阅读说明：本技术 用于清洁三维物体的方法和清洁系统 (Method and cleaning system for cleaning a three-dimensional object ) 是由 安德烈亚斯·舒尔特海斯 安德烈亚斯·盖特纳 于 2020-02-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于清洁至少一个三维物体的清洁系统,该三维物体通过固化在辐射作用下可固化的材料来特别是逐层或连续地形成,该清洁系统包括清洁室,以接收待清洁的至少一个三维物体,其中,清洁系统包括含有未受污染的清洁剂的至少一个清洁剂容器,其中,清洁室和至少一个清洁剂容器彼此流体连接,其中,清洁系统包括至少一个输送装置,用于将未受污染的清洁剂从至少一个清洁剂容器输送到清洁室,并用于将受污染的清洁剂从清洁室输送回至少一个清洁剂容器。也提出了一种用于清洁至少一个三维物体的方法。(The invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object, in particular formed layer by layer or continuously by curing a material that is curable under the action of radiation, comprising a cleaning chamber for receiving the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one cleaning agent container containing uncontaminated cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning chamber and the at least one cleaning agent container are in fluid connection with each other, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one conveying device for conveying uncontaminated cleaning agent from the at least one cleaning agent container to the cleaning chamber and for conveying contaminated cleaning agent from the cleaning chamber back to the at least one cleaning agent container. A method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object is also presented.)

1. Cleaning system (10) for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object (12) formed in particular layer-by-layer or continuously by curing a material curable under the action of radiation, the cleaning system (10) comprising a cleaning chamber (14) for receiving the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) containing uncontaminated cleaning agent (42, 43), wherein the cleaning chamber (14) and the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) are in fluid connection with each other, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises at least one conveying device (34, 35) for conveying uncontaminated cleaning agent (42, 43) from the at least one cleaning agent container (30) into the cleaning chamber (14) and for conveying contaminated cleaning agent (42, 43), 43) From the cleaning chamber (14) back into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31).

2. Cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning chamber (14) has a base (20), in that a support element (24) for the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned is arranged in the cleaning chamber (14) at a distance from the base (20), and in that the support element (24) is fluid-permeable.

3. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning chamber (14) has a cleaning agent inlet (28) fluidly connected to the at least one delivery device (34, 35).

4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that the cleaning agent inlet (28) is arranged on a base (20) of the cleaning chamber (14).

5. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the base (20) is funnel-shaped and in that the cleaning agent inlet (28) is arranged or formed at the lowest point or area of the cleaning chamber (14) in the direction of gravity.

6. Cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a moving device (46) for moving the cleaning agent (42, 43) in the cleaning chamber (14).

7. Cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that the moving means (46) comprise stirring means and/or fluid-mechanical fluid jet generating means with at least one nozzle for moving the cleaning agent (42, 43), in particular for generating a turbulent flow in the cleaning chamber (14) filled with cleaning agent (42).

8. The cleaning system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the moving means (46) are arranged or formed between the support element (24) and the base (20).

9. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning chamber (14) is closed by a removal cover plate (18) at the top with respect to the direction of gravity (22).

10. Cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a drying device (56).

11. The cleaning system according to claim 10, characterized in that the drying means (56) are arranged or formed in the cover plate (18).

12. The cleaning system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the drying means (56) comprise a recirculation fan (64) for conveying gas from the cleaning chamber (14) to a dehumidifying means (66) and from the dehumidifying means (66) back into the cleaning chamber (14).

13. The cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises an exhaust gas treatment device (68).

14. The cleaning system according to claim 13, characterized in that the exhaust gas treatment device (68) comprises at least one filter (70), in particular an activated carbon filter.

15. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein the drying device (56) comprises the at least one filter (70).

16. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the exhaust gas treatment device (68) is arranged or formed in the cover plate (18).

17. Cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises at least two detergent containers (30, 31).

18. Cleaning system according to claim 17, characterized in that each of the at least two detergent containers (30, 31) is associated with its own delivery device (34, 35).

19. The cleaning system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least two cleaning agent containers (30, 31) contain different cleaning agents (42, 43).

20. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) is configured to perform a first cleaning process by means of the cleaning agent (42) contained in a first one (30) of the at least two cleaning agent containers and to perform a second cleaning process by means of the cleaning agent (43) contained in a second one (31) of the at least two cleaning agent containers.

21. The cleaning system according to claim 20, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) is configured to perform a third cleaning process after the second cleaning process by the cleaning agent (42) being transported back into the first cleaning agent container (30) after the first cleaning process, and to perform a fourth cleaning process after the third cleaning process by the cleaning agent (43) being transported back into the second cleaning agent container (31) after the second cleaning process.

22. Cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a receiving container (90) for the at least one detergent container (30, 31), and in that the receiving container (90) comprises at least one suction tube (38, 39), which at least one suction tube (38, 39) is fluidly connected to the cleaning chamber (14) for introduction into the at least one detergent container (30, 31).

23. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) comprises a memory element (92, 93) for storing at least one parameter characterizing the cleaning agent (42, 43) contained in the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31), in particular the type and/or volume of the cleaning agent, and/or a chemical and/or physical property of the cleaning agent (42, 43).

24. Cleaning system according to claim 23, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a read-out device (94, 95) for reading the parameter stored in the memory element (92, 93) from the memory element (92, 93).

25. The cleaning system according to claim 24, characterized in that the readout device (94, 95) is arranged or formed on the receiving container (90).

26. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the memory element (92, 93) comprises a barcode or an RFID chip.

27. Cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a control device (72) for controlling the cleaning system (10).

