JP6992397B2 - Cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device.

In the following Patent Document 1, in the kitchen sink, a gas mixing part that mixes gas into the sink water flowing in the sink water path and a gas mixing part finely atomize the gas mixed in the sink water to form fine bubbles. It is provided with a fine bubble generation part to generate, the fine bubble generation part generates fine bubbles with a bubble diameter of 0.1 to 1000 μm, and the fine bubble generation part adjusts the bubble diameter of the generated fine bubbles. It is disclosed that the bubble diameter adjusting means is provided.

In the following Patent Document 2, a discharge port for discharging the wash water to the kitchen sink is provided at the downstream end of the wash water flow path through which the wash water flows, and a gas mixing section for mixing gas is provided in the wash water flow path and a gas mixing section. Disclosed is a cleaning water discharge device containing bubbles provided with a bubble micronizing portion that turns the gas mixed in the above into fine bubbles.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-117314 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-257023

In both the inventions of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the object is cleaned by discharging a cleaning liquid containing air bubbles. On the other hand, it is conceivable to clean the object by discharging foam instead of the cleaning liquid containing air bubbles. Foam has a higher cleaning effect than a cleaning solution containing air bubbles.

In a cleaning device using foam, consider a case where unused foam remains in the device after cleaning is completed. As time passes, the residual foam deteriorates in cleaning performance due to the coarsening of the foam diameter due to the combined foam. At the time of the next cleaning, if the foam having deteriorated cleaning performance is discharged, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to maintain good cleaning performance.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device capable of preventing foam from remaining in a reservoir after use.

The cleaning device according to the present invention has a storage unit capable of storing detergent water, a bubble generation means for generating bubbles in the detergent water inside the storage unit, and a discharge unit for discharging bubbles generated inside the storage unit. A foam removing means for removing bubbles inside the reservoir is provided, and the foam removing means starts a foam removing operation in response to an increase in the bubble diameter of the bubbles inside the reservoir .
Further, the cleaning device according to the present invention discharges a storage unit capable of storing detergent water, a bubble generating means for generating bubbles in the detergent water inside the storage unit, and foam generated inside the storage unit. The discharge unit, a foam removing means for removing bubbles inside the storage unit, and a means for detecting the bubble diameter of the bubbles inside the storage unit are provided, and the foam removing means operates to remove bubbles according to the bubble diameter. Is to start.

According to the cleaning device of the present invention, by providing the foam removing means for removing the foam inside the storage portion, it is possible to prevent the foam from remaining in the storage portion after use.

It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning operation using the cleaning apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus according to Embodiment 4. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 5. It is a block diagram which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 6. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 7. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the cleaning operation using the cleaning apparatus of Embodiment 7. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 8. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 9. FIG. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 10. It is a figure which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 11. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the cleaning apparatus by Embodiment 12.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Common or corresponding elements in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals to simplify or omit duplicate descriptions. The present disclosure may include any combination of configurable configurations among the configurations described in each of the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment. The cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment can generate foam for cleaning an object. In the present specification, the foam means a creamy foam formed by collecting a large number of bubbles. That is, foam means foam. In the following description, detergent, that is, water mixed with a surfactant, is referred to as "detergent water". Further, the object to be cleaned by the cleaning device 1 is referred to as an "object to be cleaned". The object to be washed may be, for example, tableware, cooking utensils and the like. The cleaning device 1 produces foam from the detergent water.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment includes a detergent supply unit 2, a storage unit 3, a bubble generation unit 4, and a discharge unit 10. The storage unit 3 has an internal space capable of storing detergent water and foam. Foam is generated on the water surface 95 of the detergent water stored in the internal space of the storage unit 3. The storage unit 3 in the present embodiment is a cylindrical container having a vertical direction as a longitudinal direction. FIG. 1 shows the storage unit 3 as a schematic cross-sectional view. The cleaning device 1 further includes a control device 50 that controls the operation of valves, pumps, and the like, which will be described later.

The bubble generation unit 4 generates bubbles in the detergent water inside the storage unit 3. The bubble generating portion 4 is connected to the circulation flow path 6. The circulation flow path 6 is connected to the storage unit 3. A water flow pump 7 is arranged in the middle of the circulation flow path 6. The circulation flow path 6 on the downstream side of the water flow pump 7 is connected to the bubble generating portion 4. The downstream portion of the bubble generating portion 4 is connected to the storage portion 3. When the water flow pump 7 is operated, the detergent water in the storage unit 3 circulates so as to return to the storage unit 3 via the bubble generation unit 4.

The bubble generation unit 4 generates bubbles by introducing a gas into the detergent water. This gas is, for example, air. An intake passage (not shown) is connected to the bubble generating portion 4. The bubble generation unit 4 generates bubbles by mixing the gas sucked from the intake passage with the detergent water. The valve 12 opens and closes the circulation flow path 6 between the water flow pump 7 and the bubble generating portion 4.

The bubble generating unit 4 in the present embodiment is composed of an ejector having the following structure. The ejector has a reduced diameter portion that reduces the diameter of the flow path of the detergent water. Due to the negative pressure generated in this reduced diameter portion, gas can be naturally aspirated from the intake passage. At the reduced diameter portion, gas is introduced through the intake passage from a direction perpendicular to the flow of the detergent water. A fixed wing that swivels the water flow flowing into the ejector may be provided at a position on the upstream side of the ejector. The fixed wing forms, for example, a swirling flow about the axis of the flow path. The swirling flow of detergent water formed by the fixed blades shears the bubbles and makes them finer, so that fine bubbles can be generated.

The method of inhaling from the intake passage is not limited to naturally aspirated. Air may be forcibly supplied to the bubble generating portion 4 by using an air pump (not shown).

