Bathroom cleaning system

Abstract

To provide a bathroom washing system capable of washing a bathroom effectively while reducing a discharge amount of bactericidal water for suppressing mold growth.SOLUTION: A bathroom washing system for washing a bathroom includes a bactericidal water generation part for generating bactericidal water, a nozzle part for jetting bactericidal water generated by the bactericidal water generation part, and a control part. The control part specifies a place where mold is likely to grow in the bathroom, and jets bactericidal water onto the specified place from the nozzle part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bathroom cleaning system for cleaning a bathroom. [Background technology]

[0002] In a bathroom, there is soap scum used when washing the human body, dirt removed from the human body (protein-based, carbohydrate-based, oil-based, salt-based, etc.), metal soap resulting from these, and special dirt caused by bacteria and mold. In the bathroom disclosed in JP 2018-47056 A (Patent Document 1), the suppression of mold growth on the washing area floor is considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-47056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, in order to suppress mold growth on the washing area floor, cleaning water is sprayed so that the keratin that remains on the washing area floor and causes black mold growth is discharged from the washing area floor to the drain. However, in bathrooms, mold is likely to grow not only on the washing area floor but also in the corners of the bathtub. It is also preferable to efficiently suppress mold growth using a small amount of cleaning water.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a bathroom cleaning system that can effectively clean a bathroom while reducing the amount of disinfectant water discharged that suppresses mold growth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, there is provided a bathroom cleaning system for cleaning a bathroom. The bathroom cleaning system includes a disinfectant water generator that generates disinfectant water, a nozzle that sprays the disinfectant water generated by the disinfectant water generator, and a control unit. The control unit identifies areas in the bathroom where mold is likely to grow and causes the nozzle to spray disinfectant water toward the identified areas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The bathroom cleaning system according to the present disclosure makes it possible to effectively clean the bathroom while reducing the amount of disinfectant water discharged, which suppresses mold growth. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bathroom 200 to which a bathroom cleaning system according to the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bathroom cleaning system according to the present embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image captured by a camera. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for calculating an angle of a nozzle portion around a horizontal axis. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the jetting direction of the nozzle portion. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bathroom 200 to which a bathroom cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment is applied.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, bathroom 200 is surrounded by four walls 101-104 and ceiling 105. Bathroom 200 is provided with a bathtub 110, a washing area floor 120, and a counter 130. Bathroom 200 is also provided with an entrance door 160 for people to enter and exit bathroom 200. Bathroom cleaning system 100 is attached near the center of ceiling 105 and is a system for cleaning bathroom 200. Bathroom 200 is also provided with a mirror, a water faucet, a shower hose, etc. as appropriate.

[0012] A drain outlet 140 is provided in the washing area floor 120. In the example of Fig. 1, the drain outlet 140 is provided near the center of the edge of the washing area floor 120 on the bathtub 110 side in the direction connecting the wall 101 and the wall 102.

[0013] The counter 130, mirror, faucet, and shower hose are attached to the wall 102, for example. The counter 130 is installed at a distance above the floor surface of the washing area floor 120. When viewed from above, the counter 130 has a shape that is long in the horizontal direction. The horizontal width of the counter 130 is equal to the horizontal width of the washing area floor 120.

[0014] An operating unit 150 is provided inside or outside bathroom 200. A user of bathroom cleaning system 100 can use operating unit 150 to operate the operation of bathroom cleaning system 100 (for example, turning the power on / off, etc.).

[0015] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of bathroom cleaning system 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 shows bathroom cleaning system 100 attached to ceiling 105 as viewed from the side. Referring to Figure 2, bathroom cleaning system 100 includes control unit 10, sterilized water generator 20, camera 30 that images bathroom 200, cleaning device 40, housing 50, stop valve 63, solenoid valve 64, and check valve 65. Cleaning device 40 includes nozzle unit 41 and motor 43.

[0016] A water supply pipe 61 and a hot water supply pipe 62 are provided outside the bathroom 200. The water supply pipe 61 is connected to a water pipe (not shown). Tap water is supplied from the water supply pipe 61 to the nozzle unit 41. A stop valve 63, an electromagnetic valve 64, a check valve 65, a sterilized water generator 20, a motor 43, and a control unit 10 are provided inside the housing 50. A camera 30 and a nozzle unit 41 are provided outside the housing 50. In particular, the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 are fixed to the center of the ceiling 105.

