JP7255159B2 - bathtub cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bathtub cleaning device.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a bathtub cleaning device that cleans an inner wall surface of a bathtub by jetting detergent water diluted with water from a nozzle onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub (Patent Document 1). In this bathtub cleaning apparatus, the detergent water sprayed from the nozzle into the bathtub is collected and stored in a water storage tank. Thereafter, the circulation pump is actuated to suck the detergent water from the water storage tank and to re-spray it into the bathtub, thereby performing circulation washing.

JP 2013-9853 A

In the conventional technology described above, the detergent water sprayed from the nozzle into the bathtub is recovered, and the collected detergent water is sprayed from the nozzle again into the bathtub. It is possible to suppress the consumption of detergent water while making it possible to wash the

However, in such a collection type configuration, when the detergent water sprayed from the nozzle into the bathtub is collected, if even a small amount of air gets mixed in, the detergent water foams, and the bubbles enter the water storage tank. put away. If there are bubbles in the water storage tank, when the collected detergent water is sprayed into the bathtub again, the bubbles will be involved, and the detergent water will not be sprayed well from the nozzle, resulting in poor washing of the bathtub. There is

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a bathtub cleaning apparatus that can suppress the deterioration of cleaning performance while suppressing the consumption of detergent water by adopting a recovery type.

A first invention comprises a detergent tank for storing detergent, a detergent mixing section for mixing detergent supplied from the detergent tank and water supplied from a water supply source to generate detergent water, and an inner wall surface of a bathtub. a cleaning nozzle for injecting the detergent water; a recovery channel connected to the inner wall surface of the bathtub for recovering the detergent water ejected from the cleaning nozzle; a recovery unit capable of storing water; a cleaning channel connecting the recovery unit and the cleaning nozzle; and a pump provided in the cleaning channel for supplying the detergent water stored in the recovery unit to the cleaning nozzle. and wherein the recovery unit suppresses foam intrusion from entering the cleaning flow path when the detergent water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle via the pump. It is a bathtub cleaning device characterized by having means.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the recovery-type bathtub cleaning device is provided with the foam intrusion suppressing means, when the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub is recovered, air is mixed and bubbles are generated. Even if bubbles are generated when the detergent water flows into the collection part, it is possible to prevent the bubbles from entering the washing channel when the collected detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub. Therefore, it is possible to prevent washing of the bathtub from being defective due to failure of the detergent water to be sprayed properly from the washing nozzle. Therefore, by adopting the recovery type, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the cleaning performance while suppressing the consumption of the detergent water.

In a second invention based on the first invention, the detergent mixing section is a detergent mixing tank capable of storing the detergent water, the collection section is provided in the detergent mixing tank, and the detergent mixing tank is configured to: A recovery-side space connected to the recovery channel and a supply-side space connected to the cleaning channel are provided, and the bubble invasion suppressing means moves bubbles from the recovery-side space to the supply-side space. The bathtub cleaning device is characterized by having a movement-inhibiting member that inhibits the washing.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the movement inhibiting member is provided, the bubbles can be retained in the collection side space. That is, even if foam is generated in the detergent mixing tank by recovering the detergent water, it is possible to prevent the foam from entering the washing channel when the recovered detergent water is sprayed again onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub. can be done.

In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the movement inhibiting member has a vertical wall extending vertically inside the detergent mixing tank, and a lower end of the vertical wall directs the detergent water from the washing nozzle. It is provided so as to be separated from the bottom of the detergent mixing tank below the minimum water level of the detergent mixing tank during jetting, and the washing channel is connected to a position lower than the minimum water level of the detergent mixing tank. This bathtub cleaning device is characterized by:

According to this bathtub cleaning device, the bubbles generated by recovering the detergent water float on the water surface of the recovery side space due to buoyancy, so it is possible to suppress the bubbles from reaching the lower end of the vertical wall. As a result, it is possible to suppress the bubbles from moving from the recovery side space to the supply side space. Therefore, even if foam is generated in the detergent mixing tank by recovering the detergent water, it is possible to prevent the foam from entering the cleaning channel when the recovered detergent water is sprayed again onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub. can be done.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, in the second or third aspect, a controller for controlling the pump and a water level detector provided in the supply side space of the detergent mixing tank for detecting the water level inside the detergent mixing tank. means, wherein the controller controls the pump based on the detection result of the water level detection means.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the water level detection means is provided in the supply side space, it is possible to suppress the water level detection means from being affected by bubbles generated by collecting the detergent water.

In a fifth aspect based on the third or fourth aspect, the detergent mixing tank has a stepped portion in which the bottom portion is partially stepped, and the lower end of the vertical wall is positioned in the stepped portion. and is connected to the washing channel, and the minimum water level of the detergent mixing tank is positioned at the stepped portion.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the vertical wall, the water level detection means, and the connecting portion between the detergent mixing tank and the cleaning channel are provided in the stepped portion, it is possible to prevent bubbles from entering the cleaning channel. can be done. In addition, since the detergent mixing tank has a stepped portion whose bottom part is stepped down, the amount of detergent water remaining in the detergent mixing tank can be reduced compared to the case where the detergent mixing tank does not have a stepped portion. Waste can be reduced.

