JP7489931B2 - Cleaning machines and systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning machine and a cleaning system.

A washing machine is known that performs a washing operation in which a washing step in which water stored in a washing water tank is sprayed into the washing chamber to wash the object to be washed, and a rinsing step in which water stored in a rinsing water tank is sprayed into the washing chamber to rinse the object to be washed, as one cycle of washing operation, and collects the water supplied to the washing chamber in the rinsing step in the washing water tank and uses it in the washing step of the next cycle. For example, the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with an overflow pipe inserted into a drain hole provided on the bottom of the washing water tank to drain water supplied in excess of a predetermined water level in the washing water tank during washing operation.

In the washer of Patent Document 1, all the water stored in the wash water tank can be drained by pulling the overflow pipe out of the drain, but during the wash operation, the water above the wash water tank can only be drained from the upper end of the overflow pipe. This means that food scraps and the like tend to accumulate in the lower part of the wash water tank, and the water stored in the wash water tank tends to become dirty. Also, in order to maintain the washing power of the items being washed, the water in the wash water tank needs to be replaced periodically, and the wash operation cannot be performed while the water in the wash water tank is being replaced, which can make it less convenient to use.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-62970 JP 2020-130543 A

In contrast to the washer of Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 discloses a washer configured such that, in addition to the overflow pipe, a drain valve is provided on a drain pipe connected to a drain outlet formed on the bottom of the flush water tank. In this washer, the water stored in the flush water tank can be drained all by opening the drain valve. However, even in a washer configured as in Patent Document 2, the drain valve is only opened when all the water in the flush water tank is to be drained, and water can only be drained from the overflow pipe during flushing operation, just like the washer of Patent Document 1. For this reason, there were problems similar to those of the washer described in Patent Document 1.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning machine and cleaning system that can suppress contamination of the water stored in the cleaning water tank and reduce the frequency of replacing the water in the cleaning water tank.

The washer according to the present invention is a washer in which, in a washing operation that includes, in one cycle, a washing step in which water stored in a washing water tank is sprayed into the washing chamber, and a rinsing step in which water stored in a rinsing water tank is sprayed into the washing chamber, a predetermined amount of water supplied by spraying into the washing chamber in the rinsing step is collected in the washing water tank for use in the washing step of the next cycle, and a portion of the water stored in the washing water tank is replaced in one cycle of washing operation. The washer is equipped with an outflow section through which water supplied to the washing water tank in excess of a predetermined water level flows out of the washing water tank, a drainage device that drains the water stored in the washing water tank from a drainage section located lower than the outflow section, and a control unit that controls the drainage device, and the control unit controls the drainage device so that the amount of water drained from the drainage section in one cycle is a first water amount less than the predetermined water amount, thereby causing a second water amount, which is the remaining amount of the predetermined amount, to flow out of the outflow section.

In a washer of this configuration, the water stored in the wash water tank is not only drained from the drain section in one cycle, but also from the outflow section. That is, in one cycle of wash operation, the water stored in the wash water tank is drained not only from the top of the wash water tank, but also from the bottom of the wash water tank. This allows both dirt such as oil and floating matter that collects on the surface of the water and dirt such as food residue and sediment that collects on the bottom of the wash water tank to be discharged, so dirt that causes water pollution can be effectively drained from the wash water tank. As a result, pollution of the water stored in the wash water tank can be suppressed, and the frequency of changing the water in the wash water tank can be reduced.

In the cleaning machine according to the present invention, the control unit may drain a first amount of water from the drain unit before the rinsing step is started during one cycle of cleaning operation. In this configuration, the first amount of water is drained before the rinsing step, which is included in one cycle of cleaning operation, is started, so that the relatively clean water that is supplied to the cleaning chamber during the rinsing step and collected in the cleaning chamber can be left in the cleaning water tank. This makes it possible to effectively prevent contamination of the cleaning water tank.

The cleaning machine according to the present invention may further include a first setting unit that sets a predetermined water volume, and a second setting unit that sets the first water volume. In this configuration, it is possible to adjust the amount of water replaced in the cleaning water tank, and to adjust the distribution of the amount of water drained from the top or bottom of the cleaning water tank. This makes it possible to optimally replace water according to the state of dirt on the object being cleaned.

In the cleaning machine according to the present invention, the control unit may execute an increase control to increase the amount of water supplied by spraying into the cleaning chamber during the rinsing process during the designated cycle cleaning operation compared to the normal cycle cleaning operation. In this configuration, for example, the amount of water supplied into the cleaning chamber can be increased at regular cycle intervals or during a specified cycle, thereby increasing the amount of water replaced in the cleaning water tank. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent contamination of the water stored in the cleaning water tank.

The washing system according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned washing machine provided as a preliminary washing machine, and a main washing machine that washes the objects washed in the preliminary washing machine, and the preliminary washing machine is arranged below the position where the objects are stored, and may have a food residue collection filter that collects food residue attached to the objects that falls with the water sprayed into the washing chamber.

