JP4499430B2 - Container cleaning device and container cleaning method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to container cleaning, and in particular, to a toner container cleaning device such as an electrophotographic apparatus, a cleaning method, and a cleaning medium used therefor. Such a cleaning device, a cleaning method, and a cleaning medium can be sufficiently applied to cleaning of general containers.

As a supply form of toner in the electrophotographic apparatus, there are a bottle type, a cartridge (including a photoreceptor), and the like. In recent years, there is a strong demand for recycling the parts for legal restrictions and prevention of exhaustion of petroleum resources.
At that time, the toner remains in the bottle or cartridge collected after use. Since this residual toner contains a lot of toner that has been deteriorated or has poor charging characteristics, if it is reused as it is, the quality of the image will be adversely affected. Therefore, the residual toner is almost completely removed for recycling. There is a need.

Powder or granular cleaning medium is put into a powder container (or device) such as a bottle, and powder such as toner or paint is adsorbed by an electrostatic force or the like and discharged. A cleaning method for removing the water has already been proposed. As for this, there is a “coating apparatus cleaning method” described in JP-A-11-90314. In this cleaning method, a powder cleaning medium is sent into an apparatus to be cleaned and cleaning is performed, whereby the powder paint is effectively removed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-122123 proposes a cleaning method for a toner cartridge and a developing unit. In this cleaning method, a carrier in two-component development is used as a cleaning medium, and when the cleaning medium is introduced into the container, the toner amount is calculated by measuring the weight of the entire container and calculating the toner amount. A new career.
On the other hand, the present applicant has already filed as “Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-412404” a “toner container dry cleaning method and apparatus” for cleaning a toner container using a cleaning medium that adsorbs toner.
The invention according to the prior application of the applicant of the present application is provided with means for measuring the weight of the container as means for measuring the remaining amount of toner inside the container. The cleaning process is efficiently selected according to the situation.

However, in the method described in JP-A-11-90314, there is no method for detecting how much the device (cleaning target) has been cleaned (cleaning degree) in the cleaning process. There was a problem that there was no other way but to repeat the process.
In addition, in the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-122123 and the invention according to the prior application, the toner remaining amount is obtained by measuring the weight of the entire container. It is difficult to accurately determine the weight of a small amount of toner due to the measurement limit of the measuring instrument. Therefore, after cleaning with the cleaning medium, it was impossible to determine to what level the container could be cleaned.
Although it is possible to determine the cleaning time empirically to ensure the quality, since the collected toner containers are used in different environments, the cleaning time is usually different for each container. Therefore, it is necessary to set the cleaning time for safety, and it has been difficult to shorten the tact time.
As described above, the conventional and prior inventions are insufficient to assure the cleaning quality of the container after cleaning, and efforts and time are required to assure the cleaning quality sufficiently. There was a problem of waste.

JP-A-11-90314 JP 2003-122123 A

Problem 1 to be solved by the present invention is to use a cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light, and detect the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium at each location of the cleaning apparatus in the cleaning process. In this way (without directly measuring the remaining amount of toner in the container), the cleaning state of the container is detected so that the cleaning quality of the container can be easily guaranteed.
Problem 2 to be solved by the present invention is to use a cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light, and in the cleaning process, the amount of light emitted or reflected by the cleaning medium at each location of the cleaning device By detecting this, it is easy to detect the degree of regeneration and the life (particle size) of the cleaning medium so that the cleaning medium can be regenerated (toner is separated) and reused.

The solution to the above problem is to use a cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light, and in the cleaning process, detect the amount of light emitted from the cleaning medium or the amount of reflected light at each location of the cleaning device. Is fundamental.
[Solution 1] (corresponding to claim 1)
Solution 1 taken to solve the problem 1 is a container cleaning apparatus for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light,
The granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container, the granular cleaning medium in the container, the light detection means for detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium discharged from the container, and the granular cleaning from the detection result of the light detection means Computation means for estimating the amount of toner adhering to the medium, and control means for adjusting the supply amount of the granular cleaning medium from the estimation result by the computation means .
[Operation]
The cleaning medium is self-luminous by containing a pigment having a luminous property in the cleaning medium and irradiating it with ultraviolet light before being supplied to the container. The cleaning medium is blocked from self-emission by the amount of toner attached, and the amount of light detected by the light detection means changes. The contamination state of the cleaning medium and the progress of the cleaning process can be detected based on the degree of change in the amount of light in the cleaning medium after the container is cleaned.
When a fluorescent pigment is included in the cleaning medium, by detecting only visible light by irradiating ultraviolet light during light detection, or when a substance that reflects light is included in the cleaning medium Can detect the contamination state of the cleaning medium and the progress of the cleaning process by irradiating light at the time of light detection and detecting the reflected light.
As the cleanliness in the container to be cleaned increases, the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium decreases and the amount of light detected increases. As a result, the cleanliness in the container can be estimated. Therefore, when the amount of light is small, the supply amount of the cleaning medium can be increased, and when the amount of light exceeds a predetermined value, the cleaning process can be stopped .

[Embodiment 1] (corresponding to claim 2)
Embodiment 1 is the container cleaning apparatus according to Solution 1, wherein the light detection means cleans the inside of the container and detects the state of the granular cleaning medium discharged from the container; A second photodetecting means for detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium in the container, which is disposed at a position that can be detected through the side wall of the container, and a particle that is disposed at a position that can be detected through the opening of the container; It has 3rd light detection means to detect the state of a washing | cleaning medium, and 4th light detection means to detect the state of the granular washing | cleaning medium before supplying to the said container .
[Operation]
The state of the cleaning medium after the inside of the container is cleaned by the first light detection means, the state of the cleaning medium in the container by the second and third light detection means, and the container by the fourth light detection means The state of the cleaning medium before cleaning can be detected .