The bubble generating means in the present embodiment includes the bubble generating section 4, the circulation flow path 6, and the water flow pump 7 described above. The bubble generating means in the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the bubble generating means may include a porous body (not shown) and generate bubbles by releasing a gas into the detergent water from a large number of fine pores of the porous body. In that case, the porous body may be arranged inside the reservoir 3. Air can be sent from an air pump (not shown) to the porous body and discharged into the detergent water through a large number of micropores in the porous body. The material of the porous body may be, for example, a metal mesh, ceramics, a resin material, or the like. Alternatively, the bubble generating means may include an ultrasonic irradiation means for irradiating the detergent water with ultrasonic waves. For example, by irradiating the detergent water with ultrasonic waves in the frequency range of 20 kHz to several MHz from the ultrasonic irradiation means, it is possible to generate bubbles, particularly fine bubbles. Alternatively, the bubble generating means may include a stirrer driven by a motor and generate bubbles by stirring the detergent water in the reservoir 3 with the stirrer.

The bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 4 preferably include bubbles having a diameter of 50 μm or less. That is, it is preferable that the bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 4 include microbubbles. Foams containing such fine bubbles provide particularly excellent cleaning performance.

The bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 4 may include bubbles having a diameter of 500 μm or more. By generating bubbles containing bubbles having such a relatively large diameter, it is possible to increase the bubble generation rate.

The detergent supply unit 2 stores the detergent. The detergent supply unit 2 is connected to the storage unit 3 via the detergent introduction unit 5. The valve 14 opens and closes the detergent passage of the detergent introduction section 5. When the valve 14 is opened, the detergent is supplied from the detergent supply unit 2 into the storage unit 3. The user may manually open and close the valve 14, or the control device 50 may automatically open and close the valve 14. The valve 14 may be provided with a check valve structure in order to reliably prevent backflow from the storage unit 3 to the detergent supply unit 2.

By generating bubbles in the detergent water in the reservoir 3 by the bubble generating means, bubbles are generated on the water surface 95 of the detergent water in the reservoir 3. The operation of generating bubbles in this way is hereinafter referred to as "foam generation operation". The foam generation operation is as follows. Bubbles in the detergent water inside the reservoir 3 float toward the water surface 95 of the detergent water due to buoyancy. When the bubbles float on the water surface 95 of the detergent water, a large number of bubbles are collected in a state where the outer circumference of the bubbles is covered with the detergent, that is, a surfactant, so that bubbles are generated. As the foam begins to form, the foam rises above the surface 95 of the detergent water. As the foam generation operation is continued, the foam on the water surface 95 continues to grow. Eventually, the space above the water surface 95 in the reservoir 3 is filled with bubbles.

A conduit 28 is connected to the upper part of the storage portion 3. A discharge portion 10 is provided at the tip of the conduit 28. The discharge unit 10 has a discharge port capable of discharging foam. The conduit 28 has a passage for sending the foam inside the storage portion 3 to the discharge portion 10. Even after the space above the water surface 95 in the storage unit 3 is filled with foam, the foam generation operation is continued, so that the foam reaches the discharge unit 10 from the inside of the storage unit 3 through the conduit 28, and the discharge unit 10 More foam is ejected.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The foam discharged from the discharge unit 10 can be supplied to the object to be cleaned outside the storage unit 3. The foam has excellent cleaning ability by containing a large number of bubbles formed by the detergent water.

The object to be washed is arranged outside the storage unit 3. Since the storage unit 3 does not contain the object to be cleaned, the volume can be reduced. Since the volume of the storage unit 3 is small, the consumption of detergent water can be suppressed. Since the volume of the storage unit 3 is small, the time from the start of the foam generation operation in the storage unit 3 to the discharge of the foam by the discharge unit 10 can be shortened.

The discharge unit 10 may be movable with respect to the storage unit 3. For example, the discharge unit 10 and the conduit 28 may be rotatable with respect to the storage unit 3. The conduit 28 may be made of a hard material. Alternatively, the conduit 28 may be made of a bendable member, such as a hose or bellows tube. The conduit 28 may have a structure that can be expanded and contracted in length. By making the conduit 28 bendable or expanding / contracting the length of the conduit 28, the discharge portion 10 can be moved closer to the object to be cleaned, so that the usability is improved.

In the present embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 29 connected to the conduit 28 to open and close the valve 15, so that the discharge of foam or rinse water from the discharge unit 10 can be easily paused or resumed. You can do it.

By arranging the object to be cleaned under the discharge unit 10, the foam discharged from the discharge unit 10 can be supplied to the upper part of the object to be cleaned. The cleaning component contained in the foam can remove dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned. Foam adhering to the upper part of the object to be cleaned moves to the lower part of the object to be cleaned by gravity. As the foam moves on the surface of the object to be cleaned, shear stress, that is, shear stress acts on the dirt on the surface of the object to be cleaned, so it is possible to remove the dirt more efficiently even with a small amount of foam. Become.

In the present embodiment, the downstream portion of the bubble generating portion 4 is connected to the bottom portion of the storage portion 3. As a result, the bubbles from the bubble generating section 4 flow into the bottom of the storage section 3. In this way, the following effects can be obtained by the air bubbles flowing into the bottom of the storage unit 3. While the bubbles float upward from the bottom of the reservoir 3, the rising speed of the bubbles is accelerated by the buoyancy, so that the rate of foam generation on the water surface 95 can be further improved.

In the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and for example, the downstream portion of the bubble generating portion 4 may be connected to the side surface portion of the storage portion 3.

