JP6913903B2 - Ultrasonic cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device.

Patent Document 1 describes a cleaning device main body including an ultrasonic generation means including a vibration horn, and a tray having a water reservoir for storing water and receiving an object to be cleaned. There is.

In the ultrasonic cleaning device of Patent Document 1, the user causes the object to be cleaned to be submerged in the water stored in the water reservoir in a state where the tip of the vibration horn is in contact with the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned. When the ultrasonic wave generating means operates, the ultrasonic energy emitted from the vibration horn is transmitted to the object to be cleaned via water, and the dirt component adhering to the object to be cleaned is separated from the object to be cleaned.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-216244

In the above ultrasonic cleaning device, the cleaning device main body and the tray are in a separate and independent state, and the user must hold the cleaning device main body with one hand and the object to be cleaned with the other hand. Therefore, it may be difficult to move the object to be cleaned depending on the location of dirt only by holding it with one hand. Further, the tray is only placed in an installation place such as a table, and when the object to be cleaned is moved, the tray can easily move together with the object to be cleaned, and the tray may be tilted to cause water leakage.

Therefore, there is a concern that it will be difficult for the user to smoothly clean the object to be cleaned using the ultrasonic cleaning device.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device capable of allowing a user to smoothly clean an object to be cleaned and improving the convenience of the user.

The ultrasonic cleaning device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit including an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves, a main body unit that is installed at an installation location and holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit. At a position below the ultrasonic generator, a water storage unit that is detachably attached to the main body and has a water storage recess for storing water for immersing the object to be cleaned, and a water storage unit that is provided in the main body and stores water. It is provided with a water supply tank in which water to be supplied to the recess is stored . The water supply tank includes a water discharge port supplied to the water storage recess and a valve body that is opened and closed for discharging and stopping water, and the water storage portion includes a water supply recess connected to the water storage recess. The discharge port of the water supply tank is inserted into the water supply recess with the valve body open, and the discharge port is closed with water accumulated in the water supply recess to supply water from the water supply tank. Stops.

According to the above configuration, since the ultrasonic cleaning unit is held by the main body unit, the user can hold the object to be cleaned with both hands. As a result, the user can smoothly move the object to be cleaned. Further, since the water storage unit is attached to the main body, the water storage unit is unlikely to move together with the object to be cleaned when the object to be cleaned is moved, and water is unlikely to spill from the water storage unit. Further, since the water storage unit can be removed from the main body, drainage from the water storage unit and cleaning of the water storage unit can be easily performed.

Further, according to the above configuration, water is automatically supplied from the water supply tank to the water storage recess, so that the user does not have to replenish the water in the water storage recess each time the water in the water storage recess decreases. Will also get better.

Further, according to the above configuration, the water level in the water storage recess can be maintained at an appropriate level without controlling the opening and closing of the valve body.

With the above configuration, the water storage unit may be detachable in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the discharge port into the water supply recess. In this case, the main body holds the water supply tank so that the water supply tank can be movably held between an insertion position where the discharge port is inserted into the water supply recess and a separated position where the discharge port is separated from the water supply recess. Includes part. When the water supply tank is in the insertion position, the valve body is opened to allow water to be discharged, and when the water supply tank is in the separated position, the valve body is closed to stop water.

With such a configuration, the water supply tank can be raised and retracted to a separated position when the water storage unit is removed from the main body, so that the water storage unit comes into contact with the water supply tank when the water storage unit is removed. Can be prevented. In addition, since the water supply from the water supply tank is stopped at the separated position, the water supply from the water supply tank is performed at the separated position, so that the water supply does not stop even if an appropriate amount of water is stored in the water storage recess, and the water is not stopped from the water storage recess. It is possible to avoid the situation where the water leaks out.

In the case of the above configuration, further, the main body portion may be configured so that the water supply tank cannot be kept in the insertion position unless the water storage portion is attached to the main body portion.

For example, a push-up portion that pushes the water supply tank from the insertion position to the separation position and a lock device that locks the water supply tank to the insertion position so that the water supply tank is not pushed up by the push-up portion are provided. The lock device may be configured so that the lock function cannot be exerted unless the water storage portion is attached to the main body portion.

With such a configuration, the water supply tank can be put into a state where water can be supplied only when the water storage unit is attached to the main body portion.

