Cleaning tools

Abstract

To provide a washing tool that can reduce an amount of water to be used for washing of a circulation type water discharge device in which a water intake port and a water discharge port are arranged in separate parts.SOLUTION: A washing tool 40 is used for washing of a circulation type water discharge device 20 in which a water intake port 21 for taking in water in a bathtub 10, and a water discharge port 26 for discharging the water taken in are arranged in separate parts, and comprises a partition member 41 for partitioning a space in the bathtub 10 to form a storage space 43 in a portion in the bathtub 10. A plurality of openings 49 and 51 is formed in the partition member 41. The plurality of openings 49 and 51 includes a water intake port opening 49 opened in order to take washing water in the storage space 43 into the water intake port 21, and a water discharge port opening 51 opened in order to allow the washing water discharged from the water discharge port 26 to flow into the storage space 43.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cleaning implements. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to dissolve a cleaning agent in bathtub water and perform a reheating operation to clean a circulating water discharger installed in a bathtub. Cleaning the water discharger requires a large amount of water because bathtub water is used as cleaning water. In order to reduce the amount of water used to clean the water discharger, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below describes cleaning the water discharger using a tank containing cleaning liquid. Specifically, a tank containing cleaning liquid is installed inside the bathtub and connected to the bathtub's circulation port, and reheating operation is performed. This allows the water discharger to be cleaned with a smaller amount of water than using bathtub water as cleaning water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-96090 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some circulating water discharge devices, the water intake that takes in water from the bathtub and the water discharge that discharges the water are located in separate locations. There has been a demand for reducing the amount of water used when cleaning such water discharge devices.

[0005] The present disclosure was completed based on the above circumstances, and aims to provide a cleaning tool that can reduce the amount of water used to clean a circulating water discharge device in which the water intake and discharge ports are located at separate locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cleaning tool of Disclosure 1 is a cleaning tool used to clean a circulating water discharge device in which the water intake for taking in water from the bathtub and the water discharge outlet for discharging the taken-in water are located at separate locations, and is equipped with a partition member that divides the space within the bathtub and forms a storage space in part of the bathtub, and the partition member is formed with multiple openings, which include a water intake opening that is opened to take in cleaning water in the storage space into the water intake, and a water discharge opening that is opened to allow cleaning water discharged from the water discharge outlet to flow into the storage space.

[0007] The cleaning tool of Disclosure 2 is a cleaning tool used to clean a circulating water discharge device in which the water intake for taking in water from the bathtub and the water discharge outlet for discharging the taken-in water are located at separate locations, and is equipped with a partition member that divides the space within the bathtub and forms a storage space in part of the bathtub, and multiple openings are formed by the bathtub and the partition member, and the multiple openings include a water intake opening that is opened to take in cleaning water in the storage space into the water intake, and a water discharge opening that is opened to allow cleaning water discharged from the water discharge outlet to flow into the storage space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cleaning tool according to the first embodiment is used; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the water discharge device [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to a second embodiment, showing the state of use. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a partition member and a guide member; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cleaning tool according to a third embodiment in use; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a guide member; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cleaning tool according to the fourth embodiment is in use. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cleaning tool according to the fifth embodiment is in use. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a cleaning tool according to a sixth embodiment in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Embodiment 1> As shown in Fig. 1, cleaning tool 40 is used to clean circulating water discharger 20 provided in bathtub 10. In the following description, the side of each component where water discharger 20 is provided in bathtub 10 will be referred to as the rear side, the opposite side as the front side, the upper side in the vertical direction as the upper side, the lower side as the lower side, and the right side of a bather in bathtub 10 with their back to the rear side as the right side and the left side as the left side. In each figure, the positive side of the X axis is the front side, the negative side of the X axis is the rear side, the positive side of the Y axis is the upper side, the negative side of the Y axis is the lower side, the positive side of the Z axis is the right side, and the negative side of the Z axis is the left side.

