JP4873430B2 - Solvent distillation equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a solvent distillation apparatus used for purifying and regenerating a solvent used in a dry cleaner, and more specifically, separate from a dry cleaner so that it can be used in combination with various types of dry cleaners. The present invention relates to a provided solvent distillation apparatus.

  Dry cleaners used in cleaning stores, etc. have a filter for filtering the solvent and a solvent distillation device for distilling the solvent in order to repeatedly use the solvent (silicone oil, petroleum solvent, etc.) soiled by washing the laundry. in use. For example, in a dry cleaning apparatus described in Patent Document 1 or the like, a filter called a spin disk filter is used to remove fine particulate dust and dirt mixed in a solvent.

  The spin disk filter has a configuration in which a large number of disk-shaped filtration parts are attached around a rotatable shaft that also serves as a flow path for the solvent after filtration. When clogging occurs due to accumulation of dust in the filtration unit with use, the filtration unit can be rotated at a high speed by rotating the shaft body, and the dust adhering to the filtration unit can be dropped and diffused into the filtration container. it can. Thereby, since the filtration part of the spin disk filter is regenerated, there is an advantage that it can be used for a long time without replacing the filtration part and the running cost is low.

  In the distillation apparatus, it is necessary to distill the dirty solvent used in the dry cleaner, for example, stored in the solvent tank, and to distill the dirty solvent collected in the filtration container when the spin disk filter is regenerated as described above. is there. Usually, since both distillation processes cannot be performed simultaneously due to the limitation of the capacity of the distillation apparatus, an operator selectively performs one of them. As described above, if the filter section of the spin disk filter becomes very dirty, the filtration efficiency drops extremely, so the operator should monitor the solvent contamination in the filtration container and switch the solvent to be sent to the distillation unit as necessary. ing. However, such work is burdensome for the operator, and if the work is forgotten, a solvent that is not sufficiently removed during cleaning operation will be supplied to the dry cleaner, causing dirt to be reattached to the laundry. There is a risk of it coming.

  In addition, since the processing capacity (processing speed) of the solvent in the distillation apparatus is determined, for example, a certain time is required for the distillation processing of all of a predetermined amount of the solvent stored in the filtration container of the spin disk filter. It takes. In the conventional distillation apparatus, the operator needs to perform an operation start instruction, a solvent selection operation, and the like while taking such processing time into consideration, so that the operation is very troublesome. Also, for example, in daily cleaning operations, it is desirable to end the operation of the distillation apparatus when the entire operation of the dry cleaner is ended. However, if the operator's operation is not appropriate, the entire operation of the dry cleaner is ended. The distillation operation is halfway, and there is a tendency that a problem arises that the work must be finished in a halfway state.

  In the case where the distillation apparatus and the dry cleaner are independent, the distillation process of the solvent used in a plurality of dry cleaners in one distillation apparatus or in the filtration containers of a plurality of spin disk filters can be divided in a time-sharing manner. However, in such a case, it is necessary to appropriately distill the solvent in the spin disk filter and the solvent tank so as not to hinder the operation of a plurality of dry cleaners. It is even more troublesome for an operator to schedule the operation and perform an operation start instruction or a solvent switching operation.

For example, when the work for one day is finished, it is preferable that no solvent remains in the distillation kettle of the distillation apparatus. This is because the solvent is highly flammable, and leaving it in a state where the solvent remains in the still has a safety problem. For this reason, conventionally, after all the solvent distillation operations in the solvent tank and the spin disk filter have been completed, the distillation operation is performed for a while without adding a new solvent to remove all the solvent remaining in the distillation kettle. ing. The operation for such processing has to be performed by the operator and is troublesome, and there is a problem that the operation of the day cannot be completed unless the operation is completed.
JP-A-7-289788

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to reduce the labor of various operations performed by the operator for the distillation operation and to perform the cleaning operation with the dry cleaner satisfactorily. Another object is to provide a solvent distillation apparatus capable of purifying the solvent.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first invention is that a solvent used to wash a dry cleaner is used to vaporize the solvent after use in a distillation kettle, and then condense and liquefy it for reuse. This is a distillation device that enables it to be mixed with substances to be filtered such as particulate dirt such as fine dust when the solvent stored in the solvent tank and the solvent after washing are filtered with a filter. In the solvent distillation apparatus configured to selectively introduce a solvent into the distillation kettle, an operation for introducing the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation kettle to evaporate the solvent and a solvent in which an object to be filtered is mixed. Control means for setting an end time individually for each operation of introducing into the distillation kettle and evaporating the solvent, and preventing the start of the operation scheduled for each of the operations exceeding the set end time With an end time Beyond distillation operation of is prevented.

