JPH07171526A - Ultrasonic washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an ultrasonic washing apparatus capable of washing an object to be washed in a definite washing degree or more regardless of the input position of the object to be washed. CONSTITUTION:A plurality of oscillators 2a,2b,2d are arranged so that ultrasonic waves are oscillated toward the central part of a washing tank 1 to allow ultrasonic waves oscillated from the respective oscillators to interfere with each other to markedly generate a mutually strengthened region and a mutually weakened region in the washing tank 1. By changing at least either one of the amplitude, phase and frequency of the respective oscillators, the mutually strengthed region is moved to allow an object to be washed to coincide with an input position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device for removing dirt and foreign matter attached to an object by ultrasonic vibration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for cleaning an object using ultrasonic waves, for example, as described in the document "Industrial Library 22 High-Power Ultrasonic Application", page 84 of Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, a cleaning solution was introduced. Generally, an ultrasonic oscillator is attached to the bottom of the cleaning tank, and ultrasonic vibration is generated in the cleaning liquid from the bottom surface of the cleaning tank to remove stains on the object to be cleaned.
Generally, the ultrasonic frequency used for cleaning is mainly 20k.
Hz to 400 kHz are used. Recently, frequencies of several MHz are also used. Moreover, it is considered that the ultrasonic vibration in the cleaning tank is a standing wave that propagates in the depth direction of the cleaning tank.

On the other hand, as a method for controlling ultrasonic waves in ultrasonic cleaning, a single ultrasonic oscillator attached to the bottom surface of the cleaning layer or a method of collectively controlling a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators is used. There is. Generally, the frequency is kept constant and the output (amplitude) is adjusted, the frequency is swept to change the position of the standing wave, and the ultrasonic frequency in a band with a certain width is set once. The method of oscillating is used. Further, a method of controlling the influence of reflected waves by changing the amount of cleaning liquid is also known.

There is also known an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in which an object to be cleaned is swung or rotated, and a plurality of cleaning tanks having different frequencies are prepared.

[0005]

In the conventional ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, when the position to put the cleaning object is changed, the cleaning degree is different, and when the cleaning object is large, the cleaning unevenness occurs, and in an extreme case, There was an unwashed part.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus capable of cleaning an object to be cleaned with a constant cleaning degree regardless of the position where the object is cleaned.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus capable of uniformly cleaning a large cleaning object.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above first object, in a first aspect of the present invention, in an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus having a plurality of oscillators and a cleaning tank, a plurality of oscillators are provided. Were arranged so as to oscillate ultrasonic waves from a plurality of directions toward the central portion of the cleaning tank.

In addition to this configuration, a receiving means for receiving an input of arbitrary coordinates in the cleaning tank from a user, and an amplitude, a phase, and a frequency are set for a plurality of oscillators to oscillate the oscillator. And a plurality of oscillators for calculating a region where ultrasonic waves oscillated from a plurality of oscillators intensify each other in the cleaning tank, and to match the region where ultrasonic waves intensify each other with the arbitrary coordinates. It is possible to arrange an arithmetic means for obtaining respective amplitudes, phases and frequencies of the above, and for instructing the oscillation means to oscillate the oscillator under the obtained amplitude, phase and frequency conditions.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned second object, in the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of oscillators of the above-mentioned first aspect are superposed from a plurality of directions toward the central portion of the cleaning tank. Reception means for receiving an input of a function representing an arbitrary figure in the cleaning tank from the user to the ultrasonic cleaning device arranged to oscillate sound waves, and setting the amplitude, phase, and frequency for each of the plurality of oscillators. Then, the oscillating means for oscillating the oscillator and the region where the ultrasonic waves oscillated from the plurality of oscillators intensify each other in the washing tank are calculated, and the region in which the ultrasonic waves intensify is located on an arbitrary figure. Arithmetic means for obtaining the amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators for moving with the passage of time, and instructing the oscillation means to oscillate the oscillator under the obtained amplitude, phase, and frequency conditions. And place .

[0011]

In the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of oscillators are arranged so as to oscillate ultrasonic waves from a plurality of directions toward the central portion of the cleaning tank. The oscillated ultrasonic waves interfere with each other to remarkably form a mutually reinforcing region and a mutually weakening region. Further, since the ultrasonic waves are arranged so as to oscillate from a plurality of directions toward the central portion of the cleaning tank, it is possible to strengthen the ultrasonic wave by changing at least one of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the oscillator. You can move the matching area. Therefore, if the object to be cleaned is cleaned in this strengthened area, it can be effectively cleaned. Conventionally, when the position where the object to be cleaned is put is changed, there are cases where cleaning is performed in an area where ultrasonic vibrations are strengthened and when cleaning is performed in an area where ultrasonic vibrations are weakened. Therefore, cleaning is performed at a certain cleaning degree. I couldn't. According to the present invention, even when the position to which the object to be cleaned is changed is changed, at least one of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the oscillator is moved so as to match the position of the object to be cleaned. Therefore, it is possible to perform cleaning with a constant cleaning degree.

The region where the ultrasonic vibrations are strengthened is
It can be obtained by calculation. Therefore, the accepting means accepts the input of the coordinates for throwing in the object to be cleaned from the user, and then the computing means makes each of the oscillators for matching the area where the ultrasonic waves strengthen each other and the arbitrary coordinates. By determining the amplitude, phase, and frequency, and instructing the oscillator to oscillate under the determined amplitude, phase, and frequency conditions, the user can simply input the coordinates into which the object to be cleaned is input into the input means, and the ultrasonic wave is always generated. It is possible to clean in areas where vibrations are intensified.

In the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of oscillators are arranged so as to oscillate ultrasonic waves from a plurality of directions toward the central portion of the cleaning tank, and a region where ultrasonic vibrations are strengthened is provided. Once generated, this area is moved on any figure. By making a shape so that an arbitrary figure covers the entire object to be cleaned, even for a large object to be cleaned, the region where the ultrasonic vibrations are strengthened moves over the entire object to be cleaned. It can be washed uniformly. The accepting unit accepts an input from the user as a function for an arbitrary figure. The calculation means calculates the region where the ultrasonic waves strengthen each other, and the region where the ultrasonic waves strengthen each other is located on an arbitrary figure, and the amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators are moved so that they move with the passage of time. Is calculated for each elapsed time, and the oscillator is instructed to oscillate under the calculated amplitude, phase, and frequency conditions.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention has four ultrasonic wave transmitters 2a around a cleaning tank 1 in which a cleaning liquid 3 is placed. 2b, 2
c, 2d (2c is not shown in FIG. 1). The ultrasonic transmitters 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are the ultrasonic transmitters 6.
It is connected to the. The ultrasonic transmitter 6 gives ultrasonic signals whose phases, outputs, and frequencies are controlled to the ultrasonic transmitters 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. The ultrasonic transmitters 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are the cleaning liquid 3 in the cleaning tank 1.
Then, ultrasonic vibrations are applied to each of them and an ultrasonic field is synthesized by these vibrations.

When the object to be cleaned 4 placed in the cleaning jig 5 is put into the cleaning liquid 3, the object to be cleaned 4 is cleaned by being shaken in synchronization with the synthetic ultrasonic field.

A controller 11 for changing the phase, output and frequency of the ultrasonic wave output of the ultrasonic wave transmitter 6 is connected to the ultrasonic wave transmitter 6. In addition, the controller 11
The controller 1 calculates the phase, amplitude, and frequency by calculating the position and intensity of the ultrasonic field generated in the cleaning tank 1.
The calculation unit 12 for instructing 1 is connected. Arithmetic unit 12
Is connected to an input unit 13 that receives an output level of the cleaning liquid 3 of the cleaning liquid 3 required by the user and an instruction of the position of the strong ultrasonic field from the user, and a display unit 14 that notifies the user of an abnormality. ing.

