WO2018008377A1

WO2018008377A1 - Ultrasonic cleaner

Info

Publication number: WO2018008377A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/022541
Authority: WO
Inventors: 俊郎佐伯; 慎二藤井
Original assignee: 三浦工業株式会社
Priority date: 2016-07-06
Filing date: 2017-06-19
Publication date: 2018-01-11
Also published as: JP2018001120A; KR20190026538A; CN107801382A

Abstract

An ultrasonic cleaner is provided with: a cleaning tank (2) for accommodating an article to be cleaned and retaining a liquid; an ultrasonic transducer (9) provided in this cleaning tank (2); an ultrasonic oscillator (10) for operating this ultrasonic transducer (9); and a control means for controlling this ultrasonic oscillator (10) to perform ultrasonic cleaning of the article to be cleaned. The control means performs ultrasonic cleaning of the article to be cleaned while switching operating modes (for example, oscillation mode) of the ultrasonic oscillator (10). During ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator (10), transfer of soiling from the article to be cleaned to the stored liquid is carried out smoothly by making changes to the stored liquid within the cleaning tank (2) (by causing the same to flow) by stopping the ultrasonic oscillator (10) for a set downtime.

Description

Ultrasonic cleaner

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning an object to be cleaned by applying ultrasonic vibration to a liquid in which the object is immersed. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-133814 for which it applied to Japan on July 6, 2016, and uses the content here.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a cleaning tank (20a) for storing an object to be cleaned and a cleaning liquid, a plurality of vibration elements (31 to 33) attached to the cleaning tank, and each vibration element are excited. There is known an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus comprising a plurality of oscillators (41 to 43) for controlling each oscillator so that the plurality of oscillators output signals having the same phase to a plurality of vibration elements. It has been. In this apparatus, as an oscillation mode from an oscillator, a modulated wave by FM modulation or AM modulation can be output instead of a sine wave.

International Publication No. 2008/035581 (Claim 1, Paragraph [0056], FIG. 1, FIG. 6)

Generally, single, dual, FM modulation, pulse, etc. are known as ultrasonic oscillation modes, each having different characteristics. However, conventional ultrasonic cleaners can only be operated in a single oscillation mode. In other words, it was operated only in a preset oscillation mode, and the oscillation mode could not be changed during operation. In addition, during operation in a predetermined oscillation mode (for example, single oscillation mode), the frequency and output of the ultrasonic waves were not changed. Therefore, for example, there is a possibility that a sufficient cleaning effect cannot be obtained at the upper part or corner of the object to be cleaned. Therefore, effective cleaning that effectively utilizes the characteristics of each oscillation mode, cleaning that varies the oscillation, and cleaning that meets the needs are desired.

In addition, in the conventional ultrasonic cleaner, since the ultrasonic oscillation in a specific oscillation mode is continuously performed, the flow of the stored liquid is difficult to change, and even if dirt is lifted from the object to be cleaned by ultrasonic vibration, It is difficult to remove the dirt. That is, there is room for improvement in the transfer of dirt from the object to be cleaned to the stored liquid.

Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is an ultrasonic cleaning device capable of performing effective cleaning that effectively utilizes the characteristics of each oscillation mode, cleaning that varies in oscillation, and cleaning that meets needs. Is to provide. It is another object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic cleaner that can change the flow of stored liquid during ultrasonic cleaning and smoothly transfer dirt from an object to be stored to the stored liquid.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned is stored and a liquid is stored, and an ultrasonic wave provided in the cleaning tank. A vibrator, an ultrasonic oscillator that operates the ultrasonic vibrator, and a control unit that controls the ultrasonic oscillator and ultrasonically cleans the object to be cleaned. An ultrasonic cleaning device that ultrasonically cleans the object to be cleaned while switching an operation mode.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the object to be cleaned can be ultrasonically cleaned while switching the operation mode. By changing the operation mode during operation, it is possible to perform cleaning with changes in oscillation and cleaning that meets your needs.

The invention according to claim 2 is the ultrasonic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the switching of the operation mode of the ultrasonic oscillator includes the switching of the oscillation mode by the ultrasonic oscillator.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the object to be cleaned can be ultrasonically cleaned while switching the oscillation mode by the ultrasonic oscillator. By changing the oscillation mode during operation, it is possible to perform effective cleaning that makes effective use of the characteristics of each oscillation mode, cleaning that varies the oscillation, and cleaning that meets your needs.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic cleaner according to the first or second aspect, the ultrasonic oscillator is stopped for a set pause time during the ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator. is there.