[0010] The bathtub 10 is shaped like a box with an open top. Water is stored inside the bathtub 10. In this disclosure, water includes hot water. The inner wall surface 11 of the bathtub 10 has a rear wall surface 12, left and right side wall surfaces 13, a bottom wall surface 14, and a front wall surface (not shown). The upper surface 15 of the bathtub 10 extends outward from the upper end of the inner wall surface 11 of the bathtub 10.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the water discharge device 20 includes a water intake 21, a water conduit 22, a pump 23, a switching valve 24, a control device 25, a first water outlet 26, and a second water outlet 27. The water intake 21 opens to the interior of the bathtub 10. The water intake 21 takes in water stored inside the bathtub 10 by the pump 23 into the water conduit 22. The water conduit 22 is a flow path that directs the water taken in from the water intake 21 to the first water outlet 26 and the second water outlet 27. The switching valve 24 switches the direction of water flow in the water conduit 22 between the direction toward the first water outlet 26 and the direction toward the second water outlet 27. The pump 23 and the switching valve 24 are controlled by a control signal from the control device 25.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the first water outlet 26 is formed in the upper water outlet section 28. The upper water outlet section 28 has a horizontally elongated, flat shape and is installed on the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10. The upper water outlet section 28 is covered by the headrest 16. The first water outlet 26 opens to the front of the upper water outlet section 28. The first water outlet 26 is located above the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10. The first water outlet 26 is shaped like a slit extending left and right, and discharges a horizontally elongated film-like stream of water forward. The water discharged from the first water outlet 26 flows down around the shoulders of the bather.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the second water outlet 27 is formed in a circulation port 29 provided on the rear wall 12 of the bathtub 10. The circulation port 29 protrudes from the rear wall 12 of the bathtub 10 into the interior of the bathtub 10. When viewed from the front, the circulation port 29 is approximately circular. Two circulation ports 29 are provided on the rear wall 12 of the bathtub 10. The two circulation ports 29 are lined up on the left and right. The second water outlet 27 opens to the front of the circulation port 29. When viewed from the front, the second water outlet 27 is circular. Water is forcefully sprayed from the second water outlet 27 toward the bather's waist and back.

[0014] The water intake 21 opens to the side of the circulation port 29 .

[0015] The cleaning tool 40 includes a partition member 41 and a detachable member 42. The partition member 41 forms a storage space 43 in a portion of the interior space of the bathtub 10. The partition member 41 is a bag-shaped piece of soft, thin, water-resistant fabric, such as nylon (polyamide) or polyester. The shape of the partition member 41 is flexible. The partition member 41 can be made smaller by folding or crumpling it up.

[0016] The storage space 43 is formed inside the partition member 41. When the cleaning tool 40 is in use (referred to as the "use state"), water is stored in the storage space 43. The partition member 41 does not allow water to pass between the storage space 43 and the space outside the partition member 41. The partition member 41 is stretched taut by the water stored in the storage space 43.

[0017] The partition member 41 has a bottom surface 44 and a peripheral surface 45. The peripheral surface 45 is cylindrical and extends upward from the outer periphery of the bottom surface 44. The peripheral surface 45 has a rear surface 46, a front surface 47, and left and right side surfaces 48. Most of the bottom surface 44 comes into contact with the bottom wall surface 14 of the bathtub 10 due to the weight of the water accumulated in the storage space 43. The left and right side surfaces 48 are pushed outward in the left-right direction by the water accumulated in the storage space 43. When in use, the left and right side surfaces 48 are separated from the left and right side wall surfaces 13 of the bathtub 10. The front surface 47 traverses the interior space of the bathtub 10 in the left-right direction. The front surface 47 is pushed forward by the water accumulated in the storage space 43.

[0018] Three openings are formed in the partition member 41. Two of the three openings are water inlet openings 49. The water inlet opening 49 is an opening for taking in flush water in the storage space 43 into the water inlet 21. One of the three openings is a water outlet opening 51. The water outlet opening 51 is an opening for allowing flush water discharged from the first water outlet 26 to flow into the storage space 43.

