JP7292609B2 - bathtub cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bathtub cleaning device.

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

Further, in the conventional automatic bathtub cleaning technology, the direct pressure of the tap water has been used. Therefore, in order to popularize the automatic bathtub cleaning technology, it is necessary to avoid such water pressure restrictions.

Japanese Patent No. 5874220 JP-A-4-269935

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

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

However, just by supplying the detergent and water into the detergent mixing tank from above the detergent mixing tank through pipes hanging down from the top of the tank, as in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, the detergent and water are not sufficiently mixed, and the nozzles Variation occurs in the concentration of the sprayed detergent water. As a result, there is a problem that the inner wall surface of the bathtub is washed unevenly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to propose a bathtub cleaning apparatus capable of suppressing variations in concentration of detergent water in a detergent mixing tank.

A bathtub cleaning apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a detergent tank for storing detergent, a detergent mixing tank for mixing detergent supplied from the detergent tank and water supplied from a water supply source to generate detergent water, a washing nozzle for spraying the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub, a washing channel connecting the detergent mixing tank and the washing nozzle, and a pump for supplying the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank to the washing nozzle. , is equipped with The detergent mixing tank is provided therein with detergent water stirring means for stirring the detergent and the water in the detergent mixing tank.
According to the first invention, the detergent and water can be stirred in the detergent mixing tank by the detergent water stirring means. Therefore, when generating the detergent water, it is possible to improve the mixability of the water and the detergent as compared with the detergent water agitating means, and suppress variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank. be able to. As a result, uneven washing of the inner wall surface of the bathtub due to the detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzle can be suppressed.
In a second aspect of the invention, as the detergent water agitating means, an inclined surface inclined downward from a position higher than the bottom of the detergent mixing tank toward the bottom is provided inside the detergent mixing tank. At least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is configured to flow toward the bottom after falling on the inclined surface.
According to the second aspect of the invention, at least one of the water and the detergent falling on the slanted surface flows on the slanted surface toward the bottom, and the water flow generates a swirling flow to agitate the water and the detergent. can. Such a configuration can enhance the effect of stirring the detergent and water and suppress variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water without adding a special member for constructing the detergent water stirring means.
A third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the inclined surface is continuous with the bottom portion of the detergent mixing tank.
According to the third invention, since the inclined surface is continuous with the bottom portion of the detergent mixing tank, the liquid passing through the inclined surface can be smoothly guided to the lowest portion of the detergent stored in the detergent mixing tank. This facilitates the formation of a water flow that forms a swirling flow in the detergent and enhances the stirring effect.
In a fourth aspect based on the second or third aspect, the controller further comprises a controller for controlling injection of detergent water from the washing nozzle and supply of the detergent and water to the detergent mixing tank, wherein the controller comprises 3. The detergent mixing tank is controlled to supply detergent and water alternately a plurality of times.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the supply of the detergent and the supply of the water are alternately performed in a plurality of times, so that the water and the detergent can be more uniformly mixed in the detergent mixing tank. Therefore, variations in detergent concentration of the detergent water can be further suppressed.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects of the invention, the washing machine further comprises a control section for controlling injection of detergent water from the washing nozzle and supply of the detergent and water to the detergent mixing tank. The controller is characterized in that, after a predetermined period of time has passed since the supply of detergent and water to the detergent mixing tank is stopped, the controller starts spraying the detergent water from the washing nozzle.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined amount of time elapses between the generation of a predetermined amount of detergent water by mixing the detergent and water in the detergent mixing tank and the start of jetting the detergent water from the washing nozzle. , the agitation of the detergent and water proceeds sufficiently, and the detergent and water can be uniformly mixed. Therefore, the detergent water can be sprayed from the washing nozzles while suppressing variations in detergent concentration.
A sixth invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to fifth inventions, an open/close section is provided at an upstream end of the cleaning channel.
The detergent water agitating means mainly agitates the detergent and water in the detergent mixing tank, and does not easily agitate the detergent water that has flowed out of the detergent mixing tank into the washing channel.
According to the sixth invention, the opening/closing section is provided at the upstream end of the cleaning channel. This opening/closing portion can limit the retention of detergent or detergent water in the cleaning channel. That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of detergent or detergent water that remains in the washing channel, which is less likely to be agitated. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water due to non-uniform mixing of the detergent and water.
In a seventh aspect based on the first aspect, the detergent water agitating means expands at least one of the water and the detergent supplied into the detergent mixing tank in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and spreads the detergent mixing tank. It is configured to be sprayed on the side wall surface.
According to the seventh invention, by spreading at least one of the water and the detergent supplied into the detergent mixing tank in the direction intersecting the vertical direction, at least one of the water and the detergent is spread over a wide range of the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank. At least one of the water and the detergent flowing on the side wall surface of the side wall surface allows the water and the detergent to be evenly mixed.
In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the detergent water agitating means has a receiving portion for colliding at least one of the water supplied in the detergent mixing tank and the detergent, and the water impinging on the receiving portion is and at least one of the detergent is spread toward the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank by spreading in the direction intersecting the vertical direction.
According to the eighth invention, at least one of the water and detergent supplied in the detergent mixing tank can be spread in the direction intersecting the vertical direction with a simple configuration.
In a ninth aspect based on the seventh or eighth aspect, the detergent mixing tank has a first space and a second space located below the first space, and the detergent The maximum level of the liquid in the mixing tank is located in the first space, the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space is smaller than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space, and At least one of water and detergent that has flowed through at least a portion of the side wall surface of the first space flows through at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space toward the bottom of the second space. ing.
According to the ninth invention, at least one of the water and the detergent that has flowed through at least a portion of the side wall surface of the first space also flows through at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space to the bottom of the second space. , a swirling flow can be generated in the second space by the flow of at least one of water and detergent. That is, it is possible to improve the agitation of water and detergent by the swirling flow while suppressing variations in detection of the amount of liquid stored in the second space, which is smaller than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space. can be done.
In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space has no step between at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space and the side wall surface of the at least a portion of the first space. or at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space is positioned inside of at least a portion of the side wall surface of the first space , is configured to be continuous with the side wall surface of at least the part of the first space.
According to the tenth invention, at least one of the water and the detergent that has flowed on the side wall surface of the first space can easily flow also on the side wall surface of the second space. Furthermore, at least one of water and detergent can flow from the side wall surface of the second space along the bottom surface to generate a swirling flow.
In an eleventh aspect based on the ninth or tenth aspect, the bottom surface of the first space is configured to be inclined toward the second space.
According to the eleventh invention, by inclining the bottom surface of a region in the first space that is not continuous with the second space in the vertical direction toward the second space, the liquid flows through the inclined surface into the second space. The upward water flow collides with the upward water flow on the side wall surface of the second space to form a swirling flow. A swirling flow can also be generated in a region of the first space that is not continuous with the second space in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the water level of the detergent water rises to the level of the first space, the swirling flow provides a high agitating effect of the water and the detergent, thereby suppressing variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water. .

