Cleaning machine monitoring system

The cleaning machine monitoring system addresses the lack of real-time monitoring for filter clogging and oil line deterioration by using flowmeters and data analysis, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.

JP2025086284APending Publication Date: 2025-06-06KYODEN PRECISION CO LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023200252
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-27
Publication Date
2025-06-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cleaning machines lack effective monitoring systems to detect filter clogging and oil line deterioration in real-time, leading to unnecessary maintenance, equipment shutdowns, and interrupted cleaning processes.

Method used

A cleaning machine monitoring system that includes flowmeters to measure solvent and oil flow rates, a control device to collect operation data, a server to store and analyze data via a network, and a monitoring machine to alert users of impending filter replacements and oil line clogging.

Benefits of technology

The system enables proactive maintenance by predicting filter replacements and oil line clogging, reducing downtime, and optimizing maintenance schedules, thereby ensuring continuous operation of the cleaning machines.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a cleaning machine monitoring system capable of smoothly detecting the clogging of a filter of a cleaning machine and the deterioration of an oil line (for temperature control).SOLUTION: A cleaning machine monitoring system according to the embodiment includes: a cleaning machine that comprises a cleaning and drying tank for accommodating objects to be treated, a solvent tank for storing a solvent to be supplied to the cleaning and drying tank, an oil temperature control tank for heating oil in the solvent tank, and flow meters for measuring flow rates in a solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank and the solvent tank, and in an oil circulation path piping between the solvent tank and the oil temperature control tank, respectively; a control device that is connected to the cleaning machine and collects operation data of the cleaning machine including the flow meters; a server that stores the operation data from the control device via a network; and a monitoring machine that monitors a failure of the cleaning machine based on current and past operation data stored and accumulated in the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a cleaning machine monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] Various contaminants, including cutting oil and other machining oils and greases, flux, dust, etc., adhere to various parts such as metal machine parts, plated parts, and electronic parts during their manufacturing and assembly processes. To clean such contaminated objects such as machine parts and electronic parts, a cleaning machine is used to immerse the objects in a cleaning solvent and apply ultrasonic vibrations to them to clean them, and then the objects are dried.

[0003] In such a cleaning machine (PCS), information such as heat transfer oil temperature, cleaning tank temperature, distillation regeneration machine steam temperature, cooling water temperature, vacuum pressure (cleaning tank, solvent tank), vacuum pressure (distillation regeneration machine), cleaning time, and abnormality history is collected to detect equipment failures. However, although the information obtained from the cleaning machine is received as a signal by the control device (PLC), it cannot be communicated to the outside. Also, the only information recorded in the control device is the abnormality history.

[0004] In conventional cleaning machines, the filter that filters the cleaning solvent (cleaning liquid) installed between the cleaning tank and the solvent tank is recommended to be replaced based on time management, so in situations where the equipment is used frequently, there is a risk of unnecessary maintenance or equipment stoppage due to earlier than expected clogging of the filter.In addition, since the filter cannot be replaced unless the equipment issues an abnormality alarm or stops, the cleaning work will be interrupted.

