JP2018103030A - Oral cavity washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an easy-to-use oral cavity washing device.SOLUTION: An oral cavity washing device 10 comprises: a tank 40 that stores washing liquid; a body 20 to which the tank 40 is attached; a washing unit 100 including a discharge port 810 that discharges the washing liquid; and a tube 50 that connects the body 20 and the washing unit 100. The oral cavity washing device 10 also comprises: a washing passage 60 formed in the body 20, the tube 50, and the washing unit 100 to cause the tank 40 to communicate with the discharge port 810; a pump 30 that discharges the washing liquid stored in the tank 40, to the tube 50; and an air intake passage 70 that supplies air to the washing passage 60. The oral cavity washing device 10 also comprises a switch 600 attached to the washing unit 100 to open or close the air intake passage 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an oral cleaning device.

  There is known an oral cleaning device that is used for the purpose of removing dirt that is difficult to remove with a toothbrush or the like, or massaging a gum. An example of this type of oral cleaning device includes a tank that stores a cleaning liquid, a discharge port that discharges the cleaning liquid, a cleaning unit that is operated by a user, and a pump that discharges the cleaning liquid stored in the tank to the cleaning unit. . The oral cleaning device further includes a cleaning passage that communicates the tank and the discharge port, and a tube that supplies the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump to the cleaning unit.

  According to the oral cleaning device, when the pump is driven, the cleaning liquid stored in the tank passes through the cleaning passage and is supplied to the cleaning unit, and the cleaning liquid is vigorously discharged and discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. The cleaning liquid is supplied to the gums.

  The improved conventional oral cleaning apparatus has a function of mixing air with the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning passage and discharging the cleaning liquid containing bubbles from the cleaning unit. This is because when a cleaning liquid containing bubbles is supplied to the gums, for example, a pleasant sensation that cannot be obtained when a cleaning liquid substantially free of bubbles is supplied to the gums, or the gums are massaged more strongly It is intended to give the user a sense. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of an oral cleaning device having such a function.

Special Table 2002-503137

  According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus of Patent Document 1, the user arbitrarily selects an injection mode in which air is mixed with the cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning unit and an injection mode in which air is not mixed in the cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning unit. I can't. For this reason, there exists a possibility of giving an inconvenience to the user who desires the selection of such an injection form.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use oral cleaning device.

  An oral cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes a tank for storing a cleaning liquid, a main body to which the tank is attached or a main body including the tank, a cleaning unit having a discharge port for discharging the cleaning liquid, the main body, and the cleaning unit. A tube to be connected, a cleaning passage formed in the main body, the tube, and the cleaning unit and communicating the tank and the discharge port; a pump for discharging the cleaning liquid stored in the tank to the tube; An intake passage for supplying air to the cleaning passage; and a switch attached to the cleaning unit for opening or closing the intake passage, wherein the pump sucks the cleaning liquid stored in the tank by negative pressure And a positive displacement pump that discharges the suctioned cleaning liquid to the tube. The suction passage is connected to a downstream cleaning passage which is a portion of the cleaning passage on the downstream side of the pump so that air is sucked into the cleaning passage by the negative pressure generated, and the intake passage is connected to the downstream cleaning passage. A cleaning passage check valve that is disposed downstream of the passage connecting portion that is a portion to be disposed and in the vicinity of the passage connecting portion, and closes the downstream cleaning passage when the pump generates a negative pressure. .

  According to the oral cavity cleaning device of the present invention, it is possible to provide ease of use to the user.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the oral cavity cleaning device according to the first embodiment. The schematic diagram regarding the internal structure of the washing | cleaning unit of FIG. The operation | movement figure which shows the state in which air is attracted | sucked by the washing | cleaning unit of FIG. The operation | movement figure which shows the state which the washing | cleaning unit of FIG. 1 discharges a washing | cleaning liquid. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a pump according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is an operation diagram illustrating a state in which the pump of FIG. 4 sucks cleaning liquid. FIG. 5 is an operation diagram illustrating a state in which the pump of FIG. 4 discharges cleaning liquid. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a pump according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is an operation diagram showing a state in which the pump of FIG. 6 sucks cleaning liquid. FIG. 7 is an operation diagram illustrating a state in which the pump of FIG. 6 discharges cleaning liquid. The schematic diagram which shows the state in which the switch of Embodiment 4 takes a water stop position. The schematic diagram which shows the state in which the switch of FIG. 8A takes a 1st water supply position. The schematic diagram which shows the state in which the switch of FIG. 8A takes a 2nd water supply position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an oral cleaning device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the first case element of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the second case element of FIG. 10. The front view of the flow-path formation element of FIG. The side view of the flow-path formation element of FIG. Sectional drawing of the Z13C-Z13C line | wire of FIG. 13A. The front view of the base of FIG. The rear view of the base of FIG. The side view of the base of FIG. The top view of the intake passage check valve of FIG. FIG. 11 is a front view of the intake passage check valve of FIG. 10. Sectional drawing of the Z15C-Z15C line | wire of FIG. 15A. FIG. 11 is a front view of the lever and lid of FIG. 10. The rear view of the lever and lid | cover of FIG. Sectional drawing of the Z16C-Z16C line | wire of FIG. 16A. The front view of the cover of FIG. The rear view of the cover of FIG. The side view of the cover of FIG. The front view of the switch of FIG. The side view of the switch of FIG. FIG. 18B is a sectional view taken along line Z18C-Z18C in FIG. 18A. Sectional drawing of the washing | cleaning unit of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the state which the switch of FIG. 19 takes a water stop position. Sectional drawing which shows the state in which the switch of FIG. 19 takes a 1st water supply position. Sectional drawing which shows the state in which the switch of FIG. 19 takes a 2nd water supply position.

(An example of the form that the oral cleaning device can take)
(1) An oral cleaning device according to the present invention includes a tank for storing a cleaning liquid, a main body to which the tank is attached or a main body including the tank, a cleaning unit having a discharge port for discharging the cleaning liquid, the main body, and the cleaning A tube connecting the unit, a cleaning passage formed in the main body, the tube, and the cleaning unit and communicating the tank and the discharge port; and the cleaning liquid stored in the tank is discharged to the tube A pump for supplying air to the cleaning passage, and a switch attached to the cleaning unit for opening or closing the intake passage.

  According to this oral cleaning apparatus, when the pump is driven, the cleaning liquid in the tank is supplied to the tube, the cleaning liquid supplied to the tube is supplied to the cleaning unit, and the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning unit is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. Discharged. When the intake passage is opened by setting the switch, the air supplied from the intake passage to the cleaning passage is mixed with the cleaning liquid discharged to the cleaning passage by the discharge operation of the pump. For this reason, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. On the other hand, when the intake passage is closed by the setting of the switch, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit without substantially supplying air from the intake passage to the cleaning passage.

  The user operates the switch to select the spray mode in which cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit and the spray mode in which cleaning liquid that does not substantially contain bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. it can. According to the oral cavity cleaning device, since the switch for selecting the jetting mode is included in the cleaning unit in this way, the user can operate the switch with a hand having the cleaning unit. For this reason, the oral cavity cleaning device can provide ease of use to the user.

  (2) According to one aspect of the oral cleaning device, the pump is a positive displacement pump that sucks the cleaning liquid stored in the tank with a negative pressure and discharges the sucked cleaning liquid to the tube, The intake passage is connected to a downstream cleaning passage which is a portion of the cleaning passage on the downstream side of the pump so that air is sucked into the cleaning passage by the negative pressure generated by the pump.

  According to this oral cleaning device, the tank is suctioned by the suction operation of the pump, and the negative pressure generated by the pump acts on the downstream cleaning passage and the intake passage. For this reason, when the intake passage is opened by setting the switch, air in the intake passage is sucked into the downstream cleaning passage, and air outside the oral cavity cleaning device is sucked into the intake passage. When the cleaning liquid is discharged from the pump to the downstream cleaning passage by the discharge operation of the pump, the cleaning liquid and the air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage by the suction operation of the pump are mixed, and the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is cleaned by the cleaning unit. It is discharged from the discharge port.

  As described above, since the oral cleaning device uses the negative pressure of the pump to suck air into the downstream cleaning passage, compared to a case where a pump that supplies air to the cleaning liquid is provided separately from the pump that discharges the cleaning liquid, The room for setting the device size small increases.

(3) In one form of the oral cavity cleaning device, the intake passage is formed in the cleaning unit, and is connected to the downstream cleaning passage in the cleaning unit.
According to this oral cleaning device, for example, an intake passage having the same function as the intake passage is formed in the main body, and the distance of the intake passage is larger than that in the case where the intake passage is connected to the downstream cleaning passage in the cleaning unit. Shorter. For this reason, the room which can simplify the structure relevant to an intake passage becomes large.

(4) One form of the oral cavity cleaning apparatus further includes an intake passage check valve that closes the intake passage when the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump flows through the downstream cleaning passage.
The intake passage check valve may take, for example, a first form in which the intake passage is opened by negative pressure generated by the pump, or a second form in which the intake passage is closed by pressure of cleaning liquid discharged from the pump.

  According to the oral cavity cleaning device including the intake passage check valve according to the first embodiment, when the negative pressure acting on the intake passage check valve is less than a predetermined negative pressure, or the negative pressure is applied to the intake passage check valve. When not operating, the intake passage check valve closes the intake passage. Therefore, the intake passage check valve prevents the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump to the downstream cleaning passage from being discharged to the outside of the oral cavity cleaning device via the intake passage. For this reason, it is suppressed that the quantity of the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit decreases. On the other hand, when a negative pressure is generated by the suction operation of the pump, the negative pressure acts on the downstream cleaning passage and the intake passage check valve. When the negative pressure acting on the intake passage check valve is equal to or higher than a predetermined negative pressure, the intake passage check valve opens the intake passage, and air is sucked from the intake passage into the downstream cleaning passage. Therefore, the cleaning liquid discharged to the downstream cleaning passage by the pump discharge operation and the air sucked to the downstream cleaning passage by the pump suction operation are mixed, and the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. .

