Bathtub water discharge device

Abstract

To provide a bathtub water discharge device that can discharge clean hot water from a water discharge part.SOLUTION: A bathtub water discharge device installed in a bathtub to discharge hot water toward the inside of the bathtub, comprises: a water discharge part attached to an edge of the bathtub, and having a water discharge port for discharging the hot water toward the inside of the bathtub; a pipe connecting a suction port provided in the bathtub, and the water discharge part; an electric pump provided in the pipe to supply the hot water inside the bathtub to the water discharge part; and a first cleaning device provided inside the water discharge part to clean the inside of the water discharge part by spraying cleaning water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a bathtub water discharge device. [Background technology]

[0002] A bathtub water discharge device that is installed in a bathtub and discharges hot water toward the inside of the bathtub is known (for example, Patent Document 1). A bathtub water discharge device discharges hot water from a water discharge portion toward the bather's shoulders and neck, for example. By discharging hot water toward the bather's body in this way, for example, a massaging effect can be imparted to the bather's body, increasing the relaxation effect during bathing.

[0003] In such bathtub water discharge devices, hot water from inside the bathtub is pumped up by an electric pump and discharged from the water discharge section, which means that dirt tends to accumulate inside the water discharge section, making it difficult to discharge clean hot water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-209141 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a water discharge device for a bathtub that can discharge clean hot water from the water discharge portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is a bathtub water discharge device that is installed in a bathtub and discharges hot water toward the inside of the bathtub, comprising: a water discharge section that is attached to the edge of the bathtub and has a water outlet that discharges hot water toward the inside of the bathtub; piping that connects the water discharge section to an intake port provided in the bathtub; an electric pump that is provided in the piping and supplies hot water from inside the bathtub to the water discharge section; and a first cleaning device that is provided inside the water discharge section and cleans the inside of the water discharge section by spraying cleaning water.

[0007] This bathtub water discharger has a first flushing device that cleans the inside of the water discharger, making it easy to clean the inside of the water discharger. Furthermore, because the water discharger is cleaned by spraying cleaning water, the time and effort required for cleaning, such as obtaining a cleaning agent for cleaning the water discharger, can be eliminated, making it easy to clean the water discharger. Furthermore, because the water is made clean by cleaning the water discharger, compared to, for example, a method of sterilizing water by irradiating the water discharged from the water discharger with ultraviolet light, there is no risk to the bather and deterioration of resin materials commonly used in bathrooms due to ultraviolet light can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing the first flushing device inside the water discharger, cleaning water can be distributed over a wider area inside the water discharger, even if the inside of the water discharger has a complex shape, for example. Therefore, clean water can be discharged from the water discharger.

[0008] The second invention is a water discharge device for a bathtub in the first invention, wherein the first cleaning device has a first disinfectant water generating section that generates disinfectant water and a first spraying section that sprays the disinfectant water, and the first cleaning device cleans the inside of the water discharge section by spraying the disinfectant water.

[0009] According to this bathtub water discharger, the first cleaning device cleans the inside of the water discharger with disinfectant water, thereby more efficiently cleaning the inside of the water discharger than when the inside of the water discharger is cleaned with water that does not contain a disinfecting component. Furthermore, spraying disinfectant water allows the disinfectant water to be distributed over a wider area inside the water discharger. Therefore, for example, even if the inside of the water discharger has a complex shape, the water can be distributed over a wider area inside the water discharger. Furthermore, for example, if the disinfectant water contains hypochlorous acid or the like, spraying the disinfectant water can prevent the disinfectant water from being deactivated and allow the disinfectant water to be distributed over a wider area inside the water discharger.

[0010] The third invention is a water discharge device for a bathtub, in which, in the first invention, the water discharge section has a storage chamber that stores hot and cold water supplied from the bathtub through the piping, and a throttle flow path that is located downstream of the storage chamber and has a slit-shaped water discharge outlet, and the first cleaning device is located in the storage chamber.

[0011] According to this bathtub water discharger, the first flushing device is provided in the storage chamber, so that the inside of the storage chamber and the inside of the throttle channel can be cleaned more efficiently, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the first flushing device.

[0012] The fourth invention is a water discharge device for a bathtub, which, in the first invention, further comprises a control unit that controls the first cleaning device and an operation unit that accepts operation input from the bather, and when operation input to discharge hot water from the water discharge unit is made in the operation unit, the control unit causes the first cleaning device to clean the inside of the water discharge unit.