The ultrasonic cleaning device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit including an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves, a main body unit that is installed at an installation location and holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit. At a position below the ultrasonic generator, a water storage unit that is detachably attached to the main body and has a water storage recess for storing water for immersing the object to be cleaned, and a water storage unit that is provided in the main body and stores water. It is provided with a water supply tank in which water to be supplied to the recess is stored. The water supply tank, including a valve body that is opened and closed for water discharge and water shut-off. The ultrasonic cleaning device fixes the water storage unit when the valve body is open and water can be discharged, and releases the water storage unit when the valve body is closed and water can be stopped. a further Ru equipped.

According to the above configuration, the user can remove the water storage unit from the main body in a state where it is difficult to supply water from the water supply tank.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device in which a user can smoothly clean an object to be cleaned and the convenience of the user can be improved.

The effects or significance of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples when the present invention is put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to those described in the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment in a state where the water storage portion is removed from the main body portion. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device cut at the central position according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device cut at the position of the ultrasonic generator according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning device cut at a position of the water supply tank in a state where the water supply tanks are separated from each other according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device cut at the position of the water supply tank in the state where the water supply tank is in the insertion position according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the water storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water supply tank according to the embodiment. 9 (a) to 9 (c) are diagrams for explaining the removal of dirt on the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 in a state in which the water storage unit 200 is removed from the main body unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 cut at the central position according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 cut at the position of the ultrasonic generator 110 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 cut at the position of the water supply tank 400 in a state where the water supply tank 400 is at a separated position according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 cut at the position of the water supply tank 400 in the state where the water supply tank 400 is in the insertion position according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the water storage unit 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the water supply tank 400 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the second body member 312 is not drawn transparently.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 1 mainly removes stains partially attached to the object to be cleaned, such as sebum stains attached to the sleeves and neck of the shirt and oil stains attached to the work clothes, to a fully automatic washing machine. It can be used to remove prior to washing in a drum-type washing machine. The ultrasonic cleaning device 1 is a so-called stationary type, and can be installed at various installation locations such as a table, a work table, and a top surface of a drum-type washing machine.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 1 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a main body unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body 300 is installed at the installation location and holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body 300 at a position below the ultrasonic wave generator 110. The water storage unit 200 can be separated from the main body 300 by a detaching operation of pulling out the water storage unit 200 forward by the user.

The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110, a holder 120, a housing 130, and a tip cover 140. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The vibrating horn 112 is made of a conductive metal material and has a shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the tip side. The shape of the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 is an elongated rectangular shape. The ultrasonic wave generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112. The holder 120 holds the ultrasonic generator 110.

The housing 130 is made of a resin material and has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape that is long in the front-rear direction. A mounting portion 131 is provided in the housing 130. The ultrasonic generator 110 is housed in the housing 130 and is attached to the attachment portion 131 via the holder 120. The vibration horn 112 projects downward from the lower surface of the tip of the housing 130. A tip cover 140 is attached to the lower surface of the tip of the housing 130. The portion of the vibration horn 112 protruding from the housing 130 is covered with the tip cover 140, and the tip portion is exposed from the tip cover 140.

The water storage unit 200 is composed of a front water storage member 210 formed of a resin material and having a rectangular parallelepiped box shape with an open lower surface, and a rear water storage member 220 projecting rearward from the upper rear surface of the front water storage member 210.

The front water storage member 210 is formed with a recess 211 that is gently recessed toward the center on the upper surface, and a water storage tank 230 is formed at the center of the recess 211 by a wall portion 231 surrounded by a quadrangle. The water storage tank 230 corresponds to the water storage recess of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, on the rear surface of the front water storage member 210, an opening 212 is formed substantially entirely below the rear water storage member 220. Further, shaft portions 213 are provided inside on the left and right side surfaces of the front water storage member 210.

In the rear water storage member 220, a water supply tank 240 is formed at a position rear of the water storage tank 230 by a wall portion 241 surrounded by a circle. The water supply tank 240 corresponds to the water supply recess of the present invention. In the water supply tank 240, a columnar protrusion 242 is formed at the center of the bottom surface. The water tank 240 is connected to the water tank 230 via a groove-shaped water supply channel 250. The water tank 240 is surrounded by an outer tank 260.