According to the bathtub cleaning device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress variations in concentration of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank.

1 is a system diagram of a bathtub cleaning device according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the state which removed the cover of the detergent mixing tank of 1st Embodiment. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in the detergent water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in detergent water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing changes in detergent water level in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another example of the detergent water stirring means in the detergent mixing tank of the first embodiment; It is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view of a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the plate-shaped member provided in the detergent mixing tank of 2nd Embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view showing the supply of water into the detergent mixing tank of the second embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view showing the supply of water into the detergent mixing tank of the second embodiment. It is a sectional view showing generation of detergent water in a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing generation of detergent water in a detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing the full water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detergent water stirring means in the second embodiment; Fig. 23 is a top view of the detergent mixing tank shown in Fig. 22 with the lid removed; It is a sectional view showing other structural examples near the boundary of the 1st space and the 2nd space in the detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing still another example of structure near the boundary of the 1st space and the 2nd space in the detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing still another example of structure near the boundary of the 1st space and the 2nd space in the detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing still another example of structure near the boundary of the 1st space and the 2nd space in the detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing still another example of structure near the boundary of the 1st space and the 2nd space in the detergent mixing tank of a 2nd embodiment. It is a sectional view showing the structure near the boundary of the 1st space and the 2nd space in the detergent mixing tank of a reference example.

One embodiment 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.

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

A bathtub cleaning device 200 of the embodiment has a detergent tank 13 , a detergent mixing tank 30 , a cleaning nozzle 25 and a controller 20 . Bathtub cleaning device 200 is installed in bathtub 100 .

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

The detergent mixing tank 30 is provided downstream of the detergent tank 13 and the water supply source WS. The detergent mixing tank 30 mixes the detergent supplied from the detergent tank 13 and the water supplied directly or indirectly (for example, after temporary storage) from the water supply source WS to generate detergent water. . 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 be, for example, a water heater. The detergent mixing tank 30 stores the detergent water when the washing nozzle 25 jets the detergent water, and the detergent mixing tank 30 stores the water when the washing nozzle 25 jets the water.

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

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

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

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

The second on-off valve 22 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and opens and closes the water supply channel 24 under the control of the controller 20 . A second on-off valve 22 controls the supply of water to the detergent mixing tank 30 . Water is supplied from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 30 by opening the second on-off valve 22 . By closing the second on-off valve 22, the supply of water from the water supply source WS to the detergent mixing tank 30 is stopped.

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

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

A washing channel 21 connects the detergent mixing tank 30 and the washing nozzle 25 . For example, a pump 18 and an opening/closing section 19 are provided in the middle of the cleaning channel 21 .

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

The opening/closing part 19 is provided downstream of the pump 18, for example. The opening/closing part 19 can block the flow of liquid to the downstream side. The opening/closing part 19 is, for example, a check valve or an electromagnetic valve. The opening/closing unit 19 may be configured from a plurality of check valves, a plurality of solenoid valves, or a combination of check valves and solenoid valves. The opening/closing part 19 also allows bathwater stored in the bathtub 100 and liquid (detergent water or water) sprayed into the bathtub 100 to flow back to the detergent mixing tank 30 through the washing nozzle 25 and the washing channel 21. It may function as a backflow preventing portion that blocks the flow.

