JP2009202156A - Cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning method and apparatus capable of achieving a high cleaning effect in ultrasonic cleaning with a water-based cleaning agent. <P>SOLUTION: A cleaning apparatus 1 includes: a cleaning tank 2 for storing a cleaning liquid R containing a surfactant; an ultrasonic oscillator 4 for applying ultrasonic waves to the cleaning liquid R; a recovery tank 3 for receiving the cleaning liquid R overflowing from the cleaning tank 2; a supply pipe 5 for connecting the recovery tank 3 to the cleaning tank 2; and a pump 6 on the supply pipe 5. The cleaning liquid R contained in the recovery tank 3 is sucked, mixed with air and pumped by the pump 6 to be injected into the cleaning tank 2 through a nozzle 7, thereby generating a layer B of many fine bubbles on the surface of the cleaning liquid R in the cleaning tank 2. A plastic lens 10 to be cleaned is passed through the bubble layer B to be immersed in the cleaning liquid R, and is then cleaned by applying ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic oscillator 4 into the cleaning liquid R. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning method and a cleaning apparatus for removing dirt adhered to a cleaning article in a cleaning tank.

Ultrasonic cleaning using ultrasonic waves has been widely performed for cleaning cleaning articles. In order to improve the cleaning performance of this ultrasonic cleaning, methods such as increasing the performance of the cleaning liquid itself, increasing the output of the ultrasonic oscillator, or changing the oscillation frequency are being implemented. The burden is great. Conventionally, solvent-based cleaning agents such as methylene chloride, triethane, trichlorethylene, and chlorofluorocarbon have been frequently used as cleaning solutions. in use. Actually, the cleaning performance of the aqueous cleaning liquid is clearly lower than that of the solvent-based cleaning agent.

In order to improve the cleaning performance of such ultrasonic cleaning, in the degreasing cleaning apparatus that performs cleaning by immersing the cleaning body in the cleaning storage tank, a gas pressurizing and mixing means is provided in the middle of the cleaning circuit, and the cleaning liquid storage tank A degreasing and cleaning device for machine parts that has ultrasonic vibration means disposed on the surface has been proposed (
For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 7-278860 A

The cleaning apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is said to irradiate a cleaning liquid containing fine bubbles with ultrasonic waves, so that the fine bubbles are united and floated, whereby the liquid flow is activated and the cleaning effect is enhanced. However, the improvement of the cleaning effect up to a certain level can be expected, but the cleaning effect is low, and repeated cleaning operations are required.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning method and a cleaning apparatus capable of obtaining a high cleaning effect in ultrasonic cleaning using an aqueous cleaning agent.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the cleaning method of the present invention mixes air into a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant supplied to a cleaning tank, and has a large number of fine particles on the surface of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank. Generating a foam layer, immersing the cleaning article through the foam layer in the cleaning liquid, and irradiating the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves to clean the cleaning article. It is characterized by that.

According to the above cleaning method, fine bubbles are generated on the surface of the cleaning liquid by mixing air into the cleaning liquid containing the surfactant to be supplied to the cleaning tank, and when the cleaning article is immersed in the cleaning liquid, Fine bubbles adhere to the surface. By irradiating the ultrasonic wave, the dirt attached to the cleaning article is peeled off by the physical force of the ultrasonic wave, and the bubbles attached to the surface of the cleaning article move so as to trace the surface, and the attached dirt is washed. The cleaning quality of the cleaning article is improved by obtaining a high cleaning effect. Moreover, it becomes possible to reduce the usage-amount of a cleaning agent by raising the capability of a washing | cleaning liquid.

In the cleaning method of the present invention, the concentration of the surfactant is 0.1 to 50% by weight.
According to the above cleaning method, depending on the selected cleaning agent, in the case of a general aqueous cleaning agent, when the concentration of the surfactant added to the cleaning liquid is 0.1 to 50% by weight, the cleaning agent The ability of itself can be demonstrated and a high cleaning effect can be obtained.