[0005] Similarly, while it is recommended that the oil used to heat the cleaning solvent be changed on a regular schedule, that the oil lines be maintained, and that the circulation pump be replaced, continuing to use the oil beyond the recommended times can lead to blockages in the oil piping or pump failure, which can cause equipment shutdowns. With existing cleaning machines, when an abnormality is reported from the cleaning machine, the worker (user) simply visually checks the touch panel and the amplifier in the control panel, and if an abnormality is found in the numerical values, they contact a call center and seek instructions from an expert. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-107598 A [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-061934 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine monitoring system that can smoothly detect clogging of a cleaning machine filter and deterioration of an oil line (for temperature control). [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cleaning machine monitoring system of one embodiment is characterized by having a cleaning machine equipped with a cleaning and drying tank for accommodating objects to be treated, a solvent tank for storing a solvent to be supplied to the cleaning and drying tank, an oil temperature control tank for heating oil in the solvent tank, and a flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of a solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank and the solvent tank and an oil circulation path piping between the solvent tank and the oil temperature control tank, a control device connected to the cleaning machine and collecting operation data of the cleaning machine including the flowmeter, a server that stores the operation data from the control device via a network, and a monitoring machine that monitors failures of the cleaning machine based on the current and past operation data stored and accumulated in the server device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a cleaning machine monitoring system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a washer in the washer monitoring system according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cleaning machine monitoring system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of abnormality determination in a warning monitoring application according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first flow meter indicates an abnormal measurement value while the state of the water level meter is being monitored. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second flow meter indicates an abnormal measurement value while the state of the water level meter is being monitored. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a third flow meter indicates an abnormal measurement value while the state of the water level meter is being monitored. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A cleaning machine monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In each figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a cleaning machine monitoring system according to an embodiment. The washer monitoring system 10 according to the embodiment includes a washer 100, a control device 200, a network server (hereinafter simply referred to as a server) 300 connected to the control device 200 via a communication network, and a monitoring machine 400 at a maintenance center. The monitoring machine 400 is, for example, a call center PC or a mobile device (tablet, smartphone, etc.) carried by a maintenance serviceman. Furthermore, a user 500 who owns the washer 100 is notified of maintenance information from the monitoring machine 400 to a PC or mobile device owned by the user.

[0012] The cleaning machine 100 has a cleaning and drying tank 110 that stores the workpiece (metal parts, etc.) and cleans and dries it, and a solvent tank 120 that stores the cleaning solvent to be supplied to the cleaning and drying tank 110 on the upper side. The cleaning solvent is supplied to the cleaning and drying tank 110 from the solvent tank 120 in a flow indicated by a solid line. The cleaning and drying tank 110 cleans the workpiece by immersing it in the cleaning solvent and applying ultrasonic vibration to it. A filter 130 for filtering the cleaning solvent and a first flowmeter 140 are provided between the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120. The first flowmeter 140 measures the flow rate in the solvent circulation path piping. The measured value is output to the control device 200 as information indicating clogging of the filter 130. For example, dangerous goods Class 4, Class 2 petroleum and Class 3 petroleum are used as the solvent to be used.

[0013] The oil stored below and separated from the cleaning solvent in the solvent tank 120 is configured to circulate through the oil circulation path piping in the flow indicated by the dotted line by the operation of the circulation pump 150. Then, the oil is heated to a high temperature by the oil temperature adjustment tank 160 and returned to the solvent tank 120. A heater is provided in the oil temperature adjustment tank 160, and heats the oil to, for example, about 120°C to 130°C. This allows the cleaning solvent in the solvent tank 120 to be kept at, for example, about 80°C to 90°C.

[0014] A second flow meter 170 is provided between the solvent tank 120 and the circulation pump 150. The second flow meter 170 measures the oil flow rate from the circulation pump 150. The measured value is output to the control device 200 as information indicating the operating state of the circulation pump 150.

[0015] A third flow meter 180 is provided between the solvent tank 120 and the oil temperature adjustment tank 160. The third flow meter 180 measures the flow rate in the oil circulation path piping. The measured value is output to the control device 200 as information indicating clogging of the oil circulation path piping.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning machine 100, which includes a cleaning and drying tank 110, a solvent tank 120, an oil temperature control tank 160, and a circulation pump 150, outputs operating information such as the heat transfer oil temperature, the cleaning tank temperature, the distillation and regeneration steam temperature, and the cooling water temperature to the control device 200.

[0017] Therefore, in the washer monitoring system 10 of the embodiment, various information about the washer 100 is collected and accumulated in the control device 200. The information collected in the control device 100 is stored in the server 300 via a network (e.g., LPWA communication). The information from the control device 100 may be extracted from the measured values, screen information, and amplifier values ​​(data) from the flow meters 140, 170, and 180. A call center operator or maintenance service person is configured to receive and monitor the operation information of each element of the washer 100 provided from a warning monitoring app described below using the monitoring machine 400. This allows the call center operator or maintenance service person to propose active maintenance information aggregated by the monitoring machine 400 to the user 500.