In a sixth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the movement inhibiting member has a partition wall that partitions the recovery side space, and at least a part of the partition wall permits passage of the detergent water. The bathtub cleaning device is characterized in that it serves as a filter for preventing passage of said bubbles.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, the detergent water and the bubbles generated from the detergent water can be collected on the partition wall. Furthermore, since at least a part of the partition wall is a filter, liquid detergent water can pass through the filter, and foam can be retained inside the partition wall. Therefore, the foam and the detergent water can be separated, and only the detergent water can be supplied to the washing channel. Therefore, even if foam is generated in the detergent mixing tank by collecting the detergent water, it is possible to prevent the foam from entering the washing channel when the collected detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub. can be done.

A seventh invention is the bathtub cleaning device according to the sixth invention, wherein the filter is provided at the bottom of the partition wall.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the filter is provided at the lowest part of the partition wall, it is possible to prevent detergent water from remaining inside the partition wall and wasting it.

According to an eighth invention, in any one of the first to seventh inventions, the foam entry suppressing means includes a foam discharge flow path connected to the recovery section for discharging bubbles present inside the recovery section. The bathtub cleaning device is characterized by comprising:

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the foam discharge channel is provided, the foam is allowed to escape to another channel, so that when the recovered detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub, the foam enters the cleaning channel. can be suppressed.

A ninth aspect of the invention is the bathtub cleaning apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the cleaning flow path is connected to the lowest bottom portion of the recovery section.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of bubbles in the cleaning flow path by entraining air when supplying detergent water to the cleaning nozzle.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the bathtub washing apparatus which can suppress the fall of washing|cleaning performance is provided, suppressing the consumption of detergent water by making it a collection|recovery type.

1 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detergent mixing tank according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank according to a first modified example of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to a second modified example of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to a third modified example of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to a fourth modified example of the present invention;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 200 according to an embodiment.

The bathtub cleaning device 200 includes a detergent tank 10, a cleaning nozzle 20, a cleaning channel 25, a pump 26, a recovery channel 30, a detergent mixing tank 40, a recovery section 50, a foam discharge channel 70, and a control unit 80 . Bathtub cleaning device 200 is installed in bathtub 100 .

The detergent tank 10 is connected to a detergent input port 135 provided on the upper surface of the rim of the bathtub 100 and stores detergent input from the detergent input port 135 . The detergent tank 10 is provided with a water level detector 11 such as a float switch.

The detergent channel 15 extends from the detergent tank 10 and is connected to the detergent mixing tank 40 via the recovery channel 30 . That is, the detergent flow path 15 is connected to the intermediate portion of the recovery flow path 30 . The detergent channel 15 may be directly connected to the detergent mixing tank 40 without being connected to the recovery channel 30 . The detergent channel 15 guides the detergent in the detergent tank 10 to the detergent mixing tank 40 . An on-off valve 16 and a flow rate adjusting section 17 are provided in the detergent channel 15 .

The on-off valve 16 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and controls the supply of detergent to the detergent mixing tank 40 . By opening the on-off valve 16 , the detergent stored in the detergent tank 10 is supplied to the detergent mixing tank 40 . On the other hand, by closing the on-off valve 16, the supply of detergent from the detergent tank 10 to the detergent mixing tank 40 is stopped.

The flow rate adjusting section 17 is provided downstream of the on-off valve 16 . The flow rate adjuster 17 is, for example, an orifice. The flow rate adjusting section 17 adjusts the flow rate of the detergent flowing through the detergent channel 15 . The flow rate adjusting unit 17 is provided as necessary and can be omitted. In addition, "downstream" in the detergent channel 15 is the downstream (that is, the detergent mixing tank 40 side) when the liquid flows from the detergent tank 10 toward the detergent mixing tank 40 .

Washing nozzle 20 is provided on inner wall surface 110 of bathtub 100 . Specifically, the cleaning nozzle 20 is provided on an inner bottom surface 111 located at the bottom of the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 or an inner wall surface 112 located above the inner bottom surface 111 . Wash nozzle 20 jets liquid (detergent water or water) toward inner wall surface 110 (inner wall surface 112 ) of bathtub 100 . The cleaning nozzle 20 is rotatable about the vertical direction (that is, in the horizontal direction) by a motor 21 .

The washing channel 25 connects the detergent mixing tank 40 and the washing nozzle 20 . The cleaning channel 25 is provided with a pump 26 and a backflow prevention section 27 . The washing channel 25 guides the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 40 toward the washing nozzle 20 .

Pump 26 controls the ejection of liquid from cleaning nozzle 20 . The pump 26 is, for example, a gear pump and is provided downstream of the detergent mixing tank 40 . The pump 26 supplies the detergent water or water stored in the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50 ) to the washing nozzle 20 . The “downstream” of the cleaning flow path 25 is the downstream side (that is, the cleaning nozzle 20 side) when the liquid flows from the detergent mixing tank 40 toward the cleaning nozzle 20 .

The backflow prevention part 27 is provided between the pump 26 and the detergent mixing tank 40 . The backflow prevention part 27 is, for example, a check valve, and prevents the liquid that has flowed out of the detergent mixing tank 40 from returning to the detergent mixing tank 40 . The backflow prevention part 27 may be an on-off valve such as an electromagnetic valve. As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of (two) backflow prevention portions 27 are provided in series with the cleaning channel 25 . One backflow prevention part 27 may be provided in the cleaning channel 25 .

