Rotary cleaning manipulator for small objects
By designing a rotary small object cleaning robot, combined with high-pressure water flow and vacuum pump modules, automated and precise cleaning of tableware is achieved, solving the problems of low efficiency and resource waste in traditional manual cleaning, and improving cleaning quality, equipment adaptability, and ease of maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520487677.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-19
AI Technical Summary
Traditional manual cleaning of small tableware is inefficient, of inconsistent quality, and consumes a lot of resources, making it difficult to meet the needs of the modern catering industry.
It adopts a rotary small object cleaning robot, combined with high-pressure water flow, vacuum pump module and heating module, and realizes automated cleaning through servo motor control. It is equipped with cleaning pads and electric valves for precise water flow control, and uses aluminum alloy material to reduce equipment weight and maintenance costs.
It improves cleaning efficiency and quality, reduces labor costs, reduces water consumption, and features high equipment stability, strong adaptability, convenient maintenance, and enhanced food safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN223958800U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cleaning robot technology, specifically a rotary small object cleaning robot. Background Technology
[0002] In the food service industry, cleaning small tableware such as bowls and chopsticks is a frequent and necessary task. With the fast pace of life and increased awareness of food safety, traditional manual cleaning methods are increasingly unable to meet the needs of modern society. The following are some problems with traditional cleaning methods: low adoption rate in the catering industry; currently, the adoption rate of tableware cleaning machinery in the domestic catering industry is low, resulting in huge labor costs; low cleaning efficiency; manual cleaning speed is limited, especially during peak hours, making it difficult to quickly process large quantities of tableware; cleaning quality issues; manual cleaning is affected by individual habits and skill levels, resulting in inconsistent cleaning quality and difficulty in guaranteeing the hygiene standards of the tableware; and resource waste; traditional cleaning methods often use large amounts of water and detergent, leading to significant resource consumption.
[0003] To address these issues, this invention specifically targets the cleaning needs of small items such as bowls and chopsticks, particularly for cleaning restaurant dishes. It employs a rotating robotic arm combined with high-pressure water jet technology to quickly and thoroughly clean grease and food residue from bowls and chopsticks. The robotic arm provides uniform cleaning force, and the use of a mixed cleaning agent and a cleaning pad ensures that each piece of tableware meets the same cleaning standard. Precise control of water flow and cleaning time via an electric valve reduces water and energy waste and lowers labor costs. The robotic arm's simple design and easy maintenance reduce long-term operating costs. Furthermore, compared to traditional cleaning devices, this cleaning robotic arm can be used in conjunction with different types of robotic arms, enabling more flexible and comprehensive cleaning and greater adaptability to various cleaning environments. Cleaning parameters can be adjusted according to the specific shape and size of the bowls and chopsticks to meet actual needs.
[0004] The application of rotary cleaning robots in the food service industry has not only improved cleaning efficiency and quality but also enhanced food safety, while providing users with a more convenient and comfortable cleaning experience. With continuous technological advancements, these robots will become more intelligent and user-friendly, becoming indispensable cleaning assistants for modern restaurants. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a rotary small object cleaning robot.
[0006] The objective of this disclosure can be achieved through the following technical solutions:
[0007] A rotary small object cleaning robot includes a rotary cleaning module, an electric valve, a vacuum pump module, a heating module, and a water tank. The rotary cleaning module includes a second motor, a coupling, a drive shaft, a third water pipe, and a cleaning pad. The second motor and the drive shaft are fixedly connected via the coupling. The drive shaft is hollow and has air holes. The end of the third water pipe has a hollow support shell that covers the air holes. The support shell is fixedly connected to the outer rings of a first bearing and a second bearing. The drive shaft is fixedly connected to the inner rings of the first bearing and the second bearing. The first bearing and the second bearing are respectively equipped with a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The drive shaft is fixedly connected to the cleaning pad, which has multiple water outlet holes.
[0008] Furthermore, the heating module described above includes a heating wire and a heating tube. The heating wire is fixedly installed inside the heating tube, and the heating tube is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the heating module.
[0009] Furthermore, the aforementioned second motor is fixed on the motor support plate, and the motor support plate is fixedly connected to the first water pipe and the second water pipe. The first water pipe and the third water pipe are fixedly connected through the second mating flange.
[0010] Furthermore, the second water pipe and the fourth water pipe are fixedly connected by a first connecting flange. The second water pipe is equipped with an electric valve, which includes a first motor and a blade. A second motor fixing block is provided on the second water pipe. The output shaft of the first motor is fixedly connected to the blade and the blade is located inside the second water pipe. The first motor is fixed on the second motor fixing block. The other end of the fourth water pipe is equipped with a nozzle, and the bottom height of the nozzle is flush with the height of the cleaning pad.