[0017] Stopcock 63 is connected to water supply pipe 61. In the flow path between water supply pipe 61 and nozzle unit 41, connected in this order from upstream are stopcock 63, solenoid valve 64, check valve 65, and sterilized water generator 20. At least one of stopcock 63, solenoid valve 64, check valve 65, sterilized water generator 20, motor 43, and controller 10 may be provided outside housing 50 or outside bathroom 200.

[0018] The supply and cut-off of tap water to the downstream side is controlled by opening and closing the stop valve 63 and the solenoid valve 64. The solenoid valve 64 opens or closes the flow path of tap water according to a signal from the control unit 10. The solenoid valve 64 may also be configured to be able to adjust the amount by which the flow path is opened. This makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of tap water supplied to the sterilized water generating unit 20. A pressure regulating valve may be provided between the solenoid valve 64 and the check valve 65 to control the pressure of the supplied tap water.

[0019] The sterilized water generator 20 generates sterilized water from tap water. The sterilized water generator 20 is, for example, an electrolytic cell having an anode and a cathode. The sterilized water generator 20 applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze the tap water flowing between the anode and the cathode. In this way, the sterilized water generator 20 denatures the tap water to generate sterilized water.

[0020] The disinfecting water is, for example, water containing ozone. Ozone water is generated by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode to electrolyze tap water. Ozone water is characterized by reducing by self-decomposition after being sprayed and leaving no residue. The disinfecting water may also be water containing hypochlorous acid. Because tap water contains chloride ions, hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing the chloride ions. As a result, the electrolyzed water is transformed into a liquid containing hypochlorous acid.

[0021] When tap water is electrolyzed, acid (H+) is consumed at the cathode, causing the pH to rise near the cathode, resulting in the production of alkaline water. Meanwhile, alkali (OH-) is consumed at the anode, causing the pH to fall near the anode, resulting in the production of acidic water. The concentration of components contained in the sterilized water can be controlled by changing the flow rate in the sterilized water generator 20. Note that the sterilized water generator 20 is not limited to an electrolytic cell. For example, the sterilized water may be sterilized water produced by dissolving a disinfectant in tap water.

[0022] The sterilized water produced in the sterilized water production unit 20 is supplied to the nozzle unit 41. The nozzle unit 41 sprays the produced sterilized water into the bathroom 200. The bathroom 200 is sterilized by this sterilized water.

[0023] The nozzle unit 41 can be rotated or slid by the motor 43. The nozzle unit 41 is configured, for example, as a jet nozzle. Evaporation can be suppressed by spraying ozone water, which is sterilizing water, through the jet nozzle. The motor 43 is, for example, a stepping motor. In accordance with instructions from the control unit 10, the motor 43 rotates the nozzle unit 41 around a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, thereby changing the direction in which the sterilizing water is sprayed.

[0024] The control unit 10 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic valve 64, the sterilized water generator 20, and the motor 43. The control unit 10 controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 64, the sterilized water generator 20, and the motor 43, thereby controlling the amount and direction of the sterilized water being sprayed.

[0025] Specifically, the solenoid valve 64 opens and closes the flow path of tap water in accordance with a signal from the control unit 10. This controls the flow rate of tap water supplied downstream. The sterilized water generator 20 switches the electrolytic cell on and off in accordance with a signal from the control unit 10. The nozzle unit 41 changes its rotation angle and rotation speed in accordance with a signal sent from the control unit 10 to the motor 43. In this way, the control unit 10 controls the concentration of the sterilized water, the instantaneous flow rate of the sterilized water sprayed, the total amount of sterilized water sprayed, the spray direction of the sterilized water, etc.

[0026] <Controller configuration> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of control unit 10. Referring to Fig. 3, control unit 10 is mainly configured with a microcomputer. Specifically, control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a communication interface (I / F) 14, and an input interface (I / F) 15.

[0027] ROM 12 is typically configured by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and stores data and programs used for control. CPU 11 reads out the programs stored in ROM 12, expands them in RAM 13, and executes the programs expanded in RAM 13.

