JP7188048B2 - bathtub cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bathtub cleaning device.

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

JP 2013-9853 A

The above-described prior art is of a recovery type in which the detergent water sprayed from the nozzle into the bathtub is collected and the collected detergent water is sprayed from the nozzle again into the bathtub. As a result, the amount of detergent water consumed can be reduced while the entire inside of the bathtub can be washed.

However, in such a collection type configuration, when the detergent water sprayed from the nozzle into the bathtub is collected, if even a small amount of air gets mixed in, the detergent water foams, and the bubbles enter the water storage tank. put away. If there are bubbles in the water storage tank, when the collected detergent water is sprayed into the bathtub again, the bubbles will be involved, and the detergent water will not be sprayed well from the nozzle, resulting in poor cleaning of the bathtub. There is In addition, when the detergent water foams, the amount of detergent water that can be circulated between the bathtub and the water storage tank decreases, so there is a problem that the collected detergent water cannot be effectively used.

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

A first invention comprises a detergent tank for storing detergent, a detergent mixing section for mixing detergent supplied from the detergent tank and water supplied from a water supply source to generate detergent water, and an inner wall surface of a bathtub. a cleaning nozzle for injecting the detergent water; a recovery channel connected to the inner wall surface of the bathtub for recovering the detergent water ejected from the cleaning nozzle; a recovery unit capable of storing water; a cleaning channel connecting the recovery unit and the cleaning nozzle; and a cleaning channel provided in the cleaning channel for supplying the detergent water stored in the recovery unit to the cleaning nozzle. 1 pump, and the recovery unit has defoaming means for eliminating foam existing in the recovery unit.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the defoaming means is provided, when the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub is collected, air is mixed to generate bubbles, and the collected detergent water flows into the collection unit. Even if bubbles are generated at that time, the generated bubbles can be liquefied by the defoaming means. As a result, it is possible to prevent washing of the bathtub from being defective due to improper injection of washing water from the washing nozzle. In addition, since the foamed detergent water can be returned to the liquid state, the collected washing water can be effectively used. Therefore, by adopting the recovery type, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the cleaning performance while suppressing the consumption of the cleaning water.

Here, the defoaming means can be realized, for example, by installing a projection structure such as a brush or a mesh structure, or by rotating these structures with a rotating mechanism. Defoaming can also be achieved by using a defoaming agent made of a material having a surface tension smaller than that of projecting microparticles or detergent water. When this antifoaming agent is used, it is preferable to use one that can be easily separated from the detergent water. Furthermore, without using an antifoaming agent, it is also possible to partially reduce the surface tension of the foam and eliminate the foam by ejecting separately supplied water or the like onto the foam.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the detergent mixing section is a detergent mixing tank capable of storing the detergent water, the recovery section is provided in the detergent mixing tank, and the defoaming means comprises: It has a recovery port to which the recovery channel is connected, and a partition wall forming a recovery-side space that communicates with the recovery port, and is configured to eliminate bubbles inside the recovery-side space. This bathtub cleaning device is characterized by:

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the recovery side space having a predetermined volume is provided for the purpose of defoaming, even if bubbles are generated when the detergent water is recovered, the generated bubbles can be efficiently removed by the space. It can be liquefied. In particular, defoaming can be performed more efficiently by setting the volume of the recovery-side space to be small.

In a third invention, in the second invention, the defoaming means serves to defoam the foam present in the recovery side space by causing the detergent water supplied from the recovery port to flow downward from above. The bathtub cleaning device is characterized in that the recovery port is provided above the recovery side space so as to do.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, the recovery channel and the detergent mixing tank are connected so that the detergent water supplied from the recovery channel flows downward from above, thereby defoaming bubbles in the recovery-side space. A recovery port, which is a part, is arranged above the recovery side space. Therefore, the detergent water collected through the collection channel collides with the bubbles existing in the collection side space from above, and the membrane is broken by applying energy exceeding the surface tension of the detergent water forming the bubbles. , can be defoamed. Therefore, while recovering the detergent water, the bubbles generated during the recovery of the detergent water can be liquefied.

In a fourth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the partition wall suppresses passage of the foam stored in the recovery-side space and prevents passage of the detergent water flowing out into the recovery-side space. The bathtub cleaning device is characterized in that it is provided with a passage for permitting.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the partition wall has the passing portion, the detergent water can be collected while separating the foam from the liquid (detergent water). Therefore, the collected detergent water can be ejected from the washing nozzle more quickly than in the case where the passing portion is not provided. That is, since the cleaning time can be shortened while defoaming, the bathtub can be cleaned efficiently.

