Cleaning apparatus

Abstract

To suppress damage to a three-dimensional molding object when removing a support material from the three-dimensional molding object.SOLUTION: A cleaning apparatus 1 is equipped with a nozzle 11 that injects a continuous stream 3a of liquid 3 and causes the continuous stream 3a to form droplets 3b, and a pump 21 that supplies the nozzle 11 with liquid 3. The cleaning apparatus injects the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 onto a cleaning object 4 molded by a three-dimensional molding machine that molds a three-dimensional molding object 4a while supporting it with a support material 4b. The cleaning apparatus removes the support material 4b from the three-dimensional molding object 4a in the cleaning object 4 by causing the liquid 3 to impact the object 4 in the form of droplets 3b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning implement. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, three-dimensional molding machines have been used to mold three-dimensional objects. Among these, there are three-dimensional molding machines that mold a three-dimensional object while temporarily supporting it with a support material. After a three-dimensional object is molded using a three-dimensional molding machine of this configuration, the support material is removed. Here, Patent Document 1 describes the use of a specific water-soluble polymer compound to facilitate the removal of the support material compound. Patent Document 2 also discloses a method of removing the support material attached to a molded object using a water jet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-509501 [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-5666 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, simply spraying water onto the supporting material attached to the three-dimensional molded object is not effective in removing the supporting material, and it is necessary to spray a large amount of water to effectively remove the supporting material. On the other hand, spraying a large amount of water can easily damage the three-dimensional molded object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the cleaning tool of the present invention comprises a nozzle that sprays liquid in a continuous stream and converts the continuous stream into droplets, and a pump that supplies the liquid to the nozzle, and is characterized in that the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle onto a cleaning object that has been molded by a three-dimensional molding machine that molds a three-dimensional object while supporting it with a support material, causing the liquid to collide with the cleaning object in the form of droplets, thereby removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional object at the cleaning object.

[0006] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, the cleaning tool of the present invention comprises a nozzle that sprays liquid in a continuous stream and converts the continuous stream into droplets, and a pump that supplies the liquid to the nozzle, and is characterized in that the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle toward an object to be cleaned, causing the liquid to collide with the object to be cleaned in the form of droplets, thereby removing adhesions from the object to be cleaned. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cleaning tool of Example 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flow chart showing an example of using the cleaning tool of FIG. 1 . [Diagram 3] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cleaning tool of a second embodiment. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing a cleaning tool of Example 3. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a cleaning tool of a fourth embodiment, illustrating an example of removing UV ink from a resin plate. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the cleaning tool of the fourth embodiment, showing an example of removing dirt from a wall. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the cleaning tool of Example 4, illustrating an example of removing oil adhering to a machined product from the machined product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] First, the present invention will be briefly described. In order to solve the above problems, a cleaning tool of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a nozzle that sprays liquid in a continuous stream and converts the continuous stream into droplets, and a pump that supplies the liquid to the nozzle, and is characterized in that the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle onto a cleaning object that has been molded by a three-dimensional molding machine that molds a three-dimensional object while supporting it with a support material, causing the liquid to collide with the cleaning object in the form of droplets, thereby removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional object at the cleaning object.

[0009] According to this aspect, the supporting material is removed from the three-dimensional molded object by using a nozzle that sprays a continuous flow of liquid and turns the continuous flow into droplets, causing the liquid to collide with the object in the form of droplets. By spraying a continuous flow of liquid from a nozzle and turning the continuous flow into droplets that collide with the object in the form of droplets, the cleaning effect of the liquid on the object is dramatically improved compared to a configuration that simply sprays water jet water from a nozzle. Therefore, the supporting material can be effectively removed from the three-dimensional molded object while suppressing damage to the three-dimensional molded object when removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional molded object.

[0010] A second aspect of the cleaning tool of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect and is characterized in that it includes a spray pressure adjustment unit that adjusts the spray pressure of the liquid from the nozzle depending on the type of supporting material.

[0011] According to this aspect, the ejection pressure of the liquid from the nozzle can be adjusted depending on the type of supporting material, and therefore the supporting material can be effectively removed from the three-dimensional object depending on the type of supporting material.

[0012] A third aspect of the cleaning tool of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, and is characterized in that multiple types of support material can be used and the cleaning tool is provided with a memory unit that stores the correspondence between the type of support material and the injection pressure of the liquid.

