JP5636545B2

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: JP5636545B2
Application number: JP2010229143A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 洋介本多; 宮本　年昭; 年昭宮本; 秀雄向坂; 克幸稲垣
Original assignee: Honda Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2010-10-08
Publication date: 2014-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-08
Also published as: JP2012081404A

Description

本発明は、超音波洗浄装置及び超音波洗浄システムに関し、特に、洗浄液が充填された洗浄容器内に被洗浄物を収容した状態で超音波洗浄を施す超音波洗浄装置及び超音波洗浄システムに関する。 The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and an ultrasonic cleaning system, and more particularly to an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and an ultrasonic cleaning system that perform ultrasonic cleaning in a state where an object to be cleaned is contained in a cleaning container filled with a cleaning liquid.

超音波洗浄装置は、超音波振動子が槽底面等に取り付けられてなる超音波洗浄槽内の液体中に被洗浄物を浸漬し、超音波振動子から超音波を照射して液体中に生じるキャビテーションなどの作用により被洗浄物の汚れを剥離、分散等させる。このような超音波洗浄装置において、超音波洗浄槽内の液体に直接被洗浄物を浸漬するのではなく、密閉の洗浄容器内に洗浄液と共に被洗浄液を収容し、この洗浄容器の少なくとも一部を超音波洗浄槽内の液体に接触させて超音波洗浄するものがある。 An ultrasonic cleaning device immerses an object to be cleaned in a liquid in an ultrasonic cleaning tank in which an ultrasonic vibrator is attached to the bottom of the tank and the like, and is generated in the liquid by irradiating ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic vibrator. The dirt on the object to be cleaned is peeled off and dispersed by the action of cavitation or the like. In such an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the object to be cleaned is not directly immersed in the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, but the liquid to be cleaned is accommodated in the sealed cleaning container together with the cleaning liquid, and at least a part of the cleaning container is accommodated. There are some which perform ultrasonic cleaning by contacting the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank.

例えば、特許文献１の図３においては、被洗浄物であるコンタクトレンズを洗浄容器内に収容し、超音波洗浄槽に溜められた水に、該洗浄容器の一部を浸漬させて配設し、コンタクトレンズの洗浄を行う装置が開示されている。このように、洗浄容器内に被洗浄物を収容するタイプの場合、洗浄容器内に充填する洗浄液として、種々の溶液や薬液を用いても外部に飛散するおそれがないなどの利点がある。 For example, in FIG. 3 ofPatent Document 1, a contact lens which is an object to be cleaned is accommodated in a cleaning container, and a part of the cleaning container is immersed in water stored in an ultrasonic cleaning tank. An apparatus for cleaning a contact lens is disclosed. As described above, in the case of the type in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated in the cleaning container, there is an advantage that even if various solutions or chemicals are used as the cleaning liquid to be filled in the cleaning container, there is no possibility of scattering to the outside.

特開平４−１３１１４号公報JP-A-4-13114

特許文献１の図３に示された装置は、超音波洗浄槽内に平行に２本のローラ部材を配設し、このローラ部材に洗浄容器を支持させ、一方のローラ部材を回転させることで洗浄容器を回転させるものである。しかし、この装置では、洗浄容器は２本のローラ部材の中心よりも上部で支持される。このため、洗浄容器を支持した状態で超音波洗浄槽内の水に接触させるには、ローラ部材のほとんどの部分が水中に浸漬されるように設ける必要がある。ローラ部材をこのように常時水没した状態で設けた場合、軸受け部分におけるシール対策を考慮しなければならないし、メンテナンス作業も面倒である。 In the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ofPatent Document 1, two roller members are arranged in parallel in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, the cleaning container is supported by this roller member, and one roller member is rotated. The cleaning container is rotated. However, in this apparatus, the cleaning container is supported above the center of the two roller members. For this reason, in order to make it contact with the water in an ultrasonic cleaning tank in the state which supported the washing container, it is necessary to provide so that most parts of a roller member may be immersed in water. When the roller member is provided in such a state that it is always submerged in this way, it is necessary to consider sealing measures at the bearing portion, and maintenance work is troublesome.

