JP7299479B2 - cleaning brush - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cleaning brush, which is used, for example, in a turbidity meter used for measuring water quality by optical means.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the quality of water such as tap water, environmental water, and waste water has been measured by optical means. In such an apparatus, the sample water is irradiated with light from a light source, the light transmitted through the sample water is received by a light receiving part, and the amount of light (amount of transmission, attenuation, scattering, etc.) Some measure indicators of water quality. In order to ensure the accuracy of such measurement, it is necessary to clean the portion irradiated with the light from the light source.

For example, by configuring the cell body to transmit and receive light in a direction orthogonal to its central axis, and then rotating the wiper member, evenly rubbing the peripheral wall surface of the cavity forming the light entrance surface and the light exit surface. A configuration has been proposed in which dirt and air bubbles are efficiently removed by washing (for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, the ultrasonic oscillator is arranged in contact with the sample water and has a mirror surface that reflects the light from the light emitting unit and guides it to the light receiving unit as an oscillation surface. has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-131221 JP 2013-88302 A

Since the measuring apparatus (object to be cleaned) in Patent Documents 1 and 2 has a relatively large area to be cleaned, it is possible to automate the cleaning by automatic cleaning using a wiper, ultrasonic waves, chemicals, or the like. However, it is difficult to automate cleaning when the cleaning location is small or long and narrow from the viewpoint of space and cost. manual cleaning is required.
It is preferable that the brush for manually cleaning the inner surface of the object to be cleaned has a long service life so that it can be used for a long period of time without being damaged during the cleaning operation. On the other hand, in the case of manual cleaning, there is a possibility that the life of the brush may differ depending on the operator if, for example, the skill level of the operator differs. Also, if for some reason you want to finish the work quickly, for example, there is a high possibility that the brush will be damaged by performing it in a different procedure than usual. If the brush is prevented from being damaged, it will take more time than necessary due to the care taken, and the cleaning workability will be reduced. It is difficult to solve such problems with the structures that have been proposed in the past.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning brush that is resistant to breakage during use and can be used for a long period of time. It is in.

Based on such an object, the cleaning brush to which the present invention is applied comprises: a brush body having bristles at the tip of a longitudinal member and being inserted into an object to be cleaned to clean the inner surface with the bristles; A first tube and a second tube having different diameters are attached to the longitudinal member of the brush body so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the brush body. The longitudinal member is characterized in that bending deformation is suppressed by the second tube which is not inserted into the object to be cleaned , and the first tube has a slit extending in the longitudinal direction .
In such a case, the second tube can be characterized in that it has a longitudinal cut . Further, the cut of the second tube and the cut of the first tube may be provided at positions different from each other in the circumferential direction . Moreover, it can be characterized by covering the outer periphery of the said 2nd tube with the tube member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaning brush that is hard to break during use and can be used for a long period of time.

It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a turbidimeter. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a brush used for cleaning the flow cell; It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first tube, the second tube, and the flow cell of the detection unit, (a) being an example and (b) being another example. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first tube, a second tube and a brush member. It is a figure explaining cleaning work, and (a) and (b) show one scene of cleaning work. It is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example, and (a) to (c) show different modified examples. It is a figure explaining another modification, and (a)-(c) shows mutually different modifications.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the turbidity meter 10. As shown in FIG.
The turbidity meter 10 shown in FIG. A calculation control unit 13 that performs calculations and controls each unit, a display unit 14 that displays calculation results by the calculation control unit 13, and a detection result of the detection unit 11 that stores various data used by the calculation control unit 13. and a storage unit 15 for storing.

The detection unit 11 includes a narrow-tube flow cell 111 connected to a pipe through which sample water flows, a light source (light emitting unit) 112 that irradiates light into the flow cell 111, and a light receiving unit 113 that receives light from the light source 112. there is
The detection unit 11 may be a light receiving unit 113 that receives transmitted light transmitted through the sample water constantly flowing in the flow cell 111, and may be configured to detect the degree of opacity (general turbidity meter). In addition, the light-receiving part 113 may be configured to receive scattered light from particles of the sample water and detect particles such as the diameter and number of particles (a highly sensitive turbidity meter). A highly sensitive turbidity meter is a device that measures the turbidity and fine particle number concentration of outlet water from water purification plants and membrane treatment facilities. In a highly sensitive turbidimeter, the light source 112 is composed of a laser diode (LD) that emits a laser beam, and the light receiving part 113 is configured to receive the laser beam condensed by a lens system (not shown). be.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the brush 20 used for cleaning the flow cell 111. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the brush 20 comprises an elongated brush member 21 and first and second tubes 22 and 23 movable relative to the brush member 21 . The brush 20 is an example of a cleaning brush, and the brush member 21 is an example of a brush body.
The brush member 21 has a core wire 211 and bristle members 212 formed at the tip of the core wire 211 .
In the present embodiment, the core wire 211 as an example of the longitudinal member is composed of a wire made by twisting two stainless steel wires. The bristle material 212, which is an example of brush bristles, is made of a polyamide synthetic resin such as nylon 66, for example. More specifically, the bristles 212 are formed in a spiral shape in the length direction by sandwiching a nylon bundle of a predetermined length extending in a direction crossing the length direction of the core wire 211 between two twisted stainless steel wires. . The helical bristles 212 facilitate scrubbing of the flow cell 111, which is elongated and has a substantially circular cross section, thereby improving manual cleaning workability.

