JP2017047087A - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing apparatus that can obtain an excellent washing effect while reducing the consumption of washing liquid.SOLUTION: A washing apparatus 1A comprises: a storage part 2 that can store washing liquid and foam generated on a liquid surface 90 of the washing liquid; a discharge part 3 that communicates with the storage part 2 and includes an outlet for discharging the foam to be used for washing; a washing liquid lead-out part 4 that leads out the washing liquid from the storage part 2; a circulation flow passage 5 through which the washing liquid led out from the washing liquid lead-out part 4 passes; a circulating pump 6 that causes the washing liquid in the circulation flow passage 5 to flow; an air bubble generation part 7 that generates air bubbles by introducing gas into the washing liquid flowing in the circulation flow passage 5; and a washing liquid introduction part 8 that introduces the washing liquid including the air bubbles and having passed through the air bubble generation part 7, into the storage part 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus.

  Dirt on cooking utensils used for cooking with oil and dishes that have been eaten is difficult to remove. Conventionally, these stains have to be scrubbed by hand using a sponge or the like with a detergent. However, there is a possibility that the hands will be roughened by the detergent, or the tableware may be damaged due to rubbed with force. Moreover, it becomes a burden by heavy labor for an operator. On the other hand, dishwashers that automatically clean tableware and the like simply by arranging the tableware and the like and introducing detergent are becoming popular. The dishwasher reduces the burden of dishwashing in each household, but there are problems such as unwashed, noisy sounds, and a long washing time.

  The cleaning device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below includes a cleaning tank that contains tableware and injects a cleaning solution in which a detergent is dissolved, a foam generating device that forms foam of the cleaning solution on the surface of the cleaning solution, And a discharge port for discharging the foam grown above the liquid level to the outside of the washing tank. In the cleaning device, as the foam grows and is discharged, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is lowered, and finally the tableware comes out of the cleaning liquid and is immersed in the foam grown above the liquid level.

  In the kitchen foam cleaning liquid discharge device disclosed in FIG. 1 and the like of Patent Document 2 below, the compressed gas flows through the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage section due to the negative pressure generated when the compressed gas flows from the compressed gas enclosure to the discharge port side. The foam cleaning liquid is supplied to the flow path, and the foam cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port of the discharge nozzle.

  Moreover, the foam cleaning liquid discharge apparatus for kitchens disclosed in FIG. 3 and the like of Patent Document 2 is configured as follows. A discharge nozzle is provided at one end of a flexible hose. The other end of the hose is connected to a water supply passage to which water is supplied. By opening an on-off valve provided in the clean water flow path, water is supplied to the discharge nozzle side using the pressure of clean water. The liquid detergent stored in the cleaning liquid tank is supplied by a negative pressure generated by the flow of water in the upper water flow path, and is mixed with water to become a cleaning liquid. A gas introduction part and a fine bubble generation part are provided on the downstream side of the open / close valve of the water channel. The gas introduction unit mixes gas (air) into the water supply channel by an ejector effect generated by the flow of water in the water supply channel when the on-off valve is open. The fine bubble generating part is composed of a venturi tube, and generates fine bubbles by compressing and mixing bubbles contained in the cleaning liquid. In order to wash dishes using this kitchen foam cleaning liquid discharge device, the holding portion of the discharge nozzle is held and the discharge port is directed to the tableware. Thereby, air bubbles are mixed in the water flowing into the water supply channel at the gas introduction part. Thereafter, the detergent is supplied to the water mixed with bubbles. Next, the mixed bubbles are turned into fine bubbles at the fine bubble generation unit. Then, it reaches a discharge nozzle through a hose, and a foam cleaning liquid having fine bubbles is discharged in a shower form from a discharge port composed of a plurality of holes.

JP 62-249634 A Japanese Patent No. 5032908

  In the cleaning apparatus of Patent Document 1, the entire cleaning tank for storing tableware is filled with the cleaning liquid, so that the consumption of the cleaning liquid is large. Moreover, in the same apparatus, foam is produced | generated with the washing | cleaning liquid in a washing tank, and the whole washing tank is filled with foam. In contrast to the fact that the foam that actually acts on the cleaning is only the part that comes into contact with the tableware, the cleaning device of Patent Document 1 has an excessive amount of foam generated and is inefficient. In addition, since a large amount of foam is generated, it takes time to eliminate the foam in the rinsing process.

  In the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1 and the like of Patent Document 2, the configuration of a compressor that generates compressed gas, a compressed gas enclosure that stores compressed gas, and the like are increased in size and complexity. In addition, a large amount of cleaning liquid is consumed.