[0013] With this bathtub water discharger, when an operation input is made on the operating unit to discharge hot and cold water from the water discharger, the control unit causes the first flushing device to clean the inside of the water discharger, and by using the water supply pressure when discharging hot and cold water from the water discharger, the wash water from the first flushing device can be distributed downstream of the water discharger, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the first flushing device.

[0014] The fifth invention is a water discharge device for a bathtub, which, in the first invention, further comprises a control unit that controls the first cleaning device and an operation unit that accepts operation input from the bather, and the control unit causes the first cleaning device to clean the inside of the water discharge unit when operation input to discharge hot water from the bathtub is made at the operation unit.

[0015] With this bathtub water discharge device, when an operation input to discharge hot and cold water from the bathtub is made on the operating unit, the control unit causes the first flushing device to clean the inside of the water discharge unit, and by using the drainage pressure when discharging hot and cold water from the bathtub, the wash water from the first flushing device can be distributed upstream of the water discharge unit, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the first flushing device.

[0016] The sixth invention is a water discharge device for a bathtub, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a second cleaning device that is provided on the electric pump and cleans the inside of the electric pump by spraying cleaning water.

[0017] According to this bathtub water discharge device, the inside of the electric pump can be easily cleaned by providing a second cleaning device that cleans the inside of the electric pump. Furthermore, because the electric pump is cleaned by spraying cleaning water, the electric pump can be easily cleaned without the need for the time and effort required for cleaning, such as obtaining a cleaning agent for cleaning the electric pump. Furthermore, because the water is made clean by cleaning the electric pump, compared to, for example, a method of sterilizing water by irradiating the water discharged from the water discharge portion with ultraviolet light, this method poses no risk to the bather and prevents deterioration of resin materials commonly used in bathrooms due to ultraviolet light. Therefore, cleaner water can be discharged from the water discharge portion.

[0018] A seventh invention is a water discharge device for a bathtub in the sixth invention, wherein the second cleaning device has a second disinfectant water generating unit that generates disinfectant water and a second spraying unit that sprays the disinfectant water, and the second cleaning device cleans the inside of the electric pump by spraying the disinfectant water.

[0019] According to this bathtub water discharge device, the second flushing device cleans the inside of the electric pump with disinfected water, thereby more efficiently cleaning the inside of the electric pump compared to cleaning the inside of the electric pump with water that does not contain a disinfecting component. Furthermore, by spraying the disinfected water, the disinfected water can be distributed over a wider area inside the electric pump. Therefore, for example, even if the inside of the electric pump has a complex shape, the water can be distributed over a wider area inside the electric pump. Furthermore, for example, if the disinfected water contains hypochlorous acid or the like, spraying the disinfected water can prevent the disinfected water from being deactivated and distribute the disinfected water over a wider area inside the electric pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, a water discharge device for a bathtub is provided that can discharge clean hot water from a water discharge portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bathtub system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a bathtub system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a part of a bathtub system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a bathtub system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a water discharge portion of a water discharge device for a bathtub according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electric pump of a bathtub water discharge device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bathtub system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a part of the bathtub system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a part of the bathtub system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a bathtub system according to an embodiment. 1 and 2, a bathtub system 500 according to an embodiment includes a bathtub water discharger 100 and a bathtub 200. The bathtub water discharger 100 is installed in the bathtub 200 for use.

[0023] The bathtub 200 comprises a bathtub body 202. The bathtub body 202 has an inner wall surface 204. The inner wall surface 204 has a backrest surface 206 that supports the bather's back. The backrest surface 206 extends upward from a bottom surface (not shown) and is curved concavely toward the rear. Therefore, the upper end 206a that continues to the backrest surface 206 is also curved concavely toward the rear. The bathtub water discharger 100 is installed at the rear of the bathtub 200. The bathtub water discharger 100 is installed behind the backrest surface 206 of the bathtub body 202.

[0024] Herein, in this specification, the upper side as viewed from the bather with their back resting against the backrest surface 206 will be referred to as "upper side," the lower side as "lower side," the front side as "front," the rear side as "rear," the right side as "right side," and the left side as "left side."

[0025] The bathtub main body 202 has a pair of jets 210 provided on the backrest surface 206. Each jet 210 sprays hot water toward the waist and other areas of the bather who has their back resting against the backrest surface 206. Each jet 210 sprays hot water, for example, targeting the position of the bather's erector spinae muscles, which are the anti-gravity muscles. This stimulates the bather's waist and other areas, further enhancing the relaxation effect while bathing. In this example, the bathtub main body 202 has two jets 210 lined up on the left and right. The number of jets 210 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the bathtub water discharger 100 includes a water discharger 10, a lighting unit 70, and a cover unit 80.

