Liquid level detection device, spraying device, and culture device

Abstract

A liquid level detecting device includes a liquid storage portion that stores hydrogen peroxide water to be sprayed through a vibration plate provided with a through hole; a float disposed in the liquid storage portion; and a sensor that detects when the liquid level of the hydrogen peroxide water stored in the liquid storage portion reaches a predetermined position through the float.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid level detection device, a spray device and a culture device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an apparatus for decontaminating the interior of a culture apparatus for culturing culture objects such as cells or microorganisms, there is known a decontamination apparatus that atomizes a decontamination liquid and discharges the atomized liquid into the culture apparatus.

[0003] As a decontamination device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the decontamination liquid on the liquid surface by ultrasonically vibrating a piezoelectric element.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-36771 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] If the liquid level position in the decontamination device can be known, the decontamination device can be used appropriately. However, in the ultrasonic atomizer disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to accurately detect the liquid level of the decontamination liquid contained therein.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid level detection device capable of accurately detecting the liquid level of a decontamination liquid inside a decontamination device, a spray device including the liquid level detection device, and a culture device including the spray device.

[0010] Solutions to the Problem

[0011] The liquid level detection device of the present invention comprises: a liquid storage portion storing hydrogen peroxide solution to be sprayed through a vibrating plate provided with a through hole; a float arranged in the liquid storage portion; and a sensor detecting, via the float, when the liquid level of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the liquid storage portion reaches a predetermined position.

[0012] The spray device of the present invention includes: the liquid level detection device described above; and the vibration plate described above.

[0013] The culture apparatus of the present invention includes the above-mentioned spray device.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, there are provided a liquid level detection device capable of accurately detecting the liquid level of a decontamination liquid inside a decontamination device, a spray device including the liquid level detection device, and a culture device including the spray device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a culture apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the spray device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view taken along a vertical plane of a spray device including a liquid level detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 VV cross-section diagram.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a portion of the liquid level detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a view showing a state in which the liquid level detection device is turned upside down.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which a float included in the liquid level detection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is placed on the lower protruding piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram illustrating the culture apparatus 1 of the present invention.

[0025] The culture apparatus 1 can cultivate plants, culture plant cells, tissues and organs, and feed and cultivate insects in its internal space, ie, the culture chamber R. Hereinafter, the objects to be cultured, fed and cultivated by the culture apparatus 1 will be referred to simply as objects.

[0026] When the culture apparatus 1 is culturing, feeding, growing, etc. the above-mentioned objects, the culture chamber R needs to be in a clean state. The culture apparatus 1 performs a decontamination operation of the culture chamber R by performing a predetermined operation.

[0027] The spray device 100 is a decontamination device that is placed in the culture chamber R when the culture device 1 performs a decontamination operation. Figure 11a is a surface (that is, a disposition surface) on which the spray device 100 is disposed. The spray device 100 houses a sterilizing solution to be used in a sterilization operation, and, at the time of the sterilization operation of the incubation device 1, performs spraying of the sterilizing solution to thereby cause the sterilizing solution to become mist and discharge the sterilizing solution to the incubation chamber R. Further, the spray device 100 can be provided to the incubation device 1.

[0028] Next, the spray device 100 provided with the liquid level detection device 7 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the spray device 100. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spray device 100 provided with the liquid level detection device 7, taken along a vertical plane. Figure 4 is a IV-IV line sectional view of Figure 3 Figure 5 is a V-V sectional view of Figure 3 Hereinafter, a sterilizing solution to be used in a sterilization operation performed by the incubation device 1 will be described as hydrogen peroxide water.

[0029] The spray device 100 is provided with a main body portion 2, a cover 3, a support member 4, a leg 5, and a spray mechanism 6.

[0030] The main body portion 2 is provided with a liquid supply storage portion 71R to be described later, and the hydrogen peroxide water is housed in a space, that is, a housing space SR (see Figure 3 ) surrounded by the liquid supply storage portion 71R.

[0031] A recess 21 is formed in the outer surface of the front side of the main body portion 2. The spray mechanism 6 is disposed in the recess 21. An outlet OH is formed in the main body portion 2, and is a through-hole having an opening in the bottom surface of the recess 21, and is a through-hole through which the hydrogen peroxide water flows out to the outside of the housing space SR.