  The second invention requires an operation for introducing the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation kettle to vaporize the solvent and an operation for introducing the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle to vaporize the solvent. The time is preset, and each operation ends at the preset time.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided control means for ending the residual solvent removal operation for a predetermined time for vaporizing the solvent remaining in the distillation kettle before reaching the latest end time, thereby Can be suppressed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means introduces the solvent in the solvent to be filtered and the operation for introducing the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation tank and evaporating the solvent during the residual solvent removing operation. By performing control that does not perform the operation of introducing the solvent into the distillation kettle to vaporize the solvent, the introduction of the solvent into the distillation kettle during the residual solvent removal operation can be suppressed.

  In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control means introduces the solvent in the operation or vaporizing the solvent by introducing the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation kettle or introduces the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle. By performing control to select the operation to be vaporized based on the number of times of washing or the number of operations for washing, the material to be filtered is introduced into the distillation kettle corresponding to the dirt on the filter.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the control means controls the number of times to be changed to an initial value or zero at the end of the operation for introducing the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle and evaporating the solvent. By performing the above, the material to be filtered of the filter is periodically introduced into the distillation kettle.

  According to the solvent distillation apparatus of the present invention, the solvent in the filter container of the filter such as the spin disk filter or the clogging of the filter part is not serious, but the solvent in the filter tank is replaced with the solvent in the filter tank. The solvent distillation process can be performed automatically, that is, without depending on the manual operation or operation of the operator. At this time, it is possible to suppress the distillation process from exceeding the set end time.

The flow-path block diagram of the distillation apparatus of one Example of this invention. The flow-path block diagram of an example of the dry cleaner using the distillation apparatus of a present Example. The figure which shows the procedure in the case of pulling out the pneumatic tube for valve drive from a dry cleaner. The control system block diagram of the principal part of the distillation apparatus of a present Example. The timing diagram of the operation frequency count of the dry cleaner in the distillation apparatus of a present Example. The flowchart which shows the control procedure at the time of switching automatically the distillation process of the solvent of the solvent tank 10, and the distillation process of the solvent in the filtration container of a spin disk filter. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the schedule of the distillation operation in a distillation part in the distillation apparatus of a present Example. The figure which shows the structural example in the case of connecting two dry cleaners with respect to the distillation apparatus of a present Example. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the schedule of the distillation operation at the time of performing the distillation process of the solvent of two solvent tanks provided corresponding to the two dry cleaners of No. 1 machine and No. 2 machine, and the solvent of two spin disk filters.

  Hereinafter, a solvent distillation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flow path configuration diagram of the distillation apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a flow path configuration diagram of an example of a dry cleaner that uses the distillation apparatus of the present embodiment. A combination of the distillation apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the dry cleaner 2 shown in FIG. 2 constitutes a dry cleaning system capable of performing a cleaning operation.

  The distillation apparatus 1 includes a solvent tank 10 that stores a solvent (petroleum solvent or silicone solvent) used for washing, and a spin disk that removes particulate dirt such as fine dust mixed in the solvent. The filter 11 and the cartridge filter 12, the distillation pot 14 for vaporizing the solvent to be purified in order to distill the solvent, the condensation / liquefaction unit 15 for cooling and liquefying the vaporized solvent vapor, and the solvent recovered by distillation A distillation unit 13 including a water separator 16 that separates and removes water is included as a main element.

  More specifically, the connection port C to which the solvent is supplied is alternatively connected to the inlet of the spin disk filter 11 and the bypass channel 18 via a filter selection valve 17 that is a three-way valve. The outlet of the spin disk filter 11 is connected to the inlet of the cartridge filter 12, and the end of the bypass channel 18 is also connected to another inlet of the cartridge filter 12. The outlet of the cartridge filter 12 is connected to a connection port E for sending out the solvent. A filtration container of the spin disk filter 11 is connected to the distillation still 14 via a filter drainage channel 19 provided with a filter drainage valve 20 on the way. In addition, a manual drainage valve 27 is provided in the drainage flow path 26 connected to the bottom of the distillation pot 14.

  A heating chamber 25 heated by high-temperature steam supplied through a steam supply pipe 23 provided with a steam supply valve 24 is provided at the bottom of the distillation still 14. On the other hand, an ejector pump 36 and an ejector 33 are inserted in the middle of the regenerated solvent circulation pipe 35 in which the outlet end and the inlet end are connected to the cooling tank 34. When the ejector pump 36 is actuated and the backflow prevention valve 32 is opened, the solvent is circulated and pumped to the regenerated solvent recovery pipe 31 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The air inside is sucked and depressurized. Thereby, the solvent in the solvent tank 10 can be sucked into the distillation still 14 through the tank distillation flow path 22.