[0027] The water discharger 10 is attached to the edge 208 on the backrest surface 206 side of the bathtub body 202. The water discharger 10 has a water outlet 10h at its front end, and discharges hot and cold water from the water outlet 10h toward the inside of the bathtub body 202. In other words, the water discharger 10 discharges hot and cold water from the water outlet 10h toward the front. The water discharger 10 discharges hot and cold water from the water outlet 10h so that it spreads out in the left and right directions.

[0028] The water discharger 10 discharges hot water from the water discharge port 10h toward the neck and shoulders of the bather whose back is resting against the backrest surface 206. This can, for example, further warm the bather's neck and shoulders or provide a massage effect to the bather's neck and shoulders, thereby further enhancing the relaxation effect during bathing.

[0029] The front end of water spouting unit 10 is curved concavely so as to fit along upper end 206a of backrest surface 206. Therefore, water spouting outlet 10h provided at the front end of water spouting unit 10 is also curved concavely.

[0030] The water outlet 10h is shaped like a slit that extends in the left-right direction. In other words, the length of the water outlet 10h in the left-right direction is greater than the length of the water outlet 10h in the up-down direction. This causes the water discharger 10 to discharge a band-shaped water flow that extends in the left-right direction from the water outlet 10h.

[0031] The left-right length of the water outlet 10h is, for example, 20 cm or more. The left-right length of the water outlet 10h is, for example, longer than the average width of a human neck. This allows hot water to be appropriately directed onto the neck and shoulders of a bather with their back resting against the backrest surface 206. Furthermore, the left-right length of the water outlet 10h is, for example, shorter than the left-right width of the space inside the bathtub main body 202. This allows hot water to be appropriately discharged into the bathtub main body 202.

[0032] The lighting unit 70 is positioned above the water discharge unit 10. The lighting unit 70 has a light source 71, a light guide plate 72, and a lighting cover 73. The light source 71 extends linearly in the left-right direction and is positioned so as to emit horizontally elongated light toward the inside of the bathtub body 202. The light guide plate 72 is provided in front of the light source 71. The light guide plate 72 takes in the light emitted from the light source 71 and guides the taken-in light toward the inside of the bathtub body 202. The lighting cover 73 is attached above the light source 71 and the light guide plate 72, and covers the above, both sides, rear, and part of the front of the light source 71 and the light guide plate 72.

[0033] By providing the lighting unit 70, it is possible to illuminate the bathtub 200, the bathtub water discharger 100, and the hot and cold water discharged from the bathtub water discharger 100. This improves the appearance of the bathtub 200. The lighting unit 70 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0034] The cover section 80 is provided above the water discharge section 10 and the lighting section 70. The cover section 80 is attached, for example, to the top of the water discharge section 10, and covers the top, both sides, rear, and part of the front of the water discharge section 10 and the lighting section 70. The front of the cover section 80 is cut out to avoid the water discharge port 10h. The cover section 80 functions, for example, as a pillow section for the bather to rest their head on. The cover section 80 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0035] 4, the bathtub water discharge device 100 further includes an electric pump 30, a switching valve 32, a jet pump unit 34, a control unit 50, and an operation unit 55. The bathtub body 202 also has an intake port 212 for drawing in hot and cold water stored inside the bathtub body 202.

[0036] The electric pump 30 is connected to the suction port 212 via the piping 20. The electric pump 30 sucks hot water from within the bathtub body 202 through the suction port 212 and supplies it downstream. The electric pump 30 has the function of applying pressure to the sucked hot water to pump it out, for example. The electric pump 30 sucks hot water from within the bathtub body 202 and pumps the sucked hot water out downstream, for example, by rotating an impeller (not shown) directly connected to an electrically driven electric motor (not shown).

[0037] The switching valve 32 is connected to the electric pump 30 via the piping 21. The switching valve 32 switches the hot water supplied from the electric pump 30 between a path that sends the hot water to the water discharger 10 of the bathtub water discharge device 100 and a path that sends the hot water to each nozzle 210.

[0038] Each nozzle 210 is connected to a switching valve 32 via a pipe 22. The pipe 22 is, for example, branched into two parts along the way and connected to each of the nozzles 210. As a result, in the bathtub 200, hot water is sprayed from each nozzle 210 by driving the electric pump 30 and switching the switching valve 32 to the side of each nozzle 210.

