Toilet cleaning tool

Abstract

To allow a toilet brush to be kept clean.SOLUTION: A toilet cleaning tool comprises a toilet brush, and a housing container housing the toilet brush. The toilet brush comprises: a main body part; a brush member attached to the main body part, and capable of moving along a circumferential direction around a predetermined axis; and a driving part provided in the main body part, and for driving the brush member along the circumferential direction. The driving part can drive the brush member at a first operation speed, and can drive the brush member at a second operation speed faster than the first operation speed. The housing container comprises a sterilizing part for sterilizing the toilet brush housed in the housing container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toilet cleaning tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet cleaning tool that is composed of a toilet brush and a storage case that stores and holds the toilet brush. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-80522 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a toilet cleaning tool that allows the toilet brush to be kept clean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] [1] A toilet cleaning tool comprising: a toilet brush; and a storage container for storing the toilet brush, wherein the toilet brush has a main body portion held by a user, a brush member attached to the main body portion and movable in a circumferential direction about a predetermined axis, and a drive unit provided on the main body portion for driving the brush member in the circumferential direction, wherein the drive unit is capable of driving the brush member at a first operating speed and driving the brush member at a second operating speed faster than the first operating speed, and the storage container has a sterilization unit for sterilizing the toilet brush while it is stored in the storage container.

[0006] [2] The toilet cleaning tool described in [1] above, wherein when driving the brush member at the first operating speed or the second operating speed, the driving unit alternately moves the brush member in a first rotational direction in the circumferential direction and moves the brush member in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the circumferential direction.

[0007] [3] The toilet cleaning tool described in [1] or [2] above, wherein the toilet brush further has a first switch and a second switch provided on the main body portion, the first switch being a switch for starting drive of the brush member at the first operating speed, and the second switch being a switch for starting drive of the brush member at the second operating speed.

[0008] [4] The toilet cleaning tool described in [3] above, wherein the drive unit stops driving the brush member after a predetermined time has elapsed since starting to drive the brush member at the second operating speed by operating the second switch.

[0009] [5] The toilet cleaning tool described in any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the main body includes a rod-shaped shaft portion having one end to which the brush member is removably attached, and a rod-shaped handle portion connected to the other end of the shaft portion and having a larger diameter than the shaft portion.

[0010] [6] The toilet cleaning tool according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the sterilization unit is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto at least a portion of the toilet brush in the storage container.

[0011] [7] The toilet cleaning tool described in [6] above, wherein the sterilization unit is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto both the brush member and the portion of the main body that is held by the user.

[0012] [8] The toilet cleaning tool according to any one of the above [1] to [5], wherein the sterilization unit is configured to generate ozone in the internal space of the storage container.

[0013] [9] The toilet cleaning tool described in any one of [1] to [8] above, further comprising: a container body having an opening for inserting and removing the toilet brush into and from the internal space of the storage container; a shutter member for switching between a closed state in which the opening is closed and an open state in which the opening is open; and a non-contact sensor for generating a signal for switching between the closed state and the open state.

[0014]

[10] The toilet cleaning tool described in any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the storage container further has a holding portion capable of holding the toilet brush in the internal space of the storage container so that the brush member does not contact the storage container.

[0015]

[11] The toilet cleaning tool described in

[10] above, wherein the storage container is capable of supplying power to the toilet brush when the holding portion holds the toilet brush. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a toilet cleaning tool is provided that allows the toilet brush to be kept clean. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a toilet brush provided in a toilet cleaning tool. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a storage container provided in the toilet cleaning tool. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the inside of a storage container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0019] [Toilet cleaning equipment] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a toilet cleaning tool according to one embodiment. The toilet cleaning tool 1 includes a toilet brush 10 shown in FIG. 1 and a storage container 50 shown in FIG. 2. The toilet cleaning tool 1 is a tool (equipment) for cleaning a toilet bowl. The storage container 50 is capable of storing the toilet brush 10. When cleaning a toilet bowl, a user of the toilet cleaning tool 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "user") takes out the toilet brush 10 from the storage container 50 and uses the toilet brush 10 to perform cleaning. After cleaning, the user puts the toilet brush 10 back into the storage container 50. Below, the toilet brush 10 and the storage container 50 will each be described in detail.