In the cleaning method of the present invention, the amount of air mixed into the cleaning liquid is 0.01 to 3% of the internal volume of the cleaning tank per minute.
According to the above-described cleaning method, the amount of air mixed into the cleaning liquid is mixed at 0.01 to 3% with respect to the size of the cleaning tank per minute, so that a predetermined amount of bubbles can be mixed into the predetermined amount. Can be generated, and a high cleaning effect can be obtained.

The cleaning method of the present invention is characterized in that the diameter of the bubbles is 0.01 to 2 mm.
According to said washing | cleaning method, a high washing | cleaning effect can be acquired because the magnitude | size of each bubble generated on the liquid level of a washing | cleaning liquid is 0.01-2 mm in the diameter of a bubble. When the size of the foam exceeds 2 mm, it is difficult for the foam to adhere to the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the cleaning effect decreases. On the other hand, when the thickness is less than 0.01 mm, the effect of moving the surface of the cleaning article due to ultrasonic vibration and bubble breakage is small and the cleaning effect is low.

In the cleaning method of the present invention, the foam layer has a thickness of 1 to 50 mm from the surface of the cleaning liquid.
According to said washing | cleaning method, the thickness of the bubble layer generate | occur | produced on the liquid level of a washing | cleaning liquid can acquire a high washing | cleaning effect because it is 1-50 mm from the liquid level of a washing | cleaning liquid. The thickness of the foam layer is 50mm
If it exceeds 1, the bubbles themselves will not be fine, and the cleaning effect will be lost. On the other hand, when the thickness is less than 1 mm, the cleaning effect is lowered because there are too few bubbles adhering to the surface of the cleaning article.

In the cleaning method of the present invention, the cleaning article is a lens.
According to the above-described cleaning method, the cleaning effect is exhibited by the bubbles adhering to the surface of the cleaning article moving so as to trace the surface. Therefore, as a cleaning article, minute protrusions and holes (unevenness)
However, it is effective for cleaning articles having a smooth surface such as various lenses including eyeglass lenses.

Further, the cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes a cleaning tank that stores a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant, an ultrasonic oscillator that is disposed on the lower surface of the cleaning tank and that irradiates the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves, and the periphery of the cleaning tank A recovery tank that contains the cleaning liquid overflowing from the cleaning tank, and a circulation channel that circulates between the recovery tank and the cleaning tank. Air that mixes air into the cleaning liquid on the circulation channel A mixing means is provided.

According to the above configuration, the cleaning liquid containing the surfactant to be supplied to the cleaning tank generates fine bubbles on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid by mixing air with the air mixing means, and is stored in the cleaning tank. By irradiating the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic oscillator inside, it is possible to provide a cleaning device capable of obtaining a high cleaning effect while managing the amount of bubbles on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid.

In the cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the aeration unit is a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning tank.
According to said structure, while using the washing | cleaning liquid containing surfactant, it is possible to improve a washing | cleaning capability by arranging the washing | cleaning liquid supply means of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus generally used conventionally as an air mixing means. Yes, the cleaning quality can be improved simply and at low cost.

The cleaning device of the present invention is characterized in that an opening / closing valve body for adjusting the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is provided on the liquid suction side of the cleaning liquid supply means.
According to the above configuration, by changing the opening degree of the on-off valve body, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid sucked by the cleaning liquid supply means is changed, and the amount of bubbles remaining on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank is reduced. Can be adjusted.

The cleaning apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that a large number of notches are formed in the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank.
According to said structure, while many notches are formed in the peripheral part of a washing tank, while being able to overflow a cleaning liquid more than necessary from a washing tank, a foam layer can be made to stay in a washing tank.

Further, the cleaning device of the present invention includes a dam plate in the cleaning tank, the dam plate has a shape that follows the inner periphery of the cleaning tank, and is stored in the inside partitioned by the dam plate. The liquid level is higher by a predetermined dimension than the level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank.
According to said structure, while providing a weir board in the inner peripheral part of a washing tank, while being able to overflow the cleaning liquid more than necessary from a washing tank, the layer of foam can be made to stay in a washing tank.