本発明は上記に鑑みなされたものであり、被洗浄物を洗浄容器内に収容して洗浄するタイプであって、洗浄容器の一部を超音波洗浄槽内の液体と接触可能である一方、洗浄容器を支持する容器支持部材を超音波洗浄槽内の液体と接触しないように設け、構造が簡易でメンテナンス作業も容易な超音波洗浄装置及び超音波洗浄システムを提供することを課題とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a type in which an object to be cleaned is accommodated in a cleaning container and cleaned, and a part of the cleaning container can be brought into contact with the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and an ultrasonic cleaning system which are provided with a container supporting member for supporting a cleaning container so as not to come into contact with the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, have a simple structure, and facilitate maintenance work.

上記課題を解決するため、本発明の超音波洗浄装置は、液体が収容される超音波洗浄槽を有する超音波洗浄装置であって、洗浄液と共に被洗浄物が密閉的に収容された洗浄容器を、前記超音波洗浄槽内の液体に一部を接触させて支持する容器支持部材が、前記超音波洗浄槽外に設けられ、かつ、前記洗浄容器を前記容器支持部材に支持させた状態で回転させる回転制御手段が設けられていることを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above-described problems, an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of the present invention is an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus having an ultrasonic cleaning tank in which a liquid is stored, and includes a cleaning container in which an object to be cleaned is stored together with a cleaning liquid. A container support member that supports a part of the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank in contact with the liquid is provided outside the ultrasonic cleaning tank, and rotates while the cleaning container is supported by the container support member. Rotation control means is provided.

前記容器支持部材が、前記超音波洗浄槽に収容される液体の最高液面高さよりも上方に配置された２本一対のローラ部材からなり、前記ローラ部材間の間隔が、横置きに配置される前記洗浄容器の直径未満であって、前記ローラ部材間から前記洗浄容器の周面の一部が下方に突出し、前記超音波洗浄槽内の液体に接触可能な間隔で設定されていることが好ましい。前記容器支持部材を構成する２本一対の前記ローラ部材は、軸心を中心として回転可能に設けられ、前記回転制御手段は、前記ローラ部材の少なくとも一方を回転させる構成であることが好ましい。 The container support member is composed of a pair of two roller members disposed above the maximum liquid level of the liquid stored in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, and the interval between the roller members is disposed horizontally. The diameter of the cleaning container is less than the diameter of the cleaning container, and a part of the peripheral surface of the cleaning container protrudes downward from between the roller members and is set at an interval that allows contact with the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank. preferable. It is preferable that the pair of two roller members constituting the container support member are provided to be rotatable around an axis, and the rotation control means is configured to rotate at least one of the roller members.

本発明の超音波洗浄システムは、液体が収容される超音波洗浄槽を有する超音波洗浄装置と、洗浄液と共に被洗浄物が密閉的に収容されて使用される洗浄容器とを具備する超音波洗浄システムであって、前記超音波洗浄装置が、前記超音波洗浄槽外に設けられると共に、前記超音波洗浄槽内の液体に前記洗浄容器の一部を接触させて支持可能な容器支持部材と、前記洗浄容器を前記容器支持部材に支持させた状態で回転させる回転制御手段とを有することを特徴とする。 An ultrasonic cleaning system according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus having an ultrasonic cleaning tank in which a liquid is stored, and a cleaning container in which an object to be cleaned is stored and used together with a cleaning liquid. A container support member that is provided outside the ultrasonic cleaning tank, and that can be supported by bringing a part of the cleaning container into contact with the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank; Rotation control means for rotating the cleaning container while being supported by the container support member.

前記洗浄容器が、筒状本体部と、前記筒状本体部に設けられた被洗浄物の収容口を密閉する密閉蓋とを有してなり、前記容器支持部材を構成する２本一対の前記ローラ部材に横置きに配置されることが好ましい。前記洗浄容器内に撹拌手段が設けられていることが好ましく、また、前記洗浄容器に圧力調整機構が設けられていることが好ましい。 The cleaning container includes a cylindrical main body portion and a sealing lid that seals an accommodation port of an object to be cleaned provided in the cylindrical main body portion, and the two pairs of the above-described container constituting the container support member It is preferable that the roller member is disposed horizontally. It is preferable that a stirring means is provided in the cleaning container, and it is preferable that a pressure adjusting mechanism is provided in the cleaning container.