Since such a spare washer is installed primarily for the purpose of removing food scraps and the like that are attached to the items being washed, the wash water tank becomes polluted quickly. With this washing system, it is possible to suppress the pollution of the water stored in the wash water tank of a spare washer, which has a tank that becomes polluted quickly, and to reduce the frequency with which the water in the wash water tank needs to be replaced.

The present invention can suppress contamination of the water stored in the flush water tank, reducing the frequency of replacing the water in the flush water tank.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pre-cleaner and the main cleaner. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the preliminary cleaning machine. FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the preliminary cleaning machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cleaning system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the present cleaning machine. FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the present cleaning machine.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. The dimensional ratios of the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. In the following description, the directions (up-down direction, front-back direction, left-right direction) defined in Figures 2 to 4, 6, and 7 will be used for explanation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning system 200 includes a preliminary soaking tank 203, a first conveying section 204, a preliminary cleaning machine 1, a main cleaning machine 101, and a second conveying section 205. The preliminary soaking tank 203, the first conveying section 204, the preliminary cleaning machine 1, the main cleaning machine 101, and the second conveying section 205 are arranged in an L-shape when viewed from above.

The preliminary soaking tank 203 is a tank for storing water. In the preliminary soaking tank 203, heavy dirt adhering to tableware (items to be washed) D may be removed. The first transport unit 204 is disposed next to the preliminary soaking tank 203. The first transport unit 204 transports a tableware rack R into the washing chamber 3 of the preliminary washer 1. The tableware rack R is a lattice-shaped member on which tableware D such as plates and bowls are arranged. When the first transport unit 204 detects that the tableware rack R has been placed on the base 204a of the first transport unit 204, the arm member 204b moves to push the tableware rack R into the washing chamber 3 of the preliminary washer 1.

The preliminary washer 1 is a washer that is provided to wash away food residue and the like adhering to the surface of the tableware D prior to the washing of the tableware D in the main washer 101. In other words, the preliminary washer 1 is a washer that performs preliminary washing of the tableware D in the preliminary soaking tank 203, which was previously performed manually.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spare washer 1 has a washer body 2 covered with a stainless steel panel. The washer body 2 is divided into an upper part 2A in which the cleaning chamber 3 is formed, and a lower part 2B in which the machine chamber 4 is formed. A support pillar 6 is arranged at the corner on the rear side of the washer body 2, extending vertically between the upper part 2A and the lower part 2B, and a rear panel 5 is arranged between the support pillars 6, 6.

A box-shaped door 7 for opening and closing the washing chamber 3 is provided on the upper part 2A of the washing machine main body 2. This door 7 is guided so as to be freely movable up and down by a pair of stainless steel supports 6, 6, and is moved up and down by a handle 8A extending horizontally at the front. The door 7 is automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the transport of the first transport section 204. The door 7 is also automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the completion of the washing operation of the tableware D.

The tips of a pair of left and right rotating arms 8B, 8B are fixed to both ends of the handle 8A, and the rotating arms 8B, 8B are arranged diagonally along the side surface 7A of the door 7. One end of a link portion 8C arranged along the side surface 7A of the door 7 is rotatably connected to the rotating arms 8B, 8B, and the other end of the link portion 8C is connected to the door 7 via an axle pin 8D, allowing the door 7 to move up and down in response to the rotational movement of the handle 8A. Legs 9 are attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the cleaning machine main body 2.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a rack rail 11 is detachably arranged in the washing chamber 3, and a lattice-shaped dish rack R on which tableware D such as plates and bowls after eating is placed is placed. An upper washing nozzle 12A consisting of three radially extending arms and an upper rinsing nozzle 13A consisting of two arms are each rotatably arranged at the top of the washing chamber 3. Similarly, a lower washing nozzle 12B consisting of three radially extending arms and a lower rinsing nozzle 13B consisting of two arms are each rotatably arranged at the bottom of the washing chamber 3. The dishes D arranged on the dish rack R are sprayed with washing water from above and below by the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B, and rinsing water is sprayed from above and below by the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B.

A cleaning pump 23 is connected to the front of the cleaning water tank 15 via a cleaning water suction port. A cleaning water discharge pipe 21 is connected to the discharge port of the cleaning pump 23. The cleaning pump 23 is controlled by a controller 35. The cleaning water discharge pipe 21 branches into a first cleaning water discharge pipe 21A and a second cleaning water discharge pipe 21B, with the first cleaning water discharge pipe 21A connected to the upper cleaning nozzle 12A and the second cleaning water discharge pipe 21B connected to the lower cleaning nozzle 12B. A cleaning water heater 16 is provided in the cleaning water tank 15 to heat the cleaning water to improve cleaning and sterilizing capabilities.

A plate-shaped partition plate 18 is disposed at the upper opening of the cleaning water tank 15. The partition plate 18 has two openings 18a (the other opening 18a is not shown in FIG. 4 because it is disposed at the front side of the cross section), and a food waste collection filter 19 is disposed below each of the openings 18a. Note that in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the food waste collection filter 19 is not shown for the sake of convenience. The food waste collection filter 19 is formed in a basket shape, and its sides and bottom are formed of a mesh member. Food waste that flows into the food waste collection filter 19 is received by the mesh member, and the water that flows into the food waste collection filter 19 passes through the mesh member and flows into the cleaning water tank 15. That is, the water sprayed from the upper cleaning nozzle 12A and the lower cleaning nozzle 12B is collected in the cleaning water tank 15.