The rear water storage member 220 is formed with a square first fitting hole 271 and a second fitting hole 272 on the left side and the right side of the outer tank 260, respectively. The second fitting hole 272 penetrates in the vertical direction, but the first fitting hole 271 has a bottom surface and does not penetrate in the vertical direction.

The main body 300 includes a rectangular parallelepiped exterior body 310 that is long in the vertical and horizontal directions. The exterior body 310 is composed of a first body member 311, a second body member 312, a bottom surface member 313, and a top surface member 314 made of a resin material. The first body member 311 constitutes the front surface, the left side surface, and the lower side and the rear surface of the right side surface of the exterior body 310. The second body member 312 is transparent and constitutes the upper side of the front surface, the left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear surface of the exterior body 310. The upper side of the rear surface of the exterior body 310 is in a state in which the rear surface of the first body member 311 overlaps the outside of the rear surface of the second body member 312 (see FIG. 3). The bottom surface member 313 and the top surface member 314 form the bottom surface and the top surface of the exterior body 310, respectively.

The rear end portion of the housing 130 of the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 is fixed to the central portion of the front surface of the exterior body 310. As a result, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by the main body unit 300.

At the lower part of the front surface of the exterior body 310, a mounting base 320 on which the water storage unit 200 is mounted is provided integrally with the exterior body 310. The mounting base 320 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape with an open bottom surface. Rail grooves 321 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on both the left and right sides of the mounting base 320. The bottom surface of the mounting base 320 is covered with a bottom surface member 313 extending forward. There is no wall between the front surface of the exterior body 310 and the rear surface of the mounting base 320, and the inside of the exterior body 310 is connected to the inside of the mounting base 320. On the front surface of the exterior body 310, an insertion port 315 through which the rear water storage member 220 of the water storage unit 200 is passed is formed above the mounting base 320. Inside the exterior body 310, a tank storage chamber 316 is provided behind the insertion port 315.

The water storage unit 200 is slid from the front to the rear and mounted on the mounting table 320. At this time, the shaft portion 213 of the water storage portion 200 is inserted into the rail groove 321 of the mounting base 320 and moves rearward in the rail groove 321. The rail groove 321 has an inclined portion in the middle, and the front side is lowered and the rear side is raised. In the water storage portion 200 slid along the rail groove 321, the protrusion 242 is an ultrasonic generator. It rises to the final height at a position beyond the vibration horn 112 of 110. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tip end portion of the vibration horn 112 from coming into contact with the rear end portion or the protrusion 242 of the water storage portion 200. When the water storage unit 200 is mounted on the mounting table 320, the rear water storage member 220 is housed in the tank storage chamber 316. As a result, water can be supplied to the water storage tank 230 through the water supply tank 240.

The exterior body 310 is provided with a partition wall 317 that also serves as the top surface of the tank storage chamber 316, as well as partitioning the inside of the exterior body 310 up and down. Inside the exterior body 310, the tank storage chamber 318 is located above the partition wall 317. A water supply tank 400 is housed in the tank storage chamber 318.

As shown in FIG. 8, the water supply tank 400 includes a tank body 410 and a cap 420. The tank body 410 and the cap 420 are made of a resin material. The cap 420 is provided with an on-off valve mechanism 430.

The tank body 410 is a cylindrical transparent container with both end faces closed, has a step portion 411 in the middle portion, and has a smaller outer diameter below the step portion 411. A water inlet / outlet 412 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the tank body 410, and a cylindrical connection port 413 is provided around the inlet / outlet 412 so as to project downward.

The cap 420 is attached to the connection port 413 by a screw method and covers the doorway 412. A packing 440 for water sealing is sandwiched between the cap 420 and the connection port 413. An outlet 421 is formed on the bottom surface of the cap 420. A boss 422 having a hole 422a is provided at the center of the outlet 421. Both sides of the boss 422 are connected to the peripheral edge of the outlet 421 by two ribs (not shown).

The on-off valve mechanism 430 includes a valve body 431, a pin 432, and a coil spring 433. The valve body 431 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The pin 432 is formed of a metal material or a resin material, and is passed through the hole 422a of the boss 422 so as to be vertically movable. The valve body 431 is attached to the upper end of the pin 432. The lower end of the pin 432 has a larger outer diameter than other portions to form a flange portion 432a, and a coil spring 433 is arranged between the flange portion 432a and the boss 422. The coil spring 433 is in a compressed state, the pin 432 is pushed downward by the coil spring 433, and the valve body 431 closes the outflow port 421.