[Embodiment 2] (corresponding to claim 3)
Embodiment 2, the container washing apparatus of the resolution hand stage 1, a light detection means for detecting the state of granular cleaning media in the vessel, from the detection result of the light detecting means into the container of the granular cleaning media Calculating means for calculating the presence / absence or residual amount of the residue and a control means for informing the presence / absence of the residue in the container from the calculation result of the calculating means .
[Operation]
In the case of a transparent or translucent container, light from the cleaning medium in the container can be detected from the outside of the container, so that the residual cleaning medium can be detected during the cleaning process by the light detection means. By utilizing this, it is possible to automatically perform operations such as blowing air until the residual cleaning medium disappears in the container. Further, the cleaning medium that has entered the complicated place of the container can also be detected by the reflection of the emitted light.
In the case of an opaque container, since the emission of the cleaning medium in the container cannot be observed from the outside, the opening provided in the container is moved to the position of the photodetector for observation. Also in this case, since the cleaning medium emits light spontaneously, the cleaning medium in a position that is shaded from the opening can also be detected .

( Delete )

[Solution 2]
Solution 2 taken to solve the above problem 2 is a container cleaning apparatus for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light,
A fourth light detection means for detecting the amount of light emitted from or reflected by the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container, and the size of the granular cleaning medium is determined from the detection result of the fourth light detection means. And an image processing means for calculating the quality of the granular cleaning medium based on the size of the granular cleaning medium, and determining the life of the granular cleaning medium.
[Operation]
When the cleaning medium is used repeatedly, it wears down and its particle size decreases. Since the light trajectory of the cleaning medium that has become smaller becomes narrower and is detected, the size (life) of the particles can be determined. When the size is less than the predetermined value, supply of the cleaning medium is stopped and the cleaning medium is replaced.

[ Embodiment 3 ] (corresponding to claim 4 )
The embodiment 3 is the container washing apparatus of the embodiment 1, the container interior was washed, and the washing medium reproducing means for reproducing a particle-like cleaning medium discharged from the container, taken out from the cleaning medium regenerating means a fifth optical detecting means for detecting the state of granular cleaning media, from both the detection result of the the fourth light detecting means fifth optical detecting means, calculating means for estimating a reproduction of the previous SL granular cleaning media , Is provided .
[Operation]
When the cleaning medium is reliably regenerated by the regenerating means, the light amount detected after the regeneration becomes a value close to the light amount detected before being supplied to the container. The degree of reproduction can be detected by comparing both the detected light amounts. A cleaning medium in which a large amount of toner remains attached even after the regeneration is low in the degree of regeneration and is not suitable for reuse.

[Embodiment 4] (corresponding to claim 5 )
In Embodiment 4, in the container cleaning apparatus of Embodiment 3 , when the estimated degree of regeneration of the granular cleaning medium is high, the path of the granular cleaning medium taken out from the cleaning medium regeneration means is guided to the reuse path. When the degree of regeneration is low, a switching means for leading to a discard path is provided.
[Operation]
The cleaning medium is reused when the degree of regeneration is high, and is discarded when the degree of regeneration is low, thereby preventing reuse of the cleaning medium with much toner adhesion.

[Embodiment 5] (corresponding to claim 6 )
Embodiment 5 is the container cleaning apparatus according to Embodiment 4, further comprising cleaning medium automatic replenishment means for automatically replenishing the granular cleaning medium in an amount corresponding to the discarded granular cleaning medium when the degree of regeneration is low. is there.
[Operation]
By supplying the same amount of the cleaning medium as the discarded cleaning medium with low regeneration, a predetermined amount of the cleaning medium can be secured in the cleaning apparatus.

[Embodiment 6] (corresponding to claim 7 )
Embodiment 6 is that the self-luminous substance in the container cleaning apparatus according to Solution 1 or Embodiments 1 to 5 is a substance having phosphorescence or fluorescence.
[Operation]
In the case where a substance having a phosphorescent property is included in the cleaning medium, the cleaning medium emits light by being irradiated with ultraviolet light before being supplied to the container. In addition, when a substance having fluorescence is included in the cleaning medium, only visible light is detected by irradiating the cleaning medium with ultraviolet light during light detection.

[ Solution 3 ] (Corresponding to Claim 8 )
Solution 3 taken to solve the above problem 1 is a container cleaning method for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light,
It is to detect the state of the granular cleaning medium or the progress of the cleaning process of the container by detecting a temporal change in the amount of light emitted from the granular cleaning medium or the amount of reflected light after cleaning the container. .
[Operation]
The cleaning medium is self-luminous by containing a pigment having a luminous property in the cleaning medium and irradiating it with ultraviolet light before being supplied to the container. The cleaning medium is blocked from self-emission by the amount of toner attached, and the amount of light detected by the light detection means changes. The contamination state of the cleaning medium and the progress of the cleaning process can be detected based on the degree of change in the amount of light in the cleaning medium after the container is cleaned.
In the case where a fluorescent pigment is included in the granular cleaning medium, ultraviolet light is irradiated during light detection to detect only visible light, and a substance that reflects light is included in the granular cleaning medium. In this case, the contamination state of the cleaning medium and the progress of the cleaning process can be similarly detected by irradiating light at the time of light detection and detecting the reflected light.

[Embodiment 7] (corresponding to claim 9 )
Embodiment 7 is to adjust the supply amount or the cleaning time of the granular cleaning medium in accordance with the state of the granular cleaning medium or the progress of the container cleaning process in the container cleaning method of the solving means 3 .
[Operation]
As the cleanliness in the container to be cleaned increases, the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium decreases and the amount of light detected increases. As a result, the cleanliness in the container can be estimated. Therefore, when the amount of light is small, the supply amount of the cleaning medium can be increased, and when the amount of light exceeds a predetermined value, the cleaning process can be stopped.

[Embodiment 8] (corresponding to claim 10 )
Embodiment 8 is the container cleaning method according to Solution 3 or Embodiment 7, wherein the container of the granular cleaning medium is detected by detecting the light or light amount emitted from the granular cleaning medium in the container, or the reflected light or light amount. It is to detect the presence or amount of residue in the interior.
[Operation]
By detecting the light or the amount of light from the cleaning medium present in the container, it is possible to detect the presence or amount of the cleaning medium remaining in the container.