[0028] The communication interface 14 communicates various data, signals, etc. with the sterilized water generator 20, the camera 30, the motor 43, and the solenoid valve 64 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 11. The CPU 11 controls the operations of the sterilized water generator 20, the camera 30, the motor 43, and the solenoid valve 64 via the communication interface 14.

[0029] The input interface 15 receives an input of a signal from the operation unit 150. The CPU 11 receives an input of a signal from the operation unit 150 via the input interface 15. As a result, an operation according to an instruction from the user using the operation unit 150 is executed.

[0030] <Bathroom cleaning method> In this embodiment, areas in bathroom 200 where mold is likely to grow are identified, and disinfecting water is sprayed toward those areas to clean the bathroom 200.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a captured image captured by a camera. Specifically, FIG. 4(a) shows a captured image 300 itself captured by the camera. FIG. 4(b) shows an edge image 350 obtained by performing edge processing on the captured image. In the edge image 350, an orthogonal coordinate system is defined in which the center of the image is the origin (for example, point O), the horizontal direction of the captured image is the x-axis, and the vertical direction is the y-axis. The distance Limg in FIG. 4(b) indicates the distance between point O and point P in the edge image 350.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 4(a), areas where mold is likely to grow include corners 310 of the floor surface of washing area floor 120, joints (boundaries) 320 between the floor surface and the wall, corners 330 of bathtub 110, and joints (boundaries) 340 between bathtub 110 and the wall. These areas correspond to the edge portions extracted in edge image 350 shown in FIG. 4(b). That is, the edge portions in edge image 350 include at least areas where mold is likely to grow, such as corners 310, 330 and joints 320, 340. Therefore, in this embodiment, these edge portions are identified as areas in bathroom 200 where mold is likely to grow.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 10 acquires a captured image 300 of the bathroom 200 captured by the camera 30. The control unit 10 generates an edge image 350 by performing image processing (edge ​​detection processing) to detect edges on the acquired captured image 300. The control unit 10 identifies the edge portions extracted in the edge image 350 as areas in the bathroom 200 where mold is likely to grow. The control unit 10 controls the orientation of the nozzle unit 41 so that disinfecting water is sprayed onto the identified areas.

[0034] First, a method for setting the angle θv of the nozzle unit 41 around the vertical axis will be described. For example, assume that disinfecting water is to be sprayed at a position on the connection unit 320 that corresponds to point P in the edge image 350. Point P is the intersection of a line extending from point O in the positive direction of the x-axis and the connection unit 320, which is an edge portion. Since point P exists in the positive direction of the x-axis from point O, the angle between the x-axis and a line OP connecting points O and P is 0 degrees. Therefore, the angle θv of the nozzle unit 41 around the vertical axis is set to 0 degrees.

[0035] As another example, consider a case where disinfecting water is to be sprayed at a position in the corner portion 330 corresponding to point Q in the edge image 350. In this case, the angle between the x-axis and a line OQ connecting points O and Q is 140 degrees. Therefore, the angle θv of the nozzle portion 41 is set to 140 degrees. In this way, the angle between the x-axis and a line connecting point O and a point corresponding to the spray target position in the edge image 350 is set to the angle θv around the vertical axis of the nozzle portion 41.

[0036] Next, a method for calculating the angle θh of the nozzle portion 41 about the horizontal axis will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for calculating the angle θh of the nozzle portion 41 about the horizontal axis. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the jetting direction of the nozzle portion 41.

[0037] 5, the focal length f of camera 30 is known, and the distance Limg can be calculated from edge image 350. The angle θ formed between a line L1 extending vertically from the lens center of camera 30 and a line L2 extending from the lens center of camera 30 to a position corresponding to point P on connection portion 320 is calculated by the following equation (1).

[0038] θ=tan(Limg / f) …(1) 6, the control unit 10 adjusts the angle of the nozzle unit 41 in accordance with the angle θ calculated using equation (1). Here, the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 are provided in approximately the same position. Therefore, the control unit 10 adjusts the angle θh of the nozzle unit 41 around the horizontal axis so that the angle between the jetting direction of the nozzle unit 41 and the line L1 becomes angle θ. As a result, the sterilizing water jetted from the nozzle unit 41 reaches a position on the connection unit 320 corresponding to point P.