A fifth aspect of the invention is the bathtub cleaning device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the passage portion is a filter that permits passage of the detergent water and blocks passage of the foam.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the passage portion is a filter, the passage portion can be configured with a simple configuration.

A sixth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the second to fifth inventions, the recovery port is provided at a position shifted from the central portion of the recovery side space toward the side wall of the partition wall. It is a bathtub cleaning device that

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the recovery port is provided at the side wall of the partition wall, the detergent water liquid recovered through the recovery channel is turned into bubbles that tend to collect on the inner surface side of the partition wall. Easier to clash effectively. Therefore, even if bubbles are generated when collecting the detergent water, the generated bubbles can be liquefied more efficiently.

A seventh invention is the bathtub cleaning device according to any one of the second to sixth inventions, wherein the recovery port is provided at the uppermost part of the partition wall.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, since the recovery port is provided at the uppermost part of the partition wall, the detergent water recovered through the recovery channel can more reliably collide with the foam. Therefore, even if bubbles are generated when collecting the detergent water, the generated bubbles can be liquefied more efficiently.

According to an eighth invention, in any one of the second to seventh inventions, the partition wall forms the collection side space by partitioning the interior of the detergent mixing tank in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. It is a bathtub cleaning device that

According to this bathtub cleaning device, the partition wall forms the collection side space by dividing the space in the detergent mixing tank in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, so that the collection side space can be configured to be relatively narrow. . Therefore, it becomes easier for the detergent water liquid collected through the collection channel to more effectively collide with the foam. Therefore, even if bubbles are generated when collecting the detergent water, the generated bubbles can be liquefied more efficiently.

In a ninth aspect based on any one of the first to eighth aspects, the recovery passageway includes a second pump for recovering the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub to the recovery portion. wherein the flow rate of the first pump is controlled to be higher than the flow rate of the second pump.

According to this bathtub cleaning device, the amount of detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub is made larger than the amount collected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air from entering the detergent water when the detergent water is collected from the bathtub to the collection unit. As a result, foaming of the detergent water can be suppressed, and the bathtub can be washed smoothly.

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

1 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detergent mixing tank according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which bubbles existing in the bubble reservoir are erased; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to a first modified example of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to a second modified example of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to a third modified example of the present invention;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second pump 32 is, for example, a diaphragm pump, and is provided downstream (on the detergent mixing tank 40 side) of the connecting portion with the detergent flow path 15 . The second pump 32 is driven when collecting the detergent water in the bathtub 100 toward the detergent mixing tank 40 . In this case, the flow rate of detergent water flowing through the recovery channel 30 driven by the second pump 32 is controlled to be smaller than the flow rate of detergent water flowing through the cleaning flow channel 25 driven by the first pump 26. (flow rate of the second pump<flow rate of the first pump 26). As a result, the amount of detergent water sprayed into bathtub 100 is greater than the amount of detergent water collected, so that the entry of air into collection channel 30 is suppressed. Also, the second pump 32 is driven when supplying the detergent in the detergent tank 10 toward the detergent mixing tank 40 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the detergent mixing tank 40 and the recovery section 50 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 40 viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 40. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the bubbles B present in the bubble reservoir 51 are extinguished.

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

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

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

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

The lid portion 45 is provided with a water supply port 46 , an intake/discharge port 47 , a foam storage portion 51 and a vertical wall 56 . The water supply port 46 is provided on the outflow port 44 side in the longitudinal direction of the lid portion 45 . A water supply channel 60 is connected to the water supply port 46 . The suction/discharge port 47 sucks air into the case 41 when the detergent water is discharged to the cleaning flow path 25 and discharges the air inside the case 41 when the detergent water is stored in the case 41 .

Next, the foam reservoir 51 through which the detergent water collected from the bathtub 100 is discharged will be described.