[0032] The cover 3 is a member that covers the main body portion 2 from the upper side. The support member 4 is a member that is installed to the lower side of the main body portion 2, and supports the main body portion 2.

[0033] The leg 5 is provided to the lower surface of the support member 4. In the leg 5, a pair of front legs 51 is provided to the front side, and a pair of rear legs 52 is provided to the rear side. The dimension in the vertical direction of the front legs 51 is longer than the dimension in the vertical direction of the rear legs 52. Thus, in the spray device 100, the end portion of the front legs 51 side of the support member 4 is located at a position higher than the end portion of the rear legs 52 side of the support member 4 with respect to the disposition surface 1a. The inclination angle of the support member 4 with respect to the disposition surface 1a is, for example, 6 degrees.

[0034] ​​Furthermore, the lower profile of the front leg 51 when viewing the spray device 100 from the side has a relatively sharp portion and a curved portion, and the front leg 51 makes substantially point contact with the installation surface 1a. Furthermore, the rear leg 52, when viewing the spray device 100 from the side, has a curved profile on the installation surface 1a side, and the rear leg 52 makes substantially point contact with the installation surface 1a.

[0035] As a result, the contact area between the front leg 51 and the configuration surface 1a, as well as the contact area between the rear leg 52 and the configuration surface 1a, can be minimized, so that the hydrogen peroxide solution sprayed in the form of a spray by the spray device 100 can be widely diffused relative to the area below the support member 4 in the configuration surface 1a.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 3 The spray mechanism 6 will be described.

[0037] The spray mechanism 6 includes a vibration plate 60 , a holding member 61 , and a nozzle 64 .

[0038] The vibration plate 60 has a circular and flat shape. The central portion of the vibration plate 60 has a roughly dome-shaped shape protruding toward the front. A plurality of through holes for the passage of hydrogen peroxide solution are formed in the central portion of the vibration plate 60. In addition, the through holes are so small that they cannot be visually confirmed with the naked eye. The central portion of the vibration plate 60 vibrates back and forth due to the vibration of the outer portion of the vibration plate 60. When the vibration plate 60 vibrates, the hydrogen peroxide solution passes through the through holes and is discharged as fine droplets. In other words, the hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed by the vibration of the vibration plate 60. The central portion of the vibration plate 60 is made of metal, for example, nickel. In addition, the vibration plate 60 is arranged by the retaining member 61 in such a manner that the outer surface of the vibration plate 60 faces obliquely upward. The inclination angle formed by the central axis CL of the vibration plate 60 and the horizontal plane is, for example, 6 degrees.

[0039] The outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 60 is made of piezoelectric ceramics. When an AC voltage is applied from a power source (not shown) provided in the spray device 100 via electrodes, the outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 60 vibrates back and forth due to the piezoelectric effect.

[0040] The holding member 61 holds the outer periphery of the vibration plate 60 from the inner and outer surfaces of the vibration plate 60. The holding member 61 is composed of an inner holding member 62 and an outer holding member 63. Both the inner holding member 62 and the outer holding member 63 are made of silicone resin.

[0041] The inner holding member 62 supports the outer periphery of the vibration plate 60 from the inner surface side. The inner holding member 62 has a supply passage 62R connected to the outlet OH. The hydrogen peroxide solution in the storage space SR is guided to the vibration plate 60 through the outlet OH and the supply passage 62R.

[0042] The outer holding member 63 supports the outer peripheral portion of the vibration plate 60 from the outer surface side. The outer holding member 63 has a spray passage 63R formed therein, through which the hydrogen peroxide solution sprayed from the vibration plate 60 passes.

[0043] The nozzle 64 is a member having a discharge hole 64H formed therein, through which the mist-like hydrogen peroxide solution passing through fine through-holes formed in the vibration plate 60 is passed.

[0044] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The liquid level detection device 7 will be described. The liquid level detection device 7 of this embodiment is formed as a part of the spray device 100. In addition, the liquid level detection device 7 may be formed to be separable from the spray device 100.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid level detection device 7 includes a liquid storage portion 7R, a float F, a connecting tube CT, and a sensor Se.

[0046] The liquid storage section 7R includes a liquid supply storage section 71R and a detection storage section 72R. The liquid supply storage section 71R stores hydrogen peroxide solution to be sprayed by the vibration plate 60.

