JP2008154470A - Detergent feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detergent feeder capable of accurately feeding detergent. <P>SOLUTION: The detergent feeder 1 is designed to measure the liquid detergent stored in each of detergent tanks 2a to 2c for cleaning milking machines, with each of the detergent cylinders 3a to 3c and feed the detergent. The feeder is equipped with a detergent sensor installed in each of the detergent tanks 2a to 2c for outputting a detected signal-changing physical quantities according to the kind of detergent stored in each of the detergent tanks 2a to 2c; a memory for storing the criterion range for the physical quantities of the detected signal, output from the detergent sensor for the detergent of the prescribed kind to be stored in the detergent tanks 2a to 2c; a control part 6 for calculating the physical quantities of the detected signal output from the detergent sensor, when the detergent is stored in the detergent tanks 2a to 2c, and simultaneously comparing the calculated physical quantities with the reference range and determining whether the stored detergent is the detergent of the prescribed kind; and a display part 8 for displaying the results of the determining by the control part 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a detergent supply device that supplies a liquid detergent for washing a milking machine stored in a detergent tank to detergent containers such as a washing tank and a bulk cooler.

As this type of detergent supply apparatus, the applicant has already proposed the detergent supply apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-183495. This detergent supply device has a liquid feed path in which a liquid feed pump for feeding detergent from the detergent tank into the detergent cylinder, a timer for driving the liquid feed pump, and a constant liquid amount (specified in the detergent cylinder). A detergent amount adjusting means for returning the detergent that has reached the (liquid amount) or more into the detergent tank, and a supply path in which an electromagnetic valve for supplying the detergent in the detergent cylinder to the washing tank is provided. In this detergent supply device, the liquid feed pump is driven for a certain period of time using a timer so that the amount of detergent supplied into the detergent cylinder is larger than the prescribed amount. After the pump is stopped, the detergent supplied in excess of the specified amount is returned from the detergent cylinder into the detergent tank by the detergent amount adjusting means, so that the detergent cylinder is supplied with a fixed amount of detergent. It becomes. By operating the electromagnetic valve in this state, a desired amount of detergent is supplied from the detergent cylinder to a detergent container such as a washing tank.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-183495 (page 3, FIG. 1)

  However, this conventional detergent supply apparatus has the following problems to be solved. That is, in this detergent supply device, when the detergent tank becomes empty, an operator supplies the detergent to the detergent tank in small portions from the dedicated container containing the detergent. In this detergent supply device, the name of the predetermined type of detergent to be supplied is clearly indicated on the detergent tank. Therefore, the operator illuminates the name specified on the detergent tank and the name of the detergent indicated on the dedicated container. By combining them, a predetermined type of detergent can be supplied to the detergent tank without error. However, due to the operator's mistake, there is a possibility that a type of detergent different from the predetermined type of detergent may be supplied from the dedicated container to the detergent tank. In this case, the wrong type of detergent may be used for the detergent. There is a problem that a situation of being supplied to a container occurs.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a detergent supply device capable of accurately supplying a detergent.

  In order to achieve the above object, the detergent supply apparatus according to claim 1 is a detergent supply apparatus that measures and supplies a liquid detergent for washing a milking machine stored in a detergent tank with a detergent cylinder. A detergent sensor that is disposed in at least one of the detergent cylinders and that outputs a detection signal whose physical quantity changes in accordance with the type of detergent stored in the detergent container; and for the detergent A storage unit that stores a determination reference range for the physical quantity of the detection signal output from the detergent sensor for a predetermined type of detergent to be stored in the container, and the detergent when the detergent is stored in the detergent container The physical quantity of the detection signal output from the sensor is calculated and the calculated physical quantity is compared with the determination reference range. Comprises a control unit for determining whether a constant type of detergent, and an output unit for outputting the result of the determination by the control unit.

  The detergent supply device according to claim 2 is the detergent supply device according to claim 1, wherein the detergent supply device is disposed in a liquid supply pipe connecting the detergent tank and the detergent cylinder, and supplies the detergent from the detergent tank to the detergent cylinder. The detergent sensor is disposed in the detergent cylinder, and the control unit stops the pump when it is determined that the detergent supplied to the detergent cylinder by the pump is not the predetermined type of detergent. Let

  The detergent supply device according to claim 3 is the detergent supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detergent sensor is composed of an electrical conductivity sensor having a pair of detection electrodes, and an electric power between the detection electrodes is provided. A signal whose physical quantity changes according to conductivity is output as the detection signal.

  The detergent supply device according to claim 4 is the detergent supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detergent sensor is constituted by a capacitance sensor having a pair of detection electrodes, and a static electricity between the detection electrodes. A signal whose physical quantity changes according to the capacitance value is output as the detection signal.

  According to the detergent supply apparatus of claim 1, when the detergent is stored in the detergent container, the control unit calculates and stores the physical quantity of the detection signal output from the detergent sensor disposed in the detergent container. Compared with the determination reference range stored in the unit, it is determined whether the stored detergent is a predetermined type of detergent, and the determination result is confirmed by outputting the determination result to the output unit. By doing so, it can be confirmed reliably whether or not a predetermined type of detergent is normally supplied to the detergent container, and thereby the correct detergent can be accurately supplied to the detergent container.

  According to the detergent supply device of the second aspect, the detergent sensor is arranged in the detergent cylinder, the pump is arranged in the liquid feeding pipe connecting the detergent tank and the detergent cylinder, and the control unit supplies the detergent cylinder. By stopping the pump when it is determined that the detergent is not a predetermined type of detergent, it is possible to reliably stop the operation of supplying a detergent different from the predetermined type of detergent to the detergent cylinder.

  Further, according to the detergent supply device of the third aspect, the detergent sensor is constituted by the electrical conductivity sensor provided with the pair of detection electrodes, and the signal whose physical quantity changes according to the electrical conductivity is output as the detection signal. As a result, it is possible to reliably and easily discriminate each detergent based on the physical quantity of the detection signal by utilizing the characteristic of the detergent that the electric conductivity is generally different for each type.