[Embodiment 9] (corresponding to claim 11 )
Embodiment 9 is to detect the light or the amount of light emitted from the granular cleaning medium in the container from the outside of the container, or the reflected light or the amount of light in the container cleaning method of Embodiment 8 above.
[Operation]
In the case of a transparent or translucent container, light from the cleaning medium in the container can be detected from the outside of the container, so that the residual cleaning medium can be detected during the cleaning process. By utilizing this, it is possible to automatically perform operations such as blowing air until the residual cleaning medium disappears in the container. Further, the cleaning medium that has entered the complicated place of the container can also be detected by the reflection of the emitted light.

[Embodiment 10] (corresponding to claim 12 )
Embodiment 10 is to detect the light or the amount of light emitted from the granular cleaning medium in the container from the opening of the container, or the reflected light or the amount of light in the container cleaning method of Embodiment 8.
[Operation]
In the case of an opaque container, light emission from the cleaning medium in the container cannot be observed from the outside, so light is observed from an opening provided in the container. Also in this case, since the cleaning medium emits light spontaneously, the cleaning medium in a position that is shaded from the opening can also be detected.

[ Solution 4 ] (Corresponding to Claim 13 )
Solution 4 taken to solve the above problem 2 is a container cleaning method for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light,
Detecting the amount of light emitted from the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container, or the amount of light reflected;
The life of the granular cleaning medium is determined by determining the size of the granular cleaning medium from the detection result.
[Operation]
When the cleaning medium is used repeatedly, it wears down and its particle size decreases. Since the light trajectory of the cleaning medium that has become smaller becomes narrower and is detected, the size (life) of the particles can be determined. When the size is less than the predetermined value, supply of the cleaning medium is stopped and the cleaning medium is replaced.

[ Solution 5 ] (Corresponding to Claim 14 )
Solution 5 taken in order to solve the above problem 2 is a container cleaning method for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light,
By the change between the amount of light emitted or reflected by the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container and the amount of light emitted or reflected by the granular cleaning medium after being discharged from the container and regenerated by the regenerating means, The degree of regeneration of the granular cleaning medium is detected.
[Operation]
When the cleaning medium is reliably regenerated by the regenerating means, the light amount detected after the regeneration becomes a value close to the light amount detected before being supplied to the container. The degree of reproduction can be detected by comparing both the detected light amounts. A cleaning medium in which a large amount of toner remains attached even after the regeneration is low in the degree of regeneration and is not suitable for reuse.

[Embodiment 11] (corresponding to claim 15 )
The eleventh embodiment is to determine whether to reuse or discard the granular cleaning medium in the container cleaning method of Solution 4 or Solution 5 depending on the degree of regeneration or the lifetime.
[Operation]
When the degree of regeneration is high, or when the size of the cleaning medium particles is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the cleaning medium is reused. Is to prevent reuse of a cleaning medium with a large amount of toner adhesion or a cleaning medium with a reduced particle size.

[Embodiment 12] (corresponding to claim 16 )
Embodiment 12 is to output an alarm such as displaying a warning according to the degree of regeneration or life in the container cleaning method of Solution 4 or Solution 5 .
[Operation]
When the regeneration rate of the cleaning medium becomes low, or when the particle size of the cleaning medium falls below a predetermined level, the operator is notified by issuing an alarm.

[Embodiment 13] (Corresponding to Claim 17 )
Embodiment 13 is to automatically replenish the amount of granular cleaning medium corresponding to the discarded granular cleaning medium in accordance with the degree of regeneration or the lifetime in the container cleaning method of Embodiment 11 described above.
[Operation]
A specified amount of cleaning medium is secured in the cleaning device by replenishing the same amount of cleaning medium as the cleaning medium discarded when the degree of regeneration is low or the particle size is below a predetermined value.

[Embodiment 14] (corresponding to claim 18 )
Embodiment 14 is that the self-luminous substance in the container cleaning method of Solution 3 to Solution 5 or Embodiment 7 to Embodiment 13 is a substance having phosphorescence or fluorescence.
[Operation]
In the case where a substance having a phosphorescent property is included in the cleaning medium, the cleaning medium emits light by being irradiated with ultraviolet light before being supplied to the container. Further, when a substance having fluorescence is included in the cleaning medium, only visible light is detected by irradiating with ultraviolet light at the time of light detection.

[Embodiment 15]
The fifteenth embodiment is used in the container cleaning apparatus of the solution 1 , the solution 2, or the embodiments 1 to 6, or the container cleaning method of the solution 3 to the solution 5 or the embodiments 7 to 14. A granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light.
[Operation]
Since the cleaning medium emits light or reflects light, the presence or absence of the cleaning medium, the size of the particles, or the degree of contamination can be detected by detecting the light or the amount of light.

[Embodiment 16]
Embodiment 16 is that the granular cleaning medium of Embodiment 15 uses a magnetic material or dielectric as a nucleus.
[Operation]
Since the cleaning medium has a nucleus made of a magnetic material or a dielectric, the flow rate of the cleaning medium can be measured by a flow rate detector of a magnetic detection type or a capacitance detection type.

[Embodiment 17]
Embodiment 17 is a container cleaned using the granular cleaning medium of Embodiment 15 or Embodiment 16.

The effects of the present invention are summarized for each main claim as follows.
(1) Inventions according to Claims 1 and 2 In the cleaning medium, the light emission or reflected light is blocked by the amount of toner attached, and the amount of light detected by the light detection means changes. Depending on the degree of change in the amount of light in the cleaning medium after the container is cleaned, the state of contamination of the cleaning medium and the progress of the cleaning process can be detected.
In this way, the cleanliness in the container can be estimated from the amount of light detected by the light detection means.If the amount of light is small, the supply amount of the cleaning medium is increased, and if the amount of light exceeds the predetermined value, cleaning is performed. Since the cleaning process is determined to be completed, the cleaning process can be performed efficiently, and the cleaning quality of the container can be easily guaranteed.