According to the invention described in claim 3, during the ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator, the ultrasonic oscillator is temporarily stopped. In other words, after the ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator, the ultrasonic transducer is stopped at the set timing for the set pause time, and then the ultrasonic oscillation is restarted. Thereby, a change (flow) can be given to the stored liquid in the cleaning tank, and dirt can be smoothly transferred from the object to be cleaned to the stored liquid.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator is repeated while switching a plurality of operation modes by time. However, every time the plurality of operation modes are completed, or each operation mode is switched. The ultrasonic cleaning according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ultrasonic oscillator is stopped for a set pause time at a predetermined time or during oscillation in a predetermined operation mode. It is a vessel.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each time a plurality of operation modes are completed, or at a predetermined time during switching of each operation mode, or during oscillation in the predetermined operation mode, the time is temporarily exceeded. Stop the sonic oscillator. Thereby, a change (flow) can be given to the stored liquid in the cleaning tank, and dirt can be smoothly transferred from the object to be cleaned to the stored liquid.

The invention according to claim 5 further includes: a liquid ejecting unit for the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank; and a circulation unit that circulates and supplies the lower liquid in the cleaning tank to the ejecting unit. The water supply step into the tank, the heating process of the stored liquid in the cleaning tank, the ultrasonic cleaning process of the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, and the draining process outside the cleaning tank can be executed sequentially, In at least the heating process of the water supply process and the heating process, the circulating means is operated and the ultrasonic vibrator is operated. With the transition from the heating process to the ultrasonic cleaning process, ultrasonic waves are generated. The ultrasonic cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein any one or more of an oscillation mode, a frequency, and an output is changed.

According to invention of Claim 5, although a water supply process, a heating process, an ultrasonic cleaning process, and a drainage process are performed in order, a circulation means is operated at least in a heating process among a water supply process and a heating process. As a result, the temperature unevenness of the stored liquid can be prevented, and the object to be cleaned can be cleaned by spraying the liquid to the object to be cleaned or flowing the stored liquid. During this time, the ultrasonic vibrator can be operated to ultrasonically clean the object to be cleaned. Then, along with the transition from the heating process to the ultrasonic cleaning process, cleaning unevenness can be prevented by changing any one or more of the ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency, and output.

Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 6, in at least the heating step among the water supply step and the heating step, an ultrasonic vibrator is operated in a single frequency single oscillation mode, and in the ultrasonic cleaning step, The ultrasonic vibrator is operated in one or both of the dual oscillation mode using two frequencies and the FM oscillation mode using frequency modulation, and the output of the single oscillation mode in the heating step is the ultrasonic cleaning step. 6. The ultrasonic cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the ultrasonic cleaner is set to be larger than the outputs of the dual oscillation mode and the FM oscillation mode.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the ultrasonic vibrator is operated in at least the heating process among the water supply process and the heating process. Moreover, since the ultrasonic cleaning is performed in a single oscillation mode, relatively strong ultrasonic vibration can be applied. As a result, the object to be cleaned can be preliminarily cleaned before the ultrasonic cleaning process. Further, by using the dual oscillation mode and / or the FM oscillation mode in the subsequent ultrasonic cleaning process, effective cleaning can be achieved in combination with at least the single oscillation mode performed in the heating process. In addition, the output of the single oscillation mode in the heating process is set to be larger than the output of the dual oscillation mode and the FM oscillation mode in the ultrasonic cleaning process, so that the object to be cleaned is strongly pre-cleaned before the ultrasonic cleaning process. I can leave.

According to the ultrasonic cleaner of the present invention, it is possible to perform effective cleaning that effectively utilizes the characteristics of each oscillation mode, cleaning that varies the oscillation, and cleaning that meets needs. In addition, during ultrasonic cleaning, the flow of stored liquid can be changed to smoothly transfer dirt from the object to be cleaned to the stored liquid.

1 is a schematic view showing an ultrasonic cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a part thereof is shown in cross section. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operating method of the ultrasonic cleaner of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the ultrasonic cleaning process in FIG.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an ultrasonic cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a part thereof is shown in cross section.

