JP2009095275A - Detergent concentration detector and detergent feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detergent concentration detector that simply constitutes a detergent feeder and carries out the change operation of the liquid amount of detergent. <P>SOLUTION: The detergent concentration detector is equipped with a concentration sensor 6 for detecting the concentration of a mixed liquid in which one liquid of a detergent and a diluent fed to a cleaning tank 5 is mixed with the other liquid of the detergent and the diluent and a control part 10 for stopping the operation of a pump 4a to supply the other liquid to the cleaning tank 5m, when the concentration detected by the concentration sensor 6 becomes a fixed concentration. Accordingly, when the detergent feeder 1 is used, in a state in which the diluent is fed by the pump 4a to the cleaning tank 5, to which a fixed amount of the diluent is supplied, the control part 10 stops the operation of the pump 4a, when the concentration of the mixed liquid detected by the concentration sensor 6 becomes a fixed concentration, so that a desired amount of the mixed liquid at a fixed concentration is prepared in the cleaning tank 5 and a detergent cylinder is not needed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a detergent concentration detection device used when a liquid detergent stored in a detergent tank is diluted with a diluent to prepare a mixed solution of a predetermined concentration, and the detergent and dilution using the detergent concentration detection device. The present invention relates to a detergent supply device that prepares a liquid mixture to a predetermined concentration and supplies it to a pipeline of a milking machine, a bulk cooler that cools and stores raw milk after milking, and the like.

  In this type of detergent supply device, usually, for example, the detergent contained in the detergent tank is first supplied to the detergent cylinder as in the detergent supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 already proposed by the applicant. Weigh the specified amount of liquid and supply the weighed detergent to a detergent container such as a washing tank. Next, in this type of detergent supply apparatus, a cleaning liquid used for cleaning pipelines and the like is prepared by supplying a diluent to a detergent container and diluting the concentration of the detergent to a predetermined concentration.

In this case, the detergent supply device proposed by the applicant includes a liquid feed pump that feeds the detergent contained in the detergent tank into the detergent cylinder, a timer for driving the liquid feed pump, and a constant liquid in the detergent cylinder. Detergent amount adjustment means (mechanical adjustment means) that returns the detergent that has reached the amount (specified liquid amount) or more into the detergent tank, and a supply path provided with an electromagnetic valve that supplies the detergent in the detergent cylinder to the washing tank And is configured. 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. Since the detergent supplied more than the prescribed liquid amount is returned from the detergent cylinder into the detergent tank by the detergent amount adjusting means, the detergent cylinder is in a state where a certain amount of detergent is supplied. Thereby, the detergent is measured in the detergent cylinder.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-183495 (page 3, FIG. 1)

  However, the detergent supply apparatus proposed by the applicant has the following problems to be solved. That is, this detergent supply device requires not only a detergent tank for storing the detergent and a detergent container for diluting the detergent to a predetermined concentration, but also a detergent cylinder having a detergent amount adjusting means for measuring the detergent. Therefore, there is a problem to be solved that the apparatus configuration is complicated. Further, in order to change the amount of detergent to be measured in the detergent cylinder, it is necessary to manually change (adjust) the mechanical structure of the detergent amount adjusting means. There is also a problem to be solved.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has as its main object to provide a detergent concentration detection device and a detergent supply device that have a simple device configuration and that can easily perform the operation of changing the amount of detergent. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 1 is characterized in that any one of the detergent and the diluent is supplied to any one of the detergent and the diluent supplied in the detergent container. A concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of the mixed liquid obtained by mixing the other liquid, and a second sensor for supplying the other liquid into the detergent container when the concentration detected by the concentration sensor reaches a predetermined concentration. And a controller for stopping the operation of one pump.

  The detergent concentration detection device according to claim 2 is the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the liquid in the detergent container, and the control unit is detected by the temperature sensor. Further, based on the temperature, temperature correction is executed for the concentration detected by the concentration sensor or the predetermined concentration.

  The detergent concentration detection device according to claim 3 is the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first measurement unit that measures an elapsed time from the start of operation of the first pump, and the control unit includes: When the elapsed time measured by the first measuring unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined time specified in advance and the concentration does not reach the predetermined concentration, a notification to that effect is given.

  The detergent concentration detection device according to claim 4 is the detergent concentration detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an elapsed time from the start of operation of a second pump that supplies the one liquid to the detergent container. And the concentration sensor is composed of an electrical conductivity sensor, and the control unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined time that is measured in advance by the second measurement unit, When the electrical conductivity detected by the electrical conductivity sensor does not reach a predetermined electrical conductivity, a notification to that effect is given.

  The detergent concentration detection device according to claim 5 is the detergent concentration detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a mixing promotion unit that generates a water flow and promotes a mixed state of the detergent and the diluent. I have.

  The detergent concentration detection device according to claim 6 is the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 5, further comprising a flow velocity reduction unit that decelerates the flow velocity of the water flow in the vicinity of the concentration sensor.

