JP6281018B1 - Ultrasonic cleaning device and method of using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus that can be reduced in size and improved in the supply / drainage of a cleaning liquid and the cleaning performance of a cleaning tank. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, comprising: a cleaning tank that is detachably attached to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus; and an ultrasonic vibrator disposed above the cleaning tank, wherein the ultrasonic vibration The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the child is disposed in the vibration part and can be immersed in a cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank via the vibration part. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for cleaning an object to be cleaned by irradiating ultrasonic waves.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus that performs cleaning by putting an object to be cleaned in a cleaning tank containing a cleaning liquid and irradiating ultrasonic waves with an ultrasonic vibrator. Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are provided on the bottom and side walls of a cleaning tank in order to obtain a compact and powerful cleaning power. In order to prevent cleaning unevenness with the ultrasonic vibrator, an ultrasonic cleaning device is disclosed in which the ultrasonic vibrator is disposed at least on the bottom surface side of the cleaning tank and on the upper side of the object to be cleaned. In order to easily supply and drain the cleaning liquid, an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus is disclosed in which a metal second cleaning tank is detachable.

JP 2002-126668 A JP 2004-235366 A JP 2008-049233 A

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, a space for providing a plurality of ultrasonic transducers is required, and the drive device may be increased in size to drive the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. Under such circumstances, miniaturization of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus has been desired.

  Moreover, in patent document 3, since the ultrasonic vibrator and the drive device are provided in the bottom part of the 1st washing tank (made of metal), and the 1st washing tank (made of metal) cannot be attached and detached independently, In some cases, it became difficult to clean the water supply / drainage and the washing tank.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus that can be reduced in size and improved in the supply / drainage of a cleaning liquid and the cleaning performance of a cleaning tank.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An ultrasonic cleaning device,
A cleaning tank detachably attached to the ultrasonic cleaning device;
An ultrasonic transducer disposed above the cleaning tank,
The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is disposed in a vibration part and can be immersed in a cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank via the vibration part.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which can be reduced in size and was improved in the water supply / drainage property and the washing | cleaning property of a washing tank can be provided.

1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. Sectional drawing of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. The perspective view of the washing tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus concerning one embodiment. The block diagram of control of the ultrasonic cleaning equipment concerning one embodiment. The perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which concerns on another embodiment. The side view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus concerning another embodiment. Sectional drawing of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which concerns on another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

  The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a cleaning tank that is detachably attached to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, and an ultrasonic vibrator disposed above the cleaning tank. It is arrange | positioned in a vibration part and can be immersed in the washing | cleaning liquid in the said washing tank via the said vibration part. According to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present embodiment, the cleaning tank is configured to be detachable from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus alone, and the cleaning tank is not attached with a driving device including a circuit unit, so the cleaning tank is washed in a round. be able to. Furthermore, since the ultrasonic vibrator is disposed above the cleaning tank and immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank via the vibration part, it is possible to irradiate ultrasonic waves uniformly from above the object to be cleaned. Compared with the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the number of ultrasonic vibrators and the like can be reduced, and the size can be reduced.

(Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 includes a cleaning tank 11 that is detachably disposed on the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10. The cleaning tank 11 is configured to be detached from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 by sliding. The details of the cleaning tank 11 will be described later.

  An ultrasonic vibrator is disposed above the cleaning tank 11 (not shown). An embodiment of a moving mechanism of an ultrasonic transducer will be described. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 includes a lever 12 that moves an ultrasonic transducer, and a lock button 13 that unlocks the lever 12. The lever 12 presses the lock button 13 to release the lock, and the lever 12 is rotated from the upright position in the direction of arrow a (in the direction of the cleaning tank 11), so that the ultrasonic vibrator vibrates to the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 11. It is comprised so that a movement is possible so that it may immerse through a part. Further, the ultrasonic vibrator is taken out from the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank 11 by rotating the lever 12 in the direction opposite to the arrow a direction and returning it to the upright position.

  In one embodiment, a protruding portion that restricts the rotation of the lever 12 may be provided on the side surface of the ultrasonic cleaning device 10 so as to limit the maximum insertion height of the ultrasonic vibrator into the cleaning tank 11. . In one embodiment, lever 12 may be configured to automatically lock when returned to an upright position. Further, the lock may be released by grasping the clip portion of the lever 12 without providing the lock button 13.

