JP7353582B2 - Bathtub cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bathtub cleaning device.

In terms of cleaning power, conventional automatic bathtub cleaning is recommended to be cleaned on the day of bathing in order to sufficiently remove dirt. For this reason, there is a need for automatic bathtub cleaning that allows users to easily soak in a freshly washed bathtub at any time. However, in order to meet these needs, it is necessary to improve cleaning power to remove stubborn stains from the next day.

Furthermore, in conventional automatic bathtub cleaning technology, direct water pressure, which utilizes the pressure of the water supply as it is, has been used. Therefore, in order to popularize automatic bathtub cleaning technology, it is necessary to avoid such water pressure restrictions.

Patent No. 5874220 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-269935

Conventionally, a venturi-type detergent mixing section is known as a detergent mixing section that dilutes detergent with water to generate detergent water (for example, Patent Document 1). In this venturi-type detergent mixing section, the detergent and hot water are mixed by the negative pressure generated when the hot water passes through the detergent mixing section to generate detergent water. That is, the amount of detergent mixed in the detergent mixing section depends on the flow rate and flow rate of hot water passing through the detergent mixing section. Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the detergent water to a predetermined concentration, and it is also difficult to stabilize the detergent water at a predetermined concentration due to fluctuations in the flow rate of hot water passing through the detergent water.

On the other hand, it is known to provide a tank-type detergent mixing section (detergent mixing tank) in a bathtub cleaning device in order to generate detergent diluted water by diluting detergent with water (for example, Patent Document 2 ). In such a bathtub cleaning device, by providing a detergent mixing tank, detergent and water can be mixed in the tank to generate detergent water, so that the concentration of detergent water can be easily adjusted.

Here, in order to accurately detect the concentration of detergent water, it is necessary to control the amount of detergent and the amount of water supplied, so it is conceivable to provide a water level detection means. Furthermore, the detergent mixing tank needs to have a certain amount of volume because it needs to generate enough detergent water to clean the entire inner wall surface of the bathtub. On the other hand, simply expanding the volume also increases the amount of liquid in the space that the water level detection means should detect. However, the water level detection means has variations in installation position and variations in accuracy of the water level detection means itself. Therefore, these variations result in variations in the concentration of detergent water. As a result, it is assumed that weak detergent dilution water may cause poor cleaning, and excessively concentrated detergent dilution water may cause detergent consumption to be accelerated.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to propose a bathtub cleaning device that suppresses variations in the concentration of detergent water.

A bathtub cleaning device according to a first aspect of the invention includes: a detergent tank that stores detergent; a detergent mixing tank that mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank with water supplied from a water supply source to generate detergent water; a cleaning nozzle that sprays the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub; a detergent flow path that connects the detergent tank and the detergent mixing tank; a water supply flow path that connects the water supply source and the detergent mixing tank; The detergent mixing tank includes a washing channel connecting the detergent mixing tank and the washing nozzle, and a water level detection means for detecting the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank. The detergent mixing tank has an upper first space and a second space located below the first space. A maximum value of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space is larger than a maximum value of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space. The water level detection means is provided to be able to detect the water level of the liquid supplied to the first space and the second space.
According to the first invention, by using the second space whose maximum horizontal cross-sectional area is smaller than the first space as a water level detection space, the water level of the liquid stored in the second space can be detected. Variations can be reduced, and variations in liquid amount detection can be reduced. Therefore, the control accuracy of the detergent concentration in the detergent water can be increased. This makes it possible to avoid excessive detergent consumption due to the detergent concentration being higher than the set value, and insufficient cleaning ability due to the detergent concentration being lower than the set value.
In a second invention based on the first invention, the water level detection means has a float provided in the detergent mixing tank, and the position of the float changes as the water level in the detergent mixing tank changes. The water level in the detergent mixing tank is detected by doing so, and the detergent mixing tank is configured such that at least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank directly drops to a position other than the float. It is composed of
According to the second aspect of the invention, the float can be moved appropriately in conjunction with the water level while avoiding being held down by at least one of the water and the detergent. As a result, the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with higher precision.
A third aspect of the present invention is that in the second aspect, the detergent mixing tank is arranged in the second space after at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank falls directly onto the inner surface of the first space. It is designed to face the space of
According to the third invention, at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly fall (do not hit) the float. At least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is not directly supplied to the second space. Therefore, when there is a float in the second space, at least one of water and detergent does not directly hit the float, the float is prevented from being held down by at least one of water and detergent, and the float can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level. can do. As a result, the water level of at least one of the water and detergent stored in the second space can be detected with high accuracy.
A fourth invention is based on the third invention, wherein at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank falls directly to the bottom of the first space, and the bottom of the first space A sloped surface is provided that slopes downward toward the second space, and at least one of the fallen water and detergent flows through the sloped surface and is guided to the second space.
According to the fourth invention, at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly fall (do not hit) the float. At least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is not directly supplied to the second space. Therefore, when there is a float in the second space, at least one of water and detergent does not directly hit the float, the float is prevented from being held down by at least one of water and detergent, and the float can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level. can do. As a result, the water level of at least one of the water and detergent stored in the second space can be detected with high accuracy.
A fifth invention is based on the third invention, wherein the second space has an inclined surface that slopes downward from above to below, and at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is After falling directly to the bottom of the first space, it heads toward the inclined surface of the second space.
According to the fifth invention, at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly fall (do not hit) the float. At least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is not directly supplied to the second space. Therefore, when there is a float in the second space, at least one of water and detergent does not directly hit the float, the float is prevented from being held down by at least one of water and detergent, and the float can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level. can do. As a result, the water level of at least one of the water and detergent stored in the second space can be detected with high accuracy.
A sixth invention is based on the second invention, wherein the second space has an inclined surface that slopes downward from above, and at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is It falls directly onto the inclined surface of the second space.
According to the sixth invention, at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly fall (do not hit) the float. At least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is not directly supplied to the bottom of the second space where the float is located. Therefore, the float is prevented from being held down by at least one of the water and the detergent, and the float can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level.
A seventh invention is based on the second invention, wherein the detergent mixing tank includes a collision part in the first space, and the collision part is provided at a position spaced apart from a side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank. , and at least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is configured to fall directly.
According to the seventh invention, at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly fall (do not hit) the float. Therefore, when there is a float in the second space, at least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly hit the float, avoiding the float being held down by the water or detergent, and the float is linked to the water level. be able to make appropriate movements. As a result, the water levels of detergent and water can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with even higher precision.
In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the detergent mixing tank is configured so that at least one of the water and the detergent collided with the collision portion does not directly hit the float.
According to the eighth invention, at least one of the water and the detergent that collided with the collision part does not directly fall (do not hit) the float, so that even if the float is in the first space, the water level in the detergent mixing tank remains constant. Appropriate linked movements can be made, and false detection by the water level detection means can be prevented. Therefore, the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with higher precision.
A ninth invention is based on the second invention, wherein the detergent mixing tank has a wall part provided between a connection part between the detergent mixing tank and the water supply flow path and the float, and The water supplied to the mixing tank falls directly onto the wall.
According to the ninth invention, the water supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly fall (does not hit) the float. The water supplied to the detergent mixing tank is not directly supplied to the second space. Therefore, when there is a float in the second space, the water supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly hit the float, which prevents the float from being held down by water and allows the float to move appropriately in conjunction with the water level. can. As a result, the water level of the water stored in the second space can be detected with high accuracy.
A tenth invention is based on the second invention, wherein the detergent mixing tank has a wall part provided between a connecting part between the detergent mixing tank and the detergent flow path and the float, and The detergent supplied to the mixing tank falls directly onto the wall.
According to the tenth invention, the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not fall directly onto (does not hit) the float. The detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is not directly supplied to the second space. Therefore, when there is a float in the second space, the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank does not directly hit the float, the float is prevented from being held down by the detergent, and the float can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level. can. As a result, the water level of the detergent stored in the second space can be detected with high accuracy.
In an eleventh invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the detergent mixing tank is provided between a connection part between the detergent mixing tank and the water supply flow path and the water level detection means. It has a built-in ripple prevention means.
According to the eleventh invention, waves generated when water falls onto the water surface are blocked by the ripple prevention means, so that the waves can be prevented from directly hitting the water level detection means. Alternatively, the ripple prevention means reduces the waves generated by water falling onto the water surface, thereby reducing the influence of the waves on the water level detection means. This enables highly accurate detection of the water level.
A twelfth invention, in any one of the first to eleventh inventions, further comprises: a pump that supplies the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank to the cleaning nozzle; and a control unit that controls the pump. Further, the water level detection means includes a float provided in the detergent mixing tank, and the position of the float changes as the water level in the detergent mixing tank changes, so that the water level in the detergent mixing tank increases. The washing flow path is connected to the bottom of the second space, and the control unit is configured to detect the water level in the detergent mixing tank when the water level in the detergent mixing tank is lowered to the bottom of the detergent mixing tank. The detergent mixing tank is then controlled to start supplying water from the water supply source to the detergent mixing tank.
According to the twelfth invention, when the water level drops due to water jetting from the cleaning nozzle, water supply is restarted before the water level drops to the second space, and the float is raised again. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the float from being drawn downward due to negative pressure generated in an empty state.
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a first on-off valve provided in the middle of the detergent flow path to open and close the detergent flow path, and a first on-off valve provided in the middle of the water supply flow path in any one of the first to eleventh inventions. a second on-off valve that is provided in the water supply flow path and opens and closes the water supply flow path; and a control section that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve based on the detection result of the water level detection means. Furthermore, the control unit controls to supply the water to the detergent mixing tank after the detergent is supplied to the detergent mixing tank.
According to the thirteenth invention, when generating detergent water, the control unit controls to supply water to the detergent mixing tank after the detergent is supplied to the detergent mixing tank. Only the detergent can be stored first in the second space, which has a small area (horizontal cross-sectional area) when viewed from above, making it possible to detect the detergent water level with high precision. As a result, the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with high precision.