[0020] (Toilet brush) The toilet brush 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a tool used to clean a toilet, capable of cleaning the toilet bowl by scrubbing it. For example, dirt and deposits such as limescale adhering to the toilet bowl are removed by scrubbing the toilet bowl with the brush member of the toilet brush 10. The toilet brush 10 is an electric toilet brush, and the brush member is driven by electricity. The toilet brush 10 has, for example, a main body 12, a brush member 14, a drive unit 16, a power supply unit 18, a first switch 22, and a second switch 24.

[0021] The main body portion 12 is a portion that is held by a user. Holding means that the user (person) grasps and holds it in their hand. The main body portion 12 is a portion that the user holds when using the toilet brush 10, and has a function of supporting the brush member 14. The main body portion 12 may be formed in any manner as long as it can be held by the user and can support the brush member 14, but for example, it is formed in a rod shape that extends in one direction. In one example, the main body portion 12 includes a shaft portion 12a and a grip portion 12b.

[0022] The shaft portion 12a is formed in a rod shape so as to extend in one direction. A brush member 14 is attached to one end of the shaft portion 12a, and a grip portion 12b is connected to the other end of the shaft portion 12a. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the shaft portion 12a may be circular. The grip portion 12b is a portion that is held by a user. The grip portion 12b is formed in a rod shape so as to extend in one direction. One end of the grip portion 12b is connected to the other end of the shaft portion 12a. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the grip portion 12b may be circular.

[0023] The shaft portion 12a and the grip portion 12b are connected so that their central axes coincide with each other. The central axis of the shaft portion 12a is an imaginary line that extends in the extension direction of the shaft portion 12a and passes through the center of a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction. The central axis of the grip portion 12b is an imaginary line that extends in the extension direction of the grip portion 12b and passes through the center of a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction. The diameter of the grip portion 12b is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 12a. The diameters of the shaft portion 12a and the grip portion 12b are each defined by the maximum width (e.g., diameter) in the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extension direction. The shaft portion 12a may be connected to the grip portion 12b so as to be movable around its central axis.

[0024] The brush member 14 is attached to the main body 12 and is movable in the circumferential direction around a predetermined axis Ax. That is, while attached to the main body 12, the brush member 14 is movable in the circumferential direction around the axis Ax (circumference centered on the axis Ax) so as to rotate around the axis Ax. The brush member 14 may be detachably attached to the one end (tip) of the shaft 12a. That is, the brush member 14 may be a replaceable member. In the toilet brush 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the grip portion 12b, the shaft 12a, and the brush member 14 are arranged in this order.

[0025] The axis Ax may coincide with the central axis (central axis) of each of the shaft portion 12a and the grip portion 12b. The brush member 14 includes a large number of brush bristles 14a. The large number of brush bristles 14a extend radially from the axis Ax as a center so as to move away from the axis Ax. The large number of brush bristles 14a may be inclined so as to move away from the main body portion 12 as they move away from the axis Ax. When the shaft portion 12a moves (rotates) along the circumferential direction relative to the grip portion 12b, the brush member 14 attached to the shaft portion 12a also moves along the circumferential direction.

[0026] The driving unit 16 is provided in the main body 12 and drives the brush member 14 in the circumferential direction about the axis Ax (hereinafter simply referred to as the "circumferential direction"). When driven by the driving unit 16, the brush member 14 operates to rotate about the axis Ax. The driving unit 16 may be disposed inside the main body 12 (for example, inside the gripping portion 12b). Although omitted in FIG. 1, the driving unit 16 may be connected to the shaft portion 12a so that the driving force generated in the driving unit 16 is transmitted to the shaft portion 12a. The driving unit 16 includes, for example, an electric motor that generates a driving force for driving the brush member 14.

