JP2009273483A - Washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing device for effectively washing an object to be washed with an additive and preventing the additive from remaining. <P>SOLUTION: A washing system 1 is provided with a pressurizing means, a pressure reduction means, a washing tub 10, a carbon dioxide supply means, a carbon dioxide discharge means, a pressure adjustment means, and a control part 91. The pressurizing means pressurizes washing liquid so that the additive 200 becomes at least soluble. The pressure reduction means reduces the pressure of the pressurized washing liquid and foam the additive 200. The control part 91 executes the process of controlling the carbon dioxide supply means so as to supply carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state to the cleaning tub 10 after a fiber structure 100 is washed by the washing liquid containing the foamed additive 200 and the process of controlling the carbon dioxide discharge means so as to discharge the supplied carbon dioxide, and also controls the pressure adjustment means so as to adjust pressure inside the washing tub 10 to a prescribed pressure in order to make the additive 200 at least soluble in the carbon diode in the supercritical or liquid state discharged from the washing tub 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a cleaning device, and more particularly to a cleaning device that cleans, for example, fibers using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state.

  Conventionally, as a cleaning method, there is a wet cleaning method using a solvent such as water, an organic solvent, an acid, or an alkali. However, instead of such a wet cleaning method, a cleaning method using a supercritical fluid as a solvent is considered environmentally friendly. It is becoming popular as a mold cleaning method. In the cleaning method using a supercritical fluid as a solvent, for example, carbon dioxide in a supercritical state is used as the solvent.

  Carbon dioxide becomes liquid carbon dioxide when compressed below a certain temperature, and supercritical carbon dioxide at 31.1 ° C. and a pressure of 7.4 MPa or higher. Carbon dioxide in a supercritical state has characteristics such as a viscosity, diffusion coefficient, density, and dissolving power that are intermediate between those of a gas and a liquid, easily enters a fine mechanism, and has a high solubility of a hydrophobic substance. Also, the density changes greatly due to slight changes in pressure or temperature. Supercritical carbon dioxide having such properties has been used as an extractant since the early 1900s. In addition, by using carbon dioxide in a supercritical state as a cleaning solvent, unlike the case of using water as a solvent, it is not necessary to dry. Since carbon dioxide in a supercritical state has such advantages, it is applied to cleaning of electronic device parts such as semiconductor materials that require high-precision cleaning.

  In recent years, a cleaning method using a supercritical fluid has been applied to clothes cleaning as an object to be cleaned other than semiconductors. As environmental pollution due to dry cleaning solvents becomes more serious, carbon dioxide in a supercritical state is attracting attention as a highly safe alternative solvent. In addition, the dry cleaning solvent may remain on the object to be cleaned after cleaning, thereby adversely affecting health.

  In cleaning using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, it is possible to recover and reuse the supercritical carbon dioxide after use, and there is an environmental advantage such as not requiring drying after cleaning. . On the other hand, in order to generate carbon dioxide in a supercritical state, it is necessary to increase the pressure of carbon dioxide. However, there are currently strict regulations on high pressure gas, and a dry cleaning apparatus using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. Then, there is a problem that equipment becomes large-scale. For this reason, cleaning using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is prevalent as a cleaning technique for business use. However, considering the advantages for the environment and health, there is a possibility that it will become popular as a new laundry style in the future.

  However, when cleaning is performed using only carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, when the dirt to be cleaned cannot be removed only by the carbon dioxide in the supercritical state, Separate treatment is required before and after the cleaning treatment with carbon dioxide. For example, since carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is a nonpolar substance, it is excellent in removability of sebum and oil stains that are nonpolar substances. On the other hand, since carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state does not dissolve the polar substance, the water-soluble soil cannot be removed by the cleaning process using only the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. Further, particles, proteins, etc. are not dissolved in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  Therefore, when water-soluble dirt, particles, proteins, or the like adhere to the object to be cleaned, it is necessary to perform another process before and after the cleaning process with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. In addition to the cleaning process with carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, it takes a lot of time to perform another process, and there is a problem that costs such as labor costs increase in the cleaning industry.

  Considering the possibility of cleaning fibers, etc. with supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, not only for commercial cleaning, but also for household use in the future, it is more reliably soiled without separate treatment. It is essential to perform removal.

  Against this background, in order to improve the performance of removing dirt by supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, it has been proposed in the past to add an additive to supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  In addition, it has been proposed to pressurize a fluid used for cleaning, and then rapidly reduce the pressure to generate bubbles and clean the object to be cleaned with an impact force at this time. Such foam cleaning technology is currently used for general water-based washing and is highly effective in removing dirt.

  For example, in the cleaning method described in JP-A-8-290128 (Patent Document 1), supercritical and subcritical fluids to which an entrainer has been added are rapidly depressurized to generate strong disturbances and a large amount of bubbles on the contaminant surface. The object to be cleaned is cleaned by forcibly peeling and forcibly dissolving contaminants by this flow action and bubbling action.

By doing so, it becomes possible to remove solid dirt such as particles by forced peeling accompanying the generation of bubbles. On the other hand, it is considered that the water-soluble and protein stains can be removed by forced dissolution with a bubble component, that is, an additive component.
JP-A-8-290128

  However, when the additive is pressurized and depressurized and foamed and the object to be cleaned is cleaned with the impact force at that time, it is expected that the additive will remain in the object to be cleaned at a high concentration. . In the cleaning method described in JP-A-8-290128 (Patent Document 1), since bubbles are generated on the surface of the object to be cleaned, the bubbles disappear after a while after cleaning, but the bubbles were formed. It is conceivable that the agent is concentrated and remains at a high concentration on the surface of the object to be cleaned. When the additive remains on the surface of the object to be cleaned, when the user uses the object to be cleaned after cleaning, various kinds of rough skin such as when the remaining additive directly touches the skin. Trouble may occur.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that can effectively clean an object to be cleaned with an additive and can prevent the additive from remaining on the object to be cleaned. Is to provide.

  The cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes a pressurizing unit, a depressurizing unit, a cleaning tank, a carbon dioxide supply unit, a carbon dioxide discharging unit, a pressure adjusting unit, and a control unit.

  The pressurizing means is selected from the group consisting of solubilizing, emulsifying and dissolving at least part of one of the solvent or additive in at least part of the other of the solvent or additive. Pressurize so that at least one kind of state is obtained. The depressurizing means causes the additive contained in the cleaning liquid to foam by depressurizing the cleaning liquid pressurized by the pressurizing means. The cleaning tank is a cleaning tank for cleaning an object to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid containing an additive foamed by being decompressed by a decompression unit. The carbon dioxide supply means supplies carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state to the cleaning tank. The carbon dioxide discharge means discharges supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the cleaning tank. The pressure adjusting means adjusts the pressure inside the cleaning tank. The control unit controls at least one of the carbon dioxide supply unit, the carbon dioxide discharge unit, and the pressure adjustment unit.

  The control means controls the carbon dioxide supply means so that supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is supplied to the cleaning tank after the object to be cleaned is cleaned with the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive. And a second control step of controlling the carbon dioxide discharge means so as to discharge the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning bath in the first control step from the cleaning bath, and carbon dioxide At least selected from the group consisting of solubilizing, emulsifying, and dissolving the additive in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning tank by the supply means and discharged from the cleaning tank by the carbon dioxide discharging means. In order to make it a kind of state, the pressure adjusting means is controlled so that the pressure inside the cleaning tank becomes a predetermined pressure.

  Here, the state in which the additive is sufficiently solubilized in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide means, for example, that water surrounded by a surfactant floats in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. This is a state in which the surfactant and water are sufficiently small, so that it appears to be one phase. In addition, a state where an additive such as a surfactant or water is emulsified in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state means that, for example, water surrounded by a surfactant is carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. It means that it is floating in the middle and mixed like turbidity. Moreover, the state in which an additive such as a surfactant or water is dissolved in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state refers to a state in which the additive is mixed with carbon dioxide at the molecular level.

  After the cleaning liquid is once exposed to high pressure and then depressurized, the additive contained in the cleaning liquid foams and becomes foam.

