A multi-tank cleaning device
The design of the multi-tank cleaning device enables an efficient, flexible, and economical cleaning process, solving the problems of damage to 3D printed parts and resource waste caused by traditional cleaning methods, and improving cleaning efficiency and cleaning fluid utilization.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHONGSHAN HUAYU YUANXING ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images

Figure CN224486985U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cleaning device technology, and in particular to a multi-tank cleaning device. Background Technology
[0002] In 3D printing, a large amount of uncured resin often adheres to the surface of the printed parts after completion. If these residues are not cleaned in time, they will affect the accuracy and performance of the printed parts. Traditional manual or simple equipment often uses up-and-down shaking to clean, but the impact force generated by mechanical vibration can easily damage the printed parts. During the cleaning process, a large amount of free resin on the surface of the printed parts dissolves into the cleaning solution, reducing its cleaning ability and affecting the next cleaning. To ensure the cleaning effect, the entire tank of cleaning solution needs to be replaced after each cleaning, which not only increases the cleaning cost but also wastes resources. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a multi-tank cleaning device, which aims to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0005] A multi-tank cleaning device, comprising:
[0006] Base;
[0007] The cleaning mechanism includes two or more cleaning tanks that can hold cleaning liquid, an agitation structure for agitating the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tanks, and a shelf for placing the items to be cleaned. The cleaning tanks are detachably mounted on the base.
[0008] A displacement mechanism is provided, on which the shelf is mounted. The displacement mechanism can drive the shelf to move above each of the cleaning tanks and move up and down relative to each of the cleaning tanks.
[0009] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0010] The device utilizes a displacement mechanism to precisely move the shelf, combined with multiple cleaning tanks to achieve a multi-step cleaning process, resulting in higher cleaning standards. The detachable design of the cleaning tanks facilitates easy replacement of cleaning fluid and flexible assembly to adapt to different cleaning needs. Reusable cleaning fluid can be reused by changing the tank positions, maximizing its value and reducing costs. The agitation structure ensures thorough contact between the cleaning fluid and the printed materials, improving cleaning efficiency without the need to shake the prints, thus avoiding damage. Overall, this device is efficient, flexible, and economical, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional cleaning methods.
[0011] Furthermore, the cleaning tank includes a flip-up cover located on top of it and a reset structure for resetting the flip-up cover.
[0012] Furthermore, the shelf includes a guide structure disposed at its bottom for guiding the flip cover to flip downwards.
[0013] Furthermore, the guide structure includes rollers that can be tactilely connected to the flip cover.
[0014] Furthermore, the shelf includes a support frame connected to the displacement mechanism and a slot structure disposed on the support frame. The slot structure is used to mount a storage basket or printing platform, and the guide structure is disposed at the bottom end of the support frame.
[0015] Furthermore, the base is provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions for guiding the insertion of the cleaning tank, and the bottom of each cleaning tank has a groove that engages with the positioning protrusion.
[0016] Furthermore, the agitation structure includes an agitation block disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank and a drive structure disposed on the base for driving the agitation block to rotate.
[0017] Furthermore, the driving structure includes a rotating block magnetically connected to the agitator block and a drive motor for driving the rotating block to rotate.
[0018] Furthermore, the rotating block has a plurality of first magnetic blocks, the stirring block has a plurality of second magnetic blocks that are matched and magnetically attracted to the first magnetic blocks, and the base has a through hole above the rotating block.
[0019] Furthermore, the displacement mechanism includes a first track structure arranged vertically, a second track structure arranged horizontally on the first track structure, and a rotating structure arranged on the second track structure. The shelf is arranged on the rotating structure, and the rotating structure can drive the shelf to rotate left and right.