The ultrasonic cleaner 1 of the present embodiment includes a cleaning tank 2 in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated, a cleaning nozzle 3 provided in the cleaning tank 2, a water supply means 4 into the cleaning tank 2, and a cleaning tank 2 The draining means 5 from the inside, the chemical solution supplying means 6 into the cleaning tank 2, the liquid circulating means 7 from the lower part of the cleaning tank 2 to the cleaning nozzle 3, and the heating means 8 for heating the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2. An ultrasonic vibrator 9 provided in the lower part of the cleaning tank 2, an ultrasonic oscillator 10 for operating the ultrasonic vibrator 9, and the control means (not shown) for controlling the means 4 to 8 and the ultrasonic oscillator 10. With.

The object to be cleaned is not particularly limited, but is a medical instrument such as forceps. In the cleaning tank 2, cleaning nozzles 3 are provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages, and an object to be cleaned is disposed between the upper and lower cleaning nozzles 3. At this time, an object to be cleaned is placed on a net shelf (not shown) provided in the upper and lower stages in the cleaning tank 2. The object to be cleaned may be accommodated in a basket or the like as desired.

The cleaning tank 2 is a hollow container that accommodates an object to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, the cleaning tank 2 has a substantially rectangular hollow box shape. The cleaning tank 2 can be opened and closed by a door (not shown). The object to be cleaned can be taken in and out of the cleaning tank 2 by opening the door. The door is provided on the front surface of the cleaning tank 2, but may be provided on both the front surface and the back surface of the cleaning tank 2.

The cleaning nozzle 3 functions as a liquid injection unit for an object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning nozzle 3 is provided in the cleaning tank 2 in multiple upper and lower stages. In the present embodiment, the base end portion of the arm-shaped support member 11 is held in one side portion of the cleaning tank 2 in a plurality of upper and lower stages. Extend towards. Then, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning nozzle 3 is held at the extended tip portion so as to be rotatable around the vertical axis. The cleaning nozzle 3 is formed with a plurality of nozzle holes (not shown) for ejecting fluid supplied through the support member 11. When a fluid is supplied into the cleaning nozzle 3 through the support member 11, the fluid is ejected from the nozzle hole of the cleaning nozzle 3. The cleaning nozzle 3 rotates around the bearing portion at the end of the support member 11 by this jet flow. The cleaning nozzle 3 provided at the upper end in the cleaning tank 2 ejects fluid only downward, and the cleaning nozzle 3 provided at the lower end in the cleaning tank 2 ejects fluid upward only, The cleaning nozzles 3 other than the unit inject fluids both upward and downward.

A liquid reservoir 12 is connected to the lower part of the cleaning tank 2. In other words, the cleaning tank 2 includes the liquid storage unit 12 in the lower part. In the present embodiment, the lower wall of the cleaning tank 2 is formed as an inclined surface 2a that is inclined downward as both left and right end portions go inward in the left-right direction, and the central portion in the left-right direction is recessed downward in a substantially rectangular shape. The lower part in the cleaning tank 2 is the liquid storage part 12 in a form including the recess.

The water supply means 4 supplies water into the cleaning tank 2 through the water supply channel 13. A water supply valve 14 is provided in the water supply path 13. By opening the water supply valve 14, water can be supplied into the cleaning tank 2. The water supply means 4 may be configured to be able to supply water selected from a plurality of types of water (for example, tap water, warm water, membrane filtered water, etc.).

The cleaning tank 2 is provided with a liquid level detector 15. Although the liquid level detector 15 does not ask | require the structure in particular, For example, it is comprised from the pressure sensor installed in the bottom part of the liquid storage part 12. FIG. In this case, the liquid level is grasped by utilizing the fact that the water pressure changes according to the liquid level in the liquid storage unit 12 and the cleaning tank 2.

The drainage means 5 discharges water from the cleaning tank 2 and the liquid storage part 12 through the drainage channel 16. A drain valve 17 is provided in the drain channel 16. By opening the drain valve 17, the water can be drained from the cleaning tank 2 or the liquid storage unit 12.

The chemical solution supply means 6 supplies the chemical solution from the chemical solution tank 18 to the cleaning tank 2 or the liquid storage unit 12 through the liquid supply path 19. A chemical liquid pump 20 is provided in the liquid supply path 19. By operating the chemical pump 20, a set amount of chemical can be supplied into the cleaning tank 2 or the liquid storage unit 12. The chemical solution supply means 6 may be configured to be able to supply a chemical solution selected from a plurality of types of chemical solutions (for example, alkaline detergents, enzyme-containing detergents, lubricating rust preventives, drying accelerators, etc.).