[0027] The driving unit 16 is capable of driving the brush member 14 at a first operating speed and at a second operating speed faster than the first operating speed. Hereinafter, the mode in which the brush member 14 is driven at the first operating speed is referred to as the "first operating mode", and the mode in which the brush member 14 is driven at the second operating speed is referred to as the "second operating mode". The first operating speed is defined, for example, by the maximum speed at which the brush member 14 moves when the brush member 14 is driven in the first operating mode. The second operating speed is defined, for example, by the maximum speed at which the brush member 14 moves when the brush member 14 is driven in the second operating mode.

[0028] In FIG. 1, the rotation directions around the axis Ax are represented by "R1" and "R2". The rotation direction R1 (first rotation direction) is one rotation direction in the circumferential direction. The rotation direction R2 (second rotation direction) is a rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction R1. In the first operation mode, the drive unit 16 may alternately move the brush member 14 in the rotation direction R1 and move the brush member 14 in the rotation direction R2. When moving the brush member 14 in the rotation direction R1, the movement amount (rotation amount) of the brush member 14 may be one rotation of the circumference around the axis Ax or less. When moving the brush member 14 in the rotation direction R2, the movement amount (rotation amount) of the brush member 14 may be one rotation of the circumference around the axis Ax or less. Similarly, in the second operation mode, the drive unit 16 may alternately move the brush member 14 in the rotation direction R1 and move the brush member 14 in the rotation direction R2.

[0029] The power supply unit 18 supplies power to the drive unit 16. The power supply unit 18 may be disposed inside the main body 12 (e.g., the grip portion 12b). The power supply unit 18 may include a secondary battery. That is, the toilet brush 10 including the power supply unit 18 may be rechargeable. In this case, the grip portion 12b may be provided with an electrode member 26 for supplying power to the power supply unit 18 from the outside. Although electrical wiring is omitted in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to each of the drive unit 16 and the electrode member 26.

[0030] The first switch 22 is provided on the main body 12. For example, the first switch 22 is provided on the grip portion 12b of the main body 12. The first switch 22 is a switch for starting driving of the brush member 14 at a first operating speed (driving in a first operating mode). For example, when a user turns the first switch 22 to an ON state by pressing or other operation, driving of the brush member 14 by the driving unit 16 in the first operating mode is started. When a user turns the first switch 22 to an OFF state by pressing or other operation, driving of the brush member 14 by the driving unit 16 in the first operating mode may be stopped.

[0031] The second switch 24 is provided on the main body 12. For example, the second switch 24 is provided on the grip portion 12b of the main body 12. The second switch 24 is a switch for starting the driving of the brush member 14 at the second operating speed (driving in the second operating mode). For example, the user presses the second switch 24, which causes the driving unit 16 to start driving the brush member 14 in the second operating mode. The driving unit 16 may stop driving the brush member 14 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the driving of the brush member 14 at the second operating speed was started by operating the second switch 24. In this case, the driving of the brush member 14 in the second operating mode is autonomously stopped even without a user operation.

[0032] Instead of being stopped autonomously, the second switch 24 may stop the driving of the brush member 14 in the second operation mode by an operation such as pressing by the user, similar to the first switch 22. Instead of the first switch 22 and the second switch 24, one changeover switch may be provided on the main body 12. The operation state of the toilet brush 10 may be switched to any one of driving in the first operation mode, driving in the second operation mode, and stopping of driving by the user operating (e.g., pressing or sliding) the changeover switch.

[0033] (Storage container) Next, the storage container 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The storage container 50 is a container that stores the toilet brush 10. The storage container 50 is used, for example, by placing it next to the toilet bowl in a toilet. Fig. 2 shows the exterior of the storage container 50 with the toilet brush 10 stored therein, and Fig. 3 shows the interior of the storage container 50 with the toilet brush 10 removed. The storage container 50 has, for example, a container body 52, a flange 54, a shutter member 56, a non-contact sensor 59, a holding unit 60, a sterilization unit 70, and a power cable 80.