[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned vacuum pump module includes a first gear, a third motor, a second gear, a ball valve housing, a hollow ball valve, a vacuum chamber, a push rod, and a mounting block. The water storage tank is equipped with a gear shaft and a first motor fixing block. The third motor is fixed on the first motor fixing block, and the output shaft of the third motor is fixedly connected to the first gear. The hollow ball valve is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the third motor. The heating module is equipped with a ball valve housing, and the hollow ball valve is located inside the ball valve housing. The second gear is assembled onto the gear shaft, and the first gear and the second gear are meshed together. The vacuum chamber and the mounting block are respectively fixedly connected to the inner and outer sides of the water storage tank. One end of the push rod is fixedly connected to the vacuum chamber, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second gear.
[0012] Furthermore, the aforementioned second motor is a servo motor.
[0013] The explanations of the nouns, conjunctions, or adjectives used in the above technical solutions are as follows:
[0014] Fixed connection: refers to a connection in which parts or components are fixed in place, with no relative movement. It is divided into two types: detachable and non-detachable connections.
[0015] (1) Detachable connection: Detachable connection uses screws, splines, wedges, etc. to fix the parts together. This type of connection can be disassembled during maintenance without damaging the parts. However, the specifications of the connecting parts used must be correct (such as the length of the bolts, keys, wedges) and properly tightened.
[0016] (2) Non-removable connections: Non-removable connections mainly refer to welding, riveting, and tenon joints. Since forging, sawing, or oxyacetylene cutting is required for disassembly during repair or replacement, the parts generally cannot be reused. At the same time, attention should be paid to process quality, technical inspection, and remedial measures (such as correction, polishing, etc.) when making connections.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are:
[0018] The robotic arm described in this invention, through precise servo motor control, automates and refines the cleaning process, improving cleaning efficiency and quality. Compared to traditional cleaning devices, this robotic arm can be used in conjunction with different types of robotic arms, enabling comprehensive cleaning and exhibiting strong adaptability to various cleaning environments. The vacuum pump, through gear meshing and push rod motion mechanisms, effectively changes the volume of the vacuum chamber to generate and maintain a vacuum state, achieving efficient pressure control and a stable vacuum environment. The design of the cleaning pad ensures uniform spray cleaning, and combined with the vacuum effect of the vacuum pump module, effectively enhances cleaning power, ensuring thorough removal of dirt from the object's surface. The final cleaning step, pressurized by a vane pump, further guarantees the cleanliness of the object. The lightweight aluminum alloy material and easy-to-maintain design of the equipment reduce the labor intensity of operators, extend the service life of the equipment, and reduce maintenance costs, making the overall cleaning process more efficient, economical, and reliable. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rotary cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 3 This is an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 2Enlarged structural diagram at point A;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the entire embodiment of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the heating module and vacuum pump module of this utility model embodiment.
[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heating module structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] In the diagram: 1. Rotary cleaning module; 2. Electric valve; 3. Vacuum pump module; 4. Heating module; 5. Water tank; 6. First water pipe; 7. Second water pipe; 8. First motor; 9. Blade; 10. Motor support plate; 11. First docking flange; 12. Nozzle; 13. Second docking flange; 14. Second motor; 15. Coupling; 16. First sealing ring; 17. Drive shaft; 18. First bearing; 19. Support housing; 20. Air vent; 21. Second bearing; 22. Cleaning... 23. Washing pad; 24. Second sealing ring; 25. First gear; 26. Third motor; 27. Second gear; 28. Ball valve housing; 29. Hollow ball of ball valve; 30. Vacuum chamber; 31. Push rod; 32. Mounting block; 33. Third water pipe; 34. Fourth water pipe; 35. Water outlet; 36. Fifth water pipe; 37. Patterned hole; 38. First motor fixing plate; 39. Gear shaft; 40. Second motor fixing block; 41. Heating wire; 42. Heating tube; 43. Heating module housing. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0028] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0029] Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the terms "a" and "two" are used to distinguish identical or similar elements. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0030] As one technical optimization of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A rotary small object cleaning robot includes a rotary cleaning module 1, an electric valve 2, a vacuum pump module 3, a heating module 4, and a water tank 5. The rotary cleaning module 1 includes a second motor 14, a coupling 15, a drive shaft 17, a third water pipe 32, and a cleaning pad 22. The second motor 14 and the drive shaft 17 are fixedly connected by the coupling 15 to ensure alignment between the output shaft of the second motor and the drive shaft. The drive shaft 17 is partially hollow and has air holes 20 for introducing mixed cleaning agents into its interior. The third water pipe 32 has a hollow support shell 19 at its end that encloses the air holes 20. The support shell 19 is connected to a first bearing 18 and a second bearing 22. The outer ring of the drive shaft 17 is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first bearing 18 and the second bearing 21, which can significantly reduce friction and wear, improve the operating efficiency and accuracy of the equipment, and bear and distribute various loads to ensure the stability and durability of the mechanical equipment. The first bearing 18 and the second bearing 21 are respectively equipped with a first sealing ring 16 and a second sealing ring 23 to ensure that the liquid does not leak. The drive shaft 17 is fixedly connected to the cleaning pad 22. The cleaning pad 22 is provided with multiple water outlet holes 34. When the drive shaft 17 rotates, the cleaning pad 22 also rotates. At the same time, the cleaning agent provided by the vacuum pump module 3 and the water heated by the heating module 4 are sprayed out through the water outlet holes 34 to realize the cleaning operation.