When the pin 432 is pushed from below and moves upward against the pushing pressure of the coil spring 433, the valve body 431 separates from the outlet 421 and the outlet 421 is opened. As a result, water is discharged from the inside of the tank main body 410, that is, the inside of the water supply tank 400. When the pressure from below the pin 432 is released, the pin 432 moves downward and the valve body 431 closes the outlet 421. As a result, the discharge of water from the water supply tank 400 is stopped. When replenishing the water supply tank 400 with water, the cap 420 is removed and water is poured into the tank body 410 from the entrance / exit 412.

A cylindrical outlet 423 is formed on the outer bottom surface of the cap 420 so as to surround the pin 432. The outlet of the discharge port 423 becomes the final water discharge port 401 in the water supply tank 400.

A tank inlet 319 is provided on the top surface of the exterior body 310. A lid 330 is provided at the tank inlet 319. The water supply tank 400 is housed in the tank storage chamber 318 through the tank inlet 319. The tank inlet 319 has an inverted conical cross-sectional shape in which the inner diameter decreases toward the bottom, and the inner diameter of the lower end portion is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the upper end portion of the water supply tank 400.

The tank body 410 is transparent, and the second body member 312 is also transparent. Therefore, the user can check the remaining amount of water in the water supply tank 400 from the outside.

A resin tank holding member 340 is provided in the tank storage chamber 318. The tank holding member 340 has an upper holding portion 341 having an upper opening 341a into which the upper portion of the water supply tank 400 is inserted and holding the upper portion of the water supply tank 400, and a lower opening 342a into which the lower portion of the water supply tank 400 is inserted. Includes a lower holding portion 342 that holds the lower portion of the water supply tank 400. The tank holding member 340 corresponds to the tank holding portion of the present invention. In the water supply tank 400, the discharge port 401 is separated from the water supply tank 240 as shown in FIG. 5, and the discharge port 401 is inserted into the water supply tank 240 as shown in FIG. It is held by the tank holding member 340 so that it can be moved.

A resin tank receiving member 350 is provided in the lower part of the tank storage chamber 318. The tank receiving member 350 corresponds to the push-up portion and the detachment prevention portion of the present invention. A cylindrical receiving portion 351 is formed in the central portion of the tank receiving member 350, and the portion of the cap 420 of the water supply tank 400 is housed in the receiving portion 351. In this state, the tip end portion of the discharge port portion 423 of the cap 420 projects downward from the receiving portion 351. Further, the tank receiving member 350 is formed so that a square tubular first fitting protrusion 352 projects downward on the left side of the receiving portion 351 and a square tubular second fitting on the right side of the receiving portion 351. The protrusion 353 is formed so as to protrude downward. A coil spring 354 is arranged around the receiving portion 351 and between the tank receiving member 350 and the partition wall 317. The tank receiving member 350 is held in a floating state from the partition wall 317 which is the bottom surface of the tank accommodating chamber 318 by the elastic force of the coil spring 354.

The partition wall 317 has a central opening 317a, a left opening 317b, and a right opening connected to the tank storage chamber 316 at positions corresponding to the receiving portion 351 and the first fitting protrusion 352 and the second fitting protrusion 353, respectively. The opening 317c is formed. Further, on the partition wall 317, a tubular left guide portion 317d and a right guide portion 317e are formed around the left opening 317b and the right opening 317c, respectively. The first fitting protrusion 352 is inserted into the left guide portion 317d, and the second fitting protrusion 353 is inserted into the right guide portion 317e. The left guide portion 317d and the right guide portion 317e serve as guides when the tank receiving member 350 moves up and down.