  With the solvent introduced into the distillation still 14 as described above, the steam supply valve 24 is opened and heating by the heating chamber 25 is started. The solvent vapor evaporated in the distillation pot 14 by heating passes through the demister 28 and is sent to the condensing / liquefying section 15 through the solvent vapor introducing pipe 29. In the condensing / liquefying unit 15, the solvent vapor is cooled by the action of, for example, cooling water or a refrigerant, and the solvent is condensed and liquefied and introduced into the ejector 33 through the regenerated solvent recovery pipe 31. The solvent just condensed in this way is drawn into the regenerated solvent circulation line 35 from the regenerated solvent recovery line 31 and flows into the cooling tank 34.

  The temperature of the solvent that has just been condensed and liquefied and that passes through the recycled solvent recovery pipe 31 is relatively high, but the temperature is lowered by mixing with the solvent in the recycled solvent circulation pipe 35 via the ejector 33. On the other hand, the solvent in the regeneration solvent circulation pipe 35 rises in temperature due to the amount of heat given from the regeneration solvent and the amount of heat given from the ejector pump 36 and the like, and returns to the cooling tank 34. Since the solvent stored in the cooling tank 34 is cooled by cooling water or a refrigerant, the temperature of the solvent is maintained stably as a whole. Although the liquid level of the solvent in the cooling tank 34 rises due to the addition of the regenerated solvent generated by distillation, the solvent beyond the inlet of the solvent overflow pipe 37 flows out of the cooling tank 34 and is sent to the water separator 16. Here, the water is separated and returned to the solvent tank 10. Accordingly, a clean solvent having a relatively stable temperature can be returned to the solvent tank 10. The solvent tank 10 is also provided with a flow path between the connection ports B and D to which the solvent is supplied and the connection port A through which the solvent is sent out.

  Next, the flow path configuration of the dry cleaner 2 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. A cylindrical drum 41 having a large number of holes around it is rotatably supported in the outer tub 40, and a drainage conduit 42 connected to the bottom of the outer tub 40 is connected to a button trap 43. Yes. The button trap 43 is a kind of filter for removing relatively large solid substances such as clothes buttons mixed in the discharged solvent. The connection port A and the drainage port at the bottom of the button trap 43 are connected to the suction port of the pump 44 via a liquid supply valve VL1 and a drainage valve VL2, respectively. The discharge port of the pump 44 is connected to the connection port C or the connection port E through a check valve 45 and a circulation selection valve VL3 which is a three-way valve.

  The connection port E is connected to a solvent heater 46 in which a high-temperature steam pipe is disposed in the solvent flow path, and the high-temperature steam is controlled by the second steam valve VS2. Although not shown, a liquid temperature sensor and a soap concentration sensor are provided on the downstream side of the solvent heater 46, and the downstream flow path is a solvent cooler installed in a ventilation passage for drying connected to the outer tub 40. 47. The solvent cooler 47 circulates the solvent in the pipe and cools the solvent by heat exchange with the cooled air flowing around the pipe. That is, the solvent cooler 47 is a kind of air-cooled type cooler that uses air cooled by the drying cooler 48 provided on the upstream side in the ventilation path without using refrigerant or cold water for cooling. . The outlet of the solvent cooler 47 is connected to either the outer tank 40 or the connection port D by a solvent charging valve VL4 that is a three-way valve. A soap storage tank 49 is also connected to the suction port of the pump 44 via a soap supply valve VL5.

  In addition, when the cold water cooled by the chiller 52 installed outside is circulated and supplied into the pipe line of the drying cooler 48 and the air sent from the outer tub 40 is rapidly cooled by the drying cooler 48, The solvent gas contained in the air is condensed and liquefied and dropped. The liquefied solvent reaches the water separator 50 where water is removed and only the solvent flows out from the connection port B.

  Various valves are used in the dry cleaner 2, and they are air operated valves that are opened and closed by air pressure. That is, an air tube is connected to each valve from a pneumatic control means (not shown), and the valve is operated by sending air through the air tube.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distillation apparatus 1 and the dry cleaner 2 are connected by five flow paths that connect the connection ports A to E, and the solvent is exchanged through the flow paths. In addition, air tubes VL4a and VL2a branched from the air tubes for driving the solvent introduction valve VL4 and the drain valve VL2 are drawn out from the dry cleaner 2 in order to perform characteristic control as will be described later in the distillation apparatus 1. And connected to the distillation apparatus 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, an air tube 70 made of synthetic resin such as nylon from the air pressure control means to the valve in the dry cleaner 2 is cut at appropriate positions, and both cut end portions thereof. A three-way joint 72 is mounted between 701 and 702. Then, another air tube 72 is inserted into another opening of the three-way joint 72, and the air tube 72 is drawn out as the above-described air tubes VL4a and VL2a.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the distillation apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a control system configuration diagram of the main part of the distillation apparatus of this embodiment.