  According to the oral cavity cleaning device including the intake passage check valve taking the second form, when the cleaning liquid is discharged into the downstream cleaning passage by the discharge operation of the pump, the pressure of the cleaning liquid acts on the intake passage check valve. . When the pressure of the cleaning liquid acting on the intake passage check valve is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the intake passage check valve closes the intake passage. Therefore, the intake passage check valve prevents the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump to the downstream cleaning passage from being discharged to the outside of the oral cavity cleaning device via the intake passage. On the other hand, when the pressure of the cleaning liquid acting on the intake passage check valve is less than a predetermined pressure, or when the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not acting on the intake passage check valve, the intake passage check valve opens the intake passage. . For this reason, when a negative pressure is generated by the suction operation of the pump, the negative pressure acts on the downstream cleaning passage and the intake passage, and air is sucked from the intake passage to the downstream cleaning passage. Therefore, the cleaning liquid discharged to the downstream cleaning passage by the pump discharge operation and the air sucked to the downstream cleaning passage by the pump suction operation are mixed, and the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. .

  (5) One form of the oral cavity cleaning device is disposed on the downstream side of a passage connecting portion which is a portion to which the intake passage is connected in the downstream cleaning passage, and the downstream when the pump generates a negative pressure. A cleaning passage check valve for closing the cleaning passage is further provided.

  The cleaning passage check valve is, for example, a first configuration in which the downstream cleaning passage is opened by the pressure of the cleaning liquid flowing upstream from the passage connecting portion, or the second cleaning passage is closed by the negative pressure generated by the pump. Can take form.

  According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus including the cleaning passage check valve of the first embodiment, when the cleaning liquid is discharged into the downstream cleaning passage by the discharge operation of the pump, the pressure of the cleaning liquid acts on the cleaning passage check valve. . When the pressure of the cleaning liquid acting on the cleaning passage check valve is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the cleaning passage check valve opens the downstream cleaning passage. For this reason, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles or the cleaning liquid substantially free of bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. On the other hand, the cleaning passage check valve closes the downstream cleaning passage when the pressure of the cleaning fluid acting on the cleaning passage check valve is less than a predetermined pressure or when the cleaning fluid pressure is not acting on the cleaning passage check valve. To do. For this reason, when a negative pressure is generated by the suction operation of the pump, the check valve prevents the negative pressure from acting on the downstream side of the cleaning passage check valve in the downstream cleaning passage. Of these, the cleaning liquid or air existing downstream of the cleaning passage check valve does not substantially flow backward. In addition, the negative pressure acting on the intake passage increases as compared with the case where no cleaning passage check valve exists, and the amount of air sucked from the intake passage into the downstream cleaning passage increases.

  According to the oral cleaning device including the cleaning passage check valve of the second embodiment, when the negative pressure acting on the cleaning passage check valve is less than a predetermined negative pressure, or the negative pressure acts on the cleaning passage check valve. When not, the wash passage check valve opens the downstream wash passage. For this reason, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles or the cleaning liquid substantially free of bubbles is discharged from the discharge port of the cleaning unit. On the other hand, when a negative pressure is generated by the suction operation of the pump, the negative pressure acts on the downstream cleaning passage and the cleaning passage check valve. When the negative pressure acting on the cleaning passage check valve is equal to or higher than a predetermined negative pressure, the cleaning passage check valve closes the downstream cleaning passage. For this reason, the check valve prevents the negative pressure from acting on the downstream side of the cleaning passage check valve in the downstream cleaning passage, and the cleaning liquid or air existing downstream of the check valve is substantially free. Does not flow backward. In addition, the negative pressure acting on the intake passage increases as compared with the case where no cleaning passage check valve exists, and the amount of air sucked from the intake passage into the downstream cleaning passage increases.

(6) One form of the said mouth washing apparatus does not have a non-return valve in the discharge port of the said pump.
According to this oral cleaning device, compared to the case where a check valve is present at the discharge port of the pump, the negative pressure acting on the downstream cleaning passage and the intake passage when the pump performs suction operation is increased. The amount of air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage increases. For this reason, the amount of bubbles contained in the cleaning liquid is increased, and the effect related to the stimulus given to the gums by the cleaning liquid or the effect related to removing the dirt of the teeth by the cleaning liquid is enhanced.

  (7) The oral cavity cleaning device according to the present invention includes a tank for storing a cleaning liquid, a main body to which the tank is attached or a main body including the tank, a cleaning unit having a discharge port for discharging the cleaning liquid, the main body, and the cleaning A tube connecting the unit, a cleaning passage formed in the main body, the tube, and the cleaning unit and communicating the tank and the discharge port; and the cleaning liquid stored in the tank is discharged to the tube A pump that supplies air to the cleaning passage, and a switch that is attached to the cleaning unit and opens or closes the intake passage, and the pump carries out the cleaning liquid stored in the tank. A positive displacement pump that suctions by pressure and discharges the suctioned cleaning liquid to the tube; The suction passage is connected to a downstream cleaning passage which is a portion of the cleaning passage on the downstream side of the pump so that air is sucked into the cleaning passage by the negative pressure generated by the suction passage. A cleaning passage check valve is disposed downstream of the passage connecting portion that is a connected portion and in the vicinity of the passage connecting portion, and closes the downstream cleaning passage when the pump generates a negative pressure. Prepare.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the oral cleaning device 10.
The oral cleaning device 10 includes a tank 40 that stores cleaning liquid, a main body 20 to which the tank 40 is attached, a cleaning unit 100 that includes a discharge port 810 that discharges cleaning liquid, and a tube 50 that connects the main body 20 and the cleaning unit 100. . The oral cleaning device 10 further includes a cleaning passage 60 that allows the tank 40 and the discharge port 810 to communicate with each other, and an intake passage 70 that supplies air to the cleaning passage 60.

  The main body 20 includes a pump 30 that discharges the cleaning liquid stored in the tank 40 to the tube 50, a motor 24 that drives the pump 30, and a power supply unit 23 that supplies electric power to the motor 24. The power supply unit 23 and the motor 24 are accommodated in the main body 20. The main body 20 further includes an upstream passage 21 that communicates the tank 40 with the suction port 31 of the pump 30 and a downstream passage 22 that communicates the discharge port 32 of the pump 30 and the tube 50.

  The tube 50 is formed of a material having high flexibility, for example, and includes an internal passage 51 that communicates the downstream passage 22 of the main body 20 and the cleaning unit 100. Since the tube 50 is flexibly deformed, the user can freely change the posture of the cleaning unit 100 when cleaning the oral cavity using the cleaning unit 100.

  The cleaning unit 100 includes a grip 200 that constitutes a main body of the cleaning unit 100, a nozzle 800 that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied from the grip 200, and a switch 600 that opens or closes the intake passage 70. The grip 200 includes a case 210 that accommodates various elements, an internal passage 201 that connects the internal passage 51 of the tube 50 and the nozzle 800, and an intake passage 70. The internal passage 201 and the intake passage 70 are formed inside the case 210. The nozzle 800 includes an internal passage 801 that communicates with the internal passage 201 of the grip 200 and includes the discharge port 810 of the cleaning unit 100.

  The cleaning passage 60 includes an upstream passage 21 of the main body 20, a passage inside the pump 30, a downstream passage 22 of the main body 20, an internal passage 51 of the tube 50, an internal passage 201 of the grip 200, and an internal passage 801 of the nozzle 800. Composed. The cleaning passage 60 is divided into an upstream cleaning passage 61 that is a portion upstream of the suction port 31 of the pump 30 and a downstream cleaning passage 62 that is a portion downstream of the discharge port 32 of the pump 30.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the cleaning unit 100.
The intake passage 70 communicates the outside of the grip 200 and the internal passage 201 of the grip 200. The intake passage 70 opens on the surface of the case 210, for example. The switch 600 is attached to the case 210 so as to be movable with respect to the case 210, and can take a position where the intake passage 70 is opened and a position where the intake passage 70 is closed.

  The grip 200 is disposed on the downstream side of the intake passage check valve 710 disposed on the intake passage 70 and the passage connection portion 63 that is a portion of the downstream cleaning passage 62 to which the intake passage 70 is connected. A cleaning passage check valve 720 is provided.

  The intake passage check valve 710 is a check valve that closes the intake passage 70 when the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 flows through the downstream cleaning passage 62. For example, the intake passage check valve 710 takes the following first form or second form. obtain. The cleaning unit 100 includes an intake passage check valve 710 taking a first form as an example.

  The intake passage check valve 710 taking the first form opens the intake passage 70 when the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump 30 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined negative pressure. On the other hand, the intake passage check valve 710 closes the intake passage 70 when the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump 30 is less than the first predetermined negative pressure or when no negative pressure is applied. .

  The intake passage check valve 710 taking the second form closes the intake passage 70 when the pressure applied from the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined pressure. On the other hand, the intake passage check valve 710 is used when the pressure applied from the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 is less than a first predetermined pressure, or when the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not acting. The intake passage 70 is opened.

  The cleaning passage check valve 720 is a check valve that closes the downstream cleaning passage 62 when the pump 30 generates negative pressure, and may take the following first or second form, for example. The cleaning unit 100 includes a cleaning passage check valve 720 taking a first form as an example.

  The cleaning passage check valve 720 taking the first form opens the downstream cleaning passage 62 when the pressure applied from the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 is equal to or higher than a second predetermined pressure. On the other hand, the cleaning passage check valve 720 is used when the pressure applied from the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 is less than the second predetermined pressure or when the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not acting. The downstream cleaning passage 62 is closed.

  The cleaning passage check valve 720 taking the second form closes the downstream cleaning passage 62 when the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump 30 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined negative pressure. On the other hand, the cleaning passage check valve 720 opens the downstream cleaning passage 62 when the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump 30 is less than the second predetermined negative pressure or when the negative pressure is not acting. To do.

  The position of the cleaning passage check valve 720 in the downstream cleaning passage 62 can be arbitrarily set. According to an example, the cleaning passage check valve 720 is disposed near the passage connecting portion 63 in the downstream cleaning passage 62. The closer the position of the cleaning passage check valve 720 is to the passage connecting portion 63, the smaller the amount of cleaning liquid or air that flows back from the outlet 810 side of the nozzle 800 in the downstream cleaning passage 62.

  FIG. 3A shows an operating state of the oral cavity cleaning device 10 when the pump 30 performs a suction operation when the switch 600 opens the intake passage 70. The cleaning liquid in the tank 40 is sucked into the pump 30 by the suction operation of the pump 30, and the negative pressure generated by the pump 30 acts on the downstream cleaning passage 62 and the intake passage check valve 710. For this reason, the intake passage check valve 710 opens the intake passage 70, the air in the intake passage 70 is sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 as indicated by the dotted arrows, and the air around the cleaning unit 100 is taken in the intake passage 70. Sucked into.