[0013] According to this aspect, a storage unit is provided that stores the correspondence between the type of supporting material and the liquid ejection pressure, so that the liquid ejection pressure from the nozzle can be automatically adjusted appropriately depending on the type of supporting material being used.

[0014] A cleaning tool according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that the nozzle has a changeable nozzle diameter.

[0015] According to this aspect, the nozzle diameter of the nozzle is changeable, so that liquid can be ejected from a nozzle having a suitable nozzle diameter depending on, for example, the type of supporting material.

[0016] A cleaning implement according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, and is characterized in that it includes a heating section that heats the liquid.

[0017] According to this aspect, the heating unit that heats the liquid is provided, and therefore, by heating the liquid, it is possible to improve the performance of removing the support material from the three-dimensional model.

[0018] A cleaning tool according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fifth aspect, and is characterized in that it includes a temperature control unit that controls the heating unit depending on the type of the support material.

[0019] According to this aspect, the heating unit can be controlled in accordance with the type of supporting material, thereby improving the performance of automatically removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional molded object in accordance with the type of supporting material.

[0020] The cleaning tool of the seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, and is characterized in that it comprises a main body to which the nozzle is connected and having a flow path therein through which the liquid flows.

[0021] According to this aspect, the nozzle is connected to the main body having a flow path through which the liquid flows, so that, for example, a user can hold the main body and easily cause droplets to collide with a desired location on an object to be cleaned.

[0022] The cleaning tool of an eighth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects and is characterized in that it comprises a holding portion for holding a tool other than the nozzle for removing the support material.

[0023] According to this aspect, a holding section is provided that holds a tool for removing the support material, separate from the nozzle. Therefore, by being able to use a tool for removing the support material, separate from the nozzle, it is possible to improve the performance of removing the support material from the three-dimensional molded object, and to eliminate the need to prepare a separate component for holding the tool.

[0024] A cleaning tool according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that it comprises a housing in which the nozzle is used.

[0025] According to this aspect, the nozzle is provided with a housing that is used inside, which makes it possible to prevent the liquid and the removed supporting material from scattering outside the cleaning tool.

[0026] A cleaning tool according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the ninth aspect, and is characterized in that the housing includes a storage portion for storing the liquid sprayed from the nozzle.

[0027] According to this aspect, the housing includes a reservoir that stores the liquid ejected from the nozzle, so that the liquid ejected from the nozzle can be efficiently collected.

[0028] The cleaning tool of an eleventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the tenth aspect, and is characterized in that it comprises a circulation mechanism for spraying the liquid stored in the storage section again from the nozzle.

[0029] According to this aspect, the liquid storage device includes a circulation mechanism for ejecting the liquid stored in the storage portion from the nozzle again, which makes it possible to reuse the liquid that was once ejected from the nozzle and then collected.

[0030] A cleaning tool according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the ninth aspect, and is characterized in that the housing includes a temperature adjusting section that adjusts the temperature inside the housing.

[0031] According to this aspect, the housing includes a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature inside the housing, which can improve, for example, the performance of removing the support material from the three-dimensional model.

[0032] A cleaning tool of a thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises a nozzle which sprays liquid in a continuous stream and converts the continuous stream into droplets, and a pump which supplies the liquid to the nozzle, and is characterized in that the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle toward an object to be cleaned, causing the liquid to collide with the object in the form of droplets, thereby removing deposits from the object to be cleaned.

[0033] According to this aspect, a nozzle that sprays a liquid in a continuous flow and turns the continuous flow into droplets is used to collide the liquid in droplets against the object to be cleaned, thereby removing deposits from the object to be cleaned. By spraying a liquid in a continuous flow from a nozzle and turning the continuous flow into droplets to collide with the object to be cleaned in droplet form, the cleaning effect of the liquid on the object to be cleaned is dramatically improved compared to a configuration that simply sprays water jet water from a nozzle. Therefore, deposits can be effectively removed from the object to be cleaned while suppressing damage to the object to be cleaned when removing deposits from the object to be cleaned.