  Further, according to the detergent supply device of the fourth aspect, the detergent sensor is constituted by a capacitance sensor having a pair of detection electrodes, and a signal whose physical quantity changes according to the capacitance value between the detection electrodes is received. By outputting as detection signals, it is possible to reliably and easily discriminate each detergent based on the physical quantity of the detection signal by utilizing the characteristic of the detergent that the dielectric constant generally differs for each type. . In addition, since it is not necessary for each detection electrode to come into direct contact with the detergent in the electrostatic capacitance sensor, a configuration in which the surface of each detection electrode is coated with a resin can be adopted. As a result of preventing corrosion of each detection electrode by various detergents such as an acid detergent for a long period of time, the durability of the apparatus can be greatly improved.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of a detergent supply apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Initially, the structure of the detergent supply apparatus 1 is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the detergent supply apparatus 1 includes a plurality (three in this example as an example) of detergent tanks 2 a, 2 b, 2 c (hereinafter also referred to as “detergent tank 2” unless otherwise distinguished), a detergent tank 2. The same number of detergent cylinders 3a, 3b, 3c (hereinafter also referred to as “detergent cylinder 3” unless otherwise distinguished), and the same number of pumps 4a, 4b, 4c as the detergent tank 2 (hereinafter referred to as “pump 4” unless otherwise distinguished) And the same number of solenoid valves 5a, 5b, 5c as the detergent cylinder 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "electromagnetic valve 5" unless otherwise distinguished), a control unit 6, an operation unit 7 and a display unit 8, A liquid detergent for washing the milking machine stored in the tank 2 is supplied to the corresponding detergent cylinders 3 and weighed to a prescribed liquid amount specified in advance. ) 9 can be supplied It has been made.

  Each detergent tank 2 is one of the detergent containers in the present invention. In the detergent tank 2a, a disinfectant for sterilizing the inside of the milking machine as a detergent is subdivided from a dedicated container (not shown). Is contained. The other detergent tank 2b contains an alkaline detergent, which is a detergent for washing the inside of the milking machine, in small portions from a dedicated container (not shown), and the other detergent tank 2c contains the inside of the milking machine. An acidic detergent, which is a detergent for washing, is contained in small portions from a dedicated container (not shown). The detergent tanks 2a, 2b, and 2c are connected to the corresponding detergent cylinders 3a, 3b, and 3c and liquid feeding pipes 10a, 10b, and 10c (hereinafter, also referred to as “liquid feeding pipe 10” unless otherwise specified). They are connected one-on-one. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the detergent tanks 2a, 2b, 2c has detergent sensors 51a, 51b, 51c (hereinafter, also referred to as “detergent sensor 51” unless otherwise distinguished). Is arranged.

  The configuration of the detergent detection system circuit including the detergent sensor 51 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, each detergent sensor 51 is formed of a resin material (for example, polyethylene resin) that is highly resistant to acids and alkalis, and is formed near the bottom surface of the side wall W <b> 1 of each detergent tank 2. A main body portion 21 mounted in the mounting hole H1 and a pair of detection electrodes 22 and 22 that are protruded in a state of being separated from each other and parallel to a portion of the main body portion 21 exposed inside the detergent tank 2 It is comprised with the electrical conductivity sensor provided with. Each of the detection electrodes 22 and 22 is formed in a columnar body with a metal material (for example, titanium) having higher corrosion resistance than stainless steel. With this configuration, when a certain amount of detergent is stored in each detergent tank 2, each detection electrode 22, 22 of the detergent sensor 51 is in contact with the detergent.

  Each of the detergent sensors 51a, 51b, 51c configured in this manner is used when the clock signal S1 is supplied from the control unit 6 to one of the detection electrodes 22, 22, as will be described later. , Pulse signals having amplitudes proportional to the electrical conductivity between the detection electrodes 22 and 22 (specifically, the electrical conductivity of the substance existing between the detection electrodes 22 and 22) are detected signals Se1, Se2 and Se3 (hereinafter referred to as detection signals Se1, Se2 and Se3). If there is no particular distinction, “detection signal Se”) is output from the other detection electrodes 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In this case, when the amount of the detergent stored in each detergent tank 2 is less than the above-described amount, that is, both the detection electrodes 22 and 22 are not in contact with the detergent and the detection electrodes 22 and 22 are not in contact with each other. When only one of them is in contact with the detergent, air exists between the detection electrodes 22 and 22, and therefore the electrical conductivity between them is very small. Therefore, each detection signal Se output from each detergent sensor 51 has a state in which the amplitude thereof is nearly zero. On the other hand, when the amount of detergent is slightly more than a certain amount, both detection electrodes 22 and 22 come into contact with the detergent, and both detection electrodes 22 and 22 are electrically connected via the detergent. The electrical conductivity in between is the electrical conductivity of the detergent. Accordingly, each detection signal Se output from each detergent sensor 51 has a value whose amplitude is proportional to the electrical conductivity of each detergent. That is, each detergent sensor 51 outputs a detection signal Se having an amplitude proportional to the electrical conductivity of the detergent when the amount of detergent in the detergent tank 2 reaches a certain amount.

  Each pump 4 is configured by a tube pump as an example, and operates when a control signal Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 (hereinafter also referred to as “control signal Sp” unless otherwise distinguished) is input from the control unit 6. . The pump 4a is disposed in the liquid feeding pipe 10a, the pump 4b is disposed in the liquid feeding pipe 10b, and the pump 4c is disposed in the liquid feeding pipe 10c.

  Each detergent cylinder 3 is one of the detergent containers according to the present invention, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the amount of each detergent that is supplied reaches a predetermined liquid amount that is preset for each detergent. Liquid level sensors 11a, 11b, and 11c (hereinafter, also referred to as “liquid level sensor 11” unless otherwise specified) are provided for detecting the above. This liquid level sensor 11 constitutes a part of a liquid level detection system circuit, and in this example, is constituted by an electric conductivity sensor having the same configuration as the detergent sensor 51 as an example. Further, each liquid level sensor 11 has a mounting hole H2 formed in the side wall W2 of each detergent cylinder 3 so that the pair of detection electrodes 22 and 22 protrudes inward of the detergent cylinder 3, as shown in FIG. A main body 21 is mounted in each of the detergent cylinders 3. Further, the mounting position of each liquid level sensor 11 (the height from the bottom surface of each detergent cylinder 3) is the first time that both detection electrodes 22 and 22 are used as detergent when each detergent cylinder 3 is supplied with a specified amount of detergent. It is set to touch.