  In order to achieve the above object, a detergent supply apparatus according to claim 7 comprises: the detergent concentration detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6; the detergent container that contains the mixed liquid; and the other liquid. A detergent supply apparatus comprising the first pump for supplying the detergent container, and preparing and supplying the liquid mixture having the predetermined concentration in the detergent container.

  According to the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 1 and the detergent supply device according to claim 7, the detergent and the diluent are supplied to the detergent container in a state where a predetermined amount of any one of the detergent and the diluent is supplied. By supplying the other liquid with the first pump and stopping the operation of the first pump when the concentration of the mixture of the detergent and the diluent detected by the concentration sensor reaches a predetermined concentration, Since the detergent cylinder can be dispensed with, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

  Further, according to the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 2 and the detergent supply device according to claim 7, the concentration of the liquid mixture detected by the concentration sensor based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor or the temperature with respect to the predetermined concentration By executing the correction by the control unit, even if the temperature of the mixed solution changes, it is possible to prepare and supply a mixed solution obtained by diluting the detergent accurately to a predetermined concentration.

  Moreover, according to the detergent concentration detection apparatus of Claim 3, and the detergent supply apparatus of Claim 7, the elapsed time measured in the 1st measurement part becomes more than predetermined time prescribed | regulated previously, and the density | concentration of a liquid mixture is When the specified concentration is not reached, by notifying that effect, abnormalities such as stopping the supply of one of the other liquids or reducing the supply amount due to pump failure or piping clogging An operator can confirm the occurrence of the condition reliably and easily.

  Moreover, according to the detergent concentration detection apparatus of Claim 4, and the detergent supply apparatus of Claim 7, the elapsed time measured by the 2nd measurement part becomes more than predetermined time prescribed | regulated previously, and it is an electrical conductivity sensor. When the detected electrical conductivity does not reach the predetermined electrical conductivity, a notification to that effect indicates that the liquid of one of the detergent and dilution liquid due to pump failure or piping clogging An operator can reliably and easily confirm the occurrence of an abnormal state such as supply stop or reduction of supply amount.

  Moreover, according to the detergent concentration detection apparatus of Claim 5, and the detergent supply apparatus of Claim 7, a mixing promotion part generates a water flow in a liquid mixture, and promotes the mixing state of a detergent and a dilution liquid. Since the concentration of the mixed solution can be accurately detected by the concentration sensor, it is possible to prepare and supply a mixed solution in which the detergent is diluted accurately to a predetermined concentration.

  Further, according to the detergent concentration detection device according to claim 6 and the detergent supply device according to claim 7, the flow velocity reduction unit decelerates the flow velocity of the water flow in the vicinity of the concentration sensor, so that the concentration of the mixed solution is reduced by the concentration sensor. Since it can detect correctly, the liquid mixture by which the detergent was diluted more correctly to the predetermined density | concentration can be prepared and supplied.

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

  First, configurations of the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the detergent supply apparatus 1 includes a plurality of (three in this example as an example) detergent tanks 2a, 2b, 2c (hereinafter, also referred to as “detergent tank 2” unless otherwise distinguished), one dilution. The same number of pumps 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d as the total number of the liquid tank 3, the detergent tank 2 and the diluent tank 3 (four in this example) (hereinafter also referred to as “pump 4” unless otherwise distinguished), for detergents A container (cleaning tank in this example) 5, a concentration sensor 6, a temperature sensor 7, a mixing promotion unit (stirrer in this example) 8, one electromagnetic valve 9, a control unit 10, an operation unit 11, and a display unit 12 are provided. Yes. In addition, the detergent supply device 1 dilutes the liquid detergent for washing the milking machine stored in each detergent tank 2 one by one in the washing tank 5 so as to have a predetermined concentration corresponding to each detergent. By diluting with a liquid, a mixture of detergent and diluted liquid is prepared, and this mixed liquid can be supplied from a washing tank 5 to a pipeline (not shown) of a milking machine as an example.

  In each of the detergent tanks 2, a disinfectant for sterilizing the inside of the milking machine is stored as a detergent in a small portion from a dedicated container (not shown). 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). Moreover, each detergent tank 2a, 2b, 2c is connected by one to one via each corresponding pump 4a, 4b, 4c and liquid feeding pipe 21a, 21b, 21c. The diluent tank 3 contains a diluent (in this example, warm water as an example). The diluent tank 3 is connected to the pump 4d on a one-to-one basis via a liquid feeding pipe 21d.