[0034] [Example 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The cleaning tool 1 of the present invention ejects a liquid 3 in a continuous flow 3a, turns the continuous flow 3a into droplets 3b, and causes the liquid 3 in the form of droplets 3b to collide with an object 4 to be cleaned, thereby removing deposits 4b from a target 4a of the object 4 to be cleaned. First, an overview of a cleaning tool 1A of Example 1, which is an example of the cleaning tool 1 of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0035] 1 includes a main body 12 and a nozzle 11 attached to the main body 12 for spraying a liquid 3 in a continuous flow 3a and forming the continuous flow 3a into droplets 3b. The cleaning tool 1A of the present embodiment also includes a liquid tank 23 for storing the liquid 3 to be sprayed from the nozzle 11, a liquid flow path 13, part of which passes through the inside of the main body 12 and connects the liquid tank 23 and the nozzle 11, and a pump 21 for supplying the liquid 3 from the liquid tank 23 to the nozzle 11.

[0036] Here, the pump 21 is provided with a switch 21A for turning the pump 21 on or off. The switch 21A can be manually turned on or off by the user. The cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment also includes a spray pressure adjustment unit 22 that adjusts the spray pressure of the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11, and a control unit 24 that is connected to the spray pressure adjustment unit 22 and controls the driving of the pump 21. Examples of the control unit 24 include a CPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA. The control unit 24 is provided with a storage unit 25 that stores various data, a drive program for the pump 21, and the like. Examples of the storage unit 25 include a volatile memory such as a DRAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM or a flash memory.

[0037] In this way, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment is configured to be able to turn on or off the spray of the liquid 3 with the switch 21A. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the switch 21A may be configured to control the strength of the spray pressure of the liquid 3. The switch 21A may be a foot switch that the user can operate with his / her foot, or a hand switch formed on the main body 12 so that the user can operate it with his / her hand while holding the main body 12. On the other hand, the strength of the spray pressure of the liquid 3 may be changed according to the deposit 4b. The cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can appropriately control the amount of the liquid 3 used by turning the pump 21 on or off at the appropriate timing with the switch 21A, and can improve the removal performance of the deposit 4b per amount of the liquid 3 used.

[0038] The cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment has such a configuration that the liquid 3 is jetted from the nozzle 11 onto the cleaning object 4 molded by a three-dimensional modeling machine that molds a three-dimensional model while supporting it with a support material, and the liquid 3 is collided in droplets with the cleaning object 4, thereby removing the supporting material, which is the adhering material 4b, from the three-dimensional model that is the target object 4a of the cleaning object 4. In this way, the liquid 3 is jetted from the nozzle 11 in a continuous flow 3a and the liquid 3 is collided in droplets 3b with the cleaning object 4 using the nozzle 11 that turns the continuous flow 3a into droplets 3b. This dramatically improves the cleaning effect of the cleaning object 4 with the liquid 3, compared to a configuration in which water jet water is simply jetted from the nozzle 11 and the liquid 3 is collided with the cleaning object 4 in a continuous flow due to stagnation pressure. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can remove the supporting material from the three-dimensional model while suppressing damage to the three-dimensional model when removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional model. In addition, it is possible to remove the support material from the three-dimensional molded object in a short time compared to when a user manually removes the support material from the three-dimensional molded object using a tool or the like.

[0039] Here, in the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment, the liquid 3 is stored in a liquid tank 23 connected to the pump 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in regard to the supply of the liquid 3 to the pump 11, tap water as the liquid 3 may be supplied directly from the tap to the pump 11 by connecting a tube to the tap. Furthermore, instead of connecting the liquid flow path 13 to the pump 21, the liquid flow path 13 may be directly connected to the tap. In addition, the type of the liquid 3 is not particularly limited. In addition to water such as tap water, the liquid 3 may be a liquid 3 mixed with abrasive powder. However, when abrasive powder is mixed, it is preferable to use a particle size of the abrasive powder smaller than the inner diameter of the nozzle 11. This is to prevent the nozzle 11 from being clogged with the abrasive powder. Furthermore, the liquid 3 may be a liquid 3 mixed with a chemical. Examples of chemicals that can be mixed include acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and sodium hydroxide.

[0040] In addition, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment is configured to be able to remove the support material attached to the three-dimensional model formed by the three-dimensional modeling machine of various configurations. In other words, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can use a plurality of types of support material. As described above, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment is equipped with a memory unit 25 and a spray pressure adjustment unit 22. The memory unit 25 stores a correspondence relationship between the type of support material and the spray pressure of the liquid 3, and the spray pressure adjustment unit 22 can adjust the spray pressure of the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 according to the type of support material under the control of the control unit 24 based on the correspondence. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can automatically adjust the spray pressure of the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 appropriately according to the type of support material, and can effectively remove the support material from the three-dimensional model. The correspondence relationship is set to a spray pressure that can remove the support material but does not damage the three-dimensional model.

