Washing device

Abstract

To provide a washer capable of inhibiting generation of a biofilm.SOLUTION: A washer 1A includes: a washing tank 2 which houses a cleaning object; a detection pipe 30 having a first end 30A connected to a lower part of the washing tank 2; a liquid level detection device 10A which is connected to a second end 30B of the detection pipe 30 and detects a height of a surface of a liquid housed in the washing tank 2; an air supply device 11 which sends air; a first air pipe 36 in which air sent from the air supply device 11 to the washing tank 2 flows; and a second air pipe 37 in which air sent from the air supply device 11 to the liquid level detection device 10A flows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a washer.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to washers, a washer equipped with a liquid level detector as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If a liquid level detector (liquid level detection device) is left in a wet state, a biofilm may be generated in the liquid level detector. A biofilm refers to an aggregate of microorganisms. When a biofilm is generated, the detection accuracy of the liquid level detector may decrease, or the cleaning liquid may be contaminated.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to provide a washer capable of suppressing the generation of biofilms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a washer. The washer includes a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed, a detection tube having a first end connected to the lower part of the washing tub, a liquid level detection device connected to the second end of the detection tube for detecting the height of the surface of the liquid accommodated in the washing tub, an air supply device for sending out air, a first air tube through which the air sent from the air supply device to the washing tub flows, and a second air tube through which the air sent from the air supply device to the liquid level detection device flows.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The technology disclosed herein provides a washing device that can suppress the formation of biofilms. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the detection tube according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a washing device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will be described.

[0011] <Washing device> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the washer 1A according to this embodiment. The washer 1A cleans the object to be cleaned with a cleaning solution. Medical instruments are examples of the object to be cleaned. Scalpels and forceps are examples of medical instruments.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the cleaning device 1A comprises a cleaning tank 2, a cleaning nozzle 3, a water supply device 4, a discharge device 5, a chemical solution supply device 6, a circulation device 7, a heater 8, a temperature sensor 9, a liquid level detection device 10A, an air supply device 11, an ultrasonic transducer 12, and a control device 13.

[0013] The cleaning tank 2 houses the object to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned is placed inside the cleaning tank 2. An entrance / exit is provided in part of the cleaning tank 2. The entrance / exit of the cleaning tank 2 is opened and closed by a door (not shown). By opening the door, the user of the cleaning machine 1A can place the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning tank 2 through the entrance / exit of the cleaning tank 2, or remove the object to be cleaned from inside the cleaning tank 2. A wire rack (not shown) is placed inside the cleaning tank 2. The object to be cleaned is placed on the wire rack and cleaned.

[0014] The cleaning tank 2 has an upper wall 2A, a side wall 2B, a lower wall 2C, a storage wall 2D, and a bottom wall 2E. The side wall 2B is connected to the outer edge of the upper wall 2A. The lower wall 2C is connected to the lower end of the side wall 2B. The storage wall 2D is connected to the inner edge of the lower wall 2C. The bottom wall 2E is connected to the lower end of the storage wall 2D. The storage wall 2D and the bottom wall 2E form a storage section 14 inside the cleaning tank 2. The storage section 14 is located at the bottom of the cleaning tank 2. The lower wall 2C slopes downward toward the storage section 14.

[0015] The cleaning nozzles 3 are positioned inside the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning nozzles 3 spray cleaning liquid onto the object to be cleaned. Multiple cleaning nozzles 3 are arranged vertically. The object to be cleaned is positioned between adjacent cleaning nozzles 3 in the vertical direction. Each cleaning nozzle 3 has an injection port for spraying cleaning liquid. Multiple injection ports are provided on each cleaning nozzle 3. The uppermost cleaning nozzle 3 sprays cleaning liquid downwards. The lowermost cleaning nozzle 3 sprays cleaning liquid upwards. The cleaning nozzles 3 located in the middle spray cleaning liquid both upwards and downwards.

[0016] The cleaning nozzle 3 is supported by a support arm 15. The base end of the support arm 15 is supported by at least a portion of the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning nozzle 3 is supported by the tip of the support arm 15. The support arm 15 supports the longitudinal center of the cleaning nozzle 3. The support arm 15 rotatably supports the cleaning nozzle 3. The axis of rotation of the cleaning nozzle 3 extends in the vertical direction. The support arm 15 has an internal flow path. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 via the internal flow path of the support arm 15. The cleaning fluid supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 is ejected from the nozzle of the cleaning nozzle 3. The force of the cleaning fluid ejected from the nozzle causes the cleaning nozzle 3 to rotate.