[0034] The container body 52 forms an internal space S (see FIG. 3) of the storage container 50. The internal space S is a space for accommodating the toilet brush 10, and has a size large enough to accommodate the entire toilet brush 10. The container body 52 is formed in a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape so as to extend in one direction. Both ends of the container body 52 in the extending direction are closed. The container body 52 is formed with an opening 52a for inserting and removing the toilet brush 10 into and from the internal space S. The opening 52a extends along the extending direction of the container body 52.

[0035] The flange 54 is formed so as to protrude outward from the lower end of the container body 52. ​​The flange 54 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the container body 52. ​​The flange 54 has the function of preventing the storage container 50 from falling over when the storage container 50 is placed on the floor.

[0036] The shutter member 56 switches between a state in which the opening 52a is closed (hereinafter referred to as the "closed state") and a state in which the opening 52a is open (hereinafter referred to as the "open state"). When the shutter member 56 closes the opening 52a, the internal space S is in a closed state, and when the shutter member 56 opens the opening 52a, the internal space S is in an open state. When the internal space S is in a closed state, the internal space S is partitioned from a space outside the internal space S. When the internal space S is in an open state, the internal space S and a space outside the internal space S are connected to each other. When the internal space S is in an open state, the toilet brush 10 can be inserted and removed from the internal space S.

[0037] The storage container 50 has an opening / closing drive unit 58 for driving the shutter member 56. The opening / closing drive unit 58 moves the shutter member 56 so as to switch from an open state to a closed state, or from a closed state to an open state. Although omitted in Figs. 2 and 3, the opening / closing drive unit 58 is connected to the shutter member 56. The opening / closing drive unit 58 includes a drive source such as an electric motor, for example.

[0038] The non-contact sensor 59 generates a signal (hereinafter referred to as a "switching signal") for switching between the closed state and the open state. Switching between the closed state and the open state includes switching from the closed state to the open state and switching from the open state to the closed state. The non-contact sensor 59 is a sensor capable of detecting an object without physical contact. An example of the non-contact sensor 59 is an infrared sensor. The non-contact sensor 59 is provided, for example, on the upper surface at the upper end of the container body 52.

[0039] In one example, when a user brings his / her hand close to the non-contact sensor 59, the non-contact sensor 59 detects the presence or movement of the hand and generates the switching signal. The non-contact sensor 59 and the opening / closing drive unit 58 are electrically connected, and the non-contact sensor 59 outputs the switching signal to the opening / closing drive unit 58. Upon receiving the switching signal, the opening / closing drive unit 58 moves the shutter member 56 so as to switch from the open state to the closed state or from the closed state to the open state.

[0040] The holding portion 60 is a portion capable of holding the toilet brush 10. The holding portion 60 is formed, for example, to hold (support) the main body portion 12 of the toilet brush 10. The holding portion 60 is capable of holding the toilet brush 10 in the internal space S such that the brush member 14 of the toilet brush 10 does not come into contact with the storage container 50 (container body 52). In this case, the user can store the toilet brush 10 in the storage container 50 with no part of the brush member 14 in contact with the container body 52.

[0041] In one example, the holding portion 60 includes a first holding portion 62 and a second holding portion 64. The first holding portion 62 is located above the second holding portion 64. The first holding portion 62 can hold a portion near the end (upper end) of the grip portion 12b of the main body portion 12 opposite to the shaft portion 12a. The first holding portion 62 may hold the portion near the end of the grip portion 12b by pinching the portion from the side. The second holding portion 64 can hold the end (lower end) of the grip portion 12b connected to the shaft portion 12a. The second holding portion 64 may support from below a portion of the end surface (lower surface on the paper surface of FIG. 1) located at the end of the grip portion 12b connected to the shaft portion 12a, where the shaft portion 12a is not provided.

[0042] The storage container 50 may have an electrode member 66. The electrode member 66 is provided in the first holding portion 62. The electrode member 66 may be provided so as to come into contact with and be electrically connected to the electrode member 26 of the toilet brush 10 when the holding portion 60 (first holding portion 62 and second holding portion 64) holds the toilet brush 10. When the electrode member 26 and the electrode member 66 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected, the storage container 50 becomes capable of supplying power to the power supply unit 18 of the toilet brush 10.