  In the foam cleaning liquid discharge device for kitchen disclosed in FIG. 3 and the like of Patent Document 2, the foam cleaning liquid generated by mixing air into the clean water flow path due to the ejector effect generated by the flow of water in the clean water flow path leading to the discharge nozzle is the discharge nozzle. Since the composition is discharged in a shower form, a large amount of cleaning liquid is consumed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that can obtain an excellent cleaning effect while suppressing consumption of the cleaning liquid.

  A cleaning device according to the present invention includes a storage unit capable of storing a cleaning liquid and foam generated on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid, and a discharge port that communicates with the storage unit and discharges foam used for cleaning. , A cleaning liquid deriving unit for deriving the cleaning liquid from the storage unit, a circulation channel through which the cleaning liquid derived from the cleaning liquid deriving unit passes, a circulation pump for causing the cleaning liquid in the circulation channel to flow, and a gas to the cleaning liquid flowing in the circulation channel A bubble generating unit that generates bubbles by introducing a bubble, and a cleaning liquid introducing unit that introduces a cleaning liquid containing bubbles that has passed through the bubble generating unit into the storage unit.

  According to the cleaning device of the present invention, the consumption of the cleaning liquid is suppressed by discharging the foam generated in the storage section capable of storing the cleaning liquid and the foam generated on the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid from the discharge section. However, an excellent cleaning effect can be obtained.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation using the cleaning device of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of the control apparatus with which the washing | cleaning apparatus of Embodiment 1 is provided. It is a figure which shows the other example of the hardware constitutions of the control apparatus with which the washing | cleaning apparatus of Embodiment 1 is provided. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning device according to a fifth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is simplified or omitted. Note that the number, arrangement, orientation, shape, and size of the devices, instruments, and components in the present invention are not limited to the number, arrangement, orientation, shape, and size shown in the drawings in principle. In addition, the present invention can include all combinations of configurations that can be combined among the configurations described in the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. The cleaning apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment can generate foam for cleaning the object to be cleaned. The objects to be cleaned in the present embodiment are, for example, tableware and cooking utensils. In the present specification, the foam means a cream-like foam (foam) formed by collecting a large number of bubbles made of a cleaning liquid and a gas. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1A of the present embodiment includes a storage unit 2, a discharge unit 3, a cleaning liquid outlet unit 4, a circulation channel 5, a circulation pump 6, a bubble generation unit 7, a cleaning liquid introduction unit 8, and A foam passage 9 is provided.

  The storage unit 2 has a space in which the cleaning liquid and foam generated on the liquid surface 90 of the cleaning liquid can be stored. The reservoir 2 in the present embodiment is a cylindrical container whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction. The discharge part (nozzle part) 3 communicates with the storage part 2. The discharge unit 3 has an outlet that discharges the foam supplied to the object to be cleaned outside the storage unit 2. The outlet is configured by a hole having a size (for example, a diameter of 10 mm or more) such that the foam can be smoothly discharged without being crushed. The discharge unit 3 has one or more outlets.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge unit 3 communicates with the upper part of the storage unit 2 via the foam passage 9. The foam passage 9 is a passage for sending foam inside the storage unit 2 to the discharge unit 3. The foam passage 9 connects between the upper part of the storage unit 2 and the discharge unit 3. The discharge unit 3 may be movable with respect to the storage unit 2. For example, the discharge unit 3 and the foam passage 9 may be rotatable with respect to the storage unit 2. The foam passage 9 may be made of a hard material. Or the foam channel | path 9 may be comprised by the member which can be bent like a hose or a bellows tube. The foam passage 9 may have a structure in which the length can be expanded and contracted. By allowing the foam passage 9 to be bent or allowing the length of the foam passage 9 to be expanded and contracted, the discharge unit 3 can be moved closer to the object to be cleaned, so that the usability is improved. The cross-sectional area of the channel perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the foam passage 9 is desirably as small as possible as long as the foam can move smoothly. By reducing the flow path cross-sectional area of the foam passage 9, the volume of the foam passage 9 is reduced, so that the time from the start of foam generation in the storage unit 2 until the foam reaches the discharge unit 3 can be shortened. .

  The cleaning liquid outlet 4 has an opening for leading the cleaning liquid inside the reservoir 2 to the circulation channel 5. The circulation channel 5 is a channel through which the cleaning liquid derived from the cleaning liquid deriving unit 4 passes. The circulation pump 6 and the bubble generation unit 7 are arranged in the middle of the circulation flow path 5. The cleaning liquid introduction unit 8 has an opening for reintroducing the cleaning liquid that has passed through the circulation channel 5 into the storage unit 2. By operating the circulation pump 6, the cleaning liquid in the circulation channel 5 can be caused to flow. When the circulation pump 6 is operated, the cleaning liquid in the reservoir 2 is drawn from the cleaning liquid outlet 4 to the circulation flow path 5.

