JP2017023985A - Washer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washer which can perform washing operation appropriate (especially, a dirtiness level) to an object to be washed.SOLUTION: A washer includes: a washing tank 2 in which an object to be washed is housed; a washing nozzle 3 which jets a liquid to the object to be washed in the washing tank 2; a liquid storage part 4 connected to a lower part in the washing tank 2; water feed means 5 to the liquid storage part 4; drain means 6 from the liquid storage part 4; circulation means 8 which circulates and supplies the liquid in the liquid storage part 4 to the washing nozzle 3; and control means for controlling the respective means. A flow rate of the liquid supplied from the liquid storage part 4 to the washing nozzle 3 can be changed by inverter-controlling a circulation pump 24 of the circulation means 8. A water storage amount in the liquid storage part 4 by the water feed means 5 is changed in response to the change of the previously set flow rate. As the number of rotation of the circulation pump 24 is lower, the water storage amount in the liquid storage part 4 by the water feed means 5 is reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device that performs cleaning by jetting a liquid onto an object to be cleaned.

  Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a spray arm (8) is rotatably provided in a chamber (3), and a liquid is ejected from a nozzle of the spray arm (8) onto an object to be cleaned. A cleaning device for cleaning or disinfecting an object to be cleaned is known. In this apparatus, the liquid ejected from the spray arm (8) is collected in a collection space (10) below the chamber (3), and is sprayed by the circulation pump (12) via the circulation pipe (16) ( It is circulated and supplied to 8).

  The object to be cleaned in this type of cleaning device is not uniformly soiled. When the object to be cleaned is relatively small, it is not necessary to perform the same cleaning as that of the object to be cleaned, and an operation corresponding to the object to be cleaned is desired.

Japanese Patent No. 48868847

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning device capable of performing a cleaning operation in accordance with an object to be cleaned (particularly the degree of contamination).

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is a cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated, and a cleaning in which a liquid is jetted onto the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank. A nozzle, a liquid reservoir connected to a lower portion in the cleaning tank, a water supply means to the liquid reservoir, a drain means from the liquid reservoir, and a liquid in the liquid reservoir to circulate to the cleaning nozzle A circulation means for supplying and a control means for controlling each of the means, wherein the circulation means is configured to change a flow rate of the liquid supplied from the liquid reservoir to the cleaning nozzle, and the control means includes the In accordance with the change of the flow rate, the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit by the water supply means is changed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, by changing the circulation flow rate by the circulation means and changing the injection flow rate from the washing nozzle, cleaning according to the object to be cleaned (especially the degree of contamination) is performed. Can do. That is, the circulation flow rate may be increased if the dirt is severe, and the circulation flow rate may be reduced if the dirt is small. And according to the change of the said preset flow rate, the amount of water storage to a liquid storage part can be changed. Although details will be described later, when the operation is to be performed with a reduced circulation flow rate, the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit can also be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of water supply and reducing the running cost. Moreover, the water supply time and drainage time can also be shortened by reducing the amount of water supply.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the circulation means includes a circulation pump capable of changing a rotational speed using an inverter in a pipe from the liquid storage unit to the cleaning nozzle, and the control means is set. 2. The washer according to claim 1, wherein the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit by the water supply unit is reduced as the number of rotations is reduced according to the number of rotations.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the circulation flow rate can be changed with a simple configuration using an inverter pump. And the amount of water storage to a liquid storage part can be reduced, so that the rotation speed of a circulation pump is reduced and a circulation flow rate is reduced, Thereby, water supply amount can be reduced and reduction of running cost can be aimed at. Moreover, the water supply time and drainage time can also be shortened by reducing the amount of water supply.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 further includes a chemical solution supply means to the water supplied by the water supply means, and a first heater for heating the stored water in the liquid storage section or the circulating water by the circulation means. The control means mixes the chemical liquid from the chemical liquid supply means with the water supplied from the water supply means, heats the liquid to a set temperature by the first heater, and circulates the liquid for a set time by the circulation means, and then drains the drainage means. In this shower cleaning operation with chemical solution charging, the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit by the water supply means is adjusted so that the concentration of the chemical solution becomes a set concentration. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a chemical supply amount by the chemical supply means is changed accordingly.