The schematic diagram which shows an example of the washing | cleaning apparatus of this invention. The schematic diagram of the peripheral part of a washing tank. The schematic diagram of the washing tank explaining another method of making a foam layer retain in a washing tank. The schematic diagram of the washing | cleaning apparatus explaining another method of mixing air in a washing | cleaning liquid. The schematic diagram explaining another method of supplying foam to a washing tank.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The cleaning method and the cleaning device of the present invention generate a foam layer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as foam) that can be disadvantageous in ultrasonic cleaning on the cleaning liquid surface, and always allow the foam to stay on the liquid surface. Therefore, it is to improve the efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning. Note that the cleaning method of the present embodiment will be described in the case where a cleaning liquid supply unit (pump) is used as an air mixing unit and a spectacle lens (plastic lens) made of plastic, for example, is cleaned as a cleaning article.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cleaning apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a peripheral portion of a cleaning tank.
In FIG. 1, a cleaning apparatus 1 includes a cleaning tank 2 for storing a cleaning liquid R, a recovery tank 3 for storing a cleaning liquid R overflowing from the cleaning tank 2, a pump 6 as a cleaning liquid supply means, and a cleaning tank 2 for cleaning liquid R. A nozzle 7 that injects into the inside, a supply pipe 5 that supplies the cleaning liquid R from the collection tank 3 to the nozzle 7 via the pump 6, and a flow control valve 8 as an on-off valve body that adjusts the flow rate absorbed by the pump 6 And a filter 9.

The cleaning tank 2 is, for example, a box-shaped tank that stores the cleaning liquid R. The cleaning tank 2 is filled with the cleaning liquid R, and the plastic lens 10 as a cleaning article is cleaned in the cleaning liquid R. As shown in FIG. 2, a large number of notches 21 are formed in the peripheral portion of the cleaning tank 2. The details of the notch 21 at the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank 2 will be described later. An ultrasonic oscillator 4 for irradiating the cleaning liquid R with ultrasonic waves is disposed on the bottom of the box of the cleaning tank 2. Note that the ultrasonic oscillator 4 may be disposed on the obliquely lower side or the lateral side surface of the cleaning tank 2 in consideration of the material and shape of the cleaning article.

The cleaning liquid R is a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant, and based on an aqueous cleaning agent, a surfactant capable of generating bubbles is added. Examples of the surfactant capable of generating bubbles include nonionic and cationic surfactants.

The recovery tank 3 is disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the cleaning tank 2 and stores the cleaning liquid R that overflows from the cleaning tank 2.
The supply pipe 5 is a liquid distribution pipe that supplies the cleaning liquid R to the cleaning tank 2 via the pump 6.
And a supply pipe 51 connecting the liquid absorption (upstream) side of the pump 6 and a supply pipe 52 connecting the discharge (downstream) side of the pump 6 and the nozzle 7. In addition, a flow control valve 8 is provided on the supply pipe 51,
A filter 9 is provided on the supply pipe 52.

The pump 6 is, for example, an overflow turbine pump capable of sucking, mixing, and pumping (pressurizing) the liquid by a single unit, and the cleaning liquid R accommodated in the recovery tank 3 is absorbed through the supply pipe 51. Air is sucked from the (upstream) side at the same time, and air is sucked and discharged to the supply pipe 52 on the discharge (downstream) side while being pressurized.

The nozzle 7 is a nozzle that injects the cleaning liquid R supplied to the cleaning tank 2 and is disposed in the tank of the cleaning tank 2 (in the stored cleaning liquid R). The nozzle 7 is composed of, for example, a spray nozzle,
The cleaning liquid R connected to the downstream end of the supply pipe 52 and supplied via the pump 6 is injected into the cleaning tank 2 (in the stored cleaning liquid R), so that the cleaning liquid R is injected into the cleaning tank 2. While supplying, the liquid flow of the cleaning liquid R is generated in the cleaning tank 2. The nozzle 7 can be appropriately arranged with a plurality of nozzles at predetermined positions according to the cleaning article. The nozzle 7 is preferably arranged so that the liquid flow passes through the surface of the cleaning article.