[0039] The jet pump unit is provided on the path between the water discharger 10 and the switching valve 32 of the bathtub water discharge device 100. The jet pump unit is provided directly below the water discharger 10, for example.

[0040] The jet pump unit 34 has a water storage section 34a and a nozzle section 34b. The water storage section 34a is container-shaped and can store hot water in its internal space. The water storage section 34a is connected to the suction port 212 via the piping 23. This allows hot water to be supplied to the water storage section 34a from the bathtub body 202 via the suction port 212. In other words, by storing hot water in the bathtub body 202, hot water also stores in the water storage section 34a. The water storage section 34a stores the hot water supplied from the bathtub body 202 via the suction port 212 and the piping 23. Hot water may be supplied to the water storage section 34a from a suction port other than the suction port 212 of the electric pump 30. Furthermore, the hot water supplied to the water storage section 34a is not limited to hot water stored in the bathtub body 202, but may be hot water supplied from a different water source.

[0041] Furthermore, water storage unit 34a is connected to switching valve 32 via piping 24, and is connected to water discharge unit 10 via piping 25. Pipe 24 is connected to, for example, the lower part of water storage unit 34a. Pipe 25 is connected to, for example, the upper part of water storage unit 34a, facing piping 24. Pipe 24 extends upward from water storage unit 34a, and is connected to water discharge unit 10.

[0042] Nozzle portion 34b is provided at the connection between water storage portion 34a and piping 24. Nozzle portion 34b sprays hot water supplied from electric pump 30 via switching valve 32 and piping 24 toward piping 25. As a result, hot water supplied from electric pump 30 is supplied to water discharge portion 10, and hot water stored in water storage portion 34a is drawn into piping 25 by the jet pump action, and the hot water stored in water storage portion 34a is also supplied to water discharge portion 10. As a result, a large flow rate of hot water can be supplied to water discharge portion 10 even when electric pump 30 is made relatively small. For example, hot water can be supplied to water discharge portion 10 at a flow rate greater than the maximum flow rate of electric pump 30.

[0043] In this way, in bathtub 200, hot water is discharged from water discharger 10 by driving electric pump 30 and switching switching valve 32 to the path on the water discharger 10 side. Also, in bathtub 200, by using switching valve 32 to connect both the water discharger 10 side and each nozzle 210 side to electric pump 30, hot water can be discharged from water discharger 10 and sprayed from each nozzle 210 simultaneously.

[0044] The control unit 50 is connected to the electric pump 30, the switching valve 32, and the operation unit 55. The operation unit 55 is used by being attached, for example, to the bathtub main body 202 or the wall of the bathroom. The operation unit 55 may also be attached, for example, outside the bathroom (for example, in a changing room). The operation unit 55 has switches, sensors, etc., and receives operation inputs from the bather. The operation unit 55 is a so-called remote control. Electrical communication between the control unit 50 and the operation unit 55 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0045] The control unit 50 controls the operation of the electric pump 30 and the switching valve 32 in response to an operation input by the bather at the operation unit 55. When an operation input to spray hot water from each nozzle 210 is made at the operation unit 55, the control unit 50 starts driving the electric pump 30 and switches the switching valve 32 to the side of each nozzle 210, thereby spraying hot water from each nozzle 210.

[0046] When an operation input is made at the operating unit 55 to discharge hot water from the water discharge unit 10, the control unit 50 starts driving the electric pump 30 and switches the switching valve 32 to the water discharge unit 10 side, thereby discharging hot water from the water discharge unit 10.

[0047] In addition, when an operation input is made at the operating unit 55 to simultaneously discharge water from the water discharge unit 10 and each nozzle 210, the control unit 50 starts operating the electric pump 30 and switches the switching valve 32 so that both the water discharge unit 10 side and each nozzle 210 side are connected to the electric pump 30, thereby discharging hot water from the water discharge unit 10 and spraying hot water from each nozzle 210.

[0048] Then, the control unit 50 stops driving the electric pump 30 when an operation input is made at the operation unit 55 to stop the discharge of hot water from the water discharge unit 10 or to stop the spray of hot water from each nozzle 210.

[0049] The control unit 50 is also connected to the light source 71 of the bathtub water discharger 100. The control unit 50 switches the light source 71 on and off in response to an operation input on the operation unit 55.