[0041] In addition, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can replace the nozzle 11 attached to the main body 12. By replacing the nozzle 11, the nozzle diameter of the nozzle outlet from which the liquid 3 is ejected from the nozzle 11 can be changed. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can eject the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 having a preferred nozzle diameter depending on, for example, the type of support material. In this embodiment, the nozzle 11 attached to the main body 12 can be replaced to eject the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 having a preferred nozzle diameter depending on, for example, the type of support material. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such a configuration, and the nozzle 11 having a plurality of nozzle outlets with different nozzle diameters may be attached to the main body 12, and the nozzle 11 may be configured to be appropriately changeable.

[0042] As described above, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can change the removal conditions such as the spray pressure and nozzle diameter according to the conditions of the deposit 4b to be removed. Furthermore, it is equipped with a temperature adjustment mechanism (heater) (not shown) and can adjust the temperature of the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11. Therefore, it is possible to configure the tool to present the spray pressure of the liquid 3, the nozzle diameter, the type of the liquid 3, the temperature of the liquid 3 based on the temperature adjustment mechanism (not shown) to the user or to automatically change the settings according to the conditions such as the material, thickness, density, shape, etc. of the three-dimensional molded object and the supporting material.

[0043] Here, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can automatically change the ejection conditions of the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 by referring to the ejection condition table, which is a correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit 25, by inputting the material type of the supporting material from the user, and can display the preferable ejection conditions on a display unit (not shown). An example of this will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S110, the user inputs the material type of the supporting material via an input unit (not shown). Next, in step S120, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment reads out the ejection condition table, which is a correspondence relationship stored in the storage unit 25. And finally, in step S120, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment sets the ejection conditions to the ejection conditions automatically selected according to the material type of the supporting material to be used, or the ejection conditions selected by the user via an input unit (not shown).

[0044] 1, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment includes a storage unit 31 that is a tray capable of storing the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can efficiently collect the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11 and the removed supporting material. Furthermore, the cleaning time associated with the liquid 3 and the removed supporting material being scattered around can be shortened.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment includes a main body 12 of a handpiece type for manual operation. Therefore, the object 4 to be cleaned can be fixed, and the arrangement and attitude of the nozzle 11 can be changed relative to the fixed object 4 to be cleaned. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the arrangement and attitude of the object 4 to be cleaned can be changed relative to the fixed nozzle 11. Also, parts such as the nozzle 11 may be replaced or parts may be added depending on the type of object 4 to be cleaned. In addition, the spray state of the liquid 3 may be switched by a switch 21A or the like in association with the replacement or addition of parts. In addition, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment can use a nozzle 11 having a single nozzle hole, and can also use a nozzle 11 having multiple nozzle holes. By using a nozzle 11 having multiple nozzle holes, the liquid droplets 3b can be efficiently collided against a wide surface of the object 4 to be cleaned.

[0046] In other words, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment includes a main body 12 to which the nozzle 11 is connected, and inside the main body 12, a liquid flow path 13 runs as a flow path through which the liquid 3 flows. That is, the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment includes a main body 12 to which the nozzle 11 is connected and which has a flow path through which the liquid 3 flows. With this configuration of the cleaning tool 1A of this embodiment, the user can hold the main body 12 and easily collide the liquid droplets 3b on a preferred location on the object 4 to be cleaned.