[0019] The water intake openings 49 are provided on the rear surface 46 of the partition member 41. The water intake openings 49 penetrate the rear surface 46 of the partition member 41 in an inward and outward direction. Each water intake opening 49 corresponds to an individual circulation port 29. The two water intake openings 49 are lined up on the left and right. Each water intake opening 49 is equipped with a water stop member (not shown). The water stop member is, for example, an annular gasket that forms the periphery of the water intake opening 49. When the circulation port 29 is fitted into each water intake opening 49, the water stop member comes into close contact with the side surface of each circulation port 29, sealing the gap between each circulation port 29.

[0020] The spout opening 51 opens upward. When viewed from above in use, the spout opening 51 has a rectangular shape with four corners. The spout opening 51 is surrounded by the upper edge 52 of the partition member 41. The upper edge 52 of the spout opening 51 has a rear edge 53, a front edge 54, and left and right side edges 55. The rear edge 53 is the upper edge of the rear surface 46. The length dimension (left and right dimension) of the rear edge 53 is greater than the left and right length dimension of the first spout 26. The rear edge 53 may be equipped with a linear member such as a wire to maintain the shape of the rear edge 53 in line with the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10. The front edge 54 is the upper edge of the front surface 47. The left and right side edges 55 are the upper edges of the left and right side surfaces 48. When in use, the upper edge 52 of the partition member 41 is located below the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10.

[0021] Detachable members 42 are suction cups. Detachable members 42 allow partition member 41 to be attached and detached to bathtub 10. Each detachable member 42 is connected to the four corners of partition member 41 by strings 56. Strings 56 are made of a material that is difficult to break even when pulled and has almost no stretch.

[0022] An example of a cleaning operation for the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 40 will be described. First, the partition member 41 is attached to the bathtub 10. Specifically, the partition member 41 is unfolded, and the two water inlet openings 49 are fitted into the circulation port 29, respectively. The circulation port 29 protrudes inward from the partition member 41 through the water inlet openings 49. Next, the detachable members 42 are attached to the top surface 15 or the inner wall surface 11 of the bathtub 10. Specifically, two detachable members 42 are attached to both the left and right sides of the upper water discharger 28 on the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10. The other two detachable members 42 are attached to the upper ends of the left and right side wall surfaces 13. The attachment positions of the detachable members 42 are adjusted to open the water discharge openings 51 wide at the position where water flows down from the first water discharge port 26. The detachable members 42 are suction cups, so the attachment positions can be easily adjusted.

[0023] Next, wash water is stored in the storage space 43. Specifically, water is stored in the storage space 43 and detergent is mixed in, or wash water is prepared outside the storage space 43 and poured into the storage space 43 through the water outlet opening 51.

[0024] Next, water discharger 20 is set to discharge water from first water outlet 26, and water discharger 20 is operated. Flush water stored in storage space 43 is sucked in through water intake 21 of circulation port section 29, passes through water conduit 22, and is discharged from first water outlet 26. Water discharged from first water outlet 26 flows into storage space 43 through water outlet opening 51, and is again sucked in through water intake 21. Even if water discharged from first water outlet 26 flows forcefully into storage space 43, detachable member 42 prevents partition member 41 from shifting position. Flush water circulates through water discharger 20, and dirt on water discharger 20 is removed.

[0025] By setting the water discharge device 20 to discharge water from the second water discharge port 27 and operating the water discharge device 20, it is possible to flush the portion of the water conduit 22 from the switching valve 24 to the second water discharge port 27. In this case, flush water stored in the storage space 43 is sucked in through the water intake 21 of the circulation port section 29, passes through the water conduit 22, is discharged from the second water discharge port 27, and is sucked in through the water intake 21 again.

[0026] After the wash water has been circulated through water discharger 20, water other than wash water is circulated through water discharger 20 to rinse. Specifically, water discharger 20 is stopped, the wash water in storage space 43 is drained into the interior space of bathtub 10, and then water that has not been mixed with detergent is poured into storage space 43. As with the circulating of wash water, water discharger 20 is operated to circulate the water.