[0043] The sterilization unit 70 sterilizes the toilet brush 10 while it is stored in the storage container 50. Sterilization of the toilet brush 10 means reducing the number of germs (e.g., bacteria or microorganisms) adhering to the toilet brush 10. The sterilization unit 70 shown in Fig. 3 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto at least a portion of the toilet brush 10 inside the storage container 50. The sterilization unit 70 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto, for example, the brush member 14 and the portion of the main body portion 12 that is held by the user (e.g., a part of the grip portion 12b).

[0044] In one example, the sterilization unit 70 includes a first sterilization unit 72 and a second sterilization unit 74. The first sterilization unit 72 is located above the second sterilization unit 74. The first sterilization unit 72 is located between the first holding unit 62 and the second holding unit 64 in the up-down direction, and the second sterilization unit 74 is provided below the second holding unit 64. The first sterilization unit 72 irradiates ultraviolet light onto a part of the gripping portion 12b when the first holding unit 62 and the second holding unit 64 properly hold the toilet brush 10. The second sterilization unit 74 irradiates ultraviolet light onto the brush member 14 when the first holding unit 62 and the second holding unit 64 properly hold the toilet brush 10.

[0045] Each of the first sterilization unit 72 and the second sterilization unit 74 includes, for example, one or more UV light sources 70a. Each of the first sterilization unit 72 and the second sterilization unit 74 may include two or more UV light sources 70a. In the first sterilization unit 72 or the second sterilization unit 74, the two or more UV light sources 70a may be arranged at intervals from each other along the up-down direction. At least some of the two or more UV light sources 70a may be arranged at intervals from each other along the horizontal direction (circumferential direction) in addition to or instead of the up-down direction.

[0046] The first sterilization unit 72 and the second sterilization unit 74 may start emitting ultraviolet rays after the user places the toilet brush 10 in the internal space S and the shutter member 56 closes the internal space S. The first sterilization unit 72 and the second sterilization unit 74 may continue emitting ultraviolet rays while the internal space S is maintained in the closed state after starting irradiation of ultraviolet rays. The first sterilization unit 72 and the second sterilization unit 74 may stop emitting ultraviolet rays before the user opens the shutter member 56 to take the toilet brush 10 out of the internal space S. Alternatively, the first sterilization unit 72 and the second sterilization unit 74 may continue emitting ultraviolet rays for a certain period (a preset period) that is a part of the period while the internal space S is maintained in the closed state.

[0047] The sterilization method by the sterilization unit 70 is not limited to irradiation with ultraviolet rays. The sterilization unit 70 may be configured to generate ozone in the internal space S. By generating ozone in the internal space S in a closed state, the toilet brush 10 housed in the internal space S can be sterilized. The sterilization unit 70 may continue to generate ozone in the internal space S while the internal space S is maintained in a closed state. Alternatively, the sterilization unit 70 may continue to generate ozone for a certain period (a preset period) that is a part of the period while the internal space S is maintained in a closed state.

[0048] The power cable 80 is used to allow the storage container 50 to receive power from an external power source (for example, a commercial power source). An end of the power cable 80 may be provided with a USB connector 80a. In this case, the USB connector 80a of the power cable 80 may be connected to the commercial power source via an adapter (USB power adapter). By providing the USB connector 80a at the end of the power cable 80, the specifications of the storage container 50 can be standardized even in two or more countries where the specifications of the commercial power source (voltage, shape of the outlet, etc.) are different.

[0049] By connecting the power cable 80 to an external power source, power is supplied to at least the opening / closing drive unit 58 and the sterilization unit 70 of the storage container 50. Furthermore, when the toilet brush 10 is stored in the storage container 50 and the electrode member 66 and the electrode member 26 of the toilet brush 10 are in contact with each other, power is supplied to the toilet brush 10 (e.g., the power supply unit 18). As described above, the storage container 50 is capable of supplying power to the toilet brush 10 when the holding unit 60 holds the toilet brush 10. Note that a power plug that can be directly connected to a commercial power source may be provided at the end of the power cable 80 instead of the USB connector 80a.