A lock device 360 for locking the water supply tank 400 at the insertion position is provided between the first fitting protrusion 352 of the tank receiving member 350 and the first fitting hole 271 of the water storage portion 200. The lock device 360 includes a device main body 361 mounted in the first fitting protrusion 352 and a claw portion 362 mounted in the bottom surface of the first fitting hole 271. The apparatus main body 361 includes a rod 364 having holding pieces 363 for holding the claw portions 362 on both sides of the tip portion, and an alternate mechanism (not shown). When the rod 364 is pushed into the device main body 361 by the claw portion 362, the claw portion 362 is caught by the holding pieces 363 from both sides, and the rod 364 is held inside the device main body 361 by the action of the alternate mechanism. As a result, the claw portion 362 does not come off from the device main body 361. When the rod 364 is pushed by the claw portion 362 again from this state, the holding is released by the action of the alternate mechanism, and when the pushing force is released, the tip of the rod 364 protrudes from the device main body 361, and the holding piece 363. Opens. As a result, the claw portion 362 is removed from the device main body 361.

On the top surface of the exterior body 310, an operation unit 370 is provided on the right side of the lid 330. A power button 371 and an operation button 372 are arranged on the operation unit 370. The power button 371 is an operation button for turning on and off the power to the ultrasonic cleaning device 1. The operation button 372 is an operation button for starting and stopping the washing operation.

By the way, when the cleaning operation is not performed, as shown in FIG. 5, the water supply tank 400 is held at a separated position in the tank accommodating chamber 318 by pushing up the tank receiving member 350. At this time, the valve body 431 of the water supply tank 400 is in the closed state, and water is not discharged from the water supply tank 400. Further, there is a gap between the upper end of the water supply tank 400 and the inner peripheral surface of the tank inlet 319 for a finger to enter, and the water supply tank 400 can be picked up with a finger and taken out to the outside.

When starting the cleaning operation, the user opens the lid 330 and pushes the water supply tank 400 downward with a finger. The water supply tank 400 and the tank receiving member 350 descend against the elastic force of the coil spring 354, and the water supply tank 400 reaches the insertion position. As shown in FIG. 6, the discharge port portion 423 enters the tank storage chamber 316 together with the receiving portion 351 through the central opening 317a, and the discharge port 401 of the water supply tank 400 is inserted into the water supply tank 240. Further, the first fitting protrusion 352 enters the tank storage chamber 316 through the left opening 317b, and fits into the first fitting hole 271 of the water storage portion 200 in the tank storage chamber 316. Similarly, the second fitting protrusion 353 enters the tank storage chamber 316 through the right opening 317c and fits into the second fitting hole 272 of the water storage portion 200 in the tank storage chamber 316. As a result, the water storage unit 200 cannot be pulled out forward, and the water storage unit 200 cannot be removed from the mounting base 320, that is, the main body unit 300. On the other hand, the locking device 360 exerts a locking function between the first fitting protrusion 352 and the first fitting hole 271. That is, in the lock device 360, the claw portion 362 is pushed into the device main body 361, is coupled to the device main body 361, and does not come off from the device main body 361. As a result, the tank receiving member 350 cannot be lifted by the elastic force of the coil spring 354, so that the water supply tank 400 is fixed at the insertion position.

When the water supply tank 400 is lowered to the insertion position, the pin 432 of the water supply tank 400 collides with the protrusion 242 of the water supply tank 240 and is pushed up. As a result, the valve body 431 is opened, and the water in the water supply tank 400 is discharged from the discharge port 401. The discharged water is received in the water tank 240 and sent to the water tank 230 through the water supply channel 250. When water is accumulated in the water tank 230, the water level in the water tank 240 rises together with the water level in the water tank 230. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3, when the water level in the water supply tank 240 rises to the height of the discharge port 401 of the water supply tank 400 and the discharge port 401 is blocked with water, the air pressure inside the water supply tank 400 and the external air pressure Due to the balance with the water supply tank 400, the water supply from the water supply tank 400 is stopped while the valve body 431 remains open. Even if water splashes out of the water supply tank 240 during water supply, the water that has jumped out is collected by the outer tank 260, so that it is difficult for the water to leak out of the water storage unit 200.

When water is stored in the water tank 230, the user puts the dirty part of the object to be cleaned, for example, the collar part of the shirt on the water tank 230, that is, the vibration horn of the water tank 230 and the ultrasonic generator 110. Set between 112 and 112. At this time, a detergent may be applied in advance to the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned is immersed in the water stored in the water storage tank 230, and the water that has permeated the inside of the object to be cleaned seeps out to the surface. A thin layer of water is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the vibration horn 112 comes into contact with this layer of water. When the water to be cleaned absorbs water, the water level in the water storage tank 230 drops, the water level in the water supply tank 240 drops, and the discharge port 401 of the water supply tank 400 is no longer blocked by water, the discharge port 401 returns. Water is replenished from the water supply tank 400, that is, the water storage tank 230 until it is closed with water. As a result, the water level in the water tank 230, that is, the amount of water is maintained in an appropriate state.