  Further, since the pressure of the cleaning liquid that operates the cleaning passage check valve 720 in the valve opening direction does not act on the cleaning passage check valve 720 when the pump 30 performs the suction operation, the cleaning passage check valve 720 closes the downstream cleaning passage 62. To do. For this reason, the cleaning passage check valve 720 prevents the cleaning liquid or air existing downstream from the cleaning passage check valve 720 in the downstream cleaning passage 62 from flowing backward. For this reason, the negative pressure acting on the intake passage 70 becomes larger than when the cleaning passage check valve 720 is not present, and the amount of air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 from the intake passage 70 increases.

  FIG. 3B shows an operating state of the oral cavity cleaning device 10 when the pump 30 performs a discharge operation when the switch 600 opens the intake passage 70. The cleaning liquid discharged by the discharge operation of the pump 30 flows through the downstream cleaning passage 62 in the order of the internal passage 51 of the tube 50 and the internal passage 201 of the grip 200 as indicated by the dotted arrows, and downstream cleaning is performed by the suction operation of the pump 30. It is mixed with the air sucked into the passage 62. Further, the pressure of the cleaning liquid flowing through the internal passage 201 that is a part of the downstream cleaning passage 62 acts on the intake passage check valve 710 and the cleaning passage check valve 720, and the cleaning passage check valve 720 opens the downstream cleaning passage 62. To do. Therefore, as indicated by the dotted arrows, the cleaning liquid flows from the internal passage 201 of the grip 200 to the internal passage 801 of the nozzle 800, and the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800.

  Further, when the pump 30 performs a discharge operation, the negative pressure that operates the intake passage check valve 710 in the valve opening direction does not act on the intake passage check valve 710, so the intake passage check valve 710 closes the intake passage 70. Therefore, the intake passage check valve 710 prevents the cleaning liquid flowing through the downstream cleaning passage 62 from being discharged from the intake passage 70 to the outside of the cleaning unit 100.

  When the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port 810 is supplied to the gums, the cleaning liquid may give a preferable stimulus to the gums. When the gums are favorably stimulated, the user feels a pleasant sensation that is not obtained when a cleaning solution that is substantially free of bubbles is supplied to the gums, a feeling that the gums are massaged more strongly, or both. I may receive it. In addition, when the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port 810 is supplied to the teeth, dirt that is difficult to be removed by the toothbrush may be removed by the cleaning liquid containing bubbles.

  According to the oral cleaning device 10, when the switch 600 closes the intake passage 70 as shown in FIG. 2, air substantially flows from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 even if the pump 30 performs the suction operation. Not sucked. The cleaning liquid discharged by the discharge operation of the pump 30 flows through the downstream cleaning passage 62 in the order of the internal passage 51 of the tube 50, the internal passage 201 of the grip 200, and the internal passage 801 of the nozzle 800 as indicated by the dotted arrows. . Then, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800 without being substantially mixed with air in the downstream cleaning passage 62.

According to the oral cavity cleaning device 10, for example, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The user can arbitrarily select the first injection mode and the second injection mode by operating the switch 600. As shown in FIG. 2, the first injection form is an injection form in which air is not substantially sucked from the intake passage 70 into the downstream cleaning passage 62 and cleaning liquid substantially free of bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810. is there. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second injection form is an injection form in which air is sucked from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 and cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810. According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10, since the cleaning unit 100 includes the switch 600 for selecting these spraying modes, the user can select the spraying mode by operating the switch 600 with a hand having the cleaning unit 100. For this reason, the oral cavity cleaning device 10 can provide ease of use to the user.

  (2) The oral cavity cleaning device 10 sucks air from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 using the negative pressure of the pump 30. According to this configuration, there is a large room for setting the size of the apparatus to be small as compared with a case where a pump that supplies air to the cleaning passage 60 is provided separately from the pump 30 that discharges the cleaning liquid.

  (3) According to another form that the oral cavity cleaning device 10 can take, an intake passage having the same function as the intake passage 70 is connected to the upstream cleaning passage 61. In this other form, the air sucked into the upstream cleaning passage 61 is compressed by the pump 30 and discharged together with the cleaning liquid to the downstream cleaning passage 62, so that bubbles contained in the cleaning liquid flowing through the downstream cleaning passage 62 are reduced. For this reason, although the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800, there is a possibility that favorable stimulation is not given to the gums due to the small bubbles included in the cleaning liquid.

  On the other hand, according to the configuration of the above (2), since air is sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 on the downstream side of the pump 30, the cleaning liquid flowing through the downstream cleaning passage 62 is likely to contain larger bubbles than in the other embodiment. . For this reason, the cleaning liquid containing relatively large bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800, and the cleaning liquid tends to give favorable stimulation to the gums.

  (4) The oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 includes an intake passage 70 in the cleaning unit 100, and the intake passage 70 is connected to the downstream cleaning passage 62 in the cleaning unit 100. According to this configuration, for example, an intake passage having the same function as the intake passage 70 is formed in the main body 20, and the intake passage is connected to the downstream cleaning passage 62 in the cleaning unit 100, compared with the case where the main body 20 The room for simplifying the configuration increases. Moreover, the room which can set the size of the main body 20 small becomes large.

  (5) According to the configuration of the above (4), the distance from the opening of the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 is shortened, and the room for simplifying the configuration related to the intake passage 70 is increased. Further, the flow passage resistance of the intake passage 70 is smaller than that in the case where an intake passage having the same function as the intake passage 70 is formed in the main body 20.

  (6) The oral cavity cleaning device 10 includes an intake passage check valve 710. According to this configuration, the intake passage check valve 710 prevents the cleaning liquid flowing in the downstream cleaning passage 62 from being discharged from the intake passage 70 to the outside of the cleaning unit 100. For this reason, the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port 810 of the cleaning unit 100 is difficult to decrease. Further, the outer surface of the grip 200 or the user's hand holding the grip 200 is difficult to get wet.

  (7) The oral cavity cleaning device 10 includes a cleaning passage check valve 720. According to this configuration, the cleaning passage check valve 720 prevents the cleaning liquid or air existing downstream of the cleaning passage check valve 720 in the downstream cleaning passage 62 from flowing backward. Further, compared to the case where the cleaning passage check valve 720 is not present, the negative pressure acting on the intake passage 70 when the pump 30 performs the suction operation increases, and the air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 from the intake passage 70. The amount of increases.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 shows a pump 30 provided in the oral cavity cleaning device 10 according to the second embodiment. The pump 30 of this embodiment further includes the following configuration not explicitly described in the first embodiment. In addition, the element to which the same code | symbol as Embodiment 1 was attached | subjected is provided with the structure or function substantially the same as the corresponding element in Embodiment 1. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an example of the pump 30 is a positive displacement pump, a reciprocating pump of the positive displacement pump, and a piston pump of the reciprocating pump. In addition to the suction port 31 and the discharge port 32, the pump 30 includes a cylinder 33 having a pressurization chamber 34, a piston 35 disposed in the pressurization chamber 34, an upstream check valve 36 disposed in the suction port 31, and A downstream check valve 37 disposed at the discharge port 32 is further provided. The suction port 31 of the pump 30 is disposed below the tank 40.

  The output shaft of the motor 24 is connected to a motion conversion mechanism (not shown). The piston 35 is connected to the motion conversion mechanism, and reciprocates with respect to the cylinder 33 by the driving force of the motor 24 transmitted through the motion conversion mechanism. The suction operation of the pump 30 is an operation in which the piston 35 moves in the direction in which the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 increases, and the discharge operation of the pump 30 moves in the direction in which the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 decreases. Is the action.

  The upstream check valve 36 operates in a direction to open the suction port 31 when the pump 30 performs a suction operation, and operates in a direction to close the suction port 31 when the pump 30 performs a discharge operation. The downstream check valve 37 operates in a direction to close the discharge port 32 when the pump 30 performs a suction operation, and operates in a direction to open the discharge port 32 when the pump 30 performs a discharge operation.

The operation of the pump 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
FIG. 5A shows an example of a state in which the pump 30 performs a suction operation. By the suction operation of the pump 30, a negative pressure is generated in the pressurizing chamber 34, and the negative pressure in the pressurizing chamber 34 becomes the upstream check valve 36, the suction port 31, the downstream check valve 37, and the discharge port 32. Act on. Therefore, as indicated by the dotted arrows, the cleaning liquid in the tank 40 passes through the suction port 31 and is sucked into the pressurizing chamber 34. Further, the upstream check valve 36 operates in the valve opening direction, and the flow passage area of the suction port 31 gradually increases. Further, the downstream check valve 37 operates in the valve closing direction, and the flow passage area of the discharge port 32 gradually decreases. When the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 is increased to the first predetermined volume or in the process of increasing the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34, the downstream check valve 37 substantially controls the discharge port 32 as shown in FIG. 5A. Closed.

  During the period from when the downstream check valve 37 starts to operate in the valve closing direction to when the downstream check valve 37 substantially closes the discharge port 32, the negative pressure generated in the pressurizing chamber 34 is reduced to the downstream cleaning passage 62. , And the intake passage check valve 710 and the cleaning passage check valve 720 (see FIG. 3A).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the intake passage 70 is not closed by the switch 600, the intake passage check valve 710 opens the intake passage 70 by the suction operation of the pump 30, and the intake passage 70 moves to the downstream cleaning passage 62. Air is aspirated. On the other hand, since the washing passage check valve 720 closes the downstream washing passage 62, the washing passage check valve 720 prevents the washing liquid or air existing downstream from the washing passage check valve 720 from flowing backward. .

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a state in which the pump 30 performs a discharge operation. After the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 increases to the first predetermined volume, the piston 35 starts to move in a direction that decreases the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34. When the pump 30 is discharged, the cleaning liquid in the pressurizing chamber 34 is compressed by the piston 35, and the pressure of the cleaning liquid acts on the upstream check valve 36 and the downstream check valve 37. For this reason, the downstream check valve 37 operates in the valve opening direction, the flow passage area of the discharge port 32 gradually increases, and the downstream cleaning is performed from the pressurization chamber 34 through the discharge port 32 as indicated by the dotted arrows. A cleaning liquid is discharged into the passage 62. Further, the upstream check valve 36 operates in the valve closing direction, and the flow passage area of the suction port 31 gradually decreases. When the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 is reduced to the second predetermined volume or in the process of decreasing the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34, the upstream check valve 36 substantially closes the suction port 31 as shown in FIG. 5B. Closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the intake passage 70 is not closed by the switch 600, the cleaning liquid discharged to the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the discharge operation of the pump 30 and the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the suction operation of the pump 30 are sucked. The mixed air is mixed. For this reason, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800.