  Each pump 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is equivalent to the 1st pump in this invention, and is comprised by the tube pump as an example, and as shown in FIG. 1, control signal Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, Sp4 from the control part 10 is shown. It operates when it is input (hereinafter also referred to as “control signal Sp” unless otherwise distinguished). Moreover, each pump 4a, 4b, 4c supplies the washing | cleaning tank 5 through the liquid feeding pipe 22a, 22b, 22c with the detergent accommodated in corresponding detergent tank 2a, 2b, 2c. The pump 4d corresponds to the second pump in the present invention, and supplies the diluent stored in the diluent tank 3 to the cleaning tank 5 through the liquid feeding pipe 22d. Further, it is assumed that the supply amount (liquid supply amount) per unit time of each pump 4 is known. In this example, since the pump 4d is configured to supply hot water, a general pump can be used instead of a tube pump.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning tank 5 is provided with a concentration sensor 6, a temperature sensor 7, and a stirrer 8. The concentration sensor 6 constitutes the detergent concentration detection device 31 according to the present invention together with the temperature sensor 7, the mixing promotion unit (agitator in this example) 8, the control unit 10, the operation unit 11, the display unit 12, and the flow rate reduction unit 13 described later. In this example, as an example, as shown in FIG. 2, a columnar main body 6a and an electric power source provided with a pair of detection electrodes 6b and 6b projecting from one end face of the main body 6a in a mutually parallel state. It consists of a conductivity sensor. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the density | concentration sensor 6 is mounted | worn with the main-body part 6a in the mounting hole 5a formed in bottom wall W2 vicinity in the side wall W1 of the washing tank 5, The pair of detection electrodes 6b, 6 b is disposed in the cleaning tank 5 in a state of protruding into the cleaning tank 5. As will be described later, the concentration sensor 6 configured in this manner is supplied with a clock signal S1 having a predetermined voltage value from the control unit 10 to one of the detection electrodes 6b and 6b. The other detection electrodes have a pulse signal having an amplitude proportional to the electric conductivity Ec between the detection electrodes 6b and 6b (specifically, the electric conductivity Ec of the substance existing between the detection electrodes 6b and 6b) as the detection signal Se. 6b (see FIG. 5).

  Similar to the concentration sensor 6, the temperature sensor 7 is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall W 2 of the side wall W 1 of the cleaning tank 5, detects the water temperature Tw of the mixture of the detergent and the diluent, and indicates the water temperature Tw. Data D1 is output. The stirrer 8 includes an electric motor 8a and a stirring blade 8b that is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall W2 of the cleaning tank 5 and is rotationally driven by the electric motor 8a. Further, the agitator 8 operates the electric motor 8a when the control signal S2 is input from the control unit 10 and rotates the agitation blade 8b, whereby the detergent and the diluent supplied to the cleaning tank 5 are mixed. A water flow is generated in the mixed solution and stirred to promote the mixed state of the detergent and the diluent (transition to a more uniform mixed state).

  Further, in this example, the washing tank 5 is provided with a flow velocity reduction unit 13 for decelerating (reducing) the flow velocity of the mixed liquid generated by the stirrer 8 in the vicinity of the concentration sensor 6 of the water flow. . As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the flow velocity reduction unit 13 is configured to surround a pair of detection electrodes 6 b and 6 b of the concentration sensor 6. Specifically, the flow velocity reduction unit 13 includes, as an example, a wall portion 13a positioned in front of the detection electrodes 6b and 6b (projecting direction), wall portions 13b and 13c positioned in the left-right direction of the detection electrodes 6b and 6b, and detection. The wall portion 13d is provided below the electrodes 6b and 6b. In this case, the wall portion 13a is formed in a square shape in plan view as an example, and is arranged in a state parallel to the side wall W1 of the cleaning tank 5 and spaced apart from the bottom wall W2. Each of the wall portions 13b and 13c is also formed in a square shape in plan view, and is disposed in a state of being separated from the bottom wall W2 by a predetermined distance and parallel to each other. The wall 13b is disposed between the left side of the wall 13a and the side wall W1 of the cleaning tank 5 in a state perpendicular to the wall 13a and the side wall W1. On the other hand, the wall 13c is disposed between the right side of the wall 13a and the side wall W1 of the cleaning tank 5 in a state perpendicular to the wall 13a and the side wall W1. As an example, the wall portion 13d is formed in a square shape in plan view, and in the rectangular gap formed by the wall portions 13a, the lower portions of the wall portion 13b and the wall portion 13c, and the side wall W1 of the cleaning tank 5, the cleaning tank 5 Are arranged in parallel with the bottom wall W2. The wall 13d has three sides in contact with the lower sides of the wall 13a, the wall 13b, and the wall 13c, and the remaining one side (one side on the side wall W1 of the cleaning tank 5) is separated from the side wall W1. It is arranged by. In this example, the wall 13b is connected to the left side of the wall 13a, the wall 13c is connected to the right side, and the walls 13a to 13c are formed in a U-shape as a whole as shown in FIG. The wall portion 13d is connected to the lower side of the portion 13a, and the wall portions 13a to 13d are integrally formed. Moreover, as shown to FIGS. 2-4, the wall parts 13e and 13f for fixation are connected to the opposite side of the side connected with the wall part 13a in each wall part 13b and 13c, and the flow-speed reduction part 13 is each The fixing wall portions 13e and 13f are attached to the side wall W1 by being fixed to the side wall W1 with fixing screws 14 and 14.