[0018] For example, by detecting a decrease in flow rate by the first flow meter 140, the flow rate of the solvent circulation path piping can be confirmed, and a notification of the time to replace the filter 130 can be sent to the user 500 in advance (before a breakdown occurs). Furthermore, by monitoring a decrease in flow rate by the second flow meter 170, maintenance information regarding a decrease in the pumping capacity of the circulation pump 150 can be sent to the user 500 in advance. Furthermore, by monitoring a decrease in flow rate by the third flow meter 180, the flow rate of the oil circulation path piping can be confirmed, and maintenance information regarding clogging of the piping due to sludge can be sent to the user 500 in advance.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the cleaner 100. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as in Fig. 1. In FIG. 2, water level gauges (fiber sensors) LS-1 to LS-3 are attached to the cleaning and drying tank 110, and the water level of the cleaning solvent injected from the solvent tank 120 is monitored for the following purposes. By using fiber sensors as the water level gauges LS-1 to LS-3, not only the water level but also an image of the liquid surface can be obtained, so that an abnormality in the liquid surface can be confirmed. The solvent tank 120 is divided into two tanks by a partition plate: a cleaning tank 120a (first solvent tank) for rough cleaning and a finishing tank 120b (second solvent tank) for finishing. Therefore, the solvent for rough cleaning from the cleaning tank 120a is injected into the cleaning and drying tank 110 via an opening / closing valve (electromagnetic valve) 111. Also, the solvent for finishing from the finishing tank 120b is injected into the cleaning and drying tank 110 via an opening / closing valve 112. The solvent is injected by the pressure reduction difference between the cleaning / drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120 during the evacuation operation of the vacuum pump provided in the vacuum pump unit 190 . The measured values ​​of each water level gauge LS-1 to LS-3 are as follows. Water level gauge LS-1(L) is the lower limit of the cleaning / drying tank Water level gauge LS-2(H) is standard for cleaning and drying tanks Water level gauge LS-3(HH) is the upper limit of the cleaning and drying tank

[0020] A temperature sensor (thermistor) 113 for measuring the temperature of the cleaning and drying tank 110 is attached inside the cleaning and drying tank 110 for temperature control. Furthermore, an ultrasonic vibrator 114 for performing ultrasonic vibrations is provided on the outside bottom. A door lock cylinder 116 is attached to the cleaning and drying tank door (hereinafter simply referred to as the door) 115. When the vacuum pump (not shown) of the vacuum pump section 190 starts evacuating the cleaning and drying tank 110, the door lock cylinder 116 closes the door 115 so that it cannot be opened. Furthermore, a cleaning and drying tank vacuum pressure sensor 117 for measuring the internal reduced pressure value during the vacuuming operation is provided inside the cleaning and drying tank 110.

[0021] Water level gauges (fiber sensors) LS-4 to LS-6 are attached to the cleaning tank 120a for rough cleaning, and the water level of the cleaning solvent for rough cleaning is monitored and controlled for the following purposes. A temperature sensor (thermistor) 121 for measuring the cleaning tank temperature is attached inside the cleaning tank 120a for rough cleaning, and the temperature is controlled. A water level gauge LS-7 is attached to the finishing tank 120b for finishing, and the water level of the cleaning solvent for finishing in the solvent tank 120 is similarly monitored and controlled. A temperature sensor (thermistor) 122 for measuring the finishing tank temperature is attached inside the finishing tank 120b for finishing, and the temperature is controlled. By using fiber sensors as the water level gauges LS-4 to LS-7, it is possible to obtain not only the water level but also an image of the liquid level, so that any abnormality in the liquid level can be confirmed. The measured values ​​of each water level gauge LS-4 to LS-7 are as follows. Water level gauge LS-4(L) is the lower limit of the cleaning tank Water level gauge LS-5(H) is based on the cleaning tank Water level gauge LS-6(HH) is the upper limit of the cleaning tank Water level gauge LS-7(H) is the finishing tank standard A solvent tank vacuum pressure sensor 129 is provided inside the solvent tank 120 to measure the internal reduced pressure during a vacuum drawing operation.