  An operation panel 14 is disposed on the upper surface of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the operation panel 14 is provided with operation switches for performing mode selection, start, stop, and the like. The operation panel 14 is only required to be disposed in a portion that is easy for the user to operate, and the position of the operation panel 14 is not limited to the upper surface of the ultrasonic cleaning device 10 but may be a side surface of the ultrasonic cleaning device 10.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 and shows a state where the lever 12 is in the upright position. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 includes an upper part 10a and a lower part 10b of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus with the board 17 as a boundary. The direction from the leg of the ultrasonic cleaning device 10 toward the operation panel 14 is referred to as upward. A cleaning tank 11 that is detachably disposed is disposed in the lower portion 10b. The cleaning tank 11 can be removed from the lower part 10b by sliding it in the left direction of the drawing. A cleaning liquid 22 and an object to be cleaned 23 are arranged in the cleaning tank 11.

  A driving device 18 is disposed in the upper portion 10a in the depth direction of the drawing, and is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 15 and the operation panel 14. By arranging the driving device 18 in the upper part 10a, the possibility of water leakage from the cleaning tank 11 to the driving device 18 can be reduced. A power unit (not shown) can also be arranged in the upper part 10a. The details of the driving device 18 will be described later.

(Ultrasonic transducer)
The ultrasonic transducer 15 is disposed obliquely above the cleaning tank 11 at the upright position of the lever 12. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 15 is provided with ultrasonic waves having a frequency of 20 kHz to 5 MHz, in another embodiment, 50 kHz to 4 MHz, and in another embodiment, having a frequency of 100 kHz to 3 MHz. . In an embodiment, a Langevin type transducer, a piezoelectric ceramic type transducer, or the like may be used as the ultrasonic transducer 15. In order to improve the cleaning power, a Langevin type vibrator with strong ultrasonic wave provided can be used. By using the Langevin type vibrator, the number of ultrasonic vibrators and vibrating parts can be further reduced as compared with the conventional ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, and the size can be reduced.

(Vibration part)
The vibration unit 16 has an ultrasonic transducer 15 fixed to the bottom surface inside thereof. The shape of the vibration part 16 is not particularly limited as long as the ultrasonic vibrator 15 can be disposed inside and the ultrasonic wave can be transmitted to the cleaning liquid. In one embodiment, the shape of the vibration part 16 is a cup shape (bottomed cylindrical shape), and examples thereof include a bottomed cylindrical shape, a bottomed prismatic shape, and a bottomed truncated cone shape. Thus, by making the shape of the vibration part 16 into a cup shape, the vibration part 16 can be immersed in the cleaning liquid. At this time, in addition to the bottom surface of the vibration part 16, the side surface can also be brought into contact with the cleaning liquid. As a result, the contact area between the vibration part 16 and the cleaning liquid increases and the diffusibility of ultrasonic waves in the cleaning liquid can be improved. .

  The maximum length (diameter) d of the portion (for example, the bottom surface) inserted into the cleaning tank 11 of the vibration unit 16 is not particularly limited as long as the vibration unit 16 can be inserted into the cleaning tank 11. What is necessary is just to be below the maximum length (diameter) inside the opening. In one embodiment, the maximum length d of the bottom surface of the vibration part 16 is 98% of the maximum length inside the opening of the cleaning tank 11, in another embodiment, 95%, and in another embodiment, 90%. In yet another embodiment, 80%, in yet another embodiment, 70%, in yet another embodiment, 50%, and in yet another embodiment, 30%. Moreover, the material of the vibration part 16 will not be specifically limited if an ultrasonic wave can be transmitted to a washing | cleaning liquid, For example, metals, such as stainless steel, are mentioned.

  The vibration part 16 can be supported by the support part 21. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1 and shows a state in which the lever 12 is lowered in the direction of arrow a and the vibrating portion 16 is immersed in the cleaning tank 11. In one embodiment, the support unit 21 can be connected to a rotation unit 21 a disposed inside the ultrasonic cleaning device 10 in the depth direction of the paper surface. The rotating unit 21 a is connected to a lever 12 disposed outside the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10, and the vibrating unit 16 is immersed in the cleaning liquid 22 in the cleaning tank 11 by rotating the lever 12. obtain. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning liquid 22 is supplied so as to fill the cleaning tank 11 (particularly, the cleaning cup 11 a), the cleaning liquid 22 overflows due to the immersion of the vibration unit 16 in the cleaning tank 11. In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10, since the cleaning tank 11 has a cup holder 11 b (details will be described later), as shown in FIG. 3, the overflowing cleaning liquid 22 a is held in the cup holder 11 b and leaks to the outside. There is nothing.