[0047] The detection storage portion 72R includes an upper cylindrical portion 721, a lower cylindrical portion 722, and a tapered cylindrical portion 723. The lower cylindrical portion 722 and the tapered cylindrical portion 723 are formed of a transparent material. Furthermore, at least the lower cylindrical portion 722 only needs to be formed of a transparent material; the other portions do not necessarily need to be formed of a transparent material. Figure 3 TCL in FIG. 8 represents the central axis of the detection storage section 72R.

[0048] The upper cylindrical portion 721 is a cylindrical portion located above the lower cylindrical portion 722 and the tapered cylindrical portion 723. The upper cylindrical portion 721 is composed of an upper portion 721A, a lower portion 721B, and a connecting portion 721C. The upper portion 721A is the uppermost portion of the upper cylindrical portion 721 and is formed of the same component as the liquid supply storage portion 71R. Three upper protruding pieces 721F (see FIG. 1 ) are formed on the inner circumference of the upper portion 721A and protrude toward the central axis TCL of the detection storage portion 72R. Figure 4 The upper protruding piece 721F has a generally flat plate shape. The lower portion 721B is the lowest portion of the upper cylindrical portion 721 and is integrally formed with the tapered cylindrical portion 723 and the lower cylindrical portion 722. The connecting portion 721C is, for example, a silicone tube, and connects the upper portion 721A and the lower portion 721B.

[0049] The lower cylindrical portion 722 is positioned more downward than the upper cylindrical portion 721. A detection space SP capable of accommodating the float F inside is formed on the upper side of the lower cylindrical portion 722. The inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 722 is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper cylindrical portion and larger than the outer diameter of the float F. As shown in FIG. 7, three lower protruding pieces 722F protruding toward the center axis TCL of the detection storage portion 72R are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the detection storage portion 72R. Further, the lower protruding pieces 722F have a substantially flat plate shape. Figure 5

[0050] The tapered cylindrical portion 723 is positioned between the upper cylindrical portion 721 and the lower cylindrical portion 722 and is continuous with the lower portion 721B and the lower cylindrical portion 722. In the tapered cylindrical portion 723, the inner diameter thereof is smaller as it is closer to the lower cylindrical portion 722. The inner diameter at the upper end of the tapered cylindrical portion 723 is the same as the inner diameter of the upper cylindrical portion 721, and the inner diameter at the lower end of the tapered cylindrical portion 723 is the same as the inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 722.

[0051] The float F is disposed inside the detection storage portion 72R and floats in the hydrogen peroxide water inside the detection storage portion 72R. Therefore, there is a constant relationship between the height of the liquid surface SS and the height of the float F, such that if one is determined, the other is also determined. The float F is formed of an opaque material. Further, the float F has a spherical shape.

[0052] The upward movement of the float F is restricted by the upper protruding pieces 721F, and the downward movement thereof is restricted by the lower protruding pieces 722F. That is, the movable range of the float F inside the detection storage portion 72R is between the upper protruding pieces 721F and the lower protruding pieces 722F.

[0053] The connection tube CT has a bent shape. The connection tube CT is positioned on the lower side of the liquid supply storage portion 71R and the detection storage portion 72R, one end of the connection tube CT is connected to the liquid supply storage portion 71R from the lower side, and the other end of the connection tube CT is connected to the detection storage portion 72R from the lower side. Thus, the liquid supply storage portion 71R is connected to the detection storage portion 72R via the connection tube CT, and the height of the liquid surface LS of the hydrogen peroxide water inside the liquid supply storage portion 71R and the height of the liquid surface SS of the hydrogen peroxide water inside the detection storage portion 72R are equal to each other.