  In addition, for example, in the state of solubilization, emulsification, or dissolution in the cleaning liquid, that is, when the cleaning liquid contains a larger amount of additive than the additive to be solubilized, or just in the cleaning liquid In the case where at least a solubilized amount of the additive is contained, the additive is separated from the solvent of the cleaning liquid and deposited on the surface of the object to be cleaned by pressurizing the cleaning liquid and then reducing the pressure. Sometimes. The additive deposited on the surface of the object to be cleaned may foam on the surface of the object to be cleaned by further reducing the pressure.

  The fine foam produced by the foaming of the additive has a large surface area, so that it efficiently contacts the object to be cleaned, and stains that cannot normally be removed only by supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide alone are supercritical or liquid. Can be dissolved in carbon dioxide.

  In order to at least solubilize the additive to be cleaned, which is cleaned with the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive, in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, the pressure inside the cleaning tank is predetermined. The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is supplied to the cleaning tank, discharged from the cleaning tank, and rinsed with the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide while controlling the pressure adjusting means so that the pressure becomes the same pressure. By doing so, the additive is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide that is supplied to the cleaning tank, rinsed from the cleaning tank and discharged from the cleaning tank, and the object to be cleaned after cleaning The additive is removed from the product.

  In this way, a cleaning apparatus is provided that can effectively clean the object to be cleaned with the additive and can prevent the additive from remaining on the object to be cleaned. can do.

  The cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes an additive tank for preparing a cleaning liquid by mixing an additive and a solvent, and a cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid prepared in the additive tank to the cleaning tank. It is preferable to provide.

  Since the additive tank and the cleaning tank are separately formed and connected by the cleaning liquid supply means, it is possible to prevent the additive in the additive tank and the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank from contacting each other. .

  By doing in this way, it can prevent that a high concentration additive before mixing with a solvent contacts a to-be-washed | cleaned target object, and it can prevent that a washing nonuniformity arises after washing | cleaning.

  The cleaning liquid supply means may include a valve, for example. When the cleaning liquid supply means includes a valve, the additive can be prevented from coming into contact with the object to be cleaned simply by closing the valve. By preventing the additive from contacting the object to be cleaned, it is possible to prevent the additive not mixed with the solvent from coming into contact with the object to be cleaned and causing washing unevenness.

  On the other hand, for example, when the cleaning liquid is pressurized by the pressurizing means, the valve of the cleaning liquid supply means may be opened so that the additive in the additive tank contacts the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank. By opening the valve at the time of pressurization, the cleaning liquid containing the additive at the time of pressurization is supplied to the cleaning tank via the cleaning liquid supply means and comes into contact with the object to be cleaned. Thereafter, when the pressure is reduced by the pressure reducing means, the additive is deposited on the surface of the object to be cleaned. By depositing the additive on the surface of the object to be cleaned, the additive on the surface of the object to be cleaned is foamed when the pressure is further reduced, so that the object to be cleaned can be effectively cleaned.

  In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the pressurizing unit and the depressurizing unit are configured to pressurize and depressurize the cleaning liquid in the additive tank.

  By doing in this way, an additive can be made to foam in an additive tank, and the washing | cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive can be supplied to a washing tank. For example, it is effective when only the foam generated when the additive is depressurized and foamed without being foamed on the surface of the object to be cleaned is used for cleaning the object to be cleaned. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the high-concentration additive before mixing with the solvent from coming into contact with the object to be cleaned, and to prevent uneven washing after the cleaning.

  Further, for example, when the cleaning liquid supply means is a means for supplying the cleaning liquid from the additive tank to the cleaning tank by flowing gas from the additive tank to the cleaning tank, the cleaning liquid is generated by pressurizing and depressurizing the cleaning liquid. Foam can be flowed with the gas and easily supplied from the additive tank to the wash tank.

  In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, the cleaning liquid supply means preferably has a flow path for mixing and flowing a cleaning liquid containing an additive foamed to supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  The cleaning liquid containing the additive in the additive tank is supplied to the cleaning tank through the flow path together with the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide to clean the object to be cleaned. The cleaning liquid containing the additive used for cleaning is discharged from the cleaning tank together with the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  By doing so, the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the cleaning tank by supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  In the cleaning device according to the present invention, the cleaning tank preferably has an additive contact means for bringing the foamed additive into contact with the object to be cleaned.

  By doing in this way, the opportunity for an additive to contact a to-be-cleaned target object can be increased, and the cleaning power by an additive can be improved.

  Examples of the additive contact means for promoting the contact between the object to be cleaned and foam, that is, the foamed additive, include, for example, a stirring blade and a rotor arranged in the cleaning tank, a means for rotating the cleaning tank, and cleaning. There are means to shake the whole tank.

  In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, the additive preferably includes water and a first surfactant having a parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group.

  Here, the parent carbon dioxide group refers to a group having affinity for carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. When the first surfactant in the additive has a parent carbon dioxide group, it is surely at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. Further, since the first surfactant has a hydrophilic group, water is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide together with the first surfactant. In this way, the water in the additive is at least easily solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state.

  By the way, cleaning using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state may not only be used for commercial cleaning but also be used in household cleaning apparatuses in the future. In a household cleaning apparatus, it is necessary to remove water-soluble dirt from an object to be cleaned reliably and uniformly.

  Therefore, in the cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the water at least solubilized in the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state adheres to the object to be cleaned by coming into contact with the object to be cleaned. It is possible to extract water-soluble dirt into water, that is, to remove water-soluble dirt from the object to be cleaned.

  Further, since the surfactant and water are present in the washing water at the same time, the surfactant and the water may foam when the washing water is depressurized from a high pressure, and fine foam can be generated. The fine foam can more effectively remove water-soluble stains on the object to be cleaned.

  Furthermore, since the water-soluble dirt removed from the object to be cleaned is at least solubilized in the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, both water and the surfactant, the object to be cleaned by the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. You can rinse things reliably.

  In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, the additive includes water, a second surfactant having a non-parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, and the second surfactant in a supercritical or liquid state. And an auxiliary agent for dissolving in carbon.

  Here, the non-parent carbon dioxide group means a group having no affinity for carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. When the second surfactant in the additive has a non-parent carbon dioxide group, it is difficult to at least solubilize in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. It is possible to solubilize at least the second surfactant. Further, since the second surfactant has a hydrophilic group, water is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide together with the second surfactant. In this way, by at least solubilizing the second surfactant having a hydrophilic group in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, water is at least easily solubilized in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. .

  Therefore, even when the surfactant does not have a parent carbon dioxide group and is a second surfactant having a non-parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, water at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. Can extract the water-soluble dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned into water by contacting the object to be cleaned, that is, the water-soluble dirt can be removed from the object to be cleaned.

  Furthermore, since the water-soluble soil removed from the object to be cleaned is at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state together with water, the surfactant, and the auxiliary agent, it is covered with the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. The object to be cleaned can be reliably rinsed.

  In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, the amount of the additive is preferably larger than the maximum amount that can be brought into at least one state selected from the group consisting of solubilization, emulsification, and dissolution in a solvent. .

  By doing so, the maximum amount of the additive that is at least solubilized in the solvent is at least solubilized in the solvent. An object can be reliably washed.

  In the cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, the object to be cleaned is preferably a fiber structure.

  In this way, the fiber structure can be washed with high-pressure supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  Unlike conventional cleaning, fiber structure cleaning using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state does not use an organic solvent such as petroleum or perchlorethylene. In addition, carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state volatilizes after washing. Therefore, the fiber structure after washing with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state has little irritation to the skin, and does not smell of a drug immediately after conventional cleaning. Thus, cleaning fiber structures using supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is a healthy clothing cleaning technique.

  In addition, for example, because the additive contains water or a polar solvent, water-soluble dirt can be removed at one time without performing separate treatment before and after cleaning with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. The cost of labor and labor costs can be reduced. Thus, since water-soluble dirt can be removed, it is also suitable for washing at home. Since water-soluble soil can be removed using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, it is not necessary to use a large amount of water unlike conventional washing of a fiber structure.

