaning with the injection nozzle. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-46816 Published Practical Publication No. 56-125157

However, what is described in Patent Document 1 is
The high-temperature water used for rinsing and the hot water for washing used for washing remove the washing debris washed off by washing and rinsing with a dregs tray and store it in the hot water tank again. Solids of dirt components can be removed with a dregs tray, but liquid dirt components and fine solids cannot be removed, so these dirt components are mixed with warm water for cleaning.

The dirt component adheres to the surface of the outer peripheral body plate of the heat exchanger that heats the hot water for cleaning mixed with the dirt component, and the dirt component adheres to the surface because the temperature becomes high. The heat exchanger is located inside the hot water tank, and the side surfaces and the lower surface of the outer peripheral body plate of the heat exchanger are out of reach and are not easy to clean. Dirt components remain attached to the surface of the outer peripheral body plate, making it difficult to efficiently heat the washing water.

Further, since the heat exchanger is not forcibly convected near the surface of the outer peripheral body plate, dirt components are likely to adhere to the surface of the outer peripheral body plate, and the cleaning water is locally applied to the surface of the outer peripheral body plate. The temperature becomes high, and it is difficult to uniformly heat the washing water in the hot water tank. As a result, the temperature of the sprayed cleaning water is not uniform, and the cleaning effect may not be stable.

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

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

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

Further, the water in the hot water tank is heated through the outer peripheral body plate by using the rinse water heated by heat exchange as a heat source. Since the temperature of the rinse water, which is a secondary heating and is a heat source, can be raised only up to 100 ° C., the temperature difference Δt between the heated rinse water and the water in the hot water tank is used for heat exchange with the exhaust gas. Compared to this, it becomes smaller and it is difficult to obtain high heating efficiency.

Further, when the burner is burned to heat the washing water stored in the hot water tank, the heat exchanger becomes empty unless new rinsing water (fresh water) is supplied due to the structure of the heat exchanger. The fresh rinsing water (fresh water) supplied is heated and guided to the hot water tank, but it overflows from the washing water discharge pipe that keeps the water level of the hot water tank constant, and water and heat are wasted. There is a problem. Furthermore, when detergent is added to the hot water for cleaning to clean it, new rinse water (fresh water) is supplied to the hot water tank, so the detergent concentration of the water in the hot water tank diminishes and additional detergent is also supplied. Is required, so the amount of detergent used may increase.

Moreover, what is described in the said Patent Document 2
During the cleaning operation, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank falls from the opening into the water tank below and is ejected from the fountain nozzle by a pump. That is, the dirt components removed by the washing are mixed with the washing water, and the dirt components in the washing water increase as the washing is continued.
The washing water mixed with this dirt component is heat-exchanged in the circulating water channel inside the water tank, and the dirt component adheres to the inner wall surface of the circulating water channel, and the dirt component is heated by the gas combustor and becomes hot. There is a risk of sticking.

Further, since the circulation water channel serving as the heat exchange part is introduced into the inside of the gas combustor and is located in the inner part of the water tank, it is difficult to reach and clean it, and it is difficult to remove the dirt component.
In this way, it cannot be cleaned every time it is washed, and the dirt components remain attached and accumulate, which hinders the heat exchange of the washing water and makes it difficult to efficiently heat the washing water.

In addition, although the washing water is heated in the circulating water channel, since there is no active flow of the washing water from the circulating water channel into the water tank, dirt components are likely to adhere to the inner wall surface of the circulating water channel, and further, near the heat exchange part. It becomes locally hot, and it is difficult to uniformly heat the washing water of the entire water tank. As a result, the temperature of the sprayed cleaning water is not uniform, and the cleaning effect may not be stable.

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

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

In addition, since the gas combustion unit is located outside the washing cabinet and the surface of the gas combustor is in contact with the outside air, heat is dissipated to the outside of the washing machine, which not only hinders the effective use of the generated heat. , The working environment will also deteriorate. In order to prevent this, a heat insulating material or the like is required outside the gas combustor, and there is a problem that the structure becomes complicated.

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

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and to provide a cleaning device capable of easily cleaning a heat exchanger and efficiently heating cleaning water. It is a thing.

The cleaning device of the present invention
A cleaning chamber that accommodates the object to be cleaned, has a nozzle for injecting cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned, and has an inlet and an outlet for the object to be cleaned.
A transport means for moving the object to be cleaned from the carry-in port to the carry-out port in the washing chamber.
The first water tank that stores a predetermined amount of wash water and
A second water tank that stores a predetermined amount of wash water and flows it to the first water tank, and
A combustion device that heats the washing water in the second water tank, and
A combustion exhaust outlet pipe that is vertically extended along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber in the cleaning chamber and discharges the combustion exhaust generated by the combustion device into the cleaning water in the second water storage tank. ,
A circulation means for supplying the stored wash water of the first water tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and
With
The outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe faces the cleaning chamber,
The cleaning water in the second water storage tank is heated by gas-liquid contact between the discharged combustion exhaust gas and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank.
The washing water in the heated second water tank is allowed to flow to the first water tank.
The washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the circulation means flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to exchange heat with the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and is heated. , It is characterized in that it is introduced into the first water storage tank.

According to the cleaning device of the present invention, the heat exchanger can be easily cleaned and the cleaning water can be efficiently heated.

The front view which shows the basic structure of the cleaning apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The right side view which shows the basic structure at the position of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe in Embodiment 1. FIG. The top view which shows the basic structure of the cleaning apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) A step diagram of the main cleaning in the first embodiment, and (b) a step diagram of the main cleaning in the second embodiment. The block diagram explaining the operation of the water storage operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation of the heating operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation after the completion of the heating operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation of the water storage operation and the heating operation immediately after starting the drive of the cleaning pump of the cleaning operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation of the cleaning operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation of the water storage operation during the washing operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation of the heating operation during the washing operation step in Embodiment 1. FIG. The block diagram explaining the operation of the water storage heating operation step in Embodiment 2. FIG. The partial block diagram explaining the structure in Embodiment 3. The block diagram explaining the operation of the neutralization operation step in Embodiment 4.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention
A cleaning chamber that accommodates the object to be cleaned, has a nozzle for injecting cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned, and has an inlet and an outlet for the object to be cleaned.
A transport means for moving the object to be cleaned from the carry-in port to the carry-out port in the washing chamber.
The first water tank that stores a predetermined amount of wash water and
A second water tank that stores a predetermined amount of wash water and flows it to the first water tank, and
A combustion device that heats the washing water in the second water tank, and
A combustion exhaust outlet pipe that is vertically extended along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber in the cleaning chamber and discharges the combustion exhaust generated by the combustion device into the cleaning water in the second water storage tank. ,
A circulation means for supplying the stored wash water of the first water tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and
With
The outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe faces the cleaning chamber,
The cleaning water in the second water storage tank is heated by gas-liquid contact between the discharged combustion exhaust gas and the cleaning water stored in the second water storage tank.
The washing water in the heated second water tank is allowed to flow to the first water tank.
The cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the circulation means flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to exchange heat with the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and is heated. , The cleaning device is characterized in that it is introduced into the first water storage tank.

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

As a result, the cleaning water is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and flows down, so that the cleaning water is supplied by the combustion exhaust outlet pipe heated by the combustion exhaust from the combustion device that flows inside the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Indirect heating is possible.

The washing water can be heated more efficiently by two types of heating, that is, heating of the washing water by gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank and heating of the washing water by flowing down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Can be done.

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

Further, in the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is arranged along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber.

As a result, maintenance such as cleaning and replacement of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe becomes easy by arranging the cleaning chamber along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber. For example, if the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber is removed, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, which is a heat exchanger, can be easily reached, and the cleaning can be easily performed while reducing the burden of cleaning by the operator. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe can be maintained in a state where no dirt is attached, and high heating efficiency can be maintained.

In particular, if a removable door is fitted in the part of the wall surface that constitutes the cleaning room that faces the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, the door that becomes the wall surface that constitutes the cleaning room can be burned by removing this door. The exhaust outlet pipe is exposed in a state where it vertically traverses the cleaning chamber.

In addition, the above-mentioned "arranged along the wall surface" means that it is arranged in the vicinity of the wall surface and within the reach of an adult male who is a cleaning worker when a part of the wall surface is removed. means. Specifically, it means that the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is located within 1 m from the wall surface.

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

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

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

In addition, the cleaning room can be used as an exhaust passage without providing an exhaust flue or the like.
Therefore, the device can be simplified.

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

As a result, the outer peripheral surface is allowed to flow down to eliminate the flow of the washed water once heated to the second water tank, and when the washing water in the second water tank is heated, the temperature difference Δt between the combustion exhaust and the washing water is increased. Can be taken.

Therefore, the cleaning water in the second water storage tank can be heated with good heating efficiency while the cleaning water is allowed to flow down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to be heated.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 3 .
By the circulation means, the washed water of the first water tank that has been stored can be supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and the washed water of the first water tank that has been stored can be supplied to the second water tank.
The heating of the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and the combustion of the cleaning water supplied to the second water storage tank discharged from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The heating of the washing water supplied from the first water tank, which is also used for heating by gas-liquid contact with the exhaust, and
A switching means for switching between heating of the cleaning water supplied from the first water tank only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. It is a cleaning device characterized by being equipped.

As a result, the heating of the cleaning water supplied from the first water tank, which combines the heating of flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and the heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust,
Heating of the cleaning water supplied from the first water tank only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe, and
Can be switched and used properly, and these two heatings can be selected.

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

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

If you do not want to change the cleaning water from alkaline to neutral due to gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust, the cleaning water supplied from the first water tank is heated only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Therefore, the washing water can be heated while suppressing the change to the neutral side.

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

The invention according to claim 5 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 3 or 4 .
The first circulation path for sucking the washing water from the first water tank by the circulation means,
A second circulation passage for supplying the washing water sucked from the first water tank by the first circulation passage and discharged by the circulation means to the second water storage tank.
A third circulation passage for supplying the cleaning water sucked from the first water tank by the first circulation passage and discharged by the circulation means to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is provided.
The switching means can supply the wash water of the first water tank using the second circulation path and the third circulation path together, and supply the wash water of the first water tank only by the third circulation path. It is a cleaning device characterized by switching.