  At the center of the control is a control unit 60 including a CPU, a ROM in which a control program is written, a timer, and the like. The control unit 60 receives an input operation signal from the operation unit 62, a temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 30, A pressure detection signal is input from each of the first and second pressure switches 64 and 65. Further, the control unit 60 opens and closes the above-described valves such as the filter selection valve 17, the steam supply valve 24, the tank solvent suction valve 21, the filter drainage valve 20, and the backflow prevention valve 32 through the load driving unit 61. And the operation of the ejector pump 36 is controlled, and further, a display corresponding to the input operation and a display indicating the operation state are performed on the display unit 63. Further, the control unit 60 includes an operation number counting unit 601.

  The first pressure switch 64 is connected to the air tube VL4a drawn from the solvent charging valve VL4, and the second pressure switch 65 is connected to the air tube VL2a drawn from the drain valve VL2. Each of the pressure switches 64 and 65 has a threshold set so as to detect an air pressure applied when the valves VL4 and VL2 are opened or closed. For example, when the valves are turned on (opened), the switches are turned on and the valves are turned off ( The switch is turned off when closing. The operation number counting unit 601 has a function of recognizing one cycle of operation of the dry cleaner 2 based on the on / off signal and counting the number of operations.

Next, the flow of the solvent during the cleaning operation in the dry cleaning system constituted by the distillation apparatus 1 and the dry cleaner 2 will be described. In this dry cleaning system, during a cleaning operation, circulating washing is performed while continuously circulating the solvent accumulated in the outer tub 40, and a predetermined amount of solvent is stored in the outer tub 40 without circulating the solvent. In this state, it is possible to select a pool washing in which washing is performed.
(I) Flow of solvent in circulation washing First, the drain valve VL2 is closed, the liquid supply valve VL1 is opened, the outlet of the solvent cooler 47 is connected to the outer tank 40 by the solvent charging valve VL4, and the discharge of the pump 44 is performed. The outlet side is connected to the connection port C by a circulation selection valve, and the pump 44 is driven. Then, the solvent stored in the solvent tank 10 in the distillation apparatus 1 reaches the connection port C through the connection port A, the liquid supply valve VL1, the pump 44, and the circulation selection valve VL3. In the normal state, the filter selection valve 17 is connected to the spin disk filter 11 side, and the solvent returns to the dry cleaner 2 from the connection port E through the spin disk filter 11 and the cartridge filter 12 and the two-stage filter. Then, the liquid is supplied into the outer tub 40 through the solvent cooler 47 and the solvent charging valve VL4. When the solvent passes through such a liquid supply channel, particulate suspended matters mixed in the solvent are collected by the filters 11 and 12, and the solvent temperature is appropriately adjusted by the solvent heater 46 and the solvent cooler 47. Adjusted to When a predetermined amount of solvent is stored in the outer tank 40, the solvent charging valve VL4 is switched to the connection port D to circulate the solvent to the solvent tank 10.

  Thereafter, the liquid supply valve VL1 is closed and the liquid discharge valve VL2 is opened to discharge the solvent stored in the outer tank 40. Then, the solvent charging valve VL4 is connected to the outer tank 40 side. Thereby, the solvent is the button trap 43, drain valve VL2, pump 44, circulation selection valve VL3, connection port C, spin disk filter 11, cartridge filter 12, connection port E, solvent heater 46, solvent cooler 47, solvent injection. It flows into the outer tank 40 through the valve VL4 and circulates in the flow path including the outer tank 40. The laundry stored in the drum 41 is washed by rotating the drum 41 while circulating the solvent.

When the predetermined cleaning operation is completed, the solvent charging valve VL4 is switched to the connection port D side. Thus, the solvent in the outer tub 40 is drained from the drain line 42, button trap 43, drain valve VL2, pump 44, circulation selection valve VL3, filters 11, 12, solvent heater 46, solvent cooler 47, solvent injection valve. It returns to the solvent tank 10 through VL4. Thereby, the inside of the outer tank 40 can be emptied.
(Ii) Flow of solvent in the case of pool washing In the case of pool washing, in the state where a predetermined amount of solvent is first stored in the outer tub 40, the drum 41 is rotated for washing. After the cleaning, the drain valve VL2 is opened to return the solvent in the outer tank 40 to the solvent tank 10.