A water supply unit 8 is connected to the storage unit 3. The water supply unit 8 includes a flow path for supplying water to the storage unit 3. The water supply unit 8 guides water supplied from a water source such as water supply to the storage unit 3. The valve 11 opens and closes the flow path of the water supply unit 8. When the valve 11 is opened, water is supplied from the water supply unit 8 to the storage unit 3. When the valve 11 is closed, the water supply from the water supply unit 8 to the storage unit 3 is stopped. The water supply unit 8 is an example of a fluid supply unit that supplies a fluid into the storage unit 3.

After cleaning the object to be cleaned with the foam discharged from the discharge unit 10, the valve 11 is opened and water is supplied from the water supply unit 8 to the storage unit 3, so that the water from the water supply unit 8 is discharged from the discharge unit 10 as rinse water. It is possible.

A valve 15 is installed between the reservoir 3 and the conduit 28. The valve 15 opens and closes a passage between the reservoir 3 and the conduit 28. By opening and closing the valve 15, it is possible to perform an operation of starting and stopping the discharge of foam or rinse water from the discharge unit 10. The valve 15 may be configured to open and close when the user operates the operation unit 29.

In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by being able to discharge foam and rinse water from the common discharge unit 10. Compared with a configuration in which a discharge unit for discharging foam and a discharge unit for discharging rinse water are separately provided, the size of the device can be reduced.

The discharge unit 9 has a flow path for discharging the fluid in the storage unit 3 to the outside of the cleaning device 1. The valve 12 opens and closes the flow path of the discharge unit 9. By opening the valve 12, the foam and detergent water remaining in the storage unit 3 after the cleaning is completed can be discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 9. In the illustrated configuration, the discharge unit 9 is connected in the middle of the circulation flow path 6. Not limited to such a configuration, the discharge unit 9 may be directly connected to the storage unit 3. The downstream side of the discharge portion 9 may be connected to a sewer pipe.

In the present embodiment, cleaning can be performed by adhering creamy foam to the object to be cleaned instead of the cleaning liquid containing air bubbles. Therefore, since the amount of detergent water used is small, the consumption of water and detergent can be suppressed. Further, even when cleaning a delicate object to be cleaned such as a glass product or a plated product, it is possible to reliably suppress damage to the object to be cleaned.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation using the cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment. For example, when the user presses the cleaning start button (not shown) provided in the cleaning device 1, the operation of the cleaning device 1 is started. At this point, the inside of the storage unit 3 is empty. First, the control device 50 keeps the valve 12 of the discharge unit 9 closed, and opens the valve 11 of the water supply unit 8 to supply water into the storage unit 3 (step S1 in FIG. 2). As a result, water accumulates inside the storage unit 3, and the water level in the storage unit 3 rises. When the water has accumulated to a water level at which the bubble generating means can be circulated to the circulation flow path 6, the control device 50 closes the valve 11 of the water supply unit 8 to stop the water supply into the storage unit 3.

Next, the control device 50 supplies the detergent from the detergent supply unit 2 into the storage unit 3 by opening the valve 14 of the detergent supply unit 2 (step S2). Next, the control device 50 starts the operation of the water flow pump 7 of the bubble generating means (step S3). As a result, the operation of circulating the detergent water in the storage unit 3 so as to return to the storage unit 3 via the circulation flow path 6 of the bubble generating means is started (step S4). Bubbles are generated when the detergent water circulated by this operation passes through the bubble generating section 4, and the bubbles flow into the storage section 3. Bubbles float on the water surface 95 in the reservoir 3 to generate bubbles on the water surface 95 (step S5). When the foam generation operation is continued, the water surface 95 in the reservoir 3 is filled with foam, and the foam flows out to the conduit 28. The foam passes through the conduit 28 and is discharged from the discharge port of the discharge unit 10 (step S6). The foam to be cleaned adheres to the surface of the object to be cleaned by the foam discharged from the ejection unit 10 (step S7).

When the cleaning of the object to be cleaned with the foam is completed, the control device 50 performs a foam removing operation for removing the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 (step S8). As time passes, the foam remaining in the reservoir 3 deteriorates in cleaning performance due to the coarsening of the foam diameter due to the combined foam. If the foam having deteriorated cleaning performance remaining in the reservoir 3 is discharged at the time of the next cleaning, it may be difficult to maintain good cleaning performance. In the present embodiment, the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 is removed by performing the foam removing operation in step S8 after the cleaning is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the foam having deteriorated cleaning performance remaining in the storage unit 3 from being discharged at the next cleaning. Therefore, it is possible to maintain good cleaning performance at the next cleaning.

The cleaning device 1 may perform at least one foam removing operation among the plurality of foam removing operations described below.

(Foam Removal Operation 1) By opening the valve 12, the control device 50 may discharge the foam and the detergent water remaining in the storage unit 3 to the outside through the discharge unit 9. In that case, the foam and detergent water remaining in the storage unit 3 may be discharged to the discharge unit 9 by its own weight. Further, the control device 50 may forcibly discharge the foam and the detergent water remaining in the storage unit 3 to the discharge unit 9 by closing the valve 13 and operating the water flow pump 7.

(Foam Removal Operation 2) The control device 50 may perform an operation of pushing the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 out of the storage unit 3 by supplying a fluid into the storage unit 3. For example, it may be as follows. The control device 50 supplies the rinse water into the storage unit 3 by closing the valve 12 of the discharge unit 9 and opening the valve 11 of the water supply unit 8. When the rinse water fills the storage unit 3, the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 passes through the conduit 28 and is discharged from the discharge unit 10 to the outside. After that, by supplying the rinse water from the water supply unit 8 into the storage unit 3, the rinse water is discharged from the discharge unit 10. The rinse water discharged from the discharge unit 10 can be used to wash away the foam covering the object to be cleaned.