According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) obtained by the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the following effects are further obtained.
(8) The suction port 31 of the pump 30 is disposed below the tank 40. According to this configuration, when the pump 30 performs a suction operation, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the tank 40 to the pressurizing chamber 34 due to the negative pressure generated by the pump 30 and the weight of the cleaning liquid stored in the tank 40. For this reason, compared with the case where the inlet 31 of the pump 30 is arrange | positioned in the position different from the above, the flow of the washing | cleaning liquid from the tank 40 to the pump 30 is stabilized.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 shows the pump 30 of the oral cavity cleaning device 10 according to the third embodiment. The pump 30 of this embodiment further includes the following configuration not explicitly described in the first embodiment. In addition, the element to which the same code | symbol as Embodiment 2 was attached | subjected is provided with the structure or function substantially the same as the corresponding element in Embodiment 2. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, an example of the pump 30 is a positive displacement pump, a reciprocating pump of the positive displacement pump, and a piston pump of the reciprocating pump. The pump 30 has a configuration in which the downstream check valve 37 (see FIG. 4) is omitted from the pump 30 of the second embodiment.

The operation of the pump 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
FIG. 7A shows an example of a state in which the pump 30 performs a suction operation. The suction operation of the pump 30 generates a negative pressure in the pressurizing chamber 34, and the negative pressure in the pressurizing chamber 34 acts on the upstream check valve 36, the suction port 31, and the discharge port 32. Therefore, as indicated by the dotted arrows, the cleaning liquid in the tank 40 passes through the suction port 31 and is sucked into the pressurizing chamber 34. Further, the upstream check valve 36 operates in the valve opening direction, and the flow passage area of the suction port 31 gradually increases. The upstream check valve 36 maximizes the suction port 31 as shown in FIG. 7A when the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 is increased to the first predetermined volume or when the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 is increased. Open to the limit.

  The negative pressure generated in the pressurizing chamber 34 during the period from when the pump 30 begins to perform the suction operation to when the suction operation ends, causes the downstream cleaning passage 62, the intake passage check valve 710, and the cleaning passage check valve 720 ( (See FIG. 3A).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the intake passage 70 is not closed by the switch 600, the intake passage check valve 710 opens the intake passage 70 by the suction operation of the pump 30, and the intake passage 70 moves to the downstream cleaning passage 62. Air is aspirated. On the other hand, since the washing passage check valve 720 closes the downstream washing passage 62, the washing passage check valve 720 prevents the washing liquid or air existing downstream from the washing passage check valve 720 from flowing backward. .

  FIG. 7B shows an example of a state in which the pump 30 performs a discharge operation. After the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 increases to the first predetermined volume, the piston 35 starts to move in a direction that decreases the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34. As the pump 30 discharges, the cleaning liquid in the pressurizing chamber 34 is compressed by the piston 35, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the pressurizing chamber 34 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 through the discharge port 32 as indicated by the dotted arrows. . Further, since the pressure of the cleaning liquid acts on the upstream check valve 36, the upstream check valve 36 operates in the valve closing direction, and the flow passage area of the suction port 31 gradually decreases. When the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34 is reduced to the second predetermined volume or in the process of decreasing the volume of the pressurizing chamber 34, the upstream check valve 36 substantially closes the suction port 31 as shown in FIG. 7B. Closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the intake passage 70 is not closed by the switch 600, the cleaning liquid discharged to the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the discharge operation of the pump 30 and the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the suction operation of the pump 30 are sucked. The mixed air is mixed. For this reason, the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800.

According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) obtained by the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the following effects are further obtained.
(9) The oral cavity cleaning device 10 does not have a check valve at the discharge port 32 of the pump 30. According to this configuration, the negative pressure acting on the downstream cleaning passage 62 and the intake passage 70 is increased by the suction operation of the pump 30 as compared with the case where a check valve is present at the discharge port 32 of the pump 30. For this reason, the amount of air sucked from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 increases, and the cleaning liquid containing more bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8A shows the cleaning unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment. The cleaning unit 100 of this embodiment further includes the following configuration not explicitly described in the third embodiment. In addition, the element to which the same code | symbol as Embodiment 3 was attached | subjected is provided with the structure or function substantially the same as the corresponding element in Embodiment 3. FIG.

  The cleaning unit 100 has a cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 that opens or closes the internal passage 201 of the grip 200 that is a part of the downstream cleaning passage 62, and a force that pushes the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 in the valve opening direction. Further, an on-off valve spring (not shown) provided to 730 is further provided. The cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 is disposed on the upstream side of the passage connecting portion 63 in the downstream cleaning passage 62, and is a position where the downstream cleaning passage 62 is opened, and a position where the downstream cleaning passage 62 is closed. A closed passage position can be taken.

  The switch 600 includes a base 610 constituting a main body of the switch 600 and an arm 620 extending from the base 610. The arm 620 includes a valve contact portion 621 that is a portion that contacts the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730. The switch 600 serves to open or close the intake passage 70 and to change the position of the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730. The water stop position shown in FIG. 8A, the first water supply position shown in FIG. 8B, Alternatively, the second water supply position shown in FIG. 8C can be taken. The position of the switch 600 is set to one of the above positions when the user operates the switch 600.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the switch 600 takes the water stop position, the intake passage 70 is closed and the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 is pushed by the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620 to take the passage closed position. For this reason, even if the cleaning liquid is supplied to the cleaning unit 100 by the discharge operation of the pump 30, the flow of the cleaning liquid is stopped by the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730. For this reason, the cleaning liquid is not discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when the switch 600 takes the first water supply position, the intake passage 70 is closed, and the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 is not pushed in the valve closing direction by the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620, The passage is held in the open position by the force of the spring. For this reason, even if the pump 30 performs a suction operation, air is not substantially sucked from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62. On the other hand, when the pump 30 performs a discharge operation, the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 passes through the internal passage 201 of the cleaning unit 100 and is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800. That is, when the switch 600 takes the first water supply position, the cleaning unit 100 discharges the cleaning liquid in the first ejection form.

  As shown in FIG. 8C, when the switch 600 takes the second water supply position, the intake passage 70 is opened, and the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 is not pushed in the valve closing direction by the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620, The passage is held in the open position by the force of the spring. For this reason, air is sucked from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the suction operation of the pump 30. When the pump 30 performs a discharge operation, the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 and the air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the suction operation of the pump 30 are mixed, and the cleaning liquid containing bubbles is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800. It is discharged from. That is, when the switch 600 takes the second water supply position, the cleaning unit 100 discharges the cleaning liquid in the second ejection form.

According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) and (9) obtained by the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, the following effects are further obtained.
(10) According to the oral cavity cleaning device 10, three types of operation modes related to the cleaning unit 100 are switched by one switch 600. According to this structure, the room which can simplify the structure of the washing | cleaning unit 100 becomes large compared with the case where the some switch for switching the operation | movement form regarding the washing | cleaning unit 100 is provided. Moreover, the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 can provide a user with higher usability.

  (11) According to the oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10, the operation mode of the cleaning unit 100 is switched based on the structural relationship between the switch 600, the intake passage 70 and the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730. For this reason, the room which can simplify the structure of the washing | cleaning unit 100 becomes large compared with the case where the operation | movement form of the washing | cleaning unit 100 is switched by an electrical mechanism, for example.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the oral cavity cleaning device 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The oral cavity cleaning device 10 of this embodiment further includes the following configuration not explicitly described in the fourth embodiment. In addition, the element to which the same code | symbol as Embodiment 4 was attached | subjected is provided with the structure or function substantially the same as the corresponding element in Embodiment 4. FIG.

  The main body 20 of the oral cleaning device 10 is powered by a table 25 on which the cleaning unit 100 is placed, a dial 26 for the user to adjust the pressure of the cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning unit 100, and a power supply unit 23 (see FIG. 1). A power cord 27 is provided. The dial 26 also functions as a power switch for turning the power of the pump 30 on and off.

  The oral cleaning device 10 includes an attachment structure that allows the user to arbitrarily select a state in which the tank 40 is attached to the main body 20 and a state in which the tank 40 is removed from the main body 20. The cleaning unit 100 includes an attachment structure that allows the user to arbitrarily select a state in which the nozzle 800 is attached to the grip 200 and a state in which the nozzle 800 is removed from the grip 200. The grip 200 and the nozzle 800 have, for example, an elongated shape as illustrated.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective structure of the grip 200.
The grip 200 includes the downstream cleaning passage 62, the intake passage 70, the internal passage 201, the switch 600, the intake passage check valve 710, the cleaning passage check valve 720, the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730, and the like described above, as well as the following. It further includes a plurality of elements described in. The switch 600, the intake passage check valve 710, the cleaning passage check valve 720, and the cleaning passage on-off valve 730 shown in FIG. 10 are examples of specific forms that are modeled and shown in FIG. 8A. .

  The grip 200 includes a first case element 220, a second case element 230, a cap 240, and three caps that fix the first case element 220 and the second case element 230 to each other. The case fixing screw 250 is provided. The grip 200 further includes a flow path forming element 300 that forms an internal passage 201 (see FIG. 20A), a valve holding element 740 that is a pipe to which the cleaning passage check valve 720 is attached, and a connection portion 820 of the nozzle 800 (see FIG. 9) is provided.

  The grip 200 further includes a base 400 to which the intake passage check valve 710 and the like are attached, a filter 450 disposed on the intake passage 70 (see FIG. 20A), and a retaining ring 460 that fixes the filter 450 to the base 400. Prepare. The grip 200 further includes a first boss O-ring 401 attached to the outer periphery of the housing boss 410 of the base 400 and a second boss O-ring 402 attached to the outer periphery of the intake boss 420 of the base 400. .