  The bubble generation unit 7 generates bubbles by introducing gas into the cleaning liquid flowing through the circulation flow path 5. The bubble generation unit 7 is disposed on the downstream side of the circulation pump 6 in the circulation channel 5. An intake passage 10 is connected to the bubble generation unit 7. The bubble generating unit 7 introduces gas (air) sucked from the intake passage 10 into the circulation channel 5 to generate bubbles in the cleaning water.

  The bubble generation unit 7 has, for example, the following ejector structure. The bubble generation unit 7 has a reduced diameter part that reduces the diameter of the water flow path. Gas can be naturally aspirated from the intake passage 10 by the negative pressure generated in the reduced diameter portion. In the reduced diameter portion, gas is introduced through the intake passage 10 from a direction perpendicular to the flow of the cleaning liquid. It is preferable that a fixed vane (for example, a fixed vane that forms a swirling flow around the axis of the flow path) is provided at a position upstream of the ejector structure. The swirling flow of the cleaning liquid formed by the fixed blade shears and refines the bubbles, whereby a large amount of small-sized bubbles can be supplied into the storage unit 2. Further, an electromagnetic valve (not shown) for opening and closing the intake passage 10 may be provided.

  In addition, the bubble production | generation part 7 in this invention is not limited to what has an ejector structure. Further, the method of sucking air by the bubble generating unit is not limited to natural air intake such as an ejector. The bubble generation unit 7 may forcibly intake air using an air pump (not shown).

  The cleaning liquid containing bubbles that has passed through the bubble generating unit 7 is introduced from the cleaning liquid introducing unit 8 into the storage unit 2. Bubbles introduced into the interior of the reservoir 2 slowly rise to the liquid surface 90 of the cleaning liquid. By collecting a large number of bubbles, bubbles are generated near the liquid surface 90 (gas-liquid interface) of the cleaning liquid. In this way, the generated foam accumulates on the liquid surface 90 of the cleaning liquid inside the storage unit 2.

  A detergent supply unit 13 is connected to the storage unit 2. The detergent supply unit 13 stores a detergent (surfactant). The flow path between the detergent supply unit 13 and the storage unit 2 is opened and closed by the second electromagnetic valve 14. By opening the second electromagnetic valve 14, the detergent can be supplied from the detergent supply unit 13 into the storage unit 2. The cleaning liquid in the present embodiment is a mixture of water supplied from the water supply unit 11 and detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 13.

  When the detergent in the detergent supply unit 13 is reduced, the user can manually replenish the detergent supply unit 13 with the detergent. Instead of the configuration of the present embodiment, the detergent supply unit 13 may be connected to the circulation channel 5 on the upstream side or the downstream side of the bubble generation unit 7. Further, the detergent supply unit 13 may be connected to the intake passage 10 and the detergent may be introduced together with the gas sucked from the intake passage 10.

  The operation of generating foam in the storage unit 2 by circulating the cleaning liquid in the storage unit 2 to the circulation flow path 5 by the circulation pump 6 is hereinafter referred to as “foam generation operation”. During the execution of the foam generation operation, the bubbles supplied in the storage unit 2 rise to the liquid surface 90 of the cleaning liquid, so that the foam continues to grow near the liquid surface 90. Soon, foam fills the space above the liquid level 90 in the reservoir 2. As the foam continues to be generated near the liquid level 90, the foam reaches the discharge unit 3 from the storage unit 2 through the foam passage 9, and the foam is discharged from the discharge unit 3. If it is this Embodiment, since the foam discharged from the discharge part 3 can be made to adhere to a washing | cleaning target object, the usage-amount of the foam at the time of washing | cleaning can be suppressed. By suppressing the amount of foam used, the rinsing process after washing (processing to remove the foam) is facilitated.

  By disposing the cleaning object under the discharge unit 3, the foam discharged from the discharge unit 3 can be supplied to the upper part of the cleaning object. The dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned can be removed by the cleaning component contained in the foam. The foam adhering to the upper part of the cleaning object moves to the lower part of the cleaning object due to gravity. As the foam moves on the surface of the object to be cleaned, shear stress (shear stress) acts on the surface of the object to be cleaned, so it is possible to remove the dirt more efficiently with a small amount of foam. Become.