  Each of the liquid level sensors 11a, 11b, and 11c configured in this manner is supplied with a clock signal S1 from the control unit 6 to one of the detection electrodes 22 and 22, as will be described later. In addition, pulse signals having an amplitude proportional to the electrical conductivity between the two detection electrodes 22 and 22 are output from the other detection electrodes 22 as detection signals Sd1, Sd2 and Sd3 (hereinafter referred to as “detection signal Sd” unless otherwise distinguished). (See FIGS. 3 and 4). In this case, each liquid level sensor 11 is the same as the detergent sensor 51 described above, when the amount of detergent stored in each detergent cylinder 3 is less than the prescribed liquid amount, that is, each of the detection electrodes 22, 22. When both are not in contact with the detergent and when only one of the detection electrodes 22 and 22 is in contact with the detergent, air exists between the detection electrodes 22 and 22, and therefore the electrical conductivity between the two. Is very small. Therefore, each detection signal Sd output from each liquid level sensor 11 is in a state in which the amplitude is nearly zero. On the other hand, when the amount of detergent reaches the specified amount and both detection electrodes 22 and 22 touch the detergent, both detection electrodes 22 and 22 are electrically connected via the detergent. Therefore, the electrical conductivity between the two becomes the electrical conductivity of the detergent. Accordingly, each detection signal Sd output from each liquid level sensor 11 has a value whose amplitude is proportional to the electrical conductivity of each detergent. That is, each liquid level sensor 11 outputs a detection signal Sd having an amplitude proportional to the electrical conductivity of the detergent when the amount of each detergent reaches a predetermined liquid amount preset for each detergent.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, each detergent cylinder 3a, 3b, 3c has liquid feed pipes 13a, 13b, 13c (hereinafter, not particularly distinguished from each other) for supplying detergent stored therein to the washing tank 9. Sometimes also referred to as “liquid feeding pipe 13”). In addition, electromagnetic valves 5a, 5b, and 5c are disposed in the liquid feeding pipes 13a, 13b, and 13c, respectively. In this case, the electromagnetic valve 5a opens and closes based on the control signal Sv1 output from the control unit 6 to place the liquid supply pipe 13a in an open state or a closed state. Similarly, the electromagnetic valve 5b is based on a control signal Sv2 output from the control unit 6, and the electromagnetic valve 5c is also referred to as a control signal Sv3 output from the control unit 6 (hereinafter referred to as “control signal Sv” unless otherwise specified). Respectively) to open or close the corresponding liquid feeding pipes 13b and 13c.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 6 includes a CPU 6a, a pulse generation circuit 6b, a detection circuit 6c, an A / D conversion circuit 6d, and a memory (storage unit in the present invention) 6e. In this case, the pulse generation circuit 6b, the detection circuit 6c, and the A / D conversion circuit 6d constitute part of the detergent detection system circuit and the liquid level detection system circuit, and the pulse generation circuit 6b is under the control of the CPU 6a. Then, a clock signal S1 having a predetermined amplitude is generated at a predetermined cycle and is output to one detection electrode 22 of each detergent sensor 51 and each liquid level sensor 11. The detection circuit 6 c is provided for each detergent sensor 51 and each liquid level sensor 11. Moreover, the detection circuit 6c which comprises the detergent detection system circuit among each detection circuit 6c is the detection signal Se (pulse signal) which generate | occur | produces in the other detection electrode 22 of the corresponding detergent sensor 51 in the supply state of the clock signal S1. Is input, rectified, smoothed and level-converted to be converted into a DC signal S2e and output. On the other hand, the detection circuit 6c constituting the liquid level detection system circuit in each detection circuit 6c is a detection signal Sd (pulse) generated at the other detection electrode 22 of the corresponding liquid level sensor 11 in the supply state of the clock signal S1. Signal) is input, rectified, smoothed and level-converted to be converted into a DC signal S2d and output.

  An A / D conversion circuit 6d is also provided for each detergent sensor 51 and each liquid level sensor 11. The A / D conversion circuit 6d constituting the detergent detection system circuit in the A / D conversion circuit 6d receives the DC signal S2e from the corresponding detection circuit 6c and generates digital data Dve indicating the amplitude thereof. It outputs to CPU6a. On the other hand, the A / D conversion circuit 6d constituting the liquid level detection system circuit in the A / D conversion circuit 6d receives the DC signal S2d from the corresponding detection circuit 6c and generates digital data Dvd indicating the amplitude thereof. To the CPU 6a.

  The amplitudes (physical quantities in the present invention) of the detection signals Se and Sd generated at the other detection electrode 22 of each detergent sensor 51 and each liquid level sensor 11 are the electrical conductivity between the pair of detection electrodes 22 and 22 as described above. Changes in proportion to Therefore, since the digital data Dve and Dvd also change in proportion to the electrical conductivity between the pair of detection electrodes 22 and 22, the CPU 6a uses the detergent sensor 51 and the liquid level sensor 11 based on the digital data Dve and Dvd. It is possible to calculate the detected electrical conductivity. The memory 6e stores the type of detergent to be supplied to each detergent tank 2 (disinfectant, alkaline detergent and acidic detergent) and the electric conductivity determination criteria range Dr1, Dr2, Dr3 (hereinafter not particularly distinguished). (Sometimes also referred to as “determination reference range Dr”), a ROM in which a CPU operation program and the like are stored in advance, and a RAM as a working memory. The control unit 6 configured as described above executes the detergent supply process according to the command input from the operation unit 7. The display unit 8 is an output unit according to the present invention, and includes a display device as an example, and displays the result of the detergent supply process on the screen.

  Next, operation | movement of the detergent supply apparatus 1 is demonstrated concretely, referring FIG. As an example of the detergent, as shown in FIG. 5, a bactericide diluted 300 times (electric conductivity: 0.04 S / m), an alkaline detergent diluted to 0.5% (electric conductivity: 0). .21 S / m), and acidic detergent diluted to 0.5% (electrical conductivity: 0.15 S / m). For this reason, the criterion range Dr1 for the bactericide is defined as 0.03 S / m or more and 0.05 S / m or less as an example, and the criterion range Dr2 for alkaline detergent is 0.19 S / m or more and 0 as an example. .23 S / m or less, and the criterion range Dr3 for the acidic detergent is, for example, 0.13 S / m or more and 0.17 S / m or less. That is, the determination reference ranges Dr1, Dr2, and Dr3 are determined so as not to overlap each other. In addition, it is assumed that the detergent is supplied to each detergent tank 2 in excess of the specified liquid amount.