The bottom surface 15a of the cleaning water tank 15 is formed with a drain port 15c to which the first drain pipe (drainage section) 33 is connected. The drain port 15c is provided below the drain port 15d described later, i.e., the open end of the first drain pipe 33 is provided below the open end of the second drain pipe (outflow section) 17. The bottom surface 15a is inclined toward the drain port 15c. The first drain pipe 33 is connected to the drain port 15c. The first drain pipe 33 is provided with a drain valve (drainage device) 34. The drain valve 34 is a so-called ball valve type valve, and a ball, which is a valve body arranged in the water flow path of the first drain pipe 33, is rotated by the drive of a motor to stop or flow the flow of water in the first drain pipe 33. The drain valve 34 is controlled by a controller 35, and the valve body of the drain valve 34 is opened to drain the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15.

The side surface 15b located on the front side of the flushing water tank 15 is formed with a drain port 15d to which the second drain pipe 17 is connected. The second drain pipe 17 not only functions as an overflow pipe to drain water supplied to the flushing water tank 15 when the water level exceeds the predetermined water level H, but also has the function of discharging dirt (e.g., oil and floating matter) that gathers near the water surface stored in the flushing water tank 15 and the function of preventing overflow due to improper opening of the drain valve 34. The food residue collection filter 19 is positioned so that the bottom surface 19a of the food residue collection filter 19 is located H1 above the predetermined water level H. The drain port 15d to which the second drain pipe 17 is connected is formed on the front side of the flushing water tank 15, making it easy to clean.

A rinsing water tank 25 is disposed in the machine room 4, to which rinsing water is supplied from the outside via a water supply pipe 25A. A rinsing pump 27 is connected to the rinsing water tank 25 via a rinsing water suction pipe 29. A rinsing water discharge pipe 31 is connected to the discharge port of the rinsing pump 27. The rinsing pump 27 is controlled by a controller 35. The rinsing water discharge pipe 31 branches into a first rinsing water discharge pipe 31A and a second rinsing water discharge pipe 31B, with the first rinsing water discharge pipe 31A connected to the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the second rinsing water discharge pipe 31B connected to the lower rinsing nozzle 13B.

An operation panel 10 is provided on the side of the washer body 2 to display various statuses of the spare washer 1 and to allow the operator to input various settings.

The machine room 4 contains an electrical box (not shown) incorporating a controller 35 that controls the overall operation of the spare washer 1. The controller 35 controls various operations in the spare washer 1, which performs a cycle of washing operations, one of which is a washing process in which water stored in the washing water tank 15 is sprayed into the washing chamber 3, and a rinsing process in which water stored in the rinsing water tank 25 is sprayed into the washing chamber 3. More specifically, the controller 35 controls various operations in the spare washer 1, which recovers a predetermined amount of water (e.g., 2.0 L) supplied to the washing chamber 3 in the rinsing process into the washing water tank for use in the washing process of the next cycle, and replaces a portion of the water stored in the washing water tank 15 in one cycle of washing operation.

The controller 35 is connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 35 is formed with a first setting unit 61, a second setting unit 62, a third setting unit 63, and an operation control unit (control unit) 64 that execute various control processes in the preliminary cleaning machine 1, for example, by loading a program stored in the ROM onto the RAM and executing it on the CPU.

The first setting unit 61 is a part that sets the amount of water (hereinafter also referred to as "supplied water amount V0") supplied into the cleaning chamber 3 during one cycle of the rinsing process. More specifically, the first setting unit 61 sets the supplied water amount V0 based on an initial setting value (e.g., 2.0 L) set at the time of shipment or a setting value input by an operator. Examples of the initial setting value and the setting value include the supplied water amount V0 itself and the operating time of the rinsing pump 27. The operator can input the setting value, for example, via the operation panel 10. The first setting unit 61 accepts the setting value input by the operator via the operation panel 10 and stores the accepted setting value as the supplied water amount V0.

The second setting unit 62 is a part that sets the amount of water to be drained from the first drain pipe 33 during one cycle of cleaning operation (hereinafter also referred to as the "first water amount V1"). More specifically, the second setting unit 62 sets the first water amount V1 based on an initial setting value (e.g., 1.7 L) that is set at the time of shipment or a setting value input by an operator. Examples of the initial setting value and setting value include the first water amount V1 itself and the open time of the drain valve 34. The operator can input the setting value, for example, via the operation panel 10. The second setting unit 62 accepts the setting value input by the operator via the operation panel 10 and stores the accepted setting value as the first water amount V1.