  According to invention of Claim 3, a to-be-cleaned object can be wash | cleaned with the water which mixed the chemical | medical solution. By reducing the circulating flow rate of the circulating water, the amount of stored water and therefore the amount of water supply can be reduced.Accordingly, the water supply time and drainage time can be shortened, and the amount of chemicals used in the water supply to the set concentration can be reduced. The time and energy for heating the feed water to the set temperature can be reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the washing | cleaning device which can implement the washing | cleaning driving | operation according to to-be-washed | cleaned object (especially the condition of the dirt) is realizable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the schematic which shows the washing | cleaning device of one Example of this invention, and shows one part in cross section.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a part thereof is shown in cross section. The cleaning device 1 of this embodiment can be used as a cleaning device for instrument decontamination.

  The cleaning device 1 of this embodiment is connected to a cleaning tank 2 in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated, a cleaning nozzle 3 for injecting a liquid to the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2, and a lower part in the cleaning tank 2. The liquid storage unit 4, the water supply unit 5 to the liquid storage unit 4, the drainage unit 6 from the liquid storage unit 4, the chemical solution supply unit 7 to the water supplied by the water supply unit 5, and the liquid storage unit 4 Circulating means 8 for circulating and supplying liquid to the cleaning nozzle 3, a blower 9 for sending air into the cleaning tank 2, a first heater 10 for heating the stored water in the liquid storage unit 4, and the inside of the cleaning tank 2 by the blower 9 And a control means (not shown) for controlling the blowers 9 and the heaters 10 and 11.

  The object to be cleaned is not particularly limited, but is a medical instrument such as forceps. In the cleaning tank 2, cleaning nozzles 3 are provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages, and an object to be cleaned is disposed between the upper and lower cleaning nozzles 3. At this time, an object to be cleaned is placed on a net shelf (not shown) provided in the upper and lower stages in the cleaning tank 2. The object to be cleaned may be accommodated in a basket or the like as desired.

  The cleaning tank 2 is a hollow container that accommodates an object to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, the cleaning tank 2 has a substantially rectangular hollow box shape. The cleaning tank 2 can be opened and closed by a door (not shown). The object to be cleaned can be taken in and out of the cleaning tank 2 by opening the door. The door is provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 2, but may be provided on both the front surface and the back surface of the cleaning tank 2. In the illustrated example, a jacket 12 as a continuous cavity is provided on the upper wall and the left and right side walls of the cleaning tank 2, and the jacket 12 opens into the cleaning tank 2 at the lower ends of the left and right side walls. To do. However, such a jacket 12 can be omitted in some cases.

  The cleaning nozzle 3 is provided in the cleaning tank 2 in multiple upper and lower stages. In the present embodiment, the base end portion of the arm-shaped support member 13 is held in one side portion of the cleaning tank 2 in a plurality of upper and lower stages, and each support member 13 extends from one side portion of the cleaning tank 2 to the center in the left-right direction. Extend towards. Then, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning nozzle 3 is held at the extended tip portion so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis. The cleaning nozzle 3 is formed with a plurality of nozzle holes (not shown) for ejecting fluid (liquid or air) supplied through the support member 13. When a fluid is supplied into the cleaning nozzle 3 through the support member 13, the fluid is ejected from the nozzle hole of the cleaning nozzle 3. With this jet, the cleaning nozzle 3 rotates around the bearing portion at the end of the support member 13. The cleaning nozzle 3 provided at the upper end in the cleaning tank 2 ejects fluid only downward, and the cleaning nozzle 3 provided at the lower end in the cleaning tank 2 ejects fluid upward only, The cleaning nozzles 3 other than the unit inject fluids both upward and downward.

  The liquid storage unit 4 is connected to the lower part in the cleaning tank 2. In other words, the cleaning tank 2 includes the liquid storage unit 4 in the lower part. In the present embodiment, the lower wall of the cleaning tank 2 is formed as an inclined surface 2a that is inclined downward as both left and right end portions go inward in the left-right direction, and the central portion in the left-right direction is recessed downward in a substantially rectangular shape. The lower part in the cleaning tank 2 is the liquid storage part 4 in a form including the concave part. During the operation of the circulation means 8, the liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 3 into the cleaning tank 2 falls downward in the cleaning tank 2, and is collected in the recess by the inclined surface 2a.

  The water supply means 5 supplies water to the liquid storage section 4 at the lower part of the cleaning tank 2 via a water supply path 14. In the present embodiment, the water supply from the water supply channel 14 is sent from the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 to the liquid storage unit 4 via the jacket 12. A check valve 15 and a water supply valve 16 are provided in the water supply path 14 toward the cleaning tank 2. In the illustrated example, only one water supply channel 14 is shown, but a plurality of water supply channels 14 may be provided in parallel as desired to supply water selected from a plurality of types of water. For example, in addition to tap water, each water supply channel 14 of warm water and RO water (reverse osmosis membrane filtered water) may be provided so that desired water can be supplied according to the object to be cleaned, the process, and the like.