The flow rate control valve 8 is disposed on the liquid absorption side of the pump 6 and adjusts the flow rate of the cleaning liquid R absorbed by the pump 6 by changing the opening of the valve. The flow rate control valve 8 is an electric drive valve, for example, a stepping motor drive valve, and the opening degree of the valve is adjusted by a control signal from a control unit (not shown). Of course, a throttle valve for manually adjusting the opening degree may be provided.

After the plastic lens 10 is cleaned, the filter 9 removes dirt and the like of the cleaning liquid R accommodated in the recovery tank 3 and discharged from the pump 6 through the supply pipe 51, and the cleaning liquid R passes through the pump 6. Thus, dirt generated from the mechanical sliding portion of the pump 6 mixed in the cleaning liquid R, metal powder due to wear, and the like are removed.

In the cleaning apparatus 1 configured as described above, the cleaning liquid R accommodated in the recovery tank 3 is sucked, air-mixed, and pumped by the pump 6 and injected into the cleaning tank 2 through the supply pipe 5 and the nozzle 7. ,
The cleaning liquid R overflowed from the cleaning tank 2 forms a circulation channel (circulation cycle) that returns to the recovery tank 3 again.
If necessary, a supply pipe (not shown) for supplying fresh cleaning liquid R to the collection tank 3 and a flow meter for measuring / displaying the flow rate of the cleaning liquid R discharged from the pump 6 are provided on the supply pipe 52. Can be arranged.

Next, a cleaning method using the cleaning apparatus 1 will be described.
First, when the power of the cleaning apparatus 1 is turned on, the pump 6 is operated, and the cleaning liquid R recovered in the recovery tank 3 is supplied from the nozzle 7 to the cleaning tank 2 through the supply pipe 5 (51, 52). (In the stored cleaning liquid R). The cleaning liquid R sprayed from the nozzle 7 is mixed /
Due to the fine air bubbles of the pressurized air, a surfactant bubble (bubble layer) B added to the cleaning liquid R is generated on the surface of the cleaning liquid R in the cleaning tank 2.

The optimum concentration of the cleaning liquid R that generates the bubbles B varies depending on the cleaning agent to be selected. However, if it is a general aqueous cleaning agent, bubbles can be generated even at a concentration of 100 ppm. However, the appropriate concentration that can demonstrate the ability of the cleaning agent itself is 0.1% to 50%.
Degree.

The amount of bubbles B generated can be adjusted by changing the flow rate of the cleaning liquid R absorbed by the pump 6 by changing the opening degree of the flow control valve 8 disposed on the liquid absorption side of the pump 6. it can. The flow rate of the cleaning liquid R is, for example, about 3 to 30 liters per minute if the internal volume of the cleaning tank 2 is 100 liters, and the amount of air mixed into the cleaning liquid R from the pump 6 is 10 cc per minute. To about 3000 cc (that is, 0.01% of the internal volume of the cleaning tank 2)
~ 3%) can be mixed to generate the optimum amount of foam B. The flow rate of the cleaning liquid R discharged from the pump 6 and the amount of air mixed into the cleaning liquid R may be set in proportion to the volume of the cleaning tank 2.

In addition, the cleaning liquid R having a concentration of 0.1% to 50% is added to 0.01 to 3% of the internal volume of the cleaning tank 2.
When the air flow is mixed and the flow rate is adjusted to about 3 to 30 liters per minute, the size of each of the bubbles B generated on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2 is 0.01 mm to 2 mm in diameter. B can be obtained, and a high cleaning effect can be obtained. When the size of the foam exceeds 2 mm, it is difficult for the foam to adhere to the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the cleaning effect is reduced. 0.0
In the case of less than 1 mm, there is little movement effect of the surface of the cleaning article due to ultrasonic vibration and bubble breakage,
Low cleaning effect.

And the foam (bubble layer) B generated on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid R in the cleaning tank 2 always stays on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2 by a large number of notches 21 formed on the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank 2. be able to.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank. As shown in FIG. 2, a large number of, for example, inverted triangular notches 21 are formed in the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning liquid R sprayed one after another from the nozzle 7 into the tank of the cleaning tank 2 flows out from the apex portion of the inverted triangle of the notch 21, and only certain bubbles B stay on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2.