[0047] [Example 2] The cleaning tool 1B of Example 2 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 showing the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1. The cleaning tool 1B of this example is similar to the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1 except for the configuration described below. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this example has the same characteristics as the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1 except for the points described below. Therefore, in Fig. 3, components common to the above-mentioned Example 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment includes a housing 32 in which the nozzle 11 is used. The housing 32 is surrounded by a wall 33, and serves as a glove box into which a user can insert his or her hand from the outside through a hole (not shown) formed in the wall 33. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment can prevent the liquid 3 and the removed supporting material from scattering outside the cleaning tool 1B. Furthermore, the housing 32 prevents the liquid 3 and the supporting material from scattering around and improves the user's field of vision when the liquid 3 and the supporting material are scattered, allowing the liquid droplets 3b to be applied to appropriate points, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0049] 3, the housing 32 of the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment includes a storage section 31 that stores the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment can efficiently collect the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11. In this embodiment, the storage section 31 is integrally formed with the housing 32, but this is not limited to such a configuration, and the storage section 31 and the housing 32 may be formed separately.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment includes a circulation mechanism having a circulation tube 34 connected to the storage section 31 and the liquid tank 23, a pump 27, and a filter 26. The pump 27 is configured to be able to send the liquid 3 stored in the storage section 31 to the liquid tank 23 via the circulation tube 34. In other words, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment includes a circulation mechanism (circulation tube 34) for spraying the liquid 3 stored in the storage section 31 from the nozzle 11 again. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is able to reuse the liquid 3 once sprayed from the nozzle 11 and collected. By being able to reuse the sprayed and collected liquid 3, the amount of liquid 3 used can be reduced.

[0051] In addition, in the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment, the storage section 31 is a tray-shaped receiving member capable of receiving the liquid 3. However, the receiving member is not limited to such a configuration, and may be shaped like a tank, or may be a water-absorbent material that can be discarded after use or reused after drying. In addition, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is provided with a filter 26 as a measure against the inclusion of the supporting material as the adhering matter 4b in the liquid flow path 13. In the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment, the circulation tube 34 is connected to the storage section 31 and the liquid tank 23, but is not limited to such a configuration, and may have, for example, a recovery tank, and may be configured to recover the liquid 3 after filtering the supporting material contained in the sprayed liquid 3 with the filter 26. Furthermore, instead of the recovery tank, a configuration may be used in which the liquid 3 filtered from the supporting material with the filter 26 can be directly discharged into a drain or the like.

[0052] 3, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is provided with a temperature adjustment unit 51, which is a heater capable of adjusting the temperature inside the housing 32, in the housing 32. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment can improve the performance of removing the support material from the three-dimensional model by, for example, increasing the temperature inside the housing 32.

[0053] In the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment, the housing 32 is provided with a temperature adjustment unit 51, which also serves as a heating unit that adjusts the temperature inside the housing 32 and consequently heats the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11. By providing a heating unit that heats the liquid 3 as in the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the performance of removing the support material from the three-dimensional molded object. The temperature adjustment unit 51 is not limited to being provided in the housing 32, and may be provided adjacent to the liquid flow path 13 or in the liquid tank 23. That is, the temperature adjustment unit 51 may have a function of heating the liquid 3 in the liquid tank 23, the pump 21 and the pump 27, the liquid flow path 13, the circulation tube 34, or the main body 12, or a function of cooling the liquid 3 in some cases.

[0054] Here, like the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1, the cleaning tool 1B of this example can use multiple types of supporting materials. The control unit 24, as a temperature control unit, can control the temperature adjustment unit 51 as a heating unit according to the type of supporting material used. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this example can improve the performance of removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional molded object by adjusting the temperature inside the housing 32 according to the type of supporting material, which makes it easier to remove the supporting material.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment includes a blower 40 that can blow gas into the housing 32 through a gas flow path 42 and blow the gas from a blower nozzle 41. The blower 40 can blow away the supporting material remaining on the cleaning target 4, the liquid 3 attached to the inside of the housing 32, the supporting material peeled off from the cleaning target 4, and the like by blowing gas. Furthermore, by blowing away the liquid film on the impact surface of the droplets 3b that causes the impact pressure to be hindered, the state in which the liquid film hinders the propagation of the impact pressure can be eliminated, and the performance of removing the supporting material by the droplets 3b can be improved. Therefore, the performance of removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional model can be improved by blowing air from the blower 40.

[0056] In other words, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment includes a housing 32 as a holder for holding a tool for removing the support material, which is a tool other than the nozzle 11. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment can use a tool other than the nozzle 11 for removing the support material, thereby improving the performance of removing the support material from the three-dimensional molded object, and eliminating the need to separately prepare a component for holding the tool. In addition, examples of tools other than the nozzle 11 for removing the support material include an air duster such as the blower 40, a gas suction device, and a vibration device. In addition, when compressed air is used as the power source for the pump 21 or the pump 27, the exhaust from the pump 21 or the pump 27 may be reused as a compressed air source.

