JPH0570516B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a steam generator for a cleaning machine that supplies steam for steam cleaning mechanical parts, medical instruments, and other objects, and the invention relates to a steam generator for a cleaning machine that supplies steam for steam cleaning mechanical parts, medical instruments, and other objects, Intended for efficient use.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY Conventionally, the supply of cleaning steam when cleaning objects such as mechanical parts, medical instruments, and others with steam has been disclosed in the inventions described in JP-A-56-073587 and JP-A-56-73540. It is being

In this conventional invention, a method is adopted in which a solvent is introduced into a sealable cleaning tank or a steam generation tank, and the entire solvent is directly or indirectly heated by a heater to boil and generate steam. There is.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, this method requires an extremely large amount of heat compared to the amount of steam generated in order to heat the entire filled solvent at once. Therefore, it is not only extremely uneconomical, but also generates steam even when steam is not used, causing the solvent to evaporate and diffuse, causing air pollution.

In addition, the amount of steam generated cannot be adjusted,
More solvent is always stored in the cleaning tank than is required to generate steam. Therefore, if the solvent undergoes hydrolysis or thermal decomposition,
When deposits attached to the target object are mixed into the solvent, the deterioration of the solvent is accelerated, making a large amount of the solvent unusable.

In addition, large amounts of Freon 113, trichlorethylene, isopropyl alcohol, etc. are used as the solvent for supplying the cleaning vapor. However, some of these solvents are highly flammable and contain pollutants that destroy the environment. Therefore, storing the solvent directly in the cleaning tank and leaving it for a long period of time is extremely dangerous because in the event that the cleaning tank is damaged, a large amount of solvent will flow out.

In addition, a large amount of dirty solvent is produced after use, which is difficult to dispose of, resulting in high costs.

The present invention attempts to solve the above-mentioned problems. and when supplying steam for steam cleaning of mechanical parts, medical equipment, and other objects;
There is no need to wastefully heat a large amount of the solvent to be vaporized. Moreover, it is economical and can be carried out safely without any danger in heating the solvent. Furthermore, it is possible to efficiently supply steam without causing deterioration of the solvent to be vaporized. Further, the solvent is not contaminated by dirt removed from the object to be cleaned by steam cleaning. Furthermore, it is intended to facilitate the treatment of this contamination.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a supply port in a steam generating section, facing a heating element heated by a heating mechanism, and in this supply port,
This system is characterized by connecting a liquid tank filled with a solvent for vaporization and generating steam while supplying the solvent to the heating element to generate the amount of steam necessary for steam cleaning.

Further, the steam generating section provided with the heating body may be a steam cleaning tank for cleaning objects to be cleaned.

Further, the steam generation section provided with the heating body may be a steam generation tank for supplying cleaning steam to a steam cleaning tank.

Alternatively, a cooling phase may be formed in the upper part of the steam cleaning tank and/or the steam generating tank, and the generated cleaning steam is condensed and liquefied and collected in the liquid tank.

Further, the steam cleaning tank may be one in which a cleaning liquid for immersion cleaning is stored in the lower part of the inner periphery and a liquid cleaning part is provided, and a heating body is formed on the upper inner periphery of this liquid cleaning part.

Moreover, the heating body may be provided flatly at the bottom of the steam cleaning tank.

Moreover, the heating body may be provided flatly at the bottom of the steam generation tank.

Further, the heating body may be formed to protrude in an annular shape from the upper inner periphery of the liquid cleaning section of the steam cleaning tank.

Function Since the present invention is constructed as described above, when cleaning mechanical parts, medical instruments, and other items to be cleaned with steam, first, the heating body housed in the steam generation section is activated by the heating mechanism. Heat it up. Next, a small amount of solvent necessary for steam generation is supplied from the liquid tank to the heating element through the supply port. Since the supplied solvent is in a small amount, it is instantaneously vaporized when it comes into contact with the heating element, and can be used for steam cleaning.