[0027] Once rinsing is complete, the water discharger 20 is stopped and the partition member 41 is removed from the bathtub 10. Specifically, the detachable member 42 is removed from the bathtub 10, and the water in the storage space 43 is allowed to flow into the interior space of the bathtub 10. The partition member 41 is folded up small and made compact, and stored in a storage location. This completes the cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 40.

[0028] The embodiment configured as described above has the following advantages. The cleaning tool 40 is used to clean a circulating water discharger 20 in which the water inlet 21 that takes in water for the bathtub 10 and the first water outlet 26 that discharges the taken-in water are located at separate locations. The cleaning tool 40 is equipped with a partition member 41. The partition member 41 divides the interior space of the bathtub 10 to form a storage space 43 in a portion of the bathtub 10. Three openings are formed in the partition member 41. The three openings include a water inlet opening 49 that is opened to allow flush water in the storage space 43 to be taken into the water inlet 21, and a water outlet opening 51 that is opened to allow flush water discharged from the first water outlet 26 to flow into the storage space 43.

[0029] With this configuration, water intake 21 takes in water from storage space 43 through water intake opening 49, and water discharged from first water outlet 26 flows into storage space 43 through water outlet opening 51. In this way, the water in storage space 43 formed in a part of bathtub 10 can be used as flushing water, so the amount of water used for flushing in circulating water discharger 20, in which water intake 21 and first water outlet 26 are located apart, can be reduced. Because the amount of water used for flushing can be reduced, the amount of detergent used can be reduced and the time required to prepare flushing water can be shortened.

[0030] Partition member 41 is bag-shaped and defines storage space 43 therein. With this configuration, storage space 43 can be formed using partition member 41 alone, without using inner wall surface 11 of bathtub 10, so storage space 43 can be formed regardless of the shape or size of bathtub 10.

[0031] The water outlet opening 51 opens upward. With this configuration, water discharged from the first water outlet 26, which is located above the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10, can flow into the storage space 43.

[0032] The shape of partition member 41 is freely deformable. According to this configuration, by changing the shape of partition member 41, it is possible to form storage spaces 43 in bathtubs 10 of various shapes and sizes.

[0033] Cleaning tool 40 is provided with detachable member 42 that allows partition member 41 to be attached and detached to bathtub 10. With this configuration, partition member 41 can be easily attached and detached to bathtub 10, making it easy to clean water discharger 20.

[0034] The partition member 41 can be deformed to make it smaller. With this configuration, when the cleaning tool 40 is not in use, the partition member 41 can be stored in a compact form. This makes it possible to avoid wasting space for storage.

[0035] <Embodiment 2> Next, a cleaning tool 70 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The cleaning tool 70 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a guide member 71. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0036] Similar to the first embodiment, the cleaning tool 70 includes a partition member 41 and a detachable member 42. The partition member 41 is made of a resilient synthetic resin, such as an elastomer, and is formed in a flat box shape. Similar to the first embodiment, the partition member 41 has a bottom surface 44 and a peripheral surface 45, and the peripheral surface 45 has a rear surface 46, a front surface 47, and left and right side surfaces 48. The partition member 41 is flexible and maintains a storage space 43 therein. Similar to the first embodiment, the storage space 43 is formed inside the partition member 41. When in use, the partition member 41 stands along the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10.

[0037] As in the first embodiment, the partition member 41 is formed with two water inlet openings 49 and one water outlet opening 51. When viewed from above, the water outlet opening 51 has a rectangular shape with a left-right dimension that is larger than its front-to-rear dimension. As in the first embodiment, the detachable member 42 is a suction cup. The detachable member 42 is directly attached to two locations, one on the left and one on the right, at the upper end of the rear surface 46.