  In addition, by allowing the excess cleaning liquid to overflow from the cleaning cup 11a and holding it in the cup holder 11b, the user can strictly control the amount of the cleaning liquid 22 to be put into the cleaning tank 11 when the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 is used. No need to adjust. That is, the user can use the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 by putting a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid 22 into the cleaning tank 11 on the assumption that the cleaning liquid 22 may overflow. In the state where the cleaning liquid 22 a overflows from the cleaning cup 11 a, the surface of the vibration unit 16 is in reliable contact with the cleaning liquid 22 in the cleaning tank 11. Therefore, even if the amount of the cleaning liquid 22 to be put into the cleaning tank 11 is not strictly adjusted, the object to be cleaned 23 is simply passed through the cleaning liquid 22 only by lowering the lever 12 in the direction of arrow a and immersing the vibration part 16 in the cleaning tank 11. Can be reliably irradiated with ultrasonic waves. When the cleaning liquid overflowing from the cleaning cup 11a is stored in the cup holder 11b as in the present embodiment, the volume of the cup holder 11b is a cleaning cup that is fully filled with the cleaning liquid 22 in a state in which the cleaning cup 11a itself is stored. The volume of the cleaning liquid that overflows when the vibrating part 16 is immersed in 11a is determined to be a volume that can be sufficiently accommodated.

  In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the vibration unit 16 before being inserted into the cleaning tank 11 is provided to be inclined with respect to the opening surface of the cleaning tank 11. However, the lower surface of the vibration unit 16 may be provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the cleaning tank 11. Further, in the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the bottom surface of the vibration part 16 after being inserted into the cleaning tank 11 is substantially parallel to the opening surface of the cleaning tank 11, that is, the cleaning liquid 22. It becomes substantially parallel to the liquid level. Thus, the vibration part 16 and its moving mechanism of the present embodiment have a hammer-like shape, and the vibration part 16 can be moved by an operation of swinging down the hammer.

  Moreover, the height h of the insertion part (insertion part) of the vibration part 16 to the cleaning tank 11 is determined by the size of the article 23 to be cleaned, the size of the cleaning tank 11, and the like, and is not particularly limited. . In one embodiment, the height h of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic transducer 15 and the vibration unit 16 into the cleaning tank 11 is 1 mm, in another embodiment, 5 mm, in yet another embodiment, 10 mm, and further In this embodiment, 20 mm, and in yet another embodiment, 50 mm.

  According to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, it is possible to uniformly irradiate ultrasonic waves from above the object to be cleaned 23, and compared with the conventional ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the ultrasonic vibrator 15 and the vibration unit. Since the number of 16 can be reduced, the size can be reduced.

(Washing tank)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning tank of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment. The cleaning tank 11 includes a cleaning cup 11a, a cup holder 11b, and a ring 11c. The cleaning cup 11a is disposed in the cup holder 11b, and the ring 11c is disposed on the cleaning cup 11a and the cup holder 11b. The washing cup 11a and the ring 11c can be carried together with the cup holder 11b. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, carrying | supporting becomes easy by providing a holding part in the cup holder 11b. In addition, the cup holder 11b and the ring 11c do not need to be installed.

  Thus, since the washing tank 11 is arranged so as to be detachable from the ultrasonic washing apparatus 10 alone, the washing tank 11 can be washed. On the other hand, in the conventional ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, in order to improve the irradiation efficiency of the ultrasonic wave to the object to be cleaned, the ultrasonic vibrator or the vibration part is fixed on the lower surface or the side surface of the cleaning tank. The tank could not be detached from the ultrasonic cleaning device alone, and the cleaning performance of the cleaning tank was low. Moreover, since the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 of this embodiment is the thing in which the cleaning tank 11 is detachable independently, that is, since the cleaning tank 11 is replaceable, by preparing a plurality of cleaning tanks 11, The efficiency of sonic cleaning is improved, and a cleaning tank suitable for the cleaning liquid can be selected. Furthermore, when the cleaning tank 11 is damaged, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 can be used by replacing only the cleaning tank 11.

(Washing cup)
The cleaning cup 11a is for containing a cleaning liquid and an object to be cleaned. Therefore, the shape of the washing cup 11a can be a bottomed cylindrical shape. The shape of the cleaning cup 11a is not particularly limited as long as an object to be cleaned can be arranged inside and the vibration part 16 can be inserted. In one embodiment, the shape of the washing cup 11a includes a bottomed cylindrical shape, a bottomed prismatic shape, a bottomed frustum shape, and the like.