The first setting unit 61 and the second setting unit 62 are configured so that the initial setting value of the first water volume V1 is a value smaller than the initial setting value of the supply water volume V0 (V0>V1), and the setting value of the first water volume V1 input by the operator via the operation panel 10 is configured to only accept values equal to or smaller than the setting value of the supply water volume V0. The second setting unit 62 may also be configured to change the value of the first water volume V1 in conjunction with the input value when the supply water volume V0 is input (changed) by the operator. More specifically, the second setting unit 62 may be configured so that when the supply water volume V0 is increased from the current setting, the first water volume V1 is also increased according to the increase in the supply water volume V0, and when the supply water volume V0 is decreased from the current setting, the first water volume V1 is also decreased according to the decrease in the supply water volume V0. In this case, the second setting unit 62 is also configured so that the change value of the first water volume V1 is smaller than the change value of the supply water volume V0 (V0>V1). The second setting unit 62 may be configured to receive information on whether or not such interlocking is enabled from the operator via the operation panel 10.

The operation control unit 64 controls the operation of the rinsing pump 27 based on the supply water volume V0 set in the first setting unit 61. More specifically, the operation control unit 64 controls the drain valve 34 so that the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 (first water volume V1) is less (e.g., 1.7 L) than the amount of water supplied in the rinsing process (supplied water volume V0) (e.g., 2.0 L). The operation control unit 64 controls the first water volume V1 to be less than the supply water volume V0 by controlling at least one of the opening time and opening degree of the drain valve 34 (or/in addition, by measuring the amount of water flowing through the first drain pipe 33 with a flow sensor). As a result, the remaining amount of water (hereinafter also referred to as "second water volume V2") (e.g., 0.3 L) that was not drained from the first drain pipe 33 out of the amount of water supplied in the rinsing process exceeds the predetermined water level H, and is drained from the second drain pipe 17 via the drain port 15d.

In this embodiment, the operation control unit 64 controls the drain valve 34 so that a first volume V1 (e.g., 1.7 L) of water is drained from the first drain pipe 33 during one cycle of washing operation before the rinsing process starts. The operation control unit 64 controls the drain valve 34 to close before the rinsing process starts, so that a second volume V2 (e.g., 0.3 L) of water supplied in excess of the predetermined water level H during the rinsing process is drained from the second drain pipe 17 via the drain outlet 15d.

In the spare washer 1 of the washing system 200 of this embodiment, after the power is turned on, a washing operation is repeatedly performed, with the washing step, temporary pause, and rinsing step being one cycle. The spare washer 1 is configured to count the number of washing operation cycles after the power is turned on, and to reset the count when the power is turned off. The operation control unit 64 of such a spare washer 1 executes an increase control to increase the amount of water sprayed into the washing chamber 3 in the rinsing step during a designated cycle of washing operation or during washing operation for each predetermined cycle, compared to the amount during a normal cycle of washing operation. The setting of the designated cycle or for each predetermined cycle mentioned above is performed in the third setting unit 63.

The third setting unit 63 is a part that sets, via the operation panel 10, for example, that the amount of increase control is to be executed during the cleaning operation for the nth cycle (n is a natural number) (e.g., the 10th, 100th, etc.) after the power is turned on, or that the amount of increase control is to be executed every m cycles (m is a natural number) (e.g., every 10th cycle, etc.). More specifically, it is a part that stores initial setting values that are set at the time of shipment or setting values input by an operator. An operator can input a setting value, for example, via the operation panel 10. The third setting unit 63 accepts a setting value input by an operator via the operation panel 10, and stores the accepted setting value as the above n or m.

If the first setting unit 61 is set to increase the amount of water discharged from the first drain pipe 33 when the above-mentioned increase control is executed, the operation control unit 64 increases the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 in accordance with the increase in the amount of rinsing water. When the operation control unit 64 increases the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 by extending the operation time of the drain valve 34, the timing of opening the valve body of the drain valve 34 (for example, 1 second before the end of the washing process) may be set as in normal control (control without increase control), and in order to finish draining through the first drain pipe 33 before the rinsing process is started, the pause time during the transition from the washing process to the rinsing process may be extended and the operation time of the drain valve 34 may be allocated to this time, or the timing of opening the valve body of the drain valve 34 in the washing process may be brought forward compared to normal control. If the first setting unit 61 is not set to increase the amount of water discharged from the first drain pipe 33 when the above-mentioned increase control is executed, the operation control unit 64 controls the drain valve 34 to drain the water of the first water volume V1 set in advance from the first drain pipe 33.

Next, the present washer 101 will be described. The present washer 101 washes the tableware D that has been pre-washed in the preliminary washer 1. The present washer 101 has the same configuration as the preliminary washer 1, except that the present washer 101 is equipped with a third drain pipe 133 and an overflow pipe 134 as shown in FIG. 7, instead of the second drain pipe 17, the first drain pipe 33, and the drain valve 34 (see FIG. 4) of the preliminary washer 1. That is, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the components of the present washer 101 that are indicated by the same reference numerals as the components that constitute the preliminary washer 1 have the same functions as the components that constitute the preliminary washer 1. For ease of explanation, different reference numerals will be used for the "washing water tank 115", "bottom surface 115a", and "drain port 115c" even though they have the same functions. Here, only the third drain pipe 133 and the overflow pipe 134 will be described.