The user presses the operation button 372 to start the cleaning operation.

Here, inside the exterior body 310, for example, a detection unit 380 which is a micro switch is arranged on the left side of the tank storage chamber 316, and the tank receiving member 350 is lowered to reach a position corresponding to the insertion position. Then, the detection unit 380 detects that the tank receiving member 350 is at this position. That is, the detection unit 380 indirectly detects that the water supply tank 400 is in the insertion position. The detection unit 380 may be configured to directly detect that the water supply tank 400 is in the insertion position.

If the water supply tank 400 is in the insertion position, it can be considered that water is properly supplied. Therefore, if the detection unit 380 detects that the water supply tank 400 is in the insertion position, the cleaning operation is started. NS. The ultrasonic vibrator 111 is energized, and the ultrasonic generator 110 operates.

9 (a) to 9 (c) are views for explaining the removal of dirt on the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment.

When the ultrasonic generator 110 is activated, ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 112, and the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the water inside the object to be cleaned through the water around the vibration horn 112. As shown in FIG. 9A, inside the object to be cleaned, decompression and pressurization are alternately generated by the action of ultrasonic vibration, and a vacuum cavity is created in the portion where the pressure is low. That is, a large number of cavities are present in the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned. Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the pressure in the cavity portion increases and the cavity is destroyed by being crushed by this pressure, a shock wave is generated in the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned. The shock wave separates dirt from the object to be cleaned. As shown in FIG. 9C, the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 creates a water flow from the inside of the object to be cleaned into the water storage tank 230, and the water flow causes the dirt separated from the object to be cleaned to store water. It is discharged into the tank 230. In the water storage tank 230, convection is generated by the above water flow, so that dirt is easily separated from the object to be cleaned. In this way, dirt is removed from the object to be cleaned.

The user needs to move the object to be cleaned in order to bring the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned to the position of the ultrasonic generator 110. In the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by the main body unit 300, the user does not have to hold the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 by hand and holds the object to be cleaned with both hands. Can have. As a result, the user can move the object to be cleaned more smoothly than when holding it with one hand. Further, since the water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body 300, it is unlikely that the water storage unit 200 will move together with the object to be cleaned when the user moves the object to be cleaned.

When the cleaning of the object to be cleaned is completed, the user presses the operation button 372 again. The operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 is stopped, and the cleaning operation is completed. The user then opens the lid 330 and pushes the water tank 400 slightly downward with his or her finger. The tank receiving member 350 is slightly lowered together with the water supply tank 400, and the first fitting protrusion 352 is slightly lowered. Then, when the finger is released from the water supply tank 400, the lock device 360 releases the holding of the rod 364 and the claw portion 362 is disengaged from the device main body 361. As a result, the fixing by the lock device 360 is released, so that the tank receiving member 350 is lifted by the elastic force of the coil spring 354 and lifted by the tank receiving member 350 to move the water supply tank 400 to the separated position. The valve body 431 is closed, and water is not supplied from the water supply tank 400.

If the water supply tank 400 is pushed in during the cleaning operation and the water supply tank 400 is moved to a separated position by pushing up the tank receiving member 350, the detection unit 380 detects the tank receiving member 350. It is considered that the water supply by the water supply tank 400 cannot be performed normally, and the cleaning operation is automatically stopped. Here, when the water supply tank 400 is in the insertion position, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper end portion of the water supply tank 400 penetrates to the lower end portion of the tank inlet 319, so that the water supply tank 400 cannot be picked up by a finger. Therefore, the user cannot hold the upper end of the water supply tank 400 and perform an operation such as pulling up the water supply tank 400. As a result, it is unlikely that only the water supply tank 400 is lifted and removed while the tank receiving member 350 is detected by the detection unit 380, and the cleaning operation is continued without being able to supply water from the water supply tank 400. Such things are unlikely to occur.