  In addition, since the fiber structure after washing is not wet with water, there is little damage to the cloth, and the time for washing the fiber structure after washing can be saved, and the time after washing can be used effectively. Since carbon dioxide is volatilized after washing, there is no need to dry the fiber structure after washing, and no electric power is used for drying, thus saving energy.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the object to be cleaned can be effectively cleaned with the additive, and the additive can be prevented from remaining on the object to be cleaned. A cleaning device can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an entire cleaning system as a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cleaning system 1 as a cleaning device mainly includes a cleaning tank 10, an additive contact means 11, a carbon dioxide supply source 41, a pump 42 that sends carbon dioxide at a high pressure, and evaporation. It is comprised from the container 51, the condenser 52, the carbon dioxide storage tank 53, and the dirt receiving container 70 which collect | recovers the dirt isolate | separated from the carbon dioxide. The tanks and members constituting the cleaning system 1 are connected by piping, and the valves arranged in the piping are appropriately opened and closed. The opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the control unit as will be described later. The washing tank 10 contains a fiber structure 100 such as clothing as an object to be cleaned. An opening / closing member (not shown) for introducing the additive 200 and the fiber structure 100 is disposed in the cleaning tank 10.

  The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 are examples of pressurizing means. The valve c62 is an example of a decompression unit. The valve a43, the valve b61, and the valve f65 are examples of carbon dioxide supply means. The valve c62 is an example of a carbon dioxide discharge unit. The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 are examples of pressure adjusting means.

  The pressurizing means includes a valve a43, a valve b61, a valve c62, a valve f65, and the cleaning tank 10, and maintains a high pressure for maintaining the cleaning liquid in a relatively pressurized state inside the cleaning tank 10. It may be a means. Further, the pressure reducing means may be a low pressure holding means that includes the valve c62 and the cleaning tank 10 and holds the cleaning liquid in a relatively reduced pressure state inside the cleaning tank 10.

  An additive 200 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 10. In this embodiment, the additive 200 includes a surfactant and water.

  In this embodiment, the additive 200 is preferably composed of a first surfactant having a parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group in the molecule and water. The parent carbon dioxide group is, for example, a Lewis basic group such as siloxane or carboxyl group, or a hydrocarbon group having a molecular group with a large free volume such as polyoxypropylene. Examples of the substance having a hydrophilic group include sulfosuccinate, carboxylate, and polyoxyethylene. Further, a fluorine-based surfactant may be used as the first surfactant having a parent carbon dioxide group. Fluorine-based surfactants have a high affinity with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, and are easily soluble in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. In addition, as long as it is the 1st surfactant which has a parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, even if it is surfactant other than illustrated here, it can be applied to this invention.

  When the surfactant does not have a parent carbon dioxide group and is a second surfactant having a non-parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, the additive 200 contains an auxiliary agent such as a fluorine-based solvent. Is preferred. By using such auxiliaries, a second surfactant that is not solubilized, emulsified, or dissolved in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide alone is solubilized in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. Can be emulsified or dissolved. When the second surfactant having a hydrophilic group is solubilized, emulsified, or dissolved in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, water is converted into carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state with the second surfactant. Solubilize, emulsify or dissolve. The additive 200 used as an auxiliary agent is preferably a fluorine-based solvent, but is a substance capable of solubilizing, emulsifying, or dissolving the second surfactant in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. If it is, it is not restricted to this.

  Hereinafter, an additive such as a surfactant or water is in a solubilized, emulsified, or dissolved state in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, which is at least solubilized. .

  The additive 200 described above, and the types of surfactants and auxiliaries contained in the additive 200 are merely examples, and are not limited thereto. The additive 200 may be a combination of a plurality of surfactants, or may be blended with other than surfactants as necessary.

  It is preferable that the additive 200 includes a surfactant and water. Due to the simultaneous presence of the surfactant and water, when the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide mixed with the additive 200 is depressurized from under high pressure, the surfactant and water foam to generate fine bubbles. Can be made. In addition, since the surfactant is surely dissolved in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, water is solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide together with the surfactant. Therefore, water is also removed from the fibrous structure 100 by rinsing the fibrous structure 100 washed with the additive 200 containing water with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. Thus, even if the additive 200 contains water, the fiber structure 100 can be prevented from getting wet.

  Here, the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in which the additive 200 is at least solubilized is referred to as a cleaning liquid. The additive 200 that is at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state may not be all of the additive 200 but may be at least a part of the additive 200.

  The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in the present invention is supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide having a temperature of 31.1 ° C. and a pressure of 7.4 MPa or more. Liquid carbon dioxide is supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide obtained by placing supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure at a pressure and temperature below the supercritical state. The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in these states has a higher density than the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in the gas state, and the surfactant in the additive 200 is at least easily solubilized. is there. When the surfactant is at least solubilized in the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, the water added together with the surfactant is surrounded by the surfactant and is at least possible in the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. Solubilized, supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, surfactant, water three components apparently form one phase.

  In the cleaning tank 10, an additive contact means 11 for bringing the additive 200 into contact with the fiber structure 100 is disposed. The additive contact means 11 includes a stirring blade and a rotor provided in the cleaning tank 10. Further, the additive contact means 11 is a rotating drum that is rotated while containing the fiber structure 100 and the cleaning liquid, a swinging mechanism that shakes the entire cleaning tank 10, and a temperature for increasing the temperature of the cleaning liquid or the cleaning tank 10. It may be a heating device. The additive contact means 11 may be another method that causes the additive 200 introduced into the cleaning tank 10 to sufficiently move in the cleaning tank 10, and is not limited to these methods.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration according to the cleaning system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 91 includes a valve a43 disposed in a pipe connected to the pump 42, a valve b61 disposed in a pipe directly connected to the upstream side of the cleaning tank 10, and a cleaning. A valve c62 arranged in a pipe arranged directly downstream of the tank 10, a valve d63 arranged between the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52, and between the condenser 52 and the carbon dioxide storage tank 53. A valve e64 disposed between the carbon dioxide reservoir 53 and the valve b61, a valve h67 disposed between the evaporator 51 and the dirt receiving container 70, and the evaporator 51. A control signal is transmitted to the valve g66 for exhausting to control opening and closing of these valves.

  When supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the controller 91 controls the valve a 43 and the valve b 61 to open. Further, when the carbon dioxide circulating in the cleaning system 1 is recycled and supplied into the cleaning tank 10, the valve f65 and the valve b61 are controlled to be opened.

  The controller 91 controls to open the valve 62 when discharging carbon dioxide from the cleaning tank 10.

  When pressurizing the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the control unit 91 controls to open at least one of the valve a43 and the valve f65, the valve b61, and close the valve c62.

  The controller 91 controls the valve c62 to be opened when the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10 is reduced.

  The operation process of the cleaning system 1 of the present invention will be described below.

  After housing the fiber structure 100 in the cleaning tank 10, the operation of the cleaning system 1 is started. First, carbon dioxide in a gas-liquid mixed state is introduced from the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to the pump 42. The pump 42 raises the carbon dioxide in the gas-liquid mixed state to a high pressure to form supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  The air in the cleaning tank 10 is discharged after the fiber structure 100 is accommodated. The valves a43 and b61 are opened, and supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide flows into the cleaning tank 10. At this time, the valve c62 is closed. When carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state flows into the cleaning tank 10, the additive 200 previously stored in the cleaning tank 10 and the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state are mixed to produce a cleaning liquid. When surfactant and water are simultaneously present in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, the surfactant surrounds the water so that the water is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. It will be.

  High-pressure supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide may be supplied into the cleaning tank 10 in advance according to the amount or pressure of supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide to be supplied. Carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is supplied into the cleaning tank 10 until the inside of the cleaning tank 10 reaches a predetermined pressure, and the cleaning liquid is pressurized. Thus, once the inside of the cleaning tank 10 is once brought to a high pressure, the additive 200 is at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state.

