[0001] The present invention relates to a washing apparatus and the method thereof for the
tableware including forks, knives, spoons, etc. as well as dishes, cups and glasses.
[0002] The washing apparatus for tableware heretofore in use has
-A box type frame body on which a door is swayingly mounted on the front end opening,
and within the frame body is provided a rack for permitting the tableware to stand
up, and by a shower means provided on the inner wall of the frame body and a shower
pipe rotatably mounted below the rack, the tableware is washed in a shower discharging
over the rack.
[0003] However, the washing water from the shower is hard to spurt forth all over the tableware
completely, and in a country where the tableware with a deep bottom such as a glass,
etc. and the tableware formed in various shapes like the Japanese tableware are mostly
used, the said washing apparatus has less washing effect, and this gives rise to the
fact that the said washing apparatus has scarcely been pervasive.
[0004] In addition, some washers wash the tableware by striking a great amount of high pressure
jet water against the tableware, but the jet water often tends to damage the tableware.
And, even if they are used on the plastic tableware or the like, they are not suited
for the washing of the high class tableware which is usually used at a hotel and restaurant.
[0005] The present invention provides a washing apparatus for tableware which is capable
of removing any filth on the tableware reliably and quickly.
[0006] The present invention additionally provides a washing apparatus for tableware such
that the tableware can be deprived of filth in a shorter time by a whirlpool flow
generated alternately in reciprocating motion in the washing water immersing the tableware,and
that energy saving is also effective.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a washing
device which comprises: a washing tank provided with a means for introducing water
into the washing tank; and, in the washing tank, a rack for receiving and holding
one or more article to be washed;
characterised in that a water-agitating means is rotatably mounted in the washing
tank, in that the rack is rotatably mounted in the washing tank and in that there
is provided a drive means for simultaneously rotating the agitating means and the
rack in mutally opposed directions.
[0008] The means for introducing water into the washing tank may comprise a shower or jetting
means. Alternatively, or in addition, the introducing means may comprise a water-pouring
means.
[0009] Conveniently the rack is mounted above the water-agitating means,which is preferably
in the form of a plate, and in preferred embodiments the rack is removably mounted
in the washing tank. Preferably, the water-agitating means is mounted in the bottom
of the washing tank.
[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method
of washing one or more article using a washing device according to the first aspect
of the present invention, which method comprises:
placing the one or more article in the rack;
spraying hot water, via the means for introducing water, at the one or more article;
introducing water, via the means for introducing water, into the washing tank, in
order to immerse the rack together with the one or more article; and
actuating the drive means simultaneously to rotate the agitating means and the rack
in mutually opposed directions and, by the rotation of the agitating means, to generate
a whirlpool flow in the water present in the tank.
[0011] Preferably, detergent is introduced into the washing tank before the drive means
is actuated. As a later step, the one or more article may be rinsed with hot water
introduced via the means for introducing water. The temperature of the hot water is
preferably in the range of from 40° to 60°C.
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may
be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying
drawings in which:-
[0013] Figure 1 shows a vertical section through an embodiment of the washing device according
to the present invention.
[0014] As illustrated in the drawing, the washing tank 1 is supported by legs 2 --. The
washing tank 1 has an opening at its upper end, on the inner wall of which are provided
a plural number of shower jet outlets la, la,--, and water supply hole lb. The piping
connected to the shower jet outlet and the water supply hole is provided with valves
3, 4. At the bottom corner of washing tank 1 is provided a drain port lc. The drain
pipe is also equipped with a valve 5.
[0015] In the washing tank 1 are provided an agitating plate 6 for causing the water poured
into the tank to be given a whirlpool flow and a tableware rack 7 for receiving and
holding the tableware, and these are rotated each other in opposed directions by the
drive mechanism which will be described hereunder. Namely, a cylindrical shaft 9 for
driving the tableware 7 is axially supported pivotally through bearings in the bearing
case 8 mounted under the washing tank 1. The upper end of this cylindrical shaft extends
outwardly in the washing tank 1. Within and coaxal to the cylindrical shaft 9, a drive
shaft 11 for agitating plate 6 is pivotally supported through bearings 12, 12, the
upper end of which is . made to extend outwardly in the washing tank 1. On the other
hand, the rotary shaft 14 axially supported on the bearing case 8 pivotally through
bearing 13 is provided with gears 15 and 16 axially attached thereto; one gear 15
is in meshing relation with the gear 17 connected to the shaft 12 and another gear
16 is in meshing relation with the gear 18 connected to the cylindrical shaft through
an intermediate gear (shown by dotted line). The shaft 11 and the cylindrical shaft
9, therefore, rotate mutually in opposed directions. On the upper end of cylindrical
shaft 9 located at the inner bottom of washing tank 1 is firmly fixed the center portion
of a rotary plate 19, and the rotary plate is provided with a lock frame 20 on its
peripheral part. While supported by this frame 20, the tableware rack 7 is rotated
together with the lock frame when taken hold of with a hook pin provided upwardly
on part of the said frame 20. The upper end of the shaft 11 passing through the rotary
plate 19 is coupled to the agitating plate 6. On the contrary, the lower end of shaft
11 is provided with a pulley 21. And, the belt 23 is placed between this pulley and
another pulley 22 fitted on the rotary shaft of a motor M installed at the lower portion
of working tank 1, thereby imparting the rotary force of the said motor.to the shaft
11 and cylindrical shaft 9. On the inner bottom of washing tank is provided a heater
24.
[0016] Although, in the embodiment as described above, agitating plate 6 and rotary plate
19 are to be rotated by a single motor M, they may be rotated respectively by separate
motors. In this case, the gears 15, 17 are not required, and the motor for driving
the tableware rack 7 for rotation will be connected to the rotary shaft 14.