Drain 115 is provided on inner bottom surface 111 of bathtub 100 . The drain part 115 is for draining the liquid in the bathtub 100, and extends downward from the inner bottom surface 111 to form a cylindrical body penetrating in the vertical direction. An openable and closable lid (plug of bathtub 100) is provided on the upper end side of the cylindrical body. The inner bottom surface 111 of the bathtub 100 slopes downward toward the drain 115 . By providing such a downward inclination, the liquid in the bathtub 100 is guided to the drainage section 115 along the inner bottom surface 111 . The drainage unit 115 includes a drainage channel 116 connected to the sewage system, a recovery channel 30 for recovering the detergent water in the bathtub 100 to the detergent mixing tank 40, and a discharge channel for discharging the foam B in the detergent mixing tank 40. It is connected to the foam discharge channel 70 .

The recovery channel 30 connects between the drainage part 115 and the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery part 50). A detergent channel 15 is connected to an intermediate portion of the recovery channel 30 . The recovery channel 30 is connected to the inner wall surface 110 (inner bottom surface 111 ) of the bathtub 100 via the drainage part 115 and recovers the detergent water jetted from the washing nozzle 20 . An on-off valve 31 and a pump 32 are provided in the recovery channel 30 .

The on-off valve 31 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and is provided upstream (drain 115 side) of the detergent water flowing from the bathtub 100 toward the detergent mixing tank 40 from the connecting portion with the detergent flow path 15 . The on-off valve 31 is opened when the detergent water in the bathtub 100 is collected.

The pump 32 is, for example, a diaphragm pump, and is provided downstream (on the detergent mixing tank 40 side) of the connecting portion with the detergent flow path 15 . The pump 32 is driven when collecting the detergent water in the bathtub 100 toward the detergent mixing tank 40 . Also, the pump 32 is driven when supplying the detergent in the detergent tank 10 toward the detergent mixing tank 40 .

A detergent mixing tank 40 is provided downstream of the detergent tank 10 and the water supply source WS. The detergent mixing tank 40 mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 10 and the water supplied from the water supply source WS to generate detergent water, and constitutes the detergent mixing section of the present invention. In the specification of the present application, "water" includes not only cold water but also heated hot water. That is, the water supply source WS may have a water heater. The detergent mixing tank 40 stores the detergent water when the washing nozzle 20 jets the detergent water, and stores the water when the washing nozzle 20 jets the water.

Further, the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with a collecting section 50 for collecting the detergent water jetted from the washing nozzle 20 into the bathtub 100 . The recovery unit 50 can store the detergent water and the foam B. As shown in FIG. The detergent water collected by the collection unit 50 flows through the washing channel 25 by the pump 26 and is jetted from the washing nozzle 20 toward the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 . Then, the ejected detergent water is recovered again by the recovery section 50 from the drainage section 115 through the recovery channel 30 . By repeating this, it is possible to wash the bathtub while circulating the detergent water. The configurations of the detergent mixing tank 40 and the collection unit 50 will be described later in detail.

The water supply channel 60 is provided between the water supply source WS and the detergent mixing tank 40 . The water supply channel 60 connects the water supply source WS and the detergent mixing tank 40 . The water supply channel 60 is provided with an on-off valve 61 and a flow rate adjusting section 62 .

The on-off valve 61 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and controls the supply of water from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 40 . In this case, water from the water supply source WS is supplied to the detergent mixing tank 40 by opening the on-off valve 61 . On the other hand, by closing the on-off valve 61, the supply of water from the water source WS to the detergent mixing tank 40 is stopped.

The flow rate adjusting section 62 is provided downstream of the on-off valve 61 . The flow rate adjusting unit 62 is, for example, a constant flow valve and adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply channel 60 . The “downstream” of the water supply flow path 60 is the downstream side (that is, the detergent mixing tank 40 side) when liquid (water) flows from the water supply source WS toward the detergent mixing tank 40 .

The foam discharge flow path 70 is provided between the recovery section 50 and the drainage section 115, and is used as one of the foam invasion suppressing means of the present invention. The foam discharge flow path 70 is for discharging the foam B present inside the recovery section 50 to the outside of the recovery section 50 (detergent mixing tank 40). Note that the foam discharge channel 70 may be directly connected to sewage without being connected to the drainage section 115 . An on-off valve 71 and a pump 72 are provided in the foam discharge channel 70 . The on-off valve 71 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and is opened when the bubbles B present in the recovery section 50 are discharged.

The pump 72 is, for example, a gear pump, and is provided downstream of the on-off valve 71 . In this case, the “downstream” in the foam discharge channel 70 is the downstream (that is, the drainage section 115 side) when the foam B flows from the recovery section 50 toward the drainage section 115 . The pump 72 may be provided upstream of the on-off valve 71 (that is, on the recovery section 50 side). The foam B in the collecting section 50 is sucked by driving the pump 72 and discharged from the drainage channel 116 via the drainage section 115 .