  In the detergent supply device 1, in the operating state, the control unit 6 first causes the pulse generation circuit 6b to start generating the clock signal S1. As a result, the clock signal S1 is supplied to one detection electrode 22 of each detergent sensor 51 and each liquid level sensor 11, and the output of the detection signal Se is started from the other detection electrode 22 of the detergent sensor 51. Output of the detection signal Sd is started from the other detection electrodes 22 of the sensor 11. Each detection circuit 6c starts the operation of converting the detection signals Se and Sd output from the corresponding detergent sensors 51 and the liquid level sensors 11 into DC signals S2e and S2d and outputting the signals, and the A / Ds. The conversion circuit 6d starts the operation of converting the DC signals S2e and S2d output from the corresponding detection circuit 6c into digital data Dve and Dvd and outputting them to the CPU 6a.

  Next, the control unit 6 executes a detergent supply process. In this detergent supply process, the control unit 6 is stored in each detergent tank 2 based on the digital data Dve output from each A / D conversion circuit 6d corresponding to the detergent sensor 51 of each detergent tank 2. The electric conductivity Dc of the detergent is calculated (step 101). Next, the control unit 6 performs a comparison process between the calculated electrical conductivity Dc and the determination reference ranges Dr (determination reference ranges Dr1, Dr2, Dr3) stored in the memory 6e (step 102). In this comparison process, the control unit 6 first compares the electrical conductivity Dc calculated for each detergent tank 2 with each determination reference range Dr1, Dr2, Dr3, and thereby the type of detergent supplied to each detergent tank 2. Is identified. Next, the control unit 6 compares the type of detergent stored in the memory 6e (the type to be supplied to each detergent tank 2) with the type of detergent supplied to each specified detergent tank 2. Then, it is determined whether or not the detergent to be supplied is supplied to each detergent tank 2.

  As a result, when it is determined that a detergent different from the detergent to be supplied is supplied to the at least one detergent tank 2 (detergent abnormality), the control unit 6 executes a notification process (step 103), and thereafter The detergent supply process ends. In this notification process, the control unit 6, as an example, together with information (name of the detergent tank 2 (for example, “disinfectant tank”)) that can specify the detergent tank 2 to which the detergent to be supplied is not supplied, The name of the detergent currently supplied to the tank 2 (for example, “alkaline detergent”) is displayed on the display unit 8. By confirming the contents displayed on the display unit 8, the operator can accurately recognize the type of detergent supplied incorrectly together with the detergent tank 2 supplied with detergent incorrectly.

  On the other hand, when it is determined as a result of the determination in step 102 that the detergent to be supplied is normally supplied to all the detergent tanks 2 (detergent normal), the control unit 6 does so (for example, “detergent normal”). Is displayed on the display unit 8 (step 104), and then a command for supplying at least one of a disinfectant, an alkaline detergent and an acidic detergent to the washing tank 9 is output from the operation unit 7. It is repeatedly detected whether or not (step 105).

  When this command is output from the operation unit 7, the control unit 6 operates the pump 4 corresponding to the detergent specified in the command by outputting the control signal Sp and operates the liquid disposed in each detergent cylinder 3. Detection of whether or not the detection signal Sd is output from the surface sensor 11 is started (step 106). Hereinafter, the example in which a disinfectant is designated as the detergent will be described. The control unit 6 operates the pump 4 (pump 4a) by outputting the control signal Sp (control signal Sp1), and the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent). Detection of whether or not the detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1) is output from the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) disposed in the cylinder 3a) is started. The control unit 6 repeatedly detects the output of the detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1) (step 107). By the operation of the pump 4 (pump 4a), the designated detergent (disinfectant) is transferred from the detergent tank 2 (detergent tank 2a) to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) via the liquid feeding pipe 10 (liquid feeding pipe 10a). Since the liquid is supplied, the liquid amount of the detergent supplied to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) gradually increases, and then reaches the specified liquid amount.

  In this state, since the detection electrodes 22 and 22 of the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) disposed in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) are both in contact with the detergent (disinfectant), the liquid level sensor 11 As a result of the electrical conductivity detected by the (liquid level sensor 11a) changing from the electrical conductivity of air (almost zero) to the electrical conductivity of the detergent, the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) detects the detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1). The output of the detection signal Sd having an amplitude proportional to the electrical conductivity of the detergent is started). Thereby, the control part 6 detects the output of this detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1) in step 107, and outputs the control signal Sp (control signal Sp1) to the pump 4 (pump 4a) which is operating. Is stopped to stop the operation of the pump 4 (pump 4a) (step 108). As a result, the detergent (disinfectant) is weighed to the specified liquid amount and stored in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a). Finally, the control unit 6 outputs a control signal Sv (control signal Sv1) for a certain period of time to the electromagnetic valve 5 (electromagnetic valve 5a) corresponding to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) supplied with the detergent (step S4). 109). In this case, all of the specified amount of detergent (disinfectant) stored in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) is supplied to the washing tank 9 via the liquid feed pipe 13 (liquid feed pipe 13a) for this predetermined time. It is set in advance to a sufficient time. Thereby, when the output of the control signal Sv (control signal Sv1) to the electromagnetic valve 5 (electromagnetic valve 5a) by the control unit 6 is completed, the detergent supply process of the detergent (disinfectant) to the cleaning tank 9 is completed.

  Further, when an alkaline detergent (or acidic detergent) is designated in step 105, the control unit 6 sends the control signal Sp2 (or control signal Sp3) to the pump 4b (or the control signal Sp3) in the same manner as in the case of the disinfectant described above. Or it outputs to the pump 4c) and operates. Accordingly, the alkaline detergent (or acidic detergent) is supplied from the detergent tank 2b (or the detergent tank 2c) to the detergent cylinder 3b (detergent cylinder 3c) via the liquid feeding pipe 10b (liquid feeding pipe 10c). Next, when the detection signal Sd2 (detection signal Sd3) is output from the liquid level sensor 11b (liquid level sensor 11c) disposed in the detergent cylinder 3b (detergent cylinder 3c), the control unit 6 performs the pump 4b (or The pump 4c) is stopped. As a result, the alkaline detergent (or acidic detergent) is weighed to the specified liquid amount and stored in the detergent cylinder 3b (detergent cylinder 3c). Finally, the control unit 6 outputs a control signal Sv2 (control signal Sv3) to the electromagnetic valve 5b (electromagnetic valve 5c) for a predetermined time. As a result, a predetermined amount of alkaline detergent (or acidic detergent) stored in the detergent cylinder 3b (detergent cylinder 3c) is supplied to the washing tank 9 via the liquid feed pipe 13b (liquid feed pipe 13c). The supply process is completed.