  According to the present embodiment, since the foam can be generated by circulating the cleaning liquid in the storage unit 2 through the circulation channel 5, the foam can be efficiently generated with a relatively small amount of the cleaning liquid. If it is this Embodiment, it can wash | clean by making only a foam adhere not to the washing | cleaning liquid containing a bubble but to a washing | cleaning target object directly. For this reason, since the usage-amount of a washing | cleaning liquid is small, the consumption of water and a detergent can be suppressed. Moreover, since the foam discharged from the discharge part 3 can be directly attached to a washing | cleaning target object, it can wash | clean efficiently with a comparatively small amount of foam. For this reason, the time required for cleaning can be shortened. Since the foam can be easily treated after being subjected to washing, the rinsing time can be shortened.

  Means (not shown) for promoting foam generation in the reservoir 2 may be provided in the reservoir 2. Examples of the means include an ultrasonic vibrator that applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning liquid in the storage unit 2, and a stirring structure that stirs the cleaning liquid in the storage unit 2 by rotation with a motor.

  A discharge unit 15 is connected to the bottom of the storage unit 2. The discharge unit 15 is opened and closed by the third electromagnetic valve 16. By closing the third electromagnetic valve 16, water or cleaning liquid can be stored in the storage unit 2. By opening the third electromagnetic valve 16, the water or the cleaning liquid in the storage unit 2 can be discharged to the discharge unit 15.

  In the following description, the volume of the cleaning liquid inside the reservoir 2 is referred to as “cleaning liquid volume V1”. In addition, the volume of the space from the liquid level 90 of the cleaning liquid inside the storage unit 2 to the foam outlet of the discharge unit 3 is referred to as “space volume V2”. From the viewpoint of downsizing the cleaning device 1A, it is preferable that the volumes of the storage unit 2 and the foam passage 9 are small. In addition, the smaller the space volume V <b> 2, there is an advantage that it is possible to shorten the time from the start of foam generation on the liquid surface 90 of the storage unit 2 until the foam reaches the discharge unit 3. On the other hand, the cleaning liquid volume V1 must secure a necessary amount. For example, the cleaning liquid volume V1 needs to be larger than the total volume in the path of the circulation flow path 5. From these viewpoints, in the present embodiment, it is desirable that the space volume V2 at the start time of the foam generation operation (when the operation of the circulation pump 6 is started) is smaller than the cleaning liquid volume V1. By satisfying the conditions, it is possible to sufficiently secure the cleaning liquid volume V1 and sufficiently shorten the time until the foam reaches the discharge part 3 after the start of the foam generation operation. Further, by satisfying the conditions, it is possible to reliably prevent idling due to air biting of the circulation pump 6 and to shorten the time required for cleaning.

  In addition, in the case where the foam passage 9 can be expanded and contracted, the spatial volume V2 changes as the foam passage 9 expands and contracts. In the case where the foam passage 9 can be expanded and contracted, the above-described conditions may be satisfied in the state where the length of the foam passage 9 is the shortest.

  If the position of the liquid level 90 of the cleaning liquid inside the storage unit 2 is above the cleaning liquid deriving unit 4, it is possible to prevent idling due to air biting of the circulation pump 6. In the present embodiment, the cleaning liquid outlet 4 is at a lower position than the cleaning liquid inlet 8. For this reason, the idle driving | operation by the air bit of the circulation pump 6 can be prevented more reliably.

  In the following description, a cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the space inside the storage unit 2 along a horizontal plane is referred to as a “storage unit cross-sectional area”. The storage unit 2 includes a cross-sectional area reduction unit 2a that gradually (continuously) reduces the storage unit cross-sectional area upward. The cross-sectional area reduction part 2a is in a position above the position of the liquid level 90 of the cleaning liquid inside the storage part 2 at the start of the foam generation operation. The storage section sectional area on the lower side of the sectional area reducing section 2 a is larger than the channel sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the foam passage 9. Foam generated in the reservoir 2 is stored in a space above the liquid level 90. As the generation of foam continues near the liquid level 90, the foam stored in the space above the liquid level 90 gradually moves upward. The foam which moves upward passes through the cross-sectional area reduction part 2a, so that the foam can smoothly flow into the foam passage 9. Moreover, it can suppress more reliably that the foam in the space above the liquid level 90 becomes an obstacle of the production | generation of the foam near the liquid level 90 by providing the cross-sectional area reduction part 2a. By providing the cross-sectional area reduction unit 2a, the foam generated in the storage unit 2 can be efficiently conveyed to the discharge unit 3.