28. The cleaning system according to claim 27, characterized in that the control device comprises a time setting device (80) for setting a cleaning time during which the cleaning agent (42, 43) stays in the cleaning chamber (14) after having been delivered from the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) and before being delivered back into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31).

29. The cleaning system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the control device (72) is configured to set the cleaning time automatically in dependence of a curable material forming the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned, and/or in dependence of the cleaning agent (42, 43).

30. Cleaning system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises an input device (82) for inputting the type of solidifiable material forming the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned.

31. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) comprises a display device (86) for displaying operating parameters and/or operating modes of the cleaning system (10).

32. The cleaning system of claim 31, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) is configured to display the degree of use of the cleaning agent (42, 43) to a user via the display device (86).

33. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that the control device (72) is coupled for control purposes to the at least one conveying device (34, 35) and/or the at least one moving device (46) and/or the drying device (56) and/or the exhaust gas treatment device (68) and/or the readout device (94, 95) and/or the input device (82) and/or the display device (86).

34. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that the control device (72) is configured to deactivate the at least one delivery device (34, 35) in accordance with a predefined maximum degree of use or maximum degree of contamination of the cleaning agent (42, 43).

35. Cleaning system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (10) is fluid-tight, in particular gas-tight.

36. Method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object (12) which is formed in particular layer-wise or continuously by curing a material which is curable under the action of radiation, in which method at least one cleaning operation is carried out in which uncontaminated cleaning agent (42, 43) from at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) is conveyed into a cleaning chamber (14) in which the at least one three-dimensional object (12) is received, and after cleaning the at least one three-dimensional object (12) is conveyed from the cleaning chamber (14) back into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31) again, in particular completely or substantially completely back into the at least one cleaning agent container (30, 31).

37. The method of claim 36, wherein two or more cleaning operations are performed.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein a different cleaning agent (42, 43) is used in each of the two or more cleaning operations.

39. Method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that the cleaning chamber (14) is completely emptied after each cleaning operation.

40. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, characterized in that the cleaning agent (42, 43) conveyed into the cleaning chamber (14) stays in the cleaning chamber (14) for a cleaning time.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the cleaning time is predefined according to a curable material forming the at least one three-dimensional object (12) to be cleaned and/or according to the cleaning agent (42, 43).

42. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, characterized in that the cleaning agent (42, 43) conveyed into the cleaning chamber (14) is moved in the cleaning chamber (14) in order to clean the at least one three-dimensional object (12).

43. Method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, characterized in that the cleaning chamber (14) emptied of the cleaning agent (42, 43) is dried after the at least one cleaning operation, in particular after the last cleaning operation.

44. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that odors escaping during drying of the cleaning chamber (14) are filtered out.

45. Use of a cleaning system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 35 to perform a method according to any one of claims 36 to 44.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object formed by curing a material curable under the action of radiation, in particular layer by layer or continuously.

The invention also relates to a method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object formed by curing a material curable under the action of radiation, in particular layer by layer or continuously.

Background

Equipment for producing three-dimensional objects by curing materials curable under the action of radiation is becoming increasingly important. They are in particular called so-called 3D printers, by means of which objects can be produced individually, quickly and with high precision. Such a device is particularly useful in the dental field. An illustrative embodiment of such a device is described, for example, in DE 102013107571 a 1.

The problem of manufacturing three-dimensional objects of the type in question lies in particular in the fact that: once completed, i.e. cured, these objects are still contaminated with curable material when they are removed from the device, i.e. the 3D printer. Such materials are composed in particular of liquid plastic materials, in particular resins or polymer solutions, which must be disposed of in part as hazardous waste if they are not solidified.

Needless to say, when removing the produced three-dimensional object from such a 3D printer, contamination of the operator is practically inevitable. Furthermore, the market does not provide any solution that allows simple cleaning of the three-dimensional object after its production, in order to leave it free of uncured curable material.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object, which is formed in particular layer-by-layer or continuously by curing a material curable under the action of radiation.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cleaning system for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object, which is formed in particular layer-by-layer or continuously by curing a material that is curable under the action of radiation, comprising a cleaning chamber for receiving the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one cleaning agent container containing uncontaminated cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning chamber and the at least one cleaning agent container are in fluid connection with each other, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one conveying device for conveying uncontaminated cleaning agent from the at least one cleaning agent container to the cleaning chamber and for conveying contaminated cleaning agent from the cleaning chamber back to the at least one cleaning agent container.

The cleaning system proposed according to the invention allows to clean in a simple way, in particular automatically, three-dimensional objects which have been formed from liquid curable material, for example by means of said 3D printing. The cleaning agent can be automatically transported from the cleaning agent container by at least one transport device into a cleaning chamber where the cleaning agent washes or removes any uncured curable material from the three-dimensional object so as to render the object completely or substantially completely free of uncured curable material. If a cleaning program, which is also referred to below as a cleaning operation, is completed, the cleaning agent can be conveyed back into the cleaning agent container again by the conveying device. Thus, once the cleaning operation has been performed, the contaminated cleaning agent is received using a cleaning agent container that provides uncontaminated cleaning agent. Thus, the contaminated detergent (i.e. used at least once) can now be easily disposed of, more particularly together with the detergent container. The cleaning system particularly allows cleaning of three-dimensional objects without requiring direct contact of the operator with the cleaning agent. In addition, the cleaning process can be fully automated, i.e. in particular the cleaning agent is transported from the cleaning agent container into the cleaning chamber and from the cleaning chamber back into the cleaning agent container. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course also possible to transport the contaminated (i.e. used at least once) cleaning agent into a further provided treatment container. This may be particularly advantageous in order to prevent mixing of multiple containers containing uncontaminated and contaminated cleaning agents. The at least one delivery device can be designed in particular as a fluid pump in order to deliver the liquid cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container into the cleaning chamber and back again. The uncontaminated cleaning agent in this context may in particular be a cleaning agent which is not contaminated by any uncured curable material. Thus, such cleaners have never been used to clean uncured curable material from three-dimensional objects. In this context, a contaminated cleaning agent may in particular be a cleaning agent contaminated with uncured curable material, that is to say already comprising such material. However, uncontaminated detergents may also be detergents that are less contaminated than contaminated detergents in a further sense. For example, a weakly contaminated cleaning agent can thus be used as "uncontaminated" cleaning agent in order to perform a cleaning procedure or cleaning process in the cleaning chamber. In this case, the degree of contamination of the uncured curable material in the cleaning agent increases. After the cleaning procedure, the cleaning agent is "contaminated", i.e. the cleaning agent is more contaminated with uncured curable material than before the cleaning procedure. In order to limit the consumption of cleaning agent, the "contaminated" cleaning agent can in particular also be reused as "uncontaminated" cleaning agent. In particular, it is also possible that the degree of contamination of the uncured curable material in, more particularly for example, a "contaminated" cleaning agent (i.e. after the cleaning process) is so high that it can no longer or can no longer be used for cleaning.