  The cleaning tank 2 with the liquid storage part 4 is provided with a liquid level detector (not shown). The configuration of the liquid level detector is not particularly limited, but an analog type that can continuously detect the liquid level is preferable. For example, it comprises a pressure sensor installed at the bottom of the liquid reservoir 4. In this case, the liquid level is grasped by utilizing the fact that the water pressure changes according to the liquid level in the liquid storage unit 4 (and the cleaning tank 2). The cleaning tank 2 is provided with an overflow path 17 for discharging a predetermined amount or more of liquid to the outside.

  The drainage means 6 drains from the liquid storage part 4 at the lower part of the cleaning tank 2 via a drainage channel 18. A drain valve 19 is provided in the drain channel 18. By opening the drain valve 19, the stored water in the liquid storage unit 4 can be drained to the outside.

  The chemical liquid supply unit 7 supplies the chemical liquid to the stored water in the liquid storage unit 4 via the liquid supply path 20. Specifically, a chemical liquid tank 21 in which a chemical liquid is stored is connected to the cleaning tank 2 via a liquid supply path 20, and a chemical liquid pump 22 is provided in the liquid supply path 20. By controlling the operation of the chemical liquid pump 22, the supply amount of the chemical liquid from the chemical liquid tank 21 to the liquid storage unit 4 can be adjusted. Note that a plurality of sets of the chemical liquid tank 21 and the liquid supply path 20 may be provided in parallel so that the type of the chemical liquid can be changed. For example, a plurality of chemical tanks 21 storing desired chemicals such as alkaline detergents, enzyme-containing detergents, lubricating rust preventives, and drying accelerators may be provided, and the chemicals to be used may be changed depending on the object to be cleaned and the process. . In addition, in the example of illustration, although the liquid supply path 20 is connected to the washing tank 2, you may connect to the liquid storage part 4 and the circulation piping 23 mentioned later.

  The circulation means 8 circulates and supplies the stored liquid in the liquid storage unit 4 to the cleaning nozzle 3. Specifically, the circulation means 8 includes a circulation pipe 23 and a circulation pump 24. The circulation pipe 23 is a pipe from the liquid storage unit 4 to the support member 13 of each cleaning nozzle 3, and a circulation pump 24 is provided in the middle thereof. In the illustrated example, the piping from the liquid storage unit 4 to the circulation pump 24 in the circulation piping 23 is a common conduit with the drainage channel 18 on the upstream side. When the circulation pump 24 is operated, the liquid in the liquid reservoir 4 can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 via the circulation pipe 23 and the support member 13, and the liquid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 3 Returned to 4.

  The 1st heater 10 is provided in the liquid storage part 4 in a present Example, and heats a stored liquid. However, in some cases, the first heater 10 may be provided in the circulation pipe 23 to heat the circulating liquid. The first heater 10 may be an electric heater, but is a steam heater in the illustrated example. The steam heater can supply steam into the steam pipe via the steam supply path 25, and the condensed water of the steam is discharged from the drain discharge path 28 via the steam trap 26 and the check valve 27. The temperature of the stored liquid can be adjusted by controlling the opening / closing or opening of the steam supply valve 29 provided in the steam supply path 25.

  The blower 9 is connected to the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 via an air supply path 30. The air supply path 30 from the blower 9 is branched on the outlet side of the second heater 11, the first air supply path 30 a is connected to the circulation pipe 23 via the air supply valve 31, and the second air supply path 30 b is connected. It is connected to the jacket 12 at the top of the cleaning tank 2. The blower 9 sucks and discharges air through the filter 32 and sends it into the cleaning tank 2 through the second heater 11. That is, the air from the blower 9 is heated by the second heater 11 and then injected from the cleaning nozzle 3 via the first air supply path 30a, the circulation pipe 23, and the support member 13, while the second air supply It is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 through the path 30b and the jacket 12.

  An exhaust path 33 to the outside is connected to the upper part of the cleaning tank 2. In the illustrated example, a part of the exhaust from the exhaust path 33 is exhausted to the outside, and the remaining part is returned to the suction port of the blower 9 via the return path 34. In order to keep this return amount as desired, the exhaust passage 33 is provided with an orifice 35 downstream from a branch portion with the return passage 34. In this case, the blower 9 is supplied with exhaust air from the cleaning tank 2 and new air through the filter 32, and air can be circulated between the cleaning tank 2 while partially replacing the air. However, the exhaust from the cleaning tank 2 may be exhausted to the outside in addition to circulating while exchanging a part. In that case, installation of the return path 34 and the orifice 35 is omitted. Instead, a condenser for condensing moisture in the exhaust gas may be provided in the exhaust path 33.