The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the first on-off valve 14, the second on-off valve 22, the pump 17, and the pump 18, and controls them. The control unit 20 also receives an input of a detection result (detection signal) of a water level detection means 60 (described later) provided in the detergent mixing tank 30 . The controller 20 can control the first on-off valve 14, the second on-off valve 22, the pump 17, and the pump 18 based on this detection result (detection signal). The control unit 20 controls the first on-off valve 14, the second on-off valve 22, the pump 17, and the pump 18, so that the liquid (detergent water or water) is injected from the washing nozzle 25 and the detergent mixing tank. Controls detergent and water supply to 30;

Next, the detergent mixing tank 30 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

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

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

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

Let the height direction (or depth direction) of the detergent mixing tank 30 be the Z direction. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction when the detergent mixing tank 30 is installed. Two directions perpendicular to the Z direction and perpendicular to each other are defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

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

A pair of inclined surfaces 51 are located across the bottom portion 52 of the second space 50 in the X direction, and the respective inclined surfaces 51 are inclined downward from both ends of the case 31 in the X direction toward the bottom portion 52 . That is, the inclined surface 51 is inclined downward toward the bottom portion 52 from a position higher than the bottom portion 52 in the second space 50 . The inclined surface 51 is formed continuously with the bottom portion 52 .

The maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space 40 is greater than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space 50 . The overall volume of the second space 50 is smaller than the overall volume of the first space 40 .

The liquid outlet 36 leads directly to the bottom 52 of the second space 50 . Therefore, all the liquid supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 flows out to the washing channel 21 through the bottom portion 52 of the second space 50 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the liquid outflow portion 36 is connected to the upstream end portion 21 a of the cleaning channel 21 . An opening/closing portion 19 is provided at the upstream end portion 21a. In the example shown in FIG. 5, for example, two opening/closing portions 19 are provided at the upstream end portion 21a.

A water level detection means 60 for detecting the water level of the liquid in the detergent mixing tank 30 is provided in the detergent mixing tank 30 . The water level detection means 60 detects the water level by combining, for example, a float 62 containing a magnet and a reed switch provided inside the stem 61 . As the water level in the detergent mixing tank 30 changes, the float 62 moves up and down along the stem 61 to change the position of the float 62, so that the water level in the detergent mixing tank 30 is detected.

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

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

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

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

First, the preliminary cleaning will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a) to 7. FIG.

FIG. 6(a) shows a state in which water W is started to be supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 which is in an empty state. By opening the second on-off valve 22 , water W is started to be supplied from the water source WS into the detergent mixing tank 30 through the water supply channel 24 .

Water W is stored in the detergent mixing tank 30, and the float 62 rises as the water level of the water W rises. As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the upper end position (first position) of the float 62 corresponding to the preset first water level L1 is detected, the second on-off valve 22 is closed, and the detergent is mixed. Water supply to the tank 30 is temporarily stopped.

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

Due to this lowering of the water level, the detection state of the upper end position of the float 62 is released. The second on-off valve 22 is opened again after the set number of seconds have elapsed since the detection was canceled, and the supply of water into the detergent mixing tank 30 is resumed as shown in FIG. While supplying water into the detergent mixing tank 30, the water injection from the washing nozzle 25 is also continued. For example, the pre-washing of the bathtub 100 is continued while the amount of water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 is controlled to be greater than the amount of water jetted from the washing nozzles 25 .

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

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

After this preliminary cleaning, main cleaning using detergent water is performed. Main cleaning will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8(a) shows a state in which the detergent C is started to be supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 which is in an empty state. By opening the first on-off valve 14 and driving the pump 17 , the supply of the detergent C from the detergent tank 13 through the detergent channel 15 into the detergent mixing tank 30 is started.

The detergent C is stored in the detergent mixing tank 30, and the float 62 rises as the water level of the detergent C rises. The detergent C is stored only in the second space 50 and is not stored in the first space 40. - 特許庁Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the lower end position (second position) of the float 62 corresponding to the preset second water level L2 is detected, the first on-off valve 14 is closed, Also, the pump 17 is stopped and the supply of the detergent C into the detergent mixing tank 30 is stopped. The detergent C is stored at a predetermined water level L2 within the second space 50 .

After that, by opening the second on-off valve 22, water W is started to be supplied into the detergent mixing tank 30 as shown in FIG. 9(a). Water W and detergent C are mixed in the detergent mixing tank 30 to generate detergent water CW as shown in FIG. 9(b). Water W continues to be supplied to a constant amount of detergent C, and the water level of detergent water CW in detergent mixing tank 30 rises.

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

After that, the pump 18 is driven, and the detergent water CW stored in the detergent mixing tank 30 flows through the liquid outflow portion 36 and the washing channel 21 and is jetted from the washing nozzle 25 into the bathtub 100 . For example, the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 is washed with detergent water jetted from the washing nozzle 25 (main washing).

As the detergent water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 25, the water level of the detergent water CW in the detergent mixing tank 30 is lowered from the first water level L1 as shown in FIG. For example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of main cleaning, the injection of the detergent water CW from the cleaning nozzles 25 is once stopped. While this jetting is stopped, the detergent water can be spread over the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 and the detergent water can permeate the dirt. The injection stop timing of detergent water may be determined by water level detection by the water level detection means 60 instead of time control.