(Cup holder)
The cup holder 11b accommodates the cleaning cup 11a. In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 15 and the vibration unit 16 are used by being immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning cup 11a. However, since the cleaning tank 11 includes the cup holder 11b, When the cleaning liquid 20 is supplied so as to fill the cleaning cup 11a, the cleaning liquid 20 overflows due to the immersion of the vibration unit 16 in the cleaning cup 11a. However, since the cup holder 11b is provided, the overflowing cleaning liquid 22a leaks to the outside. I do not put out. The shape of the cup holder 11b is not particularly limited as long as the cleaning cup 11a can be disposed inside. In one embodiment, examples of the shape of the cup holder 11b include a bottomed cylindrical shape, a bottomed prismatic shape, and a bottomed truncated cone shape.

  In one embodiment, cleaning cup 11a, cup holder 11b, and ring 11c are arranged to be concentric. In order to perform this arrangement easily, the positioning portion 11d can be provided on the inner wall.

(ring)
The ring 11c surrounds and protects at least one opening of the cleaning cup 11a and the cup holder 11b. Further, when the cleaning cup 11a is installed on the cup holder 11b and the height of the opening of the cleaning cup 11a is lower than the height of the opening of the cup holder 11b, the ring 11c is disposed on the cup holder 11b. Thus, even if the cleaning liquid 22 overflows from the cleaning cup 11a, the ring 11c can prevent the cleaning liquid 22a from leaking to the outside. The ring 11c is provided with an opening 11e, and the cleaning liquid 22 overflowing from the cleaning cup 11a through the opening 11e is accommodated in the cup holder 11b.

  The shape of the ring 11c is not particularly limited as long as it can surround the periphery of at least one of the cleaning cup 11a and the cup holder 11b. In one embodiment, the shape of the cup holder 11b includes a circular shape, a square shape, a polygonal shape, and the like. In one embodiment, the ring 11c can be a double ring so that it can surround the openings of both the wash cup 11a and the cup holder 11b, and the two rings can be joined together to form an integral two-piece. It can also be a heavy ring.

(Material of washing tank)
The material of the washing cup 11a, the cup holder 11b, and the ring 11c is not particularly limited, and metal, glass, resin, or the like is used. In one embodiment, for example, the metal includes stainless steel, the glass includes quartz glass, and the resin includes polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic resin, polyvinylidene fluoride, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, ABS, and the like. It is done. When a corrosive liquid or the like is used as the cleaning liquid, a resin or glass having excellent corrosion resistance can be selected. Alternatively, a metal or glass coated with a resin having excellent corrosion resistance may be used. The materials of the washing cup 11a, the cup holder 11b, and the ring 11c are all the same and may be different from each other.

  In one embodiment, the washing tank 11, in particular, the washing cup 11a and the cup holder 11b can be made of a material that transmits visible light, and for example, glass or resin is used. As a result, the object to be cleaned in the cleaning cup 11a can be seen at the time of cleaning, so that the cleaning status can be confirmed. The visible light transmittance of the cleaning cup 11a and the cup holder 11b is not particularly limited. For example, in one embodiment, 50% or more, in another embodiment, 70%, and in another embodiment, It can be 90% or more.

(Driver)
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the driving device 18 is provided on the board 17. The arrangement of the driving device 18 is not particularly limited. The drive device 18 includes a circuit unit 19 and a drive amplifier unit 20. The circuit unit 19 includes a digital circuit, and the digital circuit may include a control microcomputer. The drive device 18 (the circuit unit 19 and the drive amplifier unit 20) is connected to the operation panel 14, the ultrasonic transducer 15, and a power supply unit (not shown). Thus, since the drive device is arrange | positioned at the upper part 10a, the possibility of the water leakage from the washing tank 11 to the drive device 18 may be reduced.

(Control of ultrasonic cleaning equipment)
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of control of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to one embodiment. Based on FIG. 5, the control of the ultrasonic irradiation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 will be described. The operation panel 14 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 has operation switches such as a cleaning mode switch, a start switch, and a stop switch. A command from the operation panel 14 is sent to a control microcomputer unit included in the circuit unit 19 of the driving device 20.

  The cleaning mode includes (1) the ultrasonic transmission center frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, (2) the upper limit frequency and the lower limit frequency swinging from the center frequency, (3) the swing speed (the upper and lower limit reciprocation period of the swing), ( 4) It may be configured to include a plurality of steps including the driving time. (1) to (4) and the number of steps are determined according to the object to be cleaned and the substance to be removed. The drive device 20 can change at least one of (1) and (4).