本発明は、超音波洗浄槽内の液体に洗浄容器の一部が接触し得るように支持する容器支持部材を超音波洗浄槽外に備えてなる。従って、洗浄容器を容器支持部材に支持させた状態で回転させると、超音波洗浄槽内の液体を介して洗浄容器内に超音波が照射され、洗浄容器内の被洗浄物の汚れを除去することができる。本発明によれば、容器支持部材が超音波洗浄槽外に配置されているため、容器支持部材のシール対策は簡易でよく、メンテナンス作業も容易で、製造コスト、メンテナンスコストの低減に寄与する。 The present invention includes a container support member that supports the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank so that a part of the cleaning container can come into contact with the liquid inside the ultrasonic cleaning tank. Accordingly, when the cleaning container is rotated while being supported by the container support member, ultrasonic waves are irradiated into the cleaning container via the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, and the dirt of the object to be cleaned in the cleaning container is removed. be able to. According to the present invention, since the container support member is disposed outside the ultrasonic cleaning tank, the measures for sealing the container support member may be simple, the maintenance work is easy, and the manufacturing cost and the maintenance cost are reduced.

図１は、本発明の一の実施形態に係る超音波洗浄装置と洗浄容器とを備えた超音波洗浄システムを示した斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic cleaning system including an ultrasonic cleaning device and a cleaning container according to an embodiment of the present invention.図２は、上記実施形態に係る超音波洗浄システムの外観を示した図であり、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は側面図、（ｃ）は正面図、（ｄ）は背面図、（ｅ）は底面図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic cleaning system according to the embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a front view, (d) is a rear view, (E) is a bottom view.図３は、上記実施形態に係る超音波洗浄システムの内部構造を示した図であり、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は側面図、（ｃ）は正面図、（ｄ）は背面図、（ｅ）は底面図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the ultrasonic cleaning system according to the embodiment, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a front view, and (d) is a rear view. (E) is a bottom view.

以下、本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて更に詳しく説明する。超音波洗浄システム１は、図１〜図３に示したように、超音波洗浄装置１０と洗浄容器２０とを有して構成される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, theultrasonic cleaning system 1 includes anultrasonic cleaning device 10 and acleaning container 20.

超音波洗浄装置１０は、平面視で上面開口の略長方形に形成され、所定の深さに形成された超音波洗浄槽１１を有している。超音波洗浄槽１１は、図３に示したように、槽底面１１ａの裏面側に、超音波振動子１１ｂが固着されており、超音波振動子１１ｂに発振回路（図示せず）の出力信号が入力される。超音波洗浄槽１１内には液体が貯留されている。本実施形態の場合、この液体は、被洗浄物に直接接触して洗浄する液体ではなく、洗浄容器２０に超音波を伝播させるために使用される液体であり、例えば水が用いられる。超音波振動子１１ｂに発振回路（図示せず）の出力信号が入力されると、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体（例えば水）に超音波が照射される。 Theultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 has anultrasonic cleaning tank 11 which is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with an upper surface opening in a plan view and formed at a predetermined depth. As shown in FIG. 3, theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 has anultrasonic vibrator 11b fixed to the back side of thetank bottom face 11a, and an output signal of an oscillation circuit (not shown) is connected to theultrasonic vibrator 11b. Is entered. A liquid is stored in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. In the case of the present embodiment, this liquid is not a liquid that is cleaned by directly contacting an object to be cleaned, but is a liquid that is used for propagating ultrasonic waves to thecleaning container 20, for example, water. When an output signal of an oscillation circuit (not shown) is input to theultrasonic transducer 11b, ultrasonic waves are applied to the liquid (for example, water) in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11.

超音波洗浄槽１１外である、該超音波洗浄槽１１の周囲に位置する超音波洗浄装置１０の上縁部１２には、容器支持部材としての２本一対のローラ部材１３，１４が設けられている。ローラ部材１３，１４は、金属又は合成樹脂製の棒状部材の周面にシート状のゴム等の滑り止め部材が巻き付けられてなり、超音波洗浄槽１１の幅方向に所定間隔をおいて略平行に設けられている。ローラ部材１３，１４の各一端部及び各他端部は、上縁部１２の前端縁側に設けた軸受け部１２１，１２２と後端縁側に設けた軸受け部１２３，１２４にそれぞれ軸支され、軸心を中心に回転可能に設けられている。 A pair of tworoller members 13 and 14 as container support members are provided on theupper edge 12 of theultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10 located outside theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 and around theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. ing. Theroller members 13 and 14 are formed by winding a non-slip member such as a sheet-like rubber around the circumferential surface of a metal or synthetic resin rod-like member, and are substantially parallel to theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 at a predetermined interval in the width direction. Is provided. One end portion and each other end portion of theroller members 13 and 14 are respectively supported by bearingportions 121 and 122 provided on the front end edge side of theupper edge portion 12 and bearingportions 123 and 124 provided on the rear end edge side. It is provided so as to be rotatable around the heart.