Then, the injection of detergent water from the washing nozzle 25 is started again. The detergent water remaining in the detergent mixing tank 30 may be used up as it is, or the injection may be temporarily stopped to secure time for the detergent water to permeate the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 and dirt. A predetermined amount of detergent water stored up to the first water level L1 can be used up while repeating injection and injection stop a plurality of times to perform main washing. Alternatively, the predetermined amount of detergent water may be used up by continuously jetting without temporarily stopping the jetting.

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

After this main cleaning, water is jetted from the cleaning nozzle 25 into the bathtub 100 by the same control as that of the pre-cleaning, and the rinsing mode is executed. In this rinsing mode, the detergent water sprayed into the bathtub 100 is washed away together with the dirt.
Alternatively, the detergent water sprayed into the bathtub 100 from the washing nozzle 25 may be collected in the detergent mixing tank 30, and the collected detergent water may be sprayed again into the bathtub 100 from the washing nozzle 25. .

According to this embodiment, for example, an inclined surface 51 is provided inside the detergent mixing tank 30 as detergent water stirring means. The water supply portion 35 opens toward the upper portion of the inclined surface 51, which is a region in which the detergent is stored relatively shallow (or a region where the detergent is not stored).

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, the water W can fall from the water supply portion 35 onto the inclined surface 51 . After dropping onto the inclined surface 51 , the water W flows toward the bottom portion 52 along the downward slope of the inclined surface 51 . Such water flow can agitate the detergent and water.

Therefore, when the detergent water is generated, the water and the detergent can be uniformly mixed, and variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 30 can be suppressed. As a result, uneven washing of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 due to the detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzle 25 can be suppressed. The detergent supply part 34 is also opened toward the inclined surface 51, and the detergent can drop from the detergent supply part 34 onto the inclined surface 51 as shown in FIG. 8(a).

In addition, the water that has fallen onto one of the inclined surfaces 51 located directly below the water supply section 35 flows along the inclined surface 51 toward the bottom portion 52, and with the force of the water flow as it is, the other inclined surface 51 with an upward slope rises upward. flowing towards That is, the water flows in the detergent stored in the second space 50 so as to form a swirling flow to agitate the detergent and the water. Such a configuration can enhance the effect of stirring the detergent and water and suppress variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water without adding a special member for constructing the detergent water stirring means.

In addition, when water drops directly onto the surface of the water with force, the water tends to splash, entraining air, and causing the detergent water to foam. Detergent water containing bubbles can cause jetting failure such as interruption of the detergent water jetted from the washing nozzle 25 . On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, after the water falls (collides) on the inclined surface 51, the flow velocity can be reduced and the water can be mixed with the detergent, thereby suppressing the occurrence of foaming.

Since the inclined surface 51 is continuous with the bottom portion 52 , the liquid passing through the inclined surface 51 can be smoothly guided to the lowest portion of the detergent stored in the second space 50 . This facilitates the formation of a water flow that forms a swirling flow in the detergent and enhances the stirring effect.

The detergent water agitating means such as the inclined surface 51 described above mainly agitates the detergent and water in the detergent mixing tank 30, and agitates the detergent water flowing out into the washing channel 21. Hateful.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. The opening/closing part 19 is connected to the liquid outflow part 36 connected to the bottom part 52 of the detergent mixing tank 30 and provided near the detergent mixing tank 30 .

In this example, when the detergent (or detergent water) is stored in the second space 50 , the detergent (or detergent water) can remain in the liquid outflow portion 36 . That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of detergent (or detergent water) that stays in the cleaning channel 21, which is difficult to give an agitating action. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water due to non-uniform mixing of the detergent and water.

In order to suppress variations in detergent concentration of the detergent water, the amount of detergent remaining in the liquid outflow portion 36 should be reduced to the amount of detergent to be used (the amount of detergent stored in the second space 50 up to the second water level L2 in FIG. It is desirable to keep it within 10% of the amount of detergent applied).

Further, according to the present embodiment, the controller 20 can control the supply of detergent and the supply of water to the detergent mixing tank 30 alternately a plurality of times. For example, water is supplied first, then detergent is supplied, and then more water is supplied. After this, further detergent may be supplied. Alternatively, the detergent is supplied first, then the water is supplied, and then the detergent is supplied. After this, more water may be supplied. The detergent may be supplied in three or more times, and the water may also be supplied in three or more times.

The supply of the detergent and the supply of water are alternately divided into several times, so that the water and the detergent can be more uniformly mixed in the detergent mixing tank 30 . Therefore, variations in detergent concentration of the detergent water can be further suppressed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the controller 20 drives the pump 18 after a predetermined period of time has passed since the supply of the detergent and the water into the detergent mixing tank 30 is stopped, so that the washing nozzle 25 discharges water. Control can be performed to start spraying the detergent water.

A predetermined amount of time (for example, 10 seconds to for several tens of seconds), the detergent and water are sufficiently agitated, and the detergent and water can be uniformly mixed. Therefore, the detergent water can be sprayed from the washing nozzle 25 while suppressing variations in detergent concentration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another example of the detergent water stirring means in the detergent mixing tank 30 of the embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, a rotating member 70 is provided in the detergent mixing tank 30 as detergent water stirring means.

The rotating member 70 has an impeller structure rotatable around a horizontal shaft supported by the case 31 , and rotates upon receiving the water flow falling from the water supply section 35 into the detergent mixing tank 30 . The rotation of the rotary member 70 can agitate the detergent water.