  The cleaning device 1 may further include a heating tank 36. The heating tank 36 is used for preheating a liquid used in a later process. In the present embodiment, the heating tank 36 is provided in the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 because of the installation space.

  Water is supplied to the heating tank 36 via a tank water supply passage 37. The tank water supply passage 37 is provided with a tank water supply valve 38, and the water supply to the heating tank 36 can be controlled by opening and closing the tank water supply valve 38. In this embodiment, the heating tank 36 is provided with a water level detector (not shown) so that at least a full water state (a water supply state up to a set water level) and an air water state can be detected. Based on the detection signal from the water level detector, the tank water supply valve 38 can be controlled to supply water to the heating tank 36 up to the set water level. The heating tank 36 is provided with an overflow path 39 that overflows with a predetermined amount or more of water.

  The heating tank 36 is provided with a third heater 40. The third heater 40 is an electric heater in the illustrated example, but may be a steam heater similar to the first heater 10 in some cases. The liquid in the heating tank 36 can be heated to the set temperature by the third heater 40. Typically, hot water used in the decontamination process described below can be produced.

  The heating tank 36 and the washing tank 2 are connected by a hot water channel 41, and a hot water valve 42 is provided in the hot water channel 41. In the illustrated example, the hot water channel 41 is a common pipe line with the water supply channel 14 in the downstream (cleaning tank 2 side). By opening the hot water valve 42, hot water can be supplied from the heating tank 36 into the cleaning tank 2.

  The cleaning tank 2 may further be provided with an ultrasonic transducer 43. In the present embodiment, ultrasonic transducers 43 are provided on the left and right inclined surfaces 2a of the lower wall of the cleaning tank 2, respectively.

  The liquid storage unit 4 is provided with a first temperature sensor 44. By controlling the first heater 10 based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 44 (in this embodiment, the steam supply valve 29 is controlled), the water stored in the liquid storage unit 4, and thus the liquid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 3 is controlled. The temperature can be adjusted.

  A second temperature sensor 45 is provided in the air supply path 30 from the blower 9 to the cleaning tank 2 on the downstream side of the installation position of the second heater 11. By controlling the second heater 11 based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 45, the supply air temperature into the cleaning tank 2 can be adjusted.

  The heating tank 36 is provided with a third temperature sensor 46. By controlling the third heater 40 based on the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor 46, the stored water in the heating tank 36 can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

  The cleaning device 1 further includes a controller (not shown) as control means. Specifically, the water supply valve 16, the drain valve 19, the chemical pump 22, the circulation pump 24, the blower 9, the air supply valve 31, the tank water supply valve 38, the hot water valve 42, the first heater 10 (the steam supply valve 29), Second heater 11, third heater 40, ultrasonic transducer 43, liquid level detector of liquid reservoir 4, water level detector of heating tank 36, first temperature sensor 44, second temperature sensor 45, and third temperature sensor 46 etc. are connected to the controller. The controller then cleans or rinses the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2 according to a predetermined procedure (program) as described below.

  The cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment can execute at least a shower cleaning operation, an ultrasonic cleaning operation, and a drying operation. Hereinafter, each operation will be described in order.

≪Shower cleaning operation≫
The shower cleaning operation is an operation in which the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 4 is circulated and supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 by the circulation means 8 and sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 3 onto the object to be cleaned. Specifically, first, water is supplied to the liquid storage unit 4 by the water supply means 5 until the liquid level detector detects the set water level. Further, if necessary, a desired chemical solution is introduced into the liquid storage unit 4 by the chemical solution supply means 7. The chemical solution supplied by the chemical solution supply means 7 is supplied in a set amount so as to have a set concentration with respect to the water supplied by the water supply means 5. Furthermore, the stored water in the liquid storage part 4 is similarly heated by the 1st heater 10 as needed. In addition, when warm water can be supplied by the water supply path 14 or the hot water path 41, you may utilize the warm water. Further, the introduction of the chemical solution and the heating of the water supply are not limited to before the operation of the circulation means 8 and may be performed while the circulation means 8 is in operation. In any case, in a state where the liquid is stored in the liquid storage unit 4, the circulation pump 24 is operated to supply the stored liquid to the cleaning nozzle 3 through the circulation pipe 23 and the support member 13. While rotating, the material is sprayed from the nozzle hole of the cleaning nozzle 3 onto the object to be cleaned. Thus, the object to be cleaned is cleaned with water sprayed from the upper and lower cleaning nozzles 3. Then, the water sprayed from each cleaning nozzle 3 is returned to the liquid storage section 4 below the cleaning tank 2. During the circulation, as described above, the circulating water may be heated by the first heater 10 so as to maintain the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 44 at the set temperature as necessary. When the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the circulation by the circulation pump 24 is stopped, and when the first heater 10 is in operation, it is also stopped, and the drainage means 6 typically drains the water.