  The circuit unit 19 includes a control condition storage unit configured to store a cleaning mode (cleaning condition) and the like, and a control signal generation unit that generates a signal for executing the stored cleaning mode. Information of the control signal stored in the circuit unit 19 can be created by an external computer 24 or the like. Control signal information created by the computer 24 can be sent to and stored in the circuit unit 19 via an external storage medium such as a USB memory detachable from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10. The generated control signal information can also be sent to the circuit unit 19 by wired communication means or wireless communication means without using an external storage medium.

  The circuit unit 19 stores one or more cleaning modes. The cleaning mode information is read from the circuit unit 19 in accordance with the command sent from the operation panel 14. In accordance with this information, a control signal is generated by the control signal generation unit of the circuit unit 19. As for the generated control signal, drive power is generated from the power supplied from the power unit 25 in the drive amplifier unit 20 of the drive device 18. This driving power is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 15 and an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the cleaning mode is output. In such control, the use of a Langevin type ultrasonic transducer is effective.

  By including such a control system, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to an embodiment does not replace a circuit element for changing the cleaning mode, and the shape, size, dirt, and temperature of the cleaning liquid are to be cleaned. It is possible to perform cleaning by selecting a cleaning mode suitable for different cases. In addition, the control system according to the present embodiment, in particular, the driving device 18 is a conventional ultrasonic cleaning device (for example, an ultrasonic vibrator is provided in an area other than the upper part of the cleaning tank and the cleaning tank is not removable). It can also be applied to a sonic cleaning device), and a target cleaning mode can be easily set.

  The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment may further include a heater, a temperature measuring device, a temperature adjusting device, a liquid level sensor, and the like.

(Usage method of ultrasonic cleaning equipment)
With reference to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a method of using the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to an embodiment will be described. First, the cleaning tank 11 is slid from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 and removed. An object to be cleaned 23 and a cleaning liquid 22 are placed in the cleaning tank 11. Since the cleaning tank 11 is detached from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 alone, the supply of the cleaning liquid 22 can be performed efficiently.

  The cleaning liquid 22 is not particularly limited, and may be selected according to the object to be cleaned 23 or the removed substance attached to the object to be cleaned 23. For example, as the cleaning liquid 22, an acidic liquid, an alkaline liquid, a chlorinated liquid, an organic solvent, water, or the like may be used, and a chemical such as a surfactant or a rust preventive may be added.

  The object to be cleaned 23 is not particularly limited, and may be an article such as glass, metal, earthenware, ceramic and plastic. For example, the object to be cleaned 23 includes daily necessities such as dentures, glasses and contact lenses, ornaments such as rings and accessories, medical instruments such as forceps, scalpels, scissors, and endoscopes, and electrical and electronic parts such as semiconductor substrates and glass substrates. , Precision machinery parts used in cameras and watches, press parts, piping, filters, blades and other industrial goods, tableware and other household goods.

  Subsequently, the cleaning tank 11 is attached to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 (FIG. 2 shows this state). The lock button 13 is pressed to unlock the lever 12, the lever 12 is rotated from the upright position in the direction of arrow a, and the vibrating unit 16 is immersed in the cleaning liquid 22 through the rotating unit 21 a connected to the lever 12. (FIG. 3 shows this state). A part 22a of the cleaning liquid 22 overflows from the cleaning cup 11a, but is held by the cup holder 11b and does not overflow to the outside.

  A cleaning mode suitable for the object to be cleaned 23 is selected by operating a cleaning mode switch on the operation panel 14. The operation panel 14 can be configured to display a cleaning mode, a cleaning time, and the like. The start switch on the operation panel 14 is operated to start cleaning.

  After the cleaning time corresponding to the cleaning mode has elapsed, the cleaning (irradiation of ultrasonic waves) can be automatically terminated. Note that the operation panel 14 can be provided with a stop switch for stopping the cleaning, and can be configured to stop the cleaning during the cleaning according to the state of the cleaning. Moreover, it can also comprise so that washing | cleaning may be performed again according to a washing | cleaning state after completion | finish of washing | cleaning. At this time, it can be configured to be able to select either cleaning in the same cleaning mode or cleaning in another cleaning mode.

  After the cleaning, the lever 12 is rotated backward (in the opposite direction of the arrow a) to the upright position, so that the vibration unit 16 is taken out from the cleaning liquid 22 in the cleaning tank 11 (as shown in FIG. 2). State). The cleaning tank 11 is slid and removed from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10, and the object to be cleaned 23 is taken out from the cleaning tank 11. Thereafter, or after cleaning other objects to be cleaned with the same cleaning liquid 22, the cleaning liquid 22 is discarded. Thus, since the washing tank 11 is detachable from the ultrasonic washing apparatus 10 alone, the washing tank 11 is excellent in drainage and can be washed.