The controller 80 is electrically connected to the on-off valve 16 , the pump 26 , the on-off valve 31 , the pump 32 , the on-off valve 61 , the on-off valve 71 , the pump 72 and the water level detection means 48 . The control unit 80 controls the opening/closing states of the on-off valves 16 , 31 , 61 and 71 and the driving of the pumps 26 , 32 and 72 based on the detection result of the water level detection means 48 . Also, the control unit 80 may be electrically connected to the motor 21 to control the driving of the motor 21 .

Next, the detergent mixing tank 40 and the recovery section 50 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 40 viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 40. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 40. As shown in FIG.

The detergent mixing tank 40 and the recovery unit 50 are integrally formed, and have a function of mixing the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 10 and the water supplied from the water supply source WS to generate detergent water, It also has a function of storing the collected detergent water and foam B. In this case, the detergent mixing tank 40 has a recovery side space S1 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected and a supply side space S2 to which the cleaning channel 25 is connected. The detergent mixing tank 40 includes a case 41 and a lid portion 45 covering the upper side of the case 41 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the case 41 is formed, for example, in the shape of a box with an open top, and stores water and detergent water. The case 41 has an upper storage portion 42 located on the upper side, and a stepped portion 43 located below the upper storage portion 42 and having a smaller capacity than the upper storage portion 42 . An overflow portion 42 a is provided on the side surface of the upper storage portion 42 to prevent the detergent water from flowing backward from the detergent mixing tank 40 to the recovery channel 30 and the water supply channel 60 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the highest water level WH of the detergent mixing tank 40 during jetting of detergent water from the washing nozzle 20 (during bathtub washing) is positioned below the overflow portion 42a. .

The stepped portion 43 is formed by partially stepping the bottom portion 41a of the case 41 . That is, the stepped portion 43 extends downward from the central portion of the upper storage portion 42 . The lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 is located in the stepped portion 43, and an outflow port 44 to which the cleaning flow path 25 is connected is provided. In other words, the cleaning channel 25 is connected to the lowest bottom of the recovery section 50 . The lower portion of the vertical wall 56 of the bottom portion of the stepped portion 43 forms a curved curved portion 43a. The curved portion 43a is located on the opposite side of the outflow port 44 in the longitudinal direction, and facilitates the flow of liquid between the vertical wall 56 and the curved portion 43a. Specifically, water is supplied from the water supply port 46 to the supply-side space S2 when water is supplied (especially when detergent water is generated). Since the curved portion 43a facilitates the flow of water from the supply-side space S2 to the recovery-side space S1, the water level difference between the supply-side space S2 and the recovery-side space S1 can be eliminated. As a result, the water level detector 48 can accurately detect the water level in the detergent mixing tank 40 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the lowest water level WL of the detergent mixing tank 40 is positioned at the stepped portion 43 when detergent water is being sprayed from the washing nozzle 20 (during bathtub washing). The washing channel 25 is connected to the outflow port 44 so as to be connected to a position lower than the minimum water level WL of the detergent mixing tank 40 . The stepped portion 43 can reduce the amount of detergent water from the bottom portion 41a to the minimum water level WL, and increase the amount of detergent water that can be used for washing the bathtub.

The lid portion 45 is provided with a water supply port 46 , an intake/discharge port 47 , and a vertical wall 56 . The water supply port 46 is provided on the outflow port 44 side in the longitudinal direction of the lid portion 45 . A water supply channel 60 is connected to the water supply port 46 . The suction/discharge port 47 sucks air into the case 41 when the detergent water is discharged to the cleaning flow path 25 and discharges the air inside the case 41 when the detergent water is stored in the case 41 .

The connector 52 is provided on the lid portion 45 above the supply-side space S1. The connector 52 is provided with a foam discharge port 53 connected to the foam discharge channel 70 in the center thereof, and a recovery port 54 connected to the recovery channel 30 on the suction/discharge port 47 side of the foam discharge port 53 . It is The detergent water collected from the bathtub 100 and the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 10 flow through the collection port 54 . In addition, the connector 52 is provided with a suction/discharge port 55 on the side opposite to the recovery port 54 across the foam discharge port 53 .

Next, the vertical wall 56 used as one of the bubble invasion suppressing means of the present invention will be described.

The vertical wall 56 extends vertically inside the case 41 at a position corresponding to the curved portion 43 a of the stepped portion 43 of the case 41 . That is, the vertical wall 56 extends from the upper end of the lid portion 45 toward the curved portion 43a. The vertical wall 56 closes the side surface of the case 41 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical wall 56 is provided on the lid portion 45 , but may be provided on the case 41 . Further, the vertical wall 56 may be formed with an opening above the highest water level WH so that the foam B does not go over from the recovery side space S1 to the supply side space S2.

The vertical wall 56 serves as a movement inhibiting member (bubble invasion suppressing means) that inhibits movement of the bubbles B from the recovery side space S1 to the supply side space S2. In other words, with respect to the vertical wall 56, the detergent mixing tank 40 has the recovery side space S1 on the recovery port 54 side and the supply side space S2 on the outflow port 44 side. That is, the vertical wall 56 is provided between the recovery port 54 and the outflow port 44 .

The lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 is provided so as to be separated from the bottom portion 41a (curved portion 43a) of the detergent mixing tank 40 below the minimum water level WL of the detergent mixing tank 40 when the detergent water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 20. ing. Therefore, the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 40 does not drop below the lower end of the vertical wall 56 during washing of the bathtub 100 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the foam B floats on the upper surface of the detergent water, so that it is suppressed from moving from the recovery space S1 to the supply space S2. That is, since the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 is below the minimum water level WL, the water level of the liquid stored in the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) is used to supply liquid from the recovery side space S1. This prevents the bubbles B from moving to the side space S2. In this way, the recovery part 50 constitutes a portion of the detergent mixing tank 40 other than the water supply port 46 . A plurality of vertical walls 56 may be provided between the recovery port 54 and the outflow port 44 .

The water level detection means 48 is provided in the supply side space S2 of the detergent mixing tank 40 . That is, the water level detection means 48 is provided between the outflow port 44 and the vertical wall 56 . The water level detection means 48 detects the water level inside the detergent mixing tank 40 and is electrically connected to the controller 80 . The water level detection means 48 detects the water level by combining, for example, a float 48a containing a magnet and a reed switch provided in the stem 48b.

As the water level in the detergent mixing tank 40 changes, the float 48a moves up and down along the stem 48b to change the position of the float 48a, whereby the water level in the detergent mixing tank 40 is detected. In this case, when the bubbles B existing in the recovery space S1 move to the supply space S2, the bubbles B push up the float 48a and are detected above the water level, which may cause a malfunction. However, since the vertical wall 56 prevents the bubbles B present in the recovery space S1 from moving to the supply space S2, the water level detection means 48 can properly perform detection.

The bathtub cleaning device 200 of the present embodiment has the configuration described above, and the operation of the bathtub cleaning device 200 will now be described.

The bathtub cleaning device 200 can perform three operation modes of pre-cleaning, main cleaning, and rinsing.
First, in the preliminary washing, water is supplied from the water supply source WS into the detergent mixing tank 40 and stored therein, and the water is jetted from the washing nozzle 20 toward the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 by the pump 26 . When a predetermined amount of water is jetted toward the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100, the pre-washing is completed. After this preliminary cleaning, main cleaning using detergent water is performed.

In the main cleaning, detergent water is generated by mixing the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 10 and the water supplied from the water supply source WS in the detergent mixing tank 40 . When the detergent water is generated (when the water level detection means 48 detects the maximum water level WH), the controller 80 closes the on-off valves 16 and 61 and drives the pump 26 and the motor 21 . As a result, detergent water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 20 toward the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 .

Then, when the water level detection means 48 detects the minimum water level WL, the control section 80 stops driving the pump 26 and the motor 21 . After that, the controller 80 opens the on-off valve 31 and drives the pump 32 to collect the detergent water injected into the bathtub 100 into the detergent mixing tank 40 . After collecting the detergent water for a predetermined time, the pump 26 and the motor 21 are driven to resume washing the bathtub 100 . In this case, the controller 80 controls the pumps 26 and 32 to inject and collect the detergent water so that the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 40 does not fall below the minimum water level WL.

By the way, when collecting the detergent water sprayed into the bathtub from the washing nozzle, if even a small amount of air is mixed in, the detergent water foams, and the bubbles enter the detergent mixing tank. If there are bubbles in the detergent mixing tank, when the collected detergent water is sprayed into the bathtub again, the bubbles will be involved, and the detergent water will not be sprayed well from the washing nozzle, resulting in poor washing of the bathtub. There is a problem. Further, if bubbles enter the detergent mixing tank, the water level detection means of the detergent mixing tank may detect the position of the bubbles, and the controller may erroneously detect the amount of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with the collection unit 50 for collecting the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 . The recovery unit 50 includes a foam intrusion suppressing means (moving means) that suppresses the bubbles B present in the recovery unit 50 from entering the cleaning flow path 25 when the detergent water is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 20 via the pump 26 . A vertical wall 56 is provided as an obstruction member.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the detergent water and the foam B are collected from the bathtub 100, the detergent water and the foam B are collected from the collection port 54 to which the collection channel 30 is connected. It flows out into space S1. Then, the detergent water flows out from the recovery space S1 to the supply space S2 through the space between the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 and the bottom portion 41a of the case 41. As shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the foam B that has flowed out to the recovery space S1 is accumulated on the upper surface of the detergent water, and by driving the pump 72, it is sucked into the foam discharge channel 70 connected to the recovery port 54 and discharged from the drainage section 115. It is discharged to the drainage channel 116 .

The bubbles B that have flowed out to the recovery side space S1 of the upper reservoir 42 flow out to the vertical wall 56 and are accumulated on the upper surface of the detergent water. In this case, the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 is located below the minimum water level WL of the detergent mixing tank 40. As shown in FIG. This suppresses the bubbles B from flowing out from between the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 and the bottom portion 41a into the supply-side space S2. Therefore, only the detergent water can flow out from the recovery side space S1 to the supply side space S2, and the flow of the foam B into the washing channel 25 can be suppressed. Further, since the water level detection means 48 is provided in the supply side space S2, the amount of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 40 can be properly detected. After the main cleaning is finished, rinsing is performed. Rinsing performs the same operations as pre-cleaning. When the rinsing ends, the automatic cleaning of the bathtub 100 ends.