The circulation means 7 circulates and supplies the liquid from the lower part in the cleaning tank 2 to the cleaning nozzle 3. Specifically, the circulation means 7 includes a circulation pipe 21 and a circulation pump 22. The circulation pipe 21 is a pipe from the liquid storage unit 12 to the support member 11 of each cleaning nozzle 3, and a circulation pump 22 is provided in the middle thereof. In the illustrated example, the pipe from the liquid storage unit 12 to the circulation pump 22 in the circulation pipe 21 is a common pipe line with the drainage channel 16 on the upstream side. A check valve 23 is provided on the outlet side of the circulation pump 22 in the circulation pipe 21. When the circulation pump 22 is operated, the liquid in the lower portion of the cleaning tank 2 can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 via the circulation pipe 21 and the support member 11 and returned to the cleaning tank 2.

The heating means 8 is means for heating the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 8 includes a heater 24 provided in the liquid storage unit 12. The heater 24 is an electric heater in the illustrated example, but may be a steam heater in some cases. In the case of an electric heater, on / off control is typically performed, but the output may be adjusted depending on circumstances. On the other hand, in the case of a steam heater, steam can be supplied into the steam pipe, and the condensed water of the steam is discharged to the outside through a steam trap. And the opening / closing or opening degree of the steam supply valve provided in the steam supply path is controlled.

Note that the liquid storage unit 12 is provided with a temperature sensor 25. By controlling the heater 24 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 25, the temperature of the stored liquid in the liquid storage unit 12 and the cleaning tank 2 can be adjusted.

The ultrasonic vibrator 9 is provided in the lower part of the cleaning tank 2. In the present embodiment, ultrasonic transducers 9 are respectively provided on the left and right inclined surfaces 2 a of the lower wall of the cleaning tank 2. The ultrasonic vibrator 9 is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator 10. By supplying power from the ultrasonic oscillator 10 to the ultrasonic vibrator 9 in a set operation mode (set oscillation mode, frequency, output, etc.), the ultrasonic vibrator 9 can be oscillated as desired. And the ultrasonic vibration by this is provided to the stored liquid in the washing tank 2 via an ultrasonic vibration plate (not shown). The object to be cleaned can be cleaned by applying ultrasonic vibration to the stored liquid while the object to be cleaned is immersed in the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2. Although details will be described later, the ultrasonic oscillation mode can be changed by controlling the ultrasonic oscillator 10. Furthermore, the ultrasonic frequency (Hz) and / or output (W) may be changed as desired. At this time, the frequency and / or output may be automatically determined by changing the oscillation mode.

The control means is a controller connected to the liquid level detector 15 and the temperature sensor 25 in addition to the means 4 to 8 and the ultrasonic oscillator 10. Specifically, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 17, the chemical pump 20, the circulation pump 22, the heater 24, the ultrasonic oscillator 10, the liquid level detector 15, the temperature sensor 25, and the like are connected to a controller. Then, as described below, the controller cleans the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2 according to a predetermined procedure (program).

First, as a premise, in the ultrasonic cleaner 1 of this embodiment, the operation mode of oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator 10 can be switched by the control means during operation. The operation mode includes any one or more of an ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency, and output. In particular, it is preferable to include at least the oscillation mode as the operation mode and to change the oscillation mode at least once during the operation. Examples of the oscillation mode include conventionally known ones as follows. However, the oscillation modes listed here are examples, and oscillation modes other than these can also be used.

(A) Single oscillation mode = oscillation mode of single frequency (output and frequency are constant). Generate strong cavitation to remove stubborn dirt.
(B) The dual oscillation mode = oscillation mode of two frequencies (parallel two adjacent frequencies). Suppresses cavitation and propagates ultrasonic waves far away.
(C) FM oscillation mode = oscillation mode using frequency modulation (that is, FM modulated wave). Move the standing wave position to reduce cleaning unevenness.
(D) Pulse oscillation mode = oscillation mode in which a single frequency (typically one cycle at a time) is intermittently oscillated. It is effective for promoting deaeration to reduce the attenuation of ultrasonic waves.
(E) AM oscillation mode = oscillation mode using amplitude modulation (output change) (that is, AM modulated wave).
(F) FM / AM oscillation mode = oscillation mode using frequency modulation and amplitude modulation (that is, simultaneous change in frequency and output).
(G) Multi-oscillation mode = oscillation mode in which three frequencies (for example, 28 kHz, 45 kHz, 100 kHz) are sequentially repeated.
(H) Dynashock modulation oscillation mode = oscillation mode for controlling the power ratio of ultrasonic waves generated simultaneously at two frequencies.