  With this configuration, the flow velocity reduction unit 13 prevents the liquid mixture flowing from the front of the concentration sensor 6 (in the direction of the tip of the detection electrodes 6b and 6b) from reaching the detection electrodes 6b and 6b with a high flow rate. The wall 13b and 13c prevent the liquid mixture flowing from the left and right directions of the concentration sensor 6 from reaching the detection electrodes 6b and 6b while maintaining a high flow velocity. The wall portion 13d prevents the liquid mixture flowing from below (the liquid mixture flowing along the bottom wall W2 of the cleaning tank 5) from reaching the detection electrodes 6b and 6b while maintaining a high flow velocity. The flow velocity reduction unit 13 is open as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 above the concentration sensor 6, and one side of the wall 13d is shown below the concentration sensor 6 as shown in FIGS. A narrow gap SP is generated between the side wall W1 of the cleaning tank 5 and the side wall W1. For this reason, the convection of the mixed solution to the vicinity of the detection electrodes 6b, 6b through the upper open portion and the lower gap SP in the flow velocity reduction unit 13 is ensured, and in the mixed solution detected by the concentration sensor 6 The concentration of the detergent is maintained equal to the concentration in the other areas of the cleaning tank 5.

  The electromagnetic valve 9 is connected to the bottom wall W <b> 2 of the cleaning tank 5 and is interposed in a liquid feeding pipe 23 that communicates with the cleaning tank 5. Further, the electromagnetic valve 9 opens and closes based on the control signal S3 output from the control unit 10 to put the liquid feeding pipe 23 into an open state or a closed state. In this detergent supply apparatus 1, since the liquid feeding pipe 23 is connected to the pipeline of the milking machine, the mixture of the detergent and the diluent contained in the washing tub 5 is the electromagnetic valve 9 by the above configuration. Is supplied to the pipeline via the liquid feeding pipe 23 when the is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 10 includes a CPU 10a, a pulse generation circuit 10b, a detection circuit 10c, an A / D conversion circuit 10d, and a memory 10e. In this case, the CPU 10a controls the pumps 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d by outputting the control signals Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, and Sp4, and controls the stirrer 8 by outputting the control signal S2. The control for the solenoid valve 9 is executed by outputting the control signal S3. Moreover, CPU10a, ie, the control part 10, functions as the 1st measurement part and 2nd measurement part in this invention, and measures the operating time of each pump 4. FIG. Specifically, the CPU 10 a measures the operation time of each pump 4 by measuring the output time of each control signal Sp output to each pump 4.

  Further, the CPU 10a operates the pulse generation circuit 10b to generate the clock signal S1. In this case, the pulse generation circuit 10b generates a clock signal S1 having a predetermined amplitude at a predetermined cycle under the control of the CPU 10a and outputs the clock signal S1 to one detection electrode 6b of the concentration sensor 6. The detection circuit 10c receives the detection signal Se (pulse signal) generated at the other detection electrode 6b of the corresponding density sensor 6 in the supply state of the clock signal S1, performs rectification, smoothing, and level conversion to generate a DC signal. Convert to Se2 and output. The A / D conversion circuit 10d receives the DC signal Se2 from the detection circuit 10c, generates digital data Dve indicating the amplitude, and outputs it to the CPU 10a.

  In this case, the amplitude of the detection signal Se generated at the other detection electrode 6b of the concentration sensor 6 changes in proportion to the electrical conductivity Ec between the pair of detection electrodes 6b and 6b as described above. In addition, it is known that the electrical conductivity Ec of the mixture of detergent and diluent changes in proportion to the concentration of the detergent in the mixture. It is also known that the concentration of the mixed solution varies depending on the water temperature Tw of the mixed solution. Therefore, the CPU 10a uses the digital data Dve indicating the amplitude of the detection signal Se, the proportionality constant Kp for each detergent to be described later, and the temperature correction coefficient Kt for each detergent to be described later, the detergent in the mixed liquid in the cleaning tank 5. The concentration of can be calculated almost accurately.

  The memory 10e is a proportional constant for determining the concentration of each detergent by multiplying the type of detergent (bactericide, alkaline detergent and acidic detergent) to be supplied to the milking machine pipeline, and the electrical conductivity Ec for each detergent. Kp (disinfectant: Kp1, alkaline detergent: Kp2, acidic detergent: Kp3), temperature correction factor Kt for each detergent concentration (disinfectant: Kt1, alkaline detergent: Kt2, acidic detergent: Kt3), target for each detergent Dilution concentration De (predetermined concentration (target concentration) in the present invention, De1 for a disinfectant, De2 for an alkaline detergent, De3 for an acidic detergent), and a liquid amount M (disinfectant: M1) of each detergent , Alkaline detergent: M2, acidic detergent: M3), and the CPU 10a operation program and the like are stored. The control unit 10 configured as described above rewrites the target dilution concentration De of each detergent and the liquid amount M of each detergent mixture stored in the memory 10e in accordance with a command input from the operation unit 11. Execute processing and detergent supply processing. The display part 12 is comprised with a display apparatus as an example, and displays the result of a detergent supply process, etc. on a screen.

  Next, operations of the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. As an example of the detergent, the detergent tank 2a contains a bactericide, the detergent tank 2b contains an alkaline detergent, and the detergent tank 2c contains an acidic detergent.