Advantageously, the cleaning chamber has a base, a support element for the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned is arranged or formed in the cleaning chamber, spaced apart from the base, and the support element is permeable to fluid. The construction of such a cleaning chamber with the supporting elements makes it possible in particular for the cleaning agent to flow reliably from all sides around the three-dimensional object to be cleaned. In addition, the arrangement of the support element spaced apart from the base of the cleaning chamber makes it possible to arrange optional components of the cleaning system between the support element and the base, which optional components unintentionally contact the object to be cleaned. In particular, the support element may be configured in the form of a metal mesh, or a metal or plastic grid. The support element is preferably formed of a material that is not attacked by the cleaning agents used in the cleaning system. For example, the support element may be formed from stainless steel.

If the cleaning chamber has a cleaning agent inlet which is in fluid connection with at least one delivery device, the cleaning chamber can be in fluid connection with the delivery device in a simple manner.

The detergent inlet is advantageously arranged at the base of the cleaning chamber. Such an arrangement of the cleaning agent inlet has the following advantages, among others: when emptying the cleaning chamber, i.e. in particular when conveying contaminated cleaning agent back to the cleaning container, it is possible to completely or substantially completely empty the cleaning chamber. In particular, dead volumes can thus be avoided. Additionally, contaminated cleaning agent may flow out through the cleaning agent inlet at the base in a gravity assisted manner.

In order to further improve the emptying of the cleaning chamber, it is advantageous if the base is funnel-shaped and the detergent inlet is arranged or formed in the direction of gravity at the lowest point or area of the cleaning chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the cleaning system comprises a moving device for moving the cleaning agent in the cleaning chamber. The moving device may be configured in particular in the form of a recirculation device in order to achieve as complete as possible removal of the uncured curable material from the three-dimensional object by movement of the cleaning agent in the cleaning chamber.

Advantageously, the moving means comprise stirring means and/or fluid-mechanical fluid jet generating means having at least one nozzle for moving the cleaning agent. In particular, the moving means may be configured to generate a turbulent flow in a cleaning chamber filled with a cleaning agent. A moving device formed in this way makes it possible in particular to apply a flow of cleaning agent at a relatively high speed to the three-dimensional object to be cleaned in order to flush and remove curable material adhering to the object in an optimum manner. The stirring device can be formed in particular in the manner of a magnetic stirrer. In particular, in order to be able to generate turbulent jets, the stirring device may comprise one or more propeller-like stirring elements. The stirring elements of the stirring device can be driven in particular by a magnetic coupling through the wall of the cleaning chamber, so that no through-opening in the cleaning chamber has to be sealed in connection with the stirring device.

The moving means are advantageously arranged or formed between the support element and the base. In this way, the mobile device is arranged in a protected manner. In particular, the three-dimensional object to be cleaned cannot come into contact with the moving device or its components.

In order to prevent particularly large amounts of volatile cleaning agents from escaping from the cleaning chamber, the cleaning chamber is advantageously closed by a removal cover plate at the top with respect to the direction of gravity. In particular, the cover plate may be formed such that it is possible to hermetically or substantially hermetically close the cleaning chamber. This is particularly advantageous when odorous and health-hazardous cleaning agents are used, which should not be inhaled if possible.

Furthermore advantageously, the cleaning system comprises drying means. The drying device makes it possible in particular to dry the three-dimensional object being cleaned and the cleaning chamber after one or more cleaning operations. The drying step also has the advantage that in particular the volatile cleaning agent can be completely removed, which reduces any unpleasant odour where the cleaning system is used.

The cleaning system can be formed in a particularly compact manner if the drying means are arranged or formed in the cover plate.

Advantageously, the drying means comprises a recirculation fan for conveying gas from the cleaning chamber to the dehumidifying means and from the dehumidifying means back into the cleaning chamber. The recirculation fan or circulation fan in particular allows for a complete emptying of the volatilized cleaning agent from the cleaning chamber. The clean room can then be opened after drying by removing the cover plate, and the operator can then remove the cleaned and dried object from the clean room without actually any unpleasant smell. In particular, the vaporized components of water and cleaning agent can be removed by the dehumidifying device, so that the cleaning chamber preferably still contains only ambient air after the drying process.

Further advantageously, the cleaning system comprises an exhaust gas treatment device. In particular, substances that are harmful or potentially toxic to health that may escape from the cleaning agent may be removed from the treatment chamber by the exhaust gas treatment device before the treated exhaust gas is discharged from the cleaning chamber into the environment surrounding the cleaning system.