As a result, heating can be selected simply by switching the circulation path for supplying the washing water of the first water tank to the heating unit, and it is possible to easily respond according to the washing water to be used.

The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 4 or 5 .
Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
The cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the object to be cleaned, and at the same time.
The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank is heated only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down.

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

Therefore, it is possible to suppress the change of the alkaline cleaning water to the neutral side while efficiently heating the cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent, and maintain a stable temperature and the cleaning effect of the detergent. Can exert detergency.

The invention according to claim 7 of the present invention is the invention according to claim 4 or 5 .
Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
With the movement of the object to be cleaned stopped by the transport means,
A cleaning device characterized by heating the cleaning water supplied from the first water tank in combination with heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust and heating for flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. Is.

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

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

The cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

First, the basic configuration of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The detailed configuration will be described later.

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

The cleaning device 100 constitutes a cleaning chamber 105 in the upper outer shell 101 of the upper portion, and carries in the tableware 104 into the cleaning chamber 105 and the tableware 104 from the cleaning chamber 105. A carry-out port 107 is provided for this purpose. The tableware 104 is carried into the washing room 105 from the carry-in entrance 106 by the conveyor 103, is carried in the washing room 105, and is carried out of the washing room 105 from the carry-out port 107.

The cleaning chamber 105 is composed of a main cleaning zone 200 located on the carry-in inlet 106 side, which is the inlet side, and a finish cleaning zone 300 located on the carry-out outlet 107 side, which is the subsequent stage of the main cleaning zone 200 and is the outlet side. .. The configuration of the cleaning chamber 105 is not limited to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

In addition, a second water tank 202 partitioned inside the first water tank 201 is provided. A combustion device 401 is provided on the ceiling upper surface of the cleaning device 100 so as to heat and maintain the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 to a predetermined temperature. The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, is provided in the cleaning chamber 105 from the ceiling to the second water storage tank 202 so as to vertically traverse the cleaning chamber, and the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is the first. 2 It is located inside the water tank 202. Further, it is provided with a circulation pump 204 which is a circulation means for circulating the washing water stored in the first water tank 201 between the second water tank 202 and the upper part of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

The finish cleaning zone 300 is provided with a nozzle pipe 302 and a nozzle pipe 303 that inject fresh water supplied by the fresh water supply pipe 108 as finish cleaning water, which are mounted on the manifold 301.

A receiving tank 109 that receives leftover food, residual juice, etc. that falls from the surface side of the tableware 104 is located below the conveyor 103 that is on the carry-in port 106 side of the tableware 104, and is dropped below the discharge pipe 110.

Further, a drainage receiver 111 is located below the conveyor 103 in the finish cleaning zone 300 on the carry-out port 107 side of the tableware 104, and is discharged to the outside from the drainage pipe 112 for disposal.

Doors 113 capable of opening the main cleaning zone 200 and the finish cleaning zone 300 are provided on the front side and the back side of the upper outer shell 101, respectively, and can be removed in the direction of the solid arrow in FIG. The door 113 is made of a plate body extending over the entire height direction of the cleaning chamber, and becomes a part of the wall surface by being fitted into the openings on the front side and the back side of the cleaning chamber. The combustion exhaust outlet pipe is arranged at a position where the opening into which the door is fitted, that is, a position facing the inner surface of the fitted door 113. By removing this door, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is exposed in a state of vertically traversing the cleaning chamber. Further, an exhaust pipe 403 is provided on the upper surface of the ceiling of the cleaning device 100, and an exhaust duct 404 is provided above the carry-in inlet 106.

Further, it is provided with a control unit (not shown) that is connected to the main element system (control target) of the entire cleaning device 100 to control basic operation operations, operations, displays, and the like.

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

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

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

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

One of the open ends of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 is inserted into the elastic seal ring (not shown) fixed to each of the plurality of openings (not shown) of the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207. The other end, which is closed by crushing the tip in the shape of a plate, is inserted into the opening of the fixing plate (not shown) separately fixed to the cleaning device 100, and the seal ring (not shown) and the opening of the fixing plate (not shown). ) Is held by.

The plurality of nozzle pipes 208 detachably attached to the upper manifold 206 are installed above the conveyor 103, which is a transport means, and are located on the lower side from the plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 208. Inject wash water into the water. As a result, washing water is sprayed onto the upper surface side (back surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 that is lying down to remove dirt.

Further, the plurality of nozzle pipes 209 detachably attached to the lower manifold 207 are installed between the upper and lower parts of the rotating conveyor 103, and are located above the plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 209. Spray wash water on the side. As a result, washing water is sprayed onto the lower surface side (front surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 that is lying down to remove dirt.

The manifold 205, the upper manifold 206, and the lower manifold 207 are arranged on one side in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware 104 by the conveyor 103, and the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 are abbreviated as the transport direction of the tableware 104 by the conveyor 103. Multiple rows are arranged in the orthogonal direction.

To attach the nozzle tubes 208 and 209, first, one of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 is opened in an elastic seal ring (not shown) fixed to the openings (not shown) of the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207. Insert the end. At this time, the tips of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are crushed and closed, and the tips of the other ends are inserted until they are closer to the upper manifold 206 and the lower manifold 207 than the fixing plate (not shown). After the insertion, the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 are pulled back, and the tip of the other end of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 is inserted into the opening of the fixing plate (not shown) to fix the nozzle tubes 208 and 209. When the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 are removed for cleaning or the like, the operation opposite to that at the time of fixing is performed.

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

<Structural explanation of tank part>
The first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 for storing the washing water used for washing the main washing zone are located below the main washing zone 200 in the lower outer shell 102. The second water tank 202 is partitioned and configured inside the first water tank 201.

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

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

Further, an overflow pipe 224 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201. The upper end of the overflow pipe 224 is set to a position slightly higher than a predetermined water level (full position). The excess wash water in the first water storage tank 201 flows into the overflow pipe 224 from the upper end of the overflow pipe 224 and is discharged to the outside. The overflow pipe 224 is configured to be removable with respect to the first water tank 201. By removing the overflow pipe 224, the drain port (not shown) into which the overflow pipe 224 is inserted is exposed on the bottom surface of the first water tank 201, and the washing water in the first water tank 201 can be drained.

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

The partition member 229 is detachably fixed to the bottom surface of the first water tank 201 to form a second water tank 202 partitioned in the first water tank 201. When cleaning in the cleaning step S600, which will be described later, the partition member 229 can be removed from the first water storage tank 201. In addition, it should be noted
When the partition member 229 is not detachable from the first water tank 201, the wash water stored in the second water tank 202 is provided by separately providing a drainage means for draining the wash water stored in the second water tank 202. It is preferable to be able to drain the water.

(About the flow of wash water from the 2nd water tank to the 1st water tank)
In the present embodiment, in the first water tank and the second water tank, a height difference is provided on each water surface, and a partition member 229 is formed between the first water tank and the second water tank to form a partition member 229. It is supposed to fall and flow beyond. In addition, a height difference may be provided on the bottom surface of each water tank and each water surface so that the water flows from the wall of the second water tank to the first water tank, and as another form of the falling flow, the first water tank A communication pipe may be communicated between the water tank and the second water tank, and a forced flow means such as a pump may be provided in the communication pipe to allow the communication pipe to flow by forced flow by the forced flow means.

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

The water level sensor 227 for detecting that the water level of the washing water stored in the second water tank 202 has reached a predetermined water level (overflow position) of the second water tank 202 is inside the partitioned second water tank 202. It is attached to the bottom surface of the first water tank 201, which is the bottom surface of the water tank 201. Further, a water level sensor 228 for detecting a lower limit water level slightly above the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe located inside the second water storage tank 202 and preventing so-called empty heating is similarly partitioned. 2 It is attached to the bottom surface of the first water storage tank 201, which is the bottom surface of the water storage tank 202.

Comparing the amount of water stored at each predetermined water level of the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the amount of water stored in the second water tank 202 is larger than the amount of water stored in the first water tank 201. Although the configuration is small, the amount of water stored in the second water tank 202 may be larger than the amount of water stored in the first water tank 201.

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

<Circulation pump>
The circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is fixed inside the lower outer shell 102, has a first circulation path 231 communicating with the bottom of the first water tank on the suction side, and has a bottom surface of the second water tank 202 on the discharge side. A second circulation path 232 communicating with the second circulation path 232 and a third circulation path 233 communicating with the flow stabilization tank 405 provided in the upper part of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 are provided. Of these, the second circulation path 232 is provided with a valve (switching means) 234 for opening and closing. The valve (switching means) 234 switches the circulation path to be used to either a first system consisting of the second circulation path and the third circulation path and a second system consisting of only the third circulation path. Functions as a switching means.
The first system is a system that supplies the washing water of the first water tank by using the second circulation path and the third circulation path in combination, and is the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe by the combustion heating operation of the combustion part. Heating by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe of the cleaning water supplied to the second water tank, and heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust discharged from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe of the cleaning water supplied to the second water tank. It is a system that heats the washing water supplied from the first water tank in combination with.
The second system is a system in which the cleaning water of the first water tank is supplied only by the third circulation path, and the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe by the combustion heating operation of the combustion unit. It is a system that heats the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe.
In the first embodiment, the valve (switching means) 234 is an electrically driven valve controlled by a control unit (not shown).

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

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

Inside the upper end of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, in addition to the burner 409, two spark bars (not shown) having a predetermined interval which are ignition means and a frame rod (not shown) which is a flame detecting means are installed. It is installed. The tips of the spark bar (not shown) and the frame rod (not shown) are located close to the burning portion of the burner 409.

The spark bar (not shown) is connected to an igniter (not shown) that generates high voltage. An igniter (not shown) generates sparks between the spark bars and ignites the premixed gas supplied to the burner 409. The frame rod (not shown) is connected to a DC applied power source (not shown), and the presence or absence of combustion is detected by flame detection.

Although the spark bar (not shown) is used as the ignition means by the spark method, the ignition means is not limited to this, and other means such as a red hot electric heater may be used. Further, it may be manually ignited by a gas torch or the like.

Further, as a flame detecting means, a combustion detecting means for detecting the electric conductivity of a combustion flame by using a frame rod (not shown) is used, but it is a means using a thermocouple and a remote detecting means by infrared detection, ultraviolet ray detection, etc. May be good.