[0017] The water supply device 4 supplies water to the washing tank 2. The water supply device 4 has a water supply pipe 19 that connects a water source (not shown) to the upper part of the washing tank 2, and a water supply valve 21 located in the water supply pipe 19. When the water supply valve 21 opens, water from the water source is supplied to the upper part of the washing tank 2 via the water supply pipe 19. The water supplied to the upper part of the washing tank 2 is then supplied to the storage section 14 by gravity.

[0018] The discharge device 5 discharges the cleaning fluid from the storage section 14. The discharge device 5 has a drain pipe 22 connected to the lower end of the cleaning tank 2 (storage section 14) and a drain valve 23 located in the drain pipe 22. When the drain valve 23 opens, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 2 via the drain pipe 22. The cleaning fluid discharged from the cleaning tank 2 flows through the drain pipe 22.

[0019] The chemical supply device 6 supplies the chemical solution from the chemical solution bottle 24 to the cleaning tank 2. The chemical supply device 6 has a liquid supply pipe 25 connecting the chemical solution bottle 24 and the cleaning tank 2, and a chemical solution pump 26 positioned on the liquid supply pipe 25. At least a portion of the liquid supply pipe 25 is inserted into the chemical solution bottle 24. When the chemical solution pump 26 is driven, the chemical solution from the chemical solution bottle 24 is supplied to the storage section 14 of the cleaning tank 2.

[0020] The liquid solution contained in the liquid solution bottle 24 contains a cleaning agent for cleaning the object to be cleaned. An example of a cleaning agent is an enzyme-based cleaning agent. The liquid solution may also contain functional liquids such as lubricants, rust inhibitors, and drying accelerators.

[0021] Water is supplied to the storage section 14 from the water supply device 4, and a chemical solution is supplied to the storage section 14 from the chemical solution supply device 6. In the storage section 14, the water and the chemical solution are mixed. In the storage section 14, a cleaning liquid containing the chemical solution and water is generated.

[0022] The circulation device 7 supplies the cleaning liquid in the storage section 14 to the cleaning nozzle 3. The circulation device 7 includes a suction pipe 27, a circulation pump 28, and a discharge pipe 29. The suction pipe 27 connects the drain pipe 22 and the suction port of the circulation pump 28. The suction pipe 27 is arranged so as to branch from the drain pipe 22 between the storage section 14 and the drain valve 23. The discharge pipe 29 connects the discharge port of the circulation pump 28 and each of the plurality of support arms 15. When the circulation pump 28 is driven, the cleaning liquid in the storage section 14 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 through the suction pipe 27, the circulation pump 28, the discharge pipe 29, and the support arm 15. The cleaning nozzle 3 injects the cleaning liquid from the storage section 14. The cleaning liquid injected from the cleaning nozzle 3 is returned to the storage section 14. By the circulation device 7, the cleaning liquid circulates in a circulation path including the storage section 14, the suction pipe 27, the circulation pump 28, the discharge pipe 29, the support arm 15, and the cleaning nozzle 3.

[0023] The heater 8 heats the cleaning liquid in the storage section 14. The heater 8 is an electric heater. Note that the heater 8 may also be a steam heater.

[0024] The temperature sensor 9 detects the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the storage section 14.

[0025] The liquid level detection device 10A detects the liquid level, which is the height of the surface of the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank 2.

[0026] The liquid level detection device 10A is located outside the cleaning tank 2. The liquid level detection device 10A is connected to the lower part of the cleaning tank 2 via a detection tube 30. The detection tube 30 has a first end 30A and a second end 30B. The first end 30A of the detection tube 30 is connected to the lower part of the cleaning tank 2. In this embodiment, the first end 30A of the detection tube 30 is connected to the storage section 14. The liquid level detection device 10A is connected to the second end 30B of the detection tube 30.

[0027] The cleaning fluid from the cleaning tank 2 is sent to the liquid level detection device 10A via the detection tube 30. In this embodiment, the liquid level detection device 10A is a pressure sensor located at the second end 30B of the detection tube 30. Based on the liquid level in the cleaning tank 2, the pressure of the cleaning fluid applied to the liquid level detection device 10A changes. The liquid level detection device 10A can detect the liquid level in the cleaning tank 2 by detecting the pressure of the cleaning fluid.