From the above, according to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to an embodiment,
(1) The cleaning tank is configured to be detachable from the ultrasonic cleaning device alone, and the cleaning tank can be washed in a round,
(2) Since the ultrasonic transducer is placed above the cleaning tank and can irradiate ultrasonic waves uniformly from above the object to be cleaned, the number of ultrasonic transducers can be reduced and the size can be reduced. And
(3) Since the driving device is arranged above the cleaning tank, the possibility of water leakage from the cleaning tank to the driving device is reduced,
(4) Since a Langevin type vibrator having a high output is used as the ultrasonic vibrator, the number of ultrasonic vibrators and vibrating parts can be further reduced, and the size can be reduced.
(5) Since the driving device includes a digital circuit, cleaning can be performed in a cleaning mode suitable for the cleaning object,
(6) Since the shape of the vibration part is cup-shaped, the contact area between the vibration part and the cleaning liquid is increased, and the diffusibility of ultrasonic waves in the cleaning liquid can be improved.
(7) Since the cleaning tank is made of glass or resin, the object to be cleaned in the cleaning cup can be seen during cleaning, and the cleaning status can be confirmed.
(8) Since the moving mechanism of the ultrasonic vibrator and the vibration part is based on the rotation of the lever, the vibration part can be easily immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank, and
(9) Since the cleaning tank includes the cleaning cup, the cup holder, and the ring, the cleaning liquid is prevented from overflowing to the outside.

(Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 according to another embodiment. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 according to another embodiment is capable of cleaning a large or many objects to be cleaned as compared with the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on the parts different from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

  The ultrasonic cleaning device 30 includes an upper portion 30 a and a lower portion 30 b of the ultrasonic cleaning device, and is connected by a main body connecting portion 32. A handle 33 is disposed on the side surface of the upper portion 30a, and an operation panel 34 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper portion 30a. The operation panel 34 only needs to be arranged in a portion that is easy for the user to operate, and the arrangement location is not limited to the upper surface of the upper portion 30 a, but may be the side surface of the ultrasonic cleaning device 30.

  The upper portion 30a and the lower portion 30b may be configured integrally or may be configured to be separable as separate bodies. When both are comprised integrally, for example, both of them may be fixed with a hinge etc., and it can be comprised so that opening and closing by the handle 33 is possible. Moreover, when comprised as a separate body so that isolation | separation is possible, it can also comprise so that the handle | steering-wheel 33 of the side surface of the upper part 30a can be grasped and the upper part 30a can be carried.

  FIG. 7 is a side view of the B side in FIG. 6 and shows an upper portion 30a configured to be separable. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the upper part 30 a includes a handle 33 and a standing leg part 41. The standing leg portion 41 is provided on the side surface of the upper portion 30 a opposite to the side surface of the upper portion 30 a having the handle 33. The side surface on which the standing leg portion 41 is provided can be placed on the grounding surface with the side surface being the lower side. Thus, when the user removes the upper part 30a and replaces the cleaning liquid and the object to be cleaned, the upper part 30a is set up on the grounding surface so as not to contact the grounding surface, for example, the work table or the floor. Can be put. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage caused by the vibration part 36 coming into contact with the floor or the like, and it is also possible to keep the vibration part 36 hygienic.

  FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. The upper part 30 a has a board 37. The board 37 is fixed to the upper part 30a, and the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 is divided into an upper part 30a and a lower part 30b. In the approximate center of the board 37, an ultrasonic transducer 35 and a vibrating portion 36 are provided so as to penetrate the board 37 vertically. In addition, a drive device including a circuit unit 39 and a drive amplifier unit 40 is disposed on the board 37. On the other hand, a detachable cleaning tank 31 is disposed in the lower portion 30b. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the cleaning liquid 42 and the object to be cleaned 43 are arranged in the cleaning tank 31.

(Washing tank)
The cleaning tank 31 is disposed inside the lower portion 30b. In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 according to another embodiment, the upper portion 30a and the cleaning tank 31 can be connected by the main body connecting portion 32 without providing the lower portion 30b. The material of the cleaning tank 31 is not particularly limited, and the same material as the cleaning tank 11 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may be used.

  In one embodiment, the cleaning tank 31 and the lower part 30b can be made of a material that transmits visible light, and for example, glass or resin is used. Thereby, since the to-be-cleaned object 43 in the washing tank 31 is visible at the time of washing | cleaning, the washing | cleaning condition can be confirmed. The visible light transmittance of the cleaning tank 31 and the lower part 30b is not particularly limited. For example, in one embodiment, 50% or more, in another embodiment, 70%, and in another embodiment, 90%. % Or more.