The shape of the notch 21 is determined in consideration of the size (internal volume) of the cleaning tank 2 and the supply (discharge) performance of the pump 6. For example, when the supply performance of the pump 6 is high and the shape of the notch 21 is too small, the bubbles B flow out of the cleaning tank 2 without remaining on the liquid surface.

As an example of retaining the bubbles B on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2, the size of the cleaning tank 2 in the tank is W: 50 ×.
When D: 100 × H: 20 cm (capacity: 100 liters) and the supply performance of the cleaning liquid R of the pump 6 is 10 liters / minute, the shape of the notch 21 is an inverted triangle having a base of about 15 mm and a height of about 10 mm. The notch 21 is formed at intervals of about 5 cm on the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank 2.
By forming the bubble B, the bubbles B can be retained on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2.
The shape of the notch 21 is not limited to a triangle, and may be various squares, and may be a rectangle, a square quadrangle, or a shape with rounded corners.

In addition, the amount of foam B on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2 (the thickness of the foam layer) is effective when fine bubbles are present on the liquid surface, but the foam layer B exhibits a sufficient cleaning effect. Suitable thickness is 1mm ~ 50mm
Degree. The thickness of the bubble layer B on the liquid level is appropriately determined by changing the opening degree of the flow control valve 8 and changing the flow rate of the cleaning liquid R absorbed by the pump 6 and the number of the notches 21. Can be adjusted. Note that a slide-type moving tool or the like may be configured on the tank wall of the cleaning tank 2, and the depth (size) of the notch 21 may be adjusted by sliding the slide-type moving tool.

When the power of the ultrasonic oscillator 4 disposed on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2 is turned on, the cleaning liquid R in the cleaning tank 2 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves. When the cleaning liquid R is irradiated with ultrasonic waves, the fine bubbles in the cleaning liquid R are broken by the ultrasonic waves, but since the fine air bubbles mixed in the cleaning liquid R are always supplied from the nozzle 7, The fine bubbles will not disappear.

After the ultrasonic oscillator 4 oscillates, the plastic lens 10 is transferred to a transport device (not shown).
1 is carried into the cleaning tank 2 from above the liquid surface indicated by the arrow in FIG.

When the plastic lens 10 is immersed in the cleaning liquid R, the plastic lens 10 passes through the bubble (bubble layer) B staying on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid R, and the bubble b is attached to the lens surface and immersed in the cleaning liquid R. The Unlike the large bubbles, the liquid level bubbles B remain on the surface of the plastic lens 10 to some extent even when immersed in the cleaning liquid R. The amount of bubbles b attached to the lens surface varies depending on the material of the cleaning article to be cleaned. In the case of the plastic lens 10, the cleaning effect is exhibited if bubbles are attached to about 5% of the lens surface area. In addition, when the bubble B staying on the liquid surface is large, it rises from the cleaning liquid R toward the liquid surface and disappears.

The bubbles b adhering to the lens surface of the plastic lens 10 are vibrated and broken by the physical force of ultrasonic waves, and the dirt and the like adhering to the lens surface is cleaned (peeled) by the physical force. Also, bubble b
Moves up the lens so as to trace the lens surface by the physical force of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic oscillator 4, and the dirt adhering to the lens surface is washed, so that the washing effect can be further enhanced.
In addition, the liquid flow of the cleaning liquid R generated when the cleaning liquid R is jetted into the cleaning tank 2 from the nozzle 7 synergistically increases the cleaning effect by the ultrasonic waves.

Then, the plastic lens 10 immersed in the cleaning solution R of the cleaning tank 2 and cleaned for a predetermined time (irradiation with ultrasonic waves) is pulled upward by the transport device (not shown) in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. And is carried out of the washing tank 2. Then, the power source of the ultrasonic oscillator 4 is turned off. After this cleaning is completed, the plastic lens 10 is rinsed with pure water or the like in another ultrasonic cleaning tank, and then dried to finish the cleaning operation.

Such a cleaning method of this embodiment is effective even for a cleaning article having minute protrusions or holes (unevenness) as a cleaning article, but exhibits the most cleaning effect on a cleaning article having a smooth surface. For example, various lenses including spectacle lenses, optical filters, metal plates, and the like. In the cleaning method of this embodiment, the type of dirt is not particularly limited in order to improve the cleaning capability itself.