ローラ部材１３，１４間の間隔は、より具体的には、洗浄容器２０の直径未満の間隔であって、かつ、洗浄容器２０を横置きの姿勢で支持した際に、ローラ部材１３，１４間から該洗浄容器２０の周面の一部２１ａが下方に突出し、超音波洗浄槽１１内に貯留された液体（例えば水）に接触可能な間隔で設定される（図３（ｂ）参照）。これにより、容器支持部材であるローラ部材１３，１４が、超音波洗浄装置１０の上縁部１２、すなわち、超音波洗浄槽１１に収容される液体の最高液面高さよりも上方に配置されているにも拘わらず、洗浄容器２０が超音波洗浄槽１１内に貯留された液体に接触することができる。但し、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体と接触する洗浄容器２０の一部２１ａが、超音波洗浄槽１１の槽底面１１ａに接触しないように、上記ローラ部材１３，１４の設置高さを調整する。 More specifically, the distance between theroller members 13 and 14 is less than the diameter of thecleaning container 20 and when thecleaning container 20 is supported in a horizontal posture, Aportion 21a of the peripheral surface of thecleaning container 20 protrudes downward and is set at an interval that allows contact with a liquid (for example, water) stored in the ultrasonic cleaning tank 11 (see FIG. 3B). Thereby, theroller members 13 and 14 which are container support members are arrange | positioned above theupper edge part 12 of theultrasonic cleaning apparatus 10, ie, the highest liquid level height of the liquid accommodated in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. Nevertheless, thecleaning container 20 can come into contact with the liquid stored in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. However, the installation height of theroller members 13 and 14 is adjusted so that apart 21 a of thecleaning container 20 that contacts the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 does not contact thetank bottom surface 11 a of theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. .

ローラ部材１３，１４は、回転制御手段１５により回転する。本実施形態の回転制御手段１５は、モータ１５ａ、ベルト部材１５ｂ、プーリ１５ｃ，１５ｄ等を介して回転する。プーリ１５ｃ，１５ｄは、ぞれぞれローラ部材１３，１４の端部に連結されており、モータ１５ａの出力軸とこれらのプーリ１５ｃ，１５ｄにベルト部材１５ｂが巻き掛けられ、モータ１５ａの回転力が伝達され、各ローラ部材１３，１４は、軸心を中心に円周方向に回転する。なお、回転制御手段１５は、ローラ部材１３，１４を回転させることができればよく、このようなベルト部材１５ｂ及びプーリ１５ｃ，１５ｄを用いたものに限定されるものではないし、また、ベルト部材１５ｂの巻きかけ方も限定されるものではない。例えば、モータ１５ａの回転力をローラ部材１３，１４のうちの一方のみに伝達する構成とし、他方のローラ部材は、洗浄容器２０の回転を介して従動して回転する構成としてもよい。 Theroller members 13 and 14 are rotated by the rotation control means 15. The rotation control means 15 of this embodiment rotates via amotor 15a, abelt member 15b,pulleys 15c, 15d, and the like. Thepulleys 15c and 15d are connected to the end portions of theroller members 13 and 14, respectively, and thebelt member 15b is wound around the output shaft of themotor 15a and thepulleys 15c and 15d, and the rotational force of themotor 15a. Theroller members 13 and 14 rotate in the circumferential direction around the axis. The rotation control means 15 only needs to be able to rotate theroller members 13 and 14, and is not limited to those using such abelt member 15b andpulleys 15c and 15d. The winding method is not limited. For example, the rotational force of themotor 15a may be transmitted to only one of theroller members 13 and 14, and the other roller member may be configured to rotate following the rotation of thecleaning container 20.

ここで、超音波洗浄装置１０の上縁部１２の前端縁側に設けた軸受け部１２１，１２２は、図１及び図２（ａ），（ｂ）等に示したように、上縁部１２よりも上方に所定の高さ突出すると共に、前端部１２１ａ，１２２ａ間の幅が狭く、後端部１２１ｂ，１２２ｂが超音波洗浄槽１１の前端側角部１１１，１１２付近となるように、略ハ字状に形成されている。これにより、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体を廃棄する際に、軸受け部１２１，１２２の内面が、通過する液体の流路を形成するガイド壁となり、液体を所定方向に円滑に流して廃棄することができる。 Here, thebearing portions 121 and 122 provided on the front edge side of theupper edge portion 12 of theultrasonic cleaning device 10 are more than theupper edge portion 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, 2B and the like. Also protrudes upward by a predetermined height, the width between thefront end portions 121a and 122a is narrow, and therear end portions 121b and 122b are located near the front endside corner portions 111 and 112 of theultrasonic cleaning tank 11, respectively. It is formed in a letter shape. As a result, when the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 is discarded, the inner surfaces of the bearingportions 121 and 122 serve as guide walls that form a flow path for the passing liquid, and the liquid flows smoothly in a predetermined direction and is discarded. be able to.