[0020] Furthermore, a liquid level sensor is provided on one side of the cleaning tank. The liquid level sensor includes a detection part for detecting the height of the cleaning liquid level on one side of the cleaning tank and a signal processing unit that can be connected to the detection part on the base. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention before cleaning;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning process according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 7 This is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0030] An embodiment of this utility model provides a multi-tank cleaning device, such as... Figure 1-8 As shown, it includes:
[0031] Base 1;
[0032] The cleaning mechanism 2 includes two or more cleaning tanks 201 that can hold cleaning liquid, an agitation structure 202 for agitating the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tanks 201, and a shelf 203 for placing the items to be cleaned. The cleaning tanks 201 are detachably mounted on the base 1.
[0033] The displacement mechanism 3 and the shelf 203 are mounted on the displacement mechanism 3. The displacement mechanism 3 can drive the shelf 203 to move above each cleaning tank 201 and move up and down relative to each cleaning tank 201.
[0034] By setting up two or more cleaning tanks 201, multi-step cleaning functions can be achieved. Specifically, the first cleaning tank 201 is used for preliminary cleaning, and the second cleaning tank 201 is used for secondary cleaning to remove residues, ensuring that the parts to be cleaned reach a higher cleanliness standard. The cleaning tanks 201 are connected to the base 1 by detachable connections such as snaps, slots, or grooves 211, facilitating the replacement of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tanks 201, or allowing for flexible assembly of cleaning tanks 201 containing different cleaning fluids according to actual production needs. Multiple cleanings allow for the full reuse of the cleaning fluid. When the cleaning fluid from the first cleaning reaches the replacement standard, the cleaning tank 201 used for secondary cleaning can be moved to the position of the preliminary cleaning, maximizing the value of the cleaning fluid. The agitation structure 202 is used to agitate the cleaning fluid, keeping it in a flowing state, promoting full contact between the cleaning fluid and the parts to be cleaned, and improving cleaning efficiency. The displacement mechanism 3, in the form of guide rails, robotic arms, etc., moves the shelf 203 above each cleaning tank 201 and moves it up and down relative to the cleaning tank 201, making it convenient to enter different cleaning tanks 201 for cleaning and ensuring that the parts to be cleaned can accurately enter and leave each cleaning tank 201.
[0035] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cleaning tank 201 includes a flip-up cover 204 located on its top and a reset structure 205 for resetting the cover 204.
[0036] The flip cover 204 provides a certain degree of sealing, effectively preventing the cleaning fluid from evaporating or volatilizing when not cleaning, thus affecting the cleaning effect. The flip-top design of the flip cover 204 facilitates quick opening for placing or removing the parts to be cleaned from the cleaning tank 201. The reset structure 205 ensures that the flip cover 204 automatically returns to its initial position after use, ensuring automatic closure and preventing forgetting to close it after automatic cleaning. Specifically, the flip cover 204 can flip up and down or left and right, and can flip outwards or inwards; the flip cover 204 can be a single piece or a combination of multiple pieces; the reset structure 205 can be a reset spring, an automatic pull block, or other similar structures.
[0037] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2-5 As shown, the shelf 203 includes a guide structure 206 disposed at its bottom for guiding the flip cover 204 to flip downward.
[0038] In this embodiment, the flip cover 204 rotates via a pivot, and the reset structure 205 is a reset spring that is engaged between the pivot and the cleaning tank 201. The flip cover 204 flips by being pressed down by the guide structure 206. The guide structure 206 is positioned on the shelf 203. When the shelf 203 moves above the cleaning tank 201 and downwards, the guide structure 206 first contacts the flip cover 204, causing it to flip downwards. This allows the flip cover to open only when needed, shortening the opening time and reducing the evaporation of the cleaning solution. The guide structure 206 can be a structure such as a circular ball bearing, a roller 207, or a push rod with a semi-circular bottom end that smoothly guides the flip cover 204 downwards.
[0039] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2-5 As shown, the guide structure 206 includes a roller 207 that can be tactilely connected to the flip cover 204.