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

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

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

The burner 409 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and the burner 409 is cleaned from the ceiling of the cleaning device 100 so that the combustion portion is arranged in the cleaning chamber 105 with the length direction of the cylindrical shape being a substantially vertical posture. It is fixed in a state of being penetrated into the chamber 105. The combustion portion of the burner 409 is arranged in the cleaning chamber 105, and is formed so as to connect a gas pipe (not shown) for supplying the premixed gas to the burner 409 above the ceiling.

The combustion part of the burner 409 uses a heat-resistant metal fiber as a surface combustion member, is rolled into a tubular shape with a predetermined length, wound in the circumferential direction, and is fixed to the burner 409 by electric welding or the like. There is. A plurality of nozzles (small holes) are formed in the portion covered with the heat-resistant metal, and the premixed gas supplied to the burner 409 is ejected onto the surface of the surface combustion member to be burned.

The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, has a tubular shape with a square cross section so as to cover the combustion portion of the burner 409, and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 faces the inside of the cleaning chamber 105.
The cleaning chamber is vertically traversed from the ceiling to the second water storage tank 202 in the cleaning chamber 105, and is arranged in a substantially vertical direction along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber. Further, the upper end of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is fixed to the ceiling surface in the cleaning chamber 105, and the lower end surface 411 of the lower end of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe is opened inside the second water storage tank 202. The inner surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is configured to guide the combustion exhaust from above to below the burner 409 and discharge it from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. A burner 409 is arranged inside the upper end of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

A flow stabilization tank 405 is provided in the vicinity of a portion covering the burner 409 on the upper end side of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402. A third circulation path 233 connected to the discharge side of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is communicated and connected to the flow stabilization tank 405. A water level sensor 406 that detects the wash water stored in the flow stabilization tank 405 is provided, and a flow opening 407 is configured on the bottom surface of the flow stabilization tank so that the wash water flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. ing.

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

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

The guide member 410 is detachably fixed to the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, and the guide member 410 can be removed from the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 when cleaning in the cleaning step S600 described later. The guide member 410 may be separable so that it can be removed from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Further, after removing the partition member 229 fixed to the second water storage tank 202 as described above, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe may be removed from the lower end surface 411 side.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is located in the cleaning chamber 105 in the vicinity of the door 113 on the front side, which is the wall surface forming the cleaning chamber 105. Specifically, among the wall surfaces constituting the cleaning chamber 105, the front side in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware (object to be cleaned) 104 by the conveyor (conveyor) 103, and the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402. A removable door 113 is fitted in the facing portion. The combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is arranged so as to extend in the height direction of the cleaning chamber along the inner surface of the door 113. That is, when the door 113 on the front side is removed, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be easily reached from the outside of the cleaning chamber 105. Further, the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe from which the combustion exhaust is discharged and the exhaust pipe 403 that discharges the combustion exhaust from the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 to the outside are located diagonally across the conveyor 103 in the cleaning chamber 105. It is arranged so that it becomes.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the manifold 301 installed in the finish cleaning zone 300 in the vertical direction (substantially vertical direction) is provided with openings (not shown) at the upper part and the lower part. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end of the manifold 301 communicates with the finish wash water supply pipe 305. The finish wash water supply pipe 305 is formed by branching from the fresh water supply pipe 108, and is provided with a valve 304 for opening and closing.

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

The nozzle pipes 302 and 303 form a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) for injecting wash water. Further, one end of both ends is opened and the other end is covered. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the tip is crushed into a plate shape and closed with a lid.

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

The nozzle tube 302 detachably attached to the upper opening (not shown) is installed above the conveyor 103, which is a transport means, and is provided from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle tube 302. The washing water is sprayed downward. As a result, the washing water was sprayed onto the upper surface side (back side side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 lying down, and the washing water containing dirt in the main washing zone 200 and the detergent were used in the main washing zone 200. When doing so, remove the detergent components.

Further, the nozzle tube 303 detachably attached to the lower opening (not shown) is installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103, and a plurality of nozzles (small holes) formed in the nozzle tube 303 (not shown). Washing water is sprayed upward from. As a result, the cleaning water was sprayed onto the lower surface side (front surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 that was lying down, and the cleaning water containing dirt in the main cleaning zone 200 and the detergent were used in the main cleaning zone 200. When doing so, remove the detergent components.

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

To attach the nozzle tubes 302 and 303, first, one of the open ends of the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 is inserted into an elastic seal ring (not shown) fixed to the opening (not shown) of the manifold 301. .. At this time, the tips of the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 are crushed and closed as a plate, and the tips of the other ends are inserted until they are closer to the manifold 301 than the fixing plate (not shown). After the insertion, the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 are pulled back, and the tip of the other end of the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 is inserted into the opening of the fixing plate (not shown) to fix the nozzle pipes 302 and 303. When the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 are removed for cleaning or the like, the operation opposite to that at the time of fixing is performed.

The nozzle pipes 302 and 303 basically share the same configuration, and in the nozzle pipe 302 mounted in the upper opening (not shown), a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) are directed downward. In the nozzle tube 303 attached to the lower opening (not shown), a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) are arranged in the upward direction.

Although the object to be washed is tableware 104 such as plates and bowls, it may be a tray on which the tableware is placed, a canned container, or other general container, a plate-shaped body, a processed product, or the like. Further, the tableware 104, which is an object to be washed such as a plate and a bowl, is placed on the conveyor 103, which is a transporting means, in a prone state. Etc. may be conveyed in a vertical posture. Further, the tableware 104 may be stored in a dedicated basket and washed together with the basket.

Although not shown, the conveyor 103 is configured in a grid shape, a net shape, or the like, has an opening such that the tableware 104 does not fall, and the sprayed washing water passes through the opening to make the tableware. It is designed so as to sufficiently contact (collide) with the class 104. As a result, the tableware 104 and the conveyor 103 itself can be washed with the sprayed washing water. Further, the endless conveyor 103 is rotated by a driving means (not shown) such as a motor, and the tableware 104 is conveyed by the upper conveyor surface. Further, in order to prevent the tableware 104 from floating on the conveyor 103, another holding conveyor may be installed on the upper surface of the tableware 104.

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

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

Although the opening / closing valve 304 is manually operated, it may be controlled to open the valve at the same time as the conveyor 103 is driven by interlocking with the operation of the conveyor 103 as an electrically driven valve.

A curtain may be provided between the main cleaning zone 200 and the finish cleaning zone 300 to partition the cleaning zone. It is possible to prevent the scattered wash water from moving to the adjacent zone. Further, since there is a low-temperature finish cleaning zone on the carry-out port 107 side, the exhaust duct is not provided above the carry-out port 107, but it may be provided if necessary. Further, the finishing wash water may be hot water. In this case, it is preferable to provide an exhaust duct.

The shape of the burner does not have to be cylindrical, and may be selected according to the application, such as a prism, a cone, or a hemisphere. As the surface combustion member, there are a metal knit in which heat-resistant metal fibers are knitted into a knit shape, and a metal fiber mat in which heat-resistant metal fibers are randomly laminated and fixed on a porous base material. A burner used for burning a premixed gas, which is limited to a surface combustion type burner, may be applied.

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

Next, the operating operation of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a) and 5 to 11.

First, an outline of the main cleaning carried out in the main cleaning zone 200 of the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4A. In the main cleaning, each step shown in FIG. 4A is sequentially executed. The detailed driving operation of each step will be described later for each step.

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

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

Regarding the finish cleaning performed in the finish cleaning zone of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the finish cleaning water is sprayed from the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 in accordance with the start of driving of the conveyor 103. Details will be described in the operation of the cleaning operation step S300 described later.

Next, the operation operation of the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail step by step with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11.

First, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the water storage operation step S100 in which fresh water is supplied to the first water tank and the second water tank as washing water and stored at a predetermined water level will be described.

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

First, the opening / closing valve 221 is opened, and fresh water is supplied to the second water tank 202 as washing water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 that communicates with the second water tank 202 and is connected to the bottom of the second water tank 202. Start water storage.

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

When the wash water stored in the first water tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level and the water level sensor 222 detects the predetermined water level, the valve 221 is closed to stop the supply of the wash water. The supply of fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water tank 202 is stopped, and the falling flow of the overflowing water Wa from the second water tank 202 to the first water tank 201 is stopped. The wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 becomes a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor 222 of the first water tank 201 and the water level sensor 227 of the second water tank 202 detect the predetermined water level. It will be in the state of.

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

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the heating operation step S200 for heating the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 and the second water storage tank 202 to a predetermined temperature in the water storage operation step S100 will be described.

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

Further, the heating method is different between the heating after the initial water storage before the washing operation and the heating in the washing step S300. Details of heating in the cleaning operation step S300 will be described in the operation of the cleaning operation step S300 described later.

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

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

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

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

In the circulation flow state, the second circulation passage 232 and the third circulation passage 233 are used in combination to circulate the washing water. As a result, the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 can be circulated.

Further, since the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is arranged so as to face the inside of the cleaning chamber 105, the falling water Wb flowing down along the outer peripheral surface is exposed in the cleaning chamber 105 and flows down. ..

Further, the washing water supplied to the flow-down stabilizing tank 405 is circulated and supplied so that the washing water can be supplied from the flow-down opening 407 in a state of being stored in the flow-down stabilizing tank 405 to some extent.
It adjusts the amount of wash water to flow down. For example, the amount of water circulated and supplied may be increased so that the water overflows from the upper end of the flow stabilization tank.

As a result, the washing water supplied to the flow-down stabilizing tank 405 is uniformly and stably supplied from the entire flow-down opening 407 to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. The supplied cleaning water flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as falling running water Wb in a state of being uniformly spread on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

The cleaning water overflowing from the upper end of the flow stabilization tank 405 may be allowed to flow down on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. Further, the flow-down opening 407 may not be provided, and the wash water stored in the flow-down stabilization tank 405 may be overflowed and flowed down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402.

The amount of wash water that flows down from the flow stabilization tank 405 as the falling water Wb is, for example, about 3 to 13 liters per minute. It may be set according to the amount of washing water to be heated, the predetermined temperature of the washing water, the burning amount of the burner, and the like.