洗浄容器２０は、筒状本体部２１と、筒状本体部２１に設けられた被洗浄物の収容口を密閉する密閉蓋２２とを有してなる。筒状本体部２１の直径や長さ、あるいは収容口の大きさは被洗浄物の種類により種々のサイズとすることができることはもちろんであり、そのサイズに応じてローラ部材１３，１４間の間隔が上記のように決定される。洗浄容器２０は、上記のように筒状本体部２１をローラ部材１３，１４間に支持されるように横置きに配置され、ローラ部材１３，１４間から周面の一部２１ａが下方に突出し、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体と接触する。 The cleaningcontainer 20 includes a cylindricalmain body portion 21 and a sealinglid 22 that seals an accommodation port of an object to be cleaned provided in the cylindricalmain body portion 21. Of course, the diameter and length of the cylindricalmain body 21 or the size of the accommodation port can be various sizes depending on the type of the object to be cleaned, and the interval between theroller members 13 and 14 according to the size. Is determined as described above. As described above, the cleaningcontainer 20 is disposed horizontally so that the cylindricalmain body 21 is supported between theroller members 13 and 14, and apart 21 a of the peripheral surface projects downward from between theroller members 13 and 14. Contact with the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11.

洗浄容器２０内には、被洗浄物と共に洗浄液が充填される。洗浄液の種類は、被洗浄物の種類に応じて種々のものが用いられる。筒状本体部２１が密閉蓋２２により密閉され、ローラ部材１３，１４により回転される構成であるため、効率的に洗浄でき、使用する洗浄液量は、超音波洗浄槽１１内に直接洗浄液を充たして使用する場合と比較して少なくてすむ。また、密閉式であるため、有機溶剤を洗浄液として用いた場合でも溶剤のふきこぼれや蒸散を防ぎ、さらに、水と混ざらないので安全性も高い。 The cleaningcontainer 20 is filled with a cleaning liquid together with an object to be cleaned. Various types of cleaning liquid are used according to the type of the object to be cleaned. Since the cylindricalmain body 21 is sealed by the sealinglid 22 and rotated by theroller members 13, 14, the cleaning can be efficiently performed. The amount of cleaning liquid to be used is obtained by directly filling theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 with the cleaning liquid. Compared to the case of using it, it needs less. Moreover, since it is a hermetically sealed type, even when an organic solvent is used as a cleaning liquid, the solvent is prevented from being spilled or evaporated, and further, it is not mixed with water, so that safety is high.

洗浄容器２０は、ローラ部材１３，１４の回転により所定方向に回転し、内部の被洗浄物を撹拌する。被洗浄物の汚れは、基本的には、超音波洗浄槽１１内に照射された超音波が洗浄容器２０内の洗浄液に伝播され、洗浄液中に生じるキャビテーション、液体の振動による加速度、あるいは超音波の伝播方向に生じる直進流により汚れが剥離され、洗浄液中に分散されて洗浄されるが、洗浄力をより高めるために、洗浄容器２０内に撹拌手段を設けることが好ましい。撹拌手段としては、例えば、洗浄容器２０の内周面に螺旋状に突設させた羽部材（図示せず）や、洗浄容器２０の中心に沿って配設した回転軸に設けた羽部材（図示せず）等を採用することができる。但し、収容する被洗浄物がそれらの撹拌手段に接触することで損傷などを来さないように、被洗浄物の種類に応じて適切なものが選択されることはもちろんである。 The cleaningcontainer 20 is rotated in a predetermined direction by the rotation of theroller members 13 and 14 to stir the object to be cleaned. The contamination of the object to be cleaned is basically that the ultrasonic wave irradiated in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 is propagated to the cleaning liquid in the cleaningcontainer 20 to cause cavitation generated in the cleaning liquid, acceleration due to vibration of the liquid, or ultrasonic waves. Dirt is peeled off by the straight flow generated in the propagation direction, and dispersed and washed in the cleaning liquid. However, in order to further increase the cleaning power, it is preferable to provide a stirring means in the cleaningcontainer 20. As the stirring means, for example, a wing member (not shown) spirally provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cleaningcontainer 20 or a wing member (not shown) provided on a rotating shaft disposed along the center of the cleaning container 20 ( (Not shown) or the like can be adopted. However, as a matter of course, an appropriate one is selected according to the type of the object to be cleaned so that the object to be cleaned does not come into contact with the stirring means to cause damage.