Such exhaust gases of the cleaning system can be easily treated if the exhaust gas treatment device comprises at least one filter. The filter is preferably configured in the form of an activated carbon filter. For example, chemicals which emit unpleasant odours, such as methanol, can be absorbed in a defined manner by such activated carbon filters and can be disposed of together with the filters.

In particular, a particularly compact construction of the cleaning system can be achieved if the exhaust gas treatment device is arranged or formed in the cover plate.

In particular, the exhaust gas treatment device may be integrated into the drying device or may form part thereof.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the cleaning system comprises at least two cleaning agent containers. This makes it possible in particular to use the cleaning agent from the first cleaning agent container for the first cleaning operation and to use the cleaning agent from the second cleaning agent container for the second cleaning operation. The cleaning agent is, for example, transported from the first cleaning agent container into the cleaning chamber, in which the object is cleaned, and the contaminated cleaning agent is then transported back into the cleaning agent container. For example, the second cleaning operation may then be performed by transferring the cleaning agent from the second cleaning agent container into the cleaning chamber. The cleaning agent contaminated by the second cleaning operation can then be conveyed back into the second cleaning agent container again. In principle, it is also possible to provide three, four or more cleaning agent containers. In particular, the cleaning agent container may contain different cleaning agents, so that the cleaning of the three-dimensional object may be further optimized.

In order to prevent contamination and possible undesired reactions in the event of different detergents meeting, it is advantageous if each of the at least two detergent containers is associated with its own delivery device. In this way, in particular, the handling of the cleaning agent container with the contaminated cleaning agent can also be simplified, since essentially no mixed chemicals need to be handled.

The at least two detergent containers advantageously contain different detergents. For example, methanol may be provided in one detergent container and isopropanol may be provided in a second detergent container to clean the three-dimensional object. The different cleaning agents can in particular also be cleaning agents with different degrees of soiling. For example, the first cleaner container may contain methanol without or to a low degree contamination of any uncured curable material. The second detergent container may also contain methanol, but with a higher degree of contamination. In particular, a first cleaning process may then be performed with the cleaning agent being more contaminated by the uncured curable material, and a second cleaning process may then be performed with the cleaning agent being less contaminated by the uncured curable material. In addition, the different detergents may be detergents with different concentrations, for example, an aqueous solution with a methanol content of 50% and an aqueous solution with a methanol content of 70%.

Advantageously, the cleaning system is configured to perform a first cleaning process by means of a cleaning agent contained in a first of the at least two cleaning agent containers and to perform a second cleaning process by means of a cleaning agent contained in a second of the at least two cleaning agent containers. The cleaning agent from the first cleaning container can be conveyed into the cleaning chamber and can be used for a first cleaning process of the at least one three-dimensional object. The cleaning agent can then be conveyed again into the first cleaning container. The cleaning agent then has a higher degree of contamination than before the first cleaning process. For the second cleaning process, the cleaning agent from the second cleaning agent container may be transported into the cleaning chamber and may be used for the second cleaning process. The cleaning agent can then be conveyed again into a second cleaning container. If the cleaning agent in the first and second cleaning agent containers is contaminated to the same extent by the curable material which is still uncured before the first and second cleaning operations, the cleaning agent from the second cleaning agent container is typically less contaminated after the first cleaning process than the cleaning agent in the first cleaning agent container.

Advantageously, the cleaning system is configured to carry out a third cleaning process after the second cleaning process by means of the cleaning agent which is fed back to the first cleaning agent container after the first cleaning process, wherein and to carry out a fourth cleaning process after the third cleaning process by means of the cleaning agent which is fed back to the second cleaning agent container after the second cleaning process. Owing to this sequence, in the case of repeated use of already used cleaning agents, it can be ensured in particular that, in the case of repeated cleaning of already cleaned objects or in the case of first cleaning of newly produced objects, a preliminary cleaning is first carried out with the more contaminated cleaning agent from the first cleaning agent container and then a fourth cleaning process is carried out with the less contaminated cleaning agent. Due to this multiple use of the cleaning agent, it is possible in particular to save cleaning agent, since the cleaning agent in the second cleaning agent container is less contaminated after the second cleaning process than the cleaning agent in the first cleaning agent container after the first cleaning process. The sequence may in particular be performed before the three-dimensional object that has not yet been cleaned is subjected to the first cleaning procedure.

In order to further improve the operation of the cleaning system, it is advantageous if the cleaning system comprises a receiving container for at least one cleaning agent container, and the receiving container comprises at least one suction tube which is fluidly connected to the cleaning chamber for introduction into the at least one cleaning agent container. For example, the detergent container may be provided in the form of a bottle with a screw closure. In order to fill the cleaning chamber, the suction line then only has to be introduced into the open cleaning agent container. One or more cleaning processes can then in principle be carried out fully automatically by a cleaning system with a suitable configuration. The receiving container can in particular be configured such that it defines a substantially closed receiving space for the at least one cleaning agent container. In particular, an undefined evaporation of the cleaning agent at the location of use of the cleaning system can thus be largely prevented. In addition, such a receiving container can ensure a stable positioning of the detergent containers so that they do not topple over, which could lead to the detergent escaping from the detergent container in an undefined manner.

For a defined operation of the cleaning system, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one cleaning agent container comprises a memory element for storing at least one parameter characterizing the cleaning agent contained in the at least one cleaning agent container. The at least one parameter may be in particular the type of cleaning agent and/or the volume of cleaning agent contained in the cleaning agent container and/or the chemical and/or physical properties of the cleaning agent. Further parameters or data are in particular the purity of the cleaning agent and any danger warnings.