Next, the detergent mixing tank 130 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the bathtub cleaning apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 1 described above, the detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment can be applied instead of the detergent mixing tank 30 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment.

Let the height direction (or depth direction) of the detergent mixing tank 130 be the Z direction. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction when the detergent mixing tank 130 is installed. Two directions perpendicular to the Z direction and perpendicular to each other are defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 130 parallel to the XZ plane.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 130 parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 14 shows a cross section of a portion where the first space 140 and the second space 150 are continuous in the Z direction.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent mixing tank 130 parallel to the XY plane. FIG. 15 shows a cross section of a portion above the plate member 120. FIG.

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

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, detergent mixing tank 130 has first space 140 and second space 150 . The second space 150 is positioned below the first space 140 and is continuous with the first space 140 . The maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space 150 is smaller than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space 140 . The total volume of second space 150 is smaller than the total volume of first space 140 .

A bottom 152 of the second space 150 is the deepest part of the detergent mixing tank 130 . The detergent and water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 begin to accumulate from the bottom 152 of the second space 150, which is the deepest part. Regardless of the level of the liquid (water, detergent, detergent water) stored in the detergent mixing tank 130, the depth from the liquid surface to the deepest part is the deepest. The maximum liquid level in the detergent mixing tank 130 is located in the first space 140 .

The liquid outlet 136 communicates directly with the bottom 152 of the second space 150 . Therefore, the liquid supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 flows out to the washing channel 21 through the bottom portion 152 of the second space 150 .

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

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

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

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

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

The water supply section 135 has an opening leading to the first space 140 . The opening of the water supply part 135 is located above the overflow port 133a at a predetermined distance (for example, 25 mm) or more.

A plate member 120 is provided in the first space 140 as a detergent water stirring means. As shown in FIG. 15, the plate member 120 has, for example, a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. A receiving portion 121 is provided in the center of the upper surface of the plate-like member 120 .

Each of the four outer edge portions of the plate-like member 120 faces the four side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d surrounding the first space 140 of the detergent mixing tank 130 with a gap 180 therebetween. there is The side wall surfaces 141 a , 141 b , 141 c , 141 d surround the first space 140 . The gap 180 is formed in the entire circumference so as to surround the outer edge of the plate member 120 . Alternatively, the gap 180 may be configured to be formed between part of the receiving part 121 and part of the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130 .

The plate member 120 has an inclined surface 122 inclined downward from the receiving portion 121 toward the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the detergent mixing tank 130, respectively. For example, the plate-like member 120 is formed in an umbrella shape with the receiving portion 121 as the apex.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the plate member 120 as seen from the bottom side.

A first mounting portion 123 and a second mounting portion 124 are provided on the lower surface of the plate-like member 120 so as to be separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like member 120 . A notch 125 is formed at the end of the plate member 120 on the side where the second mounting portion 124 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 13, a rib 149 is provided on the side wall surface 141b of the first space 140. As shown in FIG. A concave first attachment portion 123 of the plate-like member 120 is engaged with the rib 149 , and a part of the plate-like member 120 on one end side is supported on the upper end of the rib 149 .

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

A flange portion 164 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 15) provided on the stem 161 prevents the plate-like member 120 from rising upward.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the plate member 120 is provided in a region above the overflow port 133a in the first space 140. As shown in FIGS. The receiving part 121 is provided at a position higher than the bottom part 152 of the second space 150 which is the deepest part of the detergent mixing tank 130 . Further, the receiving portion 121 is provided at a position higher than the overflow port 133a.

As shown in FIG. 13, the second space 150 has a side wall surface 151a and a side wall surface 151b that are separated from each other in the X direction. Side wall surface 151 a is continuous with side wall surface 141 a of first space 140 . The side wall surface 151b is continuous with the inclined surface 142 at the bottom of the first space 140 via a curved corner.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second space 150 has a side wall surface 151c and a side wall surface 151d that are separated from each other in the Y direction. The side wall surface 151c is continuous with the side wall surface 141c of the first space 140 via a curved corner. The side wall surface 151d is continuous with the side wall surface 141d of the first space 140 via a curved corner.

The side wall surfaces 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d of the second space 150 are positioned below the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the first space 140 and the inclined surface 142. Surround yourself.

A bathtub cleaning apparatus 200 equipped with a detergent mixing tank 130 of the second embodiment can perform three operation modes of pre-cleaning, main cleaning, and rinsing, as in the first embodiment. Operation sequences and controls can also be applied to the second embodiment.

The generation of detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 in, for example, main washing will be described below.

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

17 and 18 are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the detergent C is stored in the second space 150. FIG. 17 corresponds to the section of FIG. 13 and FIG. 18 corresponds to the section of FIG.

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

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

The opening of the water supply portion 135 is positioned directly above the receiving portion 121 of the plate-like member 120 and directed toward the receiving portion 121 . Therefore, the water supplied from the water supply section 135 into the detergent mixing tank 130 drops onto the receiving section 121 .