The control device 50 may automatically start the foam removing operation according to the increase in the foam diameter of the foam remaining in the storage unit 3. For example, the control device 50 may automatically start the foam removing operation based on the elapsed time from the time of foam generation. The longer the elapsed time from the time of foam formation, the more the combined foam progresses, and the larger the foam diameter of the foam. The control device 50 determines whether or not the foam diameter of the foam remaining in the reservoir 3 is within the permissible range based on the elapsed time from the time of foam generation, and if the foam diameter exceeds the permissible range, the control device 50 determines. The foam removal operation may be started automatically.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1 may include a bubble diameter detector 30 for detecting the bubble diameter of bubbles in the storage unit 3. The bubble diameter detector 30 may detect the bubble diameter by, for example, capturing an image of bubbles in the reservoir 3 and analyzing the image. The bubble diameter detector 30 is a scattering type particle meter including, for example, a radiating unit that radiates ultrasonic waves, lasers, infrared rays, etc. into the inside of the storage unit 3, and a receiving unit that receives the scattered waves and converts them into electric signals. But it may be. The control device 50 may automatically start the foam removing operation according to the increase in the foam diameter of the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 based on the information detected by the foam diameter detector 30. In the illustrated configuration, the bubble diameter detector 30 is located outside the side surface of the reservoir 3.

At least a part of the reservoir 3 may be transparent. It may be configured so that the foam in the storage portion 3 can be visually recognized from the outside through the transparent portion of the storage portion 3. When the user visually observes the foam in the reservoir 3 from the outside and confirms that the foam diameter is coarsened, the user may operate the cleaning device 1 to start the foam removing operation. ..

The control device 50 included in the cleaning device 1 may be configured as follows. Each function of the control device 50 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit of the control device 50 may include at least one processor and at least one memory. At least one processor may realize each function of the control device 50 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory. The processing circuit of the control device 50 may include at least one dedicated hardware. For each function of the control device 50, a part may be realized by dedicated hardware and the other part may be realized by software or firmware. The processing circuit may realize each function of the control device 50 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single control device 50, and the configuration may be such that the operation is controlled by the cooperation of a plurality of control devices.

Embodiment 2.
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3, but the differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the elements common to or corresponding to the above-mentioned elements. Addition to simplify or omit duplicate explanations. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cleaning device 1A according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning device 1A of the second embodiment includes a sink 21. The sink 21 may be a kitchen sink. The object to be cleaned can be stored in the sink 21. Foam or rinse water discharged from the discharge unit 10 can be supplied into the sink 21. A drainage port 22 is provided at the bottom of the sink 21. The drainage port 22 communicates with the drainage unit 9.

The cleaning device 1A can perform the same foam generation operation as that of the first embodiment. The object to be cleaned can be cleaned by adhering the foam discharged from the discharge unit 10 to the object to be cleaned in the sink 21. After cleaning, the foam and detergent water remaining in the storage unit 3 are discharged from the discharge unit 9 or the discharge unit 10. The foam and detergent water discharged from the discharge unit 10 are discharged through the drain port 22 of the sink 21.

An air pump 31 is connected to the storage unit 3. The air pump 31 sends external air into the storage unit 3. The flow path between the air pump 31 and the reservoir 3 is opened and closed by the valve 32. The air pump 31 is an example of a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid into the storage unit 3.

The cleaning device 1A may perform the foam removing operation described in the first embodiment. By performing the foam removing operation 2 described in the first embodiment, the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 is discharged from the discharge unit 10 to the sink 21 and discharged through the drain port 22 of the sink 21.

The cleaning device 1A may perform the foam removing operation described below.
(Foam removal operation 3) The control device 50 opens the valve 32 and operates the air pump 31 to supply air into the storage unit 3. The air supplied into the storage unit 3 pushes the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 toward the discharge unit 10. In this way, the foam remaining in the storage unit 3 is discharged from the discharge unit 10 to the sink 21, and is discharged through the drain port 22 of the sink 21.

Embodiment 3.
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4, but the differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the elements common to or corresponding to the above-mentioned elements. Addition to simplify or omit duplicate explanations. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cleaning device 1B according to the third embodiment.

The cleaning device 1B of the third embodiment includes a defoaming device 27. The defoaming device 27 can perform an operation of extinguishing bubbles in the storage unit 3. The cleaning device 1B may perform the foam removing operation described in the above-described embodiment. Further, the cleaning device 1B may perform an operation of extinguishing bubbles by the defoaming device 27 as a foam removing operation. The defoaming device 27 may include at least one of a plurality of configuration examples described below.

(Structure 1 of the defoaming device 27) The defoaming device 27 includes a heater (not shown) for heating the inside of the storage section 3, and the inside of the storage section 3 is heated by the heater to heat the inside of the storage section 3. It may be configured to extinguish the foam.

(Structure Example 2 of the Defoaming Device 27) The defoaming device 27 may supply cation water containing cations to the foam in the reservoir 3. Due to the action of cations, the surface tension of the foam is reduced, the thinning of the foam film is promoted, and the foam can be quickly defoamed. The defoaming device 27 may be configured to provide, for example, a pair of electrodes, apply a voltage between the electrodes, and elute metal ions from the electrodes to supply cationic water. Further, the defoaming device 27 may include an ion-containing material. The ion-containing substance may be, for example, at least one of an ion exchange resin, an ion kneaded resin, and a water-soluble glass carrying ions. For example, the defoaming device 27 may supply cation water by performing ion exchange with an ion exchange resin. Alternatively, the defoaming device 27 may supply cation water by eluting ions from an ion kneaded resin or a water-soluble glass carrying ions. The cation water supplied from the defoaming device 27 may contain at least one of copper ion, silver ion, iron ion, zinc ion, and platinum ion. By using cationic water containing at least one metal ion of copper ion, silver ion, iron ion, zinc ion, and platinum ion, in addition to the effect of defoaming the foam, the inner wall surface of the reservoir 3 can be formed. The metal ion makes it possible to obtain an antibacterial effect. The cation water supplied into the storage unit 3 by the defoaming device 27 may be discharged from the discharge unit 10 and used as rinsing water for rinsing the object to be cleaned.