According to the bathtub cleaning device of the present invention, variations in the concentration of detergent water can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment with the lid removed. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. (a) is a top view showing the area of the first space of the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment when viewed from above, and (b) is a top view showing the area of the second space of the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment. It is a top view showing the area seen from above. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the detergent water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the water level of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the water level of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment. It is a sectional view of another example of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a sectional view of another example of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a sectional view of another example of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a sectional view of another example of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a perspective view of the plate-like member provided in the detergent mixing tank of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sectional view showing water supply into a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing water supply into a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the full level of liquid in the detergent mixing tank of the second embodiment. It is a sectional view of another example of the collision part in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 25 is a top view of the detergent mixing tank shown in FIG. 24 with the lid removed.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 200 according to an embodiment.

The bathtub cleaning device 200 of the embodiment includes a detergent tank 13, a detergent mixing tank 30, a cleaning nozzle 25, and a control section 20. Bathtub cleaning device 200 is installed in bathtub 100.

The detergent tank 13 is connected to, for example, a detergent inlet 11 provided on the upper surface of the rim of the bathtub 100, and stores liquid detergent introduced from the detergent inlet 11. Inside the detergent tank 13, a water level detection means 12 such as a float switch is provided.

The detergent mixing tank 30 is provided downstream of the detergent tank 13 and the water supply source WS. The detergent mixing tank 30 mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 13 and water supplied directly or indirectly (for example, after being temporarily stored) from the water supply source WS to generate detergent water. . Note that in the present specification, "water" includes not only cold water but also heated hot water. That is, the water supply source WS may be, for example, a water heater. When spraying detergent water from the cleaning nozzle 25, the detergent mixing tank 30 stores detergent water, and when spraying water from the cleaning nozzle 25, the detergent mixing tank 30 stores water.

A detergent flow path 15 connects the detergent tank 13 and the detergent mixing tank 30. In the middle of the detergent channel 15, for example, a first on-off valve 14, a flow rate adjustment section 16, and a pump 17 are provided.

The first on-off valve 14 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and opens and closes the detergent channel 15 based on the control of the control unit 20. The flow rate adjustment unit 16 is provided downstream of the first on-off valve 14, for example. The flow rate adjustment section 16 is, for example, an orifice. The flow rate adjustment unit 16 adjusts the flow rate of detergent flowing through the detergent flow path 15. The flow rate adjustment section 16 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

The pump 17 is provided, for example, downstream of the first on-off valve 14 and the flow rate adjustment section 16. When the first on-off valve 14 is opened and the pump 17 is driven, the detergent in the detergent tank 13 flows through the detergent channel 15 and is supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30.

A water supply flow path 24 connects the water supply source WS and the detergent mixing tank 30. For example, a second on-off valve 22 and a flow rate adjustment section 23 are provided in the middle of the water supply channel 24 .

The second on-off valve 22 is, for example, a solenoid valve, and opens and closes the water supply channel 24 based on the control of the control unit 20. The second on-off valve 22 controls the supply of water to the detergent mixing tank 30. By opening the second on-off valve 22, water is supplied from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 30. By closing the second on-off valve 22, the supply of water from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 30 is stopped.