[0028] The air supply device 11 delivers air. In this embodiment, the air supply device 11 delivers heated air. The air supply device 11 supplies air to the inside of the cleaning tank 2. The air supply device 11 supplies air to the liquid level detection device 10A.

[0029] The air supply device 11 includes a blower 31, a blower box 32 having a buffer space into which air from the blower 31 is supplied, a heater 33 located in the blower box 32, and a temperature sensor 34.

[0030] The blower 31 has an intake port and an outlet port. Air is drawn into the intake port of the blower 31 via the filter 35. The outlet port of the blower 31 is connected to the blower box 32. The blower 31 supplies air to the buffer space of the blower box 32.

[0031] The heater 33 heats the air supplied to the buffer space of the blower box 32. The heater 33 is an electric heater.

[0032] Temperature sensor 34 This detects the temperature of the air in the buffer space of the blower box 32.

[0033] The air supply device 11 and the cleaning tank 2 are connected via a first air pipe 36. The air supplied from the air supply device 11 to the cleaning tank 2 flows through the first air pipe 36.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first air pipe 36 includes a cleaning tank air pipe 36A connected to the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 and a nozzle air pipe 36B connected to the cleaning nozzle 3. The blower box 32 is connected to the upper part of the cleaning tank 2 via the cleaning tank air pipe 36A. In this embodiment, the nozzle air pipe 36B is connected to the discharge pipe 29. The nozzle air pipe 36B is connected to the cleaning nozzle 3 via at least a portion of the discharge pipe 29 and the support arm 15. The blower box 32 is connected to the cleaning nozzle 3 via the nozzle air pipe 36B, at least a portion of the discharge pipe 29, and the support arm 15.

[0035] The air supply device 11 and the liquid level detection device 10A are connected via the second air pipe 37. The air supplied from the air supply device 11 to the liquid level detection device 10A flows through the second air pipe 37.

[0036] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the blower box 32. The outlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the intermediate portion of the detection pipe 30 between the first end 30A and the second end 30B. The air supplied from the air supply device 11 is sent to the liquid level detection device 10A via the second air pipe 37 and at least a portion of the detection pipe 30.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the detection tube 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the detection tube 30 includes a T-shaped joint 38. The joint 38 has a first inlet port 38A, a second inlet port 38B, and an outlet port 38C. The lower part of the cleaning tank 2, the storage section 14, is connected to the first inlet port 38A. The second air pipe 37 is connected to the second inlet port 38B. The liquid level detection device 10A is connected to the outlet port 38C. In the example shown in Figure 2, the detection tube 30 includes a silicone tube 39 connected to the first inlet port 38A. The first inlet port 38A may be directly connected to the storage section 14. The second air pipe 37 includes a silicone tube connected to the second inlet port 38B. In the example shown in Figure 2, the second end 30B of the detection tube 30 includes the outlet port 38C of the joint 38. The liquid level detection device 10A is located at the outlet port 38C. In addition, a tube separate from the fitting 38 may be placed between the outlet port 38C and the liquid level detection device 10A.

[0038] The control device 13 includes a computer system. The control device 13 performs a cleaning process in which the object to be cleaned is cleaned using a cleaning solution. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 1A can dry the object to be cleaned. The control device 13 can perform a drying process in which the object to be cleaned is dried.