The water that has fallen onto the receiving portion 121 spreads radially in a direction that intersects the vertical direction (the Z direction) (in this example, a direction that is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction), and descends on the inclined surface 122 of the plate-like member 120. Along the gradient, it flows toward the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the first space 140 and is dispersed toward the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d. The direction intersecting the vertical direction may be the horizontal direction or a direction inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction. Also, water is not limited to spreading in all directions of 360°.

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

In the region below the plate member 120, water flows downward through the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the first space 140, as indicated by white arrows in FIGS. Further, it flows along the side wall surfaces 151 a , 151 b , 151 c , and 151 d of the second space 150 toward the bottom surface 152 a of the second space 150 . Flow through the side wall surface 141b of the first space 140, a portion of the side wall surface 141c (a portion without the second space 150 below), and a portion of the side wall surface 141d (a portion without the second space 150 below). The water flows through the inclined surface 142 formed at the bottom of the first space 140 and flows to the side wall surface 151 b of the second space 150 .

The water is mixed with the detergent C by the flow of the water flowing along the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130, and the water and the detergent C can be agitated. By spreading the water in the direction crossing the vertical direction, the water can be sprayed over a wide range of the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank 130, and the water and the detergent C are evenly mixed by the water flowing on the side wall surface. can do. As a result, variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 can be suppressed, and uneven washing of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 by the detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzles 25 can be suppressed. Further, by spreading the water in the direction intersecting the vertical direction, the side wall surface can be washed evenly with the water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 during pre-washing and rinsing. According to this embodiment, water can be spread in a direction intersecting the vertical direction with a simple structure such as the plate member 120 .

The water that has flowed to the side wall surfaces 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d of the second space 150 flows toward the bottom surface 152a of the second space 150, and the force of the water flow continues upward along the opposing side wall surfaces. Such a flow, a so-called swirling flow, is formed. Such a configuration can enhance the stirring effect of water and detergent and suppress variations in detergent concentration of the detergent water without adding a special member for forming the swirling flow.

Even when water is stored in the detergent mixing tank 130 first, and then the detergent is supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 to mix the water and the detergent, the detergent is vertically moved by the plate-like member 120. By spreading in the intersecting direction, it is possible to spread toward the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d. In this case as well, it is possible to uniformly mix the water and the detergent, and to suppress variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 . Both detergent and water may be configured to collide with the receiving portion 121 . Further, the receiving portion with which the detergent collides and the receiving portion with which water collides may have a different configuration.

Water is continuously supplied to a constant amount of detergent C, and the water level of the detergent water in the detergent mixing tank 130 rises. The float 162 rises as the detergent water CW level rises.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13, showing a state where the water level of the detergent water CW is at a predetermined water level located in the first space 140. FIG. The predetermined water level here is lower than the maximum water level (full water level).
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 14, showing a state where the water level of detergent water CW is at the same predetermined water level as in FIG.
FIG. 21 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 13, showing a state where the water level of the detergent water CW is at the maximum water level (full water level) L1.

Even if the water level of the detergent water CW rises, the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the first space 140, the side wall surfaces 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d of the second space 150, and the The flow of water along the bottom surface 152a forms a flow (swirling flow) that changes its direction from bottom to top, enhancing the agitating effect of water and detergent.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19 , an inclined surface 142 inclined downward toward the second space 150 is formed at the bottom of the first space 140 . The water flow along the inclined surface 142 toward the second space 150 flows along the side wall surface 151a and the bottom surface 152a of the second space 150, collides with the water flow that flows upward along the side wall surface 151b, and flows down the inclined surface 142. A flow (swirling flow) is formed in which the flowing water changes its flow upward. A swirling flow can also be generated in a region (second region) of the first space 140 that is not continuous with the second space 150 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the water level of the detergent water CW rises to the level of the first space 140, the swirling flow provides a high agitating effect of the water and the detergent, thereby suppressing variations in the detergent concentration of the detergent water. can be done.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the upper end position (first position) of the float 162 corresponding to the maximum water level (full water level) L1 is detected, the supply of water to the detergent mixing tank 130 is stopped. Thereafter, the detergent water CW stored in the detergent mixing tank 130 flows through the liquid outflow portion 136 and the washing channel 21 and is jetted from the washing nozzle 25 into the bathtub 100 . For example, the inner wall surface of the bathtub 100 is washed with detergent water sprayed from the washing nozzles 25 .

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

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

Also, the plate-like member 120 covers a region between the second space 150 and the stopper 163 where the float 162 moves up and down. Therefore, the water that has been supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 and has collided with the receiving portion 121 does not directly drop (do not hit) the float 162 . Therefore, the float 162 can move appropriately in conjunction with the water level in the detergent mixing tank 130, and erroneous detection by the water level detection means 160 can be prevented. Therefore, the liquid level in the detergent mixing tank 130 can be detected with high accuracy, and the detergent concentration of the detergent water can be controlled with higher accuracy. The shape of the receiving portion 121 is, for example, a concave surface, or a curved surface or an inclined surface in which the outer side is positioned higher than the center, so that the water after colliding with the receiving portion 121 does not hit the float 162 directly. can be

The water supplied into the detergent mixing tank 130 may bounce off the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d and the inclined surface 142 and then indirectly hit the float 162. The amount of liquid that hits 162 is small and does not affect the movement of float 162 .

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the detergent water stirring means in the second embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a top view of the detergent mixing tank 130 shown in FIG. 22 with the lid removed.