The structure of the ultrasonic oscillator 6 is shown in FIG.
An explanation will be given using (b).

The ultrasonic oscillator 6 is, as shown in FIG. 5A, oscillating circuits 61a, 61b, 6 for oscillating ultrasonic signals.
1c and 61d and amplifier circuits 62a, 62b, 62c and 6
2d, and a power supply circuit 63 that supplies power to these. The oscillator 2a is connected to the oscillator circuit 61a via the amplifier circuit 62a. The ultrasonic signal oscillated by the oscillator circuit 61a is amplified by the amplifier circuit 62a to an amplitude necessary for vibrating the oscillator to vibrate the oscillator 2a. Similarly, the oscillator 2b is connected to the oscillator circuit 61b and the amplifier circuit 62b, the oscillator 2c is connected to the oscillator circuit 61c and the amplifier circuit 62c, and the oscillator 2d is connected to the oscillator circuit 61d and the amplifier circuit 62d. It is connected to the. The controller 11 is connected to the oscillation circuits 61a to 61d, and the phases, frequencies, and amplitudes (outputs) of the ultrasonic signals that are output from the controllers 11a to 61d.
To control.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the oscillation circuit 61
As a, the variable coil 64 as shown in FIG.
A circuit including a and variable resistors 65a and 66a is used. A transformer 67a is used as a means for connecting the oscillator circuit 61a and the amplifier circuit 62a. The controller 11 uses the variable coil 64a in the circuit of FIG.
The frequency of the ultrasonic wave oscillated by the ultrasonic oscillator 2a is controlled by adjusting the magnitude of the inductance of the ultrasonic wave. Further, the controller 11 controls the phase by adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistor 65a, and controls the amplitude by adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistor 66a. Oscillation circuit 6
1b, 61c and 61d also have the same configuration as the oscillation circuit 61a. The controller 11 controls the frequency, phase, and amplitude of the ultrasonic waves oscillated by the ultrasonic oscillators 2b, 2c, and 2d by adjusting the values of the variable coils and variable resistors of these circuits.

The relationship between the arrangement of the ultrasonic oscillators 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d and the ultrasonic field will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

The side surface of the inner wall of the cleaning tank 1 is formed in the shape of a regular octagonal prism, as shown in FIG. The distance between two facing sides is 2R. Ultrasonic oscillators 2a, 2
As shown in FIG. 2, b, 2c, and 2d are attached to four side surfaces of the cleaning tank 1 that do not face each other.

In the conventional ultrasonic cleaning device, since the ultrasonic oscillator is arranged on the bottom surface of the cleaning tank, the ultrasonic waves are oscillated in one direction. Therefore, it is considered to be a standing wave that travels between the bottom surface and the cleaning liquid surface.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillators 2a to 2d are arranged on the side surface of the cleaning tank 1. According to the experiments and analysis by the inventors, when the ultrasonic oscillator is arranged on the side surface as in the present embodiment, the oscillated ultrasonic waves are direct waves traveling from four directions toward the center of the cleaning tank 1, A region (strong ultrasonic field) 9 in which ultrasonic vibrations intensify in the cleaning tank 1 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 due to interference with the reflected waves reflected from the side surface of the cleaning tank 1. , 11 and weakened regions 10 are produced. Further, the position of the strong ultrasonic field can be moved in the radial direction of the cleaning tank by changing at least one of the amplitude, phase and frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the oscillators 2a to 2d. I understood.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after the position of the strong ultrasonic field of the ultrasonic vibration in the cleaning tank is calculated, the amplitude, phase and frequency of the ultrasonic vibration transmitted by the ultrasonic vibrator are calculated. By controlling at least one of them, the position of the strong ultrasonic field is moved to match the position of the object to be cleaned 4. Further, by controlling the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations emitted by the ultrasonic vibrator, the amplitude of the strong ultrasonic field is increased to the amplitude required for cleaning. As a result, the degree of cleaning does not change at the place where the object to be cleaned 4 is put, and the object to be cleaned can always be effectively cleaned at a constant cleaning level.

In the present invention, the strong ultrasonic field in the cleaning tank can be calculated by using the following mathematical formula. The mathematical formulas used in this embodiment will be described.

Basic Assumption 1 The velocity of ultrasonic waves in the cleaning liquid 3 is v.

2. The attenuation of the ultrasonic vibration due to the existence of the object to be cleaned 4 is replaced with an approximate term in which the amplitude (output) of the ultrasonic vibration is attenuated in proportion to the propagation distance l and the calculation is performed (approximate term = attenuation). Function D (l)).

3. The reflection of ultrasonic vibration is reflected by the ultrasonic oscillator 2.
It is assumed that it occurs only once on the inner wall of the cleaning tank 1 that faces the surface such as a.

4. It is assumed that the waveform is inverted when the ultrasonic wave is reflected.

5. When a plurality of ultrasonic vibrations overlap, a composite wave of them is generated.

6. The strong ultrasonic field is calculated only at points on the same plane (xy plane) as the oscillators 2a to 2d.

Next, on the basis of the above-mentioned basic premise, when obtaining the synthetic ultrasonic vibration in the cleaning tank 1 with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. The formulas used will be described below. The following formulas and explanations are for showing the ultrasonic vibration output (amplitude) at an arbitrary point H on a plane perpendicular to the depth direction in the cleaning tank 1 as shown in FIG. The positions of these arbitrary points are represented by x and y coordinates with the center of the cleaning tank as 0 point. Further, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration oscillated from the oscillator 2a is represented by f ₁ , the initial phase is represented by α ₁ , and the initial amplitude is represented by W ₁ . Similarly, the ultrasonic vibration of the oscillator 2b is represented by a frequency f ₂ , an initial phase α ₂ , and an initial amplitude W ₂ , and the ultrasonic vibration of the oscillator 2c is represented by a frequency f ₃ , an initial phase α ₃ , an initial amplitude W ₃ The ultrasonic vibration of the oscillator 2d is expressed by frequency f ₄ , initial phase α ₄ , and initial amplitude W ₄ .

1. The output (amplitude) A ₁ of ultrasonic vibration generated at an arbitrary point H (x, y) by the ultrasonic wave oscillated from the oscillator 2a will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. , Is expressed as follows. In this case, the vibration output A at H
₁ (x, y) has only the y-direction component, and the x-direction component is considered to be 0.

1) First, at the point H, the output A'of ultrasonic vibration generated by the direct wave (the positive wave 21 in FIG. 7) from the oscillator 2a among the ultrasonic waves emitted from the oscillator 2a is as follows. It is expressed as.

A) Distance l from oscillator 2a to point H
_{Since 1} is represented by l ₁ = R + y, the attenuation amount of the oscillated ultrasonic wave is D (l ₁ ).

B) The arrival time t ₁ required for the ultrasonic vibration to reach the point H is t ₁ = l ₁ / v.

C) Therefore, the output is represented by A ₁ ′ (y) = D (l ₁ ) W ₁ sin (ω ₁ t ₁ + α ₁ ) ... (1)

2) Next, at point H, of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the oscillator 2a, the output A ₁ ′ (y) of ultrasonic vibration generated by the reflected wave 22 by the inner wall surface of the oscillator 2a facing is:
It is expressed as follows.

A) The distance l ₁ ′ to the point H is represented by l ₁ ′ = R + R + (R−y) = 3R−y.