(Structure 3 of the defoaming device 27) The defoaming device 27 may include a mechanism for reducing the pressure and pressurizing the inside of the storage unit 3. The defoaming device 27 may be configured to extinguish the foam in the storage unit 3 by depressurizing the inside of the storage unit 3 and then pressurizing the inside of the storage unit 3. The defoaming device 27 may repeat depressurization and pressurization in the storage unit 3. Although not shown, the defoaming device 27 may include, for example, an air pump connected to the storage unit 3 as in the air pump 31 of FIG. The defoaming device 27 may include an air pump for reducing the pressure inside the storage unit 3 and an air pump for pressurizing the inside of the storage unit 3. The defoaming device 27 may be configured to be able to reduce the pressure and pressurize the inside of the storage unit 3 by switching the flow path between the storage unit 3 and the air pump.

Embodiment 4.
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5, but the differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the elements common to or corresponding to the above-mentioned elements. Addition to simplify or omit duplicate explanations. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cleaning device 1C according to the fourth embodiment.

The cleaning device 1C of the fourth embodiment includes a defoaming device 27. The defoaming device 27 can perform an operation of extinguishing bubbles in the storage unit 3. The cleaning device 1C may perform the foam removing operation described in the above-described embodiment. Further, the cleaning device 1C may perform an operation of extinguishing bubbles by the defoaming device 27 as a foam removing operation.

The defoaming device 27 in the fourth embodiment has a different configuration from the configuration example in the above-described embodiment. The defoaming device 27 in the fourth embodiment includes a stirring propeller 23 and a support column 24. The stirring propeller 23 is arranged inside the storage unit 3. By rotating the stirring propeller 23, the inside of the storage unit 3 is stirred. By stirring the inside of the storage unit 3 with the stirring propeller 23, the foam in the storage unit 3 can be eliminated. The stirring propeller 23 is supported by the support column 24. By expanding and contracting the support column 24, the position of the stirring propeller 23 inside the storage unit 3 can be changed. The defoaming device 27 can extinguish bubbles throughout the storage portion 3 by changing the position of the stirring propeller 23 by expanding and contracting the support column 24. In the illustrated configuration, the stirring propeller 23 is attached to the inside of the side surface of the storage portion 3 via the support column 24. Instead of the configuration shown in the figure, for example, the stirring propeller 23 may be attached to the bottom portion in the storage portion 3.

Embodiment 5.
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6, but the differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the elements common to or corresponding to the above-mentioned elements. Addition to simplify or omit duplicate explanations. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cleaning device 1D according to the fifth embodiment.

The cleaning device 1D of the fifth embodiment includes a defoaming device 27. The defoaming device 27 can perform an operation of extinguishing bubbles in the storage unit 3. The cleaning device 1D may perform the foam removing operation described in the above-described embodiment. Further, the cleaning device 1D may perform an operation of extinguishing bubbles by the defoaming device 27 as a foam removing operation.

The defoaming device 27 in the fifth embodiment has a different configuration from the configuration example in the above-described embodiment. The defoaming device 27 in the fifth embodiment can eliminate the foam in the storage unit 3 by supplying the defoaming agent into the storage unit 3. As the defoaming agent, for example, silicone, polyether, mineral oil and the like can be used.

The defoaming device 27 includes a defoaming agent tank 25, a defoaming agent passage 26, and a valve 33. The defoaming agent tank 25 stores the defoaming agent. The defoaming agent tank 25 is connected to the storage unit 3 via the defoaming agent passage 26. The valve 33 opens and closes the defoamer passage 26. When the valve 33 is opened, the defoaming agent is supplied from the defoaming agent tank 25 into the storage unit 3 through the defoaming agent passage 26. As a result, the foam in the storage unit 3 can be eliminated. When the defoaming agent is supplied into the storage unit 3, the control device 50 controls so that the detergent water accumulated in the storage unit 3 is discharged from the discharge unit 9.

Embodiment 6.
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7, but the differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the cleaning device 1E according to the sixth embodiment. The washing device 1E of the sixth embodiment is a dishwasher including a washing tank 19 having a space capable of accommodating the tableware 90 and having a washing device similar to the washing device 1 of the first embodiment. The cleaning tank 19 is an example of an accommodating portion capable of accommodating an object to be cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning device 1E includes a discharge unit 18 instead of the discharge unit 10 in the first embodiment. The discharge portion 18 is an elongated tubular member, and a plurality of holes for discharging foam and rinse water are formed in the tube wall thereof. The connecting portion 17 connects between the upper portion of the storage portion 3 and the discharging portion 18. The discharge unit 20 has a passage for discharging the fluid in the cleaning tank 19. The discharge unit 20 connects between the bottom portion in the cleaning tank 19 and the discharge unit 9.