  In the distillation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the solvent stored in the solvent tank 10 or the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11 even during the period when the cleaning operation is executed by the dry cleaning system as described above. The distillation process is performed in the distillation unit 13. The operation of the distillation process is the same for any solvent. That is, the distillation process from the state in which there is no solvent in the distillation kettle 14 is performed according to the following procedure.

  The controller 60 first operates the ejector pump 36 and opens the backflow prevention valve 32. Then, since the air in the distillation pot 14 is sucked and depressurized by the ejector 33, for example, when the tank solvent suction valve 21 is opened, the solvent in the solvent tank 10 is spontaneously sucked up by the distillation pot 14. When the solvent is introduced into the still 14, the pressure in the still 14 temporarily rises. For example, when it is recognized by a pressure sensor (not shown) provided in the regeneration solvent recovery pipe 31 that the pressure once increased is lowered again, the steam supply valve 24 is opened and heating by the heating chamber 25 is started. When the solvent evaporates in the distillation still 14 by heating, the solvent vapor passes through the demister 28 and is sent to the condensing / liquefying section 15 via the solvent vapor introducing pipe 29 to be liquefied. The liquefied solvent is mixed with the solvent circulating in the regenerated solvent circulation pipe 35 by the ejector 33 and reaches the cooling tank 34. Although the temperature of the solvent just liquefied is high, the temperature of the solvent decreases in the cooling bath 34. A part of the solvent accumulated in the cooling tank 34 exceeds a predetermined liquid level flows out. Although a small amount of water is mixed in this solvent, only the solvent is returned to the solvent tank 10 after this water is removed by the water separator 16.

  When the solvent decreases in the distillation pot 14 and the amount of evaporation decreases, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 30 suddenly decreases. When this is detected, the steam supply valve 24 is closed to stop heating. On the other hand, since the ejector pump 36 is continuously operated, if the tank solvent suction valve 21 is opened while the inside of the distillation pot 14 is decompressed, the solvent is again sucked into the distillation pot 14. By repeating the distillation operation in this way, the solvent in the solvent tank 10 (or the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11) is distilled.

  Since the filtration part of the spin disk filter 11 is clogged with accumulation as it is used, it is necessary to regenerate the filtration part, for example, every certain usage time or every certain number of operations. When regenerating the filtration unit, under the control of the control unit 60, the filter selection valve 17 is switched, and the solvent supplied from the connection port C is passed through the bypass flow path 18 to pass the spin disk filter 11. Let Then, by opening the filter drain valve 20, about half of the dirty solvent in the container is poured into the distillation kettle 14, and the dirt is removed by rotating the filtration unit at a high speed while being stored in the container. And all the soiled solvent is introduced into the still 14. When the filter drain valve 20 is opened, the tank solvent suction valve 21 is closed. In this way, the solvent is stored in the distillation pot 14 and the distillation process is performed as described above, and the purified solvent is returned to the solvent tank 10. The spin disk filter 11 that has been emptied is fed with a solvent from the solvent tank 10 so that it can be filtered again.

  As described above, the filtration part of the spin disk filter 11 is easily contaminated, and unless the regeneration process for removing the dirt is performed at a relatively high frequency, the solvent that does not sufficiently remove the dirt circulates and hinders washing. In general, it is desirable to regenerate the spin disk filter 11 each time a cleaning operation is performed with the dry cleaner 2 a predetermined number of times. In this system, the distillation apparatus 1 and the dry cleaner 2 are separate from each other. The control unit is also completely independent. Therefore, in the distillation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the number of operations is estimated using the change in air pressure that operates the solvent charging valve VL4 and the drain valve VL2 of the dry cleaner 2, and based on the number of operations. The timing for automatically regenerating (distilling) the spin disk filter 11 is determined.

  Specifically, in the case of circulating washing, since the solvent introduction valve VL4 and the drain valve VL2 are opened and closed as described above, the detection signals of the first and second pressure switches 64 and 65 corresponding to the operation of these valves. Are as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B for one-cycle operation. In this case, in the operation number counting unit 601, both the solvent charging valve VL4 and the drain valve VL2 are turned on (however, since the solvent charging valve VL4 is a three-way valve, the state connected to the outer tank 40 side is regarded as ON). That is, when a period when both detection signals of the first and second pressure switches 64 and 65 are at “H” level is detected and the length of the period is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t (for example, 10 seconds) Is determined to be a period during which the circulation washing is actually executed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5C, the logical sum (AND) of the detection signals of the first and second pressure switches 64 and 65 is calculated, and as a result, the “H” level is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t. Detects falling edge and counts up the number of operations. The reason why the determination is made for the predetermined time t or longer is that the logical sum may become “H” level for a short time other than when the above-described circulation washing is performed.