[0022] An on-off valve 123 is provided between the bottom of the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the filter 130a in order to return the solvent in the cleaning and drying tank 110 after the rough cleaning to the cleaning tank 120a. Also, an on-off valve 124 is provided between the bottom of the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the filter 130b in order to return the solvent in the cleaning and drying tank 110 after the finish cleaning to the finish tank 120b. Also, a manual on-off valve 125 is provided between the filter 130a and the first flow meter 140a, and a manual on-off valve 126 is provided between the filter 130b and the first flow meter 140b. This allows the first flow meters 140a and 140b to check the flow rate in the solvent circulation path piping, so that a notification of the time to replace the filters 130a and 130b can be issued in advance (before a breakdown occurs).

[0023] The solvent after rough cleaning returned to the cleaning tank 120a is sent to the distillation section 192 via a manual on-off valve 127. The distillation section 192 is configured to distill the dirty solvent using a distillation still (not shown) to generate clean solvent, which can be returned to the finishing tank 120b for reuse. This allows the dirty solvent used in cleaning to be cleaned and reused while it is still usable, which also contributes to the SDGs.

[0024] The cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b are provided with hollow coils inside. The separated oil stored inside the lower part of the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b is configured to circulate through the oil circulation path piping by the operation of the circulation pump 150. That is, oil from the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b is sent to the oil temperature control tank 160, which has a built-in heater 160a, via the third flow meter 180. The oil in the oil temperature control tank 160 is heated to an optimum temperature by the heater 160a. A temperature sensor (thermistor) 161 that measures the temperature of the thermal oil is attached to the side of the oil temperature control tank 160 for temperature control.

[0025] The oil heated to an optimum temperature in the oil temperature control tank 160 passes through the hollow coils of the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b via the manual on-off valve 162, the circulation pump 150, the second flow meter 170, and on-off valves 163 and 164, and is returned to the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b. This allows the oil in the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b to be kept at a high temperature, so that the solvent above the oil can also be kept at a high temperature, improving cleaning efficiency. The oil pumped by the circulation pump 150 is sent toward the hollow coil of the distillation still (not shown) of the distillation section 192, and is also used for distilling contaminated solvent in the distillation still. The oil that passes through the hollow coil of the distillation still of the distillation section 192 is returned to the oil temperature adjustment tank 160 via the third flowmeter 180. The waste solvent from the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b is discharged via on-off valves 200 and 210. The waste oil from the oil temperature adjustment tank 160 is discharged via on-off valves 220 and 230.

[0026] The control unit 195 shown in FIG. 2 is responsible for the overall control of the cleaner 100, and controls each device and opening / closing valve of the cleaner 100 according to a cleaning course designated from an operation panel 197.

[0027] 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the cleaner 100. The operation of the cleaner 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. The cleaning machine 100 can set up to, for example, five different patterns with different times and functions. The set patterns are operated by selecting a course from the touch panel operation panel 197 according to the workpiece (object to be treated) and pressing the operation switch.

[0028] First, the power switch is turned "ON" and the "Preparation for Operation" button on the operation panel 197 is pressed. This causes the control unit 195 to operate the circulation pump 150 and the heater 160a of the oil temperature adjustment tank 160. The oil in the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b is circulated through the oil circulation path piping to heat the oil to a set temperature. As a result, the solvent in the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b is heated to a set temperature (S100). This temperature adjustment operation is performed at least until step S160, and the solvent in the solvent tank 120 continues to be heated. During this oil temperature adjustment operation, the second flow meter 170 and the third flow meter 180 measure the flow rate of the oil flowing through the oil circulation path piping, and the value is transmitted to the control device 200.

[0029] When the solvent in the cleaning tank 120a and the finishing tank 120b reach the set temperature, the system is ready for operation, so the door 115 of the cleaning and drying tank 110 is opened, the workpiece (object to be treated) is placed in, and the door 115 is closed (S110). The door lock cylinder 116 is activated and the door 115 is kept sealed until it reaches the atmospheric vent S190.