B) The arrival time t ₁ ′ to the point H is t ₁ ′ = 3R−y / v.

C) Therefore, the output is expressed by A ₁ ″ (y) = − D (l ₁ ′) W ₁ sin (ω ₁ t ₁ ′ + α ₁ ) ... (2)

Therefore, the output A _{1 of the} ultrasonic vibration at the point H generated by the ultrasonic wave emitted from the oscillator 2a is A ₁ (y) = A ₁ ′ (y) + A ₁ ″ (y) (3) A ₁ (x) = 0 (4) 2. Next, the output A ₂ (x, of the ultrasonic vibration of the point H (x, y) generated by the ultrasonic wave oscillated from the oscillator 2b.
y) is expressed as follows using FIGS. 6 and 9.

1) Point H is the ultrasonic vibration output A ₂ ′ (y), A ₂ ′ (x) generated by a direct wave (a positive wave) of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the oscillator 2b. 6 and FIG. 9, it is expressed as follows.

A) Considering in the AA direction of FIG. 9, the distance l ₂ from the oscillator 2b to the point H is expressed by l ₂ = R− (xsin θ−y cos θ), and therefore the attenuation amount is D (l ₂ )

B) The arrival time t ₂ to the point H of the positive wave is t ₂ = l ₂ / v.

C) Therefore, the output is A ₂ ′ (y) = sin θ · D (l ₂ ) W ₂ sin (ω ₂ t ₂ + α ₂ ) ... (5) A ₂ ′ (x) = cos θ · D ( l ₂ ) W ₂ sin (ω ₂ t ₂ + α ₂ ) ... (6)

2) The outputs A ₂ ″ (y) and A ₂ ″ (x) received by the point H from the reflected wave by the inner wall surface of the oscillator 2 b facing the ultrasonic wave emitted from the oscillator 2 b are It is expressed as follows.

A) Considering in the AA direction of FIG. 9, the distance l ₂ ′ from the oscillator 2b to the point H is represented by l ₂ ′ = 2R + R + (xsin θ + y cos θ) l ₂ ′ = 3R + (x sin θ + y cos θ), and thus the attenuation The quantity is D (l ₂ ′).

B) The arrival time t ₂ ′ of the reflected wave to the point H is t ₂ ′ = l ₂ ′ / v.

C) Therefore, the output is A ₂ ″ (y) = − sin θD (l ₂ ′) W ₂ sin (ω ₂ t ₂ ′ + α ₂ ) ... (7) A ₂ ″ (x) = − cos θD ( l ₂ ′) W ₂ sin (ω ₂ t ₂ ′ + α ₂ ) ... (8).

Therefore, the output A ₂ at the point H due to the ultrasonic vibration from the oscillator 2b is A ₂ (y) = A ₂ ′ (y) + A ₂ ″ (y) (9) A ₂ (x ) = A ₂ ′ (x) + A ₂ ″ (x) ... (10)

3. Output A ₃ (x, of ultrasonic vibration of H (x, y) generated by the ultrasonic wave oscillated from the oscillator 2c
y) is expressed as follows using FIGS. 6 and 10.

1) Point H receives an ultrasonic vibration output A ₃ ′ which is a positive wave of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the oscillator 2c.
(y) and A ₃ ′ (x) are expressed as follows using FIGS. 6 and 10.

A) Examination in the BB direction of FIG. 10 shows that the distance l ₃ from the oscillator 2c to the point H is represented by l ₃ = R− (xcos θ + y sin θ), and therefore the attenuation amount is D (l ₃ ). Become.

B) The arrival time t ₃ to the point H of the positive wave is t ₃ = l ₃ / v.

C) Therefore, the output is A ₃ ′ (y) = cos θ · D (l ₃ ) W ₃ sin (ω ₃ t ₃ + α ₃ ) ... (11) A ₃ ′ (x) = sin θ · D (l ₃ ) W ₃ sin (ω ₃ t ₃ + α ₃ ) ... (12)

2) Outputs A ₃ ″ (y) and A ₃ ″ (x), which the point H receives from the reflected waves by the inner wall surface of the oscillator 2 b facing the inside of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the oscillator 2 b, are It is expressed as follows.

A) Examination in the BB direction in FIG. 10 shows that the distance l ₃ ′ from the oscillator 2c to the point H is represented by l ₃ ′ = 2R + R + (xcos θ + y sin θ) = 3R + (x cos θ + y sin θ). It becomes D (l ₃ ′).

[0060] b) arrival time until the H point of the reflected wave t ₃ 'is t _3' is a = l ₃ '/ v.

C) Therefore, the output is A ₃ ″ (y) = − cos θ · D (l ₃ ′) W ₃ sin (ω ₃ t ₃ ′ + α ₃ ) ... (13) A ₃ ″ (x) = − sin θ・ D (l ₃ ′) W ₃ sin (ω ₃ t ₃ ′ + α ₃ ) ... (14)

Therefore, the output A _{3 of the} ultrasonic vibration of the point H by the ultrasonic wave from the oscillator 2c is A ₃ (y) = A ₃ ′ (y) + A ₃ ″ (y) (15) A ₃ ( x) = A ₃ ′ (x) + A ₃ ″ (x) (16)

4. The output A ₄ (x, y) of the ultrasonic vibration of H (x, y) due to the ultrasonic waves oscillated from the oscillator 2d is
It is expressed as follows using FIGS. 6 and 11. In this case, the vibration output A ₄ (x, y) at the point H has only the x-direction component, and the y-direction component is considered to be zero.

1) The point H is the output A ₄ ′ (x) of the ultrasonic vibration generated by the positive wave of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the oscillator 2d.
Is expressed as follows using FIGS. 6 and 11.

A) The distance l ₄ from the oscillator 2d to the point H is represented by l ₄ = R + x, so the attenuation amount is D = (l ₄ ).

B) The arrival time t ₄ to the point H of the positive wave is t ₄ = l ₄ / v.

C) Therefore, the output is represented by A ₄ ′ (x) = D (l ₄ ) W ₄ sin (ω ₄ t ₄ + α ₄ ) ... (17)

2) The output A ₄ ″ (x) that the point H receives from the reflected wave by the inner wall surface of the facing surface of the oscillator 2 d is expressed as follows.

A) Distance l ₄ ′ from oscillator 2d to point H
Is represented by l ₄ ′ = 2R + (R−x) = 3R−x.

Therefore, the amount of attenuation is D (l ₄ ′).

[0071] b) time to reach point H of the reflected wave t ₄ 'is t _4' is a = l ₄ '/ v.

C) Therefore, the output is represented by A ₄ ″ (x) = − D (l ₄ ′) W ₄ sin (ω ₄ t ₄ ′ + α ₄ ) ... (18)

Therefore, the output A ₄ at the point H due to the ultrasonic vibration from the oscillator 2d is A ₄ (y) = 0 (19) A ₄ (x) = A ₄ ′ (x) + A ₄ ″ ( x) …… (20)

5. Total synthetic output Vibration output A (x, y) generated at H (x, y) by ultrasonic vibration oscillated from oscillators 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d
Is a combination of the above A _{1 to} A ₄ and A (y) = Σ ⁴ _{i = 1} A _i (y) (21) A (x) = Σ ⁴ _{i = 1} A _i (x ) …… (22)

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the above mathematical formula and FIGS. 12 to 24.