  By the way, the circulation means 8 is configured to be able to change the flow rate of the liquid supplied from the liquid reservoir 4 to the cleaning nozzle 3. In the present embodiment, the circulation flow rate can be changed by changing the rotation speed of the circulation pump 24. Specifically, the controller can change the rotation speed of the circulation pump 24 by changing the power supply frequency to the motor of the circulation pump 24 by an inverter. Thereby, the circulation flow rate by the circulation means 8 and the liquid injection flow rate from the washing nozzle 3 can be adjusted. Accordingly, it is possible to perform cleaning according to the object to be cleaned (particularly the degree of contamination). For example, if the object to be cleaned is very dirty, the circulating flow rate is increased. If the object to be cleaned is not very dirty, the circulating flow rate may be decreased.

  And a controller is good to change the water storage amount to the liquid storage part 4 by the water supply means 5 according to the change of a circulating flow rate. Of course, since the circulation by the circulation means 8 is performed after the water supply by the water supply means 5, it can be said that the circulation flow rate is changed in accordance with the change of the water storage amount (water supply amount). However, as described below, the cleaning device 1 normally has a cleaning strength (in other words, a circulating flow rate) set in advance prior to the start of operation in accordance with the object to be cleaned (particularly, the degree of contamination), and stores water accordingly. The amount (water supply amount) is set, and operation is performed based on these settings.

  Specifically, the controller is connected to a setting device such as a touch panel, for example, and the circulation flow rate by the circulation means 8 (in other words, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 24) is set in advance prior to the start of operation. Based on the value, the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit 4 (in other words, the amount of water supplied by the water supply means 5) is changed. At that time, the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit 4 (that is, the amount of water supplied by the water supply means 5) is controlled to decrease as the circulation flow rate by the circulation means 8 decreases (that is, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 24 decreases). Is good.

  Explaining a specific example, the cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment can switch the output (cleaning ability) in three stages, for example, “powerful operation”, “first energy saving operation”, and “second energy saving operation”. . This switching is performed by the user by the setting device described above before the start of operation. For example, if the object to be cleaned is very dirty, set it to powerful operation. Two energy saving operation can be set.

  The rotational speed of the circulation pump 24 in the powerful operation is higher than that in the first energy-saving operation and the second energy-saving operation, and is normally set to the maximum allowable output. Further, the rotational speed of the circulation pump 24 in the first energy saving operation is lower than that in the powerful operation, but is higher than that in the second energy saving operation. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 24 in the second energy saving operation is lower than that in the powerful operation and the first energy saving operation.

  Then, the lower the rotational speed of the circulation pump 24, the smaller the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit 4 (that is, the amount of water supplied by the water supply means 5) is controlled. Specifically, when water is supplied by the water supply means 5, water is supplied until the liquid level detector reaches the set water level, but the set water level in the powerful operation is higher than in the first energy-saving operation and the second energy-saving operation. Further, the set water level in the first energy saving operation is lower than that in the powerful operation, but is higher than that in the second energy saving operation. Furthermore, the set water level in the second energy saving operation is lower than that in the powerful operation and the first energy saving operation.

  The reason why the stored water amount can be reduced (that is, the set water level is lowered to reduce the water supply amount) as the circulating flow rate is lowered (that is, the rotational speed of the circulation pump 24 is lowered) is as follows. That is, since the NPSH (net suction head) of the circulation pump varies depending on the rotational speed of the circulation pump 24, the stored water in the liquid storage unit 4 can be adjusted accordingly. That is, as a premise, the water stored in the liquid storage unit 4 is sucked into the circulation pump 24 as the circulation pump 24 is operated, so that a certain amount of water is required in the liquid storage unit 4 so that the stored water is not depleted. is there. The minimum amount of stored water varies depending on the rotational speed of the circulation pump 24. If the rotational speed is high, the discharge flow rate of the circulation pump 24 increases. Therefore, a relatively large amount of water is required in the liquid storage unit 4, and if the rotational speed is low, the discharge flow rate of the circulation pump 24 decreases. The amount of water stored in the storage unit 4 can be reduced. In this way, since the minimum amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit 4 is determined according to the number of rotations of the circulation pump 24, the water supply means 5 supplies water to a set water level determined by the minimum amount of water stored. .