また、例えば、複数の被洗浄物を個別に洗浄する場合（コンタクトレンズなど）に備えて、筒状本体部２１内が複数室に区分される構成とすることもできる。この場合には、被洗浄物をそれぞれの室に収容できるように、例えば、収容口や密閉蓋２２は各室に対応して設けられる。 Further, for example, a configuration in which the inside of the cylindricalmain body 21 is divided into a plurality of chambers may be provided in case of cleaning a plurality of objects to be cleaned individually (contact lenses or the like). In this case, for example, a storage port and a sealinglid 22 are provided corresponding to each chamber so that the object to be cleaned can be stored in each chamber.

本実施形態では、洗浄容器２０内に被洗浄物及び洗浄液を収容する。次に、この洗浄容器２０をローラ部材１３，１４間に横置きになるように載置する。このように載置すると、ローラ部材１３，１４間に位置する洗浄容器２０の周面の一部２１ａが下方に突出し、超音波洗浄槽１１内に収容された液体（例えば水）に接触する。この状態で、操作パネル１０ａを操作して、発振回路（図示せず）の出力信号を超音波振動子１１ｂに供給すると、超音波が超音波振動子１１ｂから超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体に照射され、さらに、洗浄容器２０のうち、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体に接触している周面の一部２１ａから、洗浄容器２０内の洗浄液に超音波が伝播され、キャビテーション等の作用により被洗浄物の汚れが剥離されていく。 In the present embodiment, an object to be cleaned and a cleaning liquid are stored in the cleaningcontainer 20. Next, the cleaningcontainer 20 is placed so as to be placed horizontally between theroller members 13 and 14. When placed in this manner, apart 21a of the peripheral surface of the cleaningcontainer 20 located between theroller members 13 and 14 protrudes downward and comes into contact with a liquid (for example, water) accommodated in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. In this state, when theoperation panel 10a is operated and an output signal of an oscillation circuit (not shown) is supplied to theultrasonic transducer 11b, the ultrasonic wave is transferred from theultrasonic transducer 11b to the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11. The ultrasonic wave is further propagated to the cleaning liquid in the cleaningcontainer 20 from apart 21a of the peripheral surface of the cleaningcontainer 20 that is in contact with the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11, and is caused by an action such as cavitation. The dirt on the object to be cleaned is peeled off.

操作パネル１０ａを操作して超音波振動子１１ｂを駆動させると、本実施形態の場合、回転制御手段１５のモータ１５ａも駆動させれ、ベルト部材１５ｂ、プーリ１５ｃ，１５ｄを介してローラ部材１３，１４が回転する。ローラ部材１３，１４が回転すると、洗浄容器２０は、ローラ部材１３，１４の回転方向と反対方向に回転し、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体に接触する位置が円周方向に変化しながら接触していく。これにより、洗浄容器２０内の洗浄液が撹拌され、被洗浄物の汚れをさらに落としやすくし、被洗浄物をむらなく洗浄していく。 When theultrasonic oscillator 11b is driven by operating theoperation panel 10a, themotor 15a of therotation control unit 15 is also driven in the present embodiment, and theroller member 13, thebelt member 15b, and thepulleys 15c and 15d via the belt member 15b. 14 rotates. When theroller members 13 and 14 rotate, the cleaningcontainer 20 rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of theroller members 13 and 14, and the position in contact with the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 changes while changing in the circumferential direction. I will do it. As a result, the cleaning liquid in the cleaningcontainer 20 is agitated to make it easier to remove dirt from the object to be cleaned and to clean the object to be cleaned evenly.