(2) Inventions according to Claim 3 and Claims 10 to 12 By detecting the light or the amount of light from the cleaning medium present in the container, the presence or amount of the cleaning medium remaining in the container is detected. can do.
In the case of a transparent or translucent container, light from the cleaning medium can be detected from the outside of the container, so that the residual cleaning medium can be detected during the cleaning process. By utilizing this, it is possible to automatically perform operations such as blowing air until the residual cleaning medium disappears in the container. Further, the cleaning medium that has entered the complicated place of the container can also be detected by the reflection of the emitted light.
In the case of an opaque container, the light emitted from the cleaning medium cannot be observed from the outside. Therefore, light is observed from the opening provided in the container. Also in this case, since the cleaning medium emits light spontaneously, the cleaning medium in a position that is shaded from the opening can also be detected. By utilizing this, when the residual cleaning medium is in the container, the operation of blowing air can be repeated.

(3) When the cleaning medium is reliably regenerated by the invention regenerating means according to claims 4 and 14, the amount of light detected after the regeneration becomes a value close to the amount of light detected before being supplied to the container. By comparing both the detected light quantities, the regeneration degree of the cleaning medium can be detected. Accordingly, it is possible to easily detect a cleaning medium in which a large amount of toner adheres (low regeneration) despite being regenerated.

(4) Inventions according to claim 5 and claim 15 When the degree of regeneration is high, or when the particle size of the cleaning medium is not less than a predetermined value, the cleaning medium is reused and the degree of regeneration is low, or If the particle size of the cleaning medium is less than or equal to the predetermined size, the cleaning medium is discarded. As a result, it is possible to prevent reuse of a cleaning medium in which a large amount of toner is adhered or a cleaning medium having a reduced particle size. Further, it is possible to prevent the container from being contaminated by reuse of the cleaning medium having a low degree of regeneration.
(5) Inventions according to Claims 6 and 17 By automatically supplying the same amount of the cleaning medium as the discarded cleaning medium with low regeneration, a specified amount of cleaning medium is secured in the cleaning device. Can be performed efficiently.

(6) Inventions according to Claims 7 and 18 When a substance having a phosphorescent property is contained in the cleaning medium, it emits light by being irradiated with ultraviolet light before being supplied to the container. When a cleaning substance is included in the cleaning medium, only visible light is detected by irradiating with ultraviolet light at the time of light detection. As a result, by setting the inner surface of the container and the inner surface of the cleaning medium conveyance pipe in a dark place, the presence / absence of the cleaning medium, the size of the particles, or the degree of contamination can be easily detected by the photodetector. Furthermore, the cleaning medium that has entered the complicated place of the container can also be detected by the reflection of the emitted light.
(7) Invention according to claim 8
In the cleaning medium, self-luminous or reflected light is blocked by the amount of toner attached, and the amount of light detected by the light detection means changes. Depending on the degree of change in the amount of light in the cleaning medium after the container is cleaned, the state of contamination of the cleaning medium and the progress of the cleaning process can be detected. Thereby, not only efficient cleaning can be performed, but also the cleaning quality of the container can be easily guaranteed .
(8) Invention according to claim 9
Since the cleanliness in the container can be estimated from the amount of light detected by the light detection means, the supply amount of the cleaning medium is increased when the amount of light is small, and the cleaning is completed when the amount of light exceeds the predetermined value. Since the cleaning process is judged and stopped, efficient cleaning can be performed and the cleaning quality of the container can be easily guaranteed .
(9) Invention according to claim 13
If the cleaning medium is used repeatedly, its particle size becomes smaller and lighter due to wear. This increases the possibility of remaining in the container, so it is desirable not to use a reduced cleaning medium .
Since the light trajectory of the cleaning medium that has become smaller becomes narrower and is detected, the size (life) of the particles can be determined. When the size of the cleaning medium becomes a predetermined value or less, the supply of the cleaning medium can be stopped and the cleaning medium can be replaced .
(10) The invention according to claim 16 When the degree of regeneration of the cleaning medium becomes low, or when the size of the particles of the cleaning medium falls below a predetermined level, an alarm can be issued to notify the operator.

( Delete )

  The purpose of accurately detecting the cleaning state of the container is to directly measure the amount of toner remaining in the container by detecting the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium based on the amount of light emitted by the cleaning medium or the amount of light reflected. It will be realized.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention (corresponding to claims 1 to 3, claims 7 to 13, and claims 15 to 18 ) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 13.
First, a cleaning medium 2 used when cleaning the toner container 1 in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The cleaning medium 2 has, for example, a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, and the main material is high on the positive side of a charged column such as glass, nylon, acrylic, and is transparent or translucent. Further, a pigment having luminous properties (for example, an aluminate compound, calcium sulfide, zinc sulfide, zinc cadmium sulfide, etc.) is uniformly contained by about 10%. The shape and material of the cleaning medium 2 are not limited to those described above.
Further, as described in JP-A-2003-122123, when a toner container to be cleaned is a two-component developing type developing unit and the carrier is used as a cleaning medium, The pigment having phosphorescence is preliminarily contained in the whole or in the coating resin.

Next, a toner container cleaning device 10 for cleaning the toner container 1 using the cleaning medium 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The toner container cleaning device 10 is surrounded by a light shielding wall 11 for shielding the entire device, and includes an air compressor 12 and a suction pump 16 as a power source for transporting the cleaning medium 2. The air compressor 12 is connected to a supply line 30 for supplying the cleaning medium 2 together with air into the toner container 1. The other end of the supply line 30 is connected to the toner container 1 by the cleaning device. When the toner container is fixed at a predetermined position, the toner container is disposed so as to extend to the vicinity of the center of the toner container. A cleaning medium supply container 13 for storing the cleaning medium 2 is disposed in the vicinity of the supply pipe 30, and the cleaning medium supply is provided between the cleaning medium supply container 13 and the supply pipe 30. A branch pipe 32 for supplying air into the container 13 and a medium introduction pipe 31 having a cleaning medium supply valve (electromagnetic valve) 37 are connected. The cleaning medium supply container 13 is provided with an ultraviolet irradiator 21 that irradiates the cleaning medium 2 stored therein with light.