[0054] The sensor Se is, for example, a photoelectric sensor such as a micro photoelectric sensor, and detects the case where the liquid surface LS of the hydrogen peroxide water stored in the liquid supply storage portion 71R reaches a predetermined position by the float F.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the predetermined position is set to Figure 3 ​The sensor detection line SSL is shown at the same height as the upper end of the central portion of the vibration plate 60 where the through hole is formed. The predetermined position is located at least above the connection pipe CT.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the sensor Se is arranged at a position lower than the upper cylindrical portion 721 and is arranged so as to surround the lower cylindrical portion 722. The sensor Se has a light-emitting portion Sea and a light-receiving portion Seb. The light-emitting portion Sea emits detection light to the light-receiving portion Seb. The detection light emitted by the light-emitting portion Sea passes through the detection space SP of the lower cylindrical portion 722 and is emitted to the light-receiving portion Seb. The light-receiving portion Seb receives the detection light. When the light-receiving portion Seb does not receive the detection light, the sensor Se outputs a detection signal. The detection signal is a signal that indicates that the light-receiving portion Seb does not receive the detection light from the light-emitting portion Sea. In this embodiment, when the float F is accommodated in the detection space SP, the float F blocks the light from the light-emitting portion Sea. That is, the position of the float F is detected based on the fact that the detection light from the light-emitting portion Sea is not detected in the light-receiving portion Seb, and the position of the liquid surface SS is detected based on the detected position of the float F. The liquid level SS and the liquid level LS are at the same height. Therefore, the liquid level detection device 7 detects the liquid level SS to substantially detect the liquid level LS.

[0057] In other words, the dimensions of each part of the liquid supply storage part 71R and the detection storage part 72R, the position of the sensor Se and the vibration plate 60, and the vertical dimensions of the front support leg 51 and the rear support leg 52 are adjusted in such a way that the detection light from the light-emitting part Sea is blocked by the float F when the liquid level LS reaches the specified position.

[0058] Next, the operations of the liquid level detection device 7 , the spray device 100 , and the culture apparatus 1 during the decontamination operation will be described.

[0059] First, the user removes the cover 3 from the main body 2, places hydrogen peroxide solution in the storage space SR of the spray device 100, and attaches the cover 3 so that it covers the upper portion of the main body 2. Next, the user opens the door of the culture apparatus 1, places the spray device 100 on the placement surface 1a, and electrically connects the spray device 100 to the culture apparatus 1. By connecting the culture apparatus 1 and the spray device 100, the culture apparatus 1 becomes capable of controlling the spray device 100.

[0060] Next, when the user turns on the power of the culture apparatus 1 and performs a predetermined operation via the operation panel (not shown) of the culture apparatus 1, the culture apparatus 1 activates the power supply of the spray device 100. When the power supply of the spray device 100 applies an AC voltage to the vibration plate 60, the vibration plate 60 vibrates back and forth at a predetermined frequency. As the vibration plate 60 vibrates, the hydrogen peroxide solution adjacent to the inner surface of the vibration plate 60 passes through the through-holes. As the hydrogen peroxide solution passes through the through-holes, it forms fine droplets and is discharged (i.e., sprayed) into the culture chamber R.

[0061] The hydrogen peroxide discharged into the culture chamber R is delivered to every corner of the culture chamber R by a blower (not shown) of the culture apparatus 1. The hydrogen peroxide discharged into the culture chamber R is decomposed into hydroxyl radicals and hydroxide ions. These hydroxyl radicals trigger a chain reaction that removes electrons from contaminants in the culture chamber R, thereby removing the contaminants in the culture chamber R.

[0062] The liquid levels LS and SS drop as the hydrogen peroxide solution in the liquid supply storage portion 71R is sprayed out. Furthermore, as the liquid level SS drops, the float F also drops.

[0063] The culture apparatus 1 turns on the power supply of the spray device 100 and stops the power supply of the spray device 100 after a predetermined time has passed. As a result, the vibration of the vibration plate 60 stops.

[0064] When the liquid level LS reaches a predetermined position, for example, the sensor detection line SSL, before a predetermined time has elapsed, the culture apparatus 1 stops the spraying of the hydrogen peroxide solution by the spray device 100 .

[0065] When the liquid level LS reaches the sensor detection line SSL, or in other words, when the liquid level SS reaches the sensor detection line SSL, the detection light from the light-emitting unit Sea is blocked by the float F, and the light-receiving unit Seb cannot receive the detection light. When the light-receiving unit Seb cannot receive the detection light, the sensor Se outputs a detection signal to the culture device 1. Upon receiving the detection signal from the sensor Se, the culture device 1 stops the power supply to the spray device 100, thereby stopping the vibration of the vibrating plate 60.