[0030] In the cleaning machine 100, "immersion cleaning", "ultrasonic cleaning", and "pressure recovery cleaning" are prepared as cleaning modes in the rough cleaning process and the finish cleaning process, and one of the cleaning modes can be selected according to the workpiece (object to be processed). In addition, the ultrasonic time and pressure recovery time can be set, for example, up to 99 minutes 59 seconds according to the workpiece (object to be processed). Here, the explanation will be given assuming that "immersion cleaning"-"ultrasonic cleaning" has been selected.

[0031] When "operation preparation is completed", the operation button is pressed. Then, the control unit 195 opens the on-off valve 111, and with the on-off valves 112, 123, and 124 closed, the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120 are evacuated by the vacuum pump. At this time, the reduced pressure value of the cleaning and drying tank 110 is made lower than that of the solvent tank 120, so that a pressure difference occurs between the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120, and the solvent for rough cleaning that has been warmed from the cleaning tank 120a is supplied (injected) into the cleaning and drying tank 110 via the on-off valve 111. The amount of the supplied liquid is monitored by the water level gauges LS-1 to LS-3, and a set amount of liquid is injected (S120).

[0032] When a set amount of the rough cleaning solvent is supplied to the cleaning and drying tank 110, the control unit 195 activates the ultrasonic vibrator 114 to perform immersion ultrasonic cleaning for a set time (e.g., 3 minutes) (S130). When the immersion ultrasonic cleaning for the set time is completed, the control unit 195 closes the on-off valve 111 and opens the on-off valves 123 and 125. Then, the vacuum pump is switched to a draining operation to increase the reduced pressure value of the solvent tank 120 to a value higher than that of the cleaning and drying tank 110 to perform evacuation. Then, a pressure difference occurs between the solvent tank 120 and the cleaning and drying tank 110, so that the rough cleaning solvent in the cleaning and drying tank 110 is drained into the cleaning tank 120a via the on-off valve 123, the filter 130a, the on-off valve 125, and the first flow meter 140a (S140).

[0033] When the rough cleaning solvent is completely drained from the cleaning and drying tank 110, the control unit 195 closes the on-off valves 111, 123, and 124 and opens the on-off valve 112, and executes evacuation of the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120 by the vacuum pump. Similarly, by making the reduced pressure value of the cleaning and drying tank 110 lower than that of the solvent tank 120, a pressure difference occurs between the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120, so that the finishing solvent is injected from the finishing tank 120b into the cleaning and drying tank 110 via the on-off valve 112. Similarly, the amount of the supplied liquid is monitored by the water level gauges LS-1 to LS-3, and a set amount of liquid is injected (S150).

[0034] When a set amount of finishing solvent is supplied to the cleaning and drying tank 110, the control unit 195 activates the ultrasonic vibrator 114 to perform immersion ultrasonic cleaning for a set time (e.g., 3 minutes) (S160). When the immersion ultrasonic cleaning for the set time is completed, the control unit 195 closes the on-off valve 112 and opens the on-off valves 124 and 126. Then, the vacuum pump is switched to a draining operation to increase the reduced pressure in the solvent tank 120 to a higher reduced pressure in the cleaning and drying tank 110 to perform evacuation. Then, a pressure difference occurs between the solvent tank 120 and the cleaning and drying tank 110, so that the finishing solvent in the cleaning and drying tank 110 is drained into the solvent tank 120b via the on-off valve 124, the filter 130b, the on-off valve 126, and the first flow meter 140b (S170). In this manner, during the ultrasonic immersion cleaning, the flow rate of the solvent flowing through the filter 130 in the solvent circulation path piping is measured by the first flowmeter 140 (140a, 140b) and the value is transmitted to the control device 200.

[0035] When the finishing solvent is discharged from the cleaning and drying tank 110, the control unit 195 closes the on-off valves 112 and 124, and executes a drying operation for a set time (e.g., 3 minutes) on the workpiece (object to be treated) in the cleaning and drying tank 110, which is in a high temperature state, by evacuation using a vacuum pump (S180). The drying time can be set up to, for example, 99 minutes 59 seconds. The number of times of pressure recovery can be set up to 9 times.