The flow rate adjustment unit 23 is provided downstream of the second on-off valve 22, for example. The flow rate adjustment unit 23 is, for example, a constant flow valve, and adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply channel 24.

A drain port 102 and a cleaning nozzle 25 are provided on the bottom surface 101 of the bathtub 100. The cleaning nozzle 25 sprays liquid (detergent water or water) toward the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100. For example, the cleaning nozzle 25 can be rotated horizontally by a motor 26.

A cleaning channel 21 connects the detergent mixing tank 30 and the cleaning nozzle 25. For example, a pump 18 and a backflow prevention section 19 are provided in the middle of the cleaning channel 21.

The pump 18 is provided downstream of the detergent mixing tank 30 and sucks the liquid (detergent water or water) in the detergent mixing tank 30 and discharges it into the cleaning channel 21 . The liquid discharged into the cleaning channel 21 is injected into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25.

The backflow prevention part 19 is provided downstream of the pump 18, for example. The backflow prevention unit 19 prevents the bathtub water stored in the bathtub 100 and the liquid (detergent water or water) sprayed into the bathtub 100 from flowing back into the detergent mixing tank 30 through the cleaning nozzle 25 and the cleaning channel 21. prevent. The backflow prevention part 19 is, for example, a check valve or a solenoid valve. The backflow prevention section 19 may be configured from a plurality of check valves, a plurality of electromagnetic valves, or a combination of a check valve and an electromagnetic valve.

The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the first on-off valve 14, the second on-off valve 22, the pump 17, and the pump 18, and controls them. Further, the control unit 20 receives an input of a detection result (detection signal) from a water level detection means 60, which will be described later, provided in the detergent mixing tank 30. Based on this detection result (detection signal), the control unit 20 can control the first on-off valve 14, the second on-off valve 22, the pump 17, and the pump 18.

Next, the detergent mixing tank 30 of the first embodiment will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 30 seen from above.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 30 seen from below.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 30 with the lid removed.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 30.

The detergent mixing tank 30 has a case 31 and a lid 32. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lid 32 is provided with a detergent supply section 34 connected to the detergent channel 15 and a water supply section 35 connected to the water supply channel 24. At the bottom of the case 31, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a liquid outlet 36 is provided which is connected to the cleaning channel 21.

As shown in FIG. 5, the detergent mixing tank 30 has a first space 40 and a second space 50. The first space 40 is located above the second space 50. The first space 40 is located between the detergent supply section 34 and the second space 50 and between the water supply section 35 and the second space 50. The second space 50 is located below the first space 40 and is continuous with the first space 40.

The height direction (or depth direction) of the detergent mixing tank 30 is defined as the Z direction. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction when the detergent mixing tank 30 is installed. Two directions that are orthogonal to the Z direction and mutually orthogonal are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction.

The first space 40 has a horizontal bottom 41 . The second space 50 has a bottom 52, a side wall 53, and an inclined surface 51. A step is formed between the bottom 41 of the first space 40 and the inclined surface 51 of the second space 50, and the inclined surface 51 of the second space 50 is connected to the first space through the side wall 53. It is continuous with the bottom part 41 of 40.

A pair of inclined surfaces 51 are located across the bottom 52 of the second space 50 in the X direction, and each inclined surface 51 is inclined downward toward the bottom 52 from both ends of the case 31 in the X direction. That is, the inclined surface 51 is inclined downwardly from above to below within the second space 50 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom portion 41 of the first space 40 is positioned to sandwich the second space 50 in the Y direction. The width of the first space 40 in the Y direction is approximately the same across the X direction. The width of the first space 40 in the Y direction is larger than the width of the inclined surface 51 of the second space 50 in the Y direction and the width of the bottom portion 52 in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, the height of the first space 40 in the Z direction (the distance between the bottom 41 and the lid 32) is the maximum height of the second space 50 (the height above the bottom 52). larger than The width of the second space 50 in the X direction gradually decreases from the top to the bottom.

6(a) and 6(b) are top views of the inside of the case 31 of the detergent mixing tank 30, viewed from above. The shaded area in FIG. 6(a) represents the area (horizontal cross-sectional area) of the first space 40 viewed from above, and the shaded area in FIG. 6(b) represents the area (horizontal cross-sectional area) of the second space 50 viewed from above ( horizontal cross-sectional area).

The maximum value of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space 40 is larger than the maximum value of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space 50. The total volume of the second space 50 is smaller than the total volume of the first space 40.

The liquid outlet 36 opens directly into the bottom 52 of the second space 50 . Therefore, all the liquid supplied in the detergent mixing tank 30 flows out into the cleaning channel 21 via the bottom 52 of the second space 50.

Inside the detergent mixing tank 30, a water level detection means 60 for detecting the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 30 is provided. The water level detection means 60 detects the water level by, for example, a combination of a float 62 containing a magnet and a reed switch provided in the stem 61. The water level in the detergent mixing tank 30 is detected by the float 62 moving up and down along the stem 61 and changing the position of the float 62 as the water level in the detergent mixing tank 30 changes.

The stem 61 passes through the float 62 and extends upward from the bottom 52 of the second space 50 along the Z direction. The upper end of the stem 61 is supported by the lid 32, and the lower end is supported by the bottom 52 of the second space 50. A stopper 63 is provided at the upper end of the stem 61. Stopper 63 is located in first space 40 .

The float 62 can move up and down along the stem 61 between the bottom 52 of the second space 50 and a stopper 63 located in the first space 40 . The vertical movement of the float 62 detects the level of the liquid stored only in the second space 50 and the level of the liquid that fills the second space 50 and is also stored in the first space 40 above it. can do.

An overflow channel 33 is provided in the side wall of the case 31. The overflow channel 33 communicates with the first space 40 . The water supply section 35 is located above the upper end of the overflow channel 33 at a distance of a predetermined distance (for example, 25 mm) or more.

The bathtub cleaning device 200 of this embodiment can execute three operation modes, for example, preliminary cleaning, main cleaning, and rinsing.

First, preliminary cleaning will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7(a) to 8.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which the supply of water W into the empty detergent mixing tank 30 has started. By opening the second on-off valve 22, supply of water W from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 30 through the water supply channel 24 is started.

Water W is stored in the detergent mixing tank 30, and as the water level of the water W rises, the float 62 rises. As shown in FIG. 7(b), when the upper end position (first position) of the float 62 corresponding to the preset first water level L1 is detected, the second on-off valve 22 is closed and the detergent mixture Water supply into the tank 30 is temporarily stopped.