In any case, it is preferable that the control means be able to oscillate by controlling the ultrasonic oscillator 10 and selectively switching at least two oscillation modes. That is, the ultrasonic oscillator 10 is configured to be capable of ultrasonic oscillation in at least two types of oscillation modes among various oscillation modes, and oscillates in any of the oscillation modes or stops any oscillation. These can be switched by the control means. In this embodiment, for example, a single oscillation mode, a dual oscillation mode, and an FM oscillation mode can be switched and executed.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation method of the ultrasonic cleaner 1 of the present embodiment will be specifically described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation method of the ultrasonic cleaner 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the ultrasonic cleaning step in FIG.

In the initial state, the

valves

14 and 17 are closed, and the

pumps

20 and 22, the heater 24, and the ultrasonic oscillator 10 are stopped. In this state, the object to be cleaned is accommodated in the cleaning tank 2, and the door of the cleaning tank 2 is closed in an airtight manner. When the start of operation is instructed by a predetermined operation, the controller sequentially executes a water supply step S1, a heating step S2, an ultrasonic cleaning step S3, and a drainage step S4 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the contents of each step will be described.

≪Water supply process S1≫
In the water supply step S <b> 1, water is stored in the cleaning tank 2 to the set water level by the water supply means 4. At this time, water is stored in the cleaning tank 2 up to a water level at which the object to be cleaned is immersed (in other words, submerged). If the object to be cleaned is immersed, it is not always necessary to supply water to the upper part in the cleaning tank 2. The target water level at the time of water supply may be changed in a plurality of stages, and water may be stored up to a water level set according to the amount of the object to be cleaned (accommodating height with respect to the cleaning tank 2). In the water supply step S1, a chemical solution may be supplied by the chemical solution supply unit 6 as desired.

In the water supply step S1, the ultrasonic vibrator 9 may be operated during water supply (that is, after water has been accumulated to some extent). For example, the ultrasonic vibrator 9 may be actuated when the oscillation level becomes equal to or higher than the oscillation start water level (water level at which a part to be cleaned is partially immersed). The oscillation mode at this time is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the single oscillation mode (1200 W) is set. By using the single oscillation mode, relatively strong ultrasonic vibration can be applied, and the object to be cleaned can be sufficiently pre-cleaned before the ultrasonic cleaning step S3. In particular, as will be described later, even when shower cleaning by the operation of the circulation pump 22 is used in combination, an adverse effect due to attenuation of ultrasonic waves can be prevented and the effect of ultrasonic cleaning can be maintained. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, in the ultrasonic cleaning step S3, the dual oscillation mode or the FM oscillation mode is used, but the single oscillation in the water supply step S1 is more than the output of the dual oscillation mode or the FM oscillation mode. If the output of the mode is increased, the object to be cleaned can be pre-cleaned more powerfully.

In the water supply step S1, the circulation means 7 may be operated during the water supply (that is, after a certain amount of water has been accumulated). For example, the circulation pump 22 may be operated if the circulation start water level (water level exceeding the liquid storage unit 12) or higher is reached. By operating the circulation pump 22, the water from the liquid storage unit 12 can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 through the circulation pipe 21 and the support member 11, and injected from the nozzle hole of the cleaning nozzle 3 onto the object to be cleaned. it can. In this way, the object to be cleaned can be cleaned (shower cleaning) by spraying the liquid on the object to be cleaned or flowing the stored liquid.

During the water supply step S1, the liquid level detector 15 monitors the liquid level in the cleaning tank 2, and when water is stored in the cleaning tank 2 to the set water level, the process proceeds to the next process. However, if the inside of the washing tank 2 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined heating start water level during the water supply step S1, the next heating step S2 may be started.

≪Heating process S2≫
In the heating step S2, the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2 is heated by the heating means 8 to a set temperature (for example, 40 ° C.). During this time, the ultrasonic vibrator 9 may be operated as in the water supply step S1. If the ultrasonic vibrator 9 has already been operated in the water supply step S1, it may be continuously operated in the heating step S2. During the transition from the water supply step S1 to the heating step S2, the ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency (modulation method in the case of FM modulation, that is, the shape of the FM modulation wave), and output (modulation method in the case of AM modulation, that is, the AM modulation wave) However, in this embodiment, the single oscillation mode is maintained in which the frequency and the output of the water supply step S1 are maintained. As described above, in this embodiment, the output of the single oscillation mode in the heating step S2 is set larger than the output of the dual oscillation mode or the FM oscillation mode in the ultrasonic cleaning step S3.