The toner container cleaning device 10 is provided with a discharge pipe 33 for discharging the air supplied into the toner container 1 and the cleaning medium 2. A toner container connecting portion 36 for connecting the opening 1 a of the toner container 1 is provided, and the other end of the discharge pipe 33 is connected to the cyclone classifier 15. The discharge pipe 33 forms a double pipe with the supply pipe 30 at one end thereof. When the opening 1a of the toner container is connected to the toner container connecting portion 36, the discharge pipe 33 The path 33 is connected to the opening 1a of the toner container, and the supply conduit 30 extends through the opening 1a of the container to the vicinity of the center of the toner container.
The cyclone classifier 15 is connected to the cleaning medium supply container 13 by a return pipe 35 and returns the cleaning medium 2 separated from the toner 3 to the cleaning medium supply container 13. A waste medium container 18 is connected to the return line 35 via a separation valve 38. The suction pump 16 is connected to the cyclone classifier so that the toner 3 separated in the cyclone classifier 15 can be collected, and a toner recovery container 17 is provided on the way.

  Further, the toner container cleaning device 10 includes a fixing jig 20 that holds the toner container 1 and positions the toner container 1 at a predetermined position, and a plurality of photodetectors (A to D) 24 that detect the state of the cleaning medium 2. 28, a controller 40 that controls the cleaning process, a display 41 that displays the state of the cleaning device, a calculator 42 that calculates the detection value of the photodetector, and an image processing that processes the image of the photodetector And a container 43. Although not shown, all electrical signal lines are connected to the controller 40.

Next, a plurality of photodetectors (A to D) 24 to 28 that detect the state of the cleaning medium 2 during the cleaning operation of the toner container cleaning device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The photodetector (A) 24 is a CCD camera, and is slightly downstream of the connection point of the medium introduction pipe 31 in the supply pipe 30 so that the state of the cleaning medium 2 before being supplied to the toner container 1 can be detected. Has been placed. The photodetector (B) 25 is disposed at a position where the cleaning medium 2 in the toner container 1 connected to the toner container connecting portion 36 by the fixing jig 20 can be detected through the side wall of the toner container. The photodetector (B ′) 26 is disposed at a position where the cleaning medium 2 in the toner container 1 removed from the toner container connecting part 36 by the fixing jig 20 can be detected through the opening 1a of the toner container. Yes. The light detector (C) 27 cleans the inside of the toner container 1 and detects the state of the cleaning medium 2 discharged from the toner container 1. The waste medium container 18 is connected to the return pipe 35 so that the photodetector (D) 28 can be detected after the regeneration process of the cleaning medium 2 by the cyclone classifier 15. It is arranged upstream of the position.

Next, the cleaning operation (cleaning process) of the toner container cleaning device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, when the toner container 1 is positioned at a predetermined position by the fixing jig 20 that holds the toner container 1, the opening 1a of the toner container 1 is connected to the toner container connecting portion 36, and the toner container 1 is connected to the supply line 30 and the discharge line 33. The cleaning medium 2 stored in the cleaning medium supply container 13 is agitated by the air supplied from the compressor 12 via the branch pipe 32, and is supplied from the ultraviolet irradiator 21 provided in the cleaning medium supply container 13. Energy is given to the luminous pigment contained in the cleaning medium 2 by the ultraviolet irradiation. The cleaning medium 2 is uniformly irradiated with ultraviolet rays by being stirred, so that the cleaning medium 2 is in a uniform light emission state.
Here, it is assumed that the average amount of emitted light of the cleaning medium 2 per grain hardly changes and is stable. The cleaning medium 2 has a long light storage life compared to a mechanical life, so that if the ultraviolet irradiator 21 is normal and the light storage time in the ultraviolet irradiation process is stable, the cleaning medium 2 emits uniform light. It is possible to be in a state.

  Next, when the cleaning process is started and the cleaning medium supply valve 37 is opened, the cleaning medium 2 in the cleaning medium supply container 13 is sucked through the medium introduction pipe 31 and passes through the supply line 30 together with air into the toner container 1. Led. The supply line 30 is provided with an observation window and a photo detector (A) 24 which is a CCD camera, and the particles of the cleaning medium 2 emitted by the CCD camera can be captured (see FIG. 4). . The captured image obtained in this way is binarized, the width in the direction orthogonal to the flow is measured, and the grain of the cleaning medium 2 is determined according to the relationship between this value and the actual grain size measured in advance. The diameter can be determined approximately. If this particle size becomes too small, the cleaning process is stopped and an alarm prompting the operator to replace the cleaning medium 2 is displayed on the display 41, or the cleaning medium 2 is automatically replaced with a new one. It is also possible to configure so that In addition, the flow rate can be calculated by the calculator 42 from the amount of light per fixed time by this observation. Further, the total input amount of the cleaning medium 2 can be calculated by the integration.

Here, the particle diameter of the cleaning medium 2, the flow rate, and the amount of light measured by the photodetector will be described.
The cleaning medium 2 is worn by repeated use and the particle size is reduced, and the light trajectory of the reduced cleaning medium becomes narrow and is detected. If the cleaning medium 2 becomes too small, there arises a problem that it is difficult to discharge the toner from the toner container 1. This is because, if the weight becomes too light, the peeling force applied to the cleaning medium 2 becomes small, and the electrostatic force between the cleaning medium 2 and the inner wall of the toner container 1 becomes relatively large.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of light detected from the cleaning medium 2 and the flow rate of the cleaning medium. When the total amount of the cleaning medium 2 that passes through per unit time changes, the amount of light measured by the photodetector changes. As shown in FIG. 5, the flow rate and the light amount are in a proportional relationship.
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning medium conveyance conduit 45 at a location where the CCD camera 44 is installed as a photodetector. The distance between each cleaning medium 2 and the CCD camera 44 is made as uniform as possible by flattening the cross section of the transport conduit 45. Moreover, it is preferable to make it flat so as not to change the cross-sectional area with respect to the front and rear conveying pipelines. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate a difference in detected light amount and a difference in detection size due to the distance. Furthermore, in order to eliminate the influence of the reflected light, an antireflection part 49 that is subjected to antireflection processing and the like is provided.

  Then, the cleaning medium 2 introduced into the toner container 1 together with the air through the supply pipe 30 cleans the inner wall surface of the toner container, adsorbs the toner 3, and discharges from the toner container 1. It is discharged through 33. In this way, the discharge pipe 33 is provided with an observation window and a photodetector (C) 27 so that the state of the cleaning medium 2 immediately after being discharged from the toner container 1 can be detected. When nothing passes through the discharge pipe 33, or when the toner 3 is evenly adhered to the cleaning medium 2, light cannot be detected by the photodetector (C) 27.