Then, the pump 18 is driven, and the water W stored in the detergent mixing tank 30 flows through the liquid outflow portion 36 and the cleaning channel 21, and is injected into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25. For example, the wall surface of the bathtub 100 is cleaned by water jetted from the cleaning nozzle 25 (preliminary cleaning). As water is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 25, the water level of the water W in the detergent mixing tank 30 decreases from the first water level L1.

This lowering of the water level releases the detection state of the upper end position of the float 62. After the set number of seconds has elapsed since the detection was canceled, the second on-off valve 22 is opened again, and the supply of water to the detergent mixing tank 30 is resumed, as shown in FIG. While water is being supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30, water injection from the cleaning nozzle 25 is also continued. For example, the preliminary cleaning of the bathtub 100 is continued while the amount of water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 is controlled to be greater than the amount of water jetted from the cleaning nozzle 25.

Then, when the upper end position of the float 62 corresponding to the first water level L1 is detected, the second on-off valve 22 is closed and the water supply into the detergent mixing tank 30 is temporarily stopped. Thereafter, when the detection state of the upper end position of the float 62 is canceled due to a drop in the water level, the second on-off valve 22 is opened again, and the supply of water into the detergent mixing tank 30 is resumed. Such control is repeated until a predetermined amount of water is injected into the bathtub 100.

When the preliminary washing with a predetermined amount of water is completed and the lower end position of the float 62 is detected, the pump 18 is stopped after a set number of seconds have elapsed since the detection, and the detergent mixing tank 30 is emptied.

After this preliminary cleaning, main cleaning using detergent water is performed. The main cleaning will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9(a) to 11.

FIG. 9A shows a state in which the supply of detergent C into the empty detergent mixing tank 30 has started. By opening the first on-off valve 14 and driving the pump 17, supply of the detergent C from the detergent tank 13 through the detergent channel 15 into the detergent mixing tank 30 is started.

Detergent C is stored in the detergent mixing tank 30, and as the water level of the detergent C rises, the float 62 rises. The detergent C is stored only in the second space 50 and not in the first space 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), when the lower end position (second position) of the float 62 corresponding to the preset second water level L2 is detected, the first on-off valve 14 is closed; In addition, the pump 17 is stopped, and the supply of the detergent C into the detergent mixing tank 30 is stopped. The detergent C is stored at a predetermined water level L2 in the second space 50.

Thereafter, by opening the second on-off valve 22, the supply of water W into the detergent mixing tank 30 is started, as shown in FIG. 10(a). Water W and detergent C are mixed in the detergent mixing tank 30, and detergent water CW is generated as shown in FIG. 10(b). Water W continues to be supplied to a certain amount of detergent C, and the water level of detergent water CW in detergent mixing tank 30 rises.

The float 62 rises as the water level of the detergent water CW rises. When the upper end position of the float 62 corresponding to the first water level L1 is detected, the second on-off valve 22 is closed and the supply of water W into the detergent mixing tank 30 is stopped. A predetermined amount of detergent water CW is stored in the detergent mixing tank 30.

Thereafter, the pump 18 is driven, and the detergent water CW stored in the detergent mixing tank 30 flows through the liquid outflow portion 36 and the cleaning channel 21, and is injected into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25. For example, the wall surface of the bathtub 100 is cleaned with detergent water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 25 (main cleaning).

As the detergent water is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 25, as shown in FIG. 11, the water level of the detergent water CW in the detergent mixing tank 30 decreases from the first water level L1. For example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of the main cleaning, the injection of the detergent water CW from the cleaning nozzle 25 is temporarily stopped. While this spraying is stopped, the detergent water can be spread on the wall surface of the bathtub 100 and the detergent water can penetrate into the dirt. Instead of time control, the timing to stop spraying the detergent water may be determined by water level detection by the water level detection means 60.

Then, spraying of detergent water from the cleaning nozzle 25 is started again. The detergent water remaining in the detergent mixing tank 30 may be used up as it is, or the spraying may be temporarily stopped again to ensure time for the detergent water to penetrate into the walls and dirt of the bathtub 100. The main cleaning can be performed by using up the predetermined amount of detergent water stored up to the first water level L1 by repeating injection and stopping of the injection a plurality of times. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of detergent water may be used up by continuously spraying the detergent water without once stopping the spraying.

When the main cleaning with a predetermined amount of detergent water is completed and the lower end position of the float 62 is detected, the pump 18 is stopped after a set number of seconds have elapsed since the detection, and the detergent mixing tank 30 is emptied.

After this main cleaning, water is injected into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25 under the same control as the preliminary cleaning, and the rinsing mode is executed. In this rinsing mode, the detergent water sprayed into the bathtub 100 is washed away together with dirt.
Note that the detergent water sprayed into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25 may be collected into the detergent mixing tank 30, and the recovered detergent water may be sprayed again into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25. .

When detecting the amount of liquid from the water level, the area (horizontal cross-sectional area) seen from above of the stored liquid affects the variation in the detected water level. As the area of the liquid viewed from above (horizontal cross-sectional area) increases, the variation in the detected water level tends to increase.

Dispersion in the detection of the amount of detergent and variation in the detection of the amount of water affect the control of the detergent concentration of the detergent water. In detergent water, the amount of detergent is less than the amount of water. The detection variation of a relatively small amount of detergent has a greater effect on the detergent concentration of the detergent water than the detection variation of a relatively large amount of water.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by using the second space 50, which has a smaller maximum horizontal cross-sectional area than the first space 40, as a space for detecting the detergent water level, detergent stored in the second space 50 is used. Variations in detergent water level detection can be reduced, and detergent amount detection variations can be reduced. Therefore, the control accuracy of the detergent concentration in the detergent water can be increased. This makes it possible to avoid excessive detergent consumption due to the detergent concentration being higher than the set value, and insufficient cleaning ability due to the detergent concentration being lower than the set value.

The float 62 may be positioned at the bottom 52 of the second space 50 such that the liquid level within the second space 50 can be sensed. When liquid is directly supplied to the bottom portion 52, the force of the liquid presses down the float 62 from above, which may prevent movement of the float 62 in conjunction with the water level.

Therefore, according to the embodiment, the detergent mixing tank 30 is configured such that at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 directly falls at a position other than the float 62.