  In addition, in the above-described detergent supply device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a configuration in which the detergent sensor 51 is disposed in each detergent tank 2 is adopted, but instead of each detergent tank 2, as shown in FIG. 7, A configuration in which the detergent sensor 51 is disposed in each detergent cylinder 3 may be employed. Hereinafter, a detergent supply apparatus 1A employing this configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the configuration of the detergent supply device 1A will be described. The basic configuration of the detergent supply device 1A is the same as that of the detergent supply device 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and only the arrangement position of the detergent sensor 51 is different. For this reason, about the structure same as the detergent supply apparatus 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In this detergent supply apparatus 1A, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each detergent sensor 51a, 51b, 51c constituting the detergent detection system circuit is formed in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the side wall W2 of each detergent cylinder 3a, 3b, 3c. Each is mounted in the mounting hole H1.

  Next, operation | movement of 1 A of detergent supply apparatuses is demonstrated with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the detergent is supplied to each detergent tank 2 at a specified amount or more.

  In the detergent supply device 1A, in the operating state, the control unit 6 first causes the pulse generation circuit 6b to start generating the clock signal S1. Thereby, each liquid level sensor 11, each detergent sensor 51, each detection circuit 6c, and each A / D conversion circuit 6d operate | move like the detergent supply apparatus 1, and each A / D conversion circuit 6d to CPU6a On the other hand, the digital data Dve and Dvd start to be output.

  Next, the control unit 6 executes a detergent supply process. In this detergent supply process, the control unit 6 first determines whether or not an instruction to supply at least one type of detergent among the bactericide, alkaline detergent and acidic detergent to the washing tank 9 is output from the operation unit 7. It detects repeatedly (step 121). Thereafter, when the control unit 6 detects the output of the command from the operation unit 7, the control unit 6 outputs the control signal Sp to the pump 4 corresponding to the detergent designated in the command and operates it. Detection of whether or not the detection signal Se is output from the detergent sensor 51 disposed in the corresponding detergent cylinder 3 is started (step 122).

  Hereinafter, the example in which the disinfectant is designated as the detergent will be described. In step 122, specifically, the control unit 6 outputs the control signal Sp (control signal Sp1) to the pump 4 (pump 4a). And detection of whether or not the detection signal Se (detection signal Se1) is output from the detergent sensor 51 (detergent sensor 51a) disposed in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) is started (step S1). 123). By the operation of the pump 4 (pump 4a), the designated detergent (disinfectant) is transferred from the detergent tank 2 (detergent tank 2a) to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) via the liquid feeding pipe 10 (liquid feeding pipe 10a). Therefore, the amount of detergent supplied to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3 a) gradually increases and reaches each detection electrode 22, 22 of the detergent sensor 51. As a result, the electric conductivity detected by the detergent sensor 51 (detergent sensor 51a) is changed from the electric conductivity of air (almost zero) to the electric conductivity of the detergent. As a result, the detergent sensor 51 (detergent sensor 51a) detects the detection signal Se ( The output of the detection signal Se1) is started (the output of the detection signal Se having an amplitude proportional to the electrical conductivity of the detergent is started). In step 123, the control unit 6 determines this based on the input digital data Dve. The output of the detection signal Se (detection signal Se1) is detected.

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 is based on the digital data Dve output from the A / D conversion circuit 6d corresponding to the detergent sensor 51 (detergent sensor 51a) that outputs the detection signal Se (detection signal Se1). The electric conductivity Dc of the detergent (disinfectant) stored in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) is calculated (step 124). Next, the control unit 6 performs a comparison process between the calculated electrical conductivity Dc and the determination reference ranges Dr (determination reference ranges Dr1, Dr2, Dr3) stored in the memory 6e (step 125). In this comparison process, the control unit 6 first identifies the type of detergent supplied from the detergent tank 2 to the detergent cylinder 3 by comparing the calculated electrical conductivity Dc with each of the determination reference ranges Dr1, Dr2, Dr3. To do. Next, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the detergent to be supplied is supplied to the detergent cylinder 3 by comparing the type of detergent stored in the memory 6e with the specified type of detergent. .

  As a result, when it is determined that a detergent different from the detergent to be supplied is supplied to the at least one detergent cylinder 3 (detergent abnormality), the control unit 6 executes a notification process (step 126), and then The pump 4 (pump 4a) is stopped (step 127), and then the detergent supply process is terminated. In this notification process, as an example, the control unit 6 can specify the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) to which the detergent is supplied (name of the detergent cylinder 3a (for example, “detergent detergent cylinder”)). At the same time, the name of the detergent currently supplied to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) (for example, “alkaline detergent”) is displayed on the display unit 8. By confirming the content displayed on the display unit 8, the operator accurately recognizes the type of detergent supplied erroneously together with the fact that the detergent is supplied accidentally to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a). be able to. Moreover, the further supply of different detergents is prevented by stopping the pump 4 (pump 4a).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step 125, when it is determined that the detergent to be supplied is normally supplied to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) (detergent is normal), the control unit 6 does so (for example, “ “Detergent normal” is displayed on the display unit 8 (step 128), and then detection of whether or not the detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1) is output from the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) is started. (Step 129). The controller 6 repeatedly executes detection of the output of the detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1) (step 130). By the operation of the pump 4 (pump 4a), the amount of detergent (disinfectant) in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) gradually increases, and then reaches the specified amount.

  In this state, since the detection electrodes 22 and 22 of the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) disposed in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) are both in contact with the detergent (disinfectant), the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) detects the electrical conductivity of the detergent from the electrical conductivity of air (almost zero), so that the liquid level sensor 11 (liquid level sensor 11a) detects the detection signal Sd (detection signal). Sd1) is started (output of the detection signal Sd having an amplitude proportional to the electric conductivity of the detergent is started). Thereby, the control part 6 detects the output of detection signal Sd (detection signal Sd1) based on the input digital data Dvd in step 130, and controls to the pump 4 (pump 4a) which is operating. The output of the signal Sp (control signal Sp1) is stopped to stop the operation of the pump 4 (pump 4a) (step 131). As a result, the detergent (disinfectant) is weighed to the specified liquid amount and stored in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a). Finally, the control unit 6 outputs a control signal Sv (control signal Sv1) for a certain period of time to the electromagnetic valve 5 (electromagnetic valve 5a) corresponding to the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) supplied with the detergent (step S4). 132). As a result, the solenoid valve 5 (solenoid valve 5a) shifts to the open state for a certain period of time, and the specified amount of detergent (disinfectant) stored in the detergent cylinder 3 (detergent cylinder 3a) is supplied to the liquid feed pipe 13 ( All of the liquid is supplied to the washing tank 9 via the liquid feeding pipe 13a), and the detergent supply process to the washing tank 9 of the detergent (disinfectant) is completed.