[0039] In reality, due to the influence of gravity, air resistance, etc., there is a possibility that the disinfectant water will not reach the position corresponding to point P. Therefore, the control unit 10 may adjust the angle θh of the nozzle unit 41 so that the angle between the spray direction of the nozzle unit 41 and the line L1 becomes angle (θ + θa). For example, the position where the disinfectant water actually reaches is detected using moving images captured by the camera 30. In this case, the control unit 10 adjusts the angle θh of the nozzle unit 41 so that the difference between the actual reach position of the disinfectant water and the calculated reach position converges to zero. Note that the reach position of the disinfectant water may be estimated by a simulation or the like that takes into account the influence of gravity, air resistance, etc. The same applies to the angle θv of the nozzle unit 41 around the vertical axis.

[0040] As described above, the angle θh of the nozzle portion 41 around the horizontal axis can be set based on the distance from the point O to the edge portion (for example, the distance Limg in the case of the point P).

[0041] <Gushing conditions> The cleaning of bathroom 200 with the disinfectant water described above is carried out periodically (for example, once a day at a predetermined time). However, in consideration of the effects on the human body, cleaning of bathroom 200 with disinfectant water needs to be carried out when no one is present near bathroom 200. Therefore, control unit 10 controls nozzle unit 41 so that disinfectant water is not sprayed when there is a possibility that a person is present near bathroom 200.

[0042] As an example, the control unit 10 determines whether the door 160 shown in FIG. 1 is open or closed based on an image captured by the camera 30. Specifically, an image captured when the door 160 is open and an image captured when the door 160 is closed are stored in advance in memory (e.g., ROM 12, RAM 13). The control unit 10 compares these images stored in memory with the current image captured by the camera 30 to determine whether the door 160 is open or closed. If the control unit 10 determines that the door 160 is open, it does not spray disinfectant water from the nozzle unit 41. In this case, the control unit 10 closes the solenoid valve 64, for example, to block the flow path of tap water. This prevents disinfectant water from being sprayed when people enter or exit the bathroom 200 and prevents disinfectant water from leaking outside the bathroom 200.

[0043] As another example, the control unit 10 may be configured to use a motion sensor to detect the presence or absence of a human body in the bathroom 200. For example, a motion sensor that detects the presence of a human body in the bathroom 200 is installed on the ceiling of the bathroom 200 or near the door 160. Motion sensors that detect the presence of a human body in the bathroom 200 include capacitance sensors, temperature sensors, illuminance sensors, infrared sensors, and other sensors that detect the presence of a human body nearby. The control unit 10 controls the spraying of disinfectant water from the nozzle unit 41 in accordance with a detection signal from the motion sensor. Specifically, when the control unit 10 receives an input signal indicating that a human body has been detected by the motion sensor, it does not spray disinfectant water from the nozzle unit 41. This prevents disinfectant water from being sprayed when a person is present in the bathroom 200.

[0044] <Processing Procedure> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the control unit 10.

[0045] 7, control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined cleaning time has arrived (step S10). If the cleaning time has not arrived (NO in step S10), control unit 10 repeats the process of step S10. If the cleaning time has arrived (YES in step S10), control unit 10 determines whether door 160 is open based on the image captured by camera 30 (step S12).

[0046] If door 160 is open (YES in step S12), control unit 10 repeats the process of step S12. If door 160 is closed (NO in step S12), control unit 10 determines whether or not a person is present in bathroom 200 based on the detection signal from the human presence sensor (step S14). If a person is present (YES in step S14), control unit 10 repeats the process of step S14. If a person is not present (NO in step S14), control unit 10 generates an edge image of the image captured by camera 30 (step S16).

[0047] The control unit 10 extracts the edge portion from the edge image (step S18), and causes the nozzle unit 41 to spray sterilizing water at a position corresponding to the edge portion (step S20).

[0048] <Advantages> According to this embodiment, disinfectant water is sprayed onto the edge portions of the edge image 350, which are areas where mold is likely to grow. This makes it possible to more effectively clean the bathroom 200 while reducing the amount of disinfectant water discharged. Furthermore, if there is a possibility that someone is present in the bathroom 200, disinfectant water is not sprayed, thereby ensuring safety.