For example, the water supply section 35 and the detergent supply section 34 have openings directly above the inclined surface 51 of the second space 50. The opening of the water supply section 35 and the opening of the detergent supply section 34 are not directed toward the float 62 but toward the inclined surface 51 of the second space 50. Therefore, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 fall directly onto the inclined surface 51 of the second space 50. The water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 do not fall directly onto (do not hit) the float 62 . Water and detergent that have fallen onto the slope 51 flow toward the bottom 52 along the downward slope. Water and detergent are not supplied directly to the bottom 52.

Therefore, when the float 62 is located at the bottom 52, water and detergent do not directly hit the float 62, and the float 62 can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level, avoiding the float 62 being pressed down by the water and detergent. . As a result, the water levels of detergent and water can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with even higher precision.

Note that the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 may bounce off the inclined surface 51 or other wall surfaces and then indirectly fall (hit) the float 62. The amount of liquid that indirectly impinges on the float 62 is small and does not affect the movement of the float 62.

When the water in the detergent mixing tank 30 is emptied during the pre-washing and rinsing described above and the float 62 is located at the bottom 52 of the second space 50 having a small volume, the float 62 and the surrounding area surrounding the float 62 The gap between it and the wall becomes smaller. In this state, when the pump 18 that supplies water in the detergent mixing tank 30 to the cleaning nozzle 25 is driven, negative pressure is generated in the space in which the float 62 is placed, and the float 62 can be drawn downward and fixed. .

According to the embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, during pre-washing or rinsing, the control unit 20 controls the water level in the detergent mixing tank 30 to be at the bottom of the detergent mixing tank 30 (the second space 50). The water supply from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 30 is controlled to start before the water reaches the bottom 52) of the detergent mixing tank 30.

For example, when the first water level L1 is detected, the control unit 20 temporarily stops the water supply operation. Then, when the water level decreases due to water jetting from the cleaning nozzle 25, water supply is restarted before the water level decreases to the second space 50, and the float 62 is raised again. 62 can be prevented from being drawn downward.

Further, when generating detergent water, the control unit 20 controls to supply water to the detergent mixing tank 30 after the detergent is supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30. Only the detergent can be stored in the second space 50, which has a smaller maximum horizontal cross-sectional area than the first space 40, and the detergent water level can be detected with high accuracy. As a result, the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with high precision.

Further, the detergent accumulated in the second space 50 can be stirred with water, and unevenness in the detergent concentration in the detergent water can also be suppressed.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another example of the detergent mixing tank 30 of the embodiment. Similar to FIG. 5, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the X direction.
13(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the detergent mixing tank 30 shown in FIG. 12 along the Y direction.

The detergent mixing tank 30 shown in FIG. 12 has a wall portion 70 that is provided to interrupt the movement path of the float 62 and a water supply portion 35 that is a connection portion between the detergent mixing tank 30 and the water supply channel 24. . For example, the wall 70 depends downwardly from the lid 32.

When the water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 falls onto the water surface within the detergent mixing tank 30, waves are generated on the water surface due to the force of the water. If the float 62 receives these waves, there is a possibility that the water level will be incorrectly detected.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the wall 70 functions as a ripple prevention means, and waves generated when water falls from the water supply section 35 to the water surface below are blocked by the wall 70, and the waves are directly directed to the float 62. You can avoid being hit. Alternatively, the wall portion 70 reduces waves generated when water falls from the water supply portion 35 to the water surface below, thereby reducing the influence of the waves on the float 62. This allows the float 62 to detect the water level with high precision.

The wall portion 70 is arranged in a part of the first space 40 and is not arranged in the second space 50.

In the example shown in FIG. 13A, both ends of the wall 70 in the Y direction reach the side walls of the case 31, and a gap is formed between the lower end of the wall 70 and the bottom 41 of the first space 40. There is.

In the example shown in FIG. 13(b), the lower end of the wall 70 reaches the bottom 41 of the first space 40, and a gap is formed between both ends of the wall 70 in the Y direction and the side wall of the case 31. There is.

Furthermore, by orienting the opening of the water supply section 35 shown in FIG. 12 toward the wall section 70, the water from the water supply section 35 can fall (hit) directly onto the wall section 70.

Even with such a configuration, the water supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 does not fall directly onto the float 62 (does not hit it). Further, the water supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 is not directly supplied to the second space 50.

Therefore, when the float 62 is present in the second space 50, the water and detergent do not directly hit the float 62, the float 62 is prevented from being held down by the water and detergent, and the float 62 moves appropriately in conjunction with the water level. be able to. As a result, the levels of the detergent and water stored in the second space 50 can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of the detergent water can be controlled with higher precision.

In addition, the wall part 70 may be provided so as to block the movement path of the float 62 and the detergent supply part 34 which is a connection part between the detergent mixing tank 30 and the detergent channel 15. Also in this case, by orienting the opening of the detergent supply section 34 toward the wall section 70, the detergent can be directly dropped (hit) on the wall section 70.

FIG. 14(a) is a cross-sectional view along the X direction of still another example of the detergent mixing tank 30 of the embodiment.
FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 30 shown in FIG. 14(a) along the Y direction.

In the detergent mixing tank 30 shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the second space 50 is not provided with an inclined surface. In the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the second space 50 is provided so as to protrude downward from the bottom 41 of the first space 40.

In this case as well, the water level of the detergent stored in the second space 50 can be detected by using the second space 50, which has a smaller maximum horizontal cross-sectional area than the first space 40, as the space for detecting the detergent water level. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the variation in detergent amount detection.

Further, in the detergent mixing tank 30 shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), at least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 is directly applied to the inner surface (bottom or side wall) of the first space 40. After falling, it is configured to head toward the second space 50.

For example, the opening of the water supply section 35 and the opening of the detergent supply section 34 are located directly above the bottom 41 of the first space 40. Therefore, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 directly fall onto the bottom 41 of the first space 40 and then head toward the second space 50 .

The water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 do not fall directly onto (do not hit) the float 62 . Further, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 are not directly supplied to the second space 50.

Therefore, when the float 62 is present in the second space 50, the water and detergent do not directly hit the float 62, the float 62 is prevented from being held down by the water and detergent, and the float 62 moves appropriately in conjunction with the water level. be able to. As a result, the levels of the detergent and water stored in the second space 50 can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of the detergent water can be controlled with higher precision.

In the example shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 fall directly onto the side wall of the first space 40, and then pass through the bottom 41 to the second space. You may also head toward the space 50 of . Alternatively, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 may fall directly onto the side wall of the first space 40 and bounce back, and then head toward the second space 50 without passing through the bottom 41. .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. It may also be directed toward the second space 50 after falling directly onto the wall (or the side wall).

In the detergent mixing tank 30 shown in FIG. 14(a), the bottom 41 of the first space 40 may be inclined. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 30.