Next, the operation of the cleaning device 1E will be described. The operation of the cleaning device 1E is controlled by the control device 50. When the tableware 90 is housed in the space inside the washing tank 19 and the washing operation is started, water is first supplied from the water supply unit 8 to the storage unit 3. Next, the detergent is supplied from the detergent supply unit 2 into the storage unit 3. Next, the water flow pump 7 of the bubble generating means is operated to circulate the detergent water between the storage section 3 and the bubble generating section 4. By the same foam generation operation as in the first embodiment, foam is generated on the water surface 95 in the reservoir 3. The foam generated in the storage unit 3 passes through the connection unit 17 and is discharged from the discharge unit 18 toward the tableware 90 in the washing tank 19. The tableware 90 is covered with foam discharged from the discharge unit 18. After the washing of the tableware 90 with the foam is completed, the valve 13 is opened to discharge the foam and the detergent water remaining in the storage unit 3 to the outside through the discharge unit 9. Next, the control device 50 supplies the rinse water into the storage unit 3 by closing the valve 12 of the discharge unit 9 and opening the valve 11 of the water supply unit 8. The rinse water passes through the storage unit 3 and the connection unit 17, and the rinse water is discharged from the discharge unit 18 toward the tableware 90 in the washing tank 19. The rinse water defoams the foam covering the tableware 90. The rinse water that has flowed down to the bottom of the washing tank 19 is discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 20 and the discharge unit 9.

The discharge portion 18 may be configured to be at least partially retracted into the connection portion 17. That is, at least a part of the discharge portion 18 may be accommodated in the connection portion 17 by moving to the left in FIG. 7. By storing at least a part of the discharge unit 18 in the connection unit 17, the discharge unit 18 becomes an obstacle when the tableware 90 is put into the washing tank 19 or the tableware 90 is taken out from the washing tank 19. You can prevent it from becoming. An actuator (not shown) that automatically moves the discharge unit 18 in and out of the connection unit 17 may be provided.

In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the above-mentioned first embodiment is applied to the dishwasher has been described, but it goes without saying that the second to fifth embodiments can be applied to the dishwasher. At least one of the foam removing operations described in embodiments 1 to 5 may be performed in the dishwasher.

Embodiment 7.
Next, the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, but the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or explained. Omit. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the cleaning device 1F according to the seventh embodiment.

In the following description, the internal space of the discharge portion 10 and the conduit 28 will be referred to as a discharge passage 16. The cleaning device 1F of the present embodiment is different from the cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in the following points. A second foam removing means for removing bubbles remaining in the discharge passage 16 is provided. It does not have a valve 13 and a bubble diameter detector 30.

The second foam removing means in the present embodiment includes a blower 34. The blower 34 is an example of a blower means for flowing air through the discharge passage 16. The air supply port 36 is formed at a position above the valve 15. The air passage 35 connects the blower 34 and the air supply port 36. The valve 37 opens and closes the air passage 35 near the air supply port 36. When the foam generation operation or the like is performed, the valve 37 is closed to prevent foam or washing water from flowing into the air passage 35.

When the blower 34 is operated, the valve 37 is opened and the valve 15 is closed. When the valve 15 is closed, the space between the storage unit 3 and the discharge passage 16 is cut off. When the blower 34 is operated, air flows to the discharge passage 16 via the blower 34, the air passage 35, and the air supply port 36. Due to this air flow, the foam in the discharge passage 16 is pushed toward the discharge port of the discharge unit 10 and discharged to the outside from the discharge port.

In the present embodiment, by providing the second foam removing means, it is possible to prevent the foam from remaining in the discharge passage 16 after the cleaning is completed. If foam remains in the discharge passage 16 after cleaning is completed, the following problems may occur. The foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 returns to the state of liquid detergent water from the state of foam after the foam is combined with the passage of time. When the detergent water remains in the discharge passage 16 in this way, the detergent component accumulates on the inner wall of the discharge passage 16, which may narrow the discharge passage 16 and cause clogging of the discharge passage 16. In addition, the material forming the inner wall of the discharge passage 16 may deteriorate. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 after the cleaning is completed can be removed by the second foam removing means, so that the above problem can be reliably prevented.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a cleaning operation using the cleaning device 1F of the present embodiment. Since steps S1 to S7 are the same as those in FIG. 2, the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 9, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S9, and the control device 50 determines whether or not the cleaning by the foam generation operation is completed (step S9). For example, when the cleaning end button (not shown) provided in the cleaning device 1 is pressed by the user, the control device 50 determines that the cleaning is completed.

When the washing is not completed yet, the process returns from step S9 to step S4 to continue the foam generation operation. On the other hand, when the cleaning is completed, the process proceeds to step S10, and the water flow pump 7 of the bubble generating means is stopped to end the foam generation operation. Next, the process proceeds to step S11, and the blower 34 is operated with the valve 15 closed. As a result, air is blown from the blower 34 to the discharge passage 16 through the air passage 35 and the air supply port 36. Due to this air flow, the foam in the discharge passage 16 is pushed out toward the discharge port of the discharge unit 10 and discharged to the outside from the discharge port, so that the foam is removed from the discharge passage 16 (step S12). When the foam in the discharge passage 16 is removed, the blower 34 is stopped.

Next, the process proceeds to step S13 to rinse the object to be cleaned. This rinsing is performed by supplying the rinse water to the object to be cleaned from a faucet (not shown) provided separately from the discharge portion 10.

When the rinsing of the object to be cleaned is completed, the process proceeds to step S14 to dry the object to be cleaned. Here, the blower 34 is operated, and the air blown from the discharge port of the discharge unit 10 is applied to the object to be cleaned to dry the object to be cleaned. This drying step may be performed as needed and may not necessarily be performed.

When the rinse water is discharged from the discharge unit 10 as described in the first embodiment, bubbles do not remain in the discharge passage 16. On the other hand, as in the example of FIG. 9, there may be a usage example in which the rinse water is not discharged from the discharge unit 10. In the present embodiment, even in such a case, bubbles do not remain in the discharge passage 16, so that the discharge passage 16 is clogged and the material forming the inner wall of the discharge passage 16 is deteriorated. It can be surely prevented.

The inner wall of the discharge passage 16 may have water repellency. The inner wall of the discharge passage 16 has water repellency, so that the following effects can be obtained. The resistance when the foam passes through the discharge passage 16 can be reduced. It is possible to more reliably prevent the foam from remaining in the discharge passage 16.