The input unit 13 inputs the coordinates K (x, y) indicating the position in the cleaning tank 1 to which the object 4 to be cleaned and the minimum required to clean the object 4 to be cleaned. An input (output) (amplitude) S of ultrasonic vibration is received. Further, the input unit 13 moves the strong ultrasonic field (the region where the highest ultrasonic amplitude is obtained in the cleaning tank) by changing the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ of the oscillators 2a to 2d or by changing the frequency. The user receives a selection of either changing f _{1 to} f ₄ or changing the phases α _{1 to} α ₄ .

Although not shown, the arithmetic unit 12 is provided with a memory for storing a program and a CPU for reading the program in the memory and performing an arithmetic operation according to the program. A program having the contents shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 24 is stored in the memory in advance.
The CPU 12 of the arithmetic unit 12 reads this program and operates as follows.

First, the calculation unit 12, as shown in FIG. 12, has a coordinate K representing the point at which the object to be cleaned 4 is input from the input unit 13.
(X, y) is read (step 101). Succeedingly, in step 102, the output S of the ultrasonic vibration necessary for cleaning the object to be cleaned 4 is read from the input unit 13. Further, in step 103, the movement of the strong ultrasonic field is output from the input unit 13,
The selection as to whether to change the frequency or the phase is taken in. If the change to the output has been selected, the process proceeds to step 104. If it is selected to change the phase, the process proceeds to step 171 in FIG.
If it was selected to change the frequency,
Go to step 121 of step 5.

In step 104, the fixed values representing the values of the frequencies f _{1 to} f ₄ of the oscillators 2 a to 2 d and the fixed values representing the values of the phases α _{1 to} α ₄ are read from the memory of the arithmetic unit 12. In the oscillator 2a, these fixed values are, for example, predetermined specific values of the outputtable oscillation frequency width and phase width determined by the variable widths of the variable resistor 65a and the variable coil 64a of the oscillator 6. The oscillators 2b to 2d also have a predetermined specific value among the frequency width and the phase width that are similarly determined. These are stored in the memory of the arithmetic unit 12 in advance.

In step 105, a fixed value representing the minimum output W _{1 to} W ₄ of the oscillators 2a to 2d is read from the memory of the arithmetic unit 12. The minimum value of the output W ₁ is the variable resistance 6 of the oscillator 6 of FIGS. 5A and 5B connected to the oscillator 2a.
It is a value determined according to a variable range such as 6a. The same applies to the oscillators 2b to 2d. These minimum output values are stored in the memory of the arithmetic unit 12 in advance.

Next, the vibration output A is calculated for a plurality of points 501 in the cleaning tank 1. At this time, the oscillator 2
a to 2d are not yet oscillated. The oscillators 2a to 2d are oscillated by the oscillators 2a to 2d as described below.
After the output, frequency, and phase of the ultrasonic vibrations that are oscillated by the are all determined by calculation.

As shown in FIG. 6, points 501 to be calculated are lattice points located on the same plane (xy plane) as the oscillators 2a to 2d at regular intervals in the xy directions. The coordinates of the grid points are predetermined and are calculated by the calculation unit 12
Represents the output A of the ultrasonic vibrations at these lattice points by the above-mentioned formulas (1) to (22) and steps 104 and 105.
Frequency f _{1 to} f ₄ , phase α _{1 to} α ₄ , output W ₁
A program for calculation using ˜W ₄ is operated (step 106) to obtain the output A of ultrasonic vibration at each lattice point.

Then, by comparing the obtained outputs A of a plurality of ultrasonic vibrations in the cleaning tank, the _maximum value A _{max is obtained.}
Then, it is checked whether or not the coordinates (x, y) of the point K into which the object to be cleaned 4 loaded in step 101 is inserted and the coordinates (x, y) of the point L at which A _max is obtained are matched. If they match, the process proceeds to step 108, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step 110 (step 107). Thereby, it is possible to check whether or not the strong ultrasonic field located in the region centered on L (x, y) and the point where the object to be cleaned 4 is placed match.

At step 108, since the strong ultrasonic field centered on the point L (x, y) and the point K into which the object to be cleaned 4 is placed coincide with each other, the ultrasonic vibration at the point L (x, y) is detected. Output A
_It is checked whether or not _max is equal to or more than the output of the ultrasonic vibrations required for cleaning captured in step 102, and if equal or more, the process proceeds to step 119. If it is smaller than the same, the process proceeds to step 109.

At step 109, since the output of the necessary ultrasonic vibration is not obtained, the output W of the oscillators 2a to 2d is obtained.
Add a predetermined size k to _{1 to} W ₄ and output W
_{1 to} W ₄ are uniformly increased and the process returns to step 106, and the output A of the ultrasonic vibration is calculated again for each lattice point.
This is repeated until the output A _max of the strong ultrasonic field becomes larger than the output S in step 108.

In steps 119 and 120, since all the oscillators 2a to 2d have the conditions of ultrasonic vibration to be oscillated, the oscillators 2a to 2d are actually oscillated. First, the controller 11 is instructed to adjust the oscillator 6 so as to oscillate at the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ , frequencies f _{1 to} f ₄ and phases α _{1 to} α ₄ used in the calculation of step 106 (step 119). ). The controller 11 adjusts the values of the variable resistors 65a and 66a of the oscillation circuits 61a to 61d of the oscillator 6 and the variable coil 66a.

Subsequently, the arithmetic unit 12 is connected to the controller 11
Is instructed to actually oscillate the oscillators 2a to 2d (step 120). The controller 11 connects the power supply circuit 63 of the oscillator 6 to an external power supply, oscillates the oscillator 6, and causes the oscillators 2a to 2d to output ultrasonic waves. As a result, in the cleaning tank 1, the output A is centered around the point L.
A strong ultrasonic field of _max is generated. Position of point L and output A
_{Since max} coincides with the position K input by the user and the required output S, the user can set the object to be cleaned 4 at the position K.
It is possible to clean the object to be cleaned 4 with ultrasonic vibration of a required intensity by introducing the.

If the point L at which the maximum output A _max is obtained does not match the point K at which the object to be cleaned is put in at step 107, steps 110 to 117 are performed to set the oscillators 2a to 2d. By changing the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ , the operation of matching them is performed.

In step 110, the output W of the oscillator 2a
Only ₁ is increased by a predetermined value k, and other outputs W _{2 to} W
₄ is left as it is. Then, in step 111, if the increased W ₁ does not exceed the maximum output W _1max that the oscillator 2a can output, the process returns to step 106 and the increased output W ₁ is used again to wash the cleaning tank. The ultrasonic output within 1 is calculated. By increasing the output W ₁ , the coordinates of the point L in step 107 move. Then, the output W ₁ becomes larger than the maximum output W _1max ,
Alternatively, until the point L coincides with the point K in step 107,
Increase W ₁ by k and repeat these steps. Output W _{1 m ax} up oscillator 2a is capable of outputting, so is the value determined by the variable width of the variable resistor 66a of the oscillation circuit 61a of the oscillator 6 are predetermined in accordance with this value.

In step 111, when the output W ₁ exceeds the maximum output W _1max , the process proceeds to step 112 and W
_{Set 1} to W _1max and set the output W _{2 of the} oscillator 2b to a predetermined value k
However, the other outputs W _{3 to} W ₄ are kept at the same values. Then, in step 113, the increased W ₂ is
If the maximum output W _2max that can be output by the oscillator 2b is not exceeded, the process returns to step 106, and the ultrasonic output in the cleaning tank 1 is calculated again using the increased output W ₁ . By increasing the output W ₂ , the coordinate of the point L in step 107 moves in a direction different from that in the case where the output W ₁ is increased. Then, the output W ₂ becomes larger than the maximum output W _2max , or the point L becomes the point K at step 107.
Increase W ₂ by k and repeat these steps until The maximum output W _2max that can be output by the oscillator 2b is a value determined by the variable width of the variable resistance of the oscillator circuit 61b of the oscillator 6, and is therefore predetermined according to this value.