Thus, in this embodiment, since the recovery type bathtub cleaning device 200 is provided with the vertical wall 56 as the foam intrusion suppressing means, when the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 is recovered, air is mixed and bubbles B are formed. Even if bubbles B are generated when the collected detergent water flows into the collection unit 50, bubbles B are generated in the washing channel 25 when the collected detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100. Intrusion of bubbles B can be suppressed.

That is, the vertical wall 56 as a movement inhibiting member can retain the bubbles B in the recovery side space S1. Therefore, even if bubbles B are generated in the detergent mixing tank 40 by collecting the detergent water, the bubbles B enter the washing channel 25 when the collected detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100. can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent washing failure of the bathtub 100 due to failure of the washing nozzle 20 to properly spray the detergent water. Therefore, by adopting the recovery type, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the cleaning performance while suppressing the consumption of the detergent water.

In addition, since the bubbles B generated by collecting the detergent water float on the water surface of the collection side space S1 due to buoyancy, it is possible to prevent the bubbles B from reaching the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56. FIG. As a result, it is possible to prevent the bubbles B from moving from the recovery space S1 to the supply space S2. Therefore, even if bubbles B are generated in the detergent mixing tank 40 by collecting the detergent water, the bubbles B enter the washing channel 25 when the collected detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100. can be suppressed.

Further, since the water level detection means 48 is provided in the supply side space S2, it is possible to suppress the water level detection means 48 from being affected by the bubbles B generated by collecting the detergent water.

In addition, since the vertical wall 56, the water level detection means 48, and the outflow port 44, which is the connection portion between the detergent mixing tank 40 and the cleaning channel 25, are provided in the stepped portion 43, the foam B to the cleaning channel 25 Intrusion of detergent water can be suppressed, and waste of detergent water recovered from the recovery channel 30 can be reduced. That is, by providing the detergent mixing tank 40 with the stepped portion 43 in which the bottom portion 41a is partially stepped, the amount of detergent water remaining in the detergent mixing tank 40 can be reduced compared to a case where the stepped portion 43 is not provided.

In addition, since the foam discharge channel 70 is provided, the foam B is released to another channel, so that the foam B enters the cleaning channel 25 when the recovered detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100. can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the cleaning channel 25 is connected to the lowest bottom portion of the recovery unit 50, bubbles are not mixed in the cleaning channel 25 by entraining air when supplying detergent water to the cleaning nozzle 20. can be suppressed.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
A feature of the second embodiment is that instead of the vertical wall 56, a foam reservoir 51 is provided as a partition wall. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

The foam reservoir 51 is provided on the opposite side of the lid 45 in the longitudinal direction from the water supply port 46 and serves as a partition wall extending toward the inside of the upper reservoir 42 of the case 41 . The bubble storage portion 51 constitutes one of the bubble invasion suppressing means of the present invention, and the bottom portion 51 a extends to approach the bottom portion 41 a of the case 41 . The foam reservoir 51 is formed in a box-like shape with an open upper end by a bottom portion 51a and a side wall 51c extending upward from the end of the bottom portion 51a. are partitioned so that they can be stored.

The upper end side of the foam reservoir 51 is closed by a connector 52 to which the recovery channel 30 and the foam discharge channel 70 are connected. The connector 52 is provided with a foam discharge port 53 connected to the foam discharge channel 70 in the center thereof, and a recovery port 54 connected to the recovery channel 30 on the suction/discharge port 47 side of the foam discharge port 53 . It is The detergent water collected from the bathtub 100 and the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 10 flow through the collection port 54 . In addition, the connector 52 is provided with a suction/discharge port 55 on the side opposite to the recovery port 54 across the foam discharge port 53 . On the other hand, the bottom portion 51 a of the bubble reservoir 51 is provided with an opening 51 b that communicates with the upper reservoir 42 of the case 41 . The detergent water stored in the foam storage portion 51 flows out to the upper storage portion 42 through the opening 51b.

The filter 51d is provided in an opening 51b formed in the bottom portion 51a of the foam reservoir 51, and constitutes a part of the foam reservoir 51 (partition wall). The filter 51d serves as a filtering member that separates the foam B and the liquid (detergent water). Examples of the filter 51d include a porous sponge, a mesh member formed of a resin material or a metal material in a grid pattern, filter paper, a filter cloth, and steel wool. In the present embodiment, a foam reservoir 51 as a partition wall capable of storing the detergent water and the foam B flowing out of the recovery channel 30, and an opening 51b of the foam reservoir 51 provided at an opening 51b for allowing passage of the detergent water. The filter 51d that permits and prevents the passage of the bubbles B constitutes a movement inhibiting member. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the detergent mixing tank 40, the inner space of the foam reservoir 51 is the recovery side space S1, and the outer space of the foam reservoir 51 is the supply side space S2.

Note that the filter 51d may form the entire bubble reservoir 51 as a partition wall. Also, the opening 51b may be provided in the side wall 51c. However, if the side wall 51c is provided with an opening, the detergent water will accumulate below the opening, and the accumulated detergent water will be wasted. On the other hand, since the opening 51b is provided in the bottom portion 51a and the side wall 51c including the bottom portion 51a, waste of the detergent water collected in the collection-side space S1 can be reduced.