所定時間使用して後、超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体を廃棄する場合には、超音波洗浄装置１０を前端縁側が下向きになるように傾斜させる。これにより、液体が、軸受け部１２１，１２２の内面をガイドにして所定方向に流れ、所定の場所に確実に廃棄することができる。ここで、ローラ部材１３，１４が仮に超音波洗浄槽１１内の液体と常に接触している構成にすると、所定のシール対策を施した構造とする必要があり、また、メンテナンス作業を行う頻度が高くなるが、本実施形態によれば、ローラ部材１３，１４の配設位置が超音波洗浄槽１１外であるため、特別なシール対策が不要となるため、製造コストを低減できると共に、メンテナンス作業の頻度を低減でき、取り扱いが容易となってメンテナンスコストも抑制することができる。 When the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 is discarded after using for a predetermined time, theultrasonic cleaning device 10 is tilted so that the front edge side faces downward. Thereby, the liquid can flow in a predetermined direction using the inner surfaces of the bearingportions 121 and 122 as a guide, and can be reliably discarded at a predetermined location. Here, if theroller members 13 and 14 are always in contact with the liquid in theultrasonic cleaning tank 11, it is necessary to have a structure in which a predetermined sealing measure is taken, and the frequency of maintenance work is increased. However, according to the present embodiment, since theroller members 13 and 14 are disposed outside theultrasonic cleaning tank 11, no special sealing measures are required, so that manufacturing costs can be reduced and maintenance work can be performed. , The handling becomes easy and the maintenance cost can be suppressed.

なお、洗浄容器２０としては、上記したものに限らず、例えば、筒状本体部２１又は密閉蓋２２に圧力調整弁等の圧力調整機構（図示せず）を設けた構成とすることもできる。洗浄液として低沸点の有機溶剤を使用した場合などにおいて、洗浄容器２０の圧力上昇を防ぐことができる。また、筒状本体部２１又は密閉蓋２２のうちの少なくとも一部を透明又は半透明にして収容された洗浄物を外部から視認できる構成としておけば、洗浄状態の視覚的な把握に役立つ。また、洗浄容器２０として、筒状本体部２１又は密閉蓋２２の長さ（軸心方向に沿った長さ）の短いものを用い、ローラ部材１３，１４間に、縦列で複数配置するようにしてもよい。これによれば、異なる被洗浄物を個別に収容して同時に洗浄することができる。また、洗浄液も洗浄容器２０毎に異なるものとすることもできる。 Note that the cleaningcontainer 20 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a configuration in which a pressure adjusting mechanism (not shown) such as a pressure adjusting valve is provided in the cylindricalmain body 21 or the sealinglid 22 may be employed. When a low-boiling organic solvent is used as the cleaning liquid, an increase in pressure in the cleaningcontainer 20 can be prevented. In addition, if a configuration in which at least a part of the cylindricalmain body 21 or the sealinglid 22 is made transparent or semi-transparent so that the cleaning object can be viewed from the outside is useful for visually grasping the cleaning state. Further, as the cleaningcontainer 20, a cylindricalmain body 21 or a sealinglid 22 having a short length (length along the axial direction) is used, and a plurality of thecleaning containers 20 are arranged in a row between theroller members 13 and 14. May be. According to this, different objects to be cleaned can be individually accommodated and simultaneously cleaned. Further, the cleaning liquid may be different for each cleaningcontainer 20.

また、超音波洗浄槽１１には、液体の貯留量を検出するセンサ（液面センサなど）や、洗浄容器２０と液体とが接触しているか否かを検知するセンサなどを設けておくことが好ましい。例えば、液面センサにより液体の貯留量が所定以下と検知された場合に警告を発したり、超音波振動子１１ｂ等の駆動を停止したりする構成とすることで、いわゆる空焚きを防止することができる。 Theultrasonic cleaning tank 11 may be provided with a sensor (such as a liquid level sensor) that detects the amount of liquid stored, a sensor that detects whether or not the cleaningcontainer 20 is in contact with the liquid, and the like. preferable. For example, when a liquid level sensor detects that the amount of liquid stored is below a predetermined level, a warning is issued, or driving of theultrasonic transducer 11b or the like is stopped, thereby preventing so-called idling. Can do.