The foam reservoir 51 is provided on the opposite side of the lid 45 in the longitudinal direction from the water supply port 46 and serves as a partition wall extending toward the inside of the upper reservoir 42 of the case 41 . Specifically, the partition wall of the present invention includes a bottom portion 51a that constitutes the bubble storage portion 51, a filter 51d provided in an opening 51b of the bottom portion 51a, and a side wall 51c that rises upward from the end of the bottom portion 51a. It has become. The partition wall forms a recovery-side space S1 inside. The foam storage part 51 constitutes a part of the defoaming means of the present invention, and the bottom part 51a extends so as to approach the bottom part 41a of the case 41. As shown in FIG. An opening 51b is formed in the bottom portion 51a of the foam reservoir portion 51 . A filter 51d is provided in the opening 51b. Note that the opening 51b may be provided in the side wall 51c. However, if the side wall 51c is provided with an opening, the detergent water will accumulate below the opening, and the accumulated detergent water will be wasted. On the other hand, since the opening 51b is provided in the bottom portion 51a and the side wall 51c including the bottom portion 51a, waste of the detergent water collected in the collection-side space S1 can be reduced.

The bubble reservoir 51 is formed in a box shape with an open upper end by a bottom portion 51a and side walls 51c rising upward from the end portion of the bottom portion 51a. As a result, the foam reservoir 51 divides the inside of the detergent mixing tank 40 vertically by the side walls 51c and horizontally by the bottom 51a, thereby forming a recovery space S1. That is, the recovery-side space S1 is an internal space of the foam reservoir 51 capable of storing the detergent water and the foam B generated by mixing air into the detergent water. Also, the bubbles B stored in the recovery-side space S1 are defoamed inside the recovery-side space S1.

The filter 51 d is provided in an opening 51 b formed in the bottom portion 51 a of the bubble reservoir 51 . The filter 51d serves as a filtering member that separates the foam B and the liquid (detergent water). That is, the filter 51d is a passing portion that suppresses (prevents) passage of the bubbles B stored in the recovery-side space S1 and permits passage of the detergent water that has flowed out into the recovery-side space S1. Examples of the filter 51d include a porous sponge, a mesh member formed of a resin material or a metal material in a grid pattern, filter paper, a filter cloth, and steel wool.

The passing portion is not limited to the filter 51d, and may be an opening/closing portion (shutter, lid, etc.) capable of manually or electrically opening and closing the opening 51b. By constructing the passing part in this way, when the passing part is closed, the bubbles B floating on the upper surface of the detergent water accumulated in the recovery side space S1 can be defoamed by using the detergent water. By opening the passing portion after removing the bubbles B, the detergent water can flow out of the collection side space S1. In addition, since the bubbles B float on the upper surface of the detergent water, the detergent water can flow out from the collection side space S1 with the passage portion opened until the water level reaches the passage portion, and the bubbles B can be erased. can.

The upper end side of the foam reservoir 51 is closed by a connector 52 having a recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected. The connector 52 is provided with a recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected on the suction/discharge port 47 side of the central portion O of the recovery-side space S1. The recovery port 54 constitutes defoaming means of the present invention together with the foam reservoir 51 . The detergent water collected from the bathtub 100 and the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 10 flow through the collection port 54 . In addition, the connector 52 is provided with a suction/discharge port 55 on the side opposite to the recovery port 54 . The detergent water stored in the foam storage portion 51 flows out to the upper storage portion 42 through the opening 51b. In other words, the detergent water stored in the foam storage portion 51 flows out of the recovery side space S1 through the filter 51d provided in the opening 51b. Note that the recovery port 54 and the suction/discharge port 55 may be provided at opposite positions.

Next, the arrangement position of the recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the recovery port 54 is provided above the recovery-side space S1 and communicates with the recovery-side space S1. That is, the recovery port 54 is provided at the top of the foam reservoir 51 . In this case, the recovery port 54 is formed at a position offset from the center portion O of the recovery side space S1 and the connector 52 to the side wall 51c of the foam reservoir 51 by the dimension H1. More specifically, the recovery port 54 is formed at a position offset from the opening 51b to the side wall 51c of the foam reservoir 51 by the dimension H2. That is, the recovery port 54 is formed at the end (edge side) of the connector 52 so that when the detergent water flows out from the recovery port 54, the falling position is as close to the side wall 51c of the foam reservoir 51 as possible. ing.

The bubbles B stored in the recovery-side space S1 of the foam storage portion 51 float on the liquid when liquid is present in the foam storage portion 51, and the bubbles B tend to gather on the side wall 51c due to surface tension. The recovery port 54 causes the detergent water to flow downward from above near the side wall 51c where the bubbles B tend to accumulate. Thereby, many bubbles B can be made to collide with detergent water, and the bubbles B can be defoamed. Therefore, since the foam B can be liquefied and used as detergent water, the loss of detergent water can be reduced. Moreover, since the foam B is eliminated by the detergent water, the concentration of the detergent water does not change, and the cleaning performance of the bathtub cleaning can be maintained.