  It is desirable that the bubbles generated by the bubble generation unit 7 include those having an average diameter of 50 μm to 500 μm and those having an average diameter of 50 μm or less. The bubbles generated in the bubble generation unit 7 include those having an average diameter of 50 μm to 500 μm, so that bubbles having a higher detergency than bubbles having a diameter of several mm obtained by normal bubbling can be generated, and the storage unit The foam generation efficiency within 2 can be further increased. In addition, since the bubbles generated in the bubble generation unit 7 include those having an average diameter of 50 μm or less, fine bubbles of 50 μm or less are included in the foam, so that the surfactant surrounding the bubbles and the object to be cleaned The contact area can be increased and a higher detergency can be obtained. In addition, as a method of measuring the diameter of the bubble produced | generated in the bubble production | generation part 7, an image analysis method, the laser diffraction / scattering method, etc. can be used, for example. As a method of calculating the average diameter, for example, a method of selecting 100 arbitrary bubbles whose diameters are measured and simply averaging (arithmetic average) the 100 diameter values.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the cleaning apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. The cleaning device 1 </ b> A of the present embodiment includes an operation unit 17, a liquid level sensor 18, and a control device 50. The operation unit 17 includes buttons, switches, and the like that are operated by the user. The liquid level sensor 18 can detect the height of the liquid level 90 inside the reservoir 2. The control device 50 is electrically connected to each of the circulation pump 6, the first electromagnetic valve 12, the second electromagnetic valve 14, the third electromagnetic valve 16, the operation unit 17, and the liquid level sensor 18. The control device 50 controls the operation of the cleaning device 1A.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation using the cleaning apparatus 1A of the first embodiment. When the user presses a cleaning start button (not shown) of the operation unit 17, the operation of the cleaning device 1A starts. At this point, the interior of the storage unit 2 is empty. In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control device 50 starts supplying water from the water supply unit 11 into the storage unit 2 by opening the first electromagnetic valve 12 with the discharge unit 15 closed by the third electromagnetic valve 16. To do. Thereby, water accumulates inside the storage part 2 and the water level in the storage part 2 rises.

  In step S <b> 2, the control device 50 closes the first electromagnetic valve 12 to stop water supply into the storage unit 2. At this time, the control device 50 controls the timing of stopping the water supply so that the water level in the storage unit 2 becomes an appropriate water level. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 can control the timing of stopping water supply based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 18 so that the water level in the reservoir 2 becomes an appropriate water level. The appropriate water level is a water level that satisfies the above-described condition that the space volume V2 at the start of the foam generation operation is smaller than the cleaning liquid volume V1. Further, the appropriate water level is such that the liquid level 90 is higher than the position of the cleaning liquid outlet 4.

  In step S <b> 3, the control device 50 opens and closes the second electromagnetic valve 14 to supply a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent supply unit 13 into the storage unit 2. Subsequently, in step S <b> 4, the control device 50 starts the foam generation operation by starting the operation of the circulation pump 6. By continuing the foam generation operation by the operation of the circulation pump 6, the foam generated in the storage unit 2 is discharged from the discharge unit 3 through the foam passage 9 as described above. Cleaning can be performed by attaching the foam discharged from the discharge unit 3 to the object to be cleaned. When the cleaning is completed, the process proceeds to step S5, and the control device 50 ends the foam generation operation by stopping the operation of the circulation pump 6.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S <b> 6, and the control device 50 opens the third electromagnetic valve 16 to discharge the cleaning liquid in the storage unit 2 to the discharge unit 15. Then, it transfers to step S7 and performs the operation | movement of the rinse process which rinses and wash | cleans a washing | cleaning target object with water. In the present embodiment, the operation of the rinsing process may be performed manually by the user. Further, the operation of the rinsing process may be automatically performed by the control device 50. For example, the control device 50 supplies water from the water supply unit 11 into the storage unit 2 by opening the first electromagnetic valve 12 in a state where the discharge unit 15 is closed by the third electromagnetic valve 16, and the water overflowing from the storage unit 2 is supplied. The rinsing process may be performed by discharging the discharge unit 3 to the object to be cleaned.