Similarly, Step 114 to Step 117
Then, the output W ₃ or W ₄ is increased by k, and the point L is moved.

Even though the above steps 110 to 117 are performed, the point L does not coincide with the point K, and W ₄
If the output exceeds the maximum output W _4max , the process proceeds to step 118, and the display unit 14 can perform cleaning at the position and vibration intensity intended by the user in the ultrasonic cleaning device of this embodiment. A message is displayed to inform the user that the contents cannot be processed, and the calculation is stopped.

Next, a case where the user selects the movement of the strong ultrasonic field by changing the frequency in step 102 will be described.

When the input unit 13 accepts the selection of the frequency in step 102, the process proceeds to step 121 in FIG. The calculation unit 12 outputs the output W previously stored in the memory.
Read the fixed values of _{1 to} W _{4 and} the fixed values of the phases α _{1 to} α ₄ . Further, the process proceeds to step 122, reads the minimum value of the frequency f ₁ ~f ₄ stored in the memory. These outputs W
The fixed values of _{1 to} W _{4 and} the fixed values of the phases α _{1 to} α ₄ are specified in advance among the vibration output widths and phase widths that can be output, which are determined by the variable widths of the variable resistors 66a and 65a of the oscillator 6. Is the value of. The minimum value of the frequency f ₁ ~f _4, among the possible output frequency width determined by the variable width of the variable coil 64a or the like of the oscillator 6, the minimum frequency. The fixed values of the outputs W _{1 to} W _{4 and} the fixed values of the phases α _{1 to} α ₄ used in these steps 121 and 122, and the frequency f
The minimum value of ₁ ~f ₄ is the value used in steps 104 and 105 described above is another value is previously stored separately in the memory.

Then, as in step 106, the calculation section 12 uses the values read in steps 121 and 122 and the mathematical expressions (1) to (22) to determine the ultrasonic vibration at each lattice point in the cleaning tank 1. Calculate output A (step 12)
3). Then, the process proceeds to step 123, and similarly to step 107, the maximum vibration output A _max and the point L at which A _max is obtained.
And the coordinates (x, y) of the point K into which the object to be cleaned 4 loaded in step 101 is obtained, and A _max
Is checked to see if they match the coordinates (x, y) of the obtained point L. If they match, the process proceeds to step 125,
If they do not match, the process proceeds to step 127 (step 1
24).

In step 125, similarly to step 108, it is determined whether the output A _{max of the} ultrasonic vibration at the point L (x, y) is equal to or more than the output of the ultrasonic vibration necessary for the cleaning taken in in step 102. If it is equal or higher, the process proceeds to step 400 in FIG. If it is smaller than the same, the process proceeds to step 126.

In step 126, similarly to step 109, the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ of the oscillators 2a to 2d are respectively added with a predetermined magnitude k, the process returns to step 123, and the ultrasonic wave is again applied to each lattice point. The vibration output A is calculated.
This is repeated until the output A _max of the strong ultrasonic field becomes equal to or higher than the output S in step 125.

In step 400, as in step 119, the oscillators 2a to 2d use the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ , frequencies f _{1 to} f ₄ and phases α _{1 to} α ₄ used in the calculation in step 123.
The controller 11 is instructed to adjust the oscillator 6 to oscillate at. Then, the process proceeds to step 120.
The controller 11 includes oscillator circuits 61a to 61 of the oscillator 6.
The values of the variable resistors 65a and 66a of d, the variable coil 66a and the like are adjusted to oscillate the oscillators 2a to 2d.

If the point L at which the maximum output A _max is obtained does not coincide with the point K at which the object to be cleaned is put in at step 124, the procedure proceeds to step 127 and thereafter, and the oscillator 2a ...
By changing the frequencies f _{1 to} f ₄ of 2d, an operation for matching them is performed. This will be explained below.

First, in step 127, the frequency f ₁ of the oscillator 2a is set to a predetermined minimum frequency f _1min . Further, in the next step 128, the frequencies f _{2 to} f ₄ of the oscillators 2b to 2d are respectively set to the minimum frequencies f _{2min to} f.
_Set to a value obtained by adding a predetermined value t to 4 _min . The minimum frequencies f _{1min to} f _4min are the oscillation circuits 61a to _6a of the oscillator 6.
Since the value is determined by the variable width of the 1d variable coil 64a and the like, it is predetermined according to this value.

Then, the process proceeds to step 129 and step 1
Frequency f ₂ ~f ₄ which defines at 28, determine if does not exceed the maximum frequency _{f 2max} ~f 4max of oscillator 2b to 2d. The maximum frequencies f _{2max to} f _4max are values that are determined by the variable width of the variable coils of the oscillation circuits 61b to _61d of the oscillator 6, and are therefore predetermined according to this value. And
If the frequencies f _{2 to} f ₄ defined in step 128 do not exceed the maximum frequencies f _{2max to} f _4max , the process proceeds to step 130, and if they do exceed, the process proceeds to step 135.

In step 130, the output A is obtained for a plurality of points in the cleaning tank 1 as in step 123. Then, in step 131, when the point L at which the maximum output A _max is obtained matches the point K at which the object to be cleaned is input, the process proceeds to steps 133 and 134, and the output A _{max at the} point L is reached.
The output S is set equal to or higher than the required output S, and the operation of oscillating ultrasonic waves is performed. These steps 130, 13
1, 133, and 134 are the steps 123,
The description is omitted because it is the same as 124, 125, and 126. If the point L and the point K do not match in step 131, a predetermined value t is added to the frequencies f _{2 to} f ₄ and the process returns to step 129 to move the point L and step 131 Whether the points L and K coincide with each other, or the frequencies f _{2 to} f ₄ are the maximum frequencies f _2max to at step 129.
This is repeated until it exceeds f _4max .

Before the points L and K coincide with each other, step 1
When the frequencies f _{2 to} f ₄ exceed the maximum frequencies f _{2max to} f _4max at 29, the _routine proceeds to step 135, where a predetermined value t is added to the frequency f ₁ . And step 13
Proceed to step 6 to check whether the frequency f ₁ exceeds the maximum frequency f _1max.
While keeping ₁ as it is, it returns to 128 again and the frequencies f _{2 to} f ₄
The while increasing t by one from f _2min ~f _4min, by repeating the step 129 follows, to move the point L, point L
Search for a frequency at which point K and point K match. This is repeated at step 136 until the frequency f ₁ exceeds f _1max .

If the frequency f ₁ exceeds f _1max in step 136 before the frequency at which the point L and the point K coincide with each other is found, even though these steps 127 to 136 have been carried out, Proceed to step 141. In steps 141 to 150, the frequency f of the oscillator 2b is
₂ to the minimum f _2min , and the remaining frequencies f ₁ , f ₃ , and f ₄ are set to f
_1min, f _3min, by increasing t by one from f _4min, move the point L, searches for a frequency that matches the point K. Point L and point K
Before bets are matched, when the frequency f _1, f _3, f ₄ exceeds the maximum frequency f _1max, f _3max, the f _4Max, the frequency f
₂ is added to the minimum f _2min t, and the remaining frequencies f ₁ , f ₃ ,
f ₄ is increased from f _1min , f _3min , and f _4min by t, and this is repeated. This is repeated until the frequency f ₂ exceeds the minimum f _2max .