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

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

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

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

Next, when the combustion air is supplied, the combustion gas flows from the gas supply pipe 408 to the mixer (not shown) via the air-fuel ratio proportional control device and the gas pipe (not shown), and the gas and the combustion air are supplied. To mix. Further, the premixed gas in which the gas and the combustion air are mixed is supplied from a mixer (not shown) to the burner 409 via a gas pipe (not shown) for supplying the premix.

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

The amount of gas burned by the burner 409 is set by controlling the gas flow rate according to the supply air pressure applied to the air-fuel ratio proportional control device (not shown). The amount of gas burned is changed by controlling the rotation speed of the blower (not shown).

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

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

In addition, it is equipped with a basic interlock circuit that stops combustion when the water level of the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 drops and the drive of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 stops. .. Further, an interlock circuit may be provided so that the heating operation cannot be started when the water storage operation is stopped. Further, a temperature sensor (not shown) for preventing overheating may be provided in the cleaning chamber 105 to stop the combustion of the burner 409 when the temperature in the cleaning chamber 105 rises too much.

<Flow of combustion exhaust Ex>
As shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6, the combustion exhaust Ex generated by the combustion of the premixed gas is guided by the inner surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the inside of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is led out from the burner 409 side. It flows from top to bottom toward the lower end surface 411 side of the pipe. Since the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe is located in a state of being submerged in the washing water stored in the second water tank 202, water pressure is applied to the lower end surface, but the combustion exhaust Ex is opposed to this water pressure. It is discharged into the cleaning water from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The combustion exhaust Ex discharged into the washing water floats in the washing water and is released into the washing chamber 105 from the surface of the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 and introduced.

The discharge of the combustion exhaust Ex into the cleaning water is heating by the so-called submerged combustion method, and the high-temperature combustion exhaust Ex obtained by burning the fuel with a burner is directly ejected into the liquid to make gas-liquid contact. It is known as a method of directly heating in, and is known as a heating method that can obtain high heating efficiency. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the submerged combustion method of directly heating by gas-liquid contact with good heating efficiency is applied to the heating of the washing water.

(Introduction of combustion exhaust cleaning room)
The space above the second water tank communicates with the washing room. As a result, the combustion exhaust gas after gas-liquid contact is introduced into the cleaning chamber, passes through the cleaning chamber, and then is discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber.
For example, in the embodiment, the second water storage tank is opened upward in the washing room toward the downstream side in the transport direction, and the washing water stored in the second water storage tank faces one end side of the washing room. Further, an exhaust port of an exhaust duct is provided in the cleaning chamber on the upstream side in the transport direction, and the exhaust port of the exhaust duct faces the other end side of the cleaning chamber. That is, the second water storage tank is arranged in the lower part on one end side of the cleaning chamber, and the exhaust duct is arranged in the upper part on the other end side of the cleaning chamber, which is opposite to the one end side.
The combustion exhaust Ex after gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank is diffused and introduced into the cleaning chamber 105, flows through the cleaning chamber from one end side to the other end side of the cleaning chamber 105, and mainly passes through the cleaning chamber. It is guided to the exhaust pipe 403 and discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber 105. Similarly, the combustion exhaust Ex also flows through the cleaning chamber 105, is discharged from the carry-in inlet 106, is guided to the exhaust duct 404, and is discharged to the upper part. The combustion exhaust Ex guided to the upper part is collected by an exhaust hood (not shown) or the like provided separately and discharged to the outside of the building in which the cleaning device 100 is installed.

Since the amount of water stored in the second water tank 202 is smaller than the amount of water stored in the first water tank 201 and fresh water can be directly supplied to the second water tank 202, the second water tank 202 is kept at a predetermined water level. It becomes easy and stable, and the water pressure applied to the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe can be kept constant. As a result, the combustion back pressure of the burner 409 becomes constant, and the combustion of the burner 409 becomes stable. Although it is a submerged combustion method, it has a configuration that enables stable combustion.

<About heating the washing water>
The washing water is in a circulating flow state, and the burner 409 burns to start heating the washing water.

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

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

Further, unlike the conventional washing device, a part of the washing water that is stored and not circulated is locally heated to conduct heat conduction to the whole, but the whole washing water is circulated and flowed to flow the whole washing water. Is to heat. By circulating the washing water, the washing water having a low temperature can be brought into gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex and directly heated, and the temperature difference Δt can be made large in the heating.

As a result, the direct heating by gas-liquid contact with good heating efficiency can be applied to the heating of the washing water, and the temperature difference Δt can be made large. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the direct heating by gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 can be obtained. It is possible to heat the circulated wash water in a state where the temperature is higher. It is possible to circulate the washing water having a low temperature and heat it under high heating efficiency, and it is possible to shorten the heating time of the washing water to a predetermined temperature.

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

At this time, since water is stored in the flow-down stabilizing tank 405 and is allowed to flow down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, the falling water Wb flows down along substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402. Therefore, the entire outer peripheral surface of the heated combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be indirectly heated, and efficient heating becomes possible.

The falling water Wb, which is the washing water that flows down while being heated, is introduced into the first water tank 201 without flowing into the second water tank 202 by the guide member 410 provided at the lower part of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402. To.

The guide member 410 is located above the second water tank 202, and is heated by the combustion exhaust Ex discharged from the surface of the washing water stored in the second water tank 202. Further, since the guide member 410 is attached in contact with the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 heated by deriving the combustion exhaust Ex, the guide member 410 is also heated by heat conduction from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.
The falling running water Wb flowing along the heated guide member 410 will be further heated. The falling running water Wb heated by flowing along the guide member 410 is introduced into the first water storage tank 201, is sucked into the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 again, becomes a circulation flow state, and repeats heating.

The combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is made of a heat conductor, and guides the combustion exhaust Ex of the burner 409 to flow internally and discharge from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, and extends in the height direction of the cleaning chamber. Arranged in a straight extension. With this arrangement, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 faces the cleaning chamber in the vertical direction. By flowing the combustion exhaust Ex from the combustion device inside the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is heated in the height direction using the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 as a heat conductor. ing. Further, the combustion exhaust is made to flow inside the combustion exhaust pipe 402, and the cleaning water of the first water tank is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 by the circulation means. When the cleaning water is allowed to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the cleaning water is indirectly heated by heat exchange between the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the flowing deciduous flower water Wb which is the cleaning water. Will be done.

As described above, by circulating the washing water in combination with the second circulation passage 232 and the third circulation passage 233, the washing water supplied into the second water storage tank 202 is directly heated and the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is used. It is possible to efficiently heat the washing water by using two types of heating in combination with the indirect heating of the washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the 402, and it is possible to shorten the heating time.

Further, in the conventional cleaning apparatus, the flow of the cleaning water in the vicinity of the heat exchange portion is weak and the cleaning water often stays there, and the heating is often performed locally in the vicinity of the heat exchange portion. In the cleaning device of the first embodiment of the present invention, the circulating flow and the second water storage that cause the falling flowing water Wb to flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 during heating when the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped. By using the circulation flow to the tank 202 together, the entire circulation of the wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 becomes active, and the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 become active. The entire wash water stored in 202 can be uniformly heated without a temperature difference.

The combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is arranged so as to extend straight along the vertical vertical direction intersecting the substantially horizontal transport direction along the height direction of the cleaning chamber 105. The outer peripheral surface of the 402 faces the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 in the vertical direction. The outer peripheral surface is heated by the flow of the combustion exhaust Ex inside the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the cleaning water flowing down is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 by the circulation means. Is heated, and the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 is heated.

It is sufficient that at least a part of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 extends in the height direction in the cleaning chamber 105. For example, as another embodiment of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, the inside of the cleaning chamber 105 may be extended diagonally downward, or as yet another embodiment, the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is bent in the cleaning chamber 105. It may be one that extends in the vertical direction in the cleaning chamber 105, for example, one that bends and extends in a stepped manner.

Further, the guide member 410 may not be provided on the lower end side of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402. In this case, the falling water that flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and is indirectly heated is flowed to the second water tank 202, and further, the combustion exhaust Ex and the air in the second water tank 202. When it comes into contact with the liquid, it is directly heated, overflows from the second water tank 202, and falls and flows to the first water tank 201 as overflow water Wa.
Further, as will be described in detail later, when an alkaline detergent is mixed, it is preferable to provide a guide member in order to suppress a change in liquid property.

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

The combustion exhaust Ex emitted and introduced into the cleaning chamber 105 often maintains a relatively high temperature even after gas-liquid contact with the cleaning water, heat exchange, and heating, and the inside of the cleaning chamber 105. While flowing and passing through, it comes into contact with components such as the inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105, the manifold and nozzle pipe in the cleaning chamber 105, and the conveyor 103 which is a transport means located inside the cleaning chamber 105, and comes into contact with the upper outer shell 101 and the configuration. Heat the part.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, since the second water storage tank 202 and the exhaust pipe 403 are located diagonally to the cleaning chamber 105, the second water storage tank 202 is discharged from the water surface of the second water storage tank 202 and then the exhaust pipe 403. The combustion exhaust Ex is allowed to flow through the cleaning chamber 105 for as long as possible to effectively heat the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber 105 by increasing the distance until the exhaust gas is exhausted. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the combustion exhaust gas and maximize the utilization of the heat generated by the combustion.

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

The combustion exhaust Ex heats the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber 105 while flowing through the cleaning chamber 105, and then is guided to the exhaust pipe 403 and discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber 105, or is discharged from the carry-in inlet 106 and exhausted. It is guided by the duct 404 and discharged to the upper part. The combustion exhaust is sufficiently heat-exchanged and discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber. Therefore, the combustion exhaust after heating the washing water can be effectively used, and the temperature of the discharged combustion exhaust can be lowered, so that a good working environment can be provided.

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

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

The effect of heating the upper outer body 101 and the component parts will be described in the operation of the cleaning operation step S300 described later.

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

After the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, until the heating operation is stopped in the stop step S500 described later, the temperature of the washing water drops, and when the temperature sensor 223 detects that the temperature has dropped below the predetermined temperature, the burner 409 burns. It starts and reheats, and the wash water is controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature. Even if the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is still driven to circulate the washing water.

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

By stopping the combustion of the burner 409 but keeping the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 driven, the amount of water used and the energy required for heating can be reduced, and the time required for reheating can be shortened. .. Further, since combustion can be started without waiting for the re-driving of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, the responsiveness at the time of reheating becomes good.