The cleaning system preferably comprises a read-out unit for reading parameters and/or data stored in the memory element from the memory element. The read-out device may in particular be a contactless read-out device which allows reading out the memory element without direct contact. For example, the readout device may be configured in the form of an optical or near-field readout device. Thus, in particular, bar codes or, thus, RFID chips can be scanned.

Advantageously, the reading device is arranged or formed on the receiving container. This makes it possible in particular to insert the cleaning agent container into the receiving container and to automatically read the data or parameters stored in the memory element.

If the memory element comprises a bar code or an RFID chip, the cleaning system can be formed in a simple manner.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the cleaning system comprises a control device for controlling the cleaning system. In particular, the components of the cleaning system can be actuated easily and reliably by the control device. In particular, it is thus possible to achieve an automatic operation of the cleaning system.

Advantageously, the control device comprises a time setting device for setting a cleaning time during which cleaning agent remains in the cleaning chamber after having been delivered from the at least one cleaning agent container and before being delivered back to the at least one cleaning agent container. A particular advantage of such a time-setting device is that the object to be cleaned does not remain in contact with the cleaning agent for too long, which in the worst case scenario, depending on the cleaning agent, may lead to partial decomposition of the object. The intent and purpose of the cleaning system is simply to remove uncured curable material from the three-dimensional object, rather than altering or damaging the three-dimensional object as a result of cleaning. In cooperation with the control means, the time-setting means may automatically limit the amount of time that the cleaning agent remains in the cleaning chamber. This information can be transmitted to the control device by an operator or automatically by the above-mentioned read-out device together with a memory element arranged on the detergent container, in particular if the type of detergent is known. Thus errors during cleaning of the three-dimensional object can be excluded or at least minimized.

Advantageously, the control means is configured to automatically set the cleaning time in dependence of the curable material forming the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned, and/or in dependence of the cleaning agent. As mentioned above, in this way undesired interactions between the cleaning agent and the object to be cleaned can be avoided.

Advantageously, the cleaning system comprises an input device of the type for inputting curable material forming the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned. In particular, the input device may also be configured to input a cleaning agent to be used for cleaning the three-dimensional object. The cleaning system can then select and set the cleaning time taking into account the input data, in particular automatically as described above.

Advantageously, the cleaning system comprises a display device for displaying operating parameters and/or operating modes of the cleaning system. Thus, information about the cleaning process can be displayed to the operator in a simple manner on the display device. In particular, for example, if an incorrect or unauthenticated detergent is to be used, a warning or an operational error of the cleaning system may be displayed on the display device.

Advantageously, the cleaning system is configured to display the degree of usage of the cleaning agent to a user, in particular by means of a display device. Thus, the user can immediately recognize whether he can continue to use the detergent or whether he has to replace the detergent with a new detergent or a less contaminated detergent, as the case may be.

According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the control device is coupled for control purposes to the at least one conveying device and/or the at least one moving device and/or the drying device and/or the exhaust gas treatment device and/or the readout device and/or the input device and/or the display device. In particular, if the control device is coupled to all of the devices for control purposes, the cleaning of the three-dimensional object can be performed in a fully automatic manner or in a substantially fully automatic manner.

Advantageously, the control means is configured to deactivate the at least one delivery means in dependence on a predefined maximum degree of use or contamination of the cleaning agent. It can thus be ensured that the user cannot continue to use the cleaning system if the degree of contamination or the degree of use exceeds a predefined limit value.

In order to avoid the escape of odorous gases, in particular of volatile cleaning agents, the cleaning system is advantageously fluid-tight. In particular, the cleaning system may be air tight.

According to the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a method for cleaning at least one three-dimensional object which is formed, in particular layer-by-layer or continuously, by curing a material which is curable under the action of radiation, in which method at least one cleaning operation is carried out in which uncontaminated cleaning agent from at least one cleaning agent container is conveyed into a cleaning chamber in which the at least one three-dimensional object is received and, after cleaning of the at least one three-dimensional object, is conveyed back again, in particular completely or substantially completely, from the cleaning chamber into the at least one cleaning agent container.

In particular, cleaning a three-dimensional object in the described manner has the advantage that a cleaning agent container, through which uncontaminated cleaning agent for cleaning the three-dimensional object is provided, can receive contaminated cleaning agent again, thus allowing for simple disposal of the contaminated cleaning agent. Thus, the execution of the cleaning method as a whole can be simplified and the method can be executed with the cleaning agent correctly disposed of.

In order to allow particularly good cleaning of the three-dimensional object, it is advantageous to perform two or more cleaning operations.

In order to be able to remove uncured curable material from the three-dimensional object particularly efficiently, it is advantageous to use a different cleaning agent in each of the two or more cleaning processes. In particular, different detergents may be used which are capable of removing different components of the curable material.

In particular to prevent mixing of different cleaning agents, it is advantageous to completely empty the cleaning chamber after each cleaning operation.

In order to ensure optimum cleaning of the three-dimensional object, it is advantageous if the cleaning agent delivered into the cleaning chamber is retained in the cleaning chamber for a certain cleaning time. In particular, this may be the minimum residence time. Furthermore, the cleaning time may also be limited in a predefined manner in order to avoid damage to the three-dimensional object to be cleaned.

Advantageously, the cleaning time is predefined according to the curable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object to be cleaned is formed and/or according to the cleaning agent. In this way, in particular, optimal cleaning can be ensured on the one hand and damage to the three-dimensional object to be cleaned can be avoided on the other hand. In particular, the cleaning time can thus be limited in a simple manner. The residence time of the cleaning agent in the cleaning chamber is ideally selected so that it is possible to remove as much of the curable material that remains uncured from the three-dimensional object as possible without damaging the object.