In these steps 141 to 150, step 1 is performed before the frequency at which the point L and the point K coincide with each other is found.
If the frequency f ₁ exceeds f _1max at 49, the _routine proceeds to step 151 in FIG. Step 181 to Step 1
In step 60, the frequency f _{3 of the} oscillator 2c is fixed and the other frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ , f ₄ are increased to search for a frequency at which the point L and the point K coincide.
Since the flow from 41 to step 150 is almost the same, the description is omitted. Further, even if the frequency at which the point L and the point K coincide with each other cannot be found by the steps 151 to 160, steps 161 to 170 of FIG. 19 are performed.
And the frequency f _{4 of the} oscillator 2d is fixed while the other frequencies f ₁ , f ₂ and f ₃ are increased to search for a frequency at which the point L and the point K coincide.
Since the flow from 1 to step 150 is almost the same, the description is omitted. Even after performing step 170, a frequency at which the point L and the point K coincide with each other is not found, and thus step 169
If the frequency f ₄ exceeds the maximum frequency f _max , the process proceeds to step 137, and the display unit 14 is cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this embodiment at the position and vibration intensity intended by the user. A message is displayed to inform the user that the operation cannot be performed, and the operation is stopped.

Next, a case where the user selects the movement of the strong ultrasonic field by changing the phase in step 102 will be described.

When the input unit 13 accepts the selection of the phase in step 102, steps 171 to 221 shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 are performed, and the phase α to ₁ α ₄ value in which the point L matches the point K And the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ are searched. Since the flow of these steps is the same as the flow of steps 121 to 170 and step 137, detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the cleaning product 4
It is necessary to accept in advance the coordinates of the point K at which is injected and the minimum value S of the ultrasonic vibration output required for cleaning, and to generate a strong ultrasonic field above the output S in an area centered on the point K. The output, phase, and frequency of the oscillators 2a to 2d are calculated and controlled. As a result, the user can obtain a strong ultrasonic field with an output higher than the required output at the position where the cleaning object 4 is introduced, so that no matter where the cleaning object is introduced, the cleaning power is always above a certain level. Can be washed with. Therefore, the object to be cleaned can be cleaned with good reproducibility.

(Embodiment 2) An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 31.

The structure of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of the second embodiment is as follows.
Since the configuration is the same as that of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of the first embodiment, the description will be omitted. However, the program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 25 to 31 is stored in the memory of the calculation unit 12 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of the second embodiment.
The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which a large object to be cleaned 4 is uniformly cleaned by moving a strong ultrasonic field on an arbitrary figure input by the user at an arbitrary speed v. is there.

The operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

First, the input unit 13 uses the equation f (x, y), which represents an arbitrary graphic curve to move the strong ultrasonic field,
The speed v for moving the strong ultrasonic field and the input of the minimum ultrasonic vibration output (amplitude) S required for cleaning the object to be cleaned 4 are received.

First, the calculation section 12 reads the equation f (x, y), the moving speed v, and the output (amplitude) S of ultrasonic vibration set in the input section 13 (steps 301, 302, 30).
3).

Then, the arithmetic unit 12 includes the oscillators 2a to 2d.
Fixed values representing the values of frequencies f _{1 to} f ₄ and the phases α _{1 to} α ₄
And a fixed value representing the value of are read from the memory of the arithmetic unit 12. Further, a fixed value representing the minimum output W _{1 to} W ₄ of the oscillators 2a to 2d is read from the memory of the arithmetic unit 12. Next, the vibration output A is calculated for a plurality of points in the cleaning tank 1 (steps 304, 305, 306). These steps are steps 104, 105 of the first embodiment,
Since it is the same as 106, detailed description is omitted.

At this point, the oscillators 2a to 2d have not yet oscillated. The oscillators 2a to 2d are oscillated after all the outputs, frequencies, and phases of the ultrasonic vibrations to be oscillated by the oscillators 2a to 2d are determined by calculation as described below.

The largest value A _max is obtained by comparing the obtained outputs A of the ultrasonic vibrations in the cleaning tank,
The coordinates (x, y) of the point L from which A _max is obtained are calculated in step 3
Equation f to move the strong ultrasonic field captured in 01
Check whether it is located on (x, y). If the point L is on the equation f, the process proceeds to step 308, and if the point L is not on the equation f, the process proceeds to step 319 (step 307). This makes it possible to investigate whether or not the strong ultrasonic field located in the region centered on L (x, y) is on the equation f to be moved.

At step 308, since the strong ultrasonic field centered on the point L (x, y) is located on the equation f,
It is checked whether or not the output A _{max of the} ultrasonic vibration at the point L (x, y) is equal to or more than the output S of the ultrasonic vibration required for cleaning captured in step 303, and if it is equal or more, the process proceeds to step 320. move on. If it is smaller than the same, the process proceeds to step 309.

At step 309, since the output of the necessary ultrasonic vibration is not obtained, the output W of the oscillators 2a to 2d is obtained.
Add a predetermined size k to _{1 to} W ₄ and output W
_{1 to} W ₄ are uniformly increased and the process returns to step 306, and the output A of ultrasonic vibration is calculated again for each lattice point.
This is repeated until the output A _max of the strong ultrasonic field becomes larger than the output S in step 308.

In steps 320 and 321, since all the oscillators 2a to 2d have the conditions of ultrasonic vibration to be oscillated, the oscillators 2a to 2d are actually oscillated. First, the controller 11 is instructed to adjust the oscillator 6 so as to oscillate at the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ , frequencies f _{1 to} f ₄ and phases α _{1 to} α ₄ used in the calculation of step 306 (step 320). ). The controller 11 adjusts the values of the variable resistors 65a and 66a of the oscillation circuits 61a to 61d of the oscillator 6 and the variable coil 66a.

Subsequently, the arithmetic unit 12 is connected to the controller 11
Is instructed to actually oscillate the oscillators 2a to 2d (step 321). As a result, a strong ultrasonic field of output A _max is generated in the cleaning tank 1 with the vicinity of the point L as the center. The position of the point L and the output A _max are located on the equation f input by the user and are equal to or larger than the required output S. Therefore, the user puts the object to be cleaned 4 on the figure drawn by the equation f. The object 4 to be cleaned can be cleaned by ultrasonic vibration of a required strength.

In step 307, if the point L at which the maximum output A _max is obtained is not on the equation f for moving the strong ultrasonic field, steps 319, 310-3.
The outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ of the oscillators 2a to 2d are changed by 18, 340, and 341 to perform an operation of matching them.

In step 319, the minimum value is set for the outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ of the oscillators 2a to 2d, as in step 305. In this way, the minimum value is once set in step 3
This is because the output is once returned to the minimum value in consideration of the case where the strong ultrasonic field deviates from the equation f in step 307 after passing through 09 once.

At step 310, the output W of the oscillator 2a
Only ₁ is increased by a predetermined value k, and other outputs W _{2 to} W
₄ is left as it is. And the increased W ₁ is
If the maximum output W _1max that can be output by the oscillator 2a is not exceeded (step 311), the process proceeds to step 340, and the output W ₁ increased in the same manner as step 306 is used to output the ultrasonic wave in the cleaning tank 1. Is calculated. By increasing the output W ₁ , the coordinates of the point L move. Then, _until the output W ₁ becomes larger than the maximum output W _1max or the point L falls on the equation f in step 341, W
Increase ₁ by k and repeat these steps.
The maximum output W _1max that the oscillator 2a can output is the oscillator 6
Since it is a value determined by the variable width of the variable resistor 66a of the oscillation circuit 61a, it is predetermined according to this value.