Next, the plastic lens 10 was cleaned using the cleaning apparatus 1 and the cleaning method described above, and the cleaning quality was evaluated.
As a cleaning liquid R, an aqueous cleaning agent (“M-6000” manufactured by Castrol Co., Ltd.) added to pure water 5
A cleaning liquid R having a concentration of% was stored in the cleaning tank 2, and the pump 6 was operated to generate and retain a layer of bubbles B on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2. As a cleaning article, 10 plastic lenses 10 with dirt attached were set in a cleaning container (cleaning basket), carried into the cleaning liquid R in the cleaning tank 2, and irradiated with ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic oscillator 4 for 60 seconds. And the plastic lens 10 was carried out from the washing tank 2, rinse-washed with another ultrasonic cleaner, dried, and the cleaning condition was confirmed.
As a result, all the cleaned plastic lenses 10 had good cleaning quality with no visible contamination on the lens surface.

  Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

(Modification 1)
As a method for retaining the foam layer B on the surface of the cleaning liquid R, a notch 21 is formed in the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank 2.
3 shows another embodiment in which the foam layer B is retained on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid R as shown in FIG.
Shown in FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another cleaning apparatus, and has the same basic configuration as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the dam plate 22 is disposed in the cleaning tank 2, and FIG. Corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 3, the generated foam layer B can stay in the cleaning tank 2 by disposing the weir plate 22 in the cleaning tank 2 so as to follow the inner periphery of the cleaning tank. The weir plate 22 is the washing tank 2
A predetermined gap is provided between the tank wall and the tank so that the cleaning liquid R can pass therethrough. On the other hand, the weir plate 22
It is possible to adjust the amount of bubbles by changing the height position of the cleaning liquid R stored in the cleaning tank 2 from the liquid level, and the height position of the cleaning liquid R stored in the cleaning tank 2 from the liquid level. Is set to a position protruding from the liquid surface having a height of 5 mm, for example, the cleaning liquid R supplied from the nozzle 7 via the pump 6 overflows from the peripheral edge of the cleaning tank 2 to the recovery tank 3 and the weir plate 22. A foam layer B with a thickness of 5 mm can be obtained inside. Therefore, the foam layer B can stay in the cleaning tank 2.

Further, as another method for retaining the foam layer B on the liquid level of the cleaning tank 2, the tank wall is located at a position where a predetermined dimension is lowered from the liquid level of the cleaning liquid R stored in the cleaning tank 2 toward the bottom surface of the cleaning tank 2. The foam layer B can be retained on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2 by forming a predetermined number of holes having a predetermined size penetrating the tank wall. The thickness (the amount of foam) of the foam layer B can be adjusted by the discharge capacity of the pump 6, the size of the holes penetrating the tank wall, and the number of holes to be formed.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the pump 6 capable of suction, mixing, and pressure feeding is provided as an example of mixing air into the cleaning liquid R, but another embodiment in which air is mixed into the cleaning liquid R is shown in FIG. Show. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another cleaning apparatus, which has the same basic configuration as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the configuration of the pump 60 and the nozzle 70. The same reference numerals are given, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 4, a pump 60 that constitutes the cleaning device 11 is a pump that can be generally used for suction and pumping, and sucks the cleaning liquid R stored in the recovery tank 3 through the supply pipe 51.
Pressurized and discharged (pressure fed) to the supply pipe 52.

The nozzle 70 is a gas-liquid mixing nozzle, and the cleaning liquid R pumped from the pump 60 is supplied to the supply pipe 5.
1 is injected into the tank of the cleaning tank 2. Air is mixed into the cleaning liquid R from the intake pipe 71 due to the ejector effect of the jet generated by the injection of the cleaning liquid R, and a foam layer B of the surfactant is generated on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid R by the fine bubbles of the injected air. be able to. The nozzle 70 and the intake pipe 71 constitute air mixing means.