The vertical wall 56 extends vertically inside the case 41 at a position corresponding to the curved portion 43 a of the stepped portion 43 of the case 41 . That is, the vertical wall 56 extends from the upper end of the lid portion 45 toward the curved portion 43a. The vertical wall 56 closes the side surface of the case 41 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vertical wall 56 is provided on the lid portion 45 , but may be provided on the case 41 . Further, the vertical wall 56 may be formed with an opening above the highest water level WH so that the foam B does not go over from the upper reservoir 42 to the supply side space S2.

The lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 is provided so as to be separated from the bottom portion 41a (curved portion 43a) of the detergent mixing tank 40 below the minimum water level WL of the detergent mixing tank 40 when the detergent water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 20. ing. Therefore, the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 40 does not drop below the lower end of the vertical wall 56 during washing of the bathtub 100 . As a result, even if the foam B flows out from the recovery space S1 to the upper reservoir 42, the foam B floats on the upper surface of the detergent water. Movement to space S2 is suppressed. In this way, the recovery part 50 constitutes a portion of the detergent mixing tank 40 other than the water supply port 46 . A plurality of vertical walls 56 may be provided between the recovery port 54 and the outflow port 44 .

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

As the water level in the detergent mixing tank 40 changes, the float 48a moves up and down along the stem 48b to change the position of the float 48a, whereby the water level in the detergent mixing tank 40 is detected. In this case, when the bubbles B existing in the recovery space S1 move to the supply space S2, the bubbles B push up the float 48a and are detected above the water level, which may cause a malfunction. However, the bubbles B present in the recovery space S1 are destroyed by collision with the detergent water. Further, even if the bubbles B flow out from the recovery side space S1 into the upper reservoir 42, the vertical wall 56 prevents the bubbles B from moving to the supply side space S2. can be done properly.

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

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

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

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

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

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with the collection unit 50 for collecting the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 . The collection unit 50 has defoaming means for defoaming bubbles generated when the detergent water is collected from the bathtub 100 . This defoaming means has a recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected, and a foam storage section 51 which is partitioned into a recovery side space S1 communicating with the recovery port 54 so that the foam B can be stored. there is Then, the bubbles B stored in the recovery-side space S1 are defoamed inside the recovery-side space S1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the detergent water and foam B are collected from the bathtub 100, the detergent water and the foam B are collected from the collection port 54 to which the collection channel 30 is connected. It flows out to the part 51 . Detergent water is supplied from between the lower end 56a of the vertical wall 56 and the bottom portion 41a of the case 41 through the filter 51d provided in the opening 51b of the foam reservoir 51, through the upper reservoir 42 of the case 41, and into the supply side space. It flows out to S2.

On the other hand, since the filter 51 d prevents the bubbles B from flowing out to the upper storage portion 42 , the bubbles B are stored in the recovery side space S<b>1 within the foam storage portion 51 . In this case, the bubbles B tend to gather on the side wall 51c of the bubble reservoir 51 . The recovery port 54 is provided above the recovery-side space S1 at a position offset from the side wall 51c so that the detergent water can be discharged from above to the vicinity of the side wall 51c where the foam B tends to accumulate. ing. As a result, the detergent water supplied from the collection port 54 can collide with many bubbles B, and the bubbles B can be extinguished. In this case, since the foam B can be liquefied and used as detergent water, the loss of detergent water can be reduced. Moreover, since the foam B is eliminated by the detergent water, the concentration of the detergent water does not change, and the cleaning performance of the bathtub cleaning can be maintained. After the main cleaning is finished, rinsing is performed. Rinsing performs the same operations as pre-cleaning. When the rinsing ends, the automatic cleaning of the bathtub 100 ends.

Thus, since the bathtub cleaning apparatus 200 of the present embodiment is provided with defoaming means, when the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 is collected, air is mixed to generate bubbles B, and the collected detergent water is Even if bubbles B are generated when flowing into the collecting section 50, the generated bubbles B can be liquefied by the defoaming means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent washing of the bathtub 100 from being defective due to improper injection of washing water from the washing nozzle 20 . In addition, since the foamed detergent water can be returned to the liquid state, the collected washing water can be effectively used. Therefore, by adopting the recovery type, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the cleaning performance while suppressing the consumption of the cleaning water.