[0050] [How to use toilet cleaning tools] Next, an example of how to use the toilet cleaning tool 1 will be described. With the power cable 80 connected to an external power source, the storage container 50 placed on the floor, and the toilet brush 10 stored in the storage container 50, the user brings their hand close to the non-contact sensor 59 to remove the toilet brush 10. As a result, the non-contact sensor 59 detects the presence or movement of the hand, and the opening / closing drive unit 58 moves the shutter member 56 so that the internal space S switches from a closed state to an open state. As a result, the user can remove the toilet brush 10 from the internal space S of the storage container 50.

[0051] After removing the toilet brush 10, the user places the brush member 14 in a position in the space inside the toilet bowl that does not contact the toilet bowl, and then operates the first switch 22 to be in the on state. This starts the operation of the brush member 14 in the first operation mode. The user then moves the toilet brush 10 itself so that the brush member 14 comes into contact with the area in the toilet bowl that the user wants to clean. Note that since the brush member 14 is electrically driven, the user does not need to move the toilet brush 10 to scrub the toilet bowl with the brush member 14, but only needs to move the toilet brush 10 so that the brush member 14 touches the toilet bowl. As the toilet bowl is cleaned in this way, moisture and dirt from inside the toilet bowl adhere to the brush member 14.

[0052] When the user finishes cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl, the user operates the first switch 22 to the off state, thereby stopping the driving of the brush member 14 in the first operation mode. Then, the user places the brush member 14 in a position in the space inside the toilet bowl where it does not contact the toilet bowl, and operates the second switch 24 to start the driving of the brush member 14 in the second operation mode. The user holds the toilet brush 10 so as to maintain the position of the brush member 14 while the brush member 14 is being driven in the second operation mode. When a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds to several tens of seconds) has elapsed after the start of the driving of the brush member 14 in the second operation mode, the driving unit 16 of the toilet brush 10 autonomously stops the driving of the brush member 14. By driving the brush member 14 in the second operation mode, the user can remove moisture and dirt adhering to the brush member 14 before placing the toilet brush 10 in the storage container 50.

[0053] Next, the user inserts the toilet brush 10 into the internal space S of the storage container 50 so that the toilet brush 10 is held by the holding part 60. By appropriately holding the toilet brush 10 in the holding part 60, the toilet brush 10 is stored in the storage container 50 with the brush member 14 not in contact with the inner wall of the storage container 50. In addition, the electrode member 66 provided on the holding part 60 contacts the electrode member 26 in the grip part 12b of the toilet brush 10, and the electrode member 66 and the electrode member 26 are electrically connected to each other. After that, the user holds his / her hand near the non-contact sensor 59. As a result, the non-contact sensor 59 detects the presence or movement of the hand, and the shutter member 56 is moved by the opening / closing drive part 58 so that the internal space S is switched from the open state to the closed state.

[0054] After the movement of the shutter member 56 is completed and the internal space S is closed, the sterilization unit 70 irradiates, for example, ultraviolet light onto the grip portion 12b and the brush member 14 of the toilet brush 10 held by the holding unit 60. Alternatively, after the internal space S is closed, the sterilization unit 70 generates ozone in the internal space S. This removes bacteria adhering to the grip portion 12b and the brush member 14. While the holding unit 60 is holding the toilet brush 10, the storage container 50 connected to an external power source supplies power to the toilet brush 10. This charges the power supply unit 18 of the toilet brush 10.

[0055] [Effects of the embodiment] The toilet cleaning tool 1 described above includes a toilet brush 10 and a storage container 50 for storing the toilet brush 10. The toilet brush 10 includes a main body 12 that is held by a user, a brush member 14 that is attached to the main body 12 and is movable in a circumferential direction about a predetermined axis Ax, and a drive unit 16 that is provided on the main body 12 and drives the brush member 14 in the circumferential direction. The drive unit 16 is capable of driving the brush member 14 at a first operating speed and driving the brush member 14 at a second operating speed that is faster than the first operating speed. The storage container 50 includes a sterilization unit 70 that sterilizes the toilet brush 10 stored in the storage container 50.