１超音波洗浄システム
１０超音波洗浄装置
１１超音波洗浄槽
１１ｂ超音波振動子
１２上縁部
１３，１４ローラ部材
１５回転制御手段
１２１，１２２，１２３，１２４軸受け部
２０洗浄容器
２１筒状本体部
２２密閉蓋DESCRIPTION OFSYMBOLS 1Ultrasonic cleaning system 10Ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 11Ultrasonic cleaning tank 11bUltrasonic vibrator 12Upper edge part 13,14Roller member 15 Rotation control means 121,122,123,124 Bearingpart 20Cleaning container 21 Cylindrical main-body part 22 Sealing lid

Claims

Translated fromJapanese

筒状本体部と、前記筒状本体部に設けられた被洗浄物の収容口を密閉する密閉蓋とを有してなる洗浄容器内に、洗浄液と共に被洗浄物を密閉的に収容し、前記洗浄容器を、超音波洗浄槽内の液体に一部が接触するように支持して、前記洗浄容器内の被洗浄物を洗浄する超音波洗浄装置において、
前記洗浄容器を支持する容器支持部材が、前記超音波洗浄槽外であって、前記超音波洗浄槽に収容される液体の最高液面高さよりも上方に配置された２本一対のローラ部材からなり、前記ローラ部材間の間隔が、横置きに配置される前記洗浄容器の直径未満であって、前記ローラ部材間から前記洗浄容器の周面の一部が下方に突出し、前記超音波洗浄槽内の液体に接触可能な間隔で設定されており、かつ、
前記洗浄容器を前記２本一対のローラ部材に支持させた状態で、前記ローラ部材の少なくとも一方を回転させる回転制御手段を備えてなることを特徴とする超音波洗浄装置。In a cleaning container having a cylindrical main body portion and a sealing lid for sealing a storage port of the cleaning target provided in the cylindrical main body portion, the cleaning target together with the cleaning liquid is hermetically stored, In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for supporting the cleaning container so that part of the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank is in contact with the object to be cleaned in the cleaning container,
A container support member that supports the cleaning container is a pair of two roller members that are disposed outside the ultrasonic cleaning tank and above the maximum liquid level of the liquid stored in the ultrasonic cleaning tank. The interval between the roller members is less than the diameter of the cleaning container disposed horizontally, and a part of the peripheral surface of the cleaning container protrudes downward from between the roller members, and the ultrasonic cleaning tank Is set at an interval that allows contact with the liquid inside, and
An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus comprising rotation control means for rotating at least one of the roller members in a state where the cleaning container is supported by the pair of two roller members.

前記２本一対のローラ部材は、前記超音波洗浄槽の周囲に位置する上縁部のうち、前端縁側と後端縁側にそれぞれ幅方向に所定間隔をおいて設けられる軸受け部に軸支されて略平行に設けられており、
前記前端縁側に設けられる一対の軸受け部が、その前端部間の幅が狭い略ハ字状に形成され、前記超音波洗浄槽内の液体を廃棄する際、この軸受け部の内面が液体の流路を形成するガイド壁としての機能を有する請求項１記載の超音波洗浄装置。The pair of two roller members are pivotally supported by bearing portions provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction on the front edge side and the rear edge side, respectively, of the upper edge portion located around the ultrasonic cleaning tank. It is provided approximately in parallel,
A pair of bearing portions provided on the front end edge side are formed in a substantially C shape with a narrow width between the front end portions. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, which functions as a guide wall that forms a path.

前記洗浄容器は、その内部に撹拌手段が設けられている請求項１又は２記載の超音波洗浄装置。 The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning container is provided with stirring means inside thereof.

前記超音波洗浄装置における、前記２本一対のローラ部材は、前記超音波洗浄槽の周囲に位置する上縁部のうち、前端縁側と後端縁側にそれぞれ幅方向に所定間隔をおいて設けられる軸受け部に軸支されて略平行に設けられており、
前記前端縁側に設けられる一対の軸受け部が、その前端部間の幅が狭い略ハ字状に形成され、前記超音波洗浄槽内の液体を廃棄する際、この軸受け部の内面が液体の流路を形成するガイド壁としての機能を有する請求項４記載の超音波洗浄システム。In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the pair of two roller members are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction on the front edge side and the rear edge side, respectively, of the upper edge portion located around the ultrasonic cleaning tank. It is pivotally supported by the bearing part and provided approximately in parallel.
A pair of bearing portions provided on the front end edge side are formed in a substantially C shape with a narrow width between the front end portions, and when the liquid in the ultrasonic cleaning tank is discarded, the inner surface of the bearing portion is a liquid flow. The ultrasoniccleaning system according to claim 4, which functions as a guide wall that forms a path.

前記洗浄容器内に撹拌手段が設けられている請求項４又は５記載の超音波洗浄システム。 The ultrasonic cleaning system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a stirring means is provided in the cleaning container.

前記洗浄容器に圧力調整機構が設けられている請求項４〜６のいずれか１に記載の超音波洗浄システム。 The ultrasonic cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein a pressure adjusting mechanism is provided in the cleaning container.