Further, in the heating step S2, the circulation means 7 may be operated as in the water supply step S1. If the circulation pump 22 has already been operated in the water supply step S1, it may be operated continuously in the heating step S2. By operating the circulation pump 22, the temperature of the stored liquid can be prevented from being uneven, and the object to be cleaned can be cleaned by spraying the liquid or flowing the stored liquid to the object to be cleaned.

During the heating step S2, the temperature sensor 25 monitors the water temperature of the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2, and when the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the process proceeds to the next step. However, also in the next ultrasonic cleaning step S3, it is preferable to control the heating means 8 to maintain the stored liquid at the set temperature. For example, when the water temperature falls to a predetermined temperature, reheating to the set temperature may be repeated. In addition, the circulation pump 22 is stopped with the transition to the next ultrasonic cleaning step S3, but the ultrasonic pump 22 is intermittently operated during the ultrasonic cleaning step S3 in order to prevent temperature irregularity of the stored liquid. You may let them.

≪Ultrasonic cleaning process S3≫
In the ultrasonic cleaning step S3, as shown in FIG. 3, the object to be cleaned is ultrasonically cleaned while switching the operation mode. As described above, in this embodiment, the operation mode includes an ultrasonic oscillation mode (oscillation mode type such as (a) to (h)), and a frequency (Hz) and / or output (W) as desired. Is specified. It is not necessary to individually set all of the ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency, and output for each operation mode. As described above, for example, if the oscillation mode is set, the frequency and / or output is automatically set accordingly. It may be configured to be set. In the heating step S2, when the ultrasonic vibrator 9 has already been operated, at least one of the ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency, and output during the transition from the heating step S2 to the ultrasonic cleaning step S3. It is good to change.

In the present embodiment, at least the ultrasonic cleaning S31 for the first set time (for example, 30 seconds) in the first operation mode (for example, dual oscillation mode, 800 W) and the second operation mode (for example, FM oscillation mode, 800 W). The ultrasonic cleaning S32 for the second set time (for example, 29 seconds) is performed. Furthermore, if desired, an ultrasonic cleaning S33 for the third set time in the third operation mode (for example, the single oscillation mode) (further, ultrasonic cleaning for the fourth set time in the fourth operation mode, etc.) is added, As a total, the ultrasonic cleaning operation in the set number of operation modes can be sequentially executed. Then, once the set number of operation modes are executed, the process returns to the beginning again, and ultrasonic cleaning is sequentially performed from the ultrasonic cleaning S31 for the first set time in the first operation mode.

During the ultrasonic cleaning operation (including the ultrasonic cleaning step S3 as well as the water supply step S1 and the heating step S2 when the ultrasonic vibrator 9 is operated), the oscillation mode is set at any one or more locations. Although it is preferable to change the mode types of the respective operation modes (first operation mode, second operation mode,...), It is not necessary to be different from each other. For example, when the first operation mode is the dual oscillation mode, the second operation mode is the FM oscillation mode, and the third operation mode is the single oscillation mode, the fourth operation mode is the same FM oscillation mode as the second operation mode. Also good. In that case, both FM oscillation modes may have the same frequency and output (similar changes), or one or both of the frequency and the output may be different.

Similarly, during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, adjacent operation modes (that is, an operation mode and an operation mode that is performed immediately after) are the same oscillation mode (that is, the same mode type) if at least the frequency or the output is different. ). For example, when the first operation mode is the dual oscillation mode and the second operation mode is the single oscillation mode, the third operation mode is the same as the second operation mode (however, the frequency and / or the output is different) and the single oscillation mode May be.

As described above, between the previous and next operation modes, one or more of the ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency (modulation method in the case of FM modulation) and output (modulation method in the case of AM modulation) are set to be different. Is done.