[0050] The bathtub water discharger 100 further includes a first flushing device 40 and a second flushing device 45. The first flushing device 40 is provided inside the water discharger 10. The first flushing device 40 cleans the inside of the water discharger 10 by spraying cleaning water. The second flushing device 45 is provided inside the electric pump 30. The second flushing device 45 cleans the inside of the electric pump 30 by spraying cleaning water. The second flushing device 45 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0051] The control unit 50 is connected to the first cleaning device 40 and the second cleaning device 45. The control unit 50 controls the first cleaning device 40 and the second cleaning device 45. As will be described later, the control unit 50 performs cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 and the second cleaning device 45 in response to, for example, the discharge of hot and cold water from the water discharger 10, the draining of hot and cold water from the bathtub 200, the start of floor cleaning, etc. The control unit 50 may also start or stop cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 and the second cleaning device 45 in response to, for example, an operation input on the operation unit 55.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the water discharger of the water discharger for a bathtub according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the water discharger 10 has a flow path 11 through which hot and cold water flows. The flow path 11 has a storage chamber 11a and a throttle flow path 11b. The storage chamber 11a stores hot and cold water supplied from the bathtub 200 via pipes 20, 21, 23, 24, and 25. The throttle flow path 11b is provided downstream of the storage chamber 11a. The throttle flow path 11b has a slit-shaped water discharge port 10h at its downstream end. The first cleaning device 40 is provided, for example, in the storage chamber 11a.

[0053] The first washing device 40 sprays, for example, at least one of disinfecting water containing a component with a disinfecting effect and water not containing a component with a disinfecting effect as the washing water. The disinfecting water contains, for example, hypochlorous acid as a component with a disinfecting effect.

[0054] When the first cleaning device 40 sprays disinfectant water, the first cleaning device 40 has a first disinfectant water generator 41 and a first sprayer 42. The first disinfectant water generator 41 generates disinfectant water. The first disinfectant water generator 41 is connected to, for example, a water supply source. The first disinfectant water generator 41 generates disinfectant water containing hypochlorous acid, for example, by decomposing water supplied from the water supply source. The first sprayer 42 sprays the disinfectant water. The first cleaning device 40 cleans the inside of the water discharger 10, for example, by spraying (spraying) the disinfectant water generated by the first disinfectant water generator 41 using the first sprayer 42. The first sprayer 42 may spray the disinfectant water toward multiple locations inside the water discharger 10, for example, as shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 5. The first sprayer 42 may spray the disinfectant water toward, for example, the storage chamber 11a and the throttle channel 11b.

[0055] The first cleaning device 40 may be capable of, for example, a mode of spraying sterilizing water and a mode of spraying water that does not contain any component with a sterilizing effect. In other words, the first cleaning device 40 may be capable of switching, for example, between spraying sterilizing water and spraying water that does not contain any component with a sterilizing effect.

[0056] The water discharge unit 10 has a water discharge sensor 12. The water discharge sensor 12 is provided at the upstream end of the storage chamber 11a. The water discharge sensor 12 can detect when hot water supplied from the bathtub 200 via the pipes 20, 21, 23, 24, and 25 has reached the storage chamber 11a. The water discharge sensor 12 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows an electric pump of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. 6, the second cleaning device 45 is provided inside the electric pump 30. The second cleaning device 45 cleans the inside of the electric pump 30 by spraying cleaning water.

[0058] The second washing device 45 sprays, for example, at least one of disinfecting water containing a component with a disinfecting effect and water not containing a component with a disinfecting effect as the washing water. The disinfecting water contains, for example, hypochlorous acid as a component with a disinfecting effect.

[0059] When the second cleaning device 45 sprays disinfectant water, the second cleaning device 45 has a second disinfectant water generator 46 and a second sprayer 47. The second disinfectant water generator 46 generates disinfectant water. The second disinfectant water generator 46 is connected to, for example, a water supply source. The second disinfectant water generator 46 generates disinfectant water containing hypochlorous acid, for example, by decomposing water supplied from the water supply source. The second sprayer 47 sprays the disinfectant water. The second cleaning device 45 cleans the inside of the electric pump 30, for example, by spraying (spraying) the disinfectant water generated by the second disinfectant water generator 46 using the second sprayer 47. The second sprayer 47 may spray disinfectant water toward multiple locations inside the electric pump 30, for example, as indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 6.