  In this way, by reducing the circulating flow rate of circulating water, the amount of stored water and thus the amount of water supply can be reduced, and accordingly the water supply time and drainage time can be shortened. The amount and time and energy for heating the feed water to the set temperature can be reduced.

  Moreover, when the number of the cleaning nozzles 3 provided in the cleaning tank 2 can be changed, the circulation flow rate can be changed according to the number of the cleaning nozzles 3 and the water storage amount can be changed accordingly. That is, among the cleaning nozzles 3 provided in the cleaning tank 2, the cleaning nozzles 3 except for the uppermost part and the lowermost part together with the support member 13 may be switchable in the presence or absence of installation. Needless to say, even when the number of cleaning nozzles 3 installed in the cleaning tank 2 is changed, liquid is discharged only from the cleaning nozzles 3 being installed when the circulation pump 24 is operated. Further, the position of the net shelf on which the object to be cleaned is placed can be changed according to the installation position of the cleaning nozzle 3. Thus, for example, when a relatively large object to be cleaned is to be cleaned, the number of cleaning nozzles 3 can be reduced. And according to the change of the number of the washing nozzles 3, it is also possible to change the circulation flow rate and thus the water storage amount.

≪Ultrasonic cleaning operation≫
The ultrasonic cleaning operation is an operation for ultrasonic cleaning by immersing an object to be cleaned in a liquid in the cleaning tank 2. Specifically, first, water is supplied to the liquid storage unit 4 by the water supply means 5 until the liquid level detector detects the set water level. At this time, water is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 until the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2 is submerged (that is, the object to be cleaned is immersed). If the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2 is submerged, it is not always necessary to supply water to the upper part in the cleaning tank 2. Similarly to the shower cleaning operation, if necessary, a desired chemical solution may be introduced into the cleaning tank 2 by the chemical solution supply means 7, or the stored water is heated to a set temperature by the first heater 10. May be. Then, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 is operated, and the ultrasonic vibrator 43 may be operated depending on the case, for supplying water into the cleaning tank 2 (particularly after immersing at least a part of the object to be cleaned) or the cleaning tank. You may start in the heating of the stored liquid in 2. FIG. Further, during the ultrasonic cleaning, the circulation pump 24 may be operated to use water jet from the cleaning nozzle 3 together. The object to be cleaned disposed in the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 may be difficult to be subjected to ultrasonic waves in some cases and the cleaning effect may be diminished. However, the liquid from the cleaning nozzle 3 can be obtained by using shower cleaning from the cleaning nozzle 3 together. All the objects to be cleaned can be effectively cleaned by the injection of the water and the flow of the stored water. When the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 is stopped, and also when the first heater 10 and the circulation pump 24 are in operation, they are also stopped and typically drained by the draining means 6.

≪Drying action≫
The drying operation is an operation of blowing hot air into the cleaning tank 2 to dry the object to be cleaned. Specifically, the blower 9 may be operated and the air supply valve 31 may be opened. Moreover, hot air can be sent into the cleaning tank 2 by operating the second heater 11. At this time, the temperature of the hot air can be maintained at the set temperature by controlling the second heater 11 based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 45. Hot air from the blower 9 is jetted from the nozzle hole of the cleaning nozzle 3 while rotating the cleaning nozzle 3 through the first air supply path 30 a, the circulation pipe 23 and the support member 13. In parallel with this, hot air from the blower 9 is supplied into the cleaning tank 2 via the second air supply path 30 b and the jacket 12. These hot air is led out from the exhaust passage 33 at the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 and is circulated by the blower 9 while exchanging a part as described above in the illustrated example.

  The cleaning device 1 of this embodiment is operated by combining the above-described shower cleaning operation, ultrasonic cleaning operation, and drying operation. Hereinafter, an example of a typical driving method will be described. In the initial state, the valves 16, 19, 29, 31, 38, 42 are closed, and the pumps 22, 24, the heaters 10, 11, 40, the blower 9, and the ultrasonic vibrator 43 are stopped. However, the drain valve 19 may be opened before the operation is started and closed when the operation is started. In any case, before the start of operation, an object to be cleaned is accommodated in the cleaning tank 2, and the door of the cleaning tank 2 is closed in an airtight manner.