If this solvent is supplied continuously or intermittently, steam can be generated continuously or intermittently.

Therefore, it is not necessary to store a large amount of solvent in the steam generation section, and it is sufficient to supply only a small amount of solvent necessary for steam generation to the heating element.
Therefore, highly flammable solvents and potentially dangerous solvents containing contaminants are not left in the steam cleaning tank and can be used safely.

In addition, the solvent does not deteriorate due to hydrolysis, thermal decomposition, etc., and there is no need to heat a large amount of solvent, so heating mechanisms such as heaters can be miniaturized.
Economical vaporization of solvents using less energy.

Furthermore, if a cooling phase is formed in the upper direction of the steam cleaning tank and/or the steam generation tank, the generated cleaning steam can be condensed and liquefied. Therefore, the solvent used for cleaning is distilled and becomes like a new liquid without any deposits mixed in, and can be collected in the liquid tank. Therefore, the solvent can be reused, and by this reuse, the solvent can be used at low cost with less consumption.

Further, the steam generation section provided with the heating element may be a steam cleaning tank that stores the objects to be cleaned and performs cleaning work, or a steam generation tank that supplies cleaning steam to the steam cleaning tank. good.

Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Reference numeral 1 denotes a heating body, which is heated by a heating mechanism 2 such as steam heating, oil heating, electric heater, etc., and is formed at the bottom of the steam generating section 3. has been done.

In the first embodiment, this steam generating section 3 is
As shown in the figure, a steam cleaning tank 5 is used for steam cleaning mechanical parts, medical instruments, and other objects 4 to be cleaned.

Further, the heating element 1 is provided flatly at the bottom of the steam cleaning tank 5 so as to generate a large amount of cleaning steam with high thermal efficiency, and is arranged so as to face the supply port 6 at the top.
located. This supply port 6 is filled with fluorocarbons to be vaporized.
113, a liquid tank 8 filled with a solvent 7 such as trichlorethylene or isopropyl alcohol is connected. A regulating valve 10 for regulating the flow rate of the solvent 7 is provided between the liquid tank 8 and the supply port 6.

Further, an introduction valve 11 which can be opened and closed is provided at the upper part of the liquid tank 8, and a funnel part 12 for introducing the solvent 7 is connected to the liquid tank 8 via this introduction valve 11.

Further, the upper part of the liquid tank 8 and the steam cleaning tank 5 are connected to a recovery pipe 14 through a recovery valve 13 for recovering the solvent.
Connect with. Further, this recovery pipe 14 is connected to a recovery groove 15 formed inside the steam cleaning tank 5. A cooling phase 16 such as a cooling coil is formed facing the upper part of this recovery groove 15.
The cleaning vapor is condensed and liquefied, and can be recovered into the recovery groove 15.

In addition, a sealing top lid 1 is attached to the top end of the steam cleaning tank 5.
7 is provided so that it can be opened and closed. In addition, a warm air inlet 18 is provided at the upper side of the steam cleaning tank 5, and a warm air outlet 20 is provided at the lower side of the tank to circulate the hot air and dry the objects 4 to be cleaned with the hot air. It is possible.

In the structure as described above, in order to steam-clean mechanical parts, medical instruments, and other objects 4 to be cleaned, the objects 4 to be cleaned are first placed in the steam cleaning tank 5, and the upper lid 17 of the steam cleaning tank 5 is opened. is closed to seal the steam cleaning tank 5.

Next, the heating mechanism 2 is operated to heat the flat heating body 1 housed in the steam generating section 3, and the regulating valve 10, which is in the closed state, is opened. Then, a small amount of solvent 7 is transferred from the liquid tank 8 to the heating element 1 through the supply port 6.
supply.

Since the supplied solvent 7 is in a small amount, it is instantaneously vaporized when it comes into contact with the heated heating element, and can be used for steam cleaning. If this supply is carried out continuously or intermittently, it is possible to generate steam continuously or intermittently.