[0060] The second cleaning device 45 may be capable of, for example, switching between a mode of spraying sterilizing water and a mode of spraying water that does not contain any component with a sterilizing effect. That is, the second cleaning device 45 may be capable of switching between, for example, spraying sterilizing water and spraying water that does not contain any component with a sterilizing effect.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 50 may, for example, start cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 when an operation input is made on the operation unit 55 to discharge hot water from the water discharge unit 10, and may end cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 when the water discharge sensor 12 detects hot water.

[0062] More specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the water discharger 10 has been made in the operation unit 55 (step S101). The control unit 50 repeats step S101 until an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the water discharger 10 has been made in the operation unit 55 (step S101: No).

[0063] When an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the water discharger 10 is made through the operation unit 55 (step S101: Yes), the control unit 50 starts cleaning the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first cleaning device 40 (step S102).

[0064] When the flushing starts, the control unit 50 determines whether the water discharge sensor 12 detects hot or cold water (Step S103). The control unit 50 repeats Step S103 until the water discharge sensor 12 detects hot or cold water (Step S103: No).

[0065] When the water discharge sensor 12 detects hot or cold water (step S103: Yes), the control unit 50 ends cleaning of the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first cleaning device 40 (step S104).

[0066] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 50 may, for example, start cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 when an operation input to drain hot water from the bathtub 200 is made on the operation unit 55, and may end cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0067] More specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether an operation input to drain hot and cold water from the bathtub 200 has been made on the operation unit 55 (step S201). The control unit 50 repeats step S201 until an operation input to drain hot and cold water from the bathtub 200 has been made on the operation unit 55 (step S201: No).

[0068] When an operation input to drain hot and cold water from the bathtub 200 is made on the operation unit 55 (step S201: Yes), the control unit 50 starts cleaning the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first cleaning device 40 (step S202).

[0069] When cleaning starts, the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since cleaning started (step S203). The control unit 50 repeats step S203 until the predetermined time has elapsed (step S203: No). The predetermined time is, for example, one minute.

[0070] When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S203: Yes), the control unit 50 ends cleaning of the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first cleaning device 40 (step S204).

[0071] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. 9, the control unit 50 may start cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 when an operation input to start floor cleaning is made on the operation unit 55, and may end cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 after a predetermined time has passed. In floor cleaning, the bathroom floor is cleaned by discharging, for example, disinfecting water or water that does not contain a component with a disinfecting effect.

[0072] More specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether an operation input to start floor washing has been made on the operation unit 55 (Step S301). The control unit 50 repeats Step S301 until an operation input to start floor washing is made on the operation unit 55 (Step S301: No).

[0073] When an operation to start floor washing is input through the operation unit 55 (step S301: Yes), the control unit 50 starts washing the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first washing device 40 (step S302).

[0074] When cleaning starts, the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since cleaning started (step S303). The control unit 50 repeats step S303 until the predetermined time has elapsed (step S303: No). The predetermined time is, for example, 20 minutes.

[0075] When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S303: Yes), the control unit 50 ends cleaning of the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first cleaning device 40 (step S304).

[0076] In addition, the control unit 50 may determine whether or not floor cleaning has been completed in step S303. In this case, the control unit 50 repeats step S303 until floor cleaning has been completed (step S303: No). Also, in this case, when floor cleaning has been completed (step S303: Yes), the control unit 50 ends cleaning of the inside of the water discharger 10 by the first cleaning device 40 (step S304).

[0077] When the bathtub water discharger 100 is equipped with the second cleaning device 45, the control unit 50, for example, performs cleaning by the second cleaning device 45 when performing cleaning by the first cleaning device 40. In other words, the control unit 50, for example, performs cleaning by the first cleaning device 40 and cleaning by the second cleaning device 45 simultaneously. For example, the control unit 50 may perform cleaning by the second cleaning device 45 before performing cleaning by the first cleaning device 40, or may perform cleaning by the second cleaning device 45 after performing cleaning by the first cleaning device 40. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may, for example, perform cleaning by the second cleaning device 45 at a timing unrelated to cleaning by the first cleaning device 40.

[0078] The following describes the effects of the bathtub water discharge device according to the embodiment. In a bathtub water discharge device, hot water is pumped up from inside the bathtub by a pump and discharged from the water discharge part, so dirt tends to accumulate inside the water discharge part, making it difficult to discharge clean hot water.