  When the additive 200 comes into contact with the fiber structure 100 in a state where the additive 200 is sufficiently at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, water-soluble dirt adhering to the fiber structure 100 is obtained. Dissolves in the water surrounded by the surfactant contained in the additive 200. In this way, the water-soluble dirt of the fiber structure 100 is removed by the water that is the additive 200. Further, the oil-soluble soil of the fiber structure 100 is dissolved and removed in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide at a high pressure.

  As described above, in the cleaning tank 10, the fiber structure 100 is washed with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state in which the additive 200 is at least solubilized, so that the fiber structure 100 is attached to the fiber structure 100 before washing. Dirt dissolves into the cleaning solution.

  Next, the valve c62 and the valve g66 are opened, and the valve b61 and the valve d63 are closed. Carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is discharged from the cleaning tank 10, and the cleaning liquid inside the cleaning tank 10 is depressurized. By depressurizing the cleaning liquid, carbon dioxide is volatilized, the additive 200 is foamed, and foam is generated.

  If the amount of the additive 200 contained in the cleaning tank 10 is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning tank 10, by reducing the pressure, Additive 200 is deposited on the surface of fiber structure 100. When the pressure is further reduced, the precipitated additive 200 may foam on the surface of the fiber structure 100 to generate foam. The additive 200 may be in an amount that is at least solubilized or superfluous in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning tank 10. When the additive 200 is excessively stored in the washing tank 10, at least the maximum amount of the additive 200 that can be solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is added. Can be solubilized.

  Since the maximum amount of the additive 200 is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning tank 10, the fiber 200 is not short of the additive 200 in the cleaning of the fiber structure 100. The structure 100 can be reliably cleaned.

  When the additive 200 is deposited on the surface of the fiber structure 100, dirt dissolved in the additive 200 from the fiber structure 100 is also deposited together with the additive 200. Thus, the dirt of the fiber structure 100 is deposited on the surface of the fiber structure 100 and is easily removed from the fiber structure 100. When the cleaning liquid is further depressurized and the additive 200 is foamed to generate foam, the fine foam and the fiber structure 100 come into contact with each other, so that the dirt is further easily removed.

  When the inside of the cleaning tank 10 is depressurized to a predetermined pressure, the valve b61 and the valve c62 are closed.

  Next, the additive contact means 11 is driven, and the fiber structure 100 in the cleaning tank 10 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid. The additive contact means 11 stirs the cleaning liquid together with the fiber structure 100 in the cleaning tank 10 as in the conventional washing machine. As described above, the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide sufficiently at least solubilized the foamed additive 200 is stirred together with the fiber structure 100, whereby the foamed additive 200 is efficiently added to the fiber structure 100. Contact.

  With such a method, the cleaning effect of the fiber structure 100 can be improved by positively bringing the additive 200 solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state into contact with the fiber structure 100. As a further advantage, since the fiber structure 100 can be cleaned efficiently, the cleaning time can be shortened and the cost of electricity for one operation can be reduced. Moreover, since the undissolved residue of the additive 200 is reduced, the undissolved additive 200 does not adhere to the fiber structure 100 and is recontaminated.

  When the cleaning of the fiber structure 100 is completed, the valve a43 and the valve b61 are opened, the valve c62 is closed, and the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is supplied into the cleaning tank 10, and the inside of the cleaning tank 10 is again in the inside. Pressurized. When the carbon dioxide circulating in the cleaning system 1 is recycled and supplied to the cleaning tank 10, the valve f65 is opened instead of the valve a43. Carbon dioxide is supplied into the cleaning tank 10 so as to be in a supercritical or liquid state. Here, the process of supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide into the cleaning tank 10 is the first control process.

  When the inside of the cleaning tank 10 reaches a predetermined pressure, the valve c62 is opened and supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is discharged from the cleaning tank 10. Here, a process in which carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is discharged from the cleaning tank 10 is a second control process.

  When one of the valve a43 and the valve f65 and the valve b61 and the valve c62 are opened, carbon dioxide is continuously supplied to the cleaning tank 10 and discharged so as to keep the inside of the cleaning tank 10 at a predetermined pressure. The

  In this way, the additive 200 in which the dirt has migrated from the fiber structure 100 by continuously flowing supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide through the cleaning tank 10 while maintaining the inside of the cleaning tank 10 at a predetermined pressure. Gradually solubilizes at least in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in which at least the additive 200 is solubilized is continuously discharged from the cleaning tank 10 to remove the additive 200 from the surface of the fiber structure 100, that is, the fiber structure. 100 can be rinsed with supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  In order to rinse the fiber structure 100 with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, the additive 200 remaining in the cleaning tank 10 is determined based on the capacity of the cleaning tank 10 and the flow rate of carbon dioxide, and is below a predetermined reference value. It is desirable that supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is continuously circulated through the cleaning tank 10 for a predetermined time until becoming. Moreover, it is preferable to perform the rinsing step with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state twice or more. By performing such a rinsing step, the additive 200 does not remain at a high concentration on the surface of the fiber structure 100, and even if the fiber structure 100 directly touches the skin, troubles such as rough skin are caused. Can be prevented.

  The cleaning liquid that has at least solubilized the soil dissolved from the fiber structure 100 is introduced into the evaporator 51 with the valve c62 opened. In the evaporator 51, the cleaning liquid at least solubilizing the soil is decompressed to separate the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the soil and the additive 200.

  When constantly supplying new carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to the cleaning tank 10 and discharging the carbon dioxide discharged from the cleaning tank 10 to the outside of the cleaning system 1, the valves a 43, b 61, c 62, And at least one of the valve g66 and the valve h67 is opened. The carbon dioxide discharged from the cleaning tank 10 is separated from dirt by the evaporator 51, and discharged to the outside of the cleaning system 1 through the valve g66. The dirt component separated from the carbon dioxide passes through the valve h67 and is discharged to the dirt receiving container 70.

  On the other hand, the carbon dioxide discharged from the cleaning tank 10 is circulated through the evaporator 51, the condenser 52, and the carbon dioxide storage tank 53 and supplied again to the cleaning tank 10, that is, recycled carbon dioxide is supplied to the cleaning tank 10. When doing so, the valve a43, the valve g66, and the valve h67 are closed, and the valve b61, the valve c62, the valve d63, the valve e64, and the valve f65 are opened.

  When carbon dioxide is recycled, the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from which the dirt and additive 200 have been removed by the evaporator 51 is supplied to the condenser 52 with the valve d63 opened. On the other hand, the dirt separated in the evaporator 51 is collected in the dirt receiving container 70 by opening the valve h67. Gases other than carbon dioxide are exhausted to the outside of the cleaning system 1 when the valve g66 is opened.

  The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide separated by the evaporator 51 is again brought to a high pressure in the condenser 52. The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide that has been brought to a high pressure in the condenser 52 is supplied to the carbon dioxide storage tank 53 with the valve e64 being opened, and stored in the carbon dioxide storage tank 53. The supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide stored in the carbon dioxide storage tank 53 is introduced into the cleaning tank 10 by opening the valve f65 at the next cleaning or rinsing, and used for cleaning. Carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state can flow through the washing tank 10, the evaporator 51, the condenser 52, and the carbon dioxide storage tank 53 as many times as indicated by a dashed line arrow in the figure. However, when exhausting used supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, it can also be exhausted.

  As described above, the fiber structure 100 is cleaned and rinsed with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state.

  The fiber structure 100 may be anything as long as it is made of fiber, such as clothing, linen, futon, pillow, mat, handkerchief, towel, and stuffed toy. Cleaning the fiber structure 100 with the cleaning system 1 has the following advantages. Even when the additive 200 contains water, the fibrous structure 100 can be washed with foam generated from water, instead of a certain amount of water as a liquid. Therefore, even if the fiber structure 100 is formed of a material such as wool, silk, or leather that changes significantly when wet, it causes damage compared to cleaning with ordinary water. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, since the water contained in the additive 200 is a very small amount as compared with the water used for washing using normal water, the fiber structure 100 after washing does not get wet. Since the fiber structure 100 after washing does not get wet with water, there is little cloth damage, and it is not necessary to dry the fiber structure 100 after washing.