The brush 20 also has a stop 24 on the rear end side, which is the end opposite to the front end. The stopping portion 24 restricts passage of the first tube 22 and the second tube 23, and prevents the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 from coming off from the rear end side.
In the present embodiment, the stop portion 24 is configured by partially bending the core wire 211, but is not limited to this, and may be configured by a separate member.

The first tube 22 and the second tube 23 are provided between the bristles 212 of the brush member 21 and the stopper 24 and are movable therebetween. The first tube 22 and the second tube 23 are cylindrical members and are formed to have different diameters. That is, the second tube 23 is larger than the first tube 22 . As will be described later, the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 have portions with different diameters.
It is preferable that the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 be made of a material that is excellent in non-adhesiveness and to which dirt does not easily adhere. In this embodiment, the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 are made of fluororesin tubes. Therefore, the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 easily slide on the brush member 21 . Also, the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 may be made of heat-resistant tubes.

3 and 4 are longitudinal sectional views for explaining the shapes of the first tube 22 and the second tube 23. FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the first tube 22, the second tube 23, and the flow cell 111 of the detection unit 11, where (a) is an example and (b) is another example. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the first tube 22, the second tube 23 and the brush member 21. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer diameter D23 of the second tube 23 is larger than the inner diameter d111 of the flow cell 111 as an example of the object to be cleaned (D23>d111). That is, second tube 23 is not inserted into flow cell 111 . Such a shape prevents the second tube 23 from entering the flow cell 111 . In the present embodiment, the inner diameter d111 of the flow cell 111 and the diameter of the opening of the flow cell 111 into which the brush member 21 is inserted are the same, but they can be applied to different cases.
As will be described later, the second tube 23 is a portion that is held by hands of an operator who performs cleaning work, and needs to have a thickness that does not interfere with the work when held by hand.

In the example of FIG. 3A, the outer diameter D22 of the first tube 22 is smaller than the inner diameter d111 of the flow cell 111 (D22<d111). To further explain, the first tube 22 can enter the flow cell 111, but since the first tube 22 is integrated with the second tube 23, the first tube 22 can be removed from the flow cell 111. Avoiding difficult situations.
The outer diameter D23 of the second tube 23 is larger than the outer diameter D22 of the first tube 22 (D23>D22).

In another example shown in FIG. 3B, unlike FIG. 3A, the outer diameter D22 of the first tube 22 is larger than the inner diameter d111 of the flow cell 111 (D22>d111). That is, first tube 22 is not inserted into flow cell 111 . This prevents the first tube 22 from entering the flow cell 111 . Contamination adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the first tube 22 is prevented from affecting cleaning of the inner peripheral surface of the flow cell 111 .

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer diameter D22 of the first tube 22 and the inner diameter d23 of the second tube 23 are the same diameter, but are not limited to this. The outer diameter D22 of the first tube 22 and the inner diameter d23 of the second tube 23 may be different as long as they are integrated by fitting the first tube 22 into the second tube 23 . Such fitting eliminates the need for an adhesive, and prevents a situation (contamination) in which part of the adhesive (adhesive component) separated during use enters the flow cell 111, for example. Moreover, the manufacturing man-hours of the brush 20 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner diameter d22 of the first tube 22 is smaller than the outer diameter D212 of the bristles 212 (d22<D212). This prevents the first tube 22 from falling off from the tip side of the brush member 21 . Since the second tube 23 is integrated with the first tube 22 , the second tube 23 also does not come off from the tip side of the brush member 21 .
If the inner diameter d22 of the first tube 22 is close to the outer diameter D211 of the core wire 211, it is possible to more effectively prevent the first tube 22 from coming off, but it becomes difficult to attach the first tube 22 to the brush member 21. On the other hand, if the inner diameter d22 of the first tube 22 is made close to the outer diameter D212 of the bristles 212, it becomes easier to attach to the brush member 21, but it is more likely to come off the brush member 21. Therefore, the inner diameter d22 of the first tube 22 is determined in consideration of the materials of the first tube 22 and the bristles 212, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning work, and (a) and (b) show one scene of the cleaning work.
As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the operator inserts the tip side of the brush member 21 into the flow cell 111, which is the object to be cleaned, and pushes the bristles 212 onto the inner peripheral surface (surface to be cleaned) of the flow cell 111. ). Then, the operator holds the rear end side of the brush member 21 with one hand and holds the second tube 23 with the other hand. The operator maintains the way of holding the brush member 21 and reciprocates the brush member 21 with respect to the second tube 23 to wash the flow cell 111 .
Thus, it is possible to slide the bristles 212 with respect to the flow cell 111 while holding the second tube 23 . As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the flow cell 111 is rubbed and dirt is removed, so that the flow cell 111 can be washed easily.