  In the detergent supply device 1, in the operating state, the temperature sensor 7 is a temperature indicating the temperature in the cleaning tank 5 (the temperature when the cleaning tank 5 is empty, and the water temperature when the cleaning tank 5 contains liquid). Output of data D1 is started. The control unit 10 repeatedly executes the main process shown in FIG. In this main process, first, the control unit 10 repeatedly detects whether or not an instruction indicating which of the rewriting process and the detergent supply process is to be executed is output from the operation unit 11 (step 51). When the output is detected, it is determined whether the process indicated by the command is a rewrite process or a detergent supply process (step 52). As a result of this determination, the control unit 10 executes the rewriting process when the process indicated by the command is the rewriting process (step 53), and executes the detergent supplying process when the process is the detergent supplying process (step 54).

  In the rewrite process, the control unit 10 first repeatedly detects whether or not rewrite data is output from the operation unit 11 (step 61). When the output of the rewrite data is detected, each detergent stored in the memory 10e is detected. Is rewritten with the numerical value of the item to be rewritten included in the rewriting data of the target dilution concentration De and the liquid amount M of each detergent mixture (step 62). For example, when the item to be rewritten included in the rewrite data is the liquid amount of the disinfectant in the detergent, the liquid amount M1 of the detergent is rewritten with the numerical value to be rewritten included in the rewrite data. Thereby, the target dilution concentration De and the liquid amount M of each detergent mixture stored in the memory 10e are rewritten to arbitrary numerical values. Thereby, the rewriting process is completed.

  On the other hand, in the detergent supply process, the control unit 10 first causes the pulse generation circuit 10b to start generating the clock signal S1 (step 71). As a result, the clock signal S1 is supplied to one detection electrode 6b of the concentration sensor 6, and the output of the detection signal Se is started from the other detection electrode 6b of the concentration sensor 6. The detection circuit 10c starts an operation of converting the detection signal Se output from the concentration sensor 6 into a DC signal Se2, and outputs the DC signal Se2, and the A / D conversion circuit 10d receives the DC signal Se2 output from the detection circuit 10c. The operation of converting to digital data Dve and outputting it to the CPU 10a is started.

  Next, a diluent supply process for supplying a predetermined amount of diluent from the diluent tank 3 to the cleaning tank 5 is executed (step 72). In this dilution liquid supply process, the control unit 10 first reads the liquid amount M1 of the liquid mixture for the bactericide from the memory 10e. Next, the control unit 10 calculates the operation time T1 of the pump 4d by dividing the liquid amount M1 by the supply amount (known) per unit time of the pump 4d. Subsequently, the control unit 10 outputs the control signal Sp4 to the pump 4d for the calculated operation time T1. As a result, the pump 4d operates and stops only for the operation time T1, and as a result, the diluent M is supplied from the diluent tank 3 to the cleaning tank 5 by the liquid amount M (a predetermined amount in the present invention). In addition, since each detergent is diluted at a concentration of about several percent at most with the diluent, the liquid volume of the mixed liquid of the detergent and the diluent substantially matches the liquid volume M of the diluent.

  Further, in this dilution liquid supply process, when abnormality such as non-dilution liquid supply to the dilution liquid tank 3, failure of the pump 4d, and clogging of at least one of the liquid supply pipes 21d and 22d has occurred. A situation occurs in which the diluent is not supplied to the cleaning tank 5. For this reason, in the diluent supply process, the control unit 10 detects the electrical conductivity Ec based on the digital data Dve output from the A / D conversion circuit 10d, and the elapsed time Td from the start of the operation of the pump 4d. When the elapsed time Td becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined time Tr1 (any time less than the calculated operation time T1), the detected electric conductivity Ec is the electric conductivity at the beginning of the operation of the pump 4d. The degree of change Ec (in this case, since the washing tank 5 is empty, the electric conductivity Ec1 of air) is determined to determine whether or not the electric conductivity Ec2 of the diluent has been reached. When the above-described abnormality has occurred, the detected electrical conductivity Ec does not reach the electrical conductivity Ec2 of the diluent, so the control unit 10 determines that an abnormality has occurred and Information is displayed on the display unit 12 for notification. Thereby, the worker can recognize the occurrence of the abnormality.

  Next, the control unit 10 outputs a control signal S2 to the stirrer 8 to start the stirring operation of the liquid in the cleaning tank 5, and at the same time the liquid in the cleaning tank 5 based on the temperature data D1 output from the temperature sensor 7. Detection of the water temperature Tw of the diluted solution or the mixed solution of the detergent and the diluted solution is started. Moreover, the control part 10 continues the detection of the electrical conductivity Ec of the liquid in the washing tank 5 based on the digital data Dve (step 73). Subsequently, the control unit 10 repeatedly detects whether or not a command indicating which detergent among the disinfectant, the alkaline detergent, and the acidic detergent is supplied to the cleaning tank 5 is output from the operation unit 11 (step 74). When the output of this command is detected, the proportionality constant Kp, temperature correction coefficient Kt, target dilution concentration De, and liquid amount M for the detergent designated by the command are read from the memory 10e. Hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that a sterilizing agent is specified in this command, and the control unit 10 reads out the proportionality constant Kp1, the temperature correction coefficient Kt1, the target dilution concentration De1, and the liquid amount M1 for the sterilizing agent from the memory 10e. .