[0057] 3, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is provided with a fan 52 in the housing 32 that generates an air current from the inside of the housing 32 to the outside. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment can discharge the mist of the liquid 3 generated inside the housing 32 to the outside of the housing 32. Note that although the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is provided with the fan 52 that sucks in the mist, for example, instead of the fan 52, it may be provided with a charged member that guides the mist.

[0058] 3, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is provided with a black light 53 in the housing 32. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment makes it easy to visualize the supporting material remaining on the object 4 to be cleaned.

[0059] In this way, the cleaning tool 1B of this embodiment is provided with various additional members compared to the cleaning tool 1A of the first embodiment, and is thus configured to provide an appropriate support material removal force to the cleaning target 4. Specifically, for example, the liquid 3 is heated by the temperature adjustment unit 51, thereby improving the removal performance of the support material of the liquid 3 itself. In addition, the liquid film that impedes the impact pressure is removed by blowing air from the blower 40, thereby improving the removal performance when the droplets 3b are collided.

[0060] As an additional member, a cover capable of sucking the liquid 3 may be provided on the nozzle 11 or the main body 12, and the liquid film or foreign matter may be covered with the cover so that they can be removed. As an additional member, a holder for holding the additional member may be provided on the nozzle 11 or the main body 12, and a brush, scraper, file, or the like may be held. Furthermore, these additional members may be used separately from the ejection of the droplets 3b depending on the type of support material, the shape of the three-dimensional object, and the like.

[0061] [Example 3] The cleaning tool 1C of Example 3 will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 showing the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1. The cleaning tool 1C of this example is similar to the cleaning tool 1 of Examples 1 and 2 except for the configuration described below. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1C of this example has similar features to the cleaning tool 1 of Examples 1 and 2 except for the points described below. Therefore, in Fig. 4, components common to Examples 1 and 2 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0062] 4, the cleaning tool 1C of this embodiment has a main body 12 having a plurality of nozzles 11 fixed to a housing 32. That is, the cleaning tool 1C of this embodiment is configured to remove the support material attached to the three-dimensional model by spraying the liquid 3 from the fixed nozzles 11 and moving the cleaning target 4. In the cleaning tool 1C of this embodiment, the main body 12 has a plurality of nozzles 11, but is not limited to such a configuration.

[0063] 4, the cleaning tool 1C of this embodiment has a slanted wall 33A inclined relative to the horizontal direction in the housing 32, and the liquid 3 adhering to the slanted wall 33A flows by gravity to the lower part of the housing 32. The lower part of the housing 32 is provided with a drain port 35 connected to a drain groove.

[0064] 4, the housing 32 of the cleaning tool 1C of this embodiment has a substantially C-shaped cross section and is provided with an opening 36. Therefore, near the opening 36 in the housing 32, a fan 52 for forming an air curtain is provided to prevent the mist of the liquid 3 from spraying outside the housing 32 and the scattering of the removed supporting material.

[0065] [Example 4] A cleaning tool 1D of Example 4 will be described below with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. Figs. 5 to 7 are views corresponding to Fig. 1 showing the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1. The cleaning tool 1C of this example is similar to the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1 except for the configuration described below. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1D of this example has the same features as the cleaning tool 1A of Example 1 except for the points described below. Therefore, in Figs. 5 to 7, components common to Example 1 above are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the cleaning tool 1A of the first embodiment, except that it does not have the storage section 31. As the cleaning object 4, a cleaning object other than that molded by a three-dimensional molding machine can be used. Therefore, the cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment can be expressed as a cleaning tool 1 that includes a nozzle 11 that sprays the liquid 3 in a continuous flow 3a and turns the continuous flow 3a into droplets, and a pump 21 that supplies the liquid 3 to the nozzle 11, and removes the deposits 4b from the cleaning object 4 by spraying the liquid 3 from the nozzle 11 against the cleaning object 4 and causing the liquid 3 to collide with the cleaning object 4 in the form of droplets 3b. Since the cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment has such a configuration, it is possible to effectively remove the deposits from the cleaning object 4 while suppressing damage to the cleaning object 4 when removing the deposits 4b from the cleaning object 4.

[0067] The cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment is capable of removing printed matter or paint from a resin surface, or removing paint or deposits from a road, concrete structure, or metal surface, while preventing damage to the base of the object 4a.