[0040] As the shelf 203 moves downward with the displacement mechanism 3, the rollers 207 come into contact with the flip cover 204. This rolling contact replaces sliding contact, achieving a smooth and low-resistance flipping operation, reducing friction and making the flip cover 204 flip more smoothly. This also reduces wear on the flip cover 204 and the guide structure 206, extending their service life. In this embodiment, there are two rollers 207 arranged laterally, and the rotation axis of the flip cover 204 is also located on the left side. Because of the lateral flipping motion, the two rollers 207 have different heights; the one closer to the rotation axis is higher, and the one on the other side is higher. When the rollers 207 move downward, they can push the flip cover 204 downward through rolling motion on its upper surface.
[0041] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the shelf 203 includes a support frame 208 connected to the displacement mechanism 3 and a slot structure 209 disposed on the support frame 208. The slot structure 209 is used to hold the storage basket 210 or the printing platform 4. The guide structure 206 is disposed at the bottom end of the support frame 208.
[0042] The slot structure 209 is designed to allow the shelf 203 to flexibly install different types of storage baskets 210 or printing platforms 4, and to quickly change the supporting components according to different cleaning needs, thus improving the versatility and applicability of the device. The guide structure 206 is located at the bottom end of the support frame 208, which is fixed on the displacement mechanism 3. Even if the container for the items to be cleaned is changed, it will not affect the flipping of the cover 204, ensuring that the cover 204 can be smoothly guided and flipped during the movement of the shelf 203. Specifically, the slot structure 209 on the support frame 208 includes an L-shaped hook on the side wall, in which the storage basket 210 can be hooked into the groove 211 of the L-shaped hook for easy retrieval. In addition, the slot structure 209 on the support frame 208 also includes an outwardly extending slide, in which the printing platform 4 can be directly locked.
[0043] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the base 1 is provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions 101 for guiding the insertion of the cleaning tank 201, and each cleaning tank 201 has a groove 211 at the bottom that cooperates with the positioning protrusion 101.
[0044] The matching design of the positioning protrusion 101 and the groove 211 can quickly and accurately guide the cleaning tank 201 into the base 1, achieving rapid installation and positioning, and improving the installation efficiency of the cleaning tank 201. This structure facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the cleaning tank 201, making operation simple and quick. In addition, the positioning protrusion 101 can also adapt to cleaning tanks 201 of different sizes and specifications. As long as the groove 211 at the bottom of the cleaning tank 201 matches the positioning protrusion 101, universal installation can be achieved, enhancing the flexibility and compatibility of the device. Specifically, the positioning protrusion 101 can be upwardly protruding, with the cleaning tank 201 inserted from above; or, as in this embodiment, it can be an elongated protrusion arranged along the pull-out direction, with the cleaning tank 201 inserted laterally into the positioning protrusion 101.
[0045] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the agitation structure 202 includes an agitation block 212 disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank 201 and a drive structure 213 disposed on the base 1 for driving the agitation block 212 to rotate.
[0046] The agitator 212 is located at the bottom of the cleaning tank 201 and can directly act on the cleaning fluid. By rotating, it generates eddies, allowing the cleaning fluid to flow fully, thereby improving the contact efficiency between the cleaning fluid and the parts to be cleaned and enhancing the cleaning effect. The drive structure 213 provides stable power to the agitator 212, ensuring that the agitator 212 can rotate continuously and evenly. Specifically, the drive structure 213 can be a rotating shaft that is directly inserted into the bottom of the cleaning tank. The motor drives the rotating shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the agitator 212 connected to the rotating shaft to rotate. Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the drive structure 213 can not be in direct contact with the agitator 212 and can be rotated by magnetic attraction, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the cleaning tank.
[0047] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2-3 As shown in Figures 6-8, the drive structure 213 includes a rotating block 214 magnetically connected to the stirring block 212 and a drive motor 215 for driving the rotating block 214 to rotate.
[0048] The magnetic connection method makes the connection between the stirring block 212 and the rotating block 214 both firm and easy to disassemble, achieving quick installation and replacement without complex mechanical structures, and facilitating cleaning or maintenance; the indirect drive method can effectively avoid damage to the motor caused by liquid leakage, improving the safety and reliability of the device; the drive motor 215 can be set at the bottom of the rotating block 214 to directly drive the rotating block 214 to rotate, or it can be driven by belt drive as in this embodiment, so that the position of the drive motor 215 can be flexibly set.