In step 311, if the output W ₁ exceeds the maximum output W _1max , the process proceeds to step 312 and W
_{Set 1} to W _1max and set the output W _{2 of the} oscillator 2b to a predetermined value k
However, the other outputs W _{3 to} W ₄ are kept at the same values. Then, in step 313, the increased W ₂ is
If the maximum output W _2max that can be output by the oscillator 2b is not exceeded, the process returns to step 340, and the ultrasonic output in the cleaning tank 1 is calculated again using the increased output W ₁ . By increasing the output W _2, direction different from the case of increasing the output W _2, the coordinate of the point L in step 107 moves. Then, _until the output W ₂ becomes larger than the maximum output W _2max or the point L is on the equation f in step 341, W ₂ is increased by k and these steps are repeated. The maximum output W _2max that can be output by the oscillator 2b is a value determined by the variable width of the variable resistance of the oscillation circuit 61b of the oscillator 6, and is therefore predetermined according to this value.

Similarly, steps 314 to 317.
Then, the output W ₃ or W ₄ is increased by k, and the point L is moved.

Despite performing the above steps 310 to 317, the point L does not fall on the equation f, and W
_{If 4} exceeds the maximum output W _4max , the process proceeds to step 318, where the display 14 performs the cleaning with the equation f and the vibration intensity intended by the user in the ultrasonic cleaning device of the present embodiment. A message is displayed to inform the user that the operation cannot be performed, and the operation is stopped.

When the point L is on the equation f in step 341, the process proceeds to steps 342 and 343, the same processing as in steps 308 and 309 is performed, and the output A _{max of the} point L is determined by the user. The outputs W _{1 to} W ₄ are uniformly increased so that the output becomes equal to or higher than the minimum output S required. When the output A _{max at the} point L becomes equal to or more than the minimum output S required by the user, the process proceeds to steps 320 and 321 described in the step, and the oscillators 2a to 2d.
Set the oscillation condition to and actually oscillate. This allows
The strong ultrasonic field is formed at the point L on the equation f representing the graphic curve input by the user, and the cleaning is started.

Next, on the equation f representing the graphic curve input by the user, the operation for moving on the strong ultrasonic wave at the speed v is performed. In this embodiment, the strong ultrasonic field is set to a predetermined time t so that the average speed of the strong ultrasonic field becomes v.
Move each. First, after oscillating the oscillators 2a to 2d in step 321 described above, the coordinates of the point K to which the point L is moved after time t are obtained, and the strong ultrasonic field is oscillated at the point K to which the point is moved. The oscillation conditions of the oscillators 2a to 2d are obtained. Therefore, in step 322, the point K is calculated using the predetermined time t, the velocity v, and the coordinates of the point L (x, y).
The coordinates of the point K are obtained by calculating (x + vt, f (x + vt)).

That is, the point K is a point on the equation f, and the x coordinate of the point K is the coordinate obtained by adding vt to the x coordinate of the point L. After the oscillation conditions are set in the oscillators 2a to 2d in step 320, and after the time t has passed, the central point L of the strong ultrasonic field is moved to the point K, so that the strong ultrasonic field is in the x direction. , Move at a velocity v on the graphic curve represented by equation f.

Then, in step 323, it is checked whether the point K matches the point L. This step is arranged because the point K may coincide with the point L when the equation f is a special figure. Normally,
Since point K does not match point L, steps 325-3
33, 335, 336, and similarly to steps 319, 310-319, 340, 341 already described, the outputs W ₁ -W ₄ are once set to the minimum value and then increased by k,
Match the point L with the point K. However, at this time point, the movement of the point L is only calculated, and in the actual cleaning tank, the oscillators 2a to 2 are moved in step 320.
Since d remains set, the strong ultrasonic field continues to be generated at the position set in step 320. Step 3
In 25 to 333, 335, and 336, if the output W ₄ exceeds the maximum value of W ₄ while the point K and the point L do not match, the process proceeds to step 334, and the equation f is displayed on the display unit 14 on the equation f. A display is provided to inform the user that the strong ultrasonic field cannot be moved. In step 336, point L and point K
If and match, the process proceeds to steps 337 and 338, and the point L
Of increasing the W ₁ to _W-4 uniformly ultrasonic vibration output A _max to the output S and equal to or more than required for cleaning, the process proceeds to step 344.

Also, if the point L and the point K coincide with each other in step 323, the process proceeds to step 344.

In step 344, the last time (step 32
0) A timer in the arithmetic unit 12 measures whether or not a time t has elapsed after setting outputs, frequencies, and phases to the oscillators 2a to 2d. When time t has elapsed, step 34
In step 335, the controller 11 is instructed to set the output, frequency, and phase used for the calculation in step 335 to the oscillator 6, and then the oscillators 2a to 2d are instructed to oscillate. As a result, the oscillation conditions of the oscillators 2a to 2d are changed, and the center point L of the strong ultrasonic field is the destination point K.
Move to. As a result, the first movement of the point L is completed, so the process proceeds to step 347 and the point K of the second movement destination is moved.
Is obtained in the same manner as step 322, and step 348
Then, the procedure proceeds to step 323 and the same processing as step 323 is performed, and then the procedure returns to step 325. As a result, the center point L of the strong ultrasonic field is moved for the second time and thereafter, so that the strong ultrasonic field moves on the figure represented by the equation f at the time t at the average moving speed v in the x direction. To go.

As described above, in the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of the second embodiment, a strong ultrasonic field having an output equal to or higher than the arbitrary output S is generated on the equation f representing an arbitrary figure, and then the strong force is generated. The center point L of the ultrasonic field can be moved at an average velocity v in the x direction. As a result, when cleaning a large object 4 to be cleaned, the figure represented by the equation f should be a figure that completely covers the object 4 to be cleaned, and the article 4 to be cleaned should be placed on the figure represented by the equation f. As a result, the strong ultrasonic field uniformly moves on the object to be cleaned 4, so that the object to be cleaned 4 can be uniformly cleaned.

In the second embodiment, the center point L of the strong ultrasonic field is moved by changing the output of the oscillator. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the strength is changed by changing the frequency and phase. Of course, a configuration in which the ultrasonic field is moved is also possible. When changing the frequency, first
The steps 127 to 170 described in the above embodiment can be used, and the steps 181 to 220 can be used to change the phase.

As described above, in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to move the strong ultrasonic field to an arbitrary point or figure by arranging a plurality of oscillators on the side surface of the cleaning tank. This is because ultrasonic waves are oscillated from a plurality of directions toward the center of the cleaning tank, and the output, phase, and frequency of the oscillator are controlled for each oscillator. In addition, the mathematical formula used in this example for calculating the strong ultrasonic field considers that the ultrasonic wave is attenuated as it propagates and is attenuated on the wall surface of the cleaning tank. It is possible to accurately calculate the position and intensity of the strong ultrasonic field, which is close to the propagation state of the ultrasonic wave when is input.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the attenuation of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude by the object to be cleaned 4 is approximated by the term D (l) representing that it is attenuated in proportion to the propagation distance, and the cleaning is performed. The distribution of the ultrasonic waves in the tank was calculated, but the attenuation of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude by the object to be cleaned 4 differs greatly depending on the shape of the object to be cleaned 4 and the direction in which the object is cleaned. It is desirable to obtain the function of the term that represents the attenuation by an object by experiments or the like and perform the calculation using the function.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the spread and intensity of the strong ultrasonic field in the depth direction of the cleaning tank were not calculated, but when cleaning a large object to be cleaned in the depth direction. In addition, it is possible to wash uniformly by rocking in the depth direction. Further, similarly to the above formula, it is also possible to calculate the strong ultrasonic field in the depth direction of the cleaning tank and move the strong ultrasonic field in the depth direction.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, it is necessary to generate a strong ultrasonic field in a region centered on an arbitrary point where the object to be cleaned input by the user into the input section is centered. The output, phase, and frequency of each oscillator are calculated every time an input of an arbitrary point or a figure curve is received from the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the oscillation conditions necessary for generating a strong ultrasonic field of a certain output in the region centered on a point in the cleaning tank are set in advance in the cleaning tank. Of a plurality of points (for example, a plurality of points 501 located in a grid shape as shown in FIG. 6) are respectively calculated with outputs of a plurality of stages, and the calculated results are stored in a memory in the calculation unit 12. It is possible to store it. As a method of calculating the oscillation condition in advance, the flows shown in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments can be used.