  Thus, since the operation number counting unit 601 can count the number of operations of the dry cleaner 2, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the counted value has reached a predetermined value (for example, 5), and has reached the predetermined value. Then, the distillation reservation of the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11 is made.

  On the other hand, in the case of pool washing instead of circulating washing, for example, only the opening / closing operation of the solvent charging valve VL4 can be used to count up the number of operations. Specifically, the air tube VL4a branched from the air tube for driving the solvent addition valve VL4 is connected to both the first and second pressure switches 64 and 65, or the circuit of the operation number counting unit 601 is connected. When the modification is possible, the detection signal of the first pressure switch 64 is input in common to the two inputs of the AND operation gate. As a result, the number of operations is counted up at the falling edge after the solvent supply valve VL4 is turned on for a predetermined time t or longer (connected to the outer tub 40 side).

  As described above, in the above process, only the reservation for the distillation process of the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11 is executed. This is because the distillation apparatus 1 needs to perform both the distillation of the solvent stored in the solvent tank 10 and the distillation of the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11, and both cannot be performed at the same time. This is because time division is performed. In the distillation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 60 automatically switches between the distillation process of the solvent in the solvent tank 10 and the distillation process of the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11 according to the procedure shown in FIG. To run. This control will be described.

  For example, the operator inputs and sets the end time T1 of the filter distillation operation and the end time T2 of the tank distillation operation by the operation unit 62 before the start of the cleaning operation for one day, for example. In addition, one distillation operation time for the solvent in the solvent tank 10 (hereinafter referred to as “tank distillation time”) t1, and one distillation operation time for the solvent in the filter container of the spin disk filter 11 (hereinafter referred to as “filter distillation time”). Each t2 is predetermined. When the operation is started with the input set, the control unit 60 determines whether or not there is a filter distillation reservation as described above (step S1). If there is no filter distillation reservation, it is determined whether the remaining operation time until the tank distillation operation end time T2 is equal to or longer than the addition time t1 + t3 of the tank distillation time t1 and the remaining solvent removal operation time t3 (step S2). In order to avoid the solvent remaining in the still 14 after the operation is completed, the residual solvent removal operation is performed without adding any solvent (that is, in a state where both the tank solvent suction valve 21 and the filter drain valve 20 are closed). ) An operation that performs distillation for a predetermined time.

  If Yes in step S2, the tank distillation operation is executed (step S3). That is, the tank solvent suction valve 21 is opened with the filter drain valve 20 closed, and the distillation process is started. As a result, the solvent in the solvent tank 10 is sucked into the distillation tank 14 as described above, and the solvent purified by the distillation is returned to the solvent tank 10. And if tank distillation is performed only for the predetermined time t1, it will return from step S3 to S1.

  If there is a filter distillation reservation in step S1, it is prioritized, and it is determined whether or not the remaining operation time until the filter distillation operation end time T1 is equal to or longer than the addition time t2 + t3 of the filter distillation time t2 and the remaining solvent removal operation time t3. (Step S4). If Yes in step S4, the filter distillation operation is executed (step S5). That is, the filter drain valve 20 is opened, the tank solvent suction valve 21 is closed, and the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11 is introduced into the distillation kettle 14 to perform the distillation process. Prior to this, in the spin disk filter 11, as described above, the filtration unit is rotated at a high speed while leaving about half of the solvent in the container, and the dirt adhering to the filtration unit is peeled off and diffused into the solvent. . And if filter distillation is performed only for predetermined time t2, it will return from step S3 to S1.

  When it is determined No in step S2, if the residual solvent removal operation is performed after performing the tank distillation, it can be determined that the end time thereof has passed the tank distillation operation end time T2. Therefore, only the residual solvent removal operation whose operation time is t3 is executed (step S6), and all the operations are finished. That is, the distillation is performed in such a state that both the filter drain valve 20 and the tank solvent suction valve 21 are closed, that is, no solvent is newly added to the distillation still 14. As a result, the solvent disappears in the bottom of the distillation still 14, and the operation ends in an empty state. On the other hand, when it is determined No in step S4, if the residual solvent removal operation is performed after performing the filter distillation, it can be determined that the end time thereof has passed the filter distillation operation end time T1. However, since the tank distillation time t1 is usually shorter than the filter distillation time t2, there is a possibility that even if it becomes No in step S4, Yes in step S2. Therefore, if it is determined No in step S2, the process proceeds to step S2, and if there is a time allowance for tank distillation, it is executed.