  Furthermore, since carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state volatilizes after washing, unlike the case where washing is performed using water or an organic solvent, it is not necessary to dry the fiber structure 100. Since it is not necessary to dry the fiber structure 100, it is not necessary to consume the electric power conventionally required for drying, and the fiber structure 100 can be cleaned with energy saving.

  As described above, the cleaning system 1 includes the valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 as the pressurizing means, the valve c62 as the pressure reducing means, the cleaning tank 10, and the valves a43 and b61 as the carbon dioxide supply means. A valve f65, a valve c62 as a carbon dioxide discharging means, a valve a43, a valve b61, a valve c62, a valve f65, and a control unit 91 as pressure adjusting means are provided.

  The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 are a group consisting of supercritical or liquid state carbon dioxide and the additive 200, solubilizing, emulsifying, and dissolving at least part of the additive 200. It is a valve for pressurizing so as to be in at least one state selected more. The valve c62 is a valve for foaming the additive 200 contained in the cleaning liquid by depressurizing the cleaning liquid pressurized by opening and closing the valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65. The cleaning tank 10 is a cleaning tank 10 for cleaning the fiber structure 100 with a cleaning liquid containing the additive 200 that is decompressed and foamed by opening the valve c62. The valve a43, the valve b61, and the valve f65 are valves for supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide to the cleaning tank 10. The valve c62 is a valve for discharging supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the cleaning tank 10. The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 are valves for adjusting the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10. The control unit 91 controls at least one of the valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65.

  After the fibrous structure 100 is cleaned with the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive 200, the control unit 91 controls the valve a43, the valve b61, and the valve f65 so as to supply carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state to the cleaning tank 10. A first control step for controlling, and a second control step for controlling the valve c62 so that the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning bath 10 in the first control step is discharged from the cleaning bath 10; And in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning tank 10 by opening and closing the valves a43, b61 and f65 and discharged from the cleaning tank 10 by opening the valve c62. In order to bring the agent 200 into at least one state selected from the group consisting of solubilization, emulsification, and dissolution, the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10 becomes a predetermined pressure. To control the valve a43 and the valve b61 and the valve c62 and the valve f65.

  After the cleaning liquid is once exposed to high pressure and then depressurized, the additive 200 contained in the cleaning liquid foams and becomes foam.

  Further, for example, when the cleaning liquid contains any amount of the additive 200 that is solubilized, emulsified, or dissolved, that is, at least a larger amount of the additive 200 than the additive 200 to be solubilized, or the cleaning liquid. If the additive 200 is contained in an amount that is at least solubilized, the additive 200 is separated from the solvent of the cleaning solution by pressurizing and then depressurizing the cleaning solution. May precipitate on the surface. The additive 200 deposited on the surface of the fiber structure 100 may be foamed on the surface of the fiber structure 100 by further reducing the pressure.

  The fine foam produced by the foaming of the additive 200 has a large surface area, so that it efficiently contacts the fibrous structure 100 and removes dirt that cannot normally be removed only by supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide alone. It can be dissolved in carbon dioxide in the state.

  In order to at least solubilize the additive 200 in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, the fiber structure 100 cleaned with the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive 200 is disposed inside the cleaning tank 10. While controlling the valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 so that the pressure becomes a predetermined pressure, supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is supplied to the cleaning tank 10, discharged from the cleaning tank 10, and super Rinse with carbon dioxide in the critical or liquid state. By doing in this way, the additive 200 is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide that is supplied to the cleaning tank 10 and is rinsed out of the cleaning tank 10 by rinsing the fiber structure 100, and after cleaning. The additive 200 is removed from the fiber structure 100.

  By doing in this way, the fiber structure 100 can be effectively cleaned with the additive 200, and the cleaning system can prevent the additive 200 from remaining in the fiber structure 100. 1 can be provided.

  Further, in the cleaning system 1, the cleaning tank 10 includes an additive contact means 11 for bringing the foamed additive 200 into contact with the fiber structure 100.

  By doing in this way, the opportunity for the additive 200 to contact the fiber structure 100 can be increased, and the detergency by the additive 200 can be improved.

  As the additive contact means 11 that promotes contact between the fiber structure 100 and foam, that is, the foamed additive 200, for example, a stirring blade or a rotor disposed in the cleaning tank 10 or the cleaning tank 10 is rotated. And a means for shaking the entire cleaning tank 10.

  In cleaning system 1, additive 200 preferably contains water and a first surfactant having a parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group.

  When the first surfactant in additive 200 has a parent carbon dioxide group, it is surely at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. Further, since the first surfactant has a hydrophilic group, water is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide together with the first surfactant. In this way, the water in the additive 200 is at least easily solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state.

  By the way, there is a possibility that cleaning using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state will not only be used for commercial cleaning, but also for household cleaning systems 1 in the future. In the household cleaning system 1, it is necessary to reliably and uniformly remove water-soluble dirt from the fiber structure 100.

  Therefore, in the cleaning system 1 of the present invention, as described above, the water at least solubilized in the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state adheres to the fiber structure 100 by contacting the fiber structure 100. It is possible to extract the existing water-soluble dirt into water, that is, to remove the water-soluble dirt from the fiber structure 100.

  Further, since the surfactant and water are present in the washing water at the same time, the surfactant and water may foam when the washing water is decompressed from a high pressure, and fine foam can be generated. With fine foam, the water-soluble dirt of the fiber structure 100 can be more effectively removed.

  Further, since the water-soluble soil removed from the fiber structure 100 is at least solubilized in the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, both the water and the surfactant are dissolved in the fiber structure by the supercritical or liquid state carbon dioxide. 100 can be reliably rinsed.

  In the cleaning system 1, the additive 200 includes water, a second surfactant having a non-parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, and carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state with the second surfactant. It is preferable to contain an auxiliary agent for dissolving in the aqueous solution.

  When the second surfactant in the additive 200 has a non-parent carbon dioxide group, it is at least difficult to solubilize in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. It is possible to solubilize at least the second surfactant therein. Further, since the second surfactant has a hydrophilic group, water is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide together with the second surfactant. In this way, by at least solubilizing the second surfactant having a hydrophilic group in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, water is at least easily solubilized in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. .

  Therefore, even when the surfactant does not have a parent carbon dioxide group and is a second surfactant having a non-parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, water at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. Can extract water-soluble dirt adhering to the fiber structure 100 into water by contacting the fiber structure 100, that is, water-soluble dirt can be removed from the fiber structure 100.

  Further, since the water-soluble soil removed from the fiber structure 100 is at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state together with water, the surfactant, and the auxiliary agent, the fibers are absorbed by the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. The structure 100 can be reliably rinsed.

  Further, the amount of the additive 200 is preferably larger than the maximum amount that is at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  By doing so, the maximum amount of additive 200 that is at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state is at least solubilized in carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state. The fiber structure 100 can be reliably washed without running out of the additive 200 in the washing of 100.

  In the cleaning system 1, the object to be cleaned is the fiber structure 100.

  In this way, the fiber structure 100 can be cleaned with high-pressure supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  Unlike conventional cleaning, cleaning of the fiber structure 100 using supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide does not use an organic solvent such as petroleum or perchloroethylene. In addition, carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state volatilizes after washing. Therefore, the fiber structure 100 after washing with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state has little irritation to the skin, and does not smell of a drug immediately after conventional cleaning. As described above, cleaning the fiber structure 100 using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is a healthy clothing cleaning technique.

  In addition, for example, since the additive 200 contains water or a polar solvent, water-soluble dirt can be removed at one time without performing separate treatment before and after cleaning with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. Costs such as labor and labor costs can be reduced. Thus, since water-soluble dirt can be removed, it is also suitable for washing at home. Since water-soluble soil can be removed using carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state, unlike the conventional washing of the fiber structure 100, it is not necessary to use a large amount of water.