  The grip 200 further includes a lever 500 that rotates with respect to the base 400 and a lid 540 that is attached to the lever 500 and opens or closes the intake passage 70 (see FIG. 20A). The grip 200 further includes a lever spring 550 that pushes the lever 500 so that the intake passage 70 is closed by the lid 540, and a cover 470 that covers the lever 500, the lid 540, and the filter 450 so as not to close the intake passage 70. Is provided.

  The grip 200 further includes four element fixing screws 760 for fixing the flow path forming element 300, the base 400, and the cover 470 to each other. In FIG. 10, for convenience, three element fixing screws 760 inserted into the cover 470 are displayed between the cover 470 and the base 400.

  The grip 200 further includes a check valve spring 721 that pushes the cleaning passage check valve 720 in the valve closing direction, and an on-off valve spring 733 that pushes the cleaning passage check valve 730 in the valve closing direction. The grip 200 further includes a nozzle O-ring 752 that is attached to the inner periphery of the discharge pipe 750 and seals a gap (see FIG. 20A) between the discharge pipe 750 and the connection portion 820 of the nozzle 800. The grip 200 further includes a pipe outer periphery O-ring 753 that is attached to the outer periphery of the discharge pipe 750 and seals a gap (see FIG. 20A) between the flow path forming element 300 and the discharge pipe 750.

  The grip 200 further includes a first valve O-ring 731 attached to the outer periphery of the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 and closing the internal passage 301 (see FIG. 20A) by being pressed against the wall surface of the flow path forming element 300. The grip 200 further includes a second valve O-ring 732 that is attached to the outer periphery of the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 and seals a gap (see FIG. 20A) between the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 and the flow path forming element 300.

FIG. 11 shows the back structure of the first case element 220.
The first case element 220 includes a case guide rib 221 for suppressing rattling when combined with the second case element 230 (see FIG. 12), and a tube guide rib for guiding the tube 50 (see FIG. 9). 222. The first case element 220 further includes two upper screw bosses 223 into which case fixing screws 250 (see FIG. 10) are screwed and one lower screw boss 224 into which the case fixing screws 250 are screwed.

  The first case element 220 further includes a switch placement portion 225, which is a recess corresponding to the shape of the base 610 (see FIG. 18A) of the switch 600, and a hole corresponding to the shape of the knob 630 (see FIG. 18A) of the switch 600. The window 226 is provided. The first case element 220 further includes a discharge pipe arrangement portion 227 that is a recess corresponding to the shape of the discharge pipe 750 (see FIG. 10), and a recess corresponding to the shape of the connection portion 820 (see FIG. 9) of the nozzle 800. The nozzle arrangement | positioning part 228 which is is provided. The first case element 220 further includes a click boss 229 in which peaks and valleys are formed so that the pair of click function elements 640 (see FIG. 18A) included in the switch 600 is deformed.

FIG. 12 shows the back structure of the second case element 230.
The second case element 230 includes a plurality of switch guide ribs 231 that guide the switch 600 (see FIG. 18A) and a tube guide rib 232 that guides the tube 50 (see FIG. 9). The second case element 230 further includes two upper screw bosses 233 into which case fixing screws 250 (see FIG. 10) are inserted, and a lower screw boss 234 into which the case fixing screws 250 are inserted.

  The second case element 230 further includes two intermediate screw bosses 235 into which the element fixing screws 760 (see FIG. 10) are screwed, and an arm arrangement that is a recess corresponding to the shape of the arm 620 (see FIG. 18A) of the switch 600. Part 236. The second case element 230 further includes a discharge pipe arrangement portion 237 that is a recess corresponding to the shape of the discharge pipe 750 (see FIG. 10), and a recess corresponding to the shape of the connection portion 820 (see FIG. 9) of the nozzle 800. The nozzle arrangement | positioning part 238 which is.

  13A shows a front structure of the flow path forming element 300, FIG. 13B shows a side structure of the flow path forming element 300, and FIG. 13C shows a cross-sectional structure of the flow path forming element 300 along the Z13C-Z13C line of FIG.

  The flow path forming element 300 includes an internal passage 301 that is a passage through which cleaning liquid and air flow, an element upstream portion 310 that forms each part of the internal passage 301, an element intermediate portion 320, and an element downstream portion 330. The internal passage 301 forms a main part of the internal passage 201 (see FIG. 20A) of the grip 200.

  The flow path forming element 300 further includes a tube connecting portion 340 to which the tube 50 (see FIG. 9) is connected, an on-off valve accommodating portion 350 in which the cleaning passage on-off valve 730 is disposed, and an intake passage 70 (see FIG. 20A). An air intake portion 360 to be formed is further provided. The flow path forming element 300 further includes a flange 370 into which the element fixing screw 760 (see FIG. 10) is inserted, an upper screw boss 380 into which the element fixing screw 760 is screwed, and a lower screw boss 390 into which the element fixing screw 760 is screwed. Prepare.

  The tube connecting portion 340 is formed so as to protrude from the element upstream portion 310. The on-off valve accommodating portion 350 is formed in a portion of the element intermediate portion 320 on the element upstream portion 310 side. The air intake portion 360 is formed in a portion of the element intermediate portion 320 on the element downstream portion 330 side. The flange 370 is formed between the on-off valve housing part 350 and the intake part 360. An upper screw boss 380 is formed in the element upstream portion 310. A lower screw boss 390 is formed in the element downstream portion 330.

  The flange 370 is formed with a screw insertion hole 371 into which the element fixing screw 760 (see FIG. 10) is inserted and a spring arrangement hole 372 in which the lever spring 550 (see FIG. 10) is arranged.

  14A shows the front structure of the base 400, FIG. 14B shows the back structure of the base 400, and FIG. 14C shows the side structure of the base 400. The base 400 corresponds to the shape of the housing boss 410 in which the on-off valve spring 733 (see FIG. 10) is disposed, the intake boss 420 and the intake portion 430 that form the intake passage 70 (see FIG. 20A), and the lever 500. The lever arrangement | positioning part 440 which is a recessed part is provided. The base 400 is formed with four screw insertion holes 403 into which the element fixing screws 760 (see FIG. 10) are inserted, and one spring insertion hole 404 into which the lever spring 550 is inserted.

  The intake boss 420 has a cylindrical shape, and a partition wall 421 is formed in a portion corresponding to one opening of the cylinder. An internal space 424 corresponding to the space in the cylinder constitutes a part of the intake passage 70 (see FIG. 20A). The partition wall 421 is formed with a plurality of intake holes 422 that also constitute a part of the intake passage 70 and a shaft insertion hole 423 into which the shaft 711 (see FIG. 15B) of the intake passage check valve 710 is inserted. According to the illustrated example, seven intake holes 422 are formed in the partition wall 421 so as to surround the shaft insertion hole 423. The intake portion 430 is formed with an intake hole 431 that communicates with the internal space 424 of the intake boss 420 and forms the intake passage 70 (see FIG. 20A). A filter 450 and a retaining ring 460 (see FIG. 10) are fitted into the intake hole 431.

  15A shows a planar structure of the intake passage check valve 710, FIG. 15B shows a front structure of the intake passage check valve 710, and FIG. 15C shows a cross-sectional structure of the intake passage check valve 710 along the Z15C-Z15C line in FIG. Indicates. The intake passage check valve 710 according to the fifth embodiment is an example that embodies the modeled intake passage check valve 710 according to the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 8A), and the intake passage check valve according to the fourth embodiment. It has approximately the same function as the valve 710.

  An example of the intake passage check valve 710 is an umbrella type, and is formed of a resin material having high elasticity. The intake passage check valve 710 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 423 (see FIG. 14A) of the intake boss 420, and the umbrella that opens or closes the shaft 711 fixed to the intake boss 420 and the intake hole 422 of the intake boss 420. 712. The umbrella 712 contacts the partition wall 421 of the intake boss 420 when the negative pressure is not applied, closes the intake hole 422, and moves away from the partition wall 421 when the negative pressure is applied, thereby opening the intake hole 422.

  16A shows a front structure of the lever 500 and the lid 540, FIG. 16B shows a rear structure of the lever 500 and the lid 540, and FIG. 16C shows a cross-sectional structure of the lever 500 and the lid 540 along the Z16C-Z16C line of FIG.

  The lever 500 is disposed on the first arm 510 that contacts the lever spring 550 (see FIG. 10), the second arm 520 to which the lid 540 is attached, and the lever arrangement portion 440 (see FIG. 14A) of the base 400. The shaft 530 is provided. The first arm 510 and the second arm 520 extend in directions opposite to each other with respect to the axis 530. The lid 540 has a shape corresponding to the intake hole 431 (see FIG. 14A) of the base 400, is fixed to the second arm 520, and opens or closes the intake hole 431 in conjunction with the rotation of the lever 500.

  By arranging the shaft 530 in the lever arrangement portion 440 (see FIG. 14A), the lever 500 can rotate relative to the base 400 with the shaft 530 as a fulcrum. When the first arm 510 is pushed to the base 400 side by the base 610 (see FIG. 18A) of the switch 600, the lid 540 moves away from the base 400 and opens the intake hole 431 (see FIG. 14A). On the other hand, when the first arm 510 is retracted to the base 610 side of the switch 600 by the force of the lever spring 550 (see FIG. 10) (see FIG. 20B), the lid 540 comes into contact with the base 400 and the intake hole. 431 (see FIG. 14A) is closed.

  17A shows the front structure of the cover 470, FIG. 17B shows the back structure of the cover 470, and FIG. 17C shows the side structure of the cover 470. The cover 470 includes a housing portion 471 that is a recess in which a part of the lever 500 and the lid 540 (see FIG. 16A) are disposed. The cover 470 has three screw insertion holes 472 into which the element fixing screws 760 are inserted.

  18A shows a front structure of the switch 600, FIG. 18B shows a side structure of the switch 600, and FIG. 18C shows a cross-sectional structure of the switch 600 along the Z18C-Z18C line of FIG. 18A.

  The switch 600 according to the fifth embodiment is an example in which the modeled switch 600 according to the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 8A) is embodied, and has a function similar to the function of the switch 600 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol provided to the element of these switches 600 means that the function with which the element is provided respond | corresponds mutually. Further, the elements of the switch 600 of the fifth embodiment can take various structures that are not explicitly shown in the switch 600 of the fourth embodiment within a range in which the function is realized.