The blower 34 may be, for example, an axial fan or a centrifugal fan. Further, the form of the impeller used for the fan may be, for example, any one of a propeller fan, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, an air wheel fan, and a plate fan. Further, instead of the blower 34, an air pump may be used as the blowing means.

The cleaning device 1F may include a mechanism for varying the opening area of the discharge port of the discharge unit 10. If the opening area of the discharge port of the discharge portion 10 is reduced during the drying step, the wind speed of the airflow blown from the discharge port becomes faster. As a result, the drying performance is improved.

Embodiment 8.
Next, the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10, but the differences from the seventh embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the cleaning device 1G according to the eighth embodiment.

The cleaning device 1G of the present embodiment is the same as the cleaning device 1F of the seventh embodiment except that it further includes a heating device 38 as a heating means for heating the air flow generated by the blower 34. The heating device 38 is attached to the air passage 35 and heats the air flow passing through the air passage 35. The heating device 38 may include, for example, at least one of an electric heater, an infrared heater, a Pelche element, and a hot air blower. The place where the heating device 38 is installed is not limited to the illustrated example, and for example, the heating device 38 may be installed in the conduit 28, or the heating device 38 may be installed on the upstream side of the blower 34. You may.

By operating the blower 34 and the heating device 38 at the same time after the cleaning of the object to be cleaned with foam is completed, warm air can be blown to the discharge passage 16. As a result, the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 can be removed more efficiently. Further, by operating the blower 34 and the heating device 38 at the same time in the drying step, the object to be cleaned can be dried with warm air, so that the drying performance is further improved.

Embodiment 9.
Next, the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11, but the differences from the seventh embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the cleaning device 1H according to the ninth embodiment.

The cleaning device 1H of the present embodiment is the same as the cleaning device 1F of the seventh embodiment except that the fragrance supply unit 39 is further provided. The fragrance supply unit 39 is attached to the intake side of the blower 34. The fragrance supply unit 39 contains a fragrance having an insect repellent effect. As this fragrance, those containing an insect repellent component such as herbs can be used. The fragrance may be liquid or solid.

When the blower 34 is operated, the wind passes through the inside of the fragrance supply unit 39, and the air scented by the fragrance is supplied to the discharge passage 16 through the blower 34, the air passage 35, and the air supply port 36. .. The fragrance supply unit 39 has an opening / closing unit (not shown) that opens and closes the outlet of the fragrance. When the opening / closing portion of the fragrance supply unit 39 is closed, the fragrance is not supplied to the discharge passage 16 even if the blower 34 is operated.

The control device 50 temporarily operates the blower 34 to supply the fragrance from the fragrance supply unit 39 to the discharge passage 16 when the cleaning device 1H is not in use. When the fragrance is supplied to the discharge passage 16, the insect repellent effect can surely prevent insects from entering the discharge passage 16 from the discharge port of the discharge unit 10.

In the illustrated example, the fragrance supply unit 39 is attached to the blower 34, but as a modification, the fragrance supply unit 39 may be provided in the air passage 35, or the fragrance supply unit 39 may be provided in the conduit 28.

Embodiment 10.
Next, the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12, but the differences from the seventh embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the cleaning device 1J according to the tenth embodiment.

The cleaning device 1J of the present embodiment is the same as the cleaning device 1G of the eighth embodiment except that the second foam removing means includes the defoaming device 40 for extinguishing the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16. be. In the illustrated example, the conduit 28 is provided with a defoaming device 40. The defoaming device 40 is, for example, a device for stirring the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16, a device for supplying cation water to the discharge passage 16, a device for heating the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16, and a defoaming device for the discharge passage 16. It may include at least one of a device for supplying the agent and a device for reducing and pressurizing the pressure of the discharge passage 16.

The device for stirring the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 may have, for example, a configuration similar to that of the defoaming device 27 shown in FIG. In this case, the device for stirring the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 includes a stirring propeller in the discharge passage 16 and a support column that supports and expands and contracts the stirring propeller. By expanding and contracting the column, the position of the stirring propeller in the discharge passage 16 can be changed. By changing the position of the stirring propeller by expanding and contracting the column, the foam can be eliminated over the entire discharge passage 16.

Since the configuration of the defoaming device 40 is the same as that of the defoaming device 27 described in the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, further description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 can be removed by operating the defoaming device 40 after the cleaning of the object to be cleaned with the foam is completed. The cation water supplied by the defoaming device 40 to the discharge passage 16 may be used as water for rinsing. The cleaning device 1J of the present embodiment may not include the blower 34, the air passage 35, the air supply port 36, the valve 37, and the heating device 38.

If the detergent water remains in the discharge passage 16 after the defoaming device 40 has defoamed the foam in the discharge passage 16, the detergent water and the foam accumulated in the storage unit 3 are discharged from the discharge unit 9. , Water may be supplied from the water supply unit 8 to the storage unit 3 and the water may flow to the discharge passage 16. By doing so, the detergent water remaining in the discharge passage 16 can be washed away.

Embodiment 11.
Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13, but the differences from the above-described seventh embodiment will be mainly described, and the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the cleaning device 1K according to the eleventh embodiment.

The cleaning device 1K of the present embodiment is the same as the cleaning device 1G of the eighth embodiment except that the second foam removing means includes the movable portion 41. The movable portion 41 makes the inclination angle of the discharge passage 16 with respect to the horizontal plane variable. The movable portion 41 has a rotation axis along the horizontal direction. The conduit 28 and the discharge portion 10 are rotatable about the rotation axis of the movable portion 41. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the inclination of the discharge passage 16 is increased so that the longitudinal direction of the discharge passage 16 is parallel to or close to the vertical straight line.