  In addition, the method of controlling the water level (liquid level) in the storage part 2 at the time of start of foam production | generation operation | movement is not limited to said example. For example, a flow rate sensor that detects the amount of water supplied from the water supply unit 11 into the storage unit 2 is provided, and the control device 50 controls the water supply amount into the storage unit 2 to a predetermined amount based on detection information of the flow rate sensor. Thus, the water level (liquid level) in the reservoir 2 may be controlled. Moreover, it comprises so that a user can adjust the water supply amount in the storage part 2 manually, the mark which shows the appropriate water level in the storage part 2 is provided, and the water level (liquid level) in the storage part 2 is appropriate. The user may adjust manually so that

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 50 included in the cleaning device 1A of the first embodiment. Each function of the control device 50 is realized by a processing circuit. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the processing circuit of the control device 50 includes at least one processor 51 and at least one memory 52. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 51 and at least one memory 52, each function of the control device 50 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 52. At least one processor 51 implements each function of the control device 50 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 52. The at least one processor 51 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). For example, the at least one memory 52 includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, etc.) Alternatively, a volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the hardware configuration of the control device 50 provided in the cleaning device 1A of the first embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the processing circuit of the control device 50 includes at least one dedicated hardware 53. When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 53, the processing circuit may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field). -Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The function of each unit of the control device 50 may be realized by a processing circuit. Further, the functions of the respective units of the control device 50 may be realized together by a processing circuit.

  Further, a part of each function of the control device 50 may be realized by the dedicated hardware 53, and the other part may be realized by software or firmware. The processing circuit may realize each function of the control device 50 by hardware 53, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the cleaning device 1A is controlled by the single control device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the operation of the cleaning device 1A is performed when a plurality of control devices cooperate. It may be configured to control.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment. The cleaning apparatus 1B of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that it includes means for promoting the transport of foam inside the storage section 2 to the discharge section 3 (hereinafter referred to as “transport promotion means”). Is the same.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning device 1 </ b> B of the second embodiment includes a tank 20, a pump 21, and an injection flow path 22. The tank 20, the pump 21, and the injection channel 22 are examples of a conveyance promoting unit. The tank 20 can store water or cleaning liquid. The tank 20 is connected to the storage unit 2 via the injection flow path 22. A pump 21 is arranged in the middle of the injection flow path 22. When the pump 21 is operated, the water or the cleaning liquid in the tank 20 is pumped up and injected into the storage unit 2. As a result, the position of the liquid level 90 inside the storage unit 2 rises. Thereafter, when the pump 21 is stopped, the water or the cleaning liquid injected from the tank 20 into the storage unit 2 returns to the tank 20 by gravity. As a result, the position of the liquid level 90 inside the storage unit 2 returns to the original position.

  In the cleaning device 1B of the second embodiment, after the foam is generated on the liquid level 90 in the storage unit 2 by the foam generation operation, the pump 21 is operated to raise the position of the liquid level 90. The foam in the storage part 2 can be pushed up and advanced to the foam passage 9 and the discharge part 3. The tank 20, the pump 21, and the injection flow path 22 according to the second embodiment increase the position of the liquid level 90 of the cleaning liquid inside the storage unit 2 to raise the foam discharge unit 3 inside the storage unit 2. It is an example of the liquid level raising means which accelerates conveyance. If it is this Embodiment 2, the foam produced | generated inside the storage part 2 can be supplied to a washing | cleaning target more rapidly.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. The cleaning device 1C according to the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the cleaning device 1C includes a conveyance promoting unit. As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning device 1 </ b> C of the third embodiment includes a blower 23. The blower 23 can blow air so that an airflow in a direction from the upper part of the internal space of the storage unit 2 toward the discharge unit 3 is generated in the foam passage 9. In the cleaning device 1 </ b> C according to the third embodiment, when the foam generated in the storage unit 2 reaches the upper part in the storage unit 2, the air flow by the blower 23 promotes the conveyance of the foam to the discharge unit 3. The blower 23 according to the third embodiment is an example of a blowing unit that promotes the conveyance of foam inside the storage unit 2 to the discharge unit 3 by generating an air flow. If it is this Embodiment 3, the foam produced | generated inside the storage part 2 can be supplied to a washing | cleaning target more rapidly.

  If the wind speed by the blower 23 is too high, the foam may be broken by the wind. If the wind speed by the blower 23 is too low, the moving speed of the foam may not be sufficiently high. It is desirable that the wind speed by the blower 23 is a wind speed that can suppress the foam from being broken by the wind and can sufficiently increase the moving speed of the foam. By disposing the blower 23 on the upper portion of the storage unit 2, even if the wind speed by the blower 23 is relatively high, it is possible to suppress the foam from being broken by the wind.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment. The cleaning device 1D according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the cleaning device 1D includes a conveyance promoting unit. As shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning device 1 </ b> D of the fourth embodiment includes a pressurizing pump 24 that can pressurize the interior of the storage unit 2. The pressurizing pump 24 can increase the pressure in the space above the liquid level 90 inside the reservoir 2. In the cleaning device 1D according to the fourth embodiment, after the foam is generated on the liquid level 90 in the reservoir 2 by the foam generation operation, the pressure pump 24 is operated to press the pressure in the space above the liquid level 90. The foam in the storage part 2 can be pushed out to the foam channel | path 9 and the discharge part 3 side by raising. The pressurizing pump 24 according to the fourth embodiment is an example of a pressurizing unit that promotes the conveyance of the foam inside the storage unit 2 to the discharge unit 3 by pressurizing the inside of the storage unit 2. If it is this Embodiment 4, the foam produced | generated inside the storage part 2 can be supplied to a washing | cleaning target more rapidly.