Here, the correlation between the amount of toner 3 adhering to the cleaning medium 2 and the amount of light detected by the photodetector will be described.
A state in which the toner 3 is adhered to the cleaning medium 2 is schematically shown in FIG. When the toner 3 adheres, the self-light emission is blocked and the detected light quantity changes. Since the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium 2 and the detected amount of light have the relationship shown in FIG. 8, if the amount of the cleaning medium 2 is known, the amount of toner adhering can be estimated from the observed amount of light.
FIG. 8 is a graph of a conversion table created in advance (offline). As an example of creating the conversion table, the flow rate of the cleaning medium 2 is fixed, and a toner having a self-weight is gradually attached to the cleaning medium from the state where the toner 3 does not adhere at all, and the amount of light at that time is measured. To do. This may be created by executing this for each flow rate.
When the cleaning medium 2 is changed, for example, when the light emission characteristics or the particle diameter is changed, it is necessary to create a new conversion table. In addition, although the flow velocity in each part of the conveyance pipe line varies depending on the cross-sectional area of the conveyance pipe line, it is assumed that the flow rate (total number of cleaning media passing through) within a certain time does not change.

As described above, the light detector (A) (CCD camera) 24 or the light detector (D) 28 detects light even when the light detector (C) 27 cannot detect light at all. If so, the toner 3 is evenly adhered to the cleaning medium 2, so the cleaning process is continued by increasing the flow rate. As the cleaning degree in the toner container 1 increases, the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium 2 decreases, and as a result, the amount of light detected by the detector (C) 27 increases. Depending on the amount of light detected by the detector (C) 27, the cleaning power can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the supply amount of the cleaning medium 2. When the amount of light detected by the detector (C) 27 reaches a predetermined value, it is considered that the toner container 1 has been sufficiently cleaned, and a cleaning medium supply valve (solenoid valve) 37 according to a command from the controller 40. Is closed (see FIG. 9).
FIG. 9A shows the correlation between the toner adhesion amount of the cleaning medium 2 and the remaining amount of toner in the container 1, and FIG. 9B shows the amount of light for each flow rate of the cleaning medium 2 and the amount of toner in the container. A correlation with the remaining amount of toner is shown. And the correlation of FIG.9 (b) can be calculated | required from the relationship of Fig.9 (a) and FIG.
The correlation between the toner adhesion amount of the cleaning medium 2 and the remaining amount of toner in the container 1 and the cleaning completion determination level at which the inside of the toner container is considered to be sufficiently cleaned are obtained in advance through experiments or the like.

Thereafter, the compressor 12 is operated until no light is detected by the detector (C) 27, and then the operation is stopped to finish the cleaning process. According to such a cleaning process, the toner container 1 can be cleaned in the shortest time regardless of the degree of contamination of the toner container 1.
FIG. 10 is an example showing the relationship between the cleaning time and the amount of light. In a toner container that easily removes dirt, the cleaning completion level is reached in a short time, and if the dirt is difficult to remove, a long washing time is required. The amount of dirt on the toner container includes not only the initial remaining amount of toner for each container but also the difficulty of toner removal due to the state of toner adhesion to the inner wall of the container. That is, the cleaning is always completed in an optimum cleaning time with respect to the variation in dirt for each toner container.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a series of cleaning processes as described above. The container cleaning apparatus in the first embodiment is controlled by the controller 40 based on such a flowchart.

When the cleaning process as described above is completed, whether or not the cleaning medium 2 remains in the toner container 1 is inspected by the photodetector (B) 25 or the photodetector (B ′) 26. By detecting the light or light quantity emitted from the cleaning medium 2 by the photodetector (B) 25 or the photodetector (B ′) 26, whether or not the cleaning medium 2 remains in the toner container 1 is detected. The amount can be detected.
If the toner container 1 is transparent or translucent, as shown in FIG. 3, the light emitted from the cleaning medium 2 by the light detector (B) 25 disposed at the side position of the toner container 1 is used. Can be detected. At this time, if the light detector (B) 25 detects light, the cleaning medium 2 remains, so the air is again fed by the compressor 12 and removed. Even in this case, if the residual cleaning medium 2 cannot be removed, an alarm is issued and the operator performs the removal work.

  If the toner container 1 is opaque, as shown in FIG. 12, the toner container 1 is once unloaded (disconnected from the toner container connecting portion 36), and the opening 1a of the toner container 1 is opened by a photodetector ( B ′) Move to position 26. The toner container 1 generally has irregularities, and the residual cleaning medium 2 may remain in a location hidden from the opening. However, since the cleaning medium itself emits light, the photodetector (B ′) 26. Can be detected without being inserted deeply into the container. At this time, if the amount of light is equal to or greater than a certain value, the toner container 1 is loaded again into the cleaning device 10 (connected to the toner container connecting portion 36) and air is fed again by the compressor 12, or the operator is informed. Processing such as notification is executed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, not only the bottle-shaped toner container but also the process cartridge 5 and the developing unit including the toner storage portion are connected to the supply line 30 and the discharge line 33 in the same manner, and the cleaning medium 2 is connected. (FIG. 13C). In general, since the process cartridge 5 is opaque, the light of the cleaning medium 2 cannot be observed from the outside. Therefore, in order to check whether or not the cleaning medium 2 remains, the process cartridge is unloaded after cleaning, and the toner supply / discharge port 5a is moved to the position of the photodetector (B ′) 26. (Fig. 13 (b)). FIG. 13 (a) is a bottom view of the process cartridge 5 shown in FIG. 13 (b) or (c).

  The first embodiment is as described above, and the cyclone classifier 15 separates the toner 3 from the cleaning medium 2 (regenerates the cleaning medium 2), and returns the cleaning medium 2 to the cleaning medium supply container 13. However, the configuration relating to the reuse of the cleaning medium 2 is a matter relating to the second embodiment described below and is not directly related to the first embodiment.