Further, water is stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 by the circulating flow of the falling water Wb flowing down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 and the circulating flow to the second water tank 202. The circulation of the entire wash water is activated, and the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 can be maintained at a uniform temperature with no temperature difference.

However, although the burner 409 is not burning, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven for a long time, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of power saving, and the durability of the pump is improved by increasing the operating time of the pump. It can also be said that the influence of

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

However, as described above, the amount of water used and the energy required for heating can be reduced, the combustion of the burner 409 can be started without waiting for the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 to be driven, and the first water tank 201 and the second When the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 can be driven in order to maintain the entire wash water stored in the water storage tank 202 at a uniform temperature with no temperature difference. preferable.

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

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

In addition, the water storage operation step S100 and the heating operation step S200 are carried out, and the operator is notified by an indicator lamp (not shown) or the like that the water level and the temperature have reached a predetermined level and the next cleaning operation step S300 can be started. You may try to do it.

<Washing operation step>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the washing operation step S300 for injecting heated washing water to remove stains on the tableware 104, which is the object to be washed, which is conveyed by the conveyor 103, which is a conveying means. The operation of is explained.

The outline of the cleaning operation step S300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first water tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level, the supply of fresh water is stopped, and when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, and the tableware is provided by the conveyor 103 which is a transport means. Class 104 is conveyed, and dirt adhering to the tableware 104 is removed by the sprayed washing water.

In the cleaning operation step S300, the cleaning pump 203 of the main cleaning zone 200 is driven to inject cleaning water from the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 in a state where the cleaning water has been stored at a predetermined water level and heated to a predetermined temperature. Then, the conveyor 103, which is a transport means, is driven, the tableware 104, which is the object to be cleaned, is charged from the carry-in inlet 106, and the loaded tableware 104 is transported by the conveyor 103 with the cleaning water and the finish cleaning water. After washing, the tableware 104 is discharged from the carry-out port 107, the driving of the washing pump 203 is stopped, and the driving of the conveyor 103 is stopped.

In the washing operation step S300, the water storage operation and the heating operation are continued, and the predetermined water level and the predetermined temperature of the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 are maintained.
That is, even in the washing operation step, when it is detected that either the water level sensor 222 of the first water tank 201 or the water level sensor 227 of the second water tank 202 does not reach the predetermined water level, the fresh water is supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 108. When the supply is started and controlled to maintain a predetermined water level, and when the temperature of the washing water drops below the predetermined temperature, the burner 409 starts burning and heating starts, and the washing water reaches the predetermined temperature. It is controlled to maintain the temperature.

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

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

It will be described that when the washing pump 203 is driven, the method of heating the washing water is changed by changing the path of the circulation flow of the washing water.

The circulation flow path in the heating operation until the start of the cleaning operation step S300 is a circulation path in which the supply to the second water storage tank 202 and the supply to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 are combined, and the cleaning water is directly heated. And indirect heating are used in combination to heat.
On the other hand, the circulation flow path of the heating operation in the cleaning operation step S300 is not the circulation supply to the second water storage tank 202, but only the supply to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, and the supplied cleaning water is used. Indirect heating is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402.

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

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

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

When the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is started, the cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is sucked into the cleaning pump 203 and discharged to the main cleaning water supply pipe 226, and the nozzles formed in the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 ( It is injected from a small hole) (not shown). Then, it is collected in the first water storage tank 201 and is sucked into the washing pump 203 again in a washing flow state.

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

In the conventional washing device, when the water level of the washing water stored when the pump is started to be driven drops, fresh water having a lower temperature is supplied by that amount, and the temperature of the entire washing water drops to recover to a predetermined temperature. There was a problem that it took time. In addition, after the temperature of the stored washing water drops, it is troublesome to wait for a long time until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature in order to start washing at a predetermined temperature.

Also in the first embodiment of the present invention, fresh water having a low temperature is newly supplied, but the fresh water overflows into the first water tank 201 via the second water tank 202 formed by partitioning by the partition member 229. It falls and flows as it is supplied. At this time, the washing water already heated in the heating step S200 is stored in the second water storage tank 202, and the fresh water having a low temperature is supplied to the washing water, so that the heated washing water and the fresh water having a low temperature are collected. In a state where the fresh water is mixed and the temperature of the fresh water is raised, it is dropped and flowed as overflow water Wa and supplied to the first water tank 201.

This overflow water Wa is lower than the predetermined temperature of the wash water stored in the first water tank 201, but is still supplied by falling and flowing to the first water tank 201 as wash water having a higher temperature than fresh water having a lower temperature. , The temperature of the entire wash water does not easily drop.

Since the wash water that has fallen and flowed into the first water tank 201 and is supplied is lower than a predetermined temperature, it is detected by the temperature sensor 223, the burner 409 is burned, and the heating operation is started. At this time, as described above, the path of the circulation flow during the heating operation in the cleaning operation step is only the circulation to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 without circulating to the second water storage tank 202.

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

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

In the second water storage tank 202 formed by partitioning with the partition member 229, the stored wash water is not circulated and flowed by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, and the fresh water to be supplied at a low temperature immediately comes into gas-liquid contact. By doing so, the water is directly heated and the temperature is raised, and the water is dropped and flowed as overflow water Wa and supplied to the first water tank 201. As a result, the recovery of the washing water to a predetermined temperature due to the temperature drop due to the supply of fresh water to the first water storage tank 201 can be completed faster than the conventional washing device.

When the wash water stored in the first water tank 201 reaches a predetermined water level and the water level sensor 222 detects the predetermined water level, the valve 221 is closed to stop the supply of the wash water. The supply of fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water tank 202 is stopped, and the falling flow of the overflowing water Wa from the second water tank 202 to the first water tank 201 is stopped. The wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 reaches a predetermined water level, and the water level sensor 222 of the first water tank 201 and the water level sensor 227 of the second water tank 202 detect the predetermined water level. It becomes a state.

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

Further, in the conventional washing device, the washing room is not warmed even if the washing water is heated before the start of the washing operation, and the washing water is sprayed after the start of the washing operation to touch the unheated washing room. Therefore, there is a problem that the temperature of the washing water is lowered. In addition, after the temperature of the stored washing water drops, it is troublesome to wait for a long time until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature in order to start washing the tableware at a predetermined temperature.

According to the cleaning apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, as described in the heating operation step S200, the combustion exhaust Ex emitted and introduced into the cleaning chamber 105 flows in the cleaning chamber 105 while flowing in the cleaning chamber 105. Contact with components such as the inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105, the manifold and nozzle pipe in the cleaning chamber 105, and the conveyor 103, which is a transport means located inside the cleaning chamber, heats the upper outer shell 101 and the components, and passes through the cleaning chamber. It is guided to the exhaust pipe 403 and discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber 105, or is discharged from the carry-in inlet 106 and guided to the exhaust duct 404 to be discharged to the upper part.

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

Since the upper outer shell 101 and the components are warmed up, when the washing pump 203 is driven to inject the washing water, the washing water sprayed into the washing chamber 105 touches the heated upper outer body 101 and the components. However, the temperature drop can be kept to a minimum and the water can be collected in the first water storage tank 201. As a result, it is possible to minimize the decrease in the temperature of the stored washing water and shorten the heating time until the washing of the tableware is started.

Further, during heating while driving the cleaning pump 203, the falling flowing water Wb flows down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 to circulate the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201. Becomes active, and the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 can be uniformly heated without a temperature difference. As a result, it is possible to always inject cleaning water at a uniform temperature, and stable cleaning is possible. In addition, effective heating enables quick recovery of the temperature of the washing water and shortens the time required to reach a predetermined temperature.

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

Further, in the finish cleaning zone 300, at the same time as the drive of the conveyor 103 is started, the valve 304 provided in the finish cleaning water supply pipe 305 is opened, and the finish cleaning water is injected from the nozzle pipes 302 and 303 via the manifold 301. The valve 304 may be used as an electrically driven valve and controlled by a control unit (not shown) so as to operate in conjunction with the conveyor 103.

The cleaning pump 203 and the conveyor 103 may be driven at the same time, or the conveyor 103 may be driven first. When the tableware 104 is put into the cleaning device, the cleaning pump 203 is driven and the cleaning water is discharged from the nozzle tubes 208 and 209. It suffices if it is sprayed.

Next, the tableware 104 to be cleaned is put onto the conveyor 103 from the carry-in port 106 side. The tableware 104 is put on the conveyor 103 in a prone state with the opening surface side of the tableware facing down. At this time, it is preferable to add the tableware 104 after confirming that the temperature of the washing water has reached a predetermined temperature.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tableware 104 put on the conveyor 103 from the carry-in entrance 106 side is conveyed into the washing chamber 105 by the conveyor 103, first moved to the main washing zone 200, and is main-washed. The cleaning water sprayed from the nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipes 208 and 209 of the main cleaning zone 200 removes dirt adhering to the tableware.

The plurality of nozzle pipes 208 installed in the upper part of the conveyor 103 inject cleaning water downward from the plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 208, and the tableware is lying down. Cleaning water is sprayed onto the upper surface side (back surface side of tableware) of 104 to remove dirt.

The plurality of nozzle pipes 209 installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103 spray cleaning water upward from the plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 209, and become prone. Cleaning water is sprayed onto the lower surface side (front surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 to remove dirt.

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

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

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

Even if the cleaning water circulates in a dirty state, it flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 in a state of flowing down as falling water Wb, so that the outer circumference of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchanger Dirt does not easily adhere to the surface.

The tableware 104 that has passed through the main washing zone 200 moves to the finish washing zone 300 and is finished and washed. When the finish cleaning water sprayed from the nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle tubes 302 and 303 contains cleaning water containing dirt in the main cleaning zone 200 or when detergent is used in the main cleaning zone 200. Remove the detergent component.

The nozzle pipe 302 installed in the upper part of the conveyor 103 sprays finishing washing water downward from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 302, and the tableware 104 is lying down. Finish cleaning water is sprayed on the upper surface side (back side side of tableware) to remove dirt.

The nozzle pipe 303 installed between the upper and lower sides of the rotating conveyor 103 is prone by injecting finish cleaning water upward from a plurality of nozzles (small holes) (not shown) formed in the nozzle pipe 303. Finishing washing water is sprayed onto the lower surface side (front surface side of the tableware) of the tableware 104 to remove stains.