In addition, since the generated bubbles B are eliminated in the recovery side space S1 of the foam reservoir 51, the bubbles B can be eliminated in a relatively narrow space. Therefore, even if bubbles B are generated when collecting the detergent water, the generated bubbles B can be efficiently liquefied.

The connecting portion between the recovery channel 30 and the detergent mixing tank 40 is arranged so that the detergent water supplied from the recovery channel 30 flows downward from above to eliminate the bubbles B in the recovery-side space S1. is disposed above the recovery side space S1. Therefore, the detergent water recovered through the recovery channel 30 can collide with the bubbles B present in the recovery-side space S1 from above, and the bubbles can be eliminated by the momentum of the collision. Therefore, while recovering the detergent water, the bubbles B generated during the recovery of the detergent water can be liquefied.

In addition, since the foam reservoir 51 includes the filter 51d as a passing section through which the detergent water flowing out into the recovery space S1 can flow without being retained in the recovery space S1, the foam B and the liquid (detergent water) are separated from each other. Detergent water can be collected while separating . Therefore, the collected detergent water can be quickly jetted from the washing nozzle as compared with the case where the detergent water is temporarily stored in the collection-side space S1. That is, with a simple structure in which the filter 51d is provided in the opening 51b of the foam reservoir 51, the bubbles can be eliminated without disturbing the flow of the detergent water, so that the cleaning time can be shortened and the bathtub can be cleaned efficiently. It can be carried out.

In addition, the recovery port 54 is provided above the recovery side space S1 at a position that is biased toward the side wall 51c of the foam reservoir 51. As shown in FIG. Also, the recovery port 54 is provided at the top of the foam reservoir 51 . Therefore, the detergent water collected through the collection channel 30 is more likely to effectively collide with the bubbles B that tend to gather on the side wall 51 c of the bubble reservoir 51 . Therefore, even if bubbles B are generated when collecting the detergent water, the generated bubbles B can be liquefied more efficiently.

In addition, since the foam reservoir 51 forms the recovery space S1 by dividing the space in the detergent mixing tank 40 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, the recovery space S1 can be configured to be relatively narrow. Therefore, the detergent water collected through the collection channel 30 can more effectively collide with the foam B. As shown in FIG. Therefore, even if bubbles B are generated when collecting the detergent water, the generated bubbles B can be liquefied more efficiently.

Also, the flow rate of the first pump 26 is made larger than the flow rate of the second pump 32 . As a result, the amount of detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 is made larger than the collected amount. Therefore, when the detergent water is collected from the bathtub 100 into the collection unit 50, it is possible to prevent air from being mixed into the detergent water. As a result, foaming of the detergent water can be suppressed, and the bathtub can be washed smoothly.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a detergent mixing tank 40 (recovery section 50) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
A feature of the second embodiment is that a filter 58 is provided below the recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component same as above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

The filter 58 is provided in the case 41 below the recovery port 54 to which the recovery channel 30 is connected. This filter 58 is made of the same material as the filter 51d of the first embodiment. The filter 58 is provided between the side surface of the case 41 and the vertical wall 56, and the upper space serves as a collection side space S1 in which the bubbles B are stored. In this embodiment, in place of the foam storage portion 51 (partition wall) of the first embodiment, the upper portion of the side surface of the case 41, the filter 58, and the upper portion of the vertical wall 56 are used to form a partition capable of storing the foam B inside. forming a wall. That is, the side surface of the case 41, the filter 58, and the interior of the vertical wall 56 form a partition wall that forms a recovery-side space S1 that communicates with the recovery port 54. As shown in FIG. The detergent water supplied from the recovery port 54 passes through the filter 58 and flows out from between the lower end 56a of the vertical plate 56 and the bottom portion 41a into the supply side space S2. On the other hand, the foam B flowing out from the collection port 54 stays on the filter 58 and is defoamed by the detergent water flowing out from above. In the second embodiment, the recovery port 54, the side surface of the case 41 as a partition wall, the filter 58, and the vertical wall 56 constitute defoaming means of the present invention.

Thus, in the second embodiment configured as described above, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, when the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface 110 of the bathtub 100 is recovered, air is mixed and bubbles B are generated. Even if bubbles B are generated when the collected detergent water flows into the collecting portion 50, the generated bubbles B can be liquefied by the defoaming means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent washing of the bathtub 100 from being defective due to improper injection of washing water from the washing nozzle 20 . In addition, since the foamed detergent water can be returned to the liquid state, the collected washing water can be effectively used. Therefore, by adopting the recovery type, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the cleaning performance while suppressing the consumption of the cleaning water.