[0056] After using the toilet brush to clean the toilet bowl, moisture and dirt adhere to the brush part, and the toilet brush is generally stored in that state. In addition, bacteria adhere to the tray brush as the toilet bowl is cleaned. In this way, if the toilet brush is left in that state after being used for cleaning, it is difficult to keep the toilet brush clean. In contrast, the toilet cleaning tool 1 can clean the toilet bowl while driving the brush member 14 at a first operating speed. Then, after using the toilet brush 10 for cleaning, the brush member 14 can be driven at a second operating speed faster than the first operating speed to remove moisture and dirt adhering to the brush member 14 from the toilet brush 10. Also, after the toilet brush 10 is stored in the storage container 50, the toilet brush 10 can be sterilized by the sterilization unit 70. Therefore, the toilet cleaning tool 1 can keep the toilet brush 10 clean.

[0057] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, when driving the brush member 14 at the first operating speed or the second operating speed, the driving unit 16 may alternately move the brush member 14 in the first rotation direction (R1) in the circumferential direction and move the brush member 14 in a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction (R1) in the circumferential direction. In this case, the brush member 14 moves (rotates) in the opposite rotation directions alternately, making it easier to remove dirt from the toilet bowl, and also making it easier to remove dirt adhering to the brush member 14 after use of the toilet brush 10. Therefore, it is possible to keep the toilet brush 10 cleaner.

[0058] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the toilet brush 10 may further include a first switch 22 and a second switch 24 provided on the main body 12. The first switch 22 may be a switch for starting the drive of the brush member 14 at the first operating speed. The second switch 24 may be a switch for starting the drive of the brush member 14 at the second operating speed. In this case, since separate switches are provided, the possibility that the user will mistakenly select between a mode for driving the brush member 14 when cleaning the toilet bowl and a mode for driving the brush member 14 to clean the brush member 14 after cleaning the toilet bowl is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0059] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the drive unit 16 may stop driving the brush member 14 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the drive unit 16 started driving the brush member 14 at the second operating speed by operating the second switch 24. In this case, after operating in a mode for driving the brush member 14 to clean the brush member 14, the operation stops even without the user operating a switch. In other words, the user does not need to operate a switch to stop the operation in this mode. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0060] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the main body 12 may include a rod-shaped shaft 12a having a brush member 14 detachably attached to one end thereof, and a rod-shaped handle 12b connected to the other end of the shaft 12a and having a larger diameter than the shaft 12a. In this case, the larger diameter of the handle 12b makes it easier for the user to hold the toilet brush 10, and also makes it possible to form a portion where the handle 12b can be supported from below.

[0061] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the sterilization unit 70 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto at least a portion of the toilet brush 10 in the storage container 50. In this case, the ultraviolet light can reduce the number of bacteria adhering to the toilet brush 10. This makes it possible to keep the toilet brush 10 clean.

[0062] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the sterilization unit 70 may be configured to irradiate ultraviolet light to each of the brush member 14 and the portion of the main body 12 that is held by the user. Bacteria are most likely to adhere to the brush member 14. Furthermore, if bacteria are present on the portion held by the user, there is a slight possibility that this may affect the user's health. With the above configuration, bacteria attached to the toilet brush 10 can be efficiently removed. Furthermore, the possibility of affecting the user's health can be reduced.

[0063] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the sterilization unit 70 may be configured to generate ozone in the internal space S of the storage container 50. In this case, the ozone can reduce the number of bacteria attached to the toilet brush 10. This makes it possible to keep the toilet brush 10 clean.