  The switch 600 includes a base 610 having a vertically long shape, an arm 620 extending to the back side of the base 610 and curved in a U-shape, a knob 630 protruding from the front of the base 610, and a pair of clicks protruding from the lower end of the base 610 A functional element 640 is provided. The back surface of the base 610 has irregularities so that the first arm 510 (see FIG. 16C) of the lever 500 can be pushed to the base 400 side and the first arm 510 can be retracted to the base 610 side. It is formed.

  The flow path forming element 300 and the base 400 (see FIG. 10) are inserted into the inner space formed by the arm 620. The knob 630 protrudes from the window 226 (see FIG. 11) of the first case element 220 to the outside of the case 210 and can move relative to the case 210 in the window 226.

  The pair of click function elements 640 has a columnar shape with a circular portion formed at the tip, and sandwiches the click boss 229 (see FIG. 11) of the first case element 220 from both sides. When the switch 600 moves with respect to the first case element 220, the pair of click function elements 640 are deformed while contacting the click boss 229, and a force is generated when the deformed shape is restored. By transmitting the force generated by the pair of click function elements 640 to the knob 630, a click feeling is given to the user's hand.

  With reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 19, FIG. 20A, etc., a procedure for coupling the elements of the grip 200 will be described. FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional structure of the grip 200 and the nozzle 800 along the longitudinal center line of the grip 200 and the nozzle 800. 20A shows an enlarged cross-sectional structure of a part of the grip 200 shown in FIG. In addition, the description regarding the following coupling | bonding methods is an illustration, and it does not intend limiting the procedure in which the grip 200 is assembled.

  A check valve spring 721 is attached to the cleaning passage check valve 720 shown in FIG. 10, and the cleaning passage check valve 720 is attached to the valve holding element 740. As shown in FIG. 20A, the valve holding element 740 is fitted into the internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330 of the flow path forming element 300.

  By combining the elements in this manner, the check valve spring 721 is pressed against the wall surface of the element intermediate portion 320 of the flow path forming element 300 by the force of the check valve spring 721, and the check valve spring 721. Closes the internal passageway 301.

  A nozzle O-ring 752 is attached to the inner periphery of the discharge pipe 750 shown in FIG. 10, and a pipe outer periphery O-ring 753 is attached to the outer periphery of the discharge pipe 750. As shown in FIG. 20A, the discharge pipe 750 is fitted into the internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330 connected to the valve holding element 740.

  By combining the elements as described above, the valve holding element 740 is sandwiched between the inlet side portion of the discharge pipe 750 and the flow path forming element 300. A space between the outer periphery of the discharge pipe 750 and the inner periphery of the element downstream portion 330 of the flow path forming element 300 is sealed by a pipe outer periphery O-ring 753.

  A first valve O-ring 731, a second valve O-ring 732, and an opening / closing valve spring 733 are attached to the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 20A, the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 is inserted into the opening / closing valve accommodating portion 350 of the flow path forming element 300. Further, a lever spring 550 is arranged in the spring arrangement hole 372 of the flange 370 of the flow path forming element 300.

  As the elements are combined in this manner, the first valve O-ring 731 comes into contact with the inner surface of the on-off valve accommodating portion 350 and closes the internal passage 301 of the flow path forming element 300. Further, the second valve O-ring 732 is sealed between the inner surface of the on-off valve accommodating portion 350 and the outer periphery of the cleaning passage on-off valve 730.

  The first boss O-ring 401 is attached to the receiving boss 410 (see FIG. 14C) of the base 400 shown in FIG. 10, and the second boss O-ring 402 is attached to the intake boss 420 (see FIG. 14C). . Further, the shaft 711 (see FIG. 15B) of the intake passage check valve 710 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 423 (see FIG. 14B) of the partition wall 421 of the base 400. Further, a filter 450 is disposed in the intake hole 431 (see FIG. 14A) of the intake portion 430 of the base 400, and a retaining ring 460 is fitted into the intake hole 431 of the intake portion 430 so as to overlap the edge of the filter 450. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the base 400 to which the filter 450 and the retaining ring 460 are coupled is superposed on the flow path forming element 300. At this time, the housing boss 410 is fitted into the on-off valve housing portion 350 of the flow path forming element 300, and the intake boss 420 is fitted into the intake portion 360 of the flow path forming element 300.

  By combining the elements in this manner, a part of the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 and the opening / closing valve spring 733 are accommodated in the accommodation boss 410. Therefore, the on-off valve spring 733 is compressed between the base 400 and the cleaning passage on-off valve 730, and the first valve O-ring 731 attached to the cleaning passage on-off valve 730 is used as the wall surface of the on-off valve housing portion 350. Strongly pressed against. The space between the outer periphery of the housing boss 410 and the inner periphery of the on-off valve housing portion 350 is sealed by the first boss O-ring 401. In addition, the intake passage check valve 710 is accommodated in the intake portion 360 of the flow path forming element 300, and the space between the outer periphery of the intake boss 420 and the inner periphery of the intake portion 360 is sealed by the second boss O-ring 402. . Further, the end of the lever spring 550 arranged in the spring arrangement hole 372 of the flow path forming element 300 protrudes from the spring insertion hole 404 of the base 400.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, a lever 500 having a lid 540 fixed thereto is arranged on a base 400 that is overlapped with the flow path forming element 300, and an end of a lever spring 550 protruding from the base 400 is a lever. The first arm 510 of 500 is fitted. Further, a cover 470 shown in FIG. 10 is overlaid on the base 400 so as to cover the lid 540 and the lever 500.

  One element fixing screw 760 shown in FIG. 10 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 472 (see FIG. 17A) of the cover 470 and the screw insertion hole 403 (see FIG. 14A) of the base 400, and the flow path forming element 300 is screwed into the upper screw boss 380 (see FIG. 13A). Further, another element fixing screw 760 shown in FIG. 10 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 403 (see FIG. 14A) of the base 400, and the lower screw boss 390 (see FIG. 13A) of the flow path forming element 300. Screwed into. By screwing these two element fixing screws 760 into the corresponding bosses, the base 400 is fixed to the flow path forming element 300 as shown in FIG. 20A.

  Further, another two element fixing screws 760 shown in FIG. 10 are formed by screw insertion holes 472 (see FIG. 17A) of the cover 470, screw insertion holes 403 (see FIG. 14A) of the base 400, and flow path formation. It is inserted into the screw insertion hole 371 (see FIG. 13A) of the element 300. These element fixing screws 760 are screwed into the intermediate screw boss 235 (see FIG. 12) of the second case element 230. When these two element fixing screws 760 are screwed into the corresponding bosses, the flow path forming element 300 is fixed to the second case element 230 as shown in FIG. 20A.

  The switch 600 is connected to the flow path forming element 300 and the base so that a part of the flow path forming element 300 and the base 400 is inserted into the space inside the arm 620 of the switch 600 shown in FIG. 10 (see FIG. 18C). Combined with the base 400.

  By combining the elements in this manner, the base 610 of the switch 600 is disposed on the front side of the cover 470 and the lever 500 as shown in FIG. 20A, and the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620 is the second case element. 230 and the flow path forming element 300. Further, the back surface of the base 610 comes into contact with the first arm 510 of the lever 500, the first arm 510 is pushed toward the base 400, and the lid 540 is separated from the intake portion 430 of the base 400. Note that the rotation position of the lever 500 changes according to the position of the switch 600 in the longitudinal direction of the flow path forming element 300 and the like, and the switch 600 is combined with the flow path forming element 300 and the like so as to take a rotation position different from the above. Sometimes.

  The tube 50 shown in FIG. 9 is connected to the tube connecting portion 340 (see FIG. 13A). As shown in FIG. 19, the tube 50 extends from the notch of the second case element 230 to the outside of the second case element 230. Be drawn around.

  The first case element 220 shown in FIG. 10 is superimposed on the second case element 230. The two case fixing screws 250 shown in FIG. 10 are inserted into the upper screw boss 233 (see FIG. 12) of the second case element 230, and the upper screw boss 223 (see FIG. 11) of the first case element 220 is inserted. Screwed. Further, another case fixing screw 250 shown in FIG. 10 is inserted into the lower screw boss 234 (see FIG. 12) of the second case element 230, and the lower screw boss 224 (see FIG. 12) of the first case element 220 is inserted. 11). Further, the cap 240 shown in FIG. 10 is fitted into the upper portions of the first case element 220 and the second case element 230 fixed by the case fixing screw 250.

  By combining the elements in this manner, a case 210 is formed as shown in FIG. 20A, and each of the flow path forming element 300, the base 400, the switch 600 and the like is placed in the space inside the case 210. The elements are housed and the grip 200 is assembled. The knob 630 of the switch 600 protrudes outside the case 210 from the window 226 of the first case element 220.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the connection portion 820 of the nozzle 800 is inserted into the cap 240 and the discharge pipe 750 of the grip 200, and the flange 830 of the nozzle 800 is abutted against the cap 240. Thus, the cleaning unit 100 is assembled by combining the elements.

The downstream cleaning passage 62 and the intake passage 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 20A.
The cleaning unit 100 includes a part of the downstream cleaning passage 62. The downstream cleaning passage 62 includes an internal passage 201 of the grip 200 and an internal passage 801 of the nozzle 800. The internal passage 201 of the grip 200 includes an internal passage 301 of the tube connecting portion 340 and the element upstream portion 310, an internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, an internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330, and an internal passage 751 of the discharge pipe 750. Including. The internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320 includes the internal passage 301 of the on-off valve housing portion 350 in which the cleaning passage on-off valve 730 is disposed. The internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330 includes a passage formed inside the valve holding element 740.

  The cleaning unit 100 includes an intake passage 70. The intake passage 70 includes a space around the cover 470 in the case 210, a space inside the cover 470, and an intake hole 431, an internal space 424, and an intake hole 422 of the base 400. The intake passage 70 further includes a space of the intake portion 360 of the flow path forming element 300 and an intake hole 361. A portion where the intake hole 361 communicates with the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320 corresponds to the passage connecting portion 63.

  The intake passage check valve 710 is disposed on the intake passage 70 by being attached to the intake boss 420 of the base 400. By closing or opening the intake hole 422 of the base 400 by the intake passage check valve 710, the intake passage 70 is closed or opened.

  The cleaning passage check valve 720 is attached to the valve holding element 740 and disposed in the internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330, so that the cleaning passage check valve 720 is disposed downstream of the passage connection portion 63 in the downstream cleaning passage 62. By closing or opening the internal passage 301 by the cleaning passage check valve 720, the downstream cleaning passage 62 is closed or opened on the downstream side of the passage connecting portion 63.