In the example shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a columnar portion 170 is provided inside the detergent mixing tank 130 as detergent water stirring means. Columnar portion 170 extends upward from inclined surface 142 which is the bottom portion of first space 140 of detergent mixing tank 130 . An upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 is separated from the opening of the water supply portion 135 and positioned directly below the opening of the water supply portion 135 . The upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 is located higher than the overflow port 133 a and the full water level of the detergent mixing tank 130 .

The water supplied from the water supply part 135 into the detergent mixing tank 130 falls on the upper surface 171 of the columnar part 170 before reaching the bottom part 152 of the second space 150 . As shown in FIG. 22 , the upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 is formed in a concave surface, or a curved surface or an inclined surface in which the outer side is higher than the center, so that the water falling on the upper surface 171 is further separated from the columnar portion 170 . can be spread over a wide area. That is, the water falling on the upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 spreads in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z direction) and is sprayed on the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d of the first space 140. FIG. Then, the water is mixed with the detergent C by the flow of water flowing through the side wall surfaces 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d of the first space 140 and the side wall surfaces 151a, 151b, 151c, 151d of the second space 150. Detergent C can be stirred.

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

Variations in detection of the amount of detergent and variations in detection of the amount of water affect control of the detergent concentration of the detergent water. Since the amount of detergent in the detergent water is smaller than the amount of water, detection variations in the relatively small amount of detergent have a greater effect on the detergent concentration of the detergent water than variations in detection of the relatively large amount of water.

According to this embodiment, the detergent storage space is limited to the second space 150 having a smaller maximum horizontal cross-sectional area than the first space 140, and the second space 150 is used as the detergent water level detection space. , it is possible to reduce variations in detection of the water level of the detergent stored in the second space 150, and to reduce variations in detection of the amount of detergent. Therefore, it is possible to improve the control accuracy of the detergent concentration of the detergent water. As a result, it is possible to avoid excessive consumption of detergent due to the detergent concentration being higher than the set value and insufficient cleaning performance due to the detergent concentration being lower than the set value.

On the other hand, by providing the second space 150 having a smaller maximum horizontal cross-sectional area than the first space 140, the horizontal cross-sectional area at the water level at which the detergent and water start to mix is reduced, and the agitation of the detergent and water is reduced. There is concern that the

In this embodiment, the water that has flowed along at least a portion of the side wall surface of the first space 140 also flows along at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space 150 toward the bottom portion 152 of the second space 150. By configuring, a swirling flow can be generated in the second space 150 by the flow of the water. That is, it is possible to improve the agitation of the water and the detergent by the swirling flow while suppressing variations in detection of the amount of detergent stored in the second space 150 .

For example, in the XZ cross section shown in FIG. 17, the side wall surface 151a of the second space 150 is flush with the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 without any level difference. , the water flowing through the side wall surface 151 a of the first space 140 can also be made to flow easily through the side wall surface 151 a of the second space 150 . Further, water flows from the side wall surface 151a along the bottom surface 152a and the side wall surface 151b facing the side wall surface 151a, thereby generating a swirling flow.

In the YZ cross section shown in FIG. 18, side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150 are respectively continuous with side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 via curved corners. Side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150 are positioned inside the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 in the Y direction, respectively. With such a configuration, the side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150 are located outside the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 in the Y direction, respectively. Water flowing along the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d can easily flow to the side wall surfaces 151a and 151d of the second space 150 without being separated.

In the YZ cross section, as shown in FIG. 24, the side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150 have no level difference with the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140, respectively. 141d may be flush and continuous.

In the XZ cross section, as shown in FIG. 25, the side wall surface 151a of the second space 150 is continuous with the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 through a curved corner. The wall surface 151a may be located inside the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 in the X direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the side wall surface 151a of the second space 150, which is located inside the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 in the X direction, is located on the first space via the inclined surface 143. The structure may be continuous with the side wall surface 141 a of the space 140 , and the water flowing on the side wall surface 141 a of the first space 140 can easily flow to the side wall surface 151 a of the second space 150 via the inclined surface 143 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 26(b), side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150 located inside the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 in the Y direction are inclined surfaces 143 respectively. The water flowing through the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 may be connected to the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 via the inclined surface 143 to the side wall surface of the second space 150. 151c, 151d can be facilitated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 27(a), the side wall surface 151a of the second space 150, which is located inside the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 in the X direction, faces the first space 140 via a step. may be continuous with the side wall surface 141a. In this case, the size of the step between the side wall surface 141a and the side wall surface 151a (the amount of protrusion inward from the side wall surface 141a) is such that the water flowing on the side wall surface 141a does not separate and flows to the side wall surface 151a. as long as it is possible.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 27(b), the side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150 located inside the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 in the Y direction A configuration that is continuous with the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 is also possible. In this case as well, the size of the step between the side wall surfaces 141c, 141d and the side wall surfaces 151c, 151d (the amount of protrusion inward from the side wall surfaces 141c, 141d) causes the separation of the water flowing on the side wall surfaces 141c, 141d. It is sufficient that it can flow to the side wall surfaces 151c and 151d without breaking.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, a step between the sidewall surface 141a and the sidewall surface 151a, a step between the sidewall surface 141c and the sidewall surface 151c, and a sidewall surface 141d and the sidewall surface 151d. If the step between them is large, the water that has flowed along the side wall surface of the first space 140 changes its flow toward the inside due to the step, and is separated from the side wall surface of the second space 150 . It becomes easy to fall on the surface of the detergent C stored in 150 . This makes it difficult for water to flow along the side wall surface and bottom surface of the second space 150 and makes it difficult for the second space 150 to generate a swirling flow.