In order to be able to ensure optimum removal of the uncured, curable material from the three-dimensional object to be cleaned, it is advantageous if the cleaning agent delivered into the cleaning chamber is moved in the cleaning chamber in order to clean the at least one three-dimensional object. In particular, the cleaning agent can be moved such that a turbulent flow thereof is generated in the cleaning chamber, whereby any curable material which has not yet solidified can be optimally rinsed off from the three-dimensional object.

It is also advantageous to dry the cleaning chamber emptied of cleaning agent after at least one cleaning operation. At the same time, the three-dimensional object received in the clean room is also automatically dried. It is particularly advantageous to perform such drying after the last cleaning operation. The cleaning chamber can then be opened and the cleaned three-dimensional object removed without creating any excessive unpleasant odor around one of the above-mentioned cleaning systems.

In order to avoid unpleasant odours around the cleaning system, in particular for carrying out one of the methods, it is advantageous if any odours escaping during drying of the cleaning chamber are filtered out. This may be accomplished, for example, using one or more activated carbon filters.

Furthermore, it is proposed to perform one of the above-mentioned methods using one of the above-mentioned cleaning systems.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided to provide a more detailed explanation in connection with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning system;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a second illustrative embodiment of a cleaning system;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a third illustrative embodiment of a cleaning system;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of a cleaning system;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a fifth illustrative embodiment of a cleaning system;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a sequence of cleaning methods;

fig. 7 shows a schematic view of the sequence of the further cleaning method.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 a first illustrative embodiment of a cleaning system 10 for cleaning one or more three-dimensional objects 12 formed, in particular layer-by-layer or continuously, by curing a material curable under the action of radiation is schematically shown.

The cleaning system 10 includes a cleaning chamber 14 defined by a canister-like container 16. The container 16 is upwardly open with respect to the direction of gravity and is selectively closed by a removal flap 18. The direction of gravity is schematically shown in fig. 1 by arrow 22.

The support element 24, which is substantially parallel to the base 20 and transverse to the direction of gravity, is arranged spaced apart from the base 20. The support member is fluid permeable and has a plurality of apertures 26.

The support element 24 is optionally formed by a grid or mesh made of metal or plastic.

A detergent inlet 28 is arranged or formed on the clean room 14. In the illustrative embodiment shown in fig. 1, the cleaning agent inlet 28 is disposed or formed on the base 20.

The cleaning chamber 14 may be fluidly connected to a cleaning agent container 30. For this purpose, a connection line 32 is provided, which connection line 32 fluidly connects the detergent inlet 28 to a delivery device 34 in the form of a liquid pump 36, and also fluidly connects the liquid pump 36 to the detergent container 30. The free end of the connection line 36 is configured in the form of a suction tube 38, the suction tube 38 passing through an opening 40 of the container into the detergent container 30.

To clean the three-dimensional objects 12, the three-dimensional objects are introduced into the cleaning chamber 14 so that they are positioned on the support member 24. The suction pipe 38 of the connection line 32 is introduced into the detergent container 30 filled with uncontaminated detergent.

The contents of the cleaning agent container 30 are transported into the cleaning chamber 14 by a transport device 34. As schematically shown in fig. 1, the object 12 is completely surrounded by the cleaning agent 42.

After the cleaning time (also referred to as the residence time of the cleaning agent 42 in the cleaning chamber 14), the cleaning agent 42, now contaminated by the still uncured curable material adhering to the object 12 after production of the object 12, is transported out of the cleaning chamber 14 by the transport device 34 and back into the cleaning agent container 30.

The cleaning chamber 14 is now empty and can be opened by lifting the cover 18, for example to dry or dry the objects 12.

The suction tube 38 is then removed from the detergent container 30 filled with contaminated detergent and the detergent container 30 is closed by a closure 44. Thus, the contaminated cleaning agent 42 can be disposed of in the cleaning agent container 30 in a simple and safe manner.

Optionally, the cleaning system 10 includes a moving device 46 for moving the cleaning agent 42 in the cleaning chamber 14. The moving device 46 is optionally formed as a stirring device or in the form of a hydromechanical fluid jet generating device with at least one nozzle. In particular, the moving device 46 is configured to generate a turbulent flow in the cleaning chamber 14 filled with the cleaning agent 42.

In one illustrative embodiment, the moving device 46 is equipped with a propeller 48 rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation 50 and configured to rotate to move the cleaning agent 42. For this purpose, a drive device 52 is provided, which is magnetically coupled to the propeller 48 forming the moving element 54, so that it is possible to dispense with an aperture in the cleaning chamber 14.

The moving device 46 is arranged between the base 20 and the support element 24. In this way, it is ensured that the object 12 does not come into contact with the moving device 46.

A second illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10 is schematically shown in fig. 2. As far as the configuration of the second exemplary embodiment is concerned, it substantially corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10. Accordingly, components and elements that are identical or comparable in their function have the same reference numerals as in the first exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10.

The second exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10 includes a drying device 56 disposed or formed in the cover plate 18. The drying means is fluidly connected to an inlet 60 and an outlet 62 on the cover plate by a connection line 58. The gas contained in the clean room 14 may flow through the inlet 60 and may be removed from the gas flow in the drying device 56. The dried airflow may then be directed from the drying device 46 through the outlet 62 back into the cleaning chamber 14.

The drying device 56 is preferably operated if contaminated detergent 42 has been transported back into the detergent container 30 again as described above. Clean room 14 is then empty and may be completely or substantially completely dried by drying device 56, while object 12 is also being dried. After this drying process, cover plate 18 may be removed from cleaning chamber 14 to remove object 12.