The bottom surface 115a of the cleaning water tank 115 of this cleaning machine 101 is provided with a drain port 115c to which the third drain pipe 133 is connected. Unlike the spare cleaning machine 1, the third drain pipe 133 is not provided with a drain valve 34. Therefore, the water flowing into the third drain pipe 133 is not blocked midway through the third drain pipe 133, but flows directly downstream. The third drain pipe 133 is connected to the drain port 115c of the cleaning water tank 115, and an overflow pipe 134 extending vertically upward is inserted into the drain port 115c. The upper end of the opening of the overflow pipe 134 is located at the predetermined water level H of this cleaning machine 101. In the rinsing process, water supplied above the predetermined water level H of the cleaning water tank 115 is discharged from the third drain pipe 133 via the overflow pipe 134. The overflow pipe 134 is detachably inserted into the drain outlet 115c, and when an operator pulls it out of the drain outlet 115c, all the water stored in the flush water tank 115 can be drained.

Next, the operation of the cleaning system 200 will be described. When the power switch of the spare cleaning machine 1 is turned on, the rinsing pump 27 sprays warm water in the rinsing water tank 25 of the spare cleaning machine 1 into the cleaning chamber 3 through the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, thereby supplying warm water to the cleaning water tank 15, and water at a predetermined water level H is stored in the cleaning water tank 15. When the power switch of the main cleaning machine 101 is turned on, the rinsing pump 27 sprays warm water in the rinsing water tank 25 of the main cleaning machine 101 into the cleaning chamber 3 through the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, thereby supplying warm water to the cleaning water tank 115, and water at a predetermined water level H is stored in the cleaning water tank 115.

The temperature of the hot water in the rinsing water tank 25 of the spare washer 1 and the main washer 101 is set to, for example, around 80°C. This completes the initial supply of hot water in the main washer 101 and the spare washer 1. Then, an amount of detergent that matches the amount of initial hot water supply is supplied to the wash water tank 115, and the detergent concentration of the wash water in the wash water tank 115 becomes a predetermined concentration.

In addition, in the spare washer 1 and the main washer 101, instead of supplying water to the washing chamber 3 via the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, a dedicated hot water supply pipe may be provided to supply water.

After the initial hot water supply, when the user places the dish rack R on the base 204a of the first conveyor 204, the first conveyor 204 detects that the dish rack R has been placed on the base 204a and starts pushing the dish rack R into the spare washer 1 with the arm member 204b. When the dish rack R is brought into the washing chamber 3 of the spare washer 1 and it is detected that the door 7 is closed, an operation start signal is input to the controller 35. When the operation start signal is input to the controller 35, a washing operation of the dishes D in the spare washer 1, that is, a washing operation including a washing process and a rinsing process in one cycle, is started. The washing process of the dishes D is performed by spraying the washing water in the washing water tank 15 toward the dishes D in the washing chamber 3. The temperature of the washing water in the washing water tank 15 is set to be, for example, 60°C to 70°C.

When the washing pump 23 starts, the washing water stored in the washing water tank 15 is pumped through the washing water discharge pipe 24 and other parts to the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B, and is sprayed from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B toward the dishes in the washing chamber 3. The washing water sprayed from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B into the washing chamber 3 peels off leftover food and dirt (hereinafter also referred to as "leftover food, etc.") from the dishes, flows into the opening 18a together with the washing water, and is collected in the basket-shaped leftover food collection filter 19. The washing water collected in the washing water tank 15 is circulated and supplied again to the washing chamber 3 by the washing pump 23. When a predetermined washing time (e.g., 41 seconds) has elapsed, the washing process ends, and after a temporary pause (e.g., 5 seconds), the rinsing process begins.

The drain valve 34 starts operating one second before the end of the cleaning process and stops operating just before the start of the rinsing process. More specifically, during the six seconds that is the one second just before the end of the cleaning process plus a five-second pause, the valve body (ball) opens for the first three seconds and closes for the last three seconds. This operation of the drain valve 34 drains water through the first drain pipe 33 in an amount (first water amount V1) (e.g., 1.7 L) less than the supply water amount V0 (e.g., 2.0 L) set in the first setting unit 61, that is, the amount of water sprayed into the cleaning chamber 3 during the rinsing process. This drainage through the first drain pipe 33 until the start of the rinsing process mainly discharges water that is stored below the cleaning water tank 15.

If the rinsing process is started without a pause after the washing process is completed, the dripping of washing water that adheres to the upper washing nozzle 12A and the upper surface of the washing chamber 3 during the washing process will mix with the rinsing water or adhere to the dishes D, resulting in a decrease in rinsing performance. The above-mentioned pause time (5 seconds) is set for the purpose of starting the rinsing process after the dripping has settled. In this embodiment, the pause time set for this purpose is used to drain water via the first drain pipe 33, so even if the above-mentioned draining operation is performed, the total time required for one cycle of washing operation will not be longer.