[0036] Then, when all the steps are completed, the control unit 195 opens the atmosphere release valve 118 of the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the atmosphere release valve 128 of the solvent tank 120 to open the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120 to the atmosphere (S190). This releases the closed state caused by the door lock cylinder 116, so that the door 115 can be opened and the cleaned workpiece (processed object) can be removed.

[0037] 4 shows the configuration of the washer monitoring system. As described above, signals indicating the operating status from the first flow meter 140 (140a, 140b), the second flow meter 170, the third flow meter 180, and each device of the washer 100 are input to the control device 200. The control device 200 accumulates the information in the server 300 via the network. Thus, various types of operating information including current and past data from each flow meter of the washer 100 are accumulated and stored in the server 300. At this time, since recording all operation signals during the cleaning operation would result in an enormous amount of information, it would be possible to store operation data at a specified timestamp (multiple timestamps are possible) for each step shown in Figure 3 in the server 300, for example.

[0038] The current and past information stored in the server 300 is analyzed by a warning monitoring application 350, and the results are provided to a monitoring machine 400 such as a call center PC or a mobile device of a maintenance serviceman. The call center operator or the maintenance serviceman can create a maintenance suggestion 450 from the analyzed information and provide it to the user 500.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of abnormality determination in the warning monitoring application 350. In FIG. The warning monitoring application 350 compares the measured values ​​of the first flow meter 140, the second flow meter 170, and the third flow meter 180 provided in the cleaner 100 with the target reference values. If the measured values ​​are within the set reference ranges, it is determined that there is no abnormality, and no particular message is displayed. The reference value may be the initial data at the time of device setup, or may be an average value calculated from data during normal operation, or may be set based on past failure data and data before a failure occurs.

[0040] If the measured value approaches the upper or lower limit of the set standard range, it is determined to be at the first notification level, and the information is notified to a call center operator or maintenance service technician. If the measured value slightly exceeds the upper or lower limit of the set standard range, it is judged to be at the second notification level, and the information is notified (yellow card) to a call center operator or maintenance service technician. If the measured value exceeds the upper or lower limit of the set standard range multiple times, it is judged to be at an abnormality reporting level, and this information is notified (red card) to a call center operator or maintenance service technician. A call center operator or a maintenance service person predicts the occurrence of a failure based on the information notified from the warning monitoring application 350 and the measured values, and makes a proposal to the user 500.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates that the first flow meter 140 exhibits an anomalous measurement during monitoring of the condition of the water level meter. In this way, by detecting a decrease in the flow rate of the first flowmeter 140 and checking the flow rate of the solvent circulation path piping, it is possible to notify the time to replace the filter 130 in advance (before a breakdown occurs).

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates that during monitoring of the condition of the water level meter, the second flow meter 170 indicates an anomalous measurement. In this way, by monitoring the decrease in flow rate using the second flow meter 170, maintenance information regarding the decrease in the pumping capacity of the circulation pump 150 can be issued in advance.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates that during monitoring of the condition of the water level gauge, the third flow meter 180 indicates an anomalous measurement. In this way, by monitoring the decrease in flow rate using the third flow meter 180 and checking the flow rate in the oil circulation path piping, maintenance information regarding clogging of the piping due to sludge can be issued in advance.

[0044] The following items may be added as examples of service maintenance items: ◇Oil tank, heater cleaning, oil change → Addition of flow meter ◇ Cleaning the inside of the distillation pot, replacing the heat coil → adding a flow meter ◇Vacuum pump gear oil change, grease up → Signal transmission from PLC ◇ Cleaning of liquid level regulator, replacement of ball tap → PLC monitoring and calculation from operation time ◇ Solvent filter replacement → Addition of flow meter ◇Moisture separation filter replacement → Signal transmission from PLC ◇Oil and solvent circulation pump failure → Add a flow meter