A third illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10 is schematically shown in fig. 3. Likewise, in the illustrative embodiment shown in fig. 3, like components and elements are denoted by like reference numerals as in the illustrative embodiments shown in fig. 1 and 2.

In the third illustrative embodiment, the drying device 56 comprises a recirculation fan 64 arranged in the cover plate 18 in order to dry the gas contained in the cleaning chamber 14, which has been emptied of cleaning agent 42, through the inlet 60 and the outlet 62 at a sufficiently large volumetric flow rate in order to achieve a fast and efficient drying.

The drying device 56 further comprises a dehumidifying device 66 to remove vaporized cleaning agent 42 from the exhaust gas flow conveyed through the connection line 58.

The cleaning system 10 further includes an exhaust treatment device 68 with a filter 70. In one illustrative embodiment, the filter is configured in the form of an activated carbon filter.

In a third exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10, an exhaust treatment device 68 is arranged or formed in the cover plate 18.

In one illustrative embodiment, the drying device 56 includes a filter 70. In further illustrative embodiments, two or more filters 70 may also be provided.

The cleaning system 10 further comprises a control device 72 for controlling the cleaning system 10. The control device 72 is connected for control purposes to the conveying device 34, the displacement device 46 and/or the recirculation fan 64 via control lines 74, 76 and 78 in order to control these components in the desired manner and optionally also via closed-loop control.

The cleaning system 10 further comprises a time setting device 80 for setting the cleaning time. The cleaning time is the time during which the cleaning agent 42 remains in the cleaning chamber 14 after it has been delivered from the cleaning receptacle 30 before it is delivered back to the cleaning receptacle 30 by the delivery device 34. The time-setting means 80 are connected to or comprised by the control means 72 for control purposes.

The cleaning system 10 optionally includes an input device 82 to input the type of curable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object 12 to be cleaned is formed, and/or the type of cleaning agent 42 to be used to clean the object 12.

In an illustrative embodiment, the control device 72 is configured to automatically set the cleaning time based on the curable material from which the at least one three-dimensional object 12 to be cleaned is formed, and/or based on the cleaning agent 42. The data necessary for this purpose may be entered via the input device 82 or may be stored in the memory 84 of the control device 72 for different types of curable material and different types of cleaning agent 42.

To use the cleaning system 10, for example, a user may input desired parameters via the input device 82, which may be displayed to the user via a display device of the cleaning system 10.

In one illustrative embodiment, the input device 82 and the display device 86 may be combined in the form of a touch display.

In particular, display device 86 is configured to display operating parameters and/or operating modes of cleaning system 10.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10 is schematically shown in fig. 4. The fourth exemplary embodiment includes all of the components of the third exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10 schematically illustrated in fig. 3. However, it differs in that the second detergent container 31 filled with the second uncontaminated detergent 43 is fluidly connected to the second delivery means 35 by a connection line 33, the second delivery means 35 in turn being fluidly connected to the detergent inlet 28 of the cleaning chamber 14 by a connection line 33.

The connecting lines 32 and 33 are fluidly connected to each other by a tee 88 in the region of the detergent inlet 28.

The control device 72 is connected for control purposes to the conveying device 35 via a control line 75.

Like the suction pipe 38, the free end of the connection line 33 forms a suction pipe 39.

The cleaning agent container 31 has an opening 41 through which the suction pipe 39 can be introduced into the cleaning agent container 31. The closing member 45 is used to close the opening 41.

With the fourth illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10, the object 12 may be cleaned in at least two cleaning operations by the cleaning agents 42 and 43. For example, an initially empty clean room 14 may be filled with a cleaning agent 42 via the delivery device 34. The cleaning agent 42 is moved in the manner described by the moving device 46. The cleaning time is predefined by the control means 72 taking into account parameters predefined for the cleaning agent 42 and the curable material from which the object 12 is made.

At the end of the cleaning time, the conveying device 34 conveys the contaminated cleaning agent 42 from the cleaning chamber 14 back into the cleaning agent container 30.

Uncontaminated detergent 43 may then be pumped from the detergent container 31 into the cleaning chamber 14 via the conveying device 35. In this second cleaning operation, which is assigned a cleaning time suitable for the cleaning agent 43, the cleaning agent 43 is moved in the cleaning chamber by the moving means 46 and, once the cleaning time has been exhausted, is pumped back from the cleaning chamber 14 into the cleaning agent container 31 by the delivery means 35.

Once the clean room 14 has been emptied, it may be dried by the drying device 56 as described above. The exhaust treatment may be performed with exhaust treatment device 68.

If the degree of contamination of the cleaning agents 42 and 43 with the uncured curable material is initially the same before the two cleaning operations, the degree of contamination of the second cleaning agent 43 in the second cleaning agent container 31 is generally lower than the degree of contamination of the first cleaning agent 42 in the first cleaning agent container 30. This can be used in the fourth exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10, in particular for cleaning further objects 12 which have not yet been cleaned, more particularly a first cleaning process of these objects is first performed with once-used cleaning agent 42 from the first cleaning agent container 30, and then a second cleaning process is performed with once-used cleaning agent 43 from the second cleaning agent container 31. Thus, resources, in particular the cleaning agent used, can be saved by using the cleaning agent several times.

A fifth illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10 is schematically shown in fig. 5. The fifth illustrative embodiment includes all of the components of the fourth illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10 shown by way of example in fig. 4. In addition, the fifth exemplary embodiment includes a receiving container 90 to receive the detergent containers 30 and 31. The cleaning agent container is accommodated in a protected manner in the receiving container 90 and is in particular secured against tipping.