The rinsing process for the tableware D is performed by spraying the rinsing water in the rinsing water tank 25 toward the tableware D in the washing chamber 3. When the rinsing pump 27 in the preliminary washer 1 is started, the rinsing water stored in the rinsing water tank 25 is pumped through the rinsing water discharge pipe 31 etc. to the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, and is sprayed toward the tableware from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B. The temperature of the rinsing water pumped from the rinsing water tank 25 is set to, for example, around 80°C.

During the rinsing process, the rinsing water collected in the washing water tank 15 is mixed with the washing water and used as the washing water in the next washing process. During the rinsing process, the drain valve 34 is not activated, and no water is discharged through the first drain pipe 33. In this state, water sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B that exceeds the predetermined water level H in the washing water tank 15 is drained from the drain outlet 15d through the second drain pipe 17.

More specifically, when the same amount of water (first water amount V1) as the water drained through the first drain pipe 33 in the washing process is sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B in the rinsing process, the water in the washing water tank 15 reaches a predetermined water level H, and the second water amount V2 (i.e., the amount of water obtained by subtracting the first water amount V1 from the supply water amount V0) sprayed from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B is drained from the drain outlet 15d through the second drain pipe 17. In the rinsing process, the water is mainly discharged from the surface of the water stored in the washing water tank 15. When a predetermined rinsing time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed, the rinsing process ends, and after a temporary pause (e.g., 1 second), one cycle of washing operation in the preliminary washer 1 ends.

The cleaning operation of the spare cleaner 1 may be set so that the total time (e.g., 53 seconds) required for the cleaning step (e.g., 41 seconds), pause time (e.g., 5 seconds), rinsing step (e.g., 6 seconds) and pause time (e.g., 1 second) matches the total time required for the cleaning step, pause time, rinsing step and pause time in the main cleaner 101, described below, in consideration of synchronization and linkage with the cleaning operation in the main cleaner 101, described below.

When one cycle of washing operation in the preliminary washer 1 is completed, the door 7 of the preliminary washer 1 opens, and the first conveyor 204 pushes the next dish rack R into the washing chamber 3 of the preliminary washer 1, pushing the dish rack R that has been washed into the main washer 101 in a domino effect. As a result, the dish rack R washed in the preliminary washer 1 is carried into the washing chamber 3 of the main washer 101. When the dish rack R is carried into the washing chamber 3 of the main washer 101, the door 7 of the main washer 101 is closed. When the door 7 of the main washer 101 is closed, an operation start signal is input to the controller 35. When the operation start signal is input to the controller 35, the washing operation of the dish D in the main washer 101 is started. The dish D is washed by spraying the washing water in the washing water tank 115 toward the dishes in the washing chamber 3. The temperature of the washing water in the washing water tank 115 is set to, for example, 60°C to 70°C.

When the washing pump 23 starts, the washing water stored in the washing water tank 115 is pumped through the washing water discharge pipe 24 and the like to the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B, and is sprayed from the upper washing nozzle 12A and the lower washing nozzle 12B toward the dishes in the washing chamber 3. The washing water sprayed into the washing chamber 3 is collected in the washing water tank 115. The dishes D washed in the washing machine 101 are in a state where most of the leftover food has been removed in the preliminary washing machine 1. Therefore, the washing water collected in the washing water tank 115 is relatively clean water. The washing water collected in the washing water tank 115 is circulated and supplied again to the washing chamber 3 by the washing pump 23. When the dishes have been washed with the washing water for a predetermined time, the operation of the washing pump 23 is stopped. This causes the operation of the washing machine 101 to be temporarily suspended.

Next, the rinsing pump 27 is started, and the rinsing water stored in the rinsing water tank 25 is pumped through the rinsing water discharge pipe 31 and the like to the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B, and sprayed toward the dishes from the upper rinsing nozzle 13A and the lower rinsing nozzle 13B. The temperature of the rinsing water pumped from the rinsing water tank 25 is set to, for example, around 80°C. In the rinsing process, the rinsing water collected in the washing water tank 115 is mixed with the washing water and used as washing water in the next washing process, and water supplied to the washing chamber 3 beyond the predetermined water level H of the washing water tank 115 is discharged from the washing water tank 115 through the overflow pipe 134. When the predetermined rinsing time has elapsed, the rinsing process ends, and after a temporary pause, one cycle of washing operation in this washing machine 101 ends. The first conveyor 204 then remains in a standby state until it detects that the dish rack R has been placed on the base 204a or until the washing start button is pressed.

For example, at the end of a day's business, in the spare washer 1, the operator operates the operation panel 10 to open the valve body of the drain valve 34, which causes all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 15 to be drained through the first drain pipe 33, and in the main washer 101, the operator pulls out the overflow pipe 134 from the drain outlet 115c, which causes all the water stored in the cleaning water tank 115 to be drained through the third drain pipe 133.

Next, the effects of the washing system 200 of this embodiment will be described. In the preliminary washing machine 1 used in the washing system 200 of the above embodiment, the water stored in the washing water tank 15 is drained not only from the first drain pipe 33 but also from the second drain pipe 17 during one cycle of washing operation. That is, the water stored in the washing water tank 15 is drained not only from the top of the washing water tank 15 but also from the bottom of the washing water tank 15 during one cycle of washing operation. This allows dirt (e.g., oil and floating matter) that collects on the surface of the water and dirt (food residue, sediment, etc.) that collects on the bottom surface 15a of the washing water tank 15 to be discharged, so that dirt that causes water pollution can be effectively drained from the washing water tank 15. As a result, the pollution of the water stored in the washing water tank 15 can be suppressed, and the frequency of replacing the water in the washing water tank 15 can be reduced.