Thus, the second embodiment configured in this way can also have the same functions and effects as those of the above-described first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the detergent water and the bubbles B generated from the detergent water can be collected in the partition wall (bubble reservoir 51). Furthermore, since at least part of the partition wall is the filter 51d, the liquid detergent water can pass through the filter 51d, and the foam B can be retained inside the partition wall. Therefore, the foam B and the detergent water can be separated, and only the detergent water can be supplied to the washing channel 25 . Therefore, even if bubbles B are generated in the detergent mixing tank 40 by collecting the detergent water, the bubbles B enter the washing channel 25 when the collected detergent water is re-injected onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100. can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the detergent water and foam B are collected from the bathtub 100, the detergent water and the foam B are discharged from the collection port 54 to which the collection channel 30 is connected to the foam reservoir 51. It flows out to the recovery side space S1. Then, the detergent water flows out from the filter 51d provided in the opening 51b of the foam reservoir 51 to the supply side space S2. On the other hand, the foam B is stored in the collection side space S1 inside the foam storage portion 51 . By driving the pump 72, the foam B stored in the foam storage portion 51 is sucked into the foam discharge channel 70 connected to the foam discharge port 53, and is discharged from the drainage portion 115 to the drainage channel 116. can be discharged. Furthermore, the bubble storage portion 51 is provided in the lid portion 45 . Therefore, it is not necessary to mold the case 41 into a complicated shape, and the cost of the case 41 can be reduced.

The filter 51d is provided in an opening 51b formed in the bottom portion 51a of the bubble reservoir 51. As shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent water from remaining inside the foam reservoir 51 and being wasted. In addition, the case 41 does not need to be formed into a complicated shape, and the filter 51d allows liquid to pass from the outside (supply side space S2) to the inside (recovery side space S1) of the bubble reservoir 51. Therefore, the capacity of the case 41 can be increased, and the size of the detergent mixing tank 40 can be reduced.

Next, FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
A feature of the third embodiment is that, in addition to the vertical wall 56 of the first embodiment, a filter 58 is provided below the recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected. In addition, in 3rd Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component same as the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

The filter 58 is provided in the case 41 below the recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected. This filter 58 is made of the same material as the filter 51d of the second embodiment. The filter 58 is provided between the side surface of the case 41 and the vertical wall 56, and divides the recovery side space S1 into an upper space Su and a lower space Sd. In this embodiment, in place of the foam reservoir 51 (partition wall) of the second embodiment, the upper part of the side surface of the case 41, the filter 58, and the upper part of the vertical wall 56 are used to form a partition capable of storing the bubbles B inside. forming a wall. That is, the vertical wall 56 and the filter 58 serve as a movement prevention member that prevents the bubbles B from moving from the recovery side space S1 to the supply side space S2. In this case, the detergent water flowing out from the recovery port 54 passes through the filter 58 and flows out to the supply side space S2. On the other hand, most of the bubbles B flowing out from the recovery port 54 remain on the filter 58 . Further, even if the foam B passes through the filter 58 and flows into the lower space Sd, the vertical wall 56 prevents the foam B from moving from the lower space Sd to the supply side space S2.

Thus, the third embodiment configured in this manner can also have the same functions and effects as those of the above-described first embodiment. In the third embodiment, a partition wall is formed by the side surface of the case 41, the filter 58, and the vertical wall 56, and the bubble is retained in the recovery side space S1 therein, and the lower end is positioned below the water level. As a result, the vertical wall 56 suppresses movement of the bubbles B floating on the water surface to the supply side space S2, and the movement of the bubbles B to the supply side space S2 is doubly suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the bubbles B from moving to the supply-side space S2. Further, the detergent water flowing out from the recovery port 54 collides with the bubbles B stored on the filter 58, so that the bubbles B can be extinguished. As a result, the bubbles B can be returned to the detergent water, so that the wastage of the detergent water can be reduced.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank according to a first modified example of the present invention.
In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the vertical wall 56 is provided as the movement inhibiting member (bubble invasion suppressing means) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, like a first modification shown in FIG. In this case, the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) has a foam storage section 51 capable of retaining the foam B in the partitioned interior, and a recovery side space using the water level of the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50). It has a double bubble entry suppressing means with a vertical wall 56 that inhibits movement of the bubbles B from S1 to the supply side space S2. As a result, movement of the bubbles B from the recovery space S1 to the supply space S2 can be suppressed more reliably. Further, the foam B stored in the foam storage portion 51 is sucked into the foam discharge channel 70 connected to the foam discharge port 53 by driving the pump 72, and is discharged from the drainage portion 115 to the drainage channel 116. can be discharged.

FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 201 according to a second modification of the invention.
In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with the collection unit 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a second modification shown in FIG. When configured in this manner, the detergent mixing tank 401 generates only fresh detergent water. During the main cleaning, detergent water circulates between the bathtub 100 and the collection tank 501 . This also applies to the second and third embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 202 according to a third modification of the invention.
In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with the collection unit 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the third modification shown in FIG. It can be a tank 502 . With this configuration, the detergent water generated in detergent mixing section 402 circulates between bathtub 100 and collection tank 502 . This also applies to the second and third embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 203 according to a fourth modification of the invention.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the pump 26 provided in the cleaning channel 25 and the pump 32 provided in the recovery channel 30 are separately provided has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a fourth modification shown in FIG. One pump 90 may be provided in the channel. With this configuration, the detergent water can be supplied from the detergent mixing tank 40 to the washing nozzle 20 by rotating the pump 90 forward, and the detergent water can be supplied from the bathtub 100 to the washing nozzle 20 by rotating the pump 90 in the reverse direction. Detergent water can be collected towards 40 . This also applies to the second and third embodiments.

Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, an example in which the vertical wall 56 is provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vertical wall 56 may not be provided, and only the foam discharge channel 70 for discharging bubbles present inside the recovery section 50 may be connected to the recovery section 50 .

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the detergent water flows out from between the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 and the bottom portion 41a into the supply side space S2 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a filter may be used in which detergent water passes through part or all of the vertical wall and the passage of bubbles B is suppressed. Similarly, the partition wall of the foam reservoir 51 of the second embodiment may be entirely formed of a filter, or the filter may be provided on the side surface of the partition wall on the bottom 51a side.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the foam discharge channel 70 is connected to the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) may not be provided with the foam discharge channel 70 . This also applies to the second and third embodiments and the first modified example.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the bathtub cleaning device 200 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.

Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

1 Detergent Tank 10 Detergent Tank 15 Detergent Channel 20 Washing Nozzle 25 Washing Channel 26 Pump 30 Recovery Channel 40, 401, 402 Detergent Mixing Tank 43 Step Part 48 Water Level Detection Means 50 Recovery Section 51 Foam Storage Section 56 Vertical Wall 51d, 58 Filter 70 Foam Discharge Channel 80 Control Section 100 Bathtub 110 Inner Wall Surface 200, 201, 202, 203 Bathtub Cleaning Device 501, 502 Collection Tank, B: foam, S1: recovery side space, S2: supply side space, WH: highest water level, WL: lowest water level, WS: water source

Claims (6)

a detergent tank for storing detergent;
a detergent mixing unit that mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank and the water supplied from the water supply source to generate detergent water;
a washing nozzle for injecting the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub;
a recovery channel connected to the inner wall surface of the bathtub for recovering the detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzle;
a recovery unit connected to the recovery channel and capable of storing the detergent water;
a cleaning channel that connects the recovery unit and the cleaning nozzle;
a pump provided in the washing channel for supplying the detergent water stored in the recovery unit to the washing nozzle;
The recovery unit has foam entry suppression means for suppressing bubbles existing in the recovery unit from entering the cleaning flow path when the detergent water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle via the pump,
The detergent mixing unit is a detergent mixing tank capable of storing the detergent water,
The collection unit is provided in the detergent mixing tank,
The detergent mixing tank has a recovery-side space to which the recovery channel is connected and a supply-side space to which the cleaning channel is connected,
The bubble entry suppressing means has a movement inhibiting member that inhibits movement of bubbles from the recovery side space to the supply side space,
The movement inhibiting member has a vertical wall extending vertically inside the detergent mixing tank,
The lower end of the vertical wall is provided so as to be separated from the bottom of the detergent mixing tank below the minimum water level of the detergent mixing tank when the detergent water is sprayed from the washing nozzle,
The washing channel is connected to an outlet provided at a position lower than the lowest water level of the detergent mixing tank,
The detergent mixing tank has a stepped portion in which the bottom portion is partially stepped,
The step portion is provided with a lower end of the vertical wall and the outflow port,
The bathtub cleaning apparatus , wherein the minimum water level of the detergent mixing tank is positioned at the stepped portion . a control unit that controls the pump;
a water level detection means provided in the supply side space of the detergent mixing tank for detecting the water level inside the detergent mixing tank;
2. The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control section controls the pump based on the detection result of the water level detection means. a detergent tank for storing detergent;
a detergent mixing unit that mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank and the water supplied from the water supply source to generate detergent water;
a washing nozzle for injecting the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub;
a recovery channel connected to the inner wall surface of the bathtub for recovering the detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzle;
a recovery unit connected to the recovery channel and capable of storing the detergent water;
a cleaning channel that connects the recovery unit and the cleaning nozzle;
a pump provided in the washing channel for supplying the detergent water stored in the recovery unit to the washing nozzle;
The recovery unit has foam entry suppression means for suppressing bubbles existing in the recovery unit from entering the cleaning flow path when the detergent water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle via the pump,
The detergent mixing unit is a detergent mixing tank capable of storing the detergent water,
The collection unit is provided in the detergent mixing tank,
The detergent mixing tank has a recovery-side space to which the recovery channel is connected and a supply-side space to which the cleaning channel is connected,
The bubble entry suppressing means has a movement inhibiting member that inhibits movement of bubbles from the recovery side space to the supply side space,
The movement inhibiting member is
having a partition wall that partitions the recovery-side space;
A bathtub cleaning apparatus , wherein at least part of the partition wall serves as a filter that allows passage of the detergent water and blocks passage of the foam . 4. The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the filter is provided at the bottom of the partition wall. 5. The foam intrusion suppressing means according to claim 1 , wherein the bubble intrusion suppressing means has a foam discharge channel connected to the recovery section for discharging bubbles present inside the recovery section. Bathtub cleaning equipment. The bathtub cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the cleaning channel is connected to the lowest bottom portion of the recovery section.

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