[0045] (Failure prediction function) The following items may be displayed on the screen as failure predictions to be provided to the user 500, and an announcement may be made encouraging the user to replace parts. <Function to generate an alarm after a specified operating time has elapsed> ◇Oil usage time: Caution at 1500 hours → Warning at 2000 hours ◇Solvent pumps, oil pumps 240 days per year x 9 hours x 5 years = approx. 10,000 hours ◇Vacuum pump belt replacement: 2000 hours (approximately 1 year) ◇ Annual regular replacement of three-way valves, check valves, and ball taps ◇ Regular replacement of solenoid valves (every 5 years) ◇ Regular replacement of heating coil (every 3 years) and condenser coil (every 5 years) <Function to generate alarm based on number of uses> ◇Number of times each air operated valve (especially F / G pressure reducing valve) is opened and closed ◇ Door opening and closing times (cylinder operation times) ◇ Silencer replacement time (number of cleanings, etc.) ◇ Oil heater, magnetic switch replacement recommended (SSR operation count), etc. Before an "abnormality is detected," a "warning" is displayed for the preset operating time and number of times.

[0046] As described above, according to the cleaning machine monitoring system of the embodiment, by detecting a decrease in the flow rate of the first flow meter 140 and checking the flow rate of the solvent circulation path piping, it is possible to notify the replacement time of the filter 130 in advance (before a breakdown occurs). In addition, by monitoring a decrease in the flow rate with the second flow meter 170, it is possible to notify maintenance information regarding a decrease in the pumping capacity of the circulation pump 150 in advance. In addition, by monitoring a decrease in the flow rate with the third flow meter 180, it is possible to notify maintenance information regarding clogging of the piping due to sludge in advance by checking the flow rate of the oil circulation path piping. As a result, it is possible to suggest to the user to periodically replace parts that were previously only dealt with when they broke. In addition, it is possible to reduce the downtime of the cleaning machine during operation.

[0047] The cleaning machine monitoring system of the embodiment includes a cleaning machine 100 including a cleaning and drying tank 110 for accommodating objects to be treated, a solvent tank 120 for storing a solvent to be supplied to the cleaning and drying tank 110, an oil temperature control tank 160 for heating oil in the solvent tank 120, and flowmeters (140, 170, 180) for measuring flow rates in the solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the solvent tank 120 and the oil circulation path piping between the solvent tank 120 and the oil temperature control tank 160, a control device 200 connected to the cleaning machine 100 and collecting operation data of the cleaning machine 100 including the flowmeter, a server 300 for storing the operation data from the control device 200 via a network, and a monitoring machine 400 for monitoring failures of the cleaning machine 100 based on the current and past operation data stored and accumulated in the server 300. This allows proper notification of the replacement time of a filter provided in the solvent circulation path piping. In addition, it is possible to properly notify of clogging of the oil circulation path piping and abnormality of the circulation pump.

[0048] The cleaning machine monitoring system of the embodiment includes a filter 130 provided in the solvent circulation path piping, and a first flowmeter 140 that is a flowmeter and measures the flow rate of the solvent discharged from the cleaning and drying tank 110 through the filter 130, and is configured to monitor a decrease in the flow rate of the first flowmeter 140 in order to suggest the timing of replacing the filter 130. In this way, by checking the flow rate in the oil circulation path piping, maintenance information regarding clogging of the piping due to sludge can be issued in advance.

[0049] The cleaning machine monitoring system of the embodiment includes a circulation pump 150 that circulates oil between the solvent tank 120 and the oil temperature adjustment tank 160, and a second flow meter 170 that is a flow meter and measures the flow rate of the oil circulated by the circulation pump 150, and is configured to monitor a decrease in the flow rate of the second flow meter 170 in order to suggest performance deterioration of the circulation pump 150. In this way, by monitoring the decrease in flow rate by the second flow meter, maintenance information regarding a decrease in the pumping capacity of the circulation pump can be issued in advance.

[0050] The cleaning machine monitoring system of the embodiment is also configured to include a third flowmeter 180 that measures the flow rate of oil circulating through the oil circulation path piping, and to monitor a decrease in the flow rate of the third flowmeter in order to detect clogging of the oil circulation path piping. This makes it possible to issue maintenance information regarding clogging of the piping due to sludge in advance by checking the flow rate of the oil circulation path piping.