In the above embodiment of the spare washer 1, in one cycle of washing operation, the first amount of water to be discharged in one cycle of washing operation is drained from the washing water tank 15 before the rinsing process is started, so that the relatively clean water that is supplied to the washing chamber 3 in the rinsing process and collected in the washing chamber 3 can be left in the washing water tank 15. This makes it possible to effectively prevent contamination of the washing water tank 15.

In the above embodiment, the preliminary washer 1 is provided with a first setting unit 61 that sets whether or not to increase the amount of water (predetermined amount of water) supplied to the washing chamber 3 in the rinsing process, so that the amount of water replaced in the washing water tank 15 can be adjusted. In addition, the preliminary washer 1 in the above embodiment is provided with a second setting unit 62 that sets whether or not to increase the amount of water (first water amount V1) drained from the first drain pipe 33 when the amount of water supplied to the washing chamber 3 is increased in the rinsing process, so that the distribution of the amount of water drained from the upper or lower part of the washing water tank 15 can be adjusted. For example, when the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 is increased, dirt that has accumulated on the bottom surface of the washing water tank 15 can be effectively discharged, and when the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 is not increased, dirt that has accumulated on the water surface of the washing water tank 15 can be effectively discharged. This makes it possible to optimally replace water according to the state of dirt on the tableware D, etc.

In the above embodiment of the spare washer 1, during the designated cycle of washing operation, an increase control can be performed to increase the amount of water sprayed into the washing chamber 3 during the rinsing process compared to during the normal cycle of washing operation. Therefore, for example, at regular cycles or at a specified cycle, the amount of water supplied into the washing chamber 3 can be increased to discharge more water from the washing water tank 15. In other words, for example, at regular cycles or at a specified cycle, more water stored in the washing water tank 15 can be discharged than in the normal cycle. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress contamination of the water stored in the washing water tank 15.

For example, by setting the first setting unit 61 and the third setting unit 63, the amount of water, 4.0 L, twice the normal amount, is supplied to the cleaning water tank 15 only once every 10 cleaning operation cycles, and by setting the second setting unit 62, the amount of water discharged from the first drain pipe 33 is set to the normal 1.7 L, so that dirt that collects on the water surface of the cleaning water tank 15 can be discharged effectively and regularly.

In the washing system 200 equipped with the spare washer 1 and the main washer 101, the spare washer 1 is installed mainly for the purpose of removing food residue and the like adhering to the tableware D, etc., which causes the washing water tank 15 to become polluted quickly. However, the spare washer 1 of the washing system 200 of the above embodiment prevents the water stored in the washing water tank 15 from becoming polluted, so the frequency of changing the water in the washing water tank 15 can be reduced.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the above embodiment of the spare washer 1 of the washing system 200, an example has been described in which a drain valve 34 is used as a drainage device for draining water stored in the washing water tank 15 from the first drain pipe 33 located at a position lower than the predetermined water level H, but instead of the drain valve 34, for example, a drain pump may be provided. In addition, the above-mentioned second drain pipe 17 of the spare washer 1 has been described as being connected to the side surface 15b of the washing water tank 15, but it may be, for example, a straight pipe that extends vertically from the bottom surface 15a of the washing water tank 15 and is arranged so that its upper end is located at the predetermined water level H.

In the above embodiment of the cleaning system 200, an example has been described in which the configuration of the main cleaning machine 101 is different from that of the preliminary cleaning machine 1, but the configuration of the main cleaning machine 101 may be the same as that of the preliminary cleaning machine 1. In this case, the drainage control in the main cleaning machine 101 may be the same as that in the preliminary cleaning machine 1 (controlling the drainage valve 34 so that the amount of water discharged from the first drain pipe 33 is less than the amount of water supplied in the rinsing process), or may be different from that in the preliminary cleaning machine 1.

In the above embodiment of the cleaning system 200, an example was given in which the first volume V1 of water to be discharged in one cycle of cleaning operation is entirely drained in the cleaning process before the rinsing process is started, but the first volume V1 of water may be drained only in the rinsing process, or may be drained across the cleaning process and the rinsing process.

In the above embodiment of the cleaning system 200, an example has been described in which the drain valve 34 is controlled (hereinafter referred to as "forced drain control") so that the amount of water drained from the first drain pipe 33 is less than the amount of water supplied in the rinsing process in all of the repeatedly executed operating cycles, but this is not limiting. For example, the forced drain control may be executed every n operating cycles (n is a natural number, for example, n=2), and the forced drain control may not be executed in the remaining operating cycles (i.e., draining is only done from the second drain pipe 17). By controlling in this way, for example, when the cleaning system is installed in a store where there is a lot of dirt (e.g., oil, floating matter, etc.) that collects on the water surface of the cleaning water tank 15, such dirt can be effectively drained from the cleaning water tank.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation panel 10 is provided on each of the preliminary cleaning machine 1 and the main cleaning machine 101, but this is not limited to the above. For example, an integrated operation panel for operating the preliminary cleaning machine 1 and the main cleaning machine 101 together may be provided on the side of the preliminary cleaning machine 1, or on the first conveying section 204 or the second conveying section 205. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned operation panel, a terminal device such as a tablet or smartphone having similar functions may be provided.