[0079] In contrast, the bathtub water discharger 100 according to the embodiment includes a first flushing device 40 for cleaning the interior of the water discharger 10, making it easy to clean the interior of the water discharger 10. Furthermore, because the water discharger 10 is cleaned by spraying cleaning water, the time and effort required for cleaning, such as obtaining a cleaning agent for cleaning the water discharger 10, can be eliminated, making it easy to clean the water discharger 10. Furthermore, cleaning the water discharger 10 purifies the water, which is less dangerous to bathers than, for example, sterilizing the water discharged from the water discharger 10 by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, and it can prevent deterioration of resin materials commonly used in bathrooms due to ultraviolet light. Furthermore, by providing the first flushing device 40 inside the water discharger 10, cleaning water can be distributed over a wider area inside the water discharger 10, even if the interior of the water discharger 10 has a complex shape. Therefore, clean water can be discharged from the water discharger 10.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the bathtub water discharger 100 of the embodiment, the first cleaning device 40 cleans the inside of the water discharger 10 with sterilized water, thereby more efficiently cleaning the inside of the water discharger 10 compared to cleaning the inside of the water discharger 10 with water that does not contain a component with a sterilizing effect. Furthermore, by spraying the sterilized water, the sterilized water can be spread over a wider area inside the water discharger 10. Therefore, for example, even if the inside of the water discharger 10 has a complex shape, the water can be spread over a wider area inside the water discharger 10. Furthermore, for example, if the sterilized water contains hypochlorous acid or the like, spraying the sterilized water can prevent the sterilized water from being deactivated and spread over a wider area inside the water discharger 10.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the bathtub water discharger 100 of the embodiment, the first flushing device 40 is provided in the storage chamber 11a, so that the inside of the storage chamber 11a and the inside of the throttle channel 11b can be cleaned more efficiently. This improves the cleaning efficiency of the first flushing device 40.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the bathtub water discharger 100 of the embodiment, when an operation input to discharge hot and cold water from the water discharger 10 is made on the operating unit 55, the control unit 50 causes the first flushing device 40 to clean the inside of the water discharger 10, thereby using the water supply pressure when discharging hot and cold water from the water discharger 10 to spread the cleaning water from the first flushing device 40 to the downstream side of the water discharger 10 (for example, the throttle flow path 11b, etc.). This improves the cleaning efficiency of the first flushing device 40.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the bathtub water discharger 100 of the embodiment, when an operation input to discharge hot and cold water from the bathtub 200 is made on the operating unit 55, the control unit 50 causes the first flushing device 40 to clean the inside of the water discharger 10, thereby using the drainage pressure when discharging hot and cold water from the bathtub 200 to spread the cleaning water from the first flushing device 40 to the upstream side of the water discharger 10 (for example, the piping 25, etc.). This improves the cleaning efficiency of the first flushing device 40.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the bathtub water discharge device 100 of the embodiment, the interior of the electric pump 30 can be easily cleaned by providing a second cleaning device 45 that cleans the interior of the electric pump 30. Furthermore, because the electric pump 30 is cleaned by spraying cleaning water, the electric pump 30 can be easily cleaned without the need for a cleaning agent, which is required for cleaning the electric pump 30. Furthermore, because the water is made clean by cleaning the electric pump 30, compared to, for example, a method of sterilizing water by irradiating the water discharged from the water discharger 10 with ultraviolet light, this method poses no risk to the bather and can prevent deterioration of resin materials commonly used in bathrooms due to ultraviolet light. Therefore, cleaner water can be discharged from the water discharger 10.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the bathtub water discharge device 100 of the embodiment, the second flushing device 45 cleans the inside of the electric pump 30 with disinfected water, thereby more efficiently cleaning the inside of the electric pump 30 compared to cleaning the inside of the electric pump 30 with water that does not contain a disinfecting component. Furthermore, spraying the disinfected water allows the disinfected water to be distributed over a wider area inside the electric pump 30. Therefore, for example, even if the inside of the electric pump 30 has a complex shape, the water can be distributed over a wider area inside the electric pump 30. Furthermore, for example, if the disinfected water contains hypochlorous acid or the like, spraying the disinfected water can prevent the disinfected water from being deactivated and allow the disinfected water to be distributed over a wider area inside the electric pump 30.

[0086] Embodiments may include the following features.

[0087] (Configuration 1) A bathtub water discharge device that is installed in a bathtub and discharges hot and cold water toward the inside of the bathtub, A water discharge unit attached to the edge of the bathtub and having a water discharge port that discharges hot and cold water toward the inside of the bathtub; A pipe connecting the suction port provided in the bathtub and the water discharge portion; an electric pump provided in the piping for supplying hot and cold water to the water outlet portion; a first cleaning device provided inside the water discharger and configured to clean the inside of the water discharger by spraying cleaning water; A bathtub water discharge device comprising:

[0088] (Configuration 2) The first cleaning device is a first sterilized water generating unit that generates sterilized water; A first spray unit that sprays the sterilizing water; and The water discharger for a bathtub according to configuration 1, wherein the first cleaning device cleans the inside of the water discharger by spraying the sterilized water.