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

The tableware 104, which is the object to be washed after finishing washing, is discharged from the carry-out port 107 to the outside of the washing chamber 105. The discharged tableware 104 is stored in a basket or the like and is stored for the next eating.

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

During the cleaning operation, the cleaning water adhering to the tableware 104 in the main cleaning zone 200 and the cleaning water sprayed from the nozzles (small holes) of the nozzle tubes 208 and 209 to the tableware 104 and scattered move out of the main cleaning zone 200. Then, the amount of wash water stored in the first water tank 201 is reduced by the amount of the moved wash water, and the water level of the first water tank 201 is lowered. When the water level sensor 222 detects that the water level is less than the predetermined water level, the valve 221 is opened, the supply of fresh water is started, and the water level is controlled to maintain the predetermined water level.

Further, during the washing operation, the temperature of the washing water drops when the water level drops due to the movement of the washing water and fresh water is supplied. Further, the heated washing water comes into contact with the low-temperature tableware 104 to take heat away, or dissipates heat from the surface of the upper outer shell 101, so that the temperature of the stored washing water is lowered. When the temperature sensor 223 detects that the temperature does not reach the predetermined temperature, the burner 409 starts burning and is controlled to maintain the predetermined temperature.

The water storage operation and the heating operation during the washing operation may be performed independently. During the washing operation, when only the water storage operation is performed without the heating operation, only the heating operation may be performed without the water storage operation. In addition, the water storage operation and the heating operation may be performed at the same time.

In many cases, the water storage operation starts independently, then the heating operation starts in parallel with the water storage operation, and finally the heating operation is performed independently. When the tableware 104 is continuously washed, the washing water is always moved to the outside of the main washing zone 200, and the washing water stored in the first water tank 201 is reduced. A water storage operation for supplying fresh water is required continuously at short intervals to compensate for the decrease in the washing water, and based on this water storage operation, a heating operation should be performed at the same time when the temperature of the washing water drops. There are many.

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

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

In this way, instead of supplying fresh water having a low temperature to the first water tank 201 as it is, the washing water is predetermined by raising the temperature by mixing it with the heated washing water of the second water tank 202. It is possible to restore a predetermined water level while minimizing the temperature below the temperature of. Opportunities for heating operation can be reduced. Therefore, the cleaning operation can be performed while maintaining a predetermined temperature, and a stable cleaning effect can be exhibited.

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

Further, when the water level of the first water tank 201 drops, the water falls and flows from the second water tank 202 as overflow water Wa to start the supply of washing water, but the second water tank 202 is stored at a predetermined water level. Therefore, there is no delay in the falling flow of the overflow water Wa, and the washing water can be immediately supplied to the first water storage tank 201.

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

When the temperature sensor 223 provided in the first water storage tank 201 detects that the temperature of the washing water has dropped below a predetermined temperature during the washing operation, the burner 409 starts to burn and the washing water starts to be heated. As shown in FIG. 11, due to the indirect heating of the circulated washing water on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex of the uncirculated washing water in the second water storage tank 202. Direct heating begins.

The washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is circulated on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, flows down as falling water Wb, is indirectly heated, and is further heated. It is also heated when it is introduced into the first water tank 201 by 410.

The wash water stored in the second water tank 202 is put into the wash water stored in the second water tank 202 from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe without being circulated by the circulation pump (circulation means) 204. It is directly heated by gas-liquid contact with the discharged combustion exhaust Ex.

Since the washing water stored in the second water storage tank 202 is not circulated, it may be heated to exceed a predetermined temperature. In this way, if the washing water stored in the second water tank 201 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the water is stored in the first water tank 201 from the outer surface of the partition member 229 forming the second water tank 202. It can be heated by exchanging heat with the washing water.

As a result, the washing water stored in the first water storage tank 201 can be heated, and the washing water can be maintained (heated) at a predetermined temperature, which contributes to a stable washing effect.

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

During heating while driving the cleaning pump 203, the falling flowing water Wb is allowed to flow down along the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, so that the entire cleaning water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is circulated. It becomes active, and the entire washing water stored in the first water tank 201 can be uniformly heated without a temperature difference. As a result, it is possible to always inject cleaning water at a uniform temperature, and stable cleaning is possible.

When the water level of the first water tank 201 drops in a state where the wash water stored in the second water tank 202 exceeds a predetermined temperature, fresh water having a low temperature is transferred from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water tank 202. It is supplied and flows down to the first water tank 201 as overflow water Wa, and is supplied. However, the washing water that exceeds a predetermined temperature and the fresh water having a low temperature are mixed, and the temperature is higher than that of the supplied fresh water to a predetermined temperature. It will fall and flow as overflow water Wa and be supplied to the first water tank 201 in a state close to.

That is, while indirectly heating the cleaning water being cleaned on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, the cleaning water in the second water storage tank 202 is directly heated by making gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex, and the next water storage operation is performed. The temperature of the washing water in the second water tank 202 can be raised in case of emergency. As a result, even if fresh water having a low temperature is supplied, the heating time until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature can be shortened, which contributes to a stable cleaning effect.

In addition to the wash water that is stored in the first water tank 201 and flows as wash water, the heated wash water is stored in the partitioned second water tank 202 and is effectively heated by supplying fresh water to the water. The recovery of the temperature of the washing water can be accelerated, and the washing when the temperature of the washing water is lowered can be shortened.

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

Further, not only in the case where only the heating operation is performed without the water storage operation, when the water level of the second water storage tank 202 is lower than the predetermined water level (overflow position), the water level of the first water storage tank 201 becomes the predetermined water level. Even so, the valve 221 is opened to supply fresh water from the fresh water supply pipe 108 to the second water storage tank 202.

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

Even if the wash water circulates in a dirty state, heat is exchanged and heated on the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 while flowing down as falling water Wb, so that the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe is a heat exchanger. Dirt does not easily adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the 402.

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

When the water storage operation and the heating operation are performed at the same time during the washing operation, the washing water circulation flow state and the washing flow state shown in FIG. 8 are obtained. However, FIG. 8 is a state immediately after starting the driving of the washing pump 203 as described above, and is a diagram showing a state before the tableware 104 is conveyed.

The cases where the water storage operation and the heating operation are carried out at the same time are the case where the washing water drops below a predetermined temperature and the heating operation is started when the water storage operation is being carried out, and the case where the heating operation is carried out. At that time, the water level of the washing water may drop and the water storage operation may be started. In addition, the water storage operation and the heating operation may be started almost at the same time.

Since the operation is described in the case where only the water storage operation is performed and the case where only the heating operation is performed, the operation will be omitted here.
When the water supply operation and the heating operation are performed at the same time during the cleaning operation, the cleaning stored in the second water tank 202 from the lower end surface 411 of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe while supplying the second water tank 202 with fresh water having a low temperature. Since the combustion exhaust Ex discharged into the water is directly heated by being brought into gas-liquid contact, the temperature difference Δt between the combustion exhaust Ex and the washing water can be made large in the heating.

As a result, the washing water can be heated in a state where the heating efficiency of direct heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex in the second water storage tank 202 is further enhanced. Fresh water with a low temperature to be supplied can be supplied by falling and flowing as overflow water Wa to the first water tank 201 while being heated under high heating efficiency, and is stable with the temperature drop of the washing water minimized. Contributes to the cleaning effect.

In the conventional washing device, when the water level in the water tank drops, fresh water is supplied, and by supplying fresh water with a low temperature, the temperature of the washing water drops, so a heating operation is performed. At that time, the temperature of the fresh water is low. Therefore, the temperature drop of the water tank becomes large, and heating to a predetermined temperature is delayed. Therefore, during this period, cleaning is performed with cleaning water having a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature, and it is considered that a stable cleaning effect cannot be obtained.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the heated wash water is stored in the partitioned second water tank 202 while indirectly heating the wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and flowing for washing, and the water level drops. Fresh water is supplied to the second water tank 202, and the water is dropped and flowed to the first water tank 201 as overflow water Wa.

As a result, instead of supplying the fresh water having a low temperature to the first water tank 201 as it is, the temperature is raised by mixing it with the heated washing water of the second water tank 202, and the fresh water having a low temperature is brought into gas-liquid contact. It can be directly heated and then dropped and flowed as overflow water Wa to be supplied. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the temperature drop due to the water storage operation during the washing operation, reduce the chance of the heating operation, and shorten the time required for heating. In addition, recovery from a temperature drop due to the water storage operation is quick, the cleaning operation can be performed while maintaining a predetermined temperature, and a stable cleaning effect is exhibited.

When the tableware 104 that has been put in is washed and all of it is discharged from the carry-out port 107, the drive of the conveyor 103, which is a transport means, is stopped by inputting a stop instruction for the washing operation to the control unit (not shown), and the washing pump 203 is driven. To stop.

The timing of stopping the driving of the cleaning pump 203 and the conveyor 103 may be the same. The drive of the cleaning pump 203 may be stopped first, and after confirming that the tableware 104 that has been put in has been carried out from the cleaning device, the drive of the conveyor 103 and the drive of the cleaning pump 203 may be stopped.

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

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

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

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

As a result, the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 is circulated, and the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 has a temperature difference. Can be maintained at a uniform temperature.

When the drive of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped and the cleaning operation is completed, the sprayed cleaning water does not move out of the main cleaning zone 200, and the cleaning water stored in the first water tank 201 is stable at a predetermined water level. However, the supply of fresh water to the second water tank 202 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the effect of keeping the washing water stored in the second water tank 202 higher than the predetermined temperature as in the washing operation is lost.
Therefore, in order to maintain the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 at a uniform temperature with no temperature difference, the method of heating the wash water is changed.

At this point, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven to circulate the entire wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202, while the water storage operation and the heating operation are maintained. The wash water stored in the first water tank 201 and the second water tank 202 is maintained at a predetermined water level and a predetermined temperature. That is, if the stored washing water drops below a predetermined water level due to evaporation or the like, the valve 221 is opened to supply fresh water, and if the temperature drops below a predetermined temperature due to heat dissipation or the like, combustion of the burner 409 starts. After that, when the tableware 104 is additionally washed, the washing operation step S300 may be performed again.