[0066] When the vibration plate 60 stops vibrating, at least all the through holes of the vibration plate 60 are immersed in the hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0067] In addition, after the decontamination operation of the culture chamber R is completed, the hydrogen peroxide solution remaining in the interior of the spray device 100 is discarded by the user. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Next, the function of the liquid level detection device 7 when discarding the residual hydrogen peroxide solution will be described. Figure 6: is a longitudinal sectional view showing a part of the liquid level detection device 7 (the part around the upper cylindrical portion 721). Figure 6 The liquid level detection device 7 is in an upside-down state, and the central axis TCL of the detection storage portion 72R is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which the float F included in the liquid level detection device 7 is placed on the lower protruding piece 722F. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the lower cylindrical portion 722 , the tapered cylindrical portion 723 , the internal portion of the connecting pipe CT, and the float F are indicated by dotted lines.

[0068] When decontamination of the culture chamber R is complete, the user removes the spray device 100 from the culture chamber R, removes the cover 3 from the main body 2 of the spray device 100, and tilts the spray device 100. By tilting the spray device 100, the hydrogen peroxide solution in the liquid supply reservoir 71R, the detection reservoir 72R, and the connecting tube CT flows out of the main body 2.

[0069] Here, when the user turns the spray device 100 upside down, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid level detection device 7 is in a state where the float F is placed on the bottom surface of the upper protruding piece 721F. Since twice the distance from the front end of the upper protruding piece 721F on the central axis TCL side to the central axis TCL is smaller than the outer diameter of the float F, the float F does not move above the bottom surface of the upper protruding piece 721F ( Figure 6 That is, when the float F is at the uppermost side, the float F is in contact with the bottom surface of the upper protruding piece 721F (refer to Figure 6 ), the float F will not be embedded in the upper end portion of the detection storage portion 72R, that is, between the upper protruding pieces 721F.

[0070] When the hydrogen peroxide solution in the liquid storage section 7R is completely disposed of, the user turns the spray device 100 upside down and returns it to its original position. Figure 3 At this time, if Figure 7 As shown, the liquid level detection device 7 is in a state where the float F is placed on the upper surface of the lower protruding piece 722F. Since twice the distance from the front end on the central axis TCL side of the lower protruding piece 722F to the central axis TCL is smaller than the outer diameter of the float F, the float F does not move below the upper surface of the lower protruding piece 722F.

[0071] As described above, according to this embodiment, a float F is disposed in the detection reservoir 72R storing the decontamination liquid, and the presence of the liquid level of the decontamination liquid in the liquid supply reservoir 71R is detected by the float F. This allows accurate detection of the liquid level of the decontamination liquid within the spray device 100, which is a decontamination device used for decontamination of the culture apparatus 1.

[0072] Furthermore, the liquid level detection device 7 of this embodiment does not require a sensor that emits special light, and can therefore be manufactured at a low cost.

[0073] By setting the predetermined position higher than the through-holes of the vibration plate 60 of the spray device 100, the vibration of the vibration plate 60 can be stopped while at least the lower half of the inner surface of the central portion of the vibration plate 60 is immersed in the cleaning liquid. This prevents damage to the vibration plate 60 caused by vibration in a state where less than half of the inner surface of the central portion of the vibration plate 60 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, or where the vibration plate 60 is not immersed in the cleaning liquid at all. Furthermore, the predetermined position only needs to be set above the vertical center of the vibration plate 60.

[0074] The outer diameter of the float F is sufficiently smaller than the inner diameter of the upper cylindrical portion 721. Consequently, the decontamination liquid does not form an annular liquid bridge between the float F and the upper cylindrical portion 721 above the liquid level. In other words, the float F does not adhere to the inner surface of the upper cylindrical portion 721 above the liquid level. Consequently, the float F smoothly descends within the upper cylindrical portion 721 as the liquid level drops. Consequently, the liquid level detection device 7 can reliably detect the level of the decontamination liquid within the liquid supply reservoir 71R.

[0075] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 722 is smaller than that of the upper cylindrical portion 721, thereby reducing the amount of cleaning liquid remaining in the liquid level detection device 7 after the cleaning operation is completed. The cleaning liquid remaining in the liquid level detection device 7 is discarded, so using the liquid level detection device 7 of this embodiment in the spray device 100 can reduce the amount of discarded cleaning liquid. This allows for a cleaning operation that uses a smaller amount of cleaning liquid.