[0039] When performing the cleaning process, after the object to be cleaned is placed in the cleaning tank 2, the control device 13 opens the water supply valve 21 to supply water to the storage unit 14. Based on the detection data from the liquid level detection device 10A, the control device 13 supplies water to the storage unit 14 until a predetermined amount of water (water at a predetermined liquid level) is stored in the storage unit 14. Once the predetermined amount of water is stored in the storage unit 14, the control device 13 closes the water supply valve 21. The control device 13 also drives the chemical pump 26 to supply the chemical solution from the chemical bottle 24 to the storage unit 14. In the storage unit 14, the water and chemical solution are mixed to generate the cleaning solution. After the cleaning solution is generated, the control device 13 drives the circulation pump 28. When the circulation pump 28 is driven, the cleaning solution in the storage unit 14 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 via the discharge pipe 29 and the support arm 15. The cleaning nozzle 3 sprays the cleaning solution containing the chemical solution onto the object to be cleaned. As a result, the object to be cleaned is cleaned with cleaning fluid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 3. The cleaning fluid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 3 is returned to the storage unit 14. The control device 13 circulates the cleaning fluid in the circulation path including the cleaning nozzle 3 for a set time, and then stops the circulation pump 28. This completes the cleaning process. After the cleaning process is complete, the control device 13 opens the drain valve 23. This allows the used cleaning fluid to be discharged from the cleaning tank 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer 12 is placed in the cleaning tank 2. The ultrasonic transducer 12 is positioned on the lower wall 2C. The control device 13 can ultrasonically clean the object to be cleaned using the ultrasonic transducer 12. When ultrasonic cleaning is performed, the cleaning tank 2 is filled with cleaning solution until the surface of the cleaning solution reaches the top of the cleaning tank 2. Based on the detection data of the liquid level detection device 10A, the control device 13 supplies water and chemical solution to the cleaning tank 2 until the water level of the cleaning solution reaches the top of the cleaning tank 2. After the object to be cleaned is placed in the cleaning tank 2 and the cleaning tank 2 is filled with cleaning solution, the control device 13 drives the ultrasonic transducer 12. The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transducer 12 are transmitted to the object to be cleaned via the cleaning solution. As a result, the object to be cleaned is ultrasonically cleaned. After ultrasonic cleaning is completed, the control device 13 opens the drain valve 23. As a result, the used cleaning solution is discharged from the cleaning tank 2.

[0041] When performing the drying process, after the used cleaning solution is discharged from the cleaning tank 2 via the drain pipe 22, the control device 13 drives the blower 31 and heater 33 so that heated air is supplied from the air supply device 11 to the cleaning tank 2 and the liquid level detection device 10A, respectively. Based on the detection data of the temperature sensor 34, the control device 13 controls the heater 33 so that air at a set temperature is supplied from the air supply device 11. At least a portion of the air heated by the heater 33 flows through the cleaning tank air pipe 36A and is supplied to the cleaning tank 2. In addition, at least a portion of the air heated by the heater 33 flows through the nozzle air pipe 36B and is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 3 via the discharge pipe 29 and support arm 15. The cleaning nozzle 3 sprays heated air. The object to be cleaned is dried by the supply of heated air to the cleaning tank 2. The air inside the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 2 through the exhaust pipe 40.

[0042] During the drying process, the air supplied from the air supply device 11 is supplied not only to the washing tank 2 but also to the liquid level detection device 10A. At least a portion of the air heated by the heater 33 flows through the second air pipe 37 and is then supplied to the liquid level detection device 10A via at least a portion of the detection tube 30. The liquid level detection device 10A is dried by the air supplied from the air supply device 11. The detection tube 30 is also dried by the air supplied from the air supply device 11. By drying the liquid level detection device 10A, the formation of biofilm in the liquid level detection device 10A is suppressed. By drying the detection tube 30, the formation of biofilm in the detection tube 30 is suppressed.

[0043] <Effects> As described above, the washing device 1A according to this embodiment includes a washing tank 2 in which the object to be washed is contained, a detection tube 30 having a first end 30A connected to the lower part of the washing tank 2, a liquid level detection device 10A connected to a second end 30B of the detection tube 30 and detecting the height of the surface of the washing liquid contained in the washing tank 2, an air supply device 11 that sends out air, a first air pipe 36 through which air sent from the air supply device 11 to the washing tank 2 flows, and a second air pipe 37 through which air sent from the air supply device 11 to the liquid level detection device 10A flows. By sending air from the air supply device 11 to the liquid level detection device 10A, the liquid level detection device 10A is dried. Since the liquid level detection device 10A is not left in a wet state, the formation of biofilm in the liquid level detection device 10A is suppressed.

[0044] The outlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the middle section of the detection tube 30 between the first end 30A and the second end 30B. Air supplied from the air supply device 11 is sent to the liquid level detection device 10A via the second air pipe 37 and at least a portion of the detection tube 30. The detection tube 30 is dried as the air supplied from the air supply device 11 flows through it. Since the detection tube 30 is not left wet, the formation of biofilm in the detection tube 30 is suppressed.