Therefore, the supply of the solvent 7 does not require storing a large amount of the solvent 7 in the steam generating section 3, and it is only necessary to supply the heating element 1 with the amount of solvent 7 necessary for steam generation. Therefore, highly flammable substances and potentially dangerous solvents 7 containing contaminants should not be used in the steam cleaning tank 5.
There is no need to leave any excess inside, allowing safe use.

In addition, the solvent 7 does not deteriorate due to hydrolysis, thermal decomposition, etc., and there is no need to heat a large amount of the solvent 7, so the heating mechanism 2 such as a heater can be miniaturized, and the solvent 7 can be heated with less energy. can be economically vaporized.

Further, the dirt removed from the object 4 to be cleaned by steam cleaning is not mixed into the solvent 7, and the dirt is not mixed into the heating element 1 or the receiving tray 24 located on the surface of the heating element 1.
stored on the surface of the Therefore, only the filth can be discarded when a certain amount has accumulated, making it extremely easy to collect the filth.

Furthermore, if the cooling phase 16 is formed in the upper direction of the steam cleaning tank 5, the cleaning steam rising due to heating of the heating element 1 can be condensed and liquefied. Therefore, the solvent 7 used for cleaning is distilled and becomes like a new liquid without any deposits mixed in, and it is possible to collect the solvent 7 into the liquid tank 8 and reuse it.

Then, after recovering the cleaning steam, by opening the hot air introduction valve 11 provided at the hot air introduction port 18, warm air is introduced into the steam cleaning tank 5. Furthermore, when the hot air exhaust valve 21 provided at the hot air exhaust port 20 is opened, the cleaning steam in the steam cleaning tank 5 is discharged from the hot air exhaust port 20. If this is circulated to the solvent recovery device, it becomes easy to prevent the solvent from spreading and dry the object 4 to be cleaned.

Also, the amount of solvent required in the above embodiment will be compared with the amount of solvent required in the conventional example.

It is difficult to specify the capacity of a conventional steam generator because there are various cases, but as an example, a steam cleaning tank for steam cleaning is 400 mm ² × 400
It was a cube of mm ² ×550 mm ² (H), and a solvent tank of 400 mm ² ×400 mm ² ×200 mm ² (H) was provided continuously below this steam cleaning tank. In addition, the capacity of the liquid tank was 5 to temporarily store the solvent condensed in the cooling phase at the upper part of the steam cleaning tank.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the capacity of the steam cleaning tank 5 and the capacity of the liquid tank 8 are the same as those of the above-mentioned conventional example, and no solvent tank is provided.

Then, the amount of solvent used in the conventional example and the present invention will be compared using IPA as the solvent.

Amount of solvent used in the solvent tank 400mm ² ×400mm ² ×200mm ² (H) = 32 32 × 0.8 (density of IPA) = 25.6Kg Amount of solvent used in the steam cleaning tank 400mm ² ×400mm ² ×550mm ² (H) = 88 88÷22.4×60=236Kg 0.24Kg IPA is 60g/mol 1mol=22.4.

Amount of solvent used in the liquid tank 5 x 0.8 (density of IPA) = 4.0Kg As mentioned above, the conventional example is the amount of solvent used in the solvent tank 25.6Kg Amount of solvent used in the steam cleaning tank 0.24Kg Amount of solvent used in the liquid tank 4.0Kg Total 29.84Kg In the conventional example, 29.84Kg of solvent is used, but in the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of solvent used in the solvent tank is unnecessary, so only 4.24Kg is used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the steam generating section 3 provided with the heating body 1 is the steam cleaning tank 5 for cleaning the object 4 to be cleaned. However, in other different embodiments,
As shown in FIG. 2, the steam generation section 3 is formed by a steam generation tank 22 for supplying cleaning steam to the steam cleaning tank 5.