Example 2 of the present invention (corresponding to claims 4 to 7 and claims 14 to 18 ) will be described with reference to FIG.
In order to clean the toner container and the like, the container cleaning apparatus and the cleaning method according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration are sufficient, but the second embodiment is different from the container cleaning apparatus and the cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment. Further, the cleaning medium 2 is regenerated (toner separation). By cleaning, the cleaning medium 2 is basically recovered to a state close to a new one, but some of them do not return to the original state, so that such a state is considered.
The configuration until the cleaning operation (cleaning process) is completed is basically the same as that of the first embodiment.

Such regeneration of the cleaning medium 2 is a process performed to separate the toner 3 adhering to the cleaning medium 2 and make the cleaning medium 2 usable again. For example, as shown in FIG. The light toner 3 and the heavy cleaning medium 2 are separated by the cyclone classifier 15. However, since the adsorbing power of the toner 3 and the cleaning medium 2 varies depending on the temperature and humidity conditions, it is unclear how much the toner can be separated. If the cleaning medium 2 with a large amount of toner 3 attached is used again for cleaning the toner container 1 as it is, the cleaning efficiency is reduced. Therefore, in order to examine the regeneration degree of the cleaning medium 2, a photodetector (D) 28 is installed as shown in FIG. When the observation value of the photodetector (D) 28 is compared with that obtained by the photodetector (C) 27 and that obtained by the photodetector (A) 24, the relationship shown in the following (Equation 1) is obtained. is there.
Observation value of photodetector (A)> observation value of photodetector (D)> observation value of photodetector (C) (Equation 1)
Here, the capacity of the regeneration process can be estimated from the difference between the observation value of the photodetector (D) 28 and the observation value of the photodetector (C) 27. Further, the regeneration degree of the cleaning medium 2 can be estimated from the difference between the observation value of the photodetector (D) 28 and the observation value of the photodetector (A) 24. When the regeneration degree does not reach the specified value, the separation valve 38 shown in FIG. 3 is operated according to a command from the controller 40 so that the corresponding cleaning medium 2 is guided to the waste medium container 18. . When discarding the cleaning medium 2 having a low degree of regeneration, it is necessary to replenish a new amount of cleaning medium corresponding to the discarded medium. However, this replenishment can also be executed by providing an automatic replenishing device. It is.

The observation value of the photodetector (A) = not the observation value of the photodetector (D), but the observation value of the photodetector (A)> the observation value of the photodetector (D) is defined as the degree of regeneration. This is because cleaning media that do not satisfy the above are mixed.
However, although the amount of light at the time of initial charging varies depending on the degree of regeneration of the cleaning medium, the flow rate is affected by this variation. If the reproducibility is poor, the amount of light is reduced overall, so the flow rate is measured slightly. Accordingly, in the photodetector (A) (CCD camera) 24, the flow rate is obtained by a method different from that in the first embodiment by counting the average number of cleaning media passing per time.
However, it does not affect the measurement of the light amount of the photodetector (C) 27 after the toner adhesion again and the detection of the presence or absence of the cleaning medium by the photodetector (B) 25.
The photodetector (B) 24 to photodetector (D) 28 can basically be simply configured with a photodiode and a capacitor, but a CCD camera, a CMOS camera, or the like can also be used. .
The cleaning operation of the container cleaning apparatus 10 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is sequence-controlled by the controller 40 based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

A third embodiment (corresponding to claims 1 to 18 ) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments regarding the cleaning medium 2 and the irradiation of light to the cleaning medium 2, and the other configurations are common. Therefore, only matters different from the first and second embodiments will be described here.
In the first and second embodiments, the self-luminous substance contained in the cleaning medium 2 is a pigment having a phosphorescent property, and the cleaning medium 2 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the cleaning medium supply container 13. However, in Example 3, as a self-luminous substance contained in the cleaning medium 2, a fluorescent pigment (for example, one containing calcium tungstate, zinc silicate, cadmium silicate, cadmium borate, etc.) is mixed. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 14, a light detector 46 and an ultraviolet irradiator 47 are installed in an observation window provided in the conduit 45, and ultraviolet light is irradiated from the observation window and the light detector 46 is irradiated with ultraviolet light. By inserting a cut filter, the same cleaning apparatus as in the first and second embodiments is configured. In this case, the phenomenon described in FIG. 7 can be used in the same way. However, it cannot be used for those using fluorescent pigment toner.
Further, the substance to be included in the cleaning medium 2 is a substance that reflects light (for example, alumina powder, a pigment pigment, and a hue angle with a toner color is 180 degrees instead of the self-luminous substance in the above-described embodiment. (Near colors) can also be mixed. In this case, it is necessary to install a light irradiator together with a light detector in an observation window provided in the transport pipeline.

[ Reference example ]
A reference example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The reference example, in the flow rate measuring method of cleaning medium 2 to another embodiment configuration, the is different from the respective real施例is for common for other configurations.
In each of the real施例, but measures the flow rate by the photodetector (including a CCD camera) can not be measured in the state where the toner is attached and it is this measuring method. That is, the flow rate cannot be measured by the photodetector (C) 27. In addition, when the flow rate is large, a portion where the cleaning media 2 overlap with each other is likely to be generated. Therefore, in this reference example, as the cleaning medium 2, as shown in FIG. 2, magnetic material such as ferrite, or a dielectric material such as alumina as a core (core) 4, washed in the respective real施例What coated the material which comprises a medium is used.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the observation window provided in the transport pipe 45 is, together with the photodetector 46, a magnetic detection type (for magnetic material) or a capacitance detection type (for dielectric material) flow rate detection. A device 48 needs to be installed.
With such a flow measurement, like the aforesaid actual施例, it is possible to estimate the amount of toner adhering precisely to the cleaning medium 2 based on the conversion table for each flow rate.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning medium. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning medium having a core. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a toner container cleaning device. These are figures which show the picked-up image of the washing | cleaning medium by a CCD camera. These are graphs showing the relationship between the amount of light measured by the photodetector and the flow rate of the cleaning medium. These are the schematic diagrams explaining the cross section of the washing | cleaning medium conveyance pipe line in the location which installed the CCD camera. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where toner is attached to a cleaning medium. These are graphs showing the relationship between the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium and the amount of light measured by the photodetector for each flow rate of the cleaning medium. (A) is a graph showing the correlation between the amount of toner adhering to the cleaning medium and the remaining amount of toner in the container, and (b) is the amount of light measured by the photodetector for each flow rate of the cleaning medium. 6 is a graph showing a correlation with a remaining amount of toner in a container. These are graphs showing the relationship between the cleaning time and the amount of light measured by the photodetector. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning process. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining inspection of a cleaning medium remaining in an opaque container. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a process cartridge cleaning / inspection step. These are the schematic diagrams explaining the measurement of the light quantity at the time of using the cleaning medium which has fluorescence. These are the schematic diagrams explaining the measurement of a flow volume and a light quantity at the time of using the washing | cleaning medium which has a core.