  Further, since the fiber structure 100 after washing is not wet with water, there is little damage to the cloth, and the trouble of drying the fiber structure 100 after washing can be saved, and the time after washing can be used effectively. Since carbon dioxide is volatilized after washing, there is no need to dry the fiber structure 100 after washing, and no electric power is used for drying, thus saving energy.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the entire cleaning system as a second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning system 2 as a cleaning device is different from the cleaning system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the gas supply cylinder 81 and the gas in the gas supply cylinder 81 are pressurized and supplied into the cleaning tank 10. And a valve i83 disposed in a pipe connecting the pump 82 and the cleaning tank 10, and a valve j84 for exhausting the gas inside the cleaning tank 10 to decompress the inside of the cleaning tank 10. . The valve j84 is disposed in a pipe that communicates the inside and the outside of the cleaning tank 10. The gas supply cylinder 81 supplies a gas other than carbon dioxide, such as nitrogen, to the cleaning tank 10.

  The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, the valve f65, and the valve i83 are an example of a pressurizing unit. The valve c62 and the valve j84 are examples of pressure reducing means. The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve f65, and the valve i83 are an example of carbon dioxide supply means. The valve c62 and the valve j84 are examples of carbon dioxide discharge means. The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, the valve f65, the valve i83, and the valve j84 are examples of pressure adjusting means.

  The pressurizing means is composed of the valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, the valve f65, the valve i83, and the cleaning tank 10, and maintains the cleaning liquid in a relatively pressurized state inside the cleaning tank 10. High pressure holding means may be used. Further, the pressure reducing means may be a low pressure holding means configured to include the valve c62, the valve j84, and the cleaning tank 10, and to hold the cleaning liquid in a relatively reduced pressure state in the cleaning tank 10.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration according to the cleaning system of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 92 includes a valve a43 disposed in a pipe connected to the pump 42, a valve b61 disposed in a pipe directly connected to the upstream side of the cleaning tank 10, and a cleaning. A valve c62 arranged in a pipe arranged directly downstream of the tank 10, a valve d63 arranged between the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52, and between the condenser 52 and the carbon dioxide storage tank 53. A valve e64 disposed between the carbon dioxide reservoir 53 and the valve b61, a valve h67 disposed between the evaporator 51 and the dirt receiving container 70, and the evaporator 51. Control signals are transmitted to the valve g66 for exhausting, the valve i83 disposed in the pipe connected to the pump 82, and the valve j84 for exhausting the cleaning tank 10 to the outside, and the valves are opened and closed. To control.

  When supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the controller 92 controls the valve a 43 and the valve b 61 to open. Moreover, when supplying the carbon dioxide which circulates in the washing | cleaning system 2 to the inside of the washing tank 10, it controls to open the valve f65 and the valve b61.

  The controller 92 controls to open the valve c62 or the valve j84 when discharging carbon dioxide from the cleaning tank 10.

  When pressurizing the inside of the washing tank 10, the control unit 92 controls to open at least one of the valve a43 and the valve f65, the valve b61, and close the valve c62. Alternatively, control is performed such that the valve b61 and the valve c62 are closed and the valve i83 is opened.

  The controller 92 controls to open the valve c62 or the valve j84 when the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10 is reduced.

  When supplying gas from the gas supply cylinder 81 into the cleaning tank 10, the control unit 92 controls to open the valve i 83.

  Other configurations of the cleaning system 2 are the same as those of the cleaning system 1.

  In the cleaning system 2, after the fiber structure 100 and the additive 200 are accommodated in the cleaning tank 10, first, the valve i83 is opened, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve j84 are closed, and the gas supply cylinder 81 is used as a solvent. A gas such as nitrogen is supplied into the cleaning tank 10 to increase the pressure in the cleaning tank 10. In this embodiment, a gas other than carbon dioxide, such as nitrogen, is used as the solvent that is mixed with the additive 200 to produce the cleaning liquid.

  When the pressure in the cleaning tank 10 becomes high, the additive 200 is at least solubilized in the solvent, or the solvent is at least solubilized in the additive 200. The additive 200 and the solvent may be at least partially solubilized. When the inside of the cleaning tank 10 reaches a predetermined pressure, the valve i83 is closed, the valve j84 is opened, the gas in the cleaning tank 10 is exhausted, and the inside of the cleaning tank 10 is decompressed.

  The additive 200 is foamed by reducing the pressure in the cleaning tank 10. Thereafter, the process of rinsing the fiber structure 100 with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is the same as the cleaning system 1 of the first embodiment.

  When supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is used as the solvent as in the cleaning system 1 of the first embodiment, the additive 200 is made into the solvent by pressurizing the cleaning liquid in which the additive 200 and the solvent are mixed. At least it can be solubilized. On the other hand, when a solvent that does not solubilize the additive 200 is used, at least part of the solvent that has become high pressure dissolves in the additive 200 by pressurizing the cleaning liquid in which the additive 200 and the solvent are mixed. . Thereafter, by depressurizing the cleaning liquid, the solvent dissolved in the additive 200 is volatilized and the additive 200 is foamed.

  As described above, the gas supply cylinder 81 is provided as the additive foaming gas supply means for supplying the gas for foaming by pressurizing and depressurizing the additive 200 to the cleaning tank 10, thereby supplying from the carbon dioxide supply source 41. The maximum carbon dioxide that can be used can be used in the rinsing process. By doing in this way, the frequency which replaces the carbon dioxide supply source 41 can be reduced, and a user's burden can be eased.

  In addition, by providing the valve j84 for directly depressurizing the inside of the cleaning tank 10 as described above, the gas supplied from the gas supply cylinder 81 to the cleaning tank 10 can be exhausted to the outside through the valve j84. it can. By doing in this way, it can prevent that gas other than the carbon dioxide supplied from the gas supply cylinder 81 circulates in the cleaning system 2, and mixes in the recycled carbon dioxide.

  Other configurations and effects of the cleaning system 2 are the same as those of the cleaning system 1.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the entire cleaning system as a third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning system 3 as a cleaning device is different from the cleaning system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that an additive tank 20 and a valve k44 disposed between the pump 42 and the additive tank 20 The cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 and the valve 122 arranged in the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 are provided.

  The valve k44 and the valve 122 are examples of pressurizing means. The valve l22 and the valve c62 are examples of pressure reducing means. The valve a43, the valve b61, and the valve f65 are examples of carbon dioxide supply means. The valve c62 is an example of a carbon dioxide discharge unit. The valve a43, the valve b61, the valve c62, and the valve f65 are examples of pressure adjusting means. The cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 is an example of a flow path for supplying the cleaning liquid from the additive tank 20 to the cleaning tank 10. The cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 and the valve 122 constitute a cleaning liquid supply unit.

  The pressurizing means is a high-pressure holding means that is configured by the valve k44, the valve 122, and the additive tank 20, and holds the cleaning liquid in a relatively pressurized state inside the additive tank 20. Also good. Further, the pressure reducing means may be a low pressure holding means that is configured by the valve 122, the valve c62, and the additive tank 20, and holds the cleaning liquid in a relatively reduced pressure state inside the additive tank 20. .

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration according to the cleaning system of the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 93 includes a valve a43 disposed in a pipe connected to the pump 42, a valve b61 disposed in a pipe directly connected to the upstream side of the cleaning tank 10, and a cleaning. Between the valve c62 disposed in the pipe directly connected to the downstream side of the tank 10, the valve d63 disposed between the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52, and between the condenser 52 and the carbon dioxide storage tank 53. A valve e64 disposed between the carbon dioxide reservoir 53 and the valve b61, a valve h67 disposed between the evaporator 51 and the dirt receiving container 70, and the evaporator 51. A control signal is transmitted to the valve g66 for exhausting, the valve k44 disposed between the pump 42 and the additive tank 20, and the valve l22 disposed between the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10. To control the opening and closing of these valves.

  When supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the controller 93 controls the valve a 43 and the valve b 61 to open. In addition, when supplying carbon dioxide circulating in the cleaning system 3 to the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the valve f65 and the valve b61 are controlled to be opened.