[0068] Fig. 5 shows how the cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment is used to remove only the UV ink or the toner produced by sublimation transfer from a cleaning target 4 having a resin plate as a target object 4a and UV ink or toner produced by sublimation transfer adhering thereto as adhering matter 4b without damaging the resin plate. In Fig. 5, the resin plate is placed horizontally, and therefore a splash prevention plate 54 is placed near the adhering matter 4b to prevent the liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11 from splashing.

[0069] 6 shows how the cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment is used to remove only the foreign matter 4b, such as dirt, rust, mold, ice, etc., from a target object 4a, such as a wall, window, or vehicle, without damaging the wall, window, vehicle, etc. The liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11 and the foreign matter peeled off from the wall, window, vehicle, etc., fall downward due to gravity.

[0070] 7 shows how the cleaning tool 1D of this embodiment is used to remove only the post-processing deposits 4b, such as coolant, dust, processing oil, and cutting powder, from a cleaning target 4 on which a formation formed by a machining device as a target object 4a has been adhered, without damaging the formation. The liquid 3 sprayed from the nozzle 11 and the post-processing deposits peeled off from the formation fall downward by gravity.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The technical features in the embodiment corresponding to the technical features in each embodiment described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. For example, as described above, in the present invention, in addition to the nozzle 11 and the main body 12, the pump 21, the control unit 24, the storage unit 31, the housing 32, etc. can be considered as the cleaning tool 1, but only the nozzle 11 and the main body 12 can also be considered as the cleaning tool 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...cleaning tool, 1A...cleaning tool, 1B...cleaning tool, 1C...cleaning tool, 1D...cleaning tool, 3...liquid, 3a...continuous flow, 3b...droplet, 4...object to be cleaned, 4a...target object (three-dimensional model), 4b...attachment (support material), 11...nozzle, 12...main body, 13...liquid flow path, 21...pump, 21A...switch, 22...spray pressure adjustment section, 23...liquid tank, 24...control section (temperature control section), 25...memory section, 26...filter, 27...pump, 31...storage section, 32...casing, 33...wall section, 33A...inclined wall, 34...circulation tube (circulation mechanism), 35...exhaust port, 36...opening, 40...blower, 41...blower nozzle, 42...gas flow path, 51...temperature adjustment section (heating section), 52...fan, 53...black light, 54...anti-scattering plate

Claims

1. a nozzle for ejecting a liquid in a continuous stream and breaking the continuous stream into droplets; a pump for supplying the liquid to the nozzle; A cleaning tool characterized in that the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle onto a cleaning object molded by a three-dimensional molding machine that molds a three-dimensional object while supporting it with a support material, causing the liquid to collide with the cleaning object in the form of droplets, thereby removing the supporting material from the three-dimensional object at the cleaning object.

2. 2. The cleaning implement of claim 1, A cleaning tool comprising: a jet pressure adjusting unit that adjusts the jet pressure of the liquid from the nozzle depending on the type of the supporting material.

3. 3. The cleaning implement of claim 2, Multiple types of support material can be used, A cleaning tool comprising: a memory unit that stores a correspondence relationship between the type of the support material and the spray pressure of the liquid.

4. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle has a changeable nozzle diameter.

5. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cleaning tool comprising a heating section for heating the liquid.

6. 6. The cleaning device of claim 5, A cleaning tool comprising: a temperature control unit that controls the heating unit depending on the type of the support material.

7. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cleaning tool comprising a main body to which the nozzle is connected and having a flow path therein through which the liquid flows.

8. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cleaning tool comprising a holder for holding a tool other than the nozzle for removing the support material.

9. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cleaning implement comprising a housing within which the nozzle is used.

10. 10. The cleaning implement of claim 9, The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a storage portion for storing the liquid sprayed from the nozzle.

11. 11. The cleaning implement of claim 10, A cleaning tool comprising a circulation mechanism for spraying the liquid stored in the storage section again from the nozzle.

12. 10. The cleaning implement of claim 9, The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a temperature adjusting unit for adjusting a temperature inside the housing.

13. a nozzle for ejecting a liquid in a continuous stream and breaking the continuous stream into droplets; a pump for supplying the liquid to the nozzle; A cleaning tool characterized in that the liquid is sprayed from the nozzle toward the object to be cleaned, causing the liquid to collide with the object in the form of droplets, thereby removing deposits from the object to be cleaned.

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