  The cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 is disposed on the upstream side of the passage connecting portion 63 in the downstream cleaning passage 62 by being disposed in the opening / closing valve accommodating portion 350 of the flow path forming element 300. By closing or opening the internal passage 301 by the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730, the downstream cleaning passage 62 is closed or opened upstream of the passage connection portion 63.

The operation of the cleaning unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 20C.
When the knob 630 of the switch 600 is operated by the user, the position of the switch 600 with respect to the case 210 is the water stop position shown in FIG. 20A, the first water supply position shown in FIG. 20B, or the first water supply position shown in FIG. It changes to 2 water supply position.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the position of the knob 630 in the window 226 is set to the lower position, so that the switch 600 takes the water stop position. When the position of the knob 630 in the window 226 is pushed up from the lower position to the intermediate position, the position of the switch 600 changes from the water stop position to the second water supply position shown in FIG. 20C. When the position of the knob 630 in the window 226 is pushed up from the middle position to the upper position, the position of the switch 600 changes from the second water supply position to the first water supply position shown in FIG. 20B.

  When the position of the switch 600 changes from the water stop position shown in FIG. 20A to the second water supply position shown in FIG. 20C, the pair of click function elements 640 (see FIG. (See Figure 11) Then, after the pair of click function elements 640 climbs over the mountain of the click boss 229, the pair of click function elements 640 move to the valley of the click boss 229 while restoring the original shape. For this reason, the click function element 640 generates a force as it is restored, and this force is transmitted to the knob 630, giving a click feeling to the user's hand holding the knob 630. Even when the position of the switch 600 changes from the second water supply position shown in FIG. 20C to the water stop position shown in FIG. 20A, the click function element 640 generates a force accompanying the restoration in the same manner as described above, and the knob A click feeling is given to the user's hand via 630.

  When the position of the switch 600 changes from the second water supply position shown in FIG. 20C to the first water supply position shown in FIG. 20B, the pair of click function elements 640 (see FIG. 18A) is deformed and the click boss 229 Get over the mountain (see Figure 11). Then, after the pair of click function elements 640 have climbed over the mountain of the click boss 229, the pair of click function elements 640 move to the foot of the mountain of the click boss 229 while restoring the original shape. For this reason, the click function element 640 generates a force as it is restored, and this force is transmitted to the knob 630, giving a click feeling to the user's hand holding the knob 630. Even when the position of the switch 600 changes from the first water supply position shown in FIG. 20B to the second water supply position shown in FIG. 20C, the click function element 640 generates a force accompanying the restoration in the same manner as described above. A click feeling is given to the user's hand through the knob 630.

  When the switch 600 takes the water stop position as shown in FIG. 20A, the first arm 510 is pushed toward the base 400 by the convex portion of the base 610, so that the lid 540 is separated from the air intake part 430 of the base 400. Thus, the intake passage 70 is opened. When no negative pressure acts on the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, the umbrella 712 of the intake passage check valve 710 contacts the partition wall 421 of the base 400 and closes the intake hole 422.

  Further, the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620 contacts the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 with a force that does not move the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 in the valve opening direction, and the force of the opening / closing valve spring 733 causes the first valve O-ring. 731 is pressed against the wall surface of the on-off valve housing part 350. Therefore, the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 closes the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, and the downstream cleaning passage 62 is closed at the grip 200.

  When the pressure of the cleaning liquid is not applied to the cleaning passage check valve 720 from the upstream side of the downstream cleaning passage 62, the cleaning passage check valve 720 is applied to the wall surface of the element downstream portion 330 by the force of the check valve spring 721. Pressed. For this reason, the cleaning passage check valve 720 closes the internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330 and the downstream cleaning passage 62 is closed at the grip 200.

  When the switch 600 takes the water stop position, the cleaning liquid is not discharged from the discharge port 810 (see FIG. 9) of the nozzle 800 even if the cleaning liquid is supplied to the downstream cleaning passage 62 by the discharge operation of the pump 30 (see FIG. 1).

  When the switch 600 takes the first water supply position as shown in FIG. 20B, the base 610 does not push the first arm 510 toward the base 400, and the first arm 510 is moved to the base by the force of the lever spring 550. Retreats from the recess 400 of the base 610 away from 400. On the other hand, the lid 540 is pressed against the intake portion 430 of the base 400 by the force of the lever spring 550, and the intake passage 431 is closed by the lid 540 closing the intake hole 431. When no negative pressure is applied to the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, the umbrella 712 of the intake passage check valve 710 comes into contact with the partition wall 421 of the base 400 and closes the intake hole 422.

  Further, the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620 moves the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 in the valve opening direction against the force of the opening / closing valve spring 733, whereby the first valve O-ring 731 is moved to the opening / closing valve housing portion 350. Get away from the wall. Therefore, the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 opens the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, and the downstream cleaning passage 62 is opened.

  When the switch 600 takes the first water supply position, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port 810 (see FIG. 9) of the nozzle 800 as follows in accordance with the suction operation and the discharge operation of the pump 30 (see FIG. 1). .

  When the pump 30 performs a suction operation, the negative pressure generated in the pressurizing chamber 34 (see FIG. 6) acts on the downstream cleaning passage 62, the intake passage check valve 710, and the cleaning passage check valve 720. On the other hand, since the intake passage 70 is closed by the lid 540, the intake passage check valve 710 is not separated from the partition wall 421 of the base 400, and the state where the intake hole 422 is closed by the intake passage check valve 710 is maintained. The For this reason, air is not substantially sucked from the intake passage 70 into the downstream cleaning passage 62. Further, since the internal passage 301 is closed by the cleaning passage check valve 720, the cleaning passage check valve 720 prevents the cleaning liquid or air existing downstream from the cleaning passage check valve 720 from flowing backward.

  When the pump 30 performs a discharge operation, the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 to the tube 50 flows through the internal passage 301 of the flow path forming element 300 in the order of the tube connection part 340, the element upstream part 310, and the element intermediate part 320. Therefore, the pressure of the cleaning liquid acts on the cleaning passage check valve 720, and the cleaning passage check valve 720 opens the internal passage 301 by the pressure, and the cleaning fluid flows from the element intermediate portion 320 to the element downstream portion 330. Further, since the intake hole 422 of the base 400 is closed by the intake passage check valve 710, the intake passage check valve 710 prevents the cleaning liquid flowing through the element intermediate portion 320 from flowing into the intake hole 422.

  The cleaning liquid that has passed through the cleaning passage check valve 720 flows into the internal passage 801 of the nozzle 800 from the internal passage 301 of the flow path forming element 300 that is a part of the internal passage 201 of the grip 200, and the discharge port 810 (see FIG. 9)). Since the air is not substantially sucked from the intake passage 70 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 when the pump 30 performs the suction operation, the cleaning liquid is not substantially mixed with the air in the internal passage 201 of the grip 200 when the pump 30 performs the discharge operation. For this reason, the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port 810 substantially does not contain bubbles.

  When the switch 600 takes the second water supply position as shown in FIG. 20C, the first arm 510 is pushed to the base 400 side by the convex portion of the base 610, so that the lid 540 is in the intake portion 430 of the base 400. The intake passage 70 is opened away from the vehicle. When no negative pressure acts on the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, the umbrella 712 of the intake passage check valve 710 contacts the partition wall 421 of the base 400 and closes the intake hole 422.

  Further, the valve contact portion 621 of the arm 620 moves the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 in the valve opening direction against the force of the opening / closing valve spring 733, whereby the first valve O-ring 731 is moved to the opening / closing valve housing portion 350. Get away from the wall. Therefore, the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730 opens the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320, and the downstream cleaning passage 62 is opened.

  When the switch 600 takes the second water supply position, the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge port 810 (see FIG. 9) of the nozzle 800 as follows in accordance with the suction operation and discharge operation of the pump 30 (see FIG. 1). .

  When the pump 30 performs a suction operation, the negative pressure generated in the pressurizing chamber 34 (see FIG. 6) acts on the downstream cleaning passage 62, the intake passage check valve 710, and the cleaning passage check valve 720. When the switch 600 takes the second water supply position, a state in which the air inside the cover 470 can be sucked into the intake hole 431 of the intake portion 430 is formed because the lid 540 does not close the intake passage 70. Yes.

  For this reason, the intake passage check valve 710 is separated from the partition wall 421 of the base 400 by the negative pressure acting on the intake passage check valve 710, and the intake passage 702 is opened by opening the intake hole 422. Then, air is sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62.

  On the other hand, since the internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330 is closed by the cleaning passage check valve 720, the cleaning passage check valve may prevent the cleaning liquid or air existing downstream from the cleaning passage check valve 720. Blocked by 720.

  When the pump 30 performs a discharge operation, the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 to the tube 50 flows through the internal passage 301 of the flow path forming element 300 in the order of the tube connection part 340, the element upstream part 310, and the element intermediate part 320. The cleaning liquid discharged from the pump 30 and flowing through the internal passage 301 of the flow path forming element 300 that is a part of the downstream cleaning passage 62 is sucked from the intake passage 70 into the internal passage 301 of the element intermediate portion 320 by the suction operation of the pump 30. Is mixed with the air and reaches the cleaning passage check valve 720. Therefore, the pressure of the cleaning liquid acts on the cleaning passage check valve 720, and the cleaning passage check valve 720 opens the internal passage 301 of the element downstream portion 330 due to the pressure, and the cleaning fluid flows from the element intermediate portion 320 to the element downstream portion 330. Flowing into.

  The cleaning liquid containing bubbles passing through the cleaning passage check valve 720 flows into the internal passage 801 of the nozzle 800 from the internal passage 301 of the flow path forming element 300 that is a part of the internal passage 201 of the grip 200, and the discharge port of the nozzle 800. It is discharged vigorously from 810 (see FIG. 9).

  Note that the amount of air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 from the intake passage 70 can be adjusted by various parameters related to each component of the oral cavity cleaning device 10. The various parameters include, for example, the diameter of the cylinder 33 (see FIG. 6), the stroke of the piston 35 (see FIG. 6), the presence or absence of a check valve at the discharge port 32 of the pump 30 (see FIG. 6), and the downstream cleaning passage. Includes 62 lengths. The various parameters described above further include the flow path area of the downstream cleaning passage 62, the hardness of the tube 50 (see FIG. 9), the flow path area of the intake passage 70, the presence / absence of the cleaning passage check valve 720, the cleaning passage check valve 720 It includes the placement location and the roughness of the filter 450.