Then, when the user inputs a point for inserting the object to be cleaned, a graphic curve, and a required output,
Of the points stored in the memory, select the point closest to the input point, and the oscillation condition required to generate a strong ultrasonic field with the output input in the area centered on the closest point. Is read from the memory and the oscillator is oscillated under this oscillation condition. As described above, in the case of the configuration in which the calculation is performed in advance and the oscillation condition is stored in the memory, after the user inputs the point to enter the object to be cleaned, the figure curve and the required output, the Since it is not necessary to calculate the oscillation condition each time, it is only necessary to select the required condition from the oscillation conditions stored in the memory in advance, so the calculation amount can be small and the oscillation condition can be set in a short time. it can. Moreover, since the calculation capability of the calculation unit may be small, an inexpensive device can be provided. With this configuration,
Although the region in which the strong ultrasonic field can be oscillated is limited to a plurality of points for which calculations are performed in advance, a practical device can be provided by increasing the intervals between the points for which calculations are performed in advance as much as possible. .

[0140]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus capable of performing cleaning with a cleaning degree of a certain level or higher irrespective of the position where the object to be cleaned is inserted and the size of the object to be cleaned. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an ultrasonic wave traveling direction in a cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an example of ultrasonic wave distribution in a cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of ultrasonic wave distribution in a cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

5A is an ultrasonic oscillator 6 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.
Block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. (B) The circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the oscillation circuit 61a of the ultrasonic oscillator 6 of (a).

6 is an explanatory view showing positions of a plurality of points 501 for calculating an output of ultrasonic vibration in a cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

7 is an explanatory view showing ultrasonic wave propagation in a cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

8 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an oscillator 2a and a point H in the cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning device of FIG.

9 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an oscillator 2b and a point H in the cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

10 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an oscillator 2c and a point H in the cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

11 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between an oscillator 2d and a point H in the cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cleaning tank, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d ... Oscillator, 3 ... Cleaning liquid, 4 ... Cleaning object, 5 ... Cleaning jig, 6 ... Ultrasonic oscillator, 9, 11 ... Strong ultrasonic field, 11 ... Controller , 12
... Calculation unit, 13 ... Input unit, 14 ... Display unit.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic cleaning device comprising a plurality of oscillators and a cleaning tank, wherein the plurality of oscillators oscillate ultrasonic waves from a plurality of directions toward a central portion of the cleaning tank. The ultrasonic cleaning device is characterized in that the ultrasonic cleaning device is arranged in. 2. The accepting means according to claim 1, which accepts an input of arbitrary coordinates in the cleaning tank from a user, and sets the amplitude, phase, and frequency for each of the plurality of oscillators, An oscillating means for oscillating, and one or two or more regions in which the ultrasonic waves oscillated from the plurality of oscillators intensify each other in the cleaning tank are calculated, and one of the regions in which the ultrasonic waves intensify each other and the receiving unit Amplitude, phase, frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators to match the coordinates, and the obtained amplitude,
An ultrasonic cleaning device, comprising: an arithmetic means for instructing the oscillating means to oscillate the oscillator under phase and frequency conditions. 3. The receiving means according to claim 2,
The user further receives the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration required at the arbitrary coordinates from the user, the calculating means calculates the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration of the region where the ultrasonic waves reinforce each other, and the ultrasonic vibration at the received coordinate is calculated. The oscillation is performed so as to obtain the amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators for making the amplitude equal to or greater than the amplitude input by the user, and to oscillate the oscillator under the obtained amplitude, phase, and frequency conditions. An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by instructing means. 4. The calculation means according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the oscillator is used to obtain the amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus is characterized in that the position of a region in which ultrasonic waves are strengthened is calculated when the value is changed. 5. The ultrasonic wave according to claim 3, wherein the arithmetic means uniformly changes the amplitudes of all the oscillators in order to obtain the amplitude, phase and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators. An ultrasonic cleaning device, which calculates the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations in a region in which each other strengthens each other. 6. The oscillator according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of oscillators are
The ultrasonic cleaning device, wherein the ultrasonic cleaning device is arranged on the same plane, and the receiving unit receives arbitrary coordinates on the plane. 7. The accepting unit according to claim 1, which accepts an input of arbitrary coordinates in the cleaning tank from a user, and sets an amplitude, a phase, and a frequency for each of the plurality of oscillators. An oscillating means for oscillating, and a predetermined position for arranging a region in which the ultrasonic waves oscillated from the plurality of oscillators intensify each other in the cleaning tank at a plurality of predetermined coordinates in the cleaning tank. Of the amplitudes, the phases, and the frequencies of the plurality of oscillators, the storage unit stores the predetermined plurality of coordinates for each of the plurality of predetermined coordinates, and the receiving unit of the plurality of predetermined coordinates in the cleaning tank. Select the coordinates closest to the received arbitrary coordinates, and read the amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators corresponding to the selected coordinates from the storage means,
An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, comprising: an arithmetic unit that instructs the oscillating unit to oscillate the oscillator under the read amplitude, phase, and frequency conditions. 8. The receiving means according to claim 7,
The storage means further accepts the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration required at the arbitrary coordinates from the user, the storage means positions the area where the ultrasonic waves reinforce each other at a plurality of predetermined coordinates in the cleaning tank, and further Amplitude, phase, frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators to obtain ultrasonic vibration amplitude of a plurality of stages at the coordinates are stored for each of the plurality of stages of ultrasonic vibration amplitude for the plurality of predetermined coordinates, The computing means selects a coordinate closest to an arbitrary coordinate accepted by the accepting means from among a plurality of predetermined coordinates in the cleaning tank, and further is equivalent to the ultrasonic vibration amplitude accepted by the accepting means. The above ultrasonic vibration amplitude steps are selected, and the amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators corresponding to the selected coordinate and ultrasonic vibration amplitude steps are read from the storage means. Then, the ultrasonic cleaning device is provided with a computing means for instructing the oscillating means to oscillate the oscillator under the read amplitude, phase and frequency conditions. 9. The accepting means according to claim 1, which accepts an input of a function representing an arbitrary figure in the cleaning tank from a user, and sets amplitude, phase, and frequency for each of the plurality of oscillators. An oscillating means for oscillating an oscillator, calculating an area where ultrasonic waves oscillated from the plurality of oscillators intensify each other in the cleaning tank, and the area where the ultrasonic waves intensify each other is located on the arbitrary figure, The amplitude, phase, and frequency of each of the plurality of oscillators for moving with the passage of time are obtained for each passage of time, and the obtained amplitude,
An ultrasonic cleaning device, comprising: an arithmetic means for instructing the oscillating means to oscillate the oscillator under phase and frequency conditions.