In any case, in the ultrasonic cleaning step S3, the ultrasonic cleaning is repeated while switching the plurality of operation modes by time. In this embodiment, the plurality of operation modes (that is, the set number of operation modes) are completed. Each time, the ultrasonic oscillator 10 is stopped for a set pause time (for example, set in 1 to 5 seconds and 1 second in this embodiment). That is, in FIG. 3, after the ultrasonic cleaning S32 for the second set time in the second operation mode (however, when performing the ultrasonic cleaning S33 for the third set time in the third operation mode, etc.), the ultrasonic wave The oscillator 10 is stopped for a set pause time, and then returned to the first first oscillation mode.

Thus, in the ultrasonic cleaner 1 of the present embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 10 and thus the ultrasonic vibrator 9 are temporarily stopped during the ultrasonic cleaning performed while switching the operation mode. Thereby, a change (flow) can be given to the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2, and the transfer of dirt from the cleaning object to the stored liquid can be smoothly achieved.

However, such a pause of ultrasonic vibration (temporary interruption of ultrasonic oscillation during ultrasonic oscillation) is not limited to the completion of a plurality of operation modes, but a predetermined number of times during switching of each operation mode. It may be performed at the time (for example, when switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and / or when switching from the second operation mode to the third operation mode). Alternatively, the ultrasonic oscillator 10 may be stopped for a set pause time during the oscillation in the predetermined operation mode. For example, during the ultrasonic cleaning for the first set time in the first operation mode, the ultrasonic oscillation may be temporarily stopped for the set stop time and then restarted. This is the same during the oscillation in the second operation mode, the oscillation in the third operation mode, and the ultrasonic oscillation in the water supply step S1 and the heating step S2 described above.

In any case, as shown in FIG. 2, after performing ultrasonic cleaning while switching the operation mode for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the ultrasonic oscillator 10 and the heater 24 are stopped and the process proceeds to the next step. To do.

≪Drainage process S4≫
In the drainage step S4, the drainage means 5 discharges the stored liquid in the cleaning tank 2 to the outside. When the liquid detector 15 detects that drainage from the cleaning tank 2 has been performed, the drain valve 17 is closed and the series of steps is completed.

As described above, in the ultrasonic cleaner 1 of this embodiment, the oscillation mode by the ultrasonic oscillator 10 is changed during the ultrasonic cleaning operation. Specifically, in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the mode is changed to the dual oscillation mode at the time of transition from the single oscillation mode in the water supply step S1 or the heating step S2 to the ultrasonic cleaning step S3. Change to oscillation mode. By adopting the oscillation mode according to the object to be cleaned and the process, the cleaning effect can be improved. In addition, a sufficient cleaning effect can be obtained depending on the combination even at a low output. Furthermore, it is possible to freely change the cleaning mode to meet the user's needs.

For example, a setting device (for example, a touch panel) is further connected to the controller, and it is possible to set the presence or absence of ultrasonic oscillation in the water supply process S1 and the heating process S2 prior to the start of operation. At that time, in the case of ultrasonic oscillation, one or more of the oscillation mode, output, and frequency may be changeable. Further, in the ultrasonic cleaning step S3, in addition to the oscillation mode type and each set time in each operation mode in FIG. 3, the output or frequency for each operation mode can be set as desired. Thereby, it is possible to perform optimum cleaning according to the object to be cleaned.

The ultrasonic cleaner 1 of the present invention is not limited to the configuration (including control) of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. In particular, a cleaning tank 2 in which an object to be cleaned is stored and a liquid is stored, an ultrasonic vibrator 9 provided in the cleaning tank 2, an ultrasonic oscillator 10 for operating the ultrasonic vibrator 9, and this Control means for controlling the ultrasonic oscillator 10 to ultrasonically clean the object to be cleaned. If this control means ultrasonically cleans the object to be cleaned while switching the operation mode of the ultrasonic oscillator 10, other The configuration of can be changed as appropriate. Further, if the ultrasonic oscillator 10 is stopped for the set pause time during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, other configurations can be changed as appropriate.

For example, in the above embodiment, the shower cleaning from the cleaning nozzle 3 can be performed, but this is not essential. That is, in the embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 3 and the circulation means 7 can be omitted depending on circumstances. Alternatively, although the cleaning nozzle 3 is installed, the cleaning nozzle 3 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the support member 11 in the above-described embodiment. Good. That is, it suffices to provide a liquid ejecting section for the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 2 and to allow the circulation means 7 to circulate and supply the liquid in the liquid storage section 12 to the ejecting section. In addition, in the said Example, installation of the heater 24 is also omissible depending on the case.