According to the oral cavity cleaning device 10 of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) and (9) obtained by the oral cavity cleaning device 10 of the fourth embodiment, the following effects are further obtained.
(10) The cleaning unit 100 includes a filter 450 in the intake passage 70. According to this configuration, the filter 450 prevents foreign matter from entering the downstream cleaning passage 62 from the outside of the cleaning unit 100 through the intake passage 70. For this reason, the possibility that the cleaning liquid containing the foreign matter is discharged from the discharge port 810 of the nozzle 800 or the possibility that the foreign matter is clogged in the downstream cleaning passage 62 is reduced.

  (11) The cleaning unit 100 includes a cover 470. According to this configuration, the cover 470 may prevent the moisture or the like that has entered from the outside of the cleaning unit 100 from entering the intake portion 430 of the base 400. For this reason, it is difficult for moisture including foreign matter or dirt to enter the downstream cleaning passage 62. In addition, a decrease in the amount of air sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 from the intake passage 70 as moisture or the like enters the intake portion 430 of the base 400 is suppressed.

(Modification)
The description regarding each embodiment is an illustration of the form which the mouth-cleaning apparatus of this invention can take, and it does not intend restrict | limiting the form. The oral cavity cleaning device of the present invention can take, for example, modifications of each embodiment shown below in addition to each embodiment.

-The oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of Embodiment 1 is provided with the intake passage 70 which connects the space inside the case 210 and the internal passage 201 of the grip 200.
The oral cavity cleaning device 10 according to the modification of the second embodiment includes a configuration related to the switch 600 of the fourth embodiment and a cleaning passage on / off valve 730 having the same function as the cleaning passage on / off valve 730 of the fourth embodiment. .

  -The oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of Embodiment 5 is provided with a structure in which the lever 500 and the lid 540 are omitted, and the intake passage 70 is directly opened or closed by the switch 600 instead of these elements.

  -The oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of Embodiment 5 is provided with a 1st switch and a 2nd switch instead of the switch 600 for switching the three types of operation states regarding the cleaning unit 100. The first switch has a role of switching a state related to opening and closing of the downstream cleaning passage 62 by changing the position of the cleaning passage opening / closing valve 730. The second switch has a role for switching a state related to opening and closing of the intake passage 70 by changing the rotational position of the lever 500.

  The oral cleaning device 10 according to the modification of the fifth embodiment sucks air from the main body 20 to the downstream cleaning passage 62 of the grip 200 instead of the structure of sucking air from the space inside the grip 200 to the downstream cleaning passage 62. It has a structure to do. The oral cleaning device 10 includes, for example, a connection portion formed on the main body 20 and an intake tube connected to a connection portion formed on the cleaning unit 100.

  The main body 20 includes an intake passage (hereinafter referred to as “intake passage of the main body 20”) that communicates the space inside the main body 20 or the outside of the main body 20 and the connection portion of the main body 20. The intake tube includes an intake passage for supplying air from the connection portion of the main body 20 to the connection portion of the cleaning unit 100 (hereinafter referred to as “intake passage of the intake tube”). The cleaning unit 100 includes an intake passage (hereinafter referred to as “the intake passage of the cleaning unit 100”) that communicates the connecting portion of the cleaning unit 100 with the downstream cleaning passage 62.

  The intake passage of the cleaning unit 100 is formed inside the cover 470, for example, and is separated from the space around the cover 470 in the case 210 by the cover 470. The intake passage check valve 710 is disposed on the intake passage of the cleaning unit 100. The switch 600 and the lever 500 have a structure for opening or closing the intake passage of the cleaning unit 100 according to a structure for opening or closing the intake passage 70.

  According to the oral cleaning device 10, when the intake passage of the cleaning unit 100 is opened by setting the switch 600, air is sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62 by substantially the same operation as the oral cleaning device 10 of the fifth embodiment. The On the other hand, when the intake passage of the cleaning unit 100 is closed by the setting of the switch 600, air is not substantially sucked into the downstream cleaning passage 62.

  The oral cleaning device 10 including the intake tube and the like further includes a manual or electric air pump that discharges air into the intake passage of the main body 20. For example, the electric air pump operates in conjunction with the pump 30. The oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 including an electric air pump further includes an electric switch for turning on or off the air pump in the cleaning unit 100.

  The oral cleaning device 10 including the intake tube and the like further includes a main body electric actuator for opening or closing the intake passage of the main body 20 and a main body switch for outputting a signal for operating the electric actuator. Prepare. The main body switch is included in the cleaning unit 100. The main body electric actuator opens or closes the intake passage of the main body 20 in accordance with the operation of the main body switch.

  The oral cavity cleaning device 10 according to the modification of the fifth embodiment includes a structure for sucking air into the cleaning passage 60 of the main body 20 instead of the structure for sucking air from the space inside the grip 200 into the downstream cleaning passage 62. . The oral cleaning device 10 includes an intake passage formed in the main body 20 (hereinafter, “second intake passage of the main body 20”), and a main body check valve that opens or closes the second intake passage of the main body 20. Prepare. The oral cleaning device 10 further includes a main body electric actuator that opens or closes the second intake passage of the main body 20 and a main body switch that outputs a signal for operating the electric actuator. The main body switch is included in the cleaning unit 100. The main body electric actuator opens or closes the second intake passage of the main body 20 according to the operation of the main body switch.

  The second intake passage of the main body 20 can take one of the following three types, for example. The intake passage taking the first form communicates the space inside the main body 20 or the outside of the main body 20 with the downstream cleaning passage 62 included in the main body 20. The intake passage taking the second form communicates the space inside the main body 20 or the outside of the main body 20 with the upstream cleaning passage 61 included in the main body 20. The intake passage taking the third form communicates the space inside the main body 20 or the outside of the main body 20 with the pressurizing chamber 34 of the pump 30.

  -The oral cavity cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of Embodiment 5 is provided with the electric actuator for inspiration which rotates the lever 500, and the switch for inhalation which outputs the signal for operating the electric actuator. An intake electric actuator and an intake switch are included in the cleaning unit 100. The intake electric actuator opens or closes the intake passage 70 by rotating the lever 500 according to the operation of the intake switch.

  The oral cleaning device 10 including the intake electric actuator and the like further includes an on / off valve electric actuator for driving the cleaning passage on / off valve 730, and an on / off valve switch for outputting a signal for operating the electric actuator Is provided. The on-off valve switch is included in the cleaning unit 100 or the main body 20. The on-off valve electric actuator opens or closes the downstream cleaning passage 62 by moving the cleaning passage on-off valve 730 in accordance with the operation of the on-off valve switch. Note that the oral cavity cleaning device 10 of this modification may be configured such that the on / off valve switch is omitted and the intake switch also serves as the on / off valve switch.

  The oral cavity cleaning device 10 including the above-described intake electric actuator or the like further includes an opening / closing element that is driven by the intake electric actuator instead of the lever 500. An example of the opening / closing element is a solenoid valve. The intake electric actuator opens or closes the intake passage 70 by driving an opening / closing element in accordance with the operation of the intake switch.

-The oral cavity washing | cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of each embodiment, or the oral cavity washing | cleaning apparatus 10 provided with the said 1st switch and 2nd switch is provided with a button type switch.
-The oral cavity washing | cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of each embodiment is provided with the structure where at least one of the main body 20 and the washing | cleaning unit 100, and the tube 50 were integrated.

-The oral cavity washing | cleaning apparatus 10 of the modification of each embodiment is equipped with the structure where the main body 20 and the tank 40 were integrated.
The pump 30 can take a variety of forms. According to an example, the pump 30 is a positive displacement pump, a reciprocating pump of the positive displacement pump, and a plunger pump or a diaphragm pump of the reciprocating pump. According to another example, the pump 30 is a positive displacement pump, a rotary pump of the positive displacement pump, and is a gear pump, a vane pump, or a screw pump.

  The detailed description above is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, each of the above-described embodiments, or one or a plurality of modifications, includes room for being combined with each other as necessary. Technical features or subject matter of the present disclosure may be present in fewer than all features of a particular embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the present disclosure is determined based on both the rights conferred by the claims and the full scope of equivalents thereof.

  The present invention can be used for various types of oral cleaning devices used in homes, medical institutions, or similar environments.

10: Oral cleaning device 20: Main body 30: Pump 31: Suction port 32: Discharge port 40: Tank 50: Tube 60: Cleaning passage 61: Upstream cleaning passage 62: Downstream cleaning passage 63: Passage connection portion 70: Intake passage 100: Cleaning unit 600: Switch 710: Intake passage check valve 720: Cleaning passage check valve 800: Nozzle 810: Discharge port

Claims (4)

A tank for storing cleaning liquid;
A main body to which the tank is attached or a main body including the tank;
A cleaning unit comprising a discharge port for discharging the cleaning liquid;
A tube connecting the main body and the cleaning unit;
A cleaning passage formed in the main body, the tube, and the cleaning unit and communicating the tank and the discharge port;
A pump for discharging the cleaning liquid stored in the tank to the tube;
An intake passage for supplying air to the cleaning passage;
A switch attached to the cleaning unit and opening or closing the intake passage;
The pump is a positive displacement pump that sucks the cleaning liquid stored in the tank by a negative pressure and discharges the sucked cleaning liquid to the tube.
The intake passage is connected to a downstream cleaning passage which is a portion of the cleaning passage on the downstream side of the pump so that air is sucked into the cleaning passage by a negative pressure generated by the pump,
The downstream cleaning passage is disposed on the downstream side of the passage connecting portion, which is a portion to which the intake passage is connected in the downstream cleaning passage, and in the vicinity of the passage connecting portion, and the downstream cleaning passage is disposed when the pump generates a negative pressure. An oral cleaning device further comprising a cleaning passage check valve for closing. The oral cavity cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the intake passage is formed in the cleaning unit, and is connected to the downstream cleaning passage in the cleaning unit. The oral cavity cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising an intake passage check valve that closes the intake passage when the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump flows through the downstream cleaning passage. The oral cavity cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a check valve is not present at a discharge port of the pump.