[0051] The solvent tank 120 of the cleaning machine monitoring system of the embodiment includes a first solvent tank 120a for rough cleaning and a second solvent tank 120b for finishing, the solvent circulation path piping includes a first solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the first solvent tank 120a and a second solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank 110 and the second solvent tank 120b, and the filter 130 includes a first filter 130a provided in the first solvent circulation path piping and a second filter 130b provided in the second solvent circulation path piping. and b, the first flow meter 140 has a fourth flow meter 140a that measures the flow rate of the solvent discharged from the cleaning and drying tank 110 via the first filter 130a, and a fifth flow meter 140b that measures the flow rate of the solvent discharged from the cleaning and drying tank 110 via the second filter 130b, and is configured to monitor a decrease in the flow rate of the fourth flow meter 140a to suggest the timing of replacing the first filter 130a, and to monitor a decrease in the flow rate of the fifth flow meter 140b to suggest the timing of replacing the second filter 130b. This makes it possible to issue maintenance information regarding clogging of the pipes by sludge in advance by checking the flow rate in the oil circulation path piping.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10...Washing machine monitoring system, 100...Washing machine 110... cleaning and drying tank, 113, 121, 122, 161... temperature sensors 111, 112, 118, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128, 162, 163, 164...opening and closing valves, 114...ultrasonic vibrator, 115...cleaning and drying tank door 116: door lock cylinder; 120: solvent tank; 120a: cleaning tank 120b...Finishing tank, 130, 130a, 130b...Filter 140, 140a, 140b...first flow meter, 150...circulation pump 160...oil temperature control tank, 160a...heater, 170...second flow meter 180: third flow meter, 190: vacuum pump section, 192: distillation section 195...control unit, 197...operation panel, 200...control device 300 servers, 400 monitoring machines, 500 users

Claims

1. a cleaning machine including a cleaning and drying tank for accommodating an object to be treated, a solvent tank for storing a solvent to be supplied to the cleaning and drying tank, an oil temperature control tank for heating oil in the solvent tank, and a flowmeter for measuring a flow rate in a solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank and the solvent tank, and in an oil circulation path piping between the solvent tank and the oil temperature control tank; a controller connected to the cleaning machine and configured to collect operational data of the cleaning machine, including the flow meter; a server that stores the operation data from the control device via a network; a monitoring machine that monitors the cleaning machine for malfunctions based on the current and past operation data stored in the server device; A cleaning machine monitoring system comprising:

2. a filter provided in the solvent circulation path piping; a first flow meter that measures a flow rate of the solvent discharged from the cleaning and drying tank through the filter; The system of claim 1 , further comprising: a flow rate monitor for monitoring a decrease in the flow rate of the first flow meter to suggest when to replace the filter.

3. a circulation pump that circulates the oil between the solvent tank and the oil temperature control tank; a second flow meter that is the flow meter and that measures a flow rate of the oil circulated by the circulation pump; The system of claim 1 , further comprising: monitoring a decrease in flow rate of the second flow meter to indicate a deterioration in performance of the circulation pump.

4. The flow meter further includes a third flow meter that measures a flow rate of the oil circulating through the oil circulation path pipe, The system of claim 1, further comprising: a third flow meter configured to monitor a decrease in flow rate of the third flow meter to indicate blockage of the oil circulation path piping.

5. The solvent tank includes a first solvent tank for rough cleaning and a second solvent tank for finishing, the solvent circulation path piping includes a first solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank and the first solvent tank, and a second solvent circulation path piping between the cleaning and drying tank and the second solvent tank, the filter includes a first filter provided in the first solvent circulation path piping and a second filter provided in the second solvent circulation path piping; the first flow meter includes a fourth flow meter that measures a flow rate of the solvent discharged from the cleaning and drying tank through the first filter, and a fifth flow meter that measures a flow rate of the solvent discharged from the cleaning and drying tank through the second filter, The cleaning machine monitoring system of claim 2, characterized in that a decrease in flow rate of the fourth flow meter is monitored to suggest when to replace the first filter, and a decrease in flow rate of the fifth flow meter is monitored to suggest when to replace the second filter.

Citation Information

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