[0045] The liquid level detection device 10A includes a pressure sensor located at the second end 30B of the detection tube 30. This allows for the detection of the cleaning fluid level with a simple configuration.

[0046] The detection tube 30 includes a fitting 38 having a first inlet port 38A, a second inlet port 38B, and an outlet port 38C. The lower part of the cleaning tank 2 is connected to the first inlet port 38A, the second air pipe 37 is connected to the second inlet port 38B, and the liquid level detection device 10A is connected to the outlet port 38C. As a result, during the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid from the first inlet port 38A can come into contact with the liquid level detection device 10A, so that the liquid level detection device 10A can detect the liquid level of the cleaning liquid. During the drying process, air from the second inlet port 38B is supplied to the liquid level detection device 10A, so that the liquid level detection device 10A is dried.

[0047] The air supply device 11 includes a blower 31, a blower box 32 having a buffer space into which air from the blower 31 is supplied, and a heater 33 located in the blower box 32. The inlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the blower box 32 of the air supply device 11. As a result, air heated by the heater 33 from the blower box 32 is supplied to the liquid level detection device 10A.

[0048] The first air pipe 36 includes a nozzle air pipe 36B connected to the cleaning nozzle 3. This allows air delivered from the air supply device 11 to be supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 2 via the cleaning nozzle 3.

[0049] The first air pipe 36 includes a cleaning tank air pipe 36A connected to the top of the cleaning tank 2. As a result, air delivered from the air supply device 11 is supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 2 from the top of the cleaning tank 2.

[0050] After the cleaning process using the cleaning solution is completed, the cleaning solution inside the cleaning tank 2 is discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 2 through the drain pipe 22 connected to the lower end of the cleaning tank 2. After the cleaning solution is discharged from the cleaning tank 2, air is supplied from the air supply device 11 to both the cleaning tank 2 and the liquid level detection device 10A. This allows for the simultaneous drying of the object to be cleaned and the liquid level detection device 10A.

[0051] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions of those components will be simplified or omitted.

[0052] <Washing device> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the cleaning device 1B according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the liquid level detection device 10B is a float-type level meter. The liquid level detection device 10B includes a tank 41 to which the second end 30B of the detection tube 30 is connected, and a float 42 housed in the tank 41. The second end 30B of the detection tube 30 is connected to the lower end of the tank 41.

[0053] The inside of the cleaning tank 2 and the inside of the tank 41 are connected via a detection tube 30. The liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 and the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the tank 41 are substantially equal. When the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 changes, the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the tank 41 also changes. The float 42 includes a magnet. Multiple reed switches (not shown) are arranged inside the tank 41. The multiple reed switches are arranged vertically. The float 42 floats in the cleaning fluid in the tank 41. When the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the tank 41 changes, the float 42 moves vertically. When the float 42 moves vertically, a specific reed switch among the multiple reed switches is activated based on the position of the float 42. Based on the activated reed switch, the liquid level in the cleaning tank 2 is detected.

[0054] In this embodiment, the outlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the liquid level detection device 10B. The outlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the tank 41. The outlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to the middle part of the tank 41 in the vertical direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to at least a portion of the first air pipe 36. In this embodiment, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to at least a portion of the washing tank air pipe 36A. Alternatively, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 may be connected to at least a portion of the nozzle air pipe 36B.

[0056] During the cleaning process, the cleaning solution is contained inside the tank 41. When the cleaning process is complete, the cleaning solution in the cleaning tank 2 is discharged from the cleaning tank 2 via the drain pipe 22. The cleaning solution in the tank 41 is also discharged from the tank 41 via the detection pipe 30 and the drain pipe 22.

[0057] After the cleaning process is complete and the cleaning liquid has been discharged from the cleaning tank 2 and the tank 41, air is supplied to the cleaning tank 2 and the tank 41 from the air supply device 11. This dries the cleaning targets in the cleaning tank 2 and the liquid level detection device 10B.

[0058] <Effects> As described above, in the washing device 1B according to this embodiment, the liquid level detection device 10B is dried by supplying air from the air supply device 11 to the liquid level detection device 10B. Since the liquid level detection device 10B is not left wet, the formation of biofilm in the liquid level detection device 10B is suppressed. In this embodiment, for example, the inner surface of the tank 41 and the surface of the float 42 are both dried. Therefore, the formation of biofilm on the inner surface of the tank 41 and the surface of the float 42 is suppressed.