In the above embodiment and modified example of the spare washer 1 and the present washer 101, an example in which the residue collection filter 19 is provided below the opening 18a of the partition plate 18 has been described, but this is not limiting. The residue collection filter may be provided, for example, in a storage section arranged in front of the lower part 2B of the washer main body 2. The storage section has a storage space for storing the residue collection filter. In this configuration, the residue collection filter is arranged below the position where the dishes D are stored, and collects residue that falls together with the water sprayed into the washing chamber 3 and is guided (guided) to the residue collection filter by, for example, a guide member.

In the above embodiment and modified example of the cleaning system 200, the preliminary soaking tank 203, the first conveying section 204, the preliminary cleaning machine 1, the main cleaning machine 101, and the second conveying section 205 are arranged in an L-shape when viewed from above, but they may be arranged in a straight line.

In the above embodiment and modified example of the washing system 200, the first conveying unit 204 moves the dish rack R to the spare washer 1 and from the spare washer 1 to the main washer 101, and the second conveying unit 205 moves the dish rack R from the main washer 101. However, each of the above movements may be performed by an operator.

The above embodiment and modified example of the spare washer 1 and the present washer 101 have been described as an example of a washer in which the door 7 is movable up and down, but they can also be applied to, for example, a dishwasher in which the door 7 is provided on the front side of the washer body 2, such as an oven.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the washing system 200 is described as an example in which a preliminary washing machine 1 for performing a preliminary wash on tableware D and a main washing machine 101 for performing a main wash, which is separate from the preliminary washing machine 1, are arranged side by side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a type of washing machine that has a single housing, but has a preliminary washing chamber for performing a preliminary wash and a main washing chamber for performing a main wash, and moves tableware D from the preliminary washing chamber to the main washing chamber using a conveyor or the like. That is, the first drain pipe 33, second drain pipe 17, and drain valve 34 as shown in FIG. 4 may be arranged as the preliminary washing chamber, and the third drain pipe 133 and overflow pipe 134 as shown in FIG. 7 may be arranged as the main washing chamber.

The spare washer 1 described above as the embodiment and modified example has been described as being used in the washing system 200, but it may also be used as a standalone washer. Even in this case, contamination of the water stored in the wash water tank can be suppressed, and the frequency of replacing the water in the wash water tank can be reduced.

The present invention may be modified in any suitable combination of the above-described embodiments, modifications, and other modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1... spare washer (washing machine), 3... washing room, 10... operation panel, 15... washing water tank, 17... second drain pipe (outflow section), 19... food residue collection filter, 23... washing pump, 25... rinsing water tank, 27... rinsing pump, 33... first drain pipe (drain section), 34... drain valve (drainage device), 35... controller, 61... first setting section, 62... second setting section, 63... third setting section, 64... operation control section, 101... main washer, 115... washing water tank, 133... third drain pipe, 134... overflow pipe, 200... washing system, D... tableware (items to be washed).

Claims (5)

A washing machine, in which a washing operation includes, in one cycle, a washing step in which water stored in a washing water tank is sprayed into a washing chamber, and a rinsing step in which water stored in a rinsing water tank is sprayed into the washing chamber, a predetermined amount of water supplied by spraying into the washing chamber in the rinsing step is recovered in the washing water tank for use in the washing step of a next cycle, and a portion of the water stored in the washing water tank is replaced in the washing operation of the one cycle,
an outlet through which water supplied to the flush water tank in excess of a predetermined water level flows out of the flush water tank;
a drainage device that drains water stored in the flush water tank from a drainage section that is located lower than the outflow section;
A control unit that controls the drainage device,
The control unit controls the drainage device so that the amount of water drained from the drainage section during one cycle is a first water amount which is less than the specified water amount, thereby causing a second water amount, which is the remaining amount of water from the outflow section, to flow out. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drains the first amount of water from the drain unit during the one cycle of cleaning operation before the rinsing step is started. A first setting unit that sets the predetermined water amount;
The washer according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second setting unit that sets the first water volume. The cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit executes an increase control to increase the amount of water supplied by spraying into the cleaning chamber in the rinsing process during a designated cycle cleaning operation compared to a normal cycle cleaning operation. A cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is provided as a pre-cleaning machine;
a main cleaning machine for cleaning the objects to be cleaned that have been cleaned in the preliminary cleaning machine;
The washing system includes a pre-washing machine that is positioned below the position where the objects to be washed are stored, and that has a food residue collection filter that collects food residue attached to the objects to be washed that falls along with the water sprayed into the washing chamber.

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