The bottom portion 41 of the first space 40 is inclined downward toward the second space 50 from both ends in the X direction.

The water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 fall directly onto the bottom 41 (or side wall) of the first space 40 , and the dropped water and detergent fall onto the sloped surface of the bottom 41 of the first space 40 . and is guided to the second space 50.

Also in this example, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 do not directly fall (do not hit) the float 62 . Further, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 30 are not directly supplied to the second space 50.

Therefore, when the float 62 is present in the second space 50, the water and detergent do not directly hit the float 62, the float 62 is prevented from being held down by the water and detergent, and the float 62 moves appropriately in conjunction with the water level. be able to. As a result, the levels of the detergent and water stored in the second space 50 can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of the detergent water can be controlled with higher precision.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the second space 50 has a configuration having an inclined surface (or first bottom part) 51 and a horizontal bottom part (or second bottom part) 52; The entire bottom of 50 may be sloped.

Next, the detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment will be explained. In the bathtub cleaning device 200 shown in FIG. 1 described above, the detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment can be applied in place of the detergent mixing tank 30 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment.

The height direction (or depth direction) of the detergent mixing tank 130 is defined as the Z direction. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction when the detergent mixing tank 130 is installed. Two directions that are orthogonal to the Z direction and mutually orthogonal are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 130 parallel to the XZ plane.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 130 parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 18 shows a cross section of a portion where the first space 140 and the second space 150 are continuous in the Z direction.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 130 parallel to the XY plane. FIG. 19 shows a cross section of a portion above the plate member 120.

The detergent mixing tank 130 has a case 131 and a lid 132. The lid 132 is provided with a detergent supply section 134 connected to the detergent channel 15 and a water supply section 135 connected to the water supply channel 24. A liquid outlet 136 connected to the cleaning channel 21 is provided at the bottom of the case 131 .

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the detergent mixing tank 130 has a first space 140 and a second space 150. The second space 150 is located below the first space 140 and is continuous with the first space 140. The maximum value of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space 150 is smaller than the maximum value of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space 140. The total volume of the second space 150 is smaller than the total volume of the first space 140.

The bottom 152 of the second space 150 is the deepest part of the detergent mixing tank 130. The detergent and water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 begin to accumulate from the bottom 152 of the second space 150, which is the deepest part. No matter what level the liquid (water, detergent, detergent water) stored in the detergent mixing tank 130 is, the depth from the liquid level to the deepest part is the deepest. The maximum level of liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130 is located in the first space 140.

Liquid outlet 136 communicates directly with bottom 152 of second space 150 . Therefore, the liquid supplied in the detergent mixing tank 130 flows out into the cleaning channel 21 via the bottom 152 of the second space 150.

A water level detection means 160 is provided in the detergent mixing tank 130 to detect the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130. The water level detection means 160 can detect the water level by, for example, a combination of a float 162 containing a magnet and a reed switch provided in the stem 161. The float 162 moves up and down along the stem 161 as the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130 changes, and the position of the float 162 changes, whereby the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130 is detected.

The stem 161 passes through the float 162 and extends upward from the bottom 152 of the second space 150 along the Z direction. The upper end of the stem 161 is supported by the lid 132, and the lower end is supported by the bottom 152 of the second space 150. A stopper 163 is provided on the stem 161. Stopper 163 is located in first space 140 .

The float 162 can move up and down along the stem 161 between the second space 150 and the stopper 163. The vertical movement of the float 162 detects the level of the liquid stored only in the second space 150 and the level of the liquid that fills the second space 150 and is also stored in the first space 140 above it. can do.

The first space 140 has a first region located directly above the second space 150 and a second region adjacent to the first region in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 17, an inclined surface (slanted bottom surface) 142 is formed at the bottom of the second region. The inclined surface 142 is inclined downward toward the second space 150 from the lower end of the side wall surface 141b of the detergent mixing tank 130.

An overflow channel 133 extends in the Z direction within the first space 140 through the inclined surface 142 . An overflow port 133a is formed at the upper end of the overflow channel 133. Overflow port 133a communicates with first space 140.

Water supply section 135 has an opening that communicates with first space 140 . The opening of the water supply section 135 is located above and a predetermined distance (for example, 25 mm) or more away from the overflow port 133a.

A plate member 120 is provided in the first space 140 . As shown in FIG. 19, the plate member 120 has, for example, a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. A collision part 121 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the plate member 120.

Each of the four outer edges of the plate member 120 faces four side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d surrounding the first space 140 of the detergent mixing tank 130, with a gap 180 in between. There is. Side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d surround the first space 140. The gap 180 is formed in the entire circumferential direction so as to surround the outer edge of the plate member 120. Alternatively, the gap 180 may be formed between a part of the collision part 121 and a part of the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130.

The plate member 120 has an inclined surface 122 that slopes downward from the collision portion 121 toward the respective side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the detergent mixing tank 130. For example, the plate member 120 is formed into an umbrella shape with the collision portion 121 at the apex.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the plate member 120 looking at the lower surface side.

A first attachment portion 123 and a second attachment portion 124 are provided on the lower surface of the plate member 120 and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the plate member 120. Furthermore, a notch 125 is formed at the end of the plate member 120 on the side where the second attachment portion 124 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 17, ribs 149 are provided on the side wall surface 141b of the first space 140. As shown in FIG. A first mounting portion 123 provided in a concave shape of the plate-like member 120 engages with the rib 149, and a part of one end side of the plate-like member 120 is supported on the upper end of the rib 149.

At the other end of the plate member 120, a stem 161 of the water level detection means 160 passes through the notch 125, and a stopper 163 provided on the stem 161 engages with a slit formed in the second mounting portion 124. However, the second mounting portion 124 is supported on the stopper 163.

Further, a flange portion 164 (shown in FIGS. 17 and 19) provided on the stem 161 prevents the plate member 120 from floating upward.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the plate member 120 is provided in the first space 140 in an area above the overflow port 133a. The collision part 121 is provided at a position higher than the bottom part 152 of the second space 150, which is the deepest part of the detergent mixing tank 130. Furthermore, the collision portion 121 is provided at a higher position in the first space 140 than the overflow port 133a. Note that the collision part 121 is preferably provided at a higher position than the overflow port 133a in the first space 140, but at least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 130 falls directly. Therefore, it may be provided at a position lower than the overflow port 133a in the first space 140.

Similar to the first embodiment, the bathtub cleaning device 200 equipped with the detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment can execute three operation modes: preliminary washing, main washing, and rinsing, and is the same as the first embodiment. The operation sequence and control can also be applied to the second embodiment.