[0059] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 is connected to at least a portion of the first air pipe 36. This allows air delivered from the air supply device 11 to be supplied to the liquid level detection device 10B even in situations where it is difficult to connect the second air pipe 37 to the blower box 32.

[0060] [Other embodiments] In the first embodiment described above, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 may be connected to at least a portion of the first air pipe 36. In the second embodiment described above, the inlet end of the second air pipe 37 may be connected to the blower box 32.

[0061] In the above embodiment, air heated by the heater 33 is supplied to the liquid level detection devices 10A and 10B. The air supplied to the liquid level detection devices 10A and 10B does not need to be heated by the heater 33. Room temperature dry air may be supplied to the liquid level detection devices 10A and 10B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1A...Washer, 1B...Washer, 2...Washing tank, 2A...Top wall, 2B...Side wall, 2C...Bottom wall, 2D...Storage wall, 2E...Bottom wall, 3...Washing nozzle, 4...Water supply device, 5...Discharge device, 6...Chemical solution supply device, 7...Circulation device, 8...Heater, 9...Temperature sensor, 10A...Liquid level detection device, 10B...Liquid level detection device, 11...Air supply device, 12...Ultrasonic transducer, 13...Control device, 14...Storage section, 15...Support arm, 19...Water supply pipe, 21...Water supply valve, 22...Drain pipe, 23...Drain valve, 24...Chemical solution bottle, 25...Liquid supply pipe 26...Chemical pump, 27...Suction pipe, 28...Circulation pump, 29...Discharge pipe, 30...Detection pipe, 30A...First end, 30B...Second end, 31...Blower, 32...Blower box, 33...Heater, 34...Temperature sensor, 35...Filter, 36...First air pipe, 36A...Washing tank air pipe, 36B...Nozzle air pipe, 37...Second air pipe, 38...Fitting, 38A...First inlet port, 38B...Second inlet port, 38C...Outlet port, 39...Silicone tube, 40...Exhaust pipe, 41...Tank, 42...Float.

Claims

1. A washing tank that contains an object to be washed, including a medical instrument, A detection tube having a first end connected to the lower part of the washing tank, A liquid level detection device connected to the second end of the detection tube for detecting the height of the surface of the liquid contained in the cleaning tank, An air supply device having a heater for heating air and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air, and delivering air heated by the heater, A first air pipe through which air supplied from the air supply device to the cleaning tank flows, A second air pipe through which air supplied from the air supply device to the liquid level detection device flows, A control device is provided, The control device performs a cleaning process to clean the object to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank using a liquid, and after discharging the liquid from the cleaning tank, performs a drying process to dry the object to be cleaned. In the drying process, the control device controls the heater based on the temperature sensor's detection data so that air heated to a set temperature is sent from the air supply device to the washing tank and the liquid level detection device, respectively. Washing device.

2. The outlet end of the second air pipe is connected to the intermediate portion of the detection pipe between the first end and the second end. The air supplied from the air supply device is sent to the liquid level detection device via the second air pipe and at least a portion of the detection pipe. The washing device according to claim 1.

3. The liquid level detection device includes a pressure sensor located at the second end of the detection tube. The washing device according to claim 2.

4. The detection tube includes a fitting having a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. The lower part of the washing tank is connected to the first inlet port, the second air pipe is connected to the second inlet port, and the liquid level detection device is connected to the outlet port. The washing device according to claim 3.

5. The outlet end of the second air pipe is connected to the liquid level detection device. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

6. The liquid level detection device includes a float-type level meter having a tank to which the second end of the detection tube is connected, and a float housed in the tank. The outlet end of the second air pipe is connected to the tank. The washing device according to claim 5.

7. The air supply device comprises a blower and a blower box having a buffer space into which air from the blower is supplied. The heater is placed in the blower box, The inlet end of the second air pipe is connected to the blower box. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

8. The inlet end of the second air pipe is connected to at least a portion of the first air pipe. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

9. The cleaning tank is equipped with a cleaning nozzle that sprays liquid onto the object to be cleaned, The first air pipe is connected to the cleaning nozzle. The washing device according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. The first air pipe is connected to the upper part of the cleaning tank. The washing device according to claim 7 or claim 8.

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