When the tank receiving member 350 rises together with the water supply tank 400, the first fitting protrusion 352 and the second fitting protrusion 353 are separated from the first fitting hole 271 and the second fitting hole 272. As a result, the water storage unit 200 can be separated from the mounting base 320, that is, the main body 300. The user pulls out the water storage unit 200 forward to remove it from the mounting table 320, and discards the water stored in the water storage tank 230, the water supply tank 240, and the water supply channel 250 to a disposable place such as a drain port of the wash basin. In addition, the user cleans the water tank 230 and the like, if necessary. In the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment, since the water storage unit 200 can be removed from the main body unit 300, drainage from the water storage unit 200 and cleaning of the water storage unit 200 become easy.

If the water storage unit 200 cannot be removed from the main body 300, the water storage unit 200 is moved together with the main body 300 to drain water from the water storage unit 200 and clean the water storage unit 200. Since it is necessary to hold the entire 1 and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 becomes an obstacle, it becomes difficult to perform smooth drainage and cleaning.

Further, it may be assumed that the user accidentally tries to start the cleaning operation with the water storage unit 200 removed, and the water supply tank 400 is pushed into the insertion position. In this case, even if the tank receiving member 350 is pushed down together with the water supply tank 400, the claw portion 362 provided in the water storage portion 200 does not exist in the tank storage chamber 316, so that the apparatus main body 361 and the claw portion 362 are combined. The locking function of the locking device 360 is not exhibited. Therefore, the water supply tank 400 cannot stay at the insertion position and is returned to the separated position.

<Effect of this embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by the main body unit 300, the user can hold the object to be cleaned with both hands. As a result, the user can smoothly move the object to be cleaned. Further, since the water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body 300, it is difficult for the water storage unit 200 to move together with the object to be cleaned when the object to be cleaned is moved, and water may spill from the water storage unit 200. It is unlikely to occur. Further, since the water storage unit 200 can be removed from the main body 300, drainage from the water storage unit 200 and cleaning of the water storage unit 200 can be easily performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can smoothly clean the object to be cleaned by using the ultrasonic cleaning device 1, and it is expected that the convenience of the user will be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the main body 300 is provided with the water supply tank 400, and during the washing operation, water is automatically supplied from the water supply tank 400 to the water storage tank 230, so that the user can use the inside of the water storage tank 230. It is not necessary to replenish the water in the water tank 230 each time the water is reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the discharge port 401 of the water supply tank 400 is inserted into the water supply tank 240 with the valve body 431 open, and the discharge port 401 is closed with the water accumulated in the water supply tank 240. Since the water supply from the water supply tank 400 is stopped by the water supply tank 400, the water level in the water storage tank 230 can be maintained at an appropriate level without controlling the opening and closing of the valve body 431. As a result, the structure of the water supply tank 400 is less likely to be complicated.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the water storage unit 200 is pulled out and removed from the main body unit 300, the water supply tank 400 can be raised and retracted to a separated position, so that the water storage unit 200 can supply water at the time of removal. It is possible to prevent the tank 400 from coming into contact with the tank 400. Further, since the water supply from the water supply tank 400 is stopped at the separated position, the water supply from the water supply tank 400 is performed at the separated position, so that the water supply does not stop even if an appropriate amount of water is stored in the water storage tank 230, and the water is stored. It is possible to avoid a situation in which water leaks from the tank 230.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water supply tank 400 cannot be kept in the insertion position unless the water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body 300. Therefore, the water storage unit 200 is attached to the main body 300. For the first time, the water supply tank 400 can be put into a state where water can be supplied.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water storage unit 200 is fixed to the main body 300 when the valve body 431 is open and water can be discharged, and when the valve body 431 is closed and water can be stopped, the water storage unit 200 Since the fixing to the main body 300 is released, the user can remove the water storage unit 200 from the main body 300 in a state where it is difficult to supply water from the water supply tank 400.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways other than the above. ..

For example, in the above embodiment, the housing 130 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is configured as a separate member from the exterior body 310 of the main body unit 300. However, the housing 130 may be integrally formed with the exterior body 310.