Below, for example, generation of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 in main washing will be explained.

The detergent supply section 134 is located above the second space 150, and the opening of the detergent supply section 134 is directed to the second space 150 through the first space 140. In addition, the plate member 120 does not spread below the opening of the detergent supply unit 134, and the detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 134 into the detergent mixing tank 130 is not blocked by the plate member 120 and flows through the first It is supplied to the second space 150 via the space 140. Detergent begins to accumulate at the bottom 152 of the second space 150.

21 and 22 are cross-sectional views showing a state in which detergent C is stored in the second space 150. 21 corresponds to the cross section of FIG. 17, and FIG. 22 corresponds to the cross section of FIG. 18.

Similar to the first embodiment, the detergent C is stored only in the second space 150 and not in the first space 140. Therefore, when the second position of the float 162 corresponding to the preset second water level L2 is detected, the supply of the detergent C into the detergent mixing tank 130 is stopped. Detergent C is stored at a predetermined water level L2 within the second space 150.

Next, water is supplied from the water supply section 135 into the detergent mixing tank 130.

The opening of the water supply section 135 is located directly above the collision section 121 of the plate member 120 and is directed toward the collision section 121 . Therefore, the water supplied from the water supply section 135 into the detergent mixing tank 130 falls onto the collision section 121 and collides with it.

The water supplied from the water supply section 135 into the detergent mixing tank 130 collides with the collision section 121 provided at a higher position than the bottom section 152 before reaching the bottom section 152 which is the deepest section of the detergent mixing tank 130. After the water collides with the collision part 121, the flow velocity can be reduced to mix the water with the detergent C, compared to when the water directly lands on the surface of the detergent C stored in the second space 150. .

By slowing down the flow rate of water when water is mixed with detergent C, it is possible to reduce the amount of air that is drawn in when the detergent C and water are mixed, and to suppress the generation of bubbles in the detergent mixing tank 130. can. As a result, it is possible to suppress jetting failures such as interruptions in the detergent water jetted from the cleaning nozzle 25 or a decrease in the amount of detergent water jetted.

The water that has fallen onto the collision part 121 spreads radially in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z direction) (in this example, a direction inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction), and flows down the inclined surface 122 of the plate member 120. It flows along the gradient toward the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the first space 140, and is dispersed toward the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d. Note that the direction intersecting the vertical direction may be a horizontal direction or a direction inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, water does not necessarily have to spread in all directions of 360°.

The water sprayed on the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d flows to the area below the plate member 120 through the gap 180 between the plate member 120 and the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d.

In the region below the plate member 120, water flows downward through the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d, as indicated by the white arrows in FIGS. 21 and 22, and flows into the second space 150. The stored detergent C is reached. The water flowing through the side wall surface 141b, a part of the side wall surface 141c (the part without the second space 150 below), and a part of the side wall surface 141d (the part without the second space 150 below) flows through the inclined surface. 142, the detergent C stored in the second space 150 is reached. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the water after colliding with the collision part 121 does not flow on the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130 and reaches the liquid level stored in the detergent mixing tank 130.

The water flowing on the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130 is mixed with the detergent C, and the water and detergent C can be stirred. Furthermore, by spreading the water in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, water can be sprayed over a wide area on the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130, and the water and detergent C can be spread evenly by the water flowing on the side wall surface. can be mixed without any As a result, variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 can be suppressed, and uneven cleaning of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 by the detergent water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 25 can be suppressed. Further, by spreading the water in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the side wall surface can be washed evenly with the water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 during preliminary washing and rinsing.

Water continues to be supplied to a certain amount of detergent C, and the water level of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 rises.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 17 showing a state in which the water level of detergent water CW is at the full water level L1.

The float 162 rises as the water level of the detergent water CW rises. Then, when the upper end position (first position) of the float 162 corresponding to the full water level L1 is detected, the supply of water to the detergent mixing tank 130 is stopped.

Thereafter, the detergent water CW stored in the detergent mixing tank 130 flows through the liquid outflow portion 136 and the cleaning channel 21 and is injected into the bathtub 100 from the cleaning nozzle 25. For example, the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 is cleaned by detergent water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 25.

Also in this embodiment, the detergent storage space is limited to a second space 150 whose maximum horizontal cross-sectional area is smaller than the first space 140, and the second space 150 is used as a detergent water level detection space. By using this, it is possible to reduce variations in the detection of the water level of the detergent stored in the second space 150, and it is possible to reduce variations in the detection of the amount of detergent. Therefore, the control accuracy of the detergent concentration in the detergent water can be increased. This makes it possible to avoid excessive detergent consumption due to the detergent concentration being higher than the set value, and insufficient cleaning ability due to the detergent concentration being lower than the set value.

Since the collision part 121 is provided at a position higher than the full water level L1, when water is supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130, water always collides with the collision part 121 regardless of the water level in the detergent mixing tank 130. can be done.

The overflow port 133a is provided at a position higher than the full water level L1, and when the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130 exceeds a predetermined water level higher than the full water level L1, the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130 flows through the overflow channel. 133 and is discharged to the outside of the detergent mixing tank 130.

The plate member 120 is provided to cover the overflow port 133a, and water supplied from the water supply section 135 is blocked by the plate member 120 and does not flow into the overflow port 133a.

The water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 is configured to fall directly onto the collision part 121 provided at a position spaced apart from the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d. Furthermore, the opening of the detergent supply section 134 does not overlap the float 162 in the vertical direction (Z direction). Alternatively, the detergent supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 may also be configured to fall directly onto the collision part 121.

That is, the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank 130 do not fall directly onto (do not hit) the float 162 . Therefore, when the float 162 is present in the second space 150, water and detergent do not directly hit the float 162, the float 162 is prevented from being held down by the water and detergent, and the float 162 moves appropriately in conjunction with the water level. be able to. As a result, the water levels of detergent and water can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with even higher precision.

Further, the water after colliding with the collision part 121 flows on the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130 and reaches the liquid level stored in the detergent mixing tank 130. This suppresses fluctuations in the water surface more than when water falls directly onto the liquid surface, and reduces the influence of waves on the float 162. This allows the float 162 to detect the water level with higher accuracy.

Furthermore, the plate member 120 covers an area between the second space 150 and the stopper 163 in which the float 162 moves up and down. Therefore, the water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 and after colliding with the collision part 121 does not fall directly onto the float 162 (does not hit it). Therefore, even if the float 162 is in the first space 140, it can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level in the detergent mixing tank 130, and erroneous detection by the water level detection means 160 can be prevented. Therefore, the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 130 can be detected with high precision, and the detergent concentration of the detergent water can be controlled with higher precision.