FIG. 6 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 201 according to a first modification of the invention.
In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with the collection unit 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a first modification shown in FIG. When configured in this manner, the detergent mixing tank 401 generates only fresh detergent water. During the main cleaning, detergent water circulates between the bathtub 100 and the collection tank 501 . This also applies to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 202 according to a second modification of the invention.
In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the detergent mixing tank 40 is provided with the collection unit 50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a second modification shown in FIG. can be done. With this configuration, the detergent water generated in detergent mixing section 402 circulates between bathtub 100 and collection tank 502 . This also applies to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device 203 according to a third modification of the invention.
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the first pump 26 provided in the cleaning channel 25 and the second pump 32 provided in the recovery channel 30 are separately provided has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in a third modification shown in FIG. One first pump 90 may be provided in the channel. With this configuration, the detergent water can be supplied from the detergent mixing tank 40 toward the washing nozzle 20 by rotating the first pump 90 forward, and the bathtub 100 can be supplied by rotating the first pump 90 in the reverse direction. Detergent water can be collected toward the detergent mixing tank 40. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Moreover, in the above-described first embodiment, an example in which the bubble reservoir 51 and the vertical wall 56 are provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, only the foam reservoir 51 may be provided without providing the vertical wall 56 .

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the bubble storage portion 51 is provided in the lid portion 45 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the bubble reservoir 51 may be provided in the case 41 .

Further, in the first embodiment described above, the case where the recovery port 54 is provided in the connector 52 that closes the upper end side of the foam reservoir 51 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the recovery port 54 may be provided on the upper end side of the side wall of the case 41 . That is, the recovery port may be provided so that the detergent water flows out from above toward the bubbles positioned below. This also applies to the second embodiment.

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

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

1 Detergent Tank 10 Detergent Tank 15 Detergent Channel 20 Washing Nozzle 25 Washing Channel 26 Pump 30 Recovery Channel 40, 401, 402 Detergent Mixing Tank 43 Step Part 48 Water Level Detection Means 50 Recovery Section 51 Foam storage section 56 Vertical wall 51d, 58 Filter 80 Control section 100 Bathtub 110 Inner wall surface 200, 201, 202, 203 Bathtub cleaning device 501, 502 Recovery tank B Foam S1 Recovery side Space, S2 Supply side space, WH Highest water level, WL Lowest water level, WS Water supply source

Claims (9)

a detergent tank for storing detergent;
a detergent mixing unit that mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank and the water supplied from the water supply source to generate detergent water;
a washing nozzle for injecting the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub;
a recovery channel connected to the inner wall surface of the bathtub for recovering the detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzle;
a recovery unit connected to the recovery channel and capable of storing the detergent water;
a cleaning channel that connects the recovery unit and the cleaning nozzle;
a first pump provided in the washing channel for supplying the detergent water stored in the recovery unit to the washing nozzle;
The bathtub cleaning apparatus, wherein the recovery section has defoaming means for eliminating foam existing in the recovery section. The detergent mixing unit is a detergent mixing tank capable of storing the detergent water,
The collection unit is provided in the detergent mixing tank,
The defoaming means has a recovery port to which the recovery channel is connected, and a partition wall forming a recovery-side space whose interior communicates with the recovery port, and defoams inside the recovery-side space. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured as follows. As the defoaming means, the recovery port is disposed in the recovery side space so that the detergent water supplied from the recovery port is caused to flow downward from above, thereby defoaming the foam present in the recovery side space. 3. The bathtub washing device according to claim 2, wherein the bathtub washing device is provided above the . 2. The partition wall is provided with a passing portion for suppressing passage of the foam stored in the recovery-side space and permitting passage of the detergent water that has flowed out to the recovery-side space. 3. The bathtub cleaning device according to 3. 5. The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the passage portion is a filter that permits passage of the detergent water and blocks passage of the foam. The bathtub cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the recovery port is provided at a position that is offset from the central portion of the recovery side space toward the side wall of the partition wall. The bathtub cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the recovery port is provided at the uppermost portion of the partition wall. The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the partition wall forms the collection side space by partitioning the interior of the detergent mixing tank in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The recovery channel is provided with a second pump for recovering the detergent water sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub to the recovery unit,
The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flow rate of said first pump is controlled to be higher than the flow rate of said second pump.

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