  The cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pre-cleaning process, a shower cleaning process, an ultrasonic cleaning process, a rinsing process, a decontamination process, and a drying process, and includes selected processes. However, for example, the pre-washing step can be omitted without being configured so that all of these steps can be performed. In any case, which process is performed in what order (and how many times each process is performed) is set in advance. For example, prior to the start of operation, it is set by the user via a setting device. Typically, among the above steps, the selected steps are executed in order. When the operation start is instructed by a predetermined operation start button, the controller sequentially executes the selected processes. Hereinafter, the specific content of each process is demonstrated. In the following description, it goes without saying that the set temperature can be different for each process, and the set time can be different for each process.

  The pre-cleaning step is a step of cleaning the object to be cleaned with water that is not charged with a chemical solution using the shower cleaning operation. Specifically, water is supplied to the set water level by the water supply means 5, and usually the chemical pump by the chemical liquid supply means 7 is not charged, and the first heater 10 is not operated, the circulation pump 24 is operated, and the shower is performed. Perform the cleaning operation. When the set time elapses, the circulation pump 24 is stopped and the stored water is drained by the drainage means 6.

  A shower washing | cleaning process is a process of wash | cleaning a to-be-washed | cleaned object with the water (washing water) which supplied the chemical | medical solution (detergent) using the said shower washing | cleaning operation | movement. Specifically, water is supplied to the set water level by the water supply means 5 and the chemical liquid is supplied by the chemical liquid supply means 7 to obtain a set concentration of cleaning water. Then, the first heater 10 is activated and the circulation pump 24 is activated to perform the shower cleaning operation. When the set time elapses after the circulating water reaches a set temperature (for example, 40 ° C.), heating by the first heater 10 and circulation by the circulation pump 24 are stopped. And although it drains with the drainage means 6, you may add and use washing water at the ultrasonic cleaning process of the next process, without draining.

  The ultrasonic cleaning step is a step of ultrasonically cleaning the object to be cleaned using the ultrasonic cleaning operation. Specifically, water is supplied to the set water level by the water supply means 5 and a chemical liquid (usually the same chemical liquid as that in the shower cleaning process) is supplied by the chemical liquid supply means 7 to obtain a cleaning water having a set concentration. And while operating the 1st heater 10, the ultrasonic transducer | vibrator 43 is operated and ultrasonic cleaning operation | movement is implemented. At this time, if necessary, the circulation pump 24 may be operated to use a shower cleaning operation together. When the set time elapses after the stored water reaches the set temperature, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 and the circulation pump 24 are stopped in addition to the first heater 10. Then, the water is drained by the drainage means 6, but in the next process, when a shower cleaning process (high temperature cleaning process) with an increased set temperature is performed, only a part of the cleaning water is drained without draining the entire amount. You can use the rest.

  The rinsing step is a step similar to the pre-washing step, in which water is stored in the liquid storage unit 4 and then the circulation pump 24 is operated to inject water from the cleaning nozzle 3 to rinse the object to be cleaned. is there. At this time, the stored water may be heated to the set temperature by the first heater 10. Moreover, you may throw a chemical | medical solution into stored water depending on the case. After circulating water for a set time, the circulation pump 24 is stopped. And it drains from the liquid storage part 4 by the drainage means 6. Typically, the rinsing process is repeated a set number of times (at least once). Specifically, a set of water supply by the water supply means 5, circulation of a set time by the circulation means 8, and drainage by the drainage means 6 is repeated a set number of times (for example, twice).

  The decontamination process is the same process as the shower cleaning process, but the water temperature is different. In the decontamination process, the circulating water is hot water (high temperature water of 65 ° C. or more and 95 ° C. or less). The hot water may be heated by the first heater 10, but if hot water is prepared in the heating tank 36 in advance and hot water is supplied from the heating tank 36 instead of the water supply from the water supply path 14, the operation is performed. Time can be shortened. In the decontamination process, a first temperature sensor 44 is provided on the outlet side of the circulation pump 24 so that the temperature of the liquid sprayed on the object to be cleaned can be reliably maintained at the disinfection temperature. The heater 10 may be controlled. In the decontamination step, a chemical solution (for example, a lubricating rust preventive agent and / or a drying accelerator) may be added by the chemical solution supply means 7 as desired. When the accumulated time in which the circulating water is equal to or higher than the set temperature reaches the set time, the first heater 10 and the circulation pump 24 are stopped and drained by the draining means 6.

  The drying step is a step of drying the object to be cleaned with hot air using the drying operation. Specifically, the blower 9 may be operated and the air supply valve 31 may be opened. Moreover, hot air can be sent into the cleaning tank 2 by operating the second heater 11. When the set time has elapsed, the second heater 11 and the blower 9 are stopped.