Further, the water supply structure for supplying water from the water supply tank 400 to the water storage tank 230 is not limited to the configuration as in the above embodiment, and other water supply structures may be adopted.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the water storage unit 200, one tank formed by hanging from the upper surface of the front water storage member 210 to the upper surface of the rear water storage member 220 is narrowed in the width of the central portion of the water storage tank. It was divided into 230, a water supply channel 250, and a water tank 240. However, for example, an elliptical tank that is long in the front-rear direction, the width of the central portion thereof is not narrowed down, and one tank that cannot be clearly divided into the water storage tank 230, the water supply channel 250, and the water supply tank 240 is the front water storage member 210. It may be formed by hanging from the upper surface to the upper surface of the rear water storage member 220. In this case, in one tank, the area in the front water storage member 210 becomes the water storage tank 230, the area in the rear water storage member 220 becomes the water supply tank 240, and the water supply channel 250 disappears.

Further, in the above embodiment, the water supply tank 400 is fixed to the insertion position by fixing the tank receiving member 350 by the lock device 360, but the water supply tank 400 is directly inserted into the insertion position by the lock device 360. A configuration may be adopted in which the device is fixed to the device.

Further, the configuration of the lock device 360 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as the lock function can be exhibited.

Further, in the above embodiment, the water supply tank 400 can be once moved to the insertion position even when the water storage unit 200 is not attached to the main body unit 300. However, when the water storage unit 200 is not attached to the main body 300, the movement path of the water supply tank 400 is blocked, and when the water storage unit 200 is not attached to the main body 300, the water supply tank 400 is configured. The water supply tank 400 may not be kept in the insertion position by preventing the water supply tank 400 from being moved to the insertion position.

Further, in the above embodiment, the tank receiving member 350 that descends together with the water supply tank 400 realizes a detachment prevention portion that fixes the water storage portion 200 when the valve body 431 is opened and water can be discharged. However, the configuration of the detachment prevention unit is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may be another configuration.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 is provided with the water supply tank 400. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 1 may not be provided with the water supply tank 400.

In addition, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

1 Ultrasonic cleaning device
100 Ultrasonic cleaner
110 ultrasonic generator
200 Water storage department
230 Water tank (water storage recess)
240 Water tank (water supply recess)
300 body
340 Tank holding member (tank holding part)
350 Tank receiving member (push top, detachment prevention part)
360 lock device
400 water tank
401 outlet
431 valve body

Claims (5)

An ultrasonic cleaning unit containing an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves,
The main body, which is installed at the installation site and holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit,
A water storage unit that is detachably attached to the main body at a position below the ultrasonic wave generator and has a water storage recess for storing water for immersing the object to be cleaned.
It is provided with a water supply tank provided in the main body and in which water supplied to the water storage recess is stored.
The water supply tank includes a water discharge port supplied to the water storage recess and a valve body that is opened and closed for water discharge and water stoppage.
The water storage unit includes a water supply recess connected to the water storage recess.
The discharge port of the water supply tank is inserted into the water supply recess with the valve body open.
When the discharge port is closed with the water accumulated in the water supply recess, the supply of water from the water supply tank is stopped.
An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1,
The water storage portion can be detached in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the discharge port into the water supply recess.
The main body includes a tank holding portion that movably holds the water supply tank between an insertion position where the discharge port is inserted into the water supply recess and a separated position where the discharge port is separated from the water supply recess. ,
When the water supply tank is in the insertion position, the valve body is opened to allow water to be discharged, and when the water supply tank is in the separated position, the valve body is closed to stop water.
An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 2,
In the main body portion, the water supply tank cannot be kept in the insertion position unless the water storage portion is attached to the main body portion.
An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by this. In the ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 3,
A push-up that pushes the water supply tank from the insertion position to the separation position,
A lock device for locking the water supply tank to the insertion position is provided so that the water supply tank is not pushed up by the push-up portion.
The lock device cannot exert the lock function unless the water storage portion is attached to the main body portion.
An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by this. An ultrasonic cleaning unit containing an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves,
The main body, which is installed at the installation site and holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit,
A water storage unit that is detachably attached to the main body at a position below the ultrasonic wave generator and has a water storage recess for storing water for immersing the object to be cleaned.
It is provided with a water supply tank provided in the main body and in which water supplied to the water storage recess is stored.
The water supply tank includes a valve body that is opened and closed for discharging and stopping water.
When the valve body is open and water can be discharged, the water storage portion is fixed, and when the valve body is closed and water can be stopped, a detachment prevention portion for releasing the fixation of the water storage portion is further provided.
An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by this.

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