１ ‥‥‥‥‥ Toner Container
1a ························································································································································· Core
5 ... Process cartridge 5a ... Toner supply / discharge port 10 ... Toner container cleaning device 11 ... Shading wall 12 ... Air compressor 13 ... Cleaning Medium supply container 15 ……………… Cyclone classifier 16 ……………… Suction pump 17 ……………… Toner recovery container 18 ……………… Waste medium storage container 20 ………… Fixing jig 21 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · (· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
25 ……………… Photodetector (B) (second photodetection means)
26 ……………… Photodetector (B ′) (Third photodetection means)
27 ……………… Photodetector (C) (first photodetection means)
28 ……………… Photodetector (D) (5th photodetection means)
30 ‥‥‥‥‥ supply line 31 ‥‥‥‥‥ medium inlet pipe 32 ‥‥‥‥‥ branch pipe 33 ‥‥‥‥‥ discharge lines 35 ‥‥‥‥‥ return line 36 ‥‥‥‥‥ Toner container connection part 37 ... Cleaning medium supply valve (solenoid valve)
38 ‥‥‥‥‥ separation valve 40 ‥‥‥‥‥ controller 41 ‥‥‥‥‥ indicator 42 ‥‥‥‥‥ calculator 43 ‥‥‥‥‥ image processor
44 ... CCD camera 45 ... Transport line 46 ... Photo detector 47 ... ... UV irradiator 48 ... Flow detector 49 ... Anti-reflective part

Claims (18)

A container cleaning apparatus for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light,
A light detection means for detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container, the granular cleaning medium in the container, and the granular cleaning medium discharged from the container ;
Arithmetic means for estimating the amount of toner adhering to the granular cleaning medium from the detection result of the light detection means ;
Control means for adjusting the supply amount of the granular cleaning medium from the estimation result by the computing means ;
A container cleaning device comprising: The light detection means cleans the inside of the container and detects the state of the granular cleaning medium discharged from the container ;
Second light detection means disposed at a position that can be detected through the side wall of the container, and detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium in the container ;
A third light detecting means disposed at a position that can be detected through the opening of the container, and detecting a state of the granular cleaning medium in the container ;
Fourth light detection means for detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container ;
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: Light detecting means for detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium in the container ;
Calculation means for calculating the presence or absence or residual amount of the granular cleaning medium in the container from the detection result of the light detection means ;
Control means for notifying the presence or absence of residue in the container from the calculation result of the calculation means ;
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: Cleaning medium regenerating means for cleaning the inside of the container and regenerating the granular cleaning medium discharged from the container ;
Fifth light detection means for detecting the state of the granular cleaning medium taken out from the cleaning medium regeneration means ;
A calculation means for estimating the degree of regeneration of the granular cleaning medium from both detection results of the fourth light detection means and the fifth light detection means ,
The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: A switching means for guiding the path of the granular cleaning medium taken out from the cleaning medium regeneration means to the reuse path when the estimated regeneration degree is high, and leading to the disposal path when the regeneration degree is low; The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 4 . 6. The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising cleaning medium automatic replenishing means for automatically replenishing an amount of granular cleaning medium corresponding to the discarded granular cleaning medium when the degree of regeneration is low . The container cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the self-luminous substance is a substance having a phosphorescent property or a fluorescent property . A container cleaning method for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light ,
The state of the granular cleaning medium or the progress of the cleaning process of the container is detected by detecting a temporal change in the amount of light emitted from the granular cleaning medium or the amount of reflected light after the container is cleaned. Container cleaning method . The container cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein the supply amount or the cleaning time of the granular cleaning medium is adjusted according to the state of the granular cleaning medium or the progress of the cleaning process of the container . The presence or absence or residual amount of the granular cleaning medium in the container is detected by detecting light or light amount emitted from the granular cleaning medium in the container, or reflected light or light amount. The container cleaning method according to claim 8 or 9 . The container cleaning method according to claim 10, wherein the light or light amount emitted from the granular cleaning medium in the container or the light or light amount reflected from the outside of the container is detected . The container cleaning method according to claim 10, wherein light or light amount emitted from the granular cleaning medium in the container, or reflected light or light amount is detected from the opening of the container . A container cleaning method for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light ,
Detecting the amount of light emitted from the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container, or the amount of light reflected;
A container cleaning method, wherein the life of the granular cleaning medium is determined by determining the size of the granular cleaning medium from the detection result . A container cleaning method for cleaning a container using a granular cleaning medium containing a self-luminous substance or a substance that reflects light ,
By the change between the amount of light emitted or reflected by the granular cleaning medium before being supplied to the container and the amount of light emitted or reflected by the granular cleaning medium after being discharged from the container and regenerated by the regenerating means, A container cleaning method, wherein the degree of regeneration of the granular cleaning medium is detected . The container cleaning method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein whether to reuse or discard the granular cleaning medium is determined according to the degree of regeneration or the lifetime . The container cleaning method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an alarm such as displaying a warning is output according to the degree of regeneration or the lifetime . The container cleaning method according to claim 15, wherein an amount of the granular cleaning medium corresponding to the discarded granular cleaning medium is automatically replenished according to the degree of regeneration or the lifetime . The container cleaning method according to any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein the self-luminous substance is a substance having phosphorescence or fluorescence .

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