  In addition, after completion | finish of such a series of processes, you may drive the air blower 9 intermittently until a predetermined operation is made or predetermined time passes as a completion process. At this time, heating by the second heater 11 is not performed. By performing the completion step, it is possible to prevent the condensation from adhering to the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2.

  The cleaning device 1 of the present invention is not limited to the configuration (including control) of the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. In particular, in addition to the cleaning tank 2 with the liquid storage unit 4, the cleaning nozzle 3, the water supply unit 5, the drainage unit 6, the circulation unit 8, and the control unit are provided, and the circulation unit 8 supplies the cleaning nozzle 3 from the liquid storage unit 4. The flow rate of the liquid to be changed can be changed, and if the control means changes the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit 4 by the water supply means 5 in accordance with the change in the flow rate, other configurations can be changed as appropriate. Is possible.

  For example, in the embodiment, the circulation pump 24 is inverter-controlled to change the circulation flow rate, but the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve provided on the outlet side of the circulation pump 24 is adjusted while the circulation pump 24 is on / off controlled. Then, the circulation flow rate may be adjusted.

  Moreover, in the said Example, the heating tank 36 can be abbreviate | omitted by the case. In addition, if the ultrasonic cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 can be omitted, and if the drying operation is not performed, the blower 9 and the second heater 11 may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the circulation flow rate and the amount of water stored in the shower cleaning operation are changed in three stages of the powerful operation, the first energy saving operation, and the second energy saving operation has been described. Or may be changed in four or more stages, or may be changed continuously in some cases.

  Furthermore, in the said Example, although the to-be-cleaned object was taken in / out with respect to the net shelf in the washing tank 2, a washing rack can be taken in / out in the washing tank 2, and to-be-cleaned object can be accommodated in the net shelf of the washing rack Also good. In that case, the cleaning nozzles 3 (in particular, the cleaning nozzles 3 other than the uppermost and / or lowermost cleaning nozzles 3) provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages are provided in the cleaning rack. As in the above-described embodiment, the cleaning rack is provided with arm-shaped support members 13 in a plurality of upper and lower stages on one side, and the cleaning nozzle 3 is rotatably held by each support member 13. In the state where the cleaning rack is accommodated in the cleaning tank 2, the fluid from the circulation pump 24 (or the air from the blower 9) can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 of the cleaning rack so that the fluid to the support member 13 on the cleaning rack side can be supplied. The supply port and the fluid discharge port of the pipe from the circulation pump 24 on the cleaning tank 2 side are detachably connected. Note that the cleaning rack may have a wagon shape with a caster at the lower end. In the embodiment, one or both of the cleaning nozzles 3 provided at the upper and lower end portions in the cleaning tank 2 may be provided on the cleaning tank 2 side instead of being provided in the cleaning rack.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washer 2 Washing tank 3 Washing nozzle 4 Liquid storage part 5 Water supply means 6 Drainage means 7 Chemical liquid supply means 8 Circulation means 9 Blower 10 First heater 11 Second heater 23 Circulation piping 24 Circulation pump

Claims (3)

A cleaning tank in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated, a cleaning nozzle for injecting liquid to the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, a liquid reservoir connected to the lower part in the cleaning tank, and water supply to the liquid reservoir Means, draining means from the liquid storage part, circulation means for circulating and supplying the liquid in the liquid storage part to the cleaning nozzle, and control means for controlling each means,
The circulation means is configured to be capable of changing the flow rate of the liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit to the cleaning nozzle,
The said control means changes the amount of water storage to the said liquid storage part by the said water supply means according to the change of the said flow volume. The washer characterized by the above-mentioned. The circulation means includes a circulation pump capable of changing the number of rotations using an inverter in a pipe from the liquid storage unit to the cleaning nozzle,
2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reduces the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit by the water supply unit in accordance with the set number of rotations as the number of rotations decreases. A chemical supply means to the water supplied by the water supply means, and a first heater for heating the stored water in the liquid storage section or the circulating water by the circulation means,
The control means mixes the chemical solution from the chemical supply means into the water from the water supply means, heats the liquid to a set temperature by the first heater and circulates the set time by the circulation means, and then causes the drain means to It is possible to perform the shower cleaning operation with chemical solution input to drain,
In this shower cleaning operation with chemical solution charging, the chemical solution supply amount by the chemical solution supply unit is changed according to the amount of water stored in the liquid storage unit by the water supply unit so that the concentration of the chemical solution becomes a set concentration. The washer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

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