  Moreover, when alkaline detergent (or acidic detergent) is designated in step 121, the control part 6 performs detergent supply processing similarly to the case of the above-mentioned disinfectant, whereby the detergent supply device 1A is When a detergent different from the detergent to be supplied is supplied to the corresponding detergent cylinder 3b, 3c (when the detergent is abnormal), the fact is displayed on the display unit 8 and the supply of the detergent is stopped. When the detergent to be supplied is normally supplied to the detergent cylinders 3b and 3c (when the detergent is normal), the display unit 8 displays that fact and supplies the detergent to the washing tank 9.

  Thus, in this detergent supply device 1, 1 </ b> A, the detergent sensor 51 is disposed in at least one of the detergent tanks 2 and the detergent cylinders 3, and a predetermined type to be stored in the detergent container. The determination reference range Dr for the physical quantity of the detection signal Se output from the detergent sensor 51 for the detergent is stored in the memory 6e, and the controller 6 is output from the detergent sensor 51 when the detergent is stored in the detergent container. The amplitude of the detection signal Se is calculated and compared with the determination reference range Dr to determine whether or not the stored detergent is a predetermined type of detergent, and the determination result is displayed on the display unit 8. Therefore, according to the detergent supply devices 1 and 1A, by confirming the determination result displayed on the display unit 8, it is surely confirmed whether or not a predetermined type of detergent is normally supplied to the detergent container. In this way, the correct detergent can be accurately supplied to the washing tub 9. In particular, when the detergent sensor 51 is provided in each detergent tank 2, the supply of different detergents can be detected at the time when the detergent is stored in each detergent tank 2 from a dedicated container (not shown). Can be notified.

  Moreover, according to this detergent supply apparatus 1A, the detergent sensor 51 is arrange | positioned to each detergent cylinder 3, the pump 4 is arrange | positioned to the liquid feeding pipe 10 which connects each detergent tank 2 and each detergent cylinder 3, and a control part When it is determined that the detergent supplied to the detergent cylinder 3 is not a predetermined type of detergent, the pump 4 is stopped, so that the operation of supplying a detergent different from the predetermined type of detergent to the detergent cylinder 3 is ensured. Can be stopped.

  Moreover, according to this detergent supply apparatus 1 and 1A, each detergent sensor 51 is comprised with the electrical conductivity sensor provided with a pair of detection electrodes 22 and 22, and an amplitude changes according to electrical conductivity (proportional). Since the detection signal Se is output as the detection signal Se, each detergent (based on the amplitude (physical quantity) of the detection signal Sd is utilized by utilizing the characteristic of the detergent that the electric conductivity is generally different for each type. Disinfectants, alkaline detergents and acidic detergents) can be reliably and easily distinguished.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the example in which the detergent sensor 51 is disposed in the detergent tank 2 or the detergent cylinder 3 has been described. However, the detergent sensor 51 may be disposed in both the detergent tank 2 and the detergent cylinder 3. According to this configuration, even when the detergent sensor 51 disposed in the detergent tank 2 breaks down, the type of detergent can be determined by the detergent sensor 51 disposed in the detergent cylinder 3, so that Can more reliably prevent the supply of different detergents to the washing tank 9. Further, in the above embodiment, the vicinity of the bottom surface of the detergent container so that the supply of the detergent different from the detergent to be originally supplied to the detergent container (detergent tank 2 or detergent cylinder 3) can be detected as early as possible. Although the example which employ | adopted the structure which arrange | positions the detergent sensor 51 was demonstrated to this, it is not limited to this. For example, in a special situation where the detergent sensor 51 cannot be disposed near the bottom due to the structure of the detergent container, at least the detergent reaches the specified liquid amount, such as near the center in the height direction of the detergent container. As long as each detection electrode 22 and 22 is a position which contacts a detergent previously, it can be arrange | positioned in arbitrary positions.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the same electric conductivity sensor as the detergent sensor 51 is used for the liquid level sensor 11 disposed in each detergent cylinder 3 has been described. However, in this configuration, the liquid level sensor 11 uses the detergent. The sensor 51 can also be used. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the detergent supply device that can determine the type of detergent in each detergent cylinder 3.

  Moreover, although the example using the detergent sensor 51 comprised by the electrical conductivity sensor was mentioned above, the detergent sensor 52 comprised by the electrostatic capacitance sensor can also be used. Hereinafter, the detergent supply device 1B using the detergent sensor 52 will be described. The basic configuration of the detergent supply device 1B is the same as that of the detergent supply device 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and includes a detergent sensor 52 and a controller 6B corresponding to the detergent sensor 52. Only the difference. For this reason, about the structure same as the detergent supply apparatus 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In this detergent supply apparatus 1B, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each detergent sensor 52a, 52b, 52c (hereinafter, also referred to as “detergent sensor 52” unless otherwise distinguished) constituting the detergent detection system circuit is provided for each detergent. Similarly to the sensors 51a, 51b, 51c, they are attached to the same positions of the detergent tanks 2a, 2b, 2c with the same structure.

  As shown in FIG. 11, each detergent sensor 52 is formed of a resin material (for example, polyethylene resin) that is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and the like, and is mounted in a mounting hole H <b> 1 formed in the side wall W <b> 1 of each detergent tank 2. And a pair of detection electrodes 62 and 62 embedded in the vicinity of the surface of the portion of the main body 61 that protrudes to the inside of the detergent cylinder 3 so as to be separated from each other (that is, the surface is covered with resin). And is configured as a capacitance sensor.