[0049] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2-3 As shown in 6-7, the rotating block 214 has a plurality of first magnetic blocks 216, the stirring block 212 has a plurality of second magnetic blocks 217 that are matched and magnetically attracted to the first magnetic blocks 216, and the base 1 has a through hole 102 above the rotating block 214.
[0050] The cooperation of multiple first magnetic blocks 216 and second magnetic blocks 217 can enhance the magnetic attraction force, ensuring a more stable and reliable connection between the rotating block 214 and the stirring block 212. Even under high-speed rotation or heavy load, there will be no loosening or separation of the connection, thus ensuring the normal operation of the stirring structure 202. The through hole 102 provided on the base 1 can increase the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic blocks 216 and the second magnetic blocks 217, reducing the impact of the base on the connection between the two.
[0051] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-3As shown in Figure 8, the displacement mechanism 3 includes a first track structure 301 arranged vertically, a second track structure 302 arranged horizontally on the first track structure 301, and a rotating structure 303 arranged on the second track structure 302. The shelf 203 is arranged on the rotating structure 303, and the rotating structure 303 can drive the shelf 203 to rotate left and right.
[0052] The first track structure 301 can drive the second track structure 302 to move vertically up and down, thereby moving the shelf 203 vertically up and down. The second track structure 302 can drive the shelf 203 to move horizontally left and right. This dual-track structure enables precise movement of the shelf 203 in both vertical and horizontal directions, allowing for the flexible and accurate placement of parts to be cleaned into designated positions in each cleaning tank 201. It can also be flexibly adjusted according to the layout of the cleaning tanks 201 and the size of the parts to be cleaned, exhibiting good adaptability and scalability. The first track structure 301 and the second track structure 302 can be a combination of linear guide rails and drive motors, or a combination of lead screw modules and drive motors, etc. The rotating structure 303 can be a servo motor, stepper motor, geared motor, or servo motor, etc., capable of driving the shelf 203 to rotate left and right. The shelf 203 is fixed to its rotation axis, facilitating the left and right rotation of the cleaned molded parts for drainage.
[0053] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, a liquid level sensor 5 is provided on one side of the cleaning tank 201. The liquid level sensor 5 includes a detection part 501 for detecting the liquid level height of the cleaning liquid, which is provided on one side of the cleaning tank 201, and a signal processing unit 502 that can be connected to the detection part 501, which is provided on the base 1.
[0054] The detection unit 501 of the liquid level sensor 5 is located on one side of the cleaning tank 201, enabling real-time and accurate detection of the cleaning fluid level. This ensures precise control of the liquid level during cleaning and prevents insufficient or excessive liquid level from affecting the cleaning effect. The detection unit 501 can be a float inserted into the cleaning tank 201 and in contact with the cleaning fluid, or a detection structure such as a capacitor metal sheet, ultrasonic wave, or infrared sensor located on one side of the cleaning tank 201. The signal processing unit 502 detects the liquid level by detecting the position of the float and outputting a liquid level signal, processing the ultrasonic wave transmission and reception signals to calculate the liquid level height, and measuring the capacitance change between the capacitor metal sheets and converting it into a liquid level signal. How the signal processing unit 502 of the liquid level sensor 5 processes and converts the liquid level signal through the detection unit 501 is existing technology and will not be elaborated here. An alarm is subsequently issued to prevent insufficient cleaning fluid. The signal processing unit 502 is located on the base 1 and uses methods such as... Figure 8The retractable pin probe 503 and other connecting structures shown are connected to the detection unit 501 and powered on. This detachable design facilitates the flexible connection between the detection unit 501 and the signal processing unit 502 after the cleaning tank 201 is disassembled and assembled. At the same time, it places the signal processing unit in a relatively dry environment, which improves its stability and service life.