[0031] As one technical optimization of this utility model, please refer to Figure 6 The heating module 4 includes a heating wire 40 and a heating tube 41. The heating wire 40 is fixedly installed inside the heating tube 41. The heating tube 41 is fixedly connected to the heating module housing 42. The heating wire 40 is heated by an external power supply. The heating tube 41 transfers heat to heat the water. At the same time, the heating tube 41 protects the heating wire 40.
[0032] As one technical optimization of this utility model, please refer to Figure 2 The second motor 14 is fixed on the motor support plate 10. The motor support plate 10 is fixedly connected to the first water pipe 6 and the second water pipe 7. The first water pipe 6 and the third water pipe 32 are fixedly connected through the second docking flange 13.
[0033] As one technical optimization of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second water pipe 7 and the fourth water pipe 33 are fixedly connected by the first connecting flange 11, ensuring the stability and sealing of the pipeline system. The second water pipe 7 is equipped with an electric valve 2, which includes a first motor 8 and a blade 9. A second motor fixing block 39 is provided on the second water pipe 7, and the first motor 8 is fixed on the second motor fixing block 39 to ensure stable operation of the electric valve. The output shaft of the first motor 8 is fixedly connected to the blade 9. When the motor rotates, the blade 9 rotates accordingly, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the water flow and the flow rate. The other end of the fourth water pipe 33 is equipped with a nozzle 12, which is at a 45° angle to the vertical direction to facilitate more thorough spraying of water onto the tableware. The bottom height of the nozzle 12 is flush with the cleaning pad 22 to avoid collision with the tableware. The motor of the electric valve realizes automated water flow control, improving the convenience and efficiency of operation.
[0034] As one technical optimization of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 The water storage tank 5 is fixedly connected to the heating module 4. The water storage tank 5 is provided with a fifth water pipe 35. The heating module 4 and the second water pipe 7 are fixedly connected through the fifth water pipe 35. The purpose is to prevent the hot water from mixing with the mixed cleaning agent in the water storage tank when it is being transported. The water storage tank 5 is provided with patterned holes 36, which are not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to ensure that the mixed cleaning liquid is fully mixed with the air and foams.
[0035] As one technical optimization of this utility model, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5The vacuum pump module 3 includes a first gear 24, a third motor 25, a second gear 26, a ball valve housing 27, a hollow ball valve 28, a vacuum chamber 29, a push rod 30, and a mounting block 31. The water storage tank 5 is equipped with a gear shaft 38 and a first motor fixing block 37. The third motor 25 is fixed on the first motor fixing block 37, and the output shaft of the third motor 25 is fixedly connected to the first gear 24. The hollow ball valve 28 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the third motor 25. The heating module 4 is equipped with a ball valve housing 27. When the third motor 25 is working, the ball valve opens and outputs hot water. The second gear 26 is assembled on the gear shaft 38. The first gear 24 and the second gear 26 are meshed and connected. When the gear shaft rotates, the first gear 24 and the second gear 26 drive each other to realize power transmission. The vacuum chamber 29 and the mounting block 31 are respectively fixedly connected to the inner and outer sides of the water storage tank 5. One end of the push rod 30 is fixedly connected to the vacuum chamber 29. The rotation of the second gear 26 drives the push rod 30 to move through the fixed connection. One end of the push rod 30 is fixedly connected to the vacuum chamber 29, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second gear 26. Therefore, the movement of the push rod 30 will affect the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 29. When the push rod 30 moves, it will change the volume of the vacuum chamber 29, thereby reducing the pressure inside the chamber and creating a vacuum effect. When the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 29 reaches a certain level, the continuous rotation of the gear shaft and the reciprocating motion of the push rod 30 can help maintain this vacuum state until the external control stops or changes the rotation of the gear shaft.