Further, in the embodiment, the cleaning tank 2 can be opened and closed with the door at the front (and back) opening, but the opening at the upper side may be opened and closed with the door. That is, the cleaning tank 2 may be a hollow container that opens only upward, and its upper opening may be opened and closed with a door.

Moreover, in the said Example, you may further provide an air blower so that the to-be-cleaned object after ultrasonic cleaning can be dried. In this case, the wet object to be cleaned after cleaning is dried by the hot air supplied to the cleaning tank 2.

Furthermore, in the said Example, although the to-be-cleaned object was taken in / out with respect to the net shelf in the washing tank 2, a washing rack can be taken in / out in the washing tank 2, and to-be-cleaned object can be accommodated in the net shelf of the washing rack Also good. In that case, the cleaning nozzles 3 (in particular, the cleaning nozzles other than the uppermost and / or lowermost cleaning nozzles) provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages are provided in the cleaning rack. As in the above embodiment, the cleaning rack is provided with arm-shaped support members 11 in a plurality of upper and lower stages on one side, and the cleaning nozzle 3 is rotatably held by each support member 11. Then, in a state where the cleaning rack is accommodated in the cleaning tank 2, the fluid from the circulation pump 22 (or air from the blower) can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 of the cleaning rack so that the fluid is supplied to the support member 11 on the cleaning rack side. The port and the fluid discharge port of the pipe from the circulation pump 22 on the cleaning tank 2 side are detachably connected. Note that the cleaning rack may have a wagon shape with a caster at the lower end. In the embodiment, one or both of the cleaning nozzles 3 provided at the upper and lower end portions in the cleaning tank 2 may be provided on the cleaning tank 2 side instead of being provided in the cleaning rack.

1 Ultrasonic cleaner 2 Cleaning tank (2a: Inclined surface)
3 Cleaning nozzle (jetting part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Water supply means 5 Drainage means 6 Chemical solution supply means 7 Circulation means 8 Heating means 9 Ultrasonic vibrator 10 Ultrasonic oscillator 11 Support member 12 Liquid storage part 13 Water supply path 14 Water supply valve 15 Liquid level detector 16 Drainage path 17 Drainage valve 18 Chemical liquid tank 19 Liquid supply path 20 Chemical liquid pump 21 Circulation piping 22 Circulation pump 23 Check valve 24 Heater 25 Temperature sensor

Claims

A cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned is stored and a liquid is stored, an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the cleaning tank, an ultrasonic oscillator for operating the ultrasonic vibrator, and controlling the ultrasonic oscillator Control means for ultrasonically cleaning the object to be cleaned,
The ultrasonic cleaning device, wherein the control means ultrasonically cleans the object to be cleaned while switching an operation mode of the ultrasonic oscillator.
The ultrasonic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein switching of an operation mode of the ultrasonic oscillator includes switching of an oscillation mode by the ultrasonic oscillator.
The ultrasonic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic oscillator is stopped for a set pause time during ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator.
The ultrasonic oscillation by the ultrasonic oscillator is repeated while switching a plurality of operation modes by time, but every time when the operation modes are completed, or at a predetermined time when the operation modes are switched, or at a predetermined time. The ultrasonic cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ultrasonic oscillator is stopped for a set pause time during oscillation in the operation mode.
A liquid injection unit for the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank; and a circulation means for circulating and supplying the liquid in the lower part of the cleaning tank to the injection unit.
It is possible to sequentially execute a water supply process into the cleaning tank, a heating process of the stored liquid in the cleaning tank, an ultrasonic cleaning process of an object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, and a draining process to the outside of the cleaning tank. ,
Among the water supply step and the heating step, at least in the heating step, the circulating means is operated and the ultrasonic vibrator is operated,
The ultrasonic oscillation mode, frequency, and output are changed in any one or more of the ultrasonic wave oscillation mode, the frequency, and the output in accordance with the transition from the heating step to the ultrasonic cleaning step. The ultrasonic cleaner as described.
Among the water supply step and the heating step, at least in the heating step, the ultrasonic vibrator is operated in a single frequency single oscillation mode,
In the ultrasonic cleaning step, the ultrasonic vibrator is operated in one or both of a dual oscillation mode using two frequencies and an FM oscillation mode using frequency modulation,
The ultrasonic cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the output of the single oscillation mode in the heating step is set larger than the outputs of the dual oscillation mode and the FM oscillation mode in the ultrasonic cleaning step.