[0055] In this embodiment, the liquid level sensor 5 is a non-contact capacitive liquid level sensor. The detection unit 501 is a sensing electrode metal sheet fixed on the outer wall of the non-metallic cleaning tank 201. When the cleaning tank 201 is installed in the base 1, the sensing electrode metal sheet can abut against the probe 503 on the signal processing unit 502 to achieve circuit connection. Since the capacitance value changes when the liquid level passes through the area of the sensing electrode metal sheet, the higher the liquid level, the larger the effective area of the electrode covered by the high dielectric constant liquid, and the larger the capacitance value. The processor of the signal processing unit 502 converts the capacitance change signal output by the measurement circuit into a liquid level signal and processes it. The signal processing unit 502 can be composed of a high-frequency oscillator, a capacitor frequency converter, etc., which are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. The oscillator drives the metal sheet to form an electric field. The change in liquid level causes a change in the equivalent capacitance. The increase or decrease in capacitance leads to a decrease or increase in the oscillation frequency, realizing non-contact real-time liquid level monitoring. The non-contact capacitive liquid level sensor in this embodiment is small in size, requires little installation space, and does not need to contact the liquid level, which meets the requirements of the detachable cleaning tank 201.
[0056] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0057] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0058] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0059] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A multi-tank cleaning device, characterized in that, include: Base (1); The cleaning mechanism (2) includes two or more cleaning tanks (201) that can hold cleaning liquid, an agitation structure (202) for agitating the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tanks (201), and a shelf (203) for placing the items to be cleaned. The cleaning tanks (201) are detachably mounted on the base (1). The displacement mechanism (3) is provided on the shelf (203), which can drive the shelf (203) to move above each of the cleaning tanks (201) and move up and down relative to each of the cleaning tanks (201).
2. The multi-tank cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning tank (201) includes a flip-up cover (204) on top of it and a reset structure (205) for resetting the cover (204).
3. The multi-tank cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shelf (203) includes a guide structure (206) at its bottom for guiding the flip cover (204) to flip downward.
4. The multi-tank cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide structure (206) includes a roller (207) that can be tactilely connected to the flip cover (204).
5. A multi-tank cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shelf (203) includes a support frame (208) connected to the displacement mechanism (3) and a slot structure (209) provided on the support frame (208). The slot structure (209) is used to install a storage basket (210) or a printing platform (4). The guide structure (206) is provided at the bottom end of the support frame (208).
6. A multi-tank cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a plurality of positioning protrusions (101) for guiding the insertion of the cleaning tank (201), and each cleaning tank (201) has a groove (211) at the bottom that cooperates with the positioning protrusion (101).
7. A multi-tank cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The agitation structure (202) includes an agitation block (212) disposed at the bottom of the cleaning tank (201) and a drive structure (213) disposed on the base (1) for driving the agitation block (212) to rotate.
8. A multi-tank cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The drive structure (213) includes a rotating block (214) magnetically connected to the stirring block (212) and a drive motor (215) for driving the rotating block (214) to rotate.
9. A multi-tank cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rotating block (214) has a plurality of first magnetic blocks (216), the stirring block (212) has a plurality of second magnetic blocks (217) that are matched and magnetically attracted to the first magnetic blocks (216), and the base (1) has a through hole (102) above the rotating block (214).
10. A multi-tank cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The displacement mechanism (3) includes a first track structure (301) arranged vertically, a second track structure (302) arranged horizontally on the first track structure (301), and a rotating structure (303) arranged on the second track structure (302). The shelf (203) is arranged on the rotating structure (303), and the rotating structure (303) can drive the shelf (203) to rotate left and right.
11. A multi-tank cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor (5) is provided on one side of the cleaning tank (201). The liquid level sensor (5) includes a detection part (501) for detecting the liquid level height of the cleaning liquid on one side of the cleaning tank (201) and a signal processing unit (502) that can be connected to the detection part (501) on the base (1).