  In the present invention, a plurality of types of conveyance promoting means may be provided. For example, two or more of the conveyance promoting means described in the second to fourth embodiments may be provided.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The difference from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus 1E according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning apparatus 1 </ b> E of the fifth embodiment includes a cleaning basket 25, a water receiving portion 26 that covers the periphery and the lower side of the cleaning basket 25, and a discharge connected to the bottom of the water receiving portion 26. Part 27 and a fourth solenoid valve 28 for opening and closing the discharge part 27. The cleaning basket 25 is an example of a placement unit on which a cleaning object 91 such as tableware can be placed. A plurality of cleaning objects 91 can be placed on the cleaning basket 25. Foam, water or the like supplied to the cleaning object 91 placed on the cleaning basket 25 drips from the cleaning basket 25 to the water receiver 26 and accumulates in the water receiver 26. By opening the fourth electromagnetic valve 28, foam, water, etc. accumulated in the water receiving portion 26 can be discharged to the discharge portion 27. The control device 50 may control the opening and closing of the fourth electromagnetic valve 28.

  A cleaning apparatus 1E according to the fifth embodiment includes a discharge unit 30 instead of the discharge unit 3 according to the first embodiment. The cleaning device 1E according to the fifth embodiment includes a drive unit 31 that rotates the discharge unit 30. The discharge unit 30 is disposed above the cleaning basket 25. The discharge unit 30 is located above the cleaning object 91 placed on the cleaning basket 25. The foam generated in the storage unit 2 reaches the discharge unit 30 through the foam passage 9. The foam discharged from the discharge unit 30 is supplied so as to drop onto the upper portion of the cleaning object 91. In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by disposing the discharge unit 30 above the cleaning basket 25. The foam dropped from the discharge unit 30 onto the upper portion of the cleaning target 91 moves to the lower portion of the cleaning target 91 by gravity. Since the foam moves on the surface of the cleaning object 91, shear stress (shear stress) acts on the dirt on the surface of the cleaning object 91. Therefore, even with a small amount of foam, the dirt can be removed more efficiently. It becomes possible. The foam that has moved to the lower part of the object to be cleaned 91 drips onto the water receiver 26 and accumulates in the water receiver 26.

  The drive unit 31 is an actuator that rotates the discharge unit 30 with respect to the foam passage 9. The control device 50 may control the operation of the drive unit 31. In the present embodiment, the discharge unit 30 rotates about a vertical rotation axis. When viewed from above, the rotation axis of the discharge unit 30 is preferably located at the center of the cleaning basket 25. In the present embodiment, foam is discharged from the discharge unit 30 while rotating the discharge unit 30 with the drive unit 31, so that the plurality of objects to be cleaned 91 placed on the cleaning basket 25 are as uniform as possible. Can supply foam. The drive unit 31 may be configured to rotate the discharge unit 30 in both forward and reverse directions. The drive unit 31 discharges the foam from the discharge unit 30 while rotating the discharge unit 30 in both forward and reverse directions, so that the foam is more reliably applied to the surfaces on both sides (for example, the front and back surfaces of the tableware). Can supply.

  The discharge unit 30 includes a plurality of foam outlets (holes). It is desirable that the plurality of outlets be arranged so that foam can be supplied as uniformly as possible to the plurality of objects to be cleaned 91 placed on the cleaning basket 25. In this Embodiment, the external shape of the discharge part 30 is a disk shape centering on a rotating shaft. A plurality of foam outlets may be arranged radially from the center on the bottom surface of the discharge unit 30. By arranging the plurality of foam outlets in this manner, the foam can be supplied evenly to the plurality of objects to be cleaned 91 placed on the cleaning basket 25.

  After the cleaning process using foam is completed, the cleaning target 91 may be rinsed by jetting water from the discharge unit 30. The controller 50 may control the operation of the rinsing process for performing the rinsing. The control device 50 may start water supply into the storage unit 2 when the sensor (not shown) detects that the cleaning object 91 is placed on the cleaning basket 25. Thereby, since foam production | generation operation | movement can be started at an early stage, time until foam is supplied to the washing | cleaning target 91 can be shortened.