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 outputs a control signal Sp to the pump 4 corresponding to the detergent designated by the command from the operation unit 11, thereby transferring the detergent designated by the command from the detergent tank 2 to the cleaning tank 5. The supply of the detergent is started, and the measurement of the elapsed time Td from the start of the supply of the detergent is started in the same manner as when the diluent is supplied (step 75). In this example, the control unit 10 outputs the control signal Sp1 to the pump 4a, thereby starting the supply of the sterilizing agent from the detergent tank 2a to the cleaning tank 5, and the elapsed time Td from the start of the supply of the sterilizing agent. Start measurement. In this case, since the diluent stored in the cleaning tank 5 is stirred by the stirrer 8 and a water flow is generated, the detergent supplied to the cleaning tank 5 is well mixed with the diluent. (The mixed state is promoted well).

  Next, the control unit 10 detects the electric conductivity Ec of the liquid in the cleaning tank 5 detected based on the digital data Dve, the proportionality constant Kp read from the memory 10e (in this example, the bactericide: Kp1), and the temperature correction coefficient. Based on Kt (in this example, bactericidal agent: Kt1), the concentration D of the liquid mixture of the detergent and diluent in the cleaning tank 5 is calculated (step 76). Specifically, the control unit 10 multiplies the electrical conductivity Ec by a proportional constant Kp, and further multiplies the multiplied value by a temperature correction coefficient Kt to calculate the concentration D. In this case, the concentration D (electric conductivity Ec) of the liquid mixture increases as the temperature rises. For this reason, even if the temperature of the mixed liquid changes by multiplying the product of the electrical conductivity Ec and the proportionality constant Kp by the temperature correction coefficient Kt to perform temperature correction (temperature compensation), the detergent has a predetermined concentration (target). A mixture is prepared which is diluted exactly to the dilution concentration De). In this case, a configuration in which temperature correction is performed on the target dilution concentration De (predetermined concentration) can also be employed. Further, when calculating the concentration D, if the flow velocity in the vicinity of the concentration sensor 6 is too large due to the water flow generated by the stirring of the stirrer 8, the electric conductivity Ec of the liquid mixture in the concentration sensor 6 is accurately detected. In this example, since the flow velocity around the concentration sensor 6 is sufficiently decelerated due to the presence of the flow velocity decelerating unit 13, the concentration sensor 6 can accurately detect the electrical conductivity Ec. It has become. Further, the control unit 10 detects whether or not the elapsed time Td being measured is equal to or greater than the predetermined time Tr2 (predetermined time in the present invention, which is a preset arbitrary time) along with the calculation of the concentration D. Is executed (step 77).

  The control unit 10 repeatedly executes steps 76 and 77 while comparing the calculated concentration D with the target dilution concentration De (in this example, bactericide: De1) read from the memory 10e (step 78). As a result of the comparison, when the calculated concentration D is equal to or higher than the target dilution concentration De, the output of the control signal Sp to the pump 4 corresponding to the detergent designated by the command from the operation unit 11 is stopped, and the detergent tank The supply of detergent from 2 to the washing tank 5 is stopped (step 79). In this example, the control unit 10 stops the supply of the sterilizing agent from the detergent tank 2a to the cleaning tank 5 by stopping the output of the control signal Sp1 to the pump 4a and stopping the operation of the pump 4a. Thereby, preparation of the liquid mixture (detergent diluted with target dilution concentration De) of a detergent and a dilution liquid is completed.

  Next, the control unit 10 stops the output of the control signal S2 to the stirrer 8 to stop the operation of the stirrer 8 (step 80), and outputs the control signal S3 to the electromagnetic valve 9 for a predetermined time. Thereby, the liquid mixture of the liquid amount M (M1 in the case of a disinfectant) is supplied from the washing tank 5 to the milking machine via the liquid feeding pipe 23 (step 81), and this detergent supply process is completed.

  On the other hand, the storage capacity of the detergent to be supplied to the cleaning tank 5 is insufficient, the pumps 4a to 4c corresponding to the detergent tank 2 are faulty, and the space between the detergent tank 2 and the cleaning tank 5 is insufficient. If an abnormality such as the occurrence of clogging in at least one of the liquid feeding pipes 21a to 21c and 22a to 22c has occurred, even if the elapsed time Td from the start of the supply of the detergent reaches the predetermined time Tr2, step 76 is performed. The concentration D of the liquid mixture calculated in the step does not reach the target dilution concentration De. For this reason, the control unit 10 determines that the abnormality has occurred when it detects that the elapsed time Td is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Tr2 in Step 77 while repeatedly executing Steps 76 to 78. Then, a notification process such as displaying the fact on the display unit 12 is executed (step 82), and the detergent supply process is terminated. Accordingly, the operator can recognize that some abnormality has occurred in the supply process of the detergent to the cleaning tank 5.