Further, since the tableware 104 has been washed, the washing water containing the dirt component adhering to the tableware 104 removed by the injection of the washing water during the washing operation is circulating and flowing. Even if the wash water is dirty, the valve (switching means) 234 is opened to circulate the wash water between the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 and the second water storage tank 202 to allow the entire wash water to flow. As a result, dirt is less likely to adhere to the inside of the second water storage tank 202 and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchanger.

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

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

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

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

In order to remove the residual heat of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and lower the temperature, after the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is driven for a predetermined time by controlling with a timer or the like to drive the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. After circulating the washing water on the outer peripheral surface of the 402 for a while, the drive of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 may be stopped to stop the heating operation.

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

As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, the first circulation passage 231 and the second circulation passage 232, the third circulation passage 233, the first water tank 201, the second water tank 202, While lowering the temperature of the flow stabilization tank 405, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402, the inside of the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, the first circulation passage 231 and the second circulation passage 232, and the inner surface of the third circulation passage 233. The effect of removing dirt components can also be obtained.

At that time, if the cleaning pump is temporarily driven, the inside of the cleaning pump 203, the suction pipe 225, the inner surface of the main cleaning water supply pipe 226, the manifold 205 in the cleaning chamber 105, and the pipes of the nozzle pipes 208 and 209. It is possible to obtain the effect of removing dirt components while lowering the temperature of components such as the surface, the inner surface of the cleaning chamber 105, and the conveyor 103, which is a transport means located in the cleaning chamber 105.

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

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

Dirt adhering to the tableware during the washing operation is removed by the jet of washing water and scattered in the washing room, or the washing water containing dirt components is scattered, so that the inner surface of the upper outer shell 101 and Dirt is attached to the outer surfaces of the manifold 205, the nozzle pipes 208, and 209, and the components such as the conveyor 103.
If left uncleaned as it is, the adhered dirt will adhere, and the adhered dirt will accumulate, which is unsanitary. In particular, if the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is contaminated, not only is it unsanitary, but also heat exchange with the falling running water Wb is deteriorated, and the heating efficiency of the cleaning water is deteriorated.

In order to remove these stains, in the cleaning step S600, the stains adhering to the inner surface of the upper outer body 101 and the components are sprinkled with a hose or the like, rubbed with a sponge or a scrubbing brush, or wiped off with a towel or the like. to clean up.

In order to start cleaning the inside of the cleaning chamber 105, the doors 113 provided on the front side and the back side of the upper outer body 101 are removed. Next, the overflow pipe 224 provided in the first water tank 201 is removed, and the washing water stored in the first water tank 201 is drained to the outside. As for the washing water stored in the second water tank 202, the washing water flows into the first water tank 201 by removing the partition member 229 constituting the second water tank 202 from the first water tank 201, and the first It is drained from the water tank 201 to the outside.

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

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

The combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, is arranged in the vertical direction facing the cleaning chamber on the front side in the cleaning chamber 105, and dirt can be easily confirmed and directly by simply removing the door 113. It is within reach and the dirt adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be easily cleaned. In the first embodiment of the present invention, since the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 has a tubular shape with a square cross section, it is easy to rub or wipe off, and dirt can be easily removed.

The guide member 410 is removable, and the removal of the guide member 410 facilitates cleaning of the guide member 410. Further, by removing the guide member 410, it becomes easier to reach the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 and the first water storage tank 201, and cleaning becomes easier.

During the cleaning operation, the cleaning water containing a dirt component is allowed to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 to heat it. However, by arranging the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 in the vertical direction, the flow velocity of the falling water Wb can be increased. Since it is fast, stable, and the washing water does not stay, dirt components are unlikely to adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402. In addition, since it is easy to clean, the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 can be kept in a state where no dirt component is attached.

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

Further, if the inside of the refrigerator is opened with the door 113 removed until the next operation, the inside of the refrigerator can be promoted to dry and the inside of the refrigerator can be kept more hygienic. At the next operation, the operation is started after the door 113 is attached.

In the conventional cleaning device, the flow of the cleaning water in the vicinity of the heat exchange portion is weak and the cleaning water often stays, and the structure is such that the dirt component easily adheres to the heat exchange portion. Further, since the heat exchange part is located in the back of the water storage tank, it is not possible to confirm the adhesion of dirt and it is hard to reach, and the cleanability is very poor. Therefore, it is difficult to remove the dirt component adhering to the heat exchange portion, and the heating efficiency of the washing water is deteriorated.

On the other hand, in the cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the dirt component does not easily adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchanger, and it adheres because it can be easily cleaned. Dirt can be easily removed by simply wiping it off, and good heating efficiency of the washing water can be maintained. Further, since the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is arranged within easy reach by simply removing the door 113, the burden on the cleaning operator is small.

As a result, it is possible to easily clean the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402, which is a heat exchanger, while reducing the burden of cleaning the operator, and it is possible to maintain a state in which dirt is not attached, which is expensive. The heating efficiency can be maintained.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the extremely efficient direct heating by gas-liquid contact is applied to the heating of the washing water, the washing water is directly heated, and the combustion exhaust Ex is placed in the washing chamber. After heating the inner surface and components of the cleaning chamber, it is discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber.
In addition, the cleaning water is indirectly heated with a simple structure in which the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 exposed inside the refrigerator is allowed to flow down, and a part of the heat of the heated cleaning water is released. The inside of the cleaning chamber 105 will be heated.
Further, since the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is arranged so as to face the cleaning chamber, even if a dirt component adheres to the outer peripheral surface, it can be easily removed. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be easily cleaned and the cleaning water can be efficiently heated.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (b) and 12.

Since the cleaning device of the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. The operation operation is different from that of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 4B, the water storage heating operation step S150 is used instead of the water storage operation step S100 and the heating operation step S200 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the heating operation step S200 is started after the water storage operation step S100 is completed, but in the second embodiment, heating is performed while storing water as the water storage heating operation step S150.

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

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

First, as in the water storage step S100 of the first embodiment, the opening / closing valve 221 is opened, and the fresh water supply pipe 108 is connected to the bottom of the second water tank 202 by communicating with the second water tank 202. 2 Fresh water is supplied to the water storage tank 202 as wash water to start water storage.

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

When the wash water stored in the first water storage tank 201 is stored to a water level that does not cause air biting even when the circulation pump (circulation means) 204 is operated, the heating step S200 of the first embodiment is continued while the water storage operation is continued. Starts the operation of. The timing to start the operation of the heating step S200 may be controlled by providing a water level sensor (not shown) to detect and control the water level so as not to bite the air, or to measure the time from the start of the water storage operation and use a timer. May be controlled.

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

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

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

After that, when it is detected that the stored wash water does not reach the predetermined water level until the water storage operation and the heating operation are stopped in the stop step S500 as described above, the supply of fresh water is started again to raise the predetermined water level. It is controlled to maintain, and when it detects that the stored wash water has dropped below a predetermined temperature, it is controlled to start the heating operation again and maintain the temperature at a predetermined temperature.

In the water storage heating operation step S150, the low-temperature fresh water supplied to the second water storage tank 202 is directly heated by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex discharged into the second water storage tank 202, and then the first step is performed. 1 Since the water is stored by falling and flowing as overflow water Wa into the water storage tank 201, a large temperature difference Δt can be obtained by direct heating. As a result, the washing water can be heated in a state where the heating efficiency of direct heating by gas-liquid contact in the second water storage tank 202 is further increased. Efficient heating becomes possible, and the time from the start of the water storage heating operation to reaching a predetermined water level and a predetermined temperature can be shortened. Therefore, the time until the cleaning operation step S300 is started can be shortened, and efficient work can be performed.

Compared with the case where the water storage operation step S100 and the heating operation step S200 are carried out independently, by carrying out the water storage heating operation step S150, the water storage tank is not filled with water to a predetermined water level and a predetermined temperature. It is possible to shorten the time until it reaches the point (so-called cleaning preparation, initial water filling heating).

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

The difference from the first embodiment is that the flow stabilization tank 405 provided above the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 in FIGS. 5 to 11 is deleted, an injection nozzle 420 is provided as shown in FIG. 13, and the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 is provided. It is arranged so as to inject the washing water that circulates and flows toward the outer peripheral surface.

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

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the falling running water Wb, which is the cleaning water, can be uniformly flowed down to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe 402 while having a simpler structure without providing the flow-down stabilizing tank 405. Cleanability can be made easier.

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

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

First, a configuration different from the first embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. A detergent supply device (not shown) for adding an alkaline detergent to the cleaning water for the main cleaning is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the cleaning device 100. The detergent supply device (not shown) includes a bellows pump (not shown) for supplying the alkaline detergent stored in the detergent tank (not shown) to the washing water stored in the first water tank 201. .. Further, it is provided with a control unit (not shown) that detects the concentration of alkaline detergent in the washing water by a sensor (not shown) connected to the first water tank 201 and controls the drive of the bellows pump (not shown). ..

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

In addition to detecting the concentration of the alkaline detergent, for example, the PH value may be detected and controlled. Alternatively, it may be controlled to add a constant amount of detergent to the total amount of the washing water so that the washing water has a predetermined concentration. When the amount of the object to be cleaned is small, the detergent supply device is not used, and the cleaning water stored in the first water tank 201 before the start of the cleaning operation is directly subjected to an alkaline detergent so as to have a predetermined detergent concentration. You may put it in by hand.

At the same time as driving the cleaning pump 203, the control unit (not shown) controls the operation of the detergent supply device (not shown).

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

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

Further, it is known that the liquid property changes from alkaline to neutral side due to gas-liquid contact between water mixed with an alkaline detergent and combustion exhaust Ex. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, this phenomenon is utilized. It is prefaced to carry out the sexualization operation step S400.

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

Further, if the temperature of the cleaning water is low (for example, about 30 ° C.) when the alkaline detergent is added, the cleaning water foams and the cleaning pump 203 bites air when the cleaning pump 203 is driven to enter the cleaning fluid state. May cause. It is preferable to select a low-foaming detergent or to add the detergent after heating to a predetermined temperature.

When the predetermined detergent concentration is reached, the supply of the alkaline detergent is stopped. After that, when the detergent concentration decreases, such as when fresh water is supplied by the water supply operation, the detergent is supplied so as to maintain the predetermined detergent concentration.