[0076] Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 722 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper cylindrical portion 721 , a space for arranging the sensor Se can be ensured below the upper cylindrical portion 721 .

[0077] The detection reservoir 72R includes a tapered cylindrical portion 723 connected to the upper cylindrical portion 721 and a lower cylindrical portion 722, which has a smaller inner diameter than the upper cylindrical portion 721. The inner diameter of the tapered cylindrical portion 723 decreases as it approaches the lower cylindrical portion 722. Therefore, the downward movement of the float F is not hindered at the junction of the upper cylindrical portion 721 and the lower cylindrical portion 722, allowing the float F to be smoothly guided into the detection space SP. Consequently, the liquid level of the decontamination liquid within the liquid supply reservoir 71R can be reliably detected.

[0078] An upper protruding piece 721F is formed on the inner circumference of the upper cylindrical portion 721. The distance from the front end of the upper protruding piece 721F on the central axis TCL side to the central axis TCL is twice less than the outer diameter of the buoy F. Therefore, the buoy F will not be embedded between the upper protruding pieces 721F. In addition, the width dimension of the bottom surface of the upper protruding piece 721F is formed to be small, so that Figure 6 As shown, when the liquid level detection device 7 is temporarily inverted to discard the cleaning liquid remaining in the liquid level detection device 7, the amount of cleaning liquid remaining between the outer peripheral surface of the float F and the bottom surface of the upper protruding piece 721F is small. As a result, the float F is less likely to adhere to the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 721 or the bottom surface of the upper protruding piece 721F. Therefore, when the liquid level detection device 7 is restored to its original vertical orientation after the cleaning liquid is discarded, the float F will not be retained on the upper portion of the detection storage portion 72R.

[0079] Thus, when the liquid level detection device 7 is temporarily reversed to discard the remaining cleaning liquid within it, and then restored to its original orientation after the cleaning liquid has been discarded, the float F descends into the detection space SP. This prevents the liquid level detection device 7 from erroneously detecting that the cleaning liquid level is higher than a predetermined level, even though the cleaning liquid is not contained within the liquid level detection device 7. This also prevents damage to the vibration plate 60 caused by vibration when the vibration plate 60 is not completely immersed in the cleaning liquid.

[0080] A plurality of lower protruding pieces 722F are formed on the inner circumference of the lower cylindrical portion 722, protruding toward the central axis TCL of the detection storage portion 72R. When the float F is located at the lowermost side, the float F is in contact with the upper surface of the lower protruding piece 722F (see FIG. Figure 7). Thus, the float F does not get embedded in the upper end of the pipe (i.e., the connection pipe CT) that is connected to the lower cylindrical portion 722 and has an inner diameter smaller than the lower cylindrical portion 722. In addition, gaps are formed between the plurality of lower protruding pieces 722F, and thus even when the state in which the float F is in contact with the lower protruding pieces 722F, air flows from the gaps between the lower protruding pieces 722F to the liquid supply reservoir 71R through the connection pipe CT when the decontamination liquid remaining in the inside of the liquid level detection device 7 is discarded. Thus, the decontamination liquid can be discarded in such a manner that the decontamination liquid does not remain in the inside of the connection pipe CT or the detection reservoir 72R.

[0081] (Variants)

[0082] As for the upper protruding piece 721F, it is only necessary to restrict the movement of the float F upward, and at least a part of the upper protruding piece 721F is located in the inside of the detection reservoir 72R. In addition, it is preferable that the shape of the upper protruding piece 721F is a shape in which the contact area with the float F is small. Thus, it is also possible that the upper protruding piece 721F does not protrude toward the central axis TCL of the detection reservoir 72R, and it is also possible that the upper protruding piece 721F is formed with several pieces. In addition, it is also possible that the upper protruding piece 721F is not formed in the inside of the detection reservoir 72R.

[0083] For example, it is also possible that the upper protruding piece 721F has a shape that is a straight line and a circular rod shape, and one end and the other end of the upper protruding piece 721F are connected to the inner peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 721 in such a manner that the upper protruding piece 721F does not pass through the central axis TCL of the detection reservoir 72R. In addition, it is also possible that in the upper protruding piece 721F, one end of the upper protruding piece 721F is connected to a predetermined position outside the detection reservoir 72R, and the other end of the upper protruding piece 721F extends toward the central axis TCL of the detection reservoir 72R in the inside of the detection reservoir 72R.