[0064] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the storage container 50 may further include a container body 52 having an opening 52a for inserting and removing the toilet brush 10 into and from the internal space S of the storage container 50, a shutter member 56 for switching between a closed state in which the opening 52a is closed and an open state in which the opening 52a is open, and a non-contact sensor 59 for generating a signal for switching between the closed state and the open state. In order to effectively perform sterilization, it is necessary to close the internal space S, and to do so, the user needs to move the part of the storage container 50 that opens and closes. In the above configuration, the internal space S can be closed and opened by a signal from the non-contact sensor 59, so that the possibility of bacteria from the storage container 50 adhering to the user's hands can be reduced.

[0065] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the storage container 50 may further have a holding portion 60 capable of holding the toilet brush 10 in the internal space S of the storage container 50 so that the brush member 14 does not come into contact with the storage container 50. In this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that bacteria, etc. adhering to the brush member 14 will be transferred to the storage container 50 and that bacteria, etc. will re-adhere to the toilet brush 10 from the storage container 50 after the toilet brush 10 has been sterilized. Therefore, it is possible to keep the toilet brush 10 cleaner.

[0066] In the toilet cleaning tool 1 described above, the storage container 50 may be capable of supplying power to the toilet brush 10 when the holding part 60 holds the toilet brush 10. Power is required to drive the brush member 14, and in the above configuration, the toilet brush 10 can be charged when stored in the storage container 50. Therefore, the user does not need to replace the battery or perform an action just for charging the toilet brush 10. This makes it possible to improve user convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...toilet cleaning tool, 10...toilet brush, 12...main body, 12a...shaft portion, 12b...grip portion, 14...brush member, Ax...axis, R1, R2...rotation direction, 16...drive portion, 22...first switch, 24...second switch, 50...storage container, 52...container body, S...internal space, 56...shutter member, 59...non-contact sensor, 60...holding portion, 70...sterilization portion.

Claims

1. Toilet brush and A storage container for storing the toilet brush, The toilet brush is A main body portion to be held by a user; A brush member attached to the main body and movable in a circumferential direction about a predetermined axis; a drive portion provided on the main body portion and configured to drive the brush member along the circumferential direction, The drive unit is driving the brush member at a first operating speed; driving the brush member at a second operating speed that is faster than the first operating speed; The storage container has a sterilization unit that sterilizes the toilet brush while it is stored in the storage container. Toilet cleaning equipment.

2. 2. The toilet cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein when driving the brush member at the first operating speed or the second operating speed, the drive unit alternately moves the brush member in a first rotational direction in the circumferential direction and moves the brush member in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the circumferential direction.

3. The toilet brush further includes a first switch and a second switch provided on the main body, the first switch is a switch for starting driving of the brush member at the first operating speed, The toilet cleaning tool according to claim 1 , wherein the second switch is a switch for starting driving of the brush member at the second operating speed.

4. The toilet cleaning tool according to claim 3 , wherein the drive unit stops driving the brush member after a predetermined time has elapsed since starting to drive the brush member at the second operating speed in response to operation of the second switch.

5. The main body portion is a rod-shaped shaft portion having one end to which the brush member is detachably attached; The toilet cleaning tool according to claim 1 , further comprising: a rod-shaped handle portion connected to the other end of the shaft portion and having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion.

6. The toilet cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sterilization unit is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto at least a portion of the toilet brush in the storage container.

7. The toilet cleaning tool according to claim 6 , wherein the sterilization unit is configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto each of the brush member and a portion of the main body that is held by a user.

8. The toilet cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sterilization unit is configured to generate ozone in an internal space of the storage container.

9. The storage container includes: A container body having an opening for inserting and removing the toilet brush into and from the internal space of the storage container; a shutter member that switches between a closed state in which the opening is closed and an open state in which the opening is opened; The toilet cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a non-contact sensor for generating a signal to effect switching between the closed state and the open state.

10. The toilet cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage container further has a holding portion capable of holding the toilet brush in an internal space of the storage container so that the brush member does not contact the storage container.

11. The toilet cleaning tool according to claim 10 , wherein the storage container is capable of supplying power to the toilet brush when the holding part holds the toilet brush.

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