(board)
The upper part 30 a has a board 37. The board 37 is not particularly limited as long as the ultrasonic transducer 35, the vibration unit 36, the circuit unit 39, the drive amplifier unit 40, and the like can be arranged so as not to drop off from the upper portion 30a. It can be made into the same shape as an opening surface so that the opening surface of 30a may be plugged up. The material of the board 37 is not particularly limited, and can be selected from materials used in the cleaning tank 31.

(Ultrasonic vibrator and vibrator)
In FIG. 8, one ultrasonic transducer 35 and one vibration unit 36 are provided at the approximate center of the board 37, but a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 35 and vibration units 36 may be provided. The ultrasonic transducer 35 and the vibration unit 36 are arranged so as to penetrate the board 37 vertically and extend to the inside of the cleaning tank 31. The height h of the vibration part 36 extending to the inside of the cleaning tank 31 is not particularly limited as long as it reaches the cleaning liquid 42. In one embodiment, the height h of insertion of the vibrating part 36 into the cleaning tank 31 is 5 mm, in another embodiment 10 mm, in yet another embodiment 20 mm, in yet another embodiment 50 mm, In yet another embodiment, 100 mm.

  In one embodiment, the lower surface of the vibration unit 36 is configured to be substantially parallel to the opening surface of the cleaning tank 31, that is, to be substantially parallel to the liquid surface of the cleaning liquid 42. According to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 according to another embodiment, it is possible to uniformly irradiate ultrasonic waves from above the article 43 to be cleaned. According to such an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment, it is possible to uniformly irradiate ultrasonic waves from above the object to be cleaned 43, and compared with a conventional ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, an ultrasonic vibrator Since the number of 35 and the vibration part 36 can be reduced, size reduction is attained.

  In one embodiment, the maximum length (diameter) d of the portion (eg, bottom surface) of the vibrator 36 that is inserted into the cleaning tank 31 is 90% of the maximum length inside the opening of the cleaning tank 31, another implementation. 80% in yet another embodiment, 70% in yet another embodiment, 50% in yet another embodiment, 30% in yet another embodiment, 20% in yet another embodiment, yet another implementation In form, 10%.

  As the ultrasonic transducer 35, a Langevin type transducer, a piezoelectric ceramic type transducer, or the like can be used as in the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Moreover, the shape and material of the vibration part 36 can be made to be the same as the shape and material of the vibration part 16 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(Driver)
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the driving device is provided on boards 37 on both sides of the ultrasonic transducer 35 and the vibration unit 36. The arrangement of the driving device is not particularly limited, and may be provided on one side of the ultrasonic transducer 35 and the vibration unit 36. The drive device includes a circuit unit 39 and a drive amplifier unit 40. The circuit unit 39 includes a digital circuit, and can be the same as the drive device 18 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, the control system of the ultrasonic cleaning device 30 can also be the same control system as the drive device 18 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

  The ultrasonic cleaning device 30 according to another embodiment may further include a heater, a temperature measuring device, a temperature adjusting device, a liquid level sensor, and the like.

(Usage method of ultrasonic cleaning equipment)
With reference to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a method of using the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 according to another embodiment will be described. First, the upper part 30a of the ultrasonic cleaning device 30 is opened and closed or removed as shown in FIG. An object to be cleaned 43 and a cleaning liquid 42 are placed in the cleaning tank 31. At this time, the cleaning tank 31 may be removed from the lower portion 30b. Since the cleaning tank 31 is detached from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 alone, the supply of the cleaning liquid 42 can be performed efficiently.

  The cleaning liquid 42 and the object to be cleaned 43 are not particularly limited, and those similar to those used in the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be used.

  The upper part 30 a covers the lower part 30 b, and the vibration part 36 is immersed in the cleaning liquid 42. The upper part 30 a and the lower part 30 b are connected by the main body connecting part 32. A cleaning mode suitable for the object to be cleaned 43 is selected by operating a cleaning mode switch on the operation panel 34. The operation panel 34 can be configured to display a cleaning mode, a cleaning time, and the like. The start switch on the operation panel 34 is operated to start cleaning.

  As in the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning (ultrasonic irradiation) is automatically configured to end after the cleaning time corresponding to the cleaning mode has elapsed. Depending on the state, the cleaning can be stopped during the cleaning, and the cleaning can be performed again after the cleaning is completed.