[0084] The lower protruding piece 722F only needs to restrict the movement of the float F downward, and is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion 722. In addition, it is preferable that the lower protruding piece 722F is a shape in which the contact area with the float F is small. Thus, it is also possible that the lower protruding piece 722F does not protrude toward the central axis TCL of the detection reservoir 72R, and it is also possible that the lower protruding piece 722F is formed with several pieces.

[0085] For example, it is also possible that the lower protruding piece 722F has a shape that is a straight line and a circular rod shape, and one end and the other end of the lower protruding piece 722F are connected to the inner peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion 722 in such a manner that the lower protruding piece 722F does not pass through the central axis TCL of the detection reservoir 72R.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the liquid storage section 7R is divided into a liquid supply storage section 71R and a detection storage section 72R. However, the liquid storage section 7R may have only one storage section, which may function as both the liquid supply storage section 71R and the detection storage section 72R. In this case, the liquid level detection device 7 does not include the connecting tube CT.

[0087] The liquid level detection device 7 of the above embodiment detects whether the liquid level of the cleaning liquid has reached a predetermined position using the float F. However, the position of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid may be detected continuously.

[0088] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-197497 filed on October 30, 2019 including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0089] Industrial Applicability

[0090] The liquid level detection device of the present invention can be applied to a spray device used in a decontamination operation of a culture device. Therefore, the present invention has high industrial applicability.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1. Culture device

[0093] R Culture Room

[0094] 2 Main body

[0095] 21 Depression

[0096] OH Exit

[0097] 3 covers

[0098] 4 Support components

[0099] 5 legs

[0100] 51 front feet

[0101] 52 rear support legs

[0102] 6 Spray mechanism

[0103] 60 vibration plate

[0104] 61 Holding components

[0105] 62 inner retaining member

[0106] 62R supply channel

[0107] 63 Outer retaining member

[0108] 63R discharge passage

[0109] 64 nozzles

[0110] 64H ejection hole

[0111] SR accommodation space

[0112] 7 Liquid level detection device

[0113] 7R liquid storage unit

[0114] 71R liquid supply storage unit

[0115] LS liquid level

[0116] 72R Detection storage unit

[0117] SS liquid level

[0118] 721 Upper cylindrical portion

[0119] 721A upper part

[0120] 721B lower part

[0121] 721C connection part

[0122] 721F upper protrusion

[0123] 722 lower cylindrical portion

[0124] 722F lower side protrusion

[0125] 723 Tapered cylindrical part

[0126] CT connecting pipe

[0127] 100 spray device

[0128] TCL center axis

[0129] SSL sensor test line

[0130] F Buoy

[0131] Se sensor

[0132] Sea Luminous Part

[0133] Seb light receiving part

[0134] SP detection space.

Claims

1. A liquid level detection device comprising: a liquid storage portion storing hydrogen peroxide solution to be sprayed through a vibrating plate having a through hole; a float disposed in the liquid storage portion; and The sensor detects, through the float, that the liquid level of the hydrogen peroxide solution stored in the liquid storage portion has reached a predetermined position. The liquid storage portion includes a detection storage portion and a liquid supply storage portion connected to the detection storage portion at a position below the predetermined position. The buoy is arranged in the detection storage portion, The detection storage portion includes an upper cylindrical portion and a lower cylindrical portion located below the upper cylindrical portion. The inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper cylindrical portion and larger than the outer diameter of the buoy. The sensor is located in the lower cylindrical portion.

2. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined position is located above the vertical center of the vibration plate.

3. The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The detection storage portion includes a tapered cylindrical portion connected to the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion, and the inner diameter of the tapered cylindrical portion decreases toward the lower cylindrical portion.

4. The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: An upper protruding piece is formed to restrict the upward movement of the buoy. At least a portion of the upper protruding piece is located inside the detection storage portion.

5. The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A lower protruding piece is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the detection storage portion, and the lower protruding piece restricts downward movement of the float.

6. A spray device comprising: The liquid level detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and The vibration plate.

7. A culture device comprising the spray device according to claim 6.

Images