  The controller 93 controls to open the valve c62 when carbon dioxide is discharged from the cleaning tank 10.

  When pressurizing the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the controller 93 controls to open at least one of the valve a43 and the valve f65, the valve b61, and close the valve c62. Alternatively, control is performed so that at least one of the valve a43 and the valve f65, the valve k44, and the valve 122 are opened. On the other hand, when the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10 is reduced, the valve c62 is controlled to open.

  When pressurizing the inside of the additive tank 20, the controller 93 opens the valve a43 and the valve k44 and closes the valve 122. On the other hand, when the pressure inside the additive tank 20 is reduced, the valve 122 is opened.

  Other configurations of the cleaning system 3 are the same as those of the cleaning system 1.

  In the cleaning system 3, the fiber structure 100 is stored in the cleaning tank 10, and the additive 200 and the solvent are stored in the additive tank 20. The additive 200 may be stored in the additive tank 20 in advance.

  When additive 200 is stored in additive tank 20, first, valve a43 and valve k44 are opened, valve 122 is closed, and carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is added from carbon dioxide supply source 41 as a solvent. It supplies to the agent tank 20. When the carbon dioxide circulating in the cleaning system 3 is recycled, the valve a43 is closed and the valve f65 is opened instead.

  The inside of the additive tank 20 is pressurized by the supplied supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. When the pressure in the additive tank 20 becomes high, the additive 200 is at least solubilized in the solvent.

  When the inside of the additive tank 20 reaches a predetermined pressure, the valve k44 is closed, the valve l22 and the valve c62 are opened, and at least one of the valve g66 and the valve h67 is opened. By opening the valve 122, the cleaning liquid in which the additive 200 is at least solubilized is supplied from the additive tank 20 to the cleaning tank 10 through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23. As described above, the additive tank 20 is arranged on the upstream side of the cleaning tank 10.

  While opening the valve 122, the valve c62 is opened, and at least one of the valve g66 and the valve h67 is opened, the inside of the additive tank 20 and the inside of the cleaning tank 10 are decompressed. By reducing the pressure in the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10, the additive 200 contained in the cleaning liquid is foamed. Moreover, the additive 200 is deposited on the surface of the fiber structure 100 by reducing the pressure in the cleaning tank 10. Further, the pressure inside the washing tank 10 is reduced, so that the additive 200 is foamed on the surface of the fiber structure 100.

  The additive tank 20 is connected to the cleaning tank 10 by a cleaning liquid supply pipe 23, and a valve 122 is arranged in the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23. Until the cleaning of the fiber structure 100 is started, the high-concentration additive 200 is brought into contact with the fiber structure 100 before being solubilized at least in supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide by keeping the valve 122 closed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of uneven washing after washing.

  In this manner, the additive 200 and the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide are mixed in the additive tank 20 and pressurized, whereby the additive 200 can be at least solubilized and then introduced into the cleaning tank 10. When the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in which the additive 200 is sufficiently solubilized is in contact with the fiber structure 100, the additive 200 and the fiber structure that are at least solubilized in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide. The opportunity for contact with 100 is increased, and the cleaning effect is improved. In addition, since it is not necessary to spend time to at least solubilize the additive 200 in the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide in the cleaning tank 10, the fiber structure 100 has the additive 200 in a state of exerting a cleaning effect. Detergency improves as soon as possible. As a further advantage, by stirring the additive 200 and supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, at least the speed of solubilization of the additive 200 is improved, and the operation time of the cleaning system 3 is shortened. Costs such as electricity costs for driving can be reduced. Moreover, since the undissolved residue of the additive 200 is eliminated, the undissolved additive 200 does not adhere to the fiber structure 100 and the fiber structure 100 is not recontaminated.

  Further, the additive tank 20 may include a pipe and an exhaust valve for exhausting the gas inside the additive tank 20 to the outside. The exhaust valve is an example of a decompression unit. When the additive tank 20 is pressurized to a predetermined pressure, the valve 122 is kept closed, the valve k44 is closed, and the exhaust valve is opened, so that the cleaning liquid does not move to the cleaning tank 10. The inside of the agent tank 20 is decompressed, and the additive 200 is foamed. Thereafter, before the inside of the additive tank 20 is completely exhausted, the exhaust valve is closed and the valve 122 is opened, whereby the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive 200 is supplied to the cleaning tank 10 through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23. .

  When the pressure difference between the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10 is small and the foamed cleaning liquid is difficult to be supplied to the cleaning tank 10, for example, the cleaning liquid suction means (not shown) is supplied to the cleaning tank 10 as the cleaning liquid supply means. ) May be provided. The suction means sucks the foamed cleaning liquid from the additive tank 20 into the cleaning tank 10.

  In this way, the fibrous structure 100 can be washed with the foam of the additive 200 by foaming the additive 200 in the additive tank 20 and supplying the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive 200 to the cleaning tank 10. it can.

  In the process of rinsing the fiber structure 100 with supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, the valve b61 and the valve k44 are opened, the valve l22 and the valve c62 are closed, and the cleaning tank 10 and the additive tank 20 are in a supercritical or liquid state. Supply carbon dioxide. When the carbon dioxide circulating in the cleaning system 3 is recycled and used for rinsing, the valve a43 is closed and the valve f65 is opened instead. By supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, the insides of the cleaning tank 10 and the additive tank 20 are gradually pressurized.

  If the inside of the washing tank 10 and the additive tank 20 reaches a predetermined pressure, the valve b61 is closed and the valve l22 is opened while the valve a43 is kept open as the first control step. At the same time, as a second control step, the valve c62 is opened, and at least one of the valve g66 and the valve h67 is opened. In this way, supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is continuously circulated through the cleaning tank 10 and the additive tank 20 so as to maintain the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10 and the additive tank 20. When discharging carbon dioxide outside the cleaning system 3, at least one of the valve g66 and the valve h67 is opened. When carbon dioxide is circulated in the cleaning system 3 for recycling, the valves a43, g66, and h67 are closed, and the valves d63, e64, and f65 are opened.

  By doing so, the additive 200 is removed from the fiber structure 100 by supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide continuously flowing at a predetermined pressure.

  As another process of rinsing the fiber structure 100, supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide is supplied to the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10, and the inside of the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10 is at a predetermined pressure. As a first control step, the valve k44 and the valve 122 are opened while the valve c62 is closed, and the valve b61 is closed. Next, as a second control step, the valve k44 and the valve 122 are closed, the valve b61 and the valve c62 are opened, and carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state is continuously passed through the cleaning tank 10. At this time, supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide does not flow through the additive tank 20. Thus, the additive tank 20 and the washing tank 10 can be rinsed separately. When the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10 are rinsed separately, re-contamination can be prevented by rinsing the additive tank 20 on the upstream side first.

  Other configurations and effects of the cleaning system 3 are the same as those of the cleaning system 1.

  As described above, the cleaning system 3 cleans the additive tank 20 for preparing the cleaning liquid by mixing the additive 200 and the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, and the cleaning liquid prepared in the additive tank 20. A cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 and a valve 122 are provided to supply the tank 10.

  Since the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10 are separately formed and connected by the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 and the valve 122, the additive 200 in the additive tank 20, the fiber structure 100 in the cleaning tank 10, and Can be prevented from contacting.

  By doing so, it is possible to prevent the high-concentration additive 200 from coming into contact with the fiber structure 100 before mixing with the carbon dioxide in the supercritical or liquid state, and to prevent uneven washing after washing. it can.

  Since the valve 122 is disposed in the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23, the additive 200 can be easily prevented from coming into contact with the fiber structure 100 by closing the valve 122. By preventing the additive 200 from coming into contact with the fiber structure 100, the additive 200 not mixed with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state comes into contact with the fiber structure 100 and causes washing unevenness. Can be prevented.