  After completion of the cleaning, the connection at the main body connecting portion 32 is released, the upper part 30a is opened / closed or removed, and the object to be cleaned 43 is taken out. After that, or after cleaning other objects to be cleaned, the cleaning tank 31 is taken out from the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 30 and the cleaning liquid 42 is discarded. Thus, since the washing tank 31 can be detached from the ultrasonic washing apparatus 30 alone, the washing tank 31 is excellent in drainage and can be washed in a circle.

From the above, according to the ultrasonic cleaning device 30 according to another embodiment,
(1) The cleaning tank is configured to be detachable from the ultrasonic cleaning device alone, and the cleaning tank can be washed in a round,
(2) Since the ultrasonic transducer is placed above the cleaning tank and can irradiate ultrasonic waves uniformly from above the object to be cleaned, the number of ultrasonic transducers can be reduced and the size can be reduced. And
(3) Since the driving device is arranged above the cleaning tank, the possibility of water leakage from the cleaning tank to the driving device is reduced,
(4) Since a Langevin type vibrator having a high output is used as the ultrasonic vibrator, the number of ultrasonic vibrators and vibrating parts can be further reduced, and the size can be reduced.
(5) Since the driving device includes a digital circuit, cleaning can be performed in a cleaning mode suitable for the cleaning object,
(6) Since the shape of the vibration part is cup-shaped, the contact area between the vibration part and the cleaning liquid is increased, and the diffusibility of ultrasonic waves in the cleaning liquid can be improved.
(7) Since the cleaning tank is made of glass or resin, the object to be cleaned in the cleaning cup can be seen at the time of cleaning, and the cleaning status can be confirmed, and
(8) Since the ultrasonic cleaning device can be separated into an upper part and a lower part, and the upper part including the vibration part is placed upright via the standing leg part, damage caused by the vibration part coming into contact with the floor or the like is prevented. And the vibration part is kept hygienic.

10, 30 Ultrasonic cleaning device, 10a, 30a Upper part of ultrasonic cleaning device, 10b, 30b Lower part of ultrasonic cleaning device, 11, 31 Cleaning tank, 11a Cleaning cup, 11b, Cup holder, 11c ring, 11d Positioning part, 11e Opening, 12 lever, 13 Lock button, 14, 34 Operation panel, 15, 35 Ultrasonic vibrator, 16, 36 Vibrating part, 17, 37 Board, 18 Driving device, 19, 39 Circuit part, 20, 40 Driving amplifier , 21 Supporting part, 21a Rotating part, 22, 42 Cleaning liquid, 23, 43 Object to be cleaned, 24 Computer, 25 Power part, 32 Body connecting part, 33 Handle, 41 Standing part

Claims (10)

An ultrasonic cleaning device,
A cleaning tank detachably attached to the ultrasonic cleaning device;
An ultrasonic transducer disposed above the cleaning tank,
The ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the vibrating portion, Ri immersible der through the vibrating portion in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank,
The vibration unit is connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device by a support structure,
The ultrasonic cleaning device includes a driving device, and the driving device is configured to transmit at least one of an ultrasonic transmission center frequency of the ultrasonic transducer, an upper limit frequency and a lower limit frequency swinging from the transmission center frequency, and the swing An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, characterized by being driven to change at least one of the speeds . The ultrasonic cleaning device has a drive device that drives the ultrasonic transducer,
The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving device is disposed above the cleaning tank.   The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is a Langevin type vibrator. Before SL driving device further drives are driven to change the time, ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in.   The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a shape of the vibration part is a cup shape.   The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning tank is made of glass or resin. The ultrasonic cleaning device has a lever,
7. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer can be immersed in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank via the vibrating portion by rotation of the lever. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus as described. The washing tank includes a washing cup, a cup holder, and a ring,
The washing cup is disposed in the cup holder;
The ring is disposed on at least one opening of the washing cup and the cup holder;
The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cup holder is configured to hold a cleaning liquid overflowing from the cleaning cup. The ultrasonic cleaning device is separable into an upper part and a lower part,
The upper part includes the ultrasonic transducer,
The side surface which is a surface substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the upper part has a handle,
The side opposite to the side has a leg portion,
The said upper part is comprised so that the said ultrasonic transducer | vibrator may not contact with the said grounding surface, when standing on a grounding surface by the said standing leg part. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to one item. A method of using the ultrasonic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Arranging an object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank;
Immersing the ultrasonic transducer disposed above the cleaning tank in the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank via the vibration unit;
A method of use comprising: cleaning the object to be cleaned by irradiating ultrasonic waves with the ultrasonic vibrator; and removing the cleaning tank alone and replacing the cleaning liquid.