  Here, although it is assumed that the tank distillation time t1 is shorter than the filter distillation time t2, the storage capacity of the solvent tank 10 is large and the storage capacity of the spin disk filter 11 in the filtration container is small. It is also conceivable that the filter distillation time t2 is shorter than the tank distillation time t1. In such a case, it is obvious that the processing procedure may be changed in the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a distillation operation schedule in the distillation unit 13 based on the control as described above. In this way, for example, the operation of the distillation section 13 can also be ended when the dry cleaner 2 completes all the operations of the day. In addition, when it is necessary to perform distillation of the solvent in the filtration container of the spin disk filter 11, it is given priority, and when the distillation is not necessary, distillation of the solvent in the solvent tank 10 can be repeatedly performed. . Thereby, the solvent can be kept clean by utilizing the distillation unit 13 to the maximum extent without causing any trouble in the cleaning operation in the dry cleaner 2. Moreover, a high safety | security can be ensured, without a solvent remaining in the distillation pot 14 at the time of completion | finish of a driving | operation.

  In the above description, a system configuration in which one dry cleaner 2 is connected to one distillation apparatus 1 is used. However, a configuration in which a plurality of dry cleaners 2 are connected may be employed. FIG. 8 shows a configuration example in the case of connecting two dry cleaners 2A and 2B. In this configuration, solvent tanks 10A and 10B and filters (spin disk filters 11A and 11B and cartridge filters 12A and 12B) are provided in each of the dry cleaners 2A and 2B, and the distillation unit 13 is shared. In order to share the distillation section 13, the containers of the spin disk filters 11A and 11B are connected to the distillation kettle 14 through the filter drain valves 20A and 20B, respectively, and the solvent tanks 10A and 10B are respectively connected to the tank solvent suction valves 21A and 21B. Is connected to the distillation kettle 14. Further, the solvent discharged from the water separator 16 is returned to one of the solvent tanks 10A and 10B by the three-way valve 38.

  In other words, in this configuration, the distillation unit 13 selectively distills any of the solvent in the solvent tank 10A, the solvent in the solvent tank 10B, the solvent in the spin disk filter 11A, and the solvent in the spin disk filter 11B. And return to the solvent tank 10A or 10B. Therefore, the distillation of each solvent is controlled by the following procedure.

  That is, the filter distillation operation end time and the tank distillation operation end time can be individually input and set for each solvent tank and spin disk filter. Further, as described above, filter distillation reservations are made independently in accordance with the counting results of the number of operations of each of the dry cleaners 2A and 2B, but the one with the earlier distillation reservation is preferentially processed. Therefore, for example, when checking whether or not there is a filter distillation reservation in step S1, if there is a distillation reservation for both of the spin disk filters 11A and 11B, the dry cleaner side on which the distillation reservation has been made first is issued. First, the processes of steps S4 and S5 are executed, and subsequently, the processes of steps S4 and S5 are executed on the dry cleaner side where the distillation reservation is made later.

  If there is a distillation reservation only for one of the spin disk filters 11A and 11B, the process of steps S4 and S5 is executed for that filter and the process returns to step S1. If there is no filter distillation reservation in step S1, the processes of steps S2 and S3 are executed for the solvent tank that has not been subjected to the most recent distillation process among the two solvent tanks 10A and 10B, and the process returns to step S1. Therefore, if no filter distillation reservation is made, the distillation processes of the two solvent tanks 10A and 10B are executed alternately. In this way, even when a plurality of dry cleaners 2 are connected, the solvent can be appropriately distilled by the single distillation unit 13. Similarly to the case where there is only one dry cleaner, the residual solvent removal operation is performed before the final operation end time (that is, the latest operation end time is set), and the distillation tank is removed. It is possible to prevent the solvent from remaining in 14.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a distillation operation schedule when performing distillation treatment of the solvent in the two solvent tanks and the two spin disk filters provided corresponding to the two dry cleaners of Unit 1 and Unit 2. . 9 (a) to 9 (d), the first unit filter distillation operation end time T1, the first unit tank distillation operation end time T2, the second unit filter distillation operation end time T3, the second unit tank distillation operation The end time T4 is set respectively. Here, the latest tank distillation operation end time T4 is the total operation end time. Thus, even if there are two or more dry cleaners 2, it is possible to automatically determine the distillation process schedule and execute an appropriate process until the end of operation.