  On the other hand, for example, when the cleaning liquid is pressurized by controlling the valve k44, the valve l22, and the valve c62, the valve l22 so that the additive 200 in the additive tank 20 contacts the fiber structure 100 in the cleaning tank 10. May be opened. By opening the valve l22 during pressurization, the cleaning liquid containing the additive 200 is supplied to the cleaning tank 10 via the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 and the valve l22 during pressurization, and comes into contact with the fiber structure 100. Thereafter, when the valve c62 is opened and the inside of the cleaning tank 10 is depressurized, the additive 200 is deposited on the surface of the fiber structure 100. By depositing the additive 200 on the surface of the fiber structure 100, the additive 200 on the surface of the fiber structure 100 foams when the pressure is further reduced, and the fiber structure 100 can be effectively washed. .

  In the cleaning system 3, the valve k44, the valve 122, and the valve c62 are configured to pressurize and depressurize the cleaning liquid in the additive tank 20.

  By doing in this way, the additive 200 can be foamed in the additive tank 20, and the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive 200 can be supplied to the cleaning tank 10. For example, it is effective in the case where only the foam generated when the additive 200 is depressurized and foamed without foaming the additive 200 on the surface of the fiber structure 100 is used for cleaning the fiber structure 100. Therefore, the high-concentration additive 200 before mixing with carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state can be prevented from coming into contact with the fiber structure 100, and uneven washing after washing can be prevented.

  Further, for example, when the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 and the valve 122 are means for supplying the cleaning liquid from the additive tank 20 to the cleaning tank 10 by circulating gas from the additive tank 20 to the cleaning tank 10, the cleaning liquid is added. Foam generated by reducing the pressure and pressure can be flowed together with the gas and easily supplied from the additive tank 20 to the cleaning tank 10.

  Further, in the cleaning system 3, the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 mixes and distributes the cleaning liquid containing the additive 200 foamed to supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  The cleaning liquid containing the additive 200 in the additive tank 20 is supplied to the cleaning tank 10 through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 23 together with the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide to clean the fiber structure 100. The cleaning liquid containing the additive 200 used for cleaning is discharged from the cleaning tank 10 together with the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

  By doing so, the cleaning liquid can be supplied to the cleaning tank 10 by supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the entire cleaning system as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning system 4 as a cleaning device is different from the cleaning system 3 in that an additive storage tank 30 that stores an additive 200 to be supplied to the additive tank 20, and an additive A valve m31 for supplying the additive 200 from the storage tank 30 to the additive tank 20 is provided.

  The valve m31 is controlled by the control unit so as to supply an optimal amount of the additive 200 to the additive tank 20 at every cleaning.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration according to the cleaning system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 94 includes a valve a43 disposed in a pipe connected to the pump 42, a valve b61 disposed in a pipe directly connected to the upstream side of the cleaning tank 10, and a cleaning. A valve c62 arranged in a pipe arranged directly downstream of the tank 10, a valve d63 arranged between the evaporator 51 and the condenser 52, and between the condenser 52 and the carbon dioxide storage tank 53. A valve e64 disposed between the carbon dioxide reservoir 53 and the valve b61, a valve h67 disposed between the evaporator 51 and the dirt receiving container 70, and the evaporator 51. A valve g66 for exhausting, a valve k44 disposed between the pump 42 and the additive tank 20, a valve l22 disposed between the additive tank 20 and the cleaning tank 10, and the additive reservoir 30 And a control signal is sent to the valve m31 disposed between the additive tank 20 and the additive tank 20. And, to control the opening and closing of these valves.

  When supplying supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source 41 to the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the controller 94 controls the valve a 43 and the valve b 61 to open. In addition, when supplying carbon dioxide circulating in the cleaning system 4 to the inside of the cleaning tank 10, the valve f65 and the valve b61 are controlled to be opened.

  The controller 94 controls to open the valve c62 when carbon dioxide is discharged from the cleaning tank 10.

  When pressurizing the inside of the washing tank 10, the control unit 94 controls to open at least one of the valve a43 and the valve f65, the valve b61, and close the valve c62. Alternatively, control is performed so that at least one of the valve a43 and the valve f65, the valve k44, and the valve 122 are opened. On the other hand, when the pressure inside the cleaning tank 10 is reduced, the valve c62 is controlled to open.

  When pressurizing the inside of the additive tank 20, the control unit 94 opens the valve a43 and the valve k44 and closes the valve 122. On the other hand, when the pressure inside the additive tank 20 is reduced, the valve 122 is opened.

  Other configurations of the cleaning system 4 are the same as those of the cleaning system 3.

  When the fiber structure 100 is accommodated in the cleaning tank 10, the control unit 94 adds an optimal amount of the additive 200 from the additive storage tank 30 to the additive tank 20 according to the weight, type, and the like of the fiber structure 100. To control the valve m31.

  By doing so, it is not necessary for the user to perform the operation of adding the additive 200 to the additive tank 20 every time. In addition, the user can be prevented from erroneously adding the additive 200, and failure of the cleaning system 4 can be prevented.

  The cleaning and rinsing steps in the cleaning system 4 are the same as in the cleaning system 3.

  The embodiment disclosed above should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiment but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an entire cleaning system as a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure relevant to the control which concerns on the washing | cleaning system of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing roughly the whole washing system as a 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure relevant to the control which concerns on the washing | cleaning system of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows roughly the whole washing | cleaning system as 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure relevant to the control which concerns on the washing | cleaning system of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows roughly the whole washing | cleaning system as 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure relevant to the control which concerns on the washing | cleaning system of 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2, 3, 4: Cleaning system 10: Cleaning tank, 11: Additive contact means, 20: Additive tank, 22: Valve l, 23: Cleaning liquid supply pipe, 43: Valve a, 44: Valve k, 61 : Valve b, 62: valve c, 65: valve f, 83: valve i, 84: valve j, 91, 92, 93, 94: control unit, 100: fiber structure, 200: additive.

Claims (9)

At least one selected from the group consisting of solubilizing, emulsifying, and dissolving at least a part of one of the solvent or the additive in the cleaning liquid containing the solvent and the additive. Pressurizing means for pressurizing to bring it into a state;
Pressure reducing means for foaming the additive contained in the cleaning liquid by depressurizing the cleaning liquid pressurized by the pressure means;
A cleaning tank for cleaning an object to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid containing an additive foamed by being decompressed by the decompression means;
Carbon dioxide supply means for supplying carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state to the cleaning tank;
Carbon dioxide discharging means for discharging supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide from the washing tank;
Pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure inside the washing tank;
A control means for controlling at least one of the carbon dioxide supply means, the carbon dioxide discharge means, and the pressure adjustment means,
The control means includes
A first control step of controlling the carbon dioxide supply means to supply supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide to the cleaning tank after the object to be cleaned is cleaned with the cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive; ,
Performing a second control step of controlling the carbon dioxide discharging means so as to discharge the supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide supplied to the cleaning bath in the first control step from the cleaning bath; and
The additive is solubilized, emulsified, and dissolved in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state supplied to the cleaning tank by the carbon dioxide supply means and discharged from the cleaning tank by the carbon dioxide discharge means. A cleaning apparatus for controlling the pressure adjusting means so that a pressure inside the cleaning tank becomes a predetermined pressure in order to obtain at least one state selected from a group. An additive tank for preparing a cleaning liquid by mixing an additive and a solvent;
The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning liquid produced in the additive tank to the cleaning tank.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressurizing unit and the depressurizing unit are configured to pressurize and depressurize the cleaning liquid in the additive tank.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning liquid supply unit has a flow path for mixing and flowing a cleaning liquid containing the foamed additive into supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide.   The said washing tank is a washing | cleaning apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 4 which has the additive contact means for making the to-be-cleaned target object contact the said foaming additive.   The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the additive includes water and a first surfactant having a parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group.   The additive includes water, a second surfactant having a non-parent carbon dioxide group and a hydrophilic group, and an auxiliary agent for dissolving the second surfactant in carbon dioxide in a supercritical or liquid state. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:   The amount of the additive is larger than the maximum amount to be brought into at least one state selected from the group consisting of solubilization, emulsification, and dissolution in the solvent. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1.   The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the object to be cleaned is a fiber structure.

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