When reciprocating in this manner, the bristles 212 prevent the first tube 22 from coming off the brush member 21 , and the stopper 24 prevents the second tube 23 from coming off the brush member 21 . be.
In addition, the worker holds the core wire 211 and the second tube 23 that move relative to each other. The force acting on the core wire 211 due to the reciprocating movement is reduced, and inadvertent bending can be prevented. This allows the brush 20 to be used repeatedly and has a long life.
In addition, when the frictional force between the inner peripheral surface of the flow cell 111 and the bristles 212 of the brush member 21 increases and a force that tends to break the core wire 211 acts, the second tube 23 surrounding the core wire 211 prevents it. Suppress. That is, the second tube 23 reinforces the core wire 211 of the brush member 21 so that it does not bend.
Also, when inserting the tip of the brush member 21 into the flow cell 111 , the second tube 23 having a thickness that is easy to hold serves as a mark to hold the second tube 23 . This can prevent bending of the core wire 211 when the brush member 21 is put into the flow cell 111 .

Here, even if the turbidity meter 10 (see FIG. 1) has a function of automatically cleaning the flow cell 111 with a chemical solution, if it is a highly sensitive turbidity meter, a physical cleaning using a brush is required. From the viewpoint of maintaining accuracy, it is recommended to perform cleaning every certain period of time (for example, one month). According to the present embodiment, the workability of such unfamiliar manual work that is performed periodically can be improved, and the long life of the brush 20 can be realized.

Although the configuration of this embodiment has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be considered. Various modifications will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example, and (a) to (c) show different modified examples.
The modification shown in FIG. 6A includes a tube 25 integrally formed with the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 described above.
The outer peripheral surface of the tube 25 has a stepped shape with two outer diameters, an outer diameter D22 and an outer diameter D23. On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the tube 25 does not have a stepped shape, but has a shape in which the inner diameter d22 is constant in the longitudinal direction.
By using one component, the brush 20 can be configured simply. The technical significance of the outer diameter D22, the outer diameter D23, and the inner diameter d22 of the tube 25 is as described above.

In the modification shown in FIG. 6B, the first tube 22 is long and is configured to extend from both ends of the second tube 23 . By surrounding the core wire 211 of the brush member 21 with the inner diameter d22 of the first tube 22, the reinforcing effect is enhanced and the core wire 211 is less likely to bend. The technical significance of the outer diameter D23 and the inner diameter d22 is as described above.

In the modification shown in FIG. 6(c), instead of the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 described above, a cylindrical tube 26 having no step on the outer peripheral surface of the tube 25 is provided. Although the tube 26 has a thick wall shape, it has a simpler shape than in the case of FIGS. The technical significance of the outer diameter D23 and inner diameter d22 of the tube 26 is as described above.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are diagrams for explaining other modifications, and FIGS. 7A to 7C show different modifications.
In the modification shown in FIG. 7A, the first tube 22 is provided with a linear cut 22a. This cut|interruption 22a has penetrated from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface.
Due to such cuts 22 a , the inner diameter of the first tube 22 can be reduced without considering workability when attaching the first tube 22 to the brush member 21 . In addition, workability is improved.
Incidentally, not only the first tube 22 but also the second tube 23 may be similarly cut 23a (see FIG. 7(c)), or only one of them may be cut.

In the modification shown in FIG. 7(b), the cut 22a of the first tube 22 has a wavy shape. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first tube 22 from coming off after being attached to the brush member 21 . Incidentally, not only the first tube 22 but also the second tube 23 may be similarly cut 23a (see FIG. 7(c)), or only one of them may be cut.

The modification shown in FIG. 7(c) is a case where the first tube 22 and the second tube 23 are cut. The slits of the first tube 22 and the slits of the second tube 23 are assembled so that they are located at different positions in the circumferential direction. More preferably, they are circumferentially opposed to each other as shown. This effectively prevents the first tube 22 from coming off the brush member 21 .
In addition, an example in which a tube member (not shown) is covered with the outer periphery of the second tube 23 so that the gap of the second tube 23 does not spread is conceivable.

Although the brush 20 is used as the flow cell cleaning brush in the above-described embodiment and modification, the brush 20 may be used as a blood sedimentation brush.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Turbidimeter, 11... Detection part, 111... Flow cell, 20... Brush, 21... Brush member, 211... Core wire, 212... Bristles, 22... First tube, 23... Second tube, 24... Stopper, 25, 26 ... tube

Claims (4)

a brush body having brush bristles at the tip of a longitudinal member and being inserted into an object to be cleaned to clean the inner surface with the brush bristles;
a first tube and a second tube having different diameters and attached to the longitudinal member of the brush body so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction;
with
The outer diameter of the second tube is larger than that of the first tube,
bending deformation of the longitudinal member of the brush body is suppressed by the second tube that is not inserted into the object to be cleaned ;
A cleaning brush , wherein the first tube has a slit extending in the longitudinal direction . 2. The cleaning brush of claim 1, wherein the second tube has longitudinal cuts . 3. The cleaning brush according to claim 2 , wherein the cut of the second tube and the cut of the first tube are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction. 3. The cleaning brush according to claim 2, wherein the outer periphery of said second tube is covered with a tube member .

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