Subsequent operations of the cleaning operation step S300 are the same as the operations after driving the cleaning pump 203 in the cleaning operation step S300 of the first embodiment. By mixing an alkaline detergent in the washing water, dirt adhering to the tableware can be removed more effectively.

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

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

As a result, the cleaning water indirectly heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 is not introduced into the second water storage tank 202 that directly heats the combustion exhaust Ex by gas-liquid contact, and the neutral side of the cleaning water. It is possible to suppress the change to. Therefore, while efficiently heating the cleaning water, it is possible to suppress the change of the alkaline cleaning water to the neutral side, maintain the cleaning effect of the detergent, and exert a stable cleaning power.

Although the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent is prevented from being introduced into the second water tank 202, the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent is scattered in the second water tank due to the scattering of the washing water jetted from the washing pump 203. It may be introduced in a small amount in 202. By locating the guide member 410 on the upper part of the second water storage tank 202, a large amount of washing water mixed with an alkaline detergent is not introduced into the second water storage tank 202, so that the entire washing water is alkaline. It does not affect the liquidity.

(Example of Embodiment of switching means)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the first circulation path for sucking the washing water from the first water tank by the circulation means and
A second circulation passage for supplying the washing water sucked from the first water tank by the first circulation passage and discharged by the circulation means to the second water storage tank.
A third circulation passage for supplying the cleaning water sucked from the first water tank by the first circulation passage and discharged by the circulation means to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is provided, and further.
The first system that supplies the washing water of the first water tank by using the second circulation passage and the third circulation passage together, and
The second system that supplies the washing water of the first water tank only by the third circulation passage without using the second circulation passage, and
A switching means (not shown) for switching between the two is provided.

Of these, in the first system, by using the second circulation path and the third circulation path together, the washing water sucked from the first water tank is supplied to the second water tank, and at the same time, to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. It is a system that directly supplies to the first water tank through the supply of.
In addition, the second system uses only the third circulation path without using the second circulation path, so that the washing water sucked from the first water tank is not supplied to the second water tank, but only to the first water tank. It is a system that supplies directly.

By the switching means, it is possible to switch to the second system in order to prevent the liquid change of the alkaline detergent during the washing operation, and after the washing is completed, the alkaline detergent is intentionally neutralized to promote the liquid change of the alkaline detergent. Therefore, it is possible to switch to the first system.

(Switching to the second system in cleaning operation)
It is known that water changes from alkaline to neutral due to gas-liquid contact between alkaline water and combustion exhaust. When gas-liquid contact with combustion exhaust is used for the alkaline cleaning water due to the occurrence of this phenomenon, it is considered that the liquidity of the alkaline cleaning water changes. Therefore, in order to prevent such a change in liquidity, in a state where an alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank, the washing operation is performed by switching from the first system to the second system by the switching means, and the washing water is washed. Is not supplied to the second water tank, but may be directly supplied to the first water tank to heat the washing water only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down.

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

As an embodiment for automatically executing the switching operation of the switching means in the washing method, a liquid-based detecting means (not shown) for detecting that an alkaline detergent is used for the washing water in the first water tank is provided. Further provided, the switching means controls the supply of washing water in the first water tank in the washing operation so as to switch from the first system to the second system by detecting the alkaline detergent by the liquid detecting means. May be.

Next, the operation operation of the neutralization operation step S400 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

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

When the cleaning operation step S300 is completed and the driving of the cleaning pump 203 is stopped as described in the first embodiment, the valve (switching means) 234 is opened to drive the circulation pump (circulation means) 204, and the combustion exhaust is derived. In the fourth embodiment, cleaning water mixed with an alkaline detergent is supplied to the second water storage tank 202 where the lower end surface 411 of the pipe is located and the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe 402 which is a heat exchange unit. The circulation state shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment is obtained.

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

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

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

In this way, by supplying the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent to the second water storage tank 202 and bringing it into gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex, it is possible to change the washing water to the neutral side. Further drives the cleaning pump 203. Unlike the case of the cleaning operation, in the neutralization operation, the valve (switching means) 234 remains open even if the cleaning pump 203 is driven.

By driving the cleaning pump in the neutralization operation (neutralization operation step S400), the alkaline detergent remaining inside the main cleaning water supply pipe 226, the upper manifold 206, the lower manifold 207, the nozzle pipe 208, 209, etc. is mixed. The washed water can be circulated, and the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent can be changed to the neutral side by making gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust Ex in the second water storage tank 202.

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

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

Further, after the neutralization of the washing water is completed and the combustion of the burner 409 is stopped, the valve 221 is opened to supply the neutralized washing water with fresh water, and the washing water exceeding the predetermined water level is supplied. It is also possible to replace the washing water little by little by draining the water from the overflow pipe 224.

As a result, it is possible to gradually purify the circulating cleaning water containing the dirty components removed from the tableware during the cleaning operation, and it is possible to purify the pump, the pipe, etc., which are the circulation paths of the cleaning water. At that time, if the amount of fresh water to be supplied is increased, the temperature of the cleaning water can be gradually lowered, and since the temperature of the cleaning device is lowered at the time of cleaning, the cleaning can be performed immediately.

When the temperature of the washing water drops, the mixed detergent may easily foam, but while supplying fresh water, drain the washing water that exceeds the specified water level to replace the washing water and raise the temperature. In the process of lowering, the detergent component mixed in the washing water is gradually reduced, so that it does not foam.

The neutralization operation step S400 is performed after the cleaning operation step S300 is stopped. That is, the cleaning pump 203 is performed after the drive is stopped, but when the cleaning operation step S300 is stopped, the neutralization operation step S400 may be continuously performed while the cleaning pump 203 is still driven.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the change of the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent to the neutral side during the washing operation, and after the washing operation is completed, the washing water mixed with the alkaline detergent can be suppressed. Can be neutralized.

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

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

As an embodiment for automatically executing the switching operation of the switching means in the cleaning method,
Liquidity detecting means (not shown) for detecting the use of alkaline detergent in the washing water in the first water tank, and
Further provided with a washing end detecting means (not shown) for detecting the end of the washing operation with the washing water of the first water tank.
The switching means is a cleaning device characterized in that the second system is switched to the first system by detecting the end of the cleaning operation by the cleaning end detecting means and detecting the alkaline detergent by the liquid detecting means. Can be.

It can be applied not only to tableware but also to cleaning objects to be cleaned such as machined parts.

100 Cleaning device 101 Upper outer shell 102 Lower outer shell 103 Conveyor (conveyor means)
104 Tableware (object to be washed)
105 Cleaning room 106 Carry-in entrance 107 Carry-out outlet 108 Fresh water supply pipe 109 Receiving tank 110 Discharge pipe 111 Drainage receiver 112 Drainage pipe 113 Door

200 cleaning zones 201 1st water storage tank 202 2nd water storage tank 203 Cleaning pump 204 Circulation pump (circulation means)
205 Manifold 206 Upper Manifold 207 Lower Manifold 208 Nozzle Pipe 209 Nozzle Pipe

220 Valve 221 Valve 222 Water level sensor 223 Temperature sensor 224 Overflow pipe 225 Suction pipe 226 Washing water supply pipe

227 Water level sensor 228 Water level sensor 229 Section member

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

300 Finish cleaning zone 301 Manifold 302 Nozzle pipe 303 Nozzle pipe 304 Valve 305 Finish cleaning water supply pipe

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

420 injection nozzle

Wa Overflow water Wb Falling running water Ex Combustion exhaust

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

Claims (7)

A cleaning chamber that accommodates the object to be cleaned, has a nozzle for injecting cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned, and has an inlet and an outlet for the object to be cleaned.
A transport means for moving the object to be cleaned from the carry-in port to the carry-out port in the washing chamber.
The first water tank that stores a predetermined amount of wash water and
A second water tank that stores a predetermined amount of wash water and flows it to the first water tank, and
A combustion device that heats the washing water in the second water tank, and
A combustion exhaust outlet pipe that is vertically extended along the wall surface constituting the cleaning chamber in the cleaning chamber and discharges the combustion exhaust generated by the combustion device into the cleaning water in the second water storage tank. ,
A circulation means for supplying the stored wash water of the first water tank to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and
With
The outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe faces the cleaning chamber,
The cleaning water in the second water tank is heated by gas-liquid contact between the discharged combustion exhaust gas and the cleaning water stored in the second water tank.
The washing water in the heated second water tank is allowed to flow to the first water tank.
The washing water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe by the circulation means flows down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to exchange heat with the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe and is heated. , A cleaning device characterized in that it is introduced into the first water storage tank. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the combustion exhaust gas after gas-liquid contact is introduced into the cleaning chamber, passed through the cleaning chamber, and discharged to the outside of the cleaning chamber. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning water heated by flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust lead-out pipe is directly flowed to the first water tank without flowing to the second water tank. By the circulation means, the washed water of the first water tank that has been stored can be supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and the washed water of the first water tank that has been stored can be supplied to the second water tank.
The heating of the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe, and the combustion of the cleaning water supplied to the second water storage tank discharged from the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The heating of the washing water supplied from the first water tank, which is also used for heating by gas-liquid contact with the exhaust, and
A switching means for switching between heating of the cleaning water supplied from the first water tank only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down the cleaning water supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The cleaning device according to claim 3 , wherein the cleaning device is provided. The first circulation path for sucking the washing water from the first water tank by the circulation means,
A second circulation passage for supplying the washing water sucked from the first water tank by the first circulation passage and discharged by the circulation means to the second water storage tank.
A third circulation passage for supplying the cleaning water sucked from the first water tank by the first circulation passage and discharged by the circulation means to the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe is provided.
The switching means can supply the wash water of the first water tank using the second circulation path and the third circulation path together, and supply the wash water of the first water tank only by the third circulation path. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the cleaning apparatus is switched. Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
The cleaning water mixed with the alkaline detergent is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the object to be cleaned, and at the same time.
The cleaning device according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the cleaning water supplied from the first water storage tank is heated only by heating the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe to flow down. Alkaline detergent is mixed in the washing water of the first water tank,
With the movement of the object to be cleaned stopped by the transport means,
4. or 5 according to claim 4, wherein the washing water supplied from the first water storage tank is heated in combination with heating by gas-liquid contact with the combustion exhaust and heating for flowing down the outer peripheral surface of the combustion exhaust outlet pipe. The cleaning device described in.

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