  In step 74, when an alkaline detergent or an acidic detergent is designated, the control unit 10 executes the detergent supply process in the same manner as when the above-mentioned disinfectant is designated, and no abnormality occurs. A liquid mixture of a liquid amount M (a liquid amount M2 for an alkaline detergent and a liquid amount M3 for an acidic detergent) obtained by diluting an alkaline detergent or an acidic detergent with a diluent to a target dilution concentration De is supplied from the washing tank 5 through a liquid feeding pipe 23. When the abnormality occurs, on the other hand, when the abnormality occurs, the mixed liquid is not supplied, and the fact that the abnormality has occurred is displayed on the display unit 12.

  Thus, according to the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1, the control unit 10 supplies the cleaning tank 5 in a state in which a predetermined amount of diluent (liquid amount M corresponding to the detergent to be diluted) is supplied. The detergent is supplied by the corresponding pump 4 and the operation of the pump 4 is stopped when the concentration D of the mixture of the detergent and the diluent detected by the concentration sensor 6 reaches a predetermined concentration (target dilution concentration De). As a result, it is possible to prepare a mixed liquid having a desired liquid amount M without using a detergent cylinder, so that the configuration of the detergent supply device can be simplified to the extent that the detergent cylinder can be dispensed with. In addition, since the liquid amount of the diluted liquid supplied to the cleaning tank 5 can be changed only by rewriting the liquid amount M for each detergent stored in the memory 10e by the operation of the operation unit 11, in the cleaning tank 5, As a result of the ability to freely change the volume of the liquid mixture to be prepared, the liquid volume of the liquid mixture of the detergent and diluent is changed compared to conventional detergent supply devices that require manual adjustment of the device configuration Work can be done easily.

  Further, according to the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1, the detergent tank 2 (detergent tanks 2a to 2c in the above example) is provided for each of different types of detergents (in the above example, bactericides, alkaline detergents, and acidic detergents). Are arranged, and the control unit 10 operates the pump 4 corresponding to the detergent when the concentration of the mixture of the detergent and the diluent becomes a predetermined concentration (target dilution concentration De) defined in advance for each detergent. By stopping, any one of the plurality of detergents can be diluted to a predetermined concentration (target dilution concentration De) defined in the detergent to prepare and supply a mixed solution.

  Moreover, according to this detergent concentration detection apparatus 31 and the detergent supply apparatus 1, the control part 10 calculates temperature D based on the temperature (water temperature Tw) detected with the temperature sensor 7, and calculates the density | concentration D of a liquid mixture. Thus, even if the temperature of the mixed solution changes, it is possible to prepare and supply a mixed solution in which the detergent is accurately diluted to a predetermined concentration (target dilution concentration De).

  Furthermore, according to the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1, the control unit 10 functioning as a measurement unit measures the elapsed time Td from the start of the supply of the detergent, and the elapsed time Td is a predetermined time defined in advance. When the concentration D of the mixed solution does not reach the target dilution concentration De when it is equal to or higher than Tr2, the operator notifies the fact using the display unit 12 so that the operator can detect the failure of the pumps 4a to 4c or the liquid supply pipe. Occurrence of abnormalities such as clogging of pipes 21a to 21c and 22a to 22c can be confirmed reliably and easily.

  Moreover, according to this detergent concentration detection apparatus 31 and the detergent supply apparatus 1, the control part 10 which functions as a measurement part measures the elapsed time Td from the supply start of a dilution liquid, and this elapsed time Td is predetermined predetermined. When the electric conductivity Ec detected by the concentration sensor 6 does not reach the predetermined electric conductivity (the electric conductivity Ec2 of the diluted solution) after the time Tr1, it is notified using the display unit 12. Thus, the operator can surely and easily confirm the occurrence of an abnormality such as a failure of the pump 4d or clogging of the liquid feeding pipes 21d and 22d.

  In addition, according to the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1, the stirrer 8 generates a water flow in the mixed solution to promote the mixed state of the detergent and the diluted solution, whereby the concentration D of the mixed solution is increased. Since it can be accurately detected by the sensor 6, it is possible to prepare and supply a mixed solution in which the detergent is diluted accurately to the target dilution concentration De.

  Further, according to the detergent concentration detection device 31 and the detergent supply device 1, the flow velocity reduction unit 13 disposed in the vicinity of the concentration sensor 6 decelerates the flow velocity of the water flow in the vicinity of the concentration sensor 6. Since D can be accurately detected by the concentration sensor 6, it is possible to prepare and supply a mixed solution in which the detergent is more accurately diluted to the target dilution concentration De.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a diluent is supplied to the cleaning tank 5 and then a desired detergent is supplied to the cleaning tank 5, but conversely, a desired detergent is supplied to the cleaning tank 5. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the diluent is supplied to the cleaning tank 5 after that. Moreover, although the structure which uses 3 types of detergents (a disinfectant, an alkaline detergent, and an acidic detergent) as a detergent is employ | adopted, the structure which uses 1 type, 2 types, or 4 or more types of detergent can also be employ | adopted. . Moreover, in said detergent supply apparatus 1, although the liquid mixture of a detergent is supplied to the pipeline of a milking machine from the washing tank 5, of course, it can supply to the bulk cooler which comprises some milking machines.