[0036] It should be noted that the first motor 8, the second motor 14, and the third motor 25 used in the above-mentioned device are all servo motors, designed to achieve precise control of the device. Furthermore, the materials used for the fingers of the robotic arm disclosed in this device are mostly aluminum alloy, making the entire device lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
[0037] The working principle and usage process of this utility model are as follows: When the cleaning operation begins, firstly, the vacuum pump module 3 driven by the third motor 25 starts working. The movement of the push rod 30 changes the volume of the vacuum chamber 29, thereby reducing the pressure inside the chamber and creating a vacuum effect. This forces the cleaning agent into the water storage tank, where it mixes with the hot water output from the ball valve to form a cleaning solution. Next, the second motor 14 is started, driving the transmission shaft 17 to rotate via the coupling 15. Simultaneously, the cleaning solution is delivered internally through the air vent 20. The two ends of the transmission shaft 17 are supported by the first bearing 18 and the second bearing 21, and are equipped with sealing rings 16 and 23 to prevent liquid leakage. The cleaning pad 22 is fixed to the transmission shaft 17, and its surface has multiple water outlet holes 34 to deliver the cleaning agent to the tableware. Starting the second motor 14 drives the rotation of the cleaning pad via the transmission shaft 17, thereby achieving uniform spraying and cleaning of the items. During the cleaning process, the electric valve 2 controlled by the first motor 8 adjusts the water flow to ensure the stability of the cleaning effect. Once the cleaning time has elapsed or the cleaning effect is satisfactory, the vane pump pressurizes the water, and the water is sprayed from the nozzles for a final cleaning of the object, completing the cleaning process. Finally, the first motor 8 and electric valve 2 are shut off, disconnecting the power to the entire system. The cleaning robot is then cleaned and maintained in preparation for the next use. This entire process not only automates the cleaning of small objects but also ensures long-term stable operation and ease of maintenance through precise motor control and the lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties of the aluminum alloy material.
[0038] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this disclosure. Various changes and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this disclosure as claimed.
Claims
1. A rotary small object cleaning robot, characterized in that, The system includes a rotary cleaning module (1), an electric valve (2), a vacuum pump module (3), a heating module (4), a water storage tank (5), a first water pipe (6), and a second water pipe (7). The rotary cleaning module (1) includes a second motor (14), a coupling (15), a drive shaft (17), a third water pipe (32), and a cleaning pad (22). The second motor (14) and the drive shaft (17) are fixedly connected by the coupling (15). The drive shaft (17) is hollow inside and has air holes (20). The third water pipe... (32) The end is provided with a hollow support shell (19) to cover the air hole (20). The support shell (19) is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the first bearing (18) and the second bearing (21). The drive shaft (17) is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first bearing (18) and the second bearing (21). The first bearing (18) and the second bearing (21) are respectively equipped with a first sealing ring (16) and a second sealing ring (23). The drive shaft (17) is fixedly connected to the cleaning pad (22). The cleaning pad (22) is provided with multiple water outlet holes (34).
2. The rotary small object cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module (4) includes a heating wire (40) and a heating tube (41). The heating wire (40) is fixedly installed inside the heating tube (41), and the heating tube (41) is fixedly connected to the outer shell (42) of the heating module.
3. The rotary small object cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second motor (14) is fixed on the motor support plate (10), and the motor support plate (10) is fixedly connected to the first water pipe (6) and the second water pipe (7). The first water pipe (6) and the third water pipe (32) are fixedly connected through the second docking flange (13).
4. The rotary small object cleaning robot according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second water pipe (7) and the fourth water pipe (33) are fixedly connected by the first docking flange (11). The second water pipe (7) is equipped with an electric valve (2). The electric valve (2) includes a first motor (8) and a blade (9). The second water pipe (7) is equipped with a second motor fixing block (39). The output shaft of the first motor (8) is fixedly connected to the blade (9). The first motor (8) is fixed on the second motor fixing block (39). The other end of the fourth water pipe (33) is equipped with a nozzle (12). The bottom height of the nozzle (12) is flush with the height of the cleaning pad (22).
5. The rotary small object cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank (5) is fixedly connected to the heating module (4). The water storage tank (5) is provided with a fifth water pipe (35). The heating module (4) is fixedly connected to the second water pipe (7) through the fifth water pipe (35). The water storage tank (5) is provided with patterned holes (36).
6. The rotary small object cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum pump module (3) includes a first gear (24), a third motor (25), a second gear (26), a ball valve housing (27), a hollow ball valve (28), a vacuum chamber (29), a push rod (30), and a mounting block (31). The water storage tank (5) is provided with a gear shaft (38) and a first motor fixing block (37). The third motor (25) is fixed on the first motor fixing block (37), and the output shaft of the third motor (25) is fixedly connected to the first gear (24). The hollow ball valve (28) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the third motor (25). The heating module (4) is provided with a ball valve housing (27). The second gear (26) is assembled onto the gear shaft (38). The first gear (24) and the second gear (26) are meshed and connected. The vacuum chamber (29) and the mounting block (31) are fixedly connected to the inner and outer sides of the water storage tank (5). One end of the push rod (30) is fixedly connected to the vacuum chamber (29), and the other end is fixedly connected to the second gear (26).
7. The rotary small object cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second motor (14) is a servo motor.