[0089] (Configuration 3) The water discharge section is A storage chamber for storing hot and cold water supplied from the bathtub through the piping; a throttle flow path provided downstream of the storage chamber and having a slit-shaped water outlet; and The water discharge device for a bathtub according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first flushing device is provided in the storage chamber.

[0090] (Configuration 4) a control unit that controls the first cleaning device; an operation unit that accepts operation inputs from the bather; Furthermore, The control unit, when an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the water discharge unit is made in the operating unit, cleans the inside of the water discharge unit using the first cleaning device. A water discharge device for a bathtub described in any one of configurations 1 to 3.

[0091] (Configuration 5) a control unit that controls the first cleaning device; an operation unit that accepts operation inputs from the bather; Furthermore, A water discharge device for a bathtub described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the control unit causes the first cleaning device to clean the inside of the water discharge unit when an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the bathtub is made on the operating unit.

[0092] (Configuration 6) The water discharger for a bathtub according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a second cleaning device that is provided in the electric pump and cleans the inside of the electric pump by spraying cleaning water.

[0093] (Configuration 7) The second cleaning device is a second sterilized water generating unit that generates sterilized water; A second spray unit that sprays the sterilizing water; and 7. The water discharger for a bathtub according to configuration 6, wherein the second cleaning device cleans the inside of the electric pump by spraying the sterilized water.

[0094] As described above, according to the embodiment, a water discharge device for a bathtub is provided that can discharge clean hot water from the water discharge portion.

[0095] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of a bathtub water discharger are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10: Water outlet 10h: Outlet 11: Flow path 11a: Storage chamber 11b: throttle channel 12: Water discharge sensor 20~25: Piping 30: Electric pump 32: Switching valve 34: Jet pump unit 34a: Water storage section 34b: Nozzle part 40: First cleaning device 41:First sterilized water generation section 42: 1st spray section 45: Second cleaning device 46:Second sterilized water generation section 47:Second spray section 50: Control unit 55:Operation section 70: Lighting Department 71:Light source 72: Light guide plate 73: Lighting cover 80: Cover part 100: Bathtub water discharge device 200: Bathtub 202: Bathtub body 204: Inner wall surface 206: Backrest 206a:Top end 208: Relationship 210: Nozzle 212: Intake port 500: Bathtub system

Claims

1. A bathtub water discharge device that is installed in a bathtub and discharges hot and cold water toward the inside of the bathtub, A water discharge unit attached to the edge of the bathtub and having a water discharge port that discharges hot and cold water toward the inside of the bathtub; A pipe connecting the suction port provided in the bathtub and the water discharge portion; an electric pump provided in the piping for supplying hot and cold water to the water outlet portion; a first cleaning device provided inside the water discharger and configured to clean the inside of the water discharger by spraying cleaning water; A bathtub water discharge device comprising:

2. The first cleaning device is a first sterilized water generating unit that generates sterilized water; A first spray unit that sprays the sterilizing water; and The water discharger for a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning device cleans the inside of the water discharger by spraying the sterilized water.

3. The water discharge section is A storage chamber for storing hot and cold water supplied from the bathtub through the piping; a throttle flow path provided downstream of the storage chamber and having a slit-shaped water outlet; and The water discharge device for a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning device is provided in the storage chamber.

4. a control unit that controls the first cleaning device; an operation unit that accepts operation inputs from the bather; Furthermore, The water discharge device for a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the first cleaning device to clean the inside of the water discharge unit when an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the water discharge unit is made on the operating unit.

5. a control unit that controls the first cleaning device; an operation unit that accepts operation inputs from the bather; Furthermore, The water discharge device for a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the first flushing device to clean the inside of the water discharge unit when an operation input to discharge hot or cold water from the bathtub is made on the operating unit.

6. The bathtub water discharger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second cleaning device provided on the electric pump that cleans the inside of the electric pump by spraying cleaning water.

7. The second cleaning device is a second sterilized water generating unit that generates sterilized water; A second spray unit that sprays the sterilizing water; and The water discharge device for a bathtub according to claim 6, wherein the second cleaning device cleans the inside of the electric pump by spraying the disinfecting water.

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