  2 to 4 as an example, that is, the concentration sensor 6 is surrounded by four wall portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, depending on the direction of the water flow of the mixed liquid. In place of the wall portion 13d located below, a wall portion is provided above the concentration sensor 6, one of the left and right wall portions 13b and 13c is omitted, and the wall portion 13a is omitted. The flow velocity reduction part 13 can be comprised. Moreover, the flow velocity reduction | decrease part 13 can also be comprised by forming one or more penetration holes in at least 1 of such a wall part. Further, when the water flow generated in the liquid mixture by the stirrer 8 has a flow velocity that does not interfere with the detection of the electric conductivity by the concentration sensor 6, the arrangement of the flow velocity reduction unit 13 can be omitted.

  Moreover, although the stirrer 8 provided with the stirring blade 8b is employ | adopted as an example of a mixing promotion part, of course, you may employ | adopt the stirrer 8 provided with stirring means other than the stirring blade 8b. For example, it is possible to employ a stirrer 8 configured to stir by repeating the suction / discharge operation of the mixed liquid. Moreover, when using a detergent with high diffusibility with respect to a dilution liquid, the structure which does not use the stirrer 8 is also employable. Further, the temperature sensor 7 is used to correct the concentration D so that a liquid mixture having a predetermined concentration can be supplied without being affected by the temperature change. If it is assumed that the temperature sensor 7 is used, a configuration in which the temperature sensor 7 is omitted may be employed. In addition, although an example in which a display device is used as the display unit 12 has been described above, notification can be performed 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. Further, a configuration in which the control unit 10 (specifically, the CPU 10a) functions as a measurement unit in the present invention, or a configuration in which a timer IC or the like is separately provided as the measurement unit may be employed.

  In addition, the concentration sensor 6, the temperature sensor 7, the mixing promotion unit (stirrer) 8, the control unit 10, the operation unit 11, the display unit 12, and the flow rate reduction unit 13 are described above as examples of the detergent concentration detection device 31. Components other than the concentration sensor 6 and the control unit 10 that are essential components can be appropriately provided according to the required functions. In addition, the detergent supply device 1 can also be constructed by incorporating the detergent concentration detection device 31 into an already constructed detergent supply device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the detergent density | concentration detection apparatus 31 and the detergent supply apparatus 1. It is a principal part perspective view of concentration sensor 6 and the flow velocity reduction part 13 vicinity in FIG. It is the top view seen from the upper side of FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view seen from the lower side of FIG. 2 (a state in which the bottom wall W2 is partially cut away). 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit 10. FIG. It is a flowchart of the main process of the detergent supply apparatus. It is a flowchart of the rewriting process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the detergent supply process of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Detergent supply apparatus 2a, 2b, 2c Detergent tank 3 Diluent tank 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d Pump 5 Washing tank 6 Concentration sensor 7 Temperature sensor 8 Stirrer 10 Control part 13 Flow velocity reduction part 31 Detergent concentration detection apparatus D Concentration De Target dilution concentration Td Elapsed time Tr2 Predetermined time

Claims (7)

A concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of a mixed liquid obtained by mixing either one of the detergent and the diluent with respect to any one of the detergent and the diluent supplied in the detergent container; ,
A detergent concentration detecting device comprising: a control unit that stops the operation of the first pump that supplies the other liquid into the detergent container when the concentration detected by the concentration sensor reaches a predetermined concentration. . A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the detergent container;
The detergent concentration detection device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes temperature correction for the concentration detected by the concentration sensor or the predetermined concentration based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A first measuring unit that measures an elapsed time from the start of operation of the first pump;
The said control part alert | reports that when the elapsed time measured by the said 1st measurement part becomes more than predetermined time prescribed | regulated previously, and the said density | concentration does not reach the said predetermined density | concentration. Detergent concentration detector. A second measuring unit that measures an elapsed time from the start of operation of a second pump that supplies the one liquid to the detergent container;
The concentration sensor is composed of an electrical conductivity sensor,
When the elapsed time measured by the second measurement unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and the electrical conductivity detected by the electrical conductivity sensor does not reach a predetermined electrical conductivity, the control unit The detergent concentration detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which notifies that effect.   The detergent concentration detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a mixing promoting unit that generates a water flow to promote a mixed state of the detergent and the diluent.   The detergent concentration detection apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a flow rate reduction unit that reduces a flow rate of the water flow in the vicinity of the concentration sensor. The detergent concentration detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The detergent container containing the mixed solution;
The first pump for supplying the other liquid into the detergent container;
A detergent supply device for preparing and supplying the liquid mixture of the predetermined concentration in the detergent container.

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