Then, the cleaning steam generated in the steam generating tank 22 may be supplied to the steam cleaning tank 5 containing the object 4 to be cleaned. In this case as well, the heating element 1 is connected to the steam generation tank 2.
If it is provided flatly at the bottom of the cleaning device 2, a large amount of cleaning steam can be generated with high thermal efficiency.

Further, in the above two embodiments, the steam cleaning tank 5 that performs only steam cleaning is shown. However, in another different embodiment, the steam cleaning tank 5 is provided with a liquid cleaning section 26 in which a cleaning liquid 25 for immersion cleaning is stored in the lower part of the inner periphery, as shown in FIG.

A gutter-shaped heating body 1 is formed in an annular manner to protrude from the upper inner periphery of the liquid cleaning section 26, and a heating mechanism 2 is installed on the outer periphery of the steam cleaning tank 5 corresponding to the gutter-shaped heating body 1. This makes it possible to heat the heating element 1.
With this configuration, it becomes possible to perform liquid cleaning and steam cleaning with one device.

Effects of the Invention Since the present invention is configured as described above, when steam cleaning mechanical parts, medical instruments, and other objects to be cleaned, there is no need to store a large amount of solvent in the steam generation part, and the steam generation It is only necessary to supply the necessary small amount of solvent to the heating element.

Therefore, highly flammable solvents or dangerous solvents containing contaminants are not left in the steam cleaning tank and can be used safely.

In addition, the solvent does not deteriorate due to hydrolysis, thermal decomposition, etc., and there is no need to heat a large amount of solvent, so heating mechanisms such as heaters can be miniaturized.
Economical vaporization of solvents using less energy.

In addition, if a cooling phase is formed in the upper direction of the steam cleaning tank or steam generation tank, the generated cleaning vapor can be condensed and liquefied, and the solvent used for cleaning can be distilled and used as a new liquid without any deposits. It can be collected in a liquid tank. Therefore, the solvent can be reused,
This reuse allows the use of solvents at low cost and with less consumption.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings are sectional views showing one embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a sectional view, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an embodiment in which a steam generation tank and a steam cleaning tank are separated.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment in which liquid cleaning and steam cleaning can be performed in one cleaning tank. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Heating body, 2...Heating mechanism, 3...Steam generating part, 4...Object to be cleaned, 5...Steam cleaning tank, 6...
...Supply port, 7...Solvent, 8...Liquid tank, 16...
...cooling phase, 22...steam generation tank, 25...cleaning liquid, 26...liquid cleaning section.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A solvent supply port is provided in the steam generation section, facing the heating element heated by the heating mechanism, and a liquid tank filled with a solvent for vaporization is connected to the supply port. A steam generator for a cleaning machine, which generates steam while supplying a heating element with a solvent that generates the amount of steam necessary for steam cleaning. 2. The steam generating device for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the steam generating section provided with the heating body is a steam cleaning tank for cleaning objects to be cleaned. 3. The steam generating device for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the steam generating section provided with the heating body is a steam generating tank for supplying cleaning steam to a steam cleaning tank. 4. The steam generator for a cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a cooling phase is formed in the upper part of the steam cleaning tank and/or the steam generating tank, and the generated cleaning steam is condensed and liquefied and collected in the liquid tank. . 5. Claim 2, wherein the steam cleaning tank is characterized in that a cleaning liquid for immersion cleaning is stored in the lower part of the inner periphery, a liquid cleaning part is provided, and a heating body is formed on the upper inner periphery of this liquid cleaning part. The steam generator for the cleaning machine described above. 6. The steam generator for a cleaning machine according to claim 2, wherein the heating body is provided flatly at the bottom of the steam cleaning tank. 7. The steam generating device for a washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the heating body is provided flatly at the bottom of the steam generating tank. 8. The steam generating device for a cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein the heating body is formed to protrude in an annular shape from the upper inner periphery of the liquid cleaning section of the steam cleaning tank.