In addition, by making the shape of the collision part 121, for example, a concave surface, or a curved surface or an inclined surface whose outer side is higher than the center, the water after colliding with the collision part 121 is directed in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. It may be spread out so that it does not directly hit the float 162. Alternatively, the detergent may also be made to collide with the collision part 121, and the detergent after colliding with the collision part 121 may be spread in a direction intersecting the vertical direction so that it does not directly hit the float 162.

It should be noted that the water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 may bounce off the side walls 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d or the inclined surface 142 and then indirectly hit the float 162; The amount of liquid hitting 162 is small and does not affect the movement of float 162.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of another example of the collision part in the second embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a top view of the detergent mixing tank 130 shown in FIG. 24 with the lid removed.

In the example shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a columnar portion 170 is provided within the detergent mixing tank 130. In the example shown in FIGS. The columnar portion 170 extends upward from the inclined surface 142 that is the bottom of the first space 140 of the detergent mixing tank 130 . The upper surface 171 of the columnar section 170 is spaced apart from the opening of the water supply section 135 and located directly below the opening of the water supply section 135 . The upper surface 171 of the columnar part 170 is located at a position higher than the overflow port 133a and the full water level of the detergent mixing tank 130.

The water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 from the water supply section 135 falls and collides with the upper surface 171 of the columnar section 170 before reaching the bottom 152 of the second space 150. That is, the upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 functions as a collision portion.

As shown in FIG. 24, the upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 is formed into a concave surface, or a curved or inclined surface whose outer side is higher than the center. With such a shape, it is possible to prevent the water (or detergent) supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 and after colliding with the upper surface 171 of the columnar part 170 from falling directly onto the float 162 (not hitting the float 162).

Also in the second embodiment, during pre-washing or rinsing, the control unit 20 shown in FIG. Before this, the water supply from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 130 is controlled to start.

For example, when the full water level L1 is detected, the control unit 20 temporarily stops the water supply operation. Then, when the water level decreases due to water jetting from the cleaning nozzle 25, water supply is restarted before the water level decreases to the second space 150, and the float 162 is raised again. 162 can be prevented from being drawn downward.

Further, when generating detergent water, the control unit 20 controls to supply water to the detergent mixing tank 130 after the detergent is supplied to the detergent mixing tank 130. Only the detergent can be stored in the second space 150, which has a smaller maximum horizontal cross-sectional area than the first space 140, allowing highly accurate detection of the detergent water level. As a result, the detergent concentration of detergent water can be controlled with high precision.

The water level detection means 60, 160 is not limited to a structure using a float, but may be an electrode type sensor that detects the water level by applying a voltage between electrodes, for example.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Bathtub, 200... Bathtub cleaning device, 13... Detergent tank, 14... First on-off valve, 15... Detergent channel, 20... Control section, 21... Washing channel, 22... Second on-off valve, 24... Water supply channel, 25...Washing nozzle, 30,130...Detergent mixing tank, 40,140...First space, 50,150...Second space, 60,160...Water level detection means, 62,162...Float, 120 ...Plate member, 121...Collision part, WS...Water supply source

Claims (13)

A detergent tank that stores detergent;
a detergent mixing tank that generates detergent water by mixing detergent supplied from the detergent tank and water supplied from a water supply source;
a cleaning nozzle that sprays the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub;
a detergent flow path connecting the detergent tank and the detergent mixing tank;
a water supply channel connecting the water supply source and the detergent mixing tank;
a cleaning channel connecting the detergent mixing tank and the cleaning nozzle;
water level detection means for detecting the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank;
Equipped with
The detergent mixing tank has a first space above and a second space located below the first space, and the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space is equal to the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space. larger than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the space in 2,
The water level detection means is provided to be able to detect the water level of the liquid supplied to the first space and the second space , and uses the second space as a space for detecting the water level of the detergent. Bathtub cleaning device. The water level detection means has a float provided in the detergent mixing tank, and detects the water level in the detergent mixing tank by changing the position of the float as the water level in the detergent mixing tank changes. and
2. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the detergent mixing tank is configured such that at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank directly falls at a position other than the float. The detergent mixing tank is configured such that at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank directly falls onto the inner surface of the first space and then flows toward the second space. 2. The bathtub cleaning device according to 2. At least one of the water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank falls directly to the bottom of the first space,
A sloped surface that slopes downward toward the second space is provided at the bottom of the first space, and at least one of the fallen water and detergent flows through the sloped surface and is guided to the second space. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 3. The second space has an inclined surface that slopes downward from above to below,
The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank directly falls to the bottom of the first space and then heads toward the inclined surface of the second space. . The second space has an inclined surface that slopes downward from above to below,
The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank falls directly onto the inclined surface of the second space. The detergent mixing tank includes a collision part in the first space,
The collision part is provided at a position apart from a side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank, and is configured such that at least one of water and detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank directly falls. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 2. 8. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the detergent mixing tank is configured so that at least one of the water and detergent that collided with the collision portion does not directly hit the float. The detergent mixing tank has a wall part provided between a connection part between the detergent mixing tank and the water supply flow path and the float,
The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the water supplied to the detergent mixing tank falls directly onto the wall. The detergent mixing tank has a wall portion provided between a connecting portion between the detergent mixing tank and the detergent flow path and the float,
The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank falls directly onto the wall. The detergent mixing tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising ripple prevention means provided between a connecting portion between the detergent mixing tank and the water supply flow path and the water level detection means. Bathtub cleaning device. a pump that supplies the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank to the washing nozzle;
a control unit that controls the pump;
Furthermore,
The water level detection means has a float provided in the detergent mixing tank, and detects the water level in the detergent mixing tank by changing the position of the float as the water level in the detergent mixing tank changes. and
The cleaning channel is connected to the bottom of the second space,
The control unit controls the detergent mixing tank to start supplying water from the water supply source to the detergent mixing tank before the water level in the detergent mixing tank drops to the bottom of the detergent mixing tank. The bathtub cleaning device according to any one of the above. a first on-off valve that is provided in the middle of the detergent flow path and opens and closes the detergent flow path;
a second on-off valve that is provided in the middle of the water supply flow path and opens and closes the water supply flow path;
a control unit that controls the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve based on the detection result of the water level detection means;
Furthermore,
The bathtub cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit controls the water to be supplied to the detergent mixing tank after the detergent is supplied to the detergent mixing tank.

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