  The electrostatic capacity C between the detection electrodes 62 and 62 of each detergent sensor 52 configured as described above is such that when almost no detergent is stored in each detergent tank 2, that is, the liquid level of the detergent is the detection electrode 62. , 62 is a small value defined by the dielectric constant of the resin material of the main body 61 and the dielectric constant of air. In addition, when the amount of detergent in each detergent tank 2 increases, this capacitance C is maintained at this small value when the detergent level does not reach any of the detection electrodes 62 and 62. However, the liquid level of the detergent gradually increases from the time when the liquid level of the detergent becomes higher than one of the detection electrodes 62, 62, the liquid volume of the detergent reaches a certain amount, and the liquid level of the detergent is shown in FIG. As shown, it becomes maximum when it becomes higher than each detection electrode 62, 62, and thereafter it is maintained at this maximum value. The maximum value of the capacitance C is a value defined by the dielectric constant of the resin material of the main body 61 and the dielectric constant of the detergent (dielectric constant higher than that of air). In this case, as will be described later, when the AC constant current Ic is supplied from the control unit 6B, the AC voltage Vc generated between the detection electrodes 62 and 62 has an amplitude (physical quantity in the present invention) having a capacitance. It is inversely proportional to the value of C. Therefore, the amplitude of the AC voltage Vc generated between the detection electrodes 62 and 62 of each detergent sensor 52 when the AC constant current Ic is supplied from the control unit 6B is such that the amount of detergent in each detergent tank 2 is small. It is sometimes large, and then begins to decrease rapidly before reaching a certain amount, reaches a minimum when the specified liquid amount is reached, and thereafter maintains the minimum value.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 6B includes a constant current circuit 6f, a detection circuit 6g, and an A / D conversion circuit 6d that constitute a detergent detection system circuit together with the detergent sensor 52. The control unit 6B includes a CPU 6a and a memory 6e in the same manner as the control unit 6 of the detergent supply device 1. Although not shown, the pulse generation circuit 6b that forms a liquid level detection system circuit with the liquid level sensor 11 is not shown. And a detection circuit 6c and an A / D conversion circuit 6d. In this case, the constant current circuit 6f is provided for each detergent sensor 52, generates an AC constant current Ic synchronized with the timing signal S3 output from the CPU 6a, and outputs it to one detection electrode 62 of each detergent sensor 52. . The detection circuit 6g is provided for each detergent sensor 52. When the AC constant current Ic flows into the ground of the control unit 6B via the capacitance C of the detergent sensor 52 and the other detection electrode 62, each detergent sensor 52 is provided. AC voltage Vc generated between the detection electrodes 62, 62 (detection signal output by each detergent sensor 52 in the present invention) is detected and output. An A / D conversion circuit 6d is also provided for each detergent sensor 52, and generates digital data Dv indicating the amplitude of the AC voltage Vc detected by the corresponding detection circuit 6g and outputs it to the CPU 6a. The amplitude of the AC voltage Vc between the detection electrodes 62 and 62 changes according to the size of the capacitance C (inversely proportional to the size of the capacitance C). Therefore, for example, the CPU 6a can calculate the capacitance C detected by the detergent sensor 52 based on the amplitude of the AC voltage Vc specified by the input digital data Dv. In the ROM of the memory 6e, detergents (bactericides, alkaline detergents and acidic detergents) supplied to the detergent tanks 2 as judgment standard ranges Dr1, Dr2, Dr3 (hereinafter also referred to as “judgment standard ranges Dr” unless otherwise specified) Numerical values (lower limit value and upper limit value) indicating the ranges of the capacitances C1, C2, and C3 of the detergent sensor 52 when the amount of the detergent is slightly higher than the amount (when the liquid level is higher than the detergent sensor 52) Value) is stored in advance.

  This detergent supply device 1B also has the above-described configuration, so that the control unit 6B can detect the amplitude of the AC voltage Vc as a detection signal output from each detergent sensor 52 when the detergent is supplied to each detergent tank 2. The electrostatic capacity C detected by the detergent sensor 52 is calculated on the basis of the digital data Dv indicating, and the calculated electrostatic capacity C is compared with the determination reference range Dr to determine the calculated electrostatic capacity C. By determining which of the reference ranges Dr1, Dr2, and Dr3 is included, the type of detergent supplied to the detergent tank 2 can be determined, and the determination result can be displayed on the display unit 8. it can. Therefore, according to the detergent supply device 1B, in the same manner as the detergent supply device 1 described above, by confirming the discrimination result displayed on the display unit 8, a predetermined type of detergent is normally supplied to the detergent tank 2. It is possible to surely check whether or not the cleaning agent 9 is properly supplied to the cleaning tank 9. Further, in the detergent sensor 52 constituted by a capacitance sensor, the detection electrodes 62 and 62 do not need to be in direct contact with the detergent, so that the detection electrodes 62 and 62 are embedded in the main body 61 as described above. Thus, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the surface is coated with a resin, and in this configuration, the corrosion of each detection electrode by various detergents such as a bactericide, an alkaline detergent and an acid detergent can be prevented for a long period of time. The durability of can be greatly improved.

  Although the detergent supply device 1B in which the detergent sensor 52 is disposed in the detergent tank 2 has been described, although not illustrated, the detergent sensor 52 can be disposed in the detergent cylinder 3 in the same manner as the detergent supply device 1A. . Also in this configuration, the type of detergent supplied to each detergent cylinder 3 can be determined and displayed on the display unit 8 in the same manner as the detergent supply device 1B. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the detergent supply device 1A can be obtained.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid level sensor 11 is disposed in the detergent cylinder 3 as a configuration for measuring the detergent in the detergent cylinder 3 to the specified liquid amount, and the detection output from the liquid level sensor 11 is provided. The example in which the present invention is applied to the detergent supply apparatus configured to stop the pump 4 based on the signal Sd has been described. However, the detergent supply apparatus disclosed in JP-A-6-183495 described in the related art. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to a detergent supply apparatus having a liquid amount adjusting pipe in a detergent cylinder as a detergent amount adjusting means. In this configuration, the detergent sensor 51 is disposed in at least one of the detergent tank and the detergent cylinder in the same manner as each of the detergent supply devices 1 and 1A described above, and control is performed based on the detection signal Se output from the detergent sensor 51. The part 6 discriminates the type of detergent and causes the display part 8 to display the discrimination result.

  Moreover, in each said detergent supply apparatus 1 (1A, 1B), although the washing tank 9 was mentioned as an example as a container of the objective of supplying a detergent, containers other than the washing tank 9, for example, a part of milking machine, are described. Of course, the present invention can also be used when the detergent is measured and supplied to the bulk cooler. Hereinafter, the example which supplies detergent to a bulk cooler with each detergent supply apparatus 1 (1A, 1B) is demonstrated with reference to FIG.