The movable portion 41 may use, for example, at least one of a hinge, a gear, and a link mechanism. The movable portion 41 may be one that moves automatically or one that moves manually.

In the present embodiment, after the cleaning of the object to be cleaned with foam is completed, the inclination of the discharge passage 16 is increased so that the longitudinal direction of the discharge passage 16 is parallel to or close to the vertical line. Set to the state of 13. At this time, the valve 15 is left open. In this state, the foam remaining in the discharge passage 16 falls to the storage unit 3 due to gravity, and the foam is removed from the discharge passage 16. The cleaning device 1K of the present embodiment may not include the blower 34, the air passage 35, the air supply port 36, the valve 37, and the heating device 38.

Embodiment 12.
Next, the twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14, but the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment 7 will be mainly described, and the elements common to or corresponding to the above-mentioned elements have the same reference numerals. Is added to simplify or omit duplicate explanations. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a cleaning device 1L according to the twelfth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the cleaning device 1L of the twelfth embodiment includes a sink 21. The sink 21 may be a kitchen sink. The object to be cleaned can be stored in the sink 21. Foam or rinse water discharged from the discharge unit 10 can be supplied into the sink 21. A drainage port 22 is provided at the bottom of the sink 21. The drainage port 22 communicates with the drainage unit 9.

Since the cleaning device 1L of the present embodiment is the same as the cleaning device 1F of the seventh embodiment except for the above items, further description thereof will be omitted. The sink 21 as described above may also be provided for the cleaning devices according to the eighth to eleventh embodiments. Moreover, you may apply the washing apparatus of Embodiment 7 to Embodiment 11 to the dishwasher of the form shown in FIG. 7, for example.

In the cleaning device according to the seventh to the twelfth embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the foam removing operation as in the cleaning device according to the first to sixth embodiments. The cleaning device according to the seventh to the twelfth embodiment may not be provided with the foam removing means for removing the foam inside the reservoir 3.

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K, 1L Cleaning device, 2 Detergent supply section, 3 Storage section, 4 Bubble generation section, 6 Circulation flow path, 7 Water flow pump, 8 Water supply part, 9 Discharge part, 10, 18 Discharge part, 16 Discharge passage, 19 Washing tank, 21 Sink, 23 Stirring propeller, 25 Defoamer tank, 27 Defoamer, 30 Foam diameter detector, 34 Blower, 35 Air passage, 36 air supply port, 37 valve, 38 heating device, 39 fragrance supply section, 40 defoaming device, 41 moving section, 50 control device

Claims (17)

A storage unit that can store detergent water and
A bubble generating means for generating bubbles in the detergent water inside the reservoir, and
A discharge unit that discharges foam generated inside the storage unit, and a discharge unit.
A foam removing means for removing bubbles inside the reservoir,
Equipped with
The foam removing means is a cleaning device that starts a foam removing operation in response to an increase in the foam diameter of the foam inside the reservoir . A storage unit that can store detergent water and
A bubble generating means for generating bubbles in the detergent water inside the reservoir, and
A discharge unit that discharges foam generated inside the storage unit, and a discharge unit.
A foam removing means for removing bubbles inside the reservoir,
A means for detecting the bubble diameter of the foam inside the reservoir,
Equipped with
The foam removing means is a cleaning device that starts a foam removing operation according to the foam diameter . A discharge unit for discharging the fluid inside the storage unit is provided.
The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the foam removing means can perform a foam removing operation of discharging bubbles inside the storage portion by the discharging portion. A fluid supply unit for supplying fluid is provided inside the storage unit.
13 . The cleaning device described. With the sink
A fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the inside of the storage unit,
Equipped with
Claim 1 to claim 1, wherein the foam removing means can execute a foam removing operation of discharging the foam inside the storage unit from the discharge unit to the sink by supplying the fluid to the inside of the storage unit. The cleaning device according to any one of 4 . The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the foam removing means includes a defoaming device for extinguishing bubbles inside the reservoir. The defoaming device includes a device for stirring the inside of the storage section, a device for supplying cation water to the inside of the storage section, a device for heating the inside of the storage section, and a defoaming agent inside the storage section. The cleaning device according to claim 6 , which includes at least one device of a supply device and a device for depressurizing and pressurizing the inside of the storage unit. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the foam removing means starts a foam removing operation according to the elapsed time from the generation of bubbles inside the reservoir. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the rinse water can be discharged from the discharge unit. Equipped with a housing for accommodating objects to be cleaned
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein foam can be supplied to the inside of the accommodating portion. The discharge unit has a discharge port for discharging foam.
A conduit that connects between the storage unit and the discharge unit and through which bubbles pass,
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising a second foam removing means for removing bubbles remaining in the discharge passage which is the internal space of the discharge portion and the conduit. The second foam removing means includes a blowing means for allowing air to flow through the discharge passage.
The cleaning device according to claim 11 , wherein the foam remaining in the discharge passage is discharged to the outside from the discharge port by the air flow generated by the blower means. The cleaning device according to claim 12 , further comprising a heating means for heating the air flow generated by the blowing means. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , further comprising a fragrance supply means for supplying a fragrance having an insect repellent effect to the discharge passage. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 11 to 14 , wherein the second foam removing means includes a defoaming device for extinguishing bubbles remaining in the discharge passage. The defoaming device of the second foam removing means includes a device for stirring the foam remaining in the discharge passage, a device for supplying cation water to the discharge passage, and a device for heating the foam remaining in the discharge passage. The cleaning device according to claim 15 , further comprising at least one device of a device for supplying a defoaming agent to the discharge passage and a device for reducing and pressurizing the pressure of the discharge passage. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 11 to 16 , wherein the second foam removing means includes a movable portion that makes the inclination angle of the discharge passage variable with respect to a horizontal plane.

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