  The cleaning device 1E of the fifth embodiment includes a defoaming device 32 that erases foam after being subjected to cleaning. The defoamer 32 is installed in the water receiver 26. The defoaming device 32 erases the foam dripped from the cleaning basket 25 and accumulated in the water receiving portion 26. The defoaming device 32 may erase foam on any principle. For example, the defoaming device 32 may include an ultrasonic vibrator and erase the foam by irradiating the foam with ultrasonic waves. Further, the defoaming device 32 may be one that dissolves the foam in water and erases it by stirring the water accumulated in the water receiver 26. Further, the defoaming device 32 may be one that erases foam by jetting water into the foam. The control device 50 may control the defoaming device 32 to automatically operate when the foam supplied from the discharge unit 30 accumulates in the water receiving unit 26. The control device 50 may operate the defoaming device 32 intermittently or continuously while the foam is supplied from the discharge unit 30. If it is this Embodiment, the foam after having been used for washing | cleaning can be rapidly processed by having provided the defoaming apparatus 32. FIG. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the time required for rinsing and the amount of water used. Overall cleaning time can also be shortened.

  The cleaning device 1E according to the fifth embodiment may further include a conveyance promoting unit. For example, the cleaning apparatus 1E according to the fifth embodiment may include one or more of the conveyance promoting units described in the second to fourth embodiments.

  In each embodiment mentioned above, although the case where tableware, cooking utensils, etc. were made into a washing target object was explained as an example, the application object of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning device of the present invention can also be applied to a device for supplying foam for washing the face or foam for washing the body.

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Cleaning device, 2 storage section, 2a cross-sectional area reduction section, 3 discharge section, 4 cleaning liquid outlet section, 5 circulation flow path, 6 circulation pump, 7 bubble generation section, 8 cleaning liquid introduction section, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Foam passage, 10 Intake passage, 11 Water supply part, 12 1st solenoid valve, 13 Detergent supply part, 14 2nd solenoid valve, 15 discharge | emission part, 16 3rd solenoid valve, 17 Operation part, 18 Liquid level sensor, 20 Tank, 21 pump, 22 injection flow path, 23 blower, 24 pressure pump, 25 washing basket, 26 water receiving part, 27 discharge part, 28 fourth solenoid valve, 30 discharge part, 31 drive part, 32 defoaming device, 50 control device, 51 processor, 52 memory, 53 hardware, 90 liquid level, 91 object to be cleaned

Claims (12)

A reservoir capable of storing the cleaning liquid and foam generated on the surface of the cleaning liquid;
A discharge part that communicates with the storage part and has an outlet for discharging the foam to be washed;
A cleaning liquid deriving unit for deriving the cleaning liquid from the storage unit;
A circulation channel through which the cleaning liquid derived from the cleaning liquid deriving unit passes,
A circulation pump for flowing the cleaning liquid in the circulation channel;
A bubble generating unit that generates bubbles by introducing gas into the cleaning liquid flowing through the circulation channel;
A cleaning liquid introduction section for introducing a cleaning liquid containing bubbles that has passed through the bubble generation section into the storage section;
A cleaning device comprising:   At the time of starting the foam generation operation for generating foam in the storage unit by operating the circulation pump, the volume of the space from the liquid level of the cleaning liquid inside the storage unit to the outlet of the discharge unit is The cleaning device according to claim 1, which is smaller than a volume of the cleaning liquid inside the storage unit.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bubbles generated by the bubble generation unit include those having an average diameter of 50 μm or less.   The said storage part is a washing | cleaning apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3 provided with the cross-sectional area reduction | decrease part which the cross-sectional area which cut | disconnected the space inside the said storage part by a horizontal surface reduces toward upper direction.   The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning liquid lead-out section is located at a lower position than the cleaning liquid introduction section.   The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a conveyance promoting unit that promotes conveyance of foam in the storage unit to the discharge unit.   6. The liquid level raising device according to claim 1, further comprising liquid level raising means for promoting the conveyance of the foam inside the reservoir to the discharge unit by raising the position of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid inside the reservoir. The cleaning apparatus according to one item.   The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a blowing unit that promotes the conveyance of foam inside the storage unit to the discharge unit by generating an air flow.   The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the inside of the storage unit to promote the conveyance of foam inside the storage unit to the discharge unit. It is equipped with a placement part that can place the object to be cleaned,
The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is disposed above the placement unit.   The washing | cleaning apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-10 provided with the defoaming means which erases the foam after being used for washing | cleaning.   The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit that rotates the discharge unit.

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