  In this case, each liquid supply pipe 13 of each detergent supply device 1 (1A, 1B) is connected to an intermediate portion of a circulation pipe 70 for circulating the detergent. One end of the circulation pipe 70 is connected to the bottom of a bulk cooler 71 for cooling and storing the raw milk after milking, and a drain valve 72 is disposed at the other end of the circulation pipe 70. Further, one end of the branch pipe 73 is connected between the connection portion of each liquid feeding pipe 13 in the circulation pipe 70 and the drain valve 72, and the other end of the branch pipe 73 is connected to the water supply port 74 a of the circulation pump 74. Yes. In addition, one end of a liquid supply pipe 75 is connected to the water supply port 74 b of the circulation pump 74, and the other end of the liquid supply pipe 75 is formed into a fork, and is inserted into the bulk cooler 71 from the ceiling wall of the bulk cooler 71. Has been. Furthermore, a diffusion blade 76 is disposed in the upper part of the bulk cooler 71. Further, the tip of a water supply pipe 77 is connected to the middle part of the branch pipe 73. In addition, the tip of a hot water supply pipe 78 is connected between the portion where the drain valve 72 is provided in the circulation pipe 70 and the connection portion of the branch pipe 73. In addition, the water supply pipe 77 and the hot water supply pipe 78 are provided with opening and closing valves 79 and 80, respectively.

  Next, the cleaning process of the bulk cooler 71 using the detergent supplied by each detergent supply device 1 (1A, 1B) will be described.

  First, with the drain valve 72 closed, the opening / closing valve 79 or the opening / closing valve 80 is opened, and water or hot water for cleaning liquid is supplied into the bulk cooler 71 through the circulation pipe 70. Next, the opening / closing valve 79 or the opening / closing valve 80 is closed, the circulation pump 74 is operated, and the cleaning liquid water or hot water stored in the bulk cooler 71 is supplied into the circulation pipe 70, the branch pipe 73, and the liquid feed pipe 75. And circulate in and out of the bulk cooler 71. At this time, by operating at least one of the electromagnetic valves 5, three kinds of detergents are supplied to the cleaning liquid water or hot water circulating through the circulation pipe 70 through the three liquid supply pipes 13. Supply each by volume and mix the detergent into the water or hot water for the cleaning solution. Subsequently, cleaning water or hot water mixed with detergent is circulated in and out of the bulk cooler 71, sprayed from the bifurcated tip of the liquid feeding pipe 75, and sprayed onto the diffusion blade 76. As a result, water or hot water for cleaning liquid mixed with detergent is sprayed evenly on the inner peripheral wall of the bulk cooler 71, and the inner peripheral wall of the bulk cooler 71 is cleaned. In addition, the bulk cooler 71 has a configuration in which a stirring blade 81 is provided at the inner bottom portion thereof, and the detergent mixed in the cleaning liquid water or hot water stored in the inner bottom portion is uniformly diffused.

  In each of the above embodiments, an example in which an electrical conductivity sensor or a capacitance sensor is used as the liquid level sensor 11 has been described. However, a float type sensor may be used as a matter of course. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example of supplying three types of detergents has been described. However, the detergent supply device of the present invention has the detergent tank 2, the pump 4, the liquid feeding pipe 10, the detergent cylinder 3, and the electromagnetics. By increasing or decreasing the number of valves 5 according to the type of detergent, it can also be used when supplying one or two kinds of detergents, or four or more kinds of detergents. Moreover, although each said embodiment demonstrated the example which uses the amplitude as a physical quantity of detection signal Se (alternating voltage Vc) which generate | occur | produces in each detergent sensor 51 and 52, detergent sensor 51 and 52 is a pair of detection. In the case of a detection signal Se (AC voltage Vc) that changes its frequency or its DC voltage level based on the electrical conductivity or capacitance between the electrodes 22 (62), this frequency, DC voltage level, etc. are used as physical quantities. It can also be used. In addition, although an example using a display device as the display unit 8 has been described above, it is possible to notify using a display device such as an LED and a lamp instead of or together with the display device, a buzzer, a speaker, and the like It is also possible to make a notification using or using a ringing device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of detergent supply apparatus 1,1A, 1B. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the detergent detection system circuit about the detergent supply apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the detergent detection system circuit and liquid quantity detection system circuit about the detergent supply apparatus. It is a block diagram of the liquid quantity detection type | system | group circuit of detergent supply apparatus 1,1A, 1B. It is a figure which shows the electrical conductivity of each detergent. It is a flowchart of the detergent supply process by the detergent supply apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the detergent detection system circuit about 1 A of detergent supply apparatuses. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the detergent detection system circuit and liquid quantity detection system circuit about 1 A of detergent supply apparatuses. It is a flowchart of the detergent supply process by 1 A of detergent supply apparatuses. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the detergent detection system circuit about the detergent supply apparatus 1B. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the detergent detection system circuit about the detergent supply apparatus 1B. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the bulk cooler of a milking machine, and its periphery.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A, 1B Detergent supply device 2a, 2b, 2c Detergent tank 3a, 3b, 3c Detergent cylinder 4a, 4b, 4c Pump 6 Control unit 6e Storage unit 8 Display unit 10a, 10b, 10c Liquid supply pipe 11a, 11b, 11c Liquid level sensor 22, 62 Detection electrode Se Detection signal

Claims (4)

A detergent supply device for supplying a liquid detergent for washing a milking machine stored in a detergent tank by measuring with a detergent cylinder,
A detergent sensor disposed in at least one of the detergent tank and the detergent cylinder and outputting a detection signal whose physical quantity changes according to the type of the detergent stored in the detergent container; ,
A storage unit for storing a determination reference range for the physical quantity of the detection signal output from the detergent sensor for a predetermined type of detergent to be stored in the detergent container;
When the detergent is stored in the detergent container, the physical quantity of the detection signal output from the detergent sensor is calculated, the calculated physical quantity is compared with the determination reference range, and the stored detergent is stored. A control unit for determining whether or not is the predetermined type of detergent;
The detergent supply apparatus provided with the output part which outputs the result of the said discrimination | determination by the said control part. A pump disposed in a liquid feed pipe connecting the detergent tank and the detergent cylinder and supplying the detergent from the detergent tank to the detergent cylinder;
The detergent sensor is disposed in the detergent cylinder;
The detergent supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the pump when it is determined that the detergent supplied to the detergent cylinder by the pump is not the predetermined type of detergent.   The said detergent sensor is comprised with the electrical conductivity sensor provided with a pair of detection electrode, The signal from which the said physical quantity changes according to the electrical conductivity between the said each detection electrode is output as said detection signal. 2. The detergent supply device according to 2.   The said detergent sensor is comprised with the electrostatic capacitance sensor provided with a pair of detection electrode, and outputs the signal from which the said physical quantity changes according to the electrostatic capacitance value between the said each detection electrode as said detection signal. Or the detergent supply apparatus of 2.

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