In addition, you may comprise so that the pressurized air pressurized with the compressor etc. may be flowed into the intake pipe 71 to the intake pipe. It is preferable that the pressure of the pressurized air is changed by changing the driving force of the compressor or the like, and the speed of the cleaning liquid R sprayed from the nozzle 70 is adjusted. In this case, if the pressure is too high, the liquid level of the cleaning tank 2 may be filled with bubbles, which may cause problems in the cleaning device 11, so it is desirable to use a low foaming surfactant.

(Modification 3)
As an example of generating the foam layer B on the liquid surface of the cleaning tank 2, the cleaning liquid R discharged from the pump 6
However, it is also possible to generate bubbles in another container and supply the bubbles to the cleaning tank 2. The embodiment is shown in FIG. The cleaning apparatus 12 has the same basic configuration as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except for the configuration of the pump 60, and the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to those in FIG. To do.

In FIG. 5, a pump 60 constituting the cleaning device 12 is a generally used pump capable of suction and pressure feeding, and sucks and pressurizes the cleaning liquid R accommodated in the recovery tank 3 through the supply pipe 51. Then, it is sprayed into the cleaning tank 2 from the nozzle 7. Generation (generation) of bubbles B is generated by stirring the cleaning liquid R containing the surfactant contained in the stirring tank 23 using the stirrer 24. The generated foam B is introduced into the cleaning tank 2 by the transport device 25, for example. In this case, as the cleaning liquid R stored in the cleaning tank 2, a general aqueous cleaning agent not containing a surfactant can be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,11,12 ... Cleaning apparatus, 2 ... Cleaning tank, 3 ... Recovery tank, 4 ... Ultrasonic oscillator, 5, 51,
52 ... Supply pipe, 6 ... Pump as air mixing means and cleaning liquid supply means, 7 ... Nozzle, 8 ...
Flow control valve as on-off valve body, 9 ... filter, 10 ... plastic lens as cleaning article, 22 ... dam plate, 60 ... pump as cleaning liquid supply means, 70 ... nozzle constituting air mixing means, 71 ... air mixing means An intake pipe that constitutes B, bubbles, b ... bubbles attached to the lens surface,
R: A cleaning solution containing a surfactant.

Claims (11)

A step of mixing air in the cleaning liquid containing the surfactant supplied to the cleaning tank and generating a number of fine foam layers on the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank;
Immersing the cleaning article in the cleaning liquid through the foam layer;
And a step of irradiating the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves to clean the cleaning article. The cleaning method according to claim 1,
A cleaning method, wherein the concentration of the surfactant is 0.1 to 50% by weight. The cleaning method according to claim 1 or 2,
The amount of air mixed into the cleaning liquid is 0.01 to the internal volume of the cleaning tank per minute.
A cleaning method characterized by being 3%. In the cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The diameter of the said foam is 0.01-2 mm, The washing | cleaning method characterized by the above-mentioned. In the cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The cleaning method, wherein the foam layer has a thickness of 1 to 50 mm from the surface of the cleaning liquid. In the cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A cleaning method, wherein the cleaning article is a lens. A cleaning tank that stores a cleaning liquid containing a surfactant, an ultrasonic oscillator that is disposed on the lower surface of the cleaning tank and irradiates the cleaning liquid with ultrasonic waves, and is provided around the cleaning tank and overflows from the cleaning tank A recovery tank for storing the cleaning liquid, and a circulation channel for circulating the recovery tank and the cleaning tank;
A cleaning apparatus comprising an air mixing means for mixing air into the cleaning liquid on the circulation channel. The cleaning device according to claim 7,
The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air mixing means is a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning tank. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
A cleaning apparatus comprising an opening / closing valve body for adjusting a flow rate of the cleaning liquid on the liquid suction side of the cleaning liquid supply means. The cleaning device according to claim 7,
A cleaning device, wherein a number of notches are formed in a peripheral portion of the cleaning tank. The cleaning device according to claim 7,
A dam plate is provided in the cleaning tank, and the dam plate has a shape following the inner periphery of the cleaning tank, and the liquid level of the cleaning liquid stored inside divided by the dam plate is in the cleaning tank. A cleaning apparatus having a predetermined dimension higher than a liquid level of the stored cleaning liquid.

Images