[0049] <Other embodiments> (1) In the above-described embodiment, bathroom cleaning system 100 may further include a ventilation unit (e.g., a bathroom ventilation fan) for ventilating bathroom 200. In this case, control unit 10 causes the ventilation unit to perform a ventilation operation (e.g., turn on the ventilation fan) during the period when disinfecting water is being sprayed from nozzle unit 41 (e.g., the cleaning period) and during the period until a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the end of the cleaning period.

[0050] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 are described as being mounted on the ceiling 105 of the bathroom 200, but this configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 may be mounted on any of the walls 101 to 104 of the bathroom 200. For example, the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 may be mounted on a portion of the wall 101 to 104 above the bathtub 110 so that the bathtub 110 can be imaged.

[0051] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 are configured to be fixed to the ceiling 105 of the bathroom 200, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 may each be configured to be able to move up and down vertically. For example, when the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 are lowered vertically, they can capture images of areas that could not be captured when the camera 30 is mounted on the ceiling 105. When the camera 30 and the nozzle unit 41 are lowered in the same manner, the control unit 10 can adjust the direction in which the sterilizing water is sprayed by the nozzle unit 41, based on the same principle as that described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0052] (4) In the above embodiment, the edge portion in edge image 350 is identified as a location where mold is likely to grow, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, assume that nozzle unit 41 is located at the center of ceiling 105 of bathroom 200. Prepare a drawing (design drawing, captured image, etc.) that shows bathroom 200 as viewed from directly above and that is centered on the center of ceiling 105.

[0053] Then, when point O indicating the center of the drawing (i.e., the location where the nozzle unit 41 is disposed) is set as the origin (0,0,0) of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the coordinates (x, y, z) of point T indicating a location where mold is likely to grow are stored in advance in memory (e.g., ROM 12, RAM 13). For example, the horizontal direction of the drawing is set as the x-axis, the vertical direction is set as the y-axis, and the depth direction is set as the z-axis. The control unit 10 identifies the location where mold is likely to grow by reading out the coordinates (x, y, z) from the memory. The control unit 10 sprays disinfecting water from the nozzle unit 41 in the direction indicated by the straight line OT connecting point O and point T.

[0054] (5) The configurations exemplified as the above-described embodiments are examples of the configurations of the present disclosure, and may be combined with other known technologies, or may be modified, such as by omitting some parts, within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by appropriately adopting the processes and configurations described in other embodiments.

[0055] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 control unit, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 13 RAM, 14 communication interface, 15 input interface, 20 disinfectant water generation unit, 30 camera, 40 cleaning device, 41 nozzle unit, 43 motor, 50 housing, 61 water supply pipe, 62 hot water supply pipe, 63 stop valve, 64 solenoid valve, 65 check valve, 100 bathroom cleaning system, 101 to 104 walls, 105 ceiling, 110 bathtub, 120 washing area floor, 130 counter, 140 drain, 150 operation unit, 160 door, 200 bathroom, 300 captured image, 350 edge image.

Claims

1. A bathroom cleaning system for cleaning a bathroom, comprising: a sterilized water generating unit for generating sterilized water; a nozzle portion that sprays the sterilizing water generated by the sterilizing water generating portion; a control unit; The control unit Identify areas in the bathroom where mold is likely to grow, The sterilizing water is sprayed from the nozzle portion onto the identified location, Further, an imaging unit for imaging the bathroom is provided, The control unit generating an edge image by performing image processing to detect edges on the captured image of the bathroom acquired from the imaging unit; The bathroom cleaning system identifies the edge portions extracted in the edge image as areas in the bathroom where mold is likely to grow.

2. The bathroom cleaning system according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle unit and the imaging unit are each provided on the ceiling of the bathroom and configured to be able to move up and down vertically.

3. The control unit determining whether the bathroom door is open or closed based on the captured image of the bathroom; The bathroom cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfecting water is not sprayed from the nozzle portion when the bathroom door is open.

4. Further, a detection unit is provided to detect a human body present in the bathroom, The bathroom cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when a human body is detected by the detection unit, the control unit does not spray the disinfecting water from the nozzle unit.

5. Further provided is a ventilation unit for ventilating the bathroom, The control unit A bathroom cleaning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ventilation section performs ventilation operation during the cleaning period in which the sterilizing water is sprayed from the nozzle section, and during the period from the end of the cleaning period until a predetermined time has elapsed.

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