  In the distillation apparatus of the above embodiment, the number of operations of the dry cleaner 2 is counted using the air pressure that drives the solvent input valve and the drain valve of the dry cleaner 2, but the air pressure that drives the other valves is used. May be. The type of valve that can be used or the calculation for the detection signal of the pressure switch to perform one cycle operation depends on the structure and control of the dry cleaner. And find an appropriate method. Further, instead of using the air pressure for driving the air operation valve provided in the solvent flow path, the driving force of another mechanism provided in the dry cleaner may be used.

  For example, when a door lock mechanism is provided on a door for opening and closing the outer tub 40, the door is generally locked at the start of operation, and the door lock is released when the operation ends. Therefore, in a configuration in which the door lock mechanism is driven by air pressure, it can be counted that one operation has been executed by detecting a change in air pressure for releasing the door lock. Of course, when it is possible to take out an electrical control signal or the like instead of the air pressure, this can be used.

  Moreover, in the solvent distillation apparatus of the said Example, a solvent tank, a filter, and a distillation part are comprised as one apparatus, and the dry cleaner is a system structure which is a different body from this, However, it does not restrict to this Various forms are possible. For example, the dry cleaner has a filter built-in, the solvent tank has a built-in dry cleaner, the filter and the solvent tank have both built-in a dry cleaner, and the like. Further, even if there are a plurality of dry cleaners, a configuration in which a single filter or solvent tank is shared is also conceivable.

  Further, the above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and it is apparent that the invention is encompassed in the scope of claims of the present application even if appropriate modifications, corrections and additions are made within the scope of the present invention.

VL1 ... Liquid supply valve 1 ... Distillation device 2, 2A, 2B ... Dry cleaner 10, 10A, 10B ... Solvent tank 11, 11A, 11B ... Spin disk filter 12, 12A, 12B ... Cartridge filter 13 ... Distillation section 14 ... Distiller DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Condensation / liquefaction part 16 ... Water separator 17 ... Filter selection valve 18 ... Bypass flow path 19 ... Filter drainage flow path 20, 20A, 20B ... Filter drainage valve 21, 21A, 21B ... Tank solvent suction valve 22 ... Tank distillation flow path 23 ... Steam supply pipe 24 ... Steam supply valve 25 ... Heating chamber 26 ... Drainage flow path 27 ... Kettle drainage valve 28 ... Demister 29 ... Solvent vapor introduction pipe 31 ... Regenerated solvent recovery pipe 32 ... Backflow prevention Valve 33 ... Ejector 34 ... Cooling tank 35 ... Recycled solvent circulation line 36 ... Ejector pump 37 ... Solvent overflow line 38 ... Three-way Lub 40 ... Outer tank 41 ... Drum 42 ... Drainage conduit 43 ... Button trap 44 ... Pump 45 ... Check valve 46 ... Solvent heater 47 ... Solvent cooler VL2 ... Drain valve VL3 ... Circulation selection valve VL4 ... Solvent injection valve VL2a , VL4a ... air tube 60 ... control unit 601 ... operation number counting unit 64, 65 ... pressure switch A, B, C, D, E ... connection port

Claims (6)

A distillation apparatus that uses a solvent to evaporate the solvent after it is used for washing a dry cleaner and then condenses it into a liquid that can be reused for washing, and is stored in the solvent tank. The solvent and the solvent containing the matter to be filtered such as particulate dirt such as fine dust when the solvent after washing is filtered with a filter are selectively introduced into the distillation kettle. In solvent distillation equipment,
The operation in which the solvent in the solvent tank is introduced into the distillation kettle and the solvent is vaporized and the operation in which the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered is introduced into the distillation kettle and the solvent is vaporized are individually finished. A solvent distillation apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for setting a time and preventing the start of each scheduled operation exceeding the set end time.   The time required for the operation of vaporizing the solvent by introducing the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation kettle and the operation of vaporizing the solvent by introducing the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle are set in advance. The solvent distillation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The solvent distillation apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit configured to end a residual solvent removing operation for a predetermined time for vaporizing the solvent remaining in the distillation pot before reaching the latest end time.   The control means, during the residual solvent removal operation, introduces the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation kettle to vaporize the solvent and introduces the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle. The solvent distillation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed so as not to perform the operation for vaporizing the solvent.   The control means includes the operation for introducing the solvent in the solvent tank into the distillation kettle to vaporize the solvent or the operation for introducing the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle to vaporize the solvent. The solvent evaporation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control is performed based on the number of times of washing or the number of operations for washing.   The control means performs control for changing the number of times to an initial value or zero at the end of the operation of introducing the solvent mixed with the material to be filtered into the distillation kettle and evaporating the solvent. The solvent evaporation apparatus according to claim 5.