Furthermore, this illustrative embodiment of cleaning system 10 includes cleaning agent containers 30 and 31, each with a memory element 92 and 93, respectively, to store at least one parameter characterizing cleaning agents 42 and 43 contained in cleaning containers 30 and 31. In this case, the parameters are, for example, the type of the detergent 42 or 43, and the volume of the detergent 42 or 43 contained in the detergent containers 30 and 31.

The cleaning system 10 further includes a readout device 94. Two read-out devices 94 and 95 may optionally be provided. The readout devices 94 and 95 are configured to read parameters or data stored in the memory elements 92 and 93.

In the illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10, the readouts 94 and 95 are disposed or formed on the receiving receptacle 90. This allows the storage elements 92 and 93 to be read out automatically when the detergent containers 30 and 31 are received in the receiving container 90.

In particular in the illustrative embodiment in which the memory elements 92 and 93 are configured in the form of bar codes, two read-out devices 94 and 95 are provided. Reliable detection of the bar code of both detergent containers 30 and 31 can thus be ensured.

For example, if the memory elements 92 and 93 are configured in the form of RFID chips, a single readout device 94 may be sufficient.

The read-out means 94 and 95 are connected to the control means 72 via data lines 96 and 97 in order to transmit read data from the read-out means 94 and/or the read-out means 95 to the control means 72.

The provision of detergent containers 30 and 31 equipped with memory elements 92, 93 makes it possible to automatically transmit the type of detergent 42 or 43 to the control device 72. In this case, manual input by the operator via the input device 82 is no longer absolutely necessary.

The receiving container 90 may in particular be formed in a closed manner and may in particular air-tightly surround the detergent containers 30 and 31 when the detergent containers 30 and 31 are received therein, in order to keep any unpleasant odor in the environment of the cleaning system 10 to a minimum.

The above-described exemplary embodiment of the cleaning system 10 may particularly comprise a cleaning chamber 14 with a funnel-shaped base 20, wherein the detergent inlet 28 is arranged and formed in the region of the cleaning chamber 14 at the lowest point in the direction of gravity.

In particular, the above-described illustrative embodiment of the cleaning system 10 can be utilized to carry out different types of cleaning methods, i.e. methods for cleaning a three-dimensional object 12, which is formed in particular layer-by-layer or continuously by curing a material that is curable under the action of radiation.

Fig. 6 schematically shows the sequence of the cleaning method.

In step S1, the object 12 is introduced into the clean room 14. In a next step S2, uncontaminated detergent 42 is transported from the detergent container 30 into the cleaning chamber 14. At step 3, the cleaning agent 42 is moved within the cleaning chamber 14.

After a predefined or predefinable cleaning time, the cleaning agent 42 is conveyed from the cleaning chamber 14 back into the cleaning agent container 30 in step S4. In step S5, the cleaning chamber 14 is dried, and thus the object 12 received therein is also dried.

This completes one cleaning operation, thereby completing a simple cleaning method.

The cleaned and dried object 12 may then be removed from the cleaning chamber 14 at step S6.

A further variant of the cleaning method and its sequence are schematically shown in fig. 7. The method may be used in particular in connection with a cleaning system 10 according to the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments of the cleaning system 10 described in connection with fig. 4 and 5.

In the sequence shown in fig. 7, steps S1 to S6 correspond to steps S1 to S6 of the sequence shown in fig. 6.

Query a occurs between steps S4 and S5 in the cleaning method according to fig. 7.

If further cleaning operations are to be performed, the result of query A is thus "YES," and steps S7 through S9 are followed instead of steps S5 through S6. S7 here corresponds to step S2, step S8 corresponds to step S3, and step S9 corresponds to step S4. However, in step S7, the detergent 43 is conveyed from the second detergent container 31 into the cleaning chamber 14. At step S9, the cleaning agent 43 is fed back into the cleaning agent container 31 again at the end of the provided cleaning time.

In step S8, the cleaning agent 43 conveyed into the cleaning chamber 14 is moved as described above so as to improve the cleaning result.

Once step S9 is complete, query A is executed again. Alternatively, if only two cleaning operations are performed, it is possible to continue the sequence of the cleaning method directly after step S9 at steps S5 and S6. This is schematically illustrated in fig. 7 by the dashed line.

In principle, any number of detergent containers filled with different detergents can be provided. In particular, isopropanol and methanol may be used.

All of the above-described cleaning systems 10 may also optionally be fluid-tight, in particular air-tight, in order to completely or at least largely avoid escape of gaseous solvent from the cleaning chamber 14.

The cleaning system 10 and the cleaning method allow for a simple, safe and in particular environmentally friendly cleaning of a three-dimensional object 12, which has been formed by curing of a material curable under the action of radiation.

Attached character

10 cleaning system

12 object

14 clean room

16 container

18 cover plate

20 base

22 arrow head

24 support element

26 orifice

28 detergent inlet

30 detergent container

31 detergent container

32 connecting the line

34 conveying device

35 conveying device

36 liquid pump

38 suction tube

39 suction tube

40 opening

41 opening

42 detergent

43 detergent

44 closure

45 closure

46 moving device

48 propeller

50 rotation axis

52 drive device

54 moving element

56 drying device

58 connecting line

60 inlet

62 outlet port

64 recirculation fan

66 dehumidifying device

68 exhaust gas treatment device

70 filter

72 control device

74 control circuit

75 control circuit

76 control circuit

78 control circuit

80 time setting device

82 input device

84 memory

86 display device

88T-shaped piece

90 receiving container

92 memory element

93 memory element

94 read-out device

95 readout device

96 data line

97 data line