[0017] Next, an explanation is made regarding the washing method for tableware in accordance
with the present invention.
[0018] First, take out the tableware rack 7 from the washing tank 1, then receive and hold
the tableware in the rack, for example, keeping dishes, soup dishes, etc. stood up
with their surfaces facing outwardly as practicable as possible and allowing glasses,
cups, etc. to turn their openings outwardly. Of course the rack 7 should be so designed
as to provide appropriately partitioned chambers that can afford to pile up the tableware
in two layers, depending upon the shape and size of the tableware.
[0019] And then, set the rack 7 with the tableware received and held thereon while being
locked by the lock frame 20 provided on the rotary plate 19 in the washing tank 1.
[0020] Now, opening valve 3, let water (or hot water) spurt forth from the shower jet outlet
3 toward the tableware rack. This is the preliminary washing for the tableware by
which remnants of food stuck to the surfaces of the tableware can roughly be removed.
The valve 5 is then kept open in advance for drainage. The shower jetting time may
be approximately for 1 = 2 minutes. Turning'the tableware rack at this time of preliminary
washing enhances the washing efficiency for main washing which will be described later.
The shower washing using hot water at this stage is very effective for removal of
oil and fat, protein, starch and the like that have adhered to the tableware.
[0021] The temperature of this hot water should preferably be within the range of 40 - 60°C
for the most efficient removal of those substances, because the beef fat is liquidized
at nearly 50°C but hard to be liquidized at a temperature below 40°C, and, at a temperature
higher than 60°C, the protein tends to be coagulated.
[0022] After closing of valves 3, --- and valve 5, the method proceeds to the immersing
process by which to cause the tableware to be immersed thoroughly in the washing tank
1.
[0023] Put water or hot water into the tank through water supply hole lb by opening valve
4, add detergent, and keep the tableware submerged completely in the water for a given
time dependent upon the degree of filth. At this time, protein is decomposed into
an amino acid state, and oil and fat are also decomposed. It is specially valid for
paste forming when starch is stiffened.. Accordingly, the immersing time varies contingent
upon the stiffened condition of starch stuck to the tableware. And it will be more
valid for removal of the decomposed substance from the surfaces of the tableware and
for increased effects of detergent upon the adhered substance if the tableware rack
is then made to turn in intermittent movements normally and reversely in every 2 -'15
seconds.
[0024] Afterwards, the main washing or whirlpool flow washing is performed.
[0025] If motor M is started, agitating plate 6 and tableware rack are then rotated mutually
in opposed directions by the drive means consisting of the said motor, shaft 9 and
rotary circular plate 19. The whirlpool flow to be generated among the washing liquid
in washing tank 1 by the agitating plate is restrained by rotation of the tableware
rack 7, thereby causing water to undergo a disturbed, complicate flow motion. As a
result, water is then forced uniformly to strike filth on the surfaces of the tableware
received and held in the tableware rack 7, thus filth is removed. At this time, the
number of revolutions of the agitation plate 6 is approximately 500 r.p.m and the
same of the tableware rack is approx. 40 r.p.m.
[0026] In this process of operation, physical washing is performed by generating a whirlpool
flow in the washing water in the washing tank 1 thereby producing impact effects on
all the surfaces of the tableware. Rotating the tableware rack in a direction contrary
to the whirlpool flow during the whirlpool flow operation allows very effective washing.
As for rotation of the tableware rack, it may be rotated normally and reversely in
every 2 - 15 seconds corresponding with an inversion of the whirlpool flow.
[0027] After completion of main washing valve 5 is opened to drain off the washing water.
And, by opening valve 3, let water jet over the tableware to remove detergent and
adhered substance from the tableware. In this case, it is also better to turn the
tableware rack. Lastly, wash by hot water shower and make dry. The heater 24 may be
energized for drying and sterlization as well.
[0028] Subsequently, take out the tableware rack 7 or the tableware only from the washing
tank 1.
1. A washing device which comprises:
a washing tank provided with a means for introducing water into the washing tank;
and, in the washing tank, a rack for receiving and holding one or more article to
be washed;
characterised in that a water-agitating means is rotatably mounted in the washing
tank, in that the rack is rotatably mounted in the washing tank and in that there
is provided a drive means for simultaneously rotating the agitating means and the
rack in mutually opposed directions.
2. A washing device according to Claim
1, wherein the means for introducing water into the washing tank comprises a shower
or jetting means.
3. A washing device according to Claim
1 or 2, wherein the means for introducing water into the washing tank comprises, or
further comprises, a water-pouring means.
4. A washing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rack is mounted
above the water-agitating means which is preferably in the form of a plate.
5. A washing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rack is removably
mounted in the washing tank.
6. A washing=device according to any preceding claim, wherein the water-agitating
means is mounted in the bottom of the washing tank.
7. A method of washing one or more article using a washing device as claimed in any
preceding claim, which method comprises:
placing the one or more article in the rack;
spraying hot water, via the means for introducing water, at the one or more article;
introducing water, via the means for introducing water, into the washing tank, in
order to immerse the rack together with the one or more article; and
actuating the drive means simultaneously to rotate the agitating means and the rack
in mutually opposed directions and, by the rotation of the agitating means, to generate
a whirlpool flow in the water present in the tank.
8. A method according to Claim 7, wherein detergent is introduced into the washing
tank before the drive means is actuated.
9. A method according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein, as a later step, the one or more article
is rinsed with hot water introduced via the means for introducing water.
10. A method according to Claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the hot water has a temperature
in the range from 40 to 60°C.