Further, as shown in FIG. 28(a), the side wall surface 151a of the second space 150 located inside the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 in the X direction slopes downward toward the bottom surface 152a. It may be a surface, and the water flowing on the side wall surface 141a of the first space 140 can easily reach the bottom surface 152a via the side wall surface 151a, which is an inclined surface.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 28(b), the side wall surfaces 151c and 151d of the second space 150, which are located inside the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 in the Y direction, extend toward the bottom surface 152a. The side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 may be sloped downward, so that the water flowing on the side wall surfaces 141c and 141d of the first space 140 can easily reach the bottom surface 152a via the side wall surfaces 151c and 151d.

The detergent water stirring means of the second embodiment spreads the water supplied in the detergent mixing tank 130 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. Such detergent water agitating means is not limited to the plate member 120 described above, and may be a shower plate having a plurality of water discharge holes. Alternatively, the detergent water agitating means may have a configuration in which the water collides with the top surface of the detergent mixing tank 130 (the back surface of the lid 132) and spreads in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The water may collide with the top surface of the detergent mixing tank 130 itself, or may collide with a receiving portion provided on the top surface.

Due to the shape of the upper surface 171 of the columnar portion 170 shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. It is possible to prevent the water (or detergent) after colliding with 171 from directly falling (not hitting) the float 162 .

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Bathtub 200... Bathtub cleaning apparatus 13... Detergent tank 14... First on-off valve 15... Detergent flow path 19... Opening/closing part 20... Control part 21... Washing flow path 22... Second Opening/closing valve 24 Water supply channel 25 Washing nozzle 30, 130 Detergent mixing tank 40, 140 First space 50, 150 Second space 51 Inclined surface 60, 160 Water level Detecting means 62 Float 120 Plate member 121 Receptacle WS Water source

Claims (10)

a detergent tank for storing detergent;
a detergent mixing tank for mixing detergent supplied from the detergent tank and water supplied from a water supply source to generate detergent water;
a washing nozzle for injecting the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub;
a washing channel connecting the detergent mixing tank and the washing nozzle;
a pump for supplying detergent water in the detergent mixing tank to the washing nozzle;
with
The detergent mixing tank is provided therein with a detergent water stirring means for stirring the detergent and the water in the detergent mixing tank ,
As the detergent water agitating means, the detergent mixing tank is provided with an inclined surface inclined downward from a position higher than the bottom toward the bottom,
At least one of the water and the detergent supplied to the detergent mixing tank is configured to flow toward the bottom after dropping onto the inclined surface. 2. The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said inclined surface is continuous with said bottom of said detergent mixing tank. further comprising a controller for controlling injection of detergent water from the washing nozzle and supply of detergent and water to the detergent mixing tank;
The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the controller controls the detergent mixing tank to alternately supply the detergent and the water a plurality of times. further comprising a controller for controlling injection of detergent water from the washing nozzle and supply of detergent and water to the detergent mixing tank;
4. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the controller controls to start spraying the detergent water from the washing nozzle after a predetermined time has passed since the detergent supply and the water supply to the detergent mixing tank are stopped. 1. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 1. The bathtub cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising an opening/closing part provided at an upstream end of the cleaning channel. a detergent tank for storing detergent;
a detergent mixing tank for mixing detergent supplied from the detergent tank and water supplied from a water supply source to generate detergent water;
a washing nozzle for injecting the detergent water onto the inner wall surface of the bathtub;
a washing channel connecting the detergent mixing tank and the washing nozzle;
a pump for supplying detergent water in the detergent mixing tank to the washing nozzle;
with
The detergent mixing tank is provided therein with a detergent water stirring means for stirring the detergent and the water in the detergent mixing tank,
The detergent water stirring means spreads at least one of the water and the detergent supplied in the detergent mixing tank in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and sprays it on the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank. cleaning equipment. The detergent water agitating means has a receiving portion for colliding at least one of the water and the detergent supplied in the detergent mixing tank,
7. The bathtub cleaning apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein at least one of the water and the detergent that has collided with the receiving part spreads in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and is sprayed toward the side wall surface of the detergent mixing tank. The detergent mixing tank has a first space and a second space located below the first space, and the maximum liquid level in the detergent mixing tank is the first space. located in
The maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the second space is smaller than the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the first space,
At least one of water and detergent that has flowed along at least a portion of the side wall surface of the first space flows along at least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space toward the bottom of the second space. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 6 or 7 . At least a portion of the side wall surface of the second space is flush with the at least a portion of the side wall surface of the first space without a step between the side wall surface of the at least a portion of the first space. continuous or at least part of the second space is positioned inside at least part of the side wall surface of the first space, and at least the part of the first space 9. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 8 , which is constructed so as to be continuous with the side wall surface. The bathtub cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the bottom surface of said first space is configured to be inclined toward said second space.

Images