[0038] The guide member 71 is made of a thin, soft, water-resistant sheet made of synthetic resin, such as nylon (polyamide), polyester, or polyethylene. Specifically, the guide member 71 is formed by forming a single sheet into a cylindrical shape, or by stacking two sheets one on top of the other and joining the left and right sides. The guide member 71 has openings on both the top and bottom, and a water passage is formed inside the guide member 71 from the top to the bottom. The shape of the guide member 71 is flexible. The guide member 71 can be made smaller by folding or crumpling it. The top opening 72 of the guide member 71 is large enough to cover the upper water spout 28. A string 73 is threaded around the top edge of the guide member 71. The vertical length of the guide member 71 is greater than the shortest distance from the first water spout 26 to the top edge 52 of the partition member 41.

[0039] An example of the cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 70 will be described. First, the partition member 41 is attached to the bathtub 10. Specifically, the two water intake openings 49 are fitted into the circulation port portion 29. The detachable member 42 is attached to the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10.

[0040] Next, guide member 71 is fixed to upper water spouting portion 28. Specifically, guide member 71 is placed over upper water spouting portion 28 from the top end opening 72, and string 73 is tightened to narrow top end opening 72 and hook it onto upper water spouting portion 28. This fixes guide member 71 to upper water spouting portion 28. Furthermore, bottom end opening 74 of guide member 71 is inserted into storage space 43 through spout opening 51 of partition member 41. The water passage of guide member 71 now extends from first spout 26 through spout opening 51 to storage space 43. The work of fixing guide member 71 to upper water spouting portion 28 may be performed before attaching partition member 41 to bathtub 10.

[0041] Next, as in embodiment 1, flush water is stored in storage space 43 and water discharger 20 is operated. The flush water stored in storage space 43 is sucked in through water inlet 21, passes through water conduit 22 and is discharged from first water discharge outlet 26. The water discharged from first water discharge outlet 26 passes through the water passage of guide member 71 and flows into storage space 43 from lower end opening 74 of guide member 71. This prevents the water discharged from first water discharge outlet 26 from splashing outside partition member 41. The flush water circulates through water discharger 20 and dirt on the water discharger 20 is removed. Once flush water has been circulated through water discharger 20, as in embodiment 1, water other than flush water is circulated through water discharger 20 to perform rinsing.

[0042] Next, as in the first embodiment, the water discharger 20 is stopped, and the partition member 41 is removed from the bathtub 10. The string 73 of the guide member 71 is loosened, and the guide member 71 is removed from the upper water discharger 28, and folded up to make it compact. This completes the cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 70.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, as in embodiment 1, the water in the storage space 43 formed in a part of the bathtub 10 can be used as cleaning water, thereby reducing the amount of water used to clean the circulating water discharge device 20 in which the water intake 21 and the first water discharge outlet 26 are located at separate locations.

[0044] The cleaning tool 70 is equipped with a guide member 71. The guide member 71 has a water passage extending from the first water outlet 26 to the water outlet opening 51. With this configuration, water discharged from the first water outlet 26, which is located above the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10, is guided through the water passage of the guide member 71 to the storage space 43. Therefore, the water discharged from the first water outlet 26 can be prevented from splashing outside the partition member 41.

[0045] <Embodiment 3> Next, a cleaning tool 80 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The cleaning tool 80 of this embodiment differs from that of the second embodiment in that the guide member 85 is a molded product. Note that the same components as those of the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0046] The cleaning tool 80 includes a partition member 41 and a detachable member 42, similar to the second embodiment.

[0047] The guide member 85 is injection molded from synthetic resin. The guide member 85 has an upper guide portion 81 and a lower guide portion 82. The upper guide portion 81 is fitted over the upper water spouting portion 28. A fitting opening 83 is formed in the upper guide portion 81. The fitting opening 83 is shaped to follow the outer shape of the upper water spouting portion 28 and opens downward. The upper guide portion 81 is fitted into the upper water spouting portion 28 from above. The lower guide portion 82 protrudes downward from the upper guide portion 81. The lower guide portion 82 is provided in front of the fitting opening 83. When in use, the lower guide portion 82 hangs down along the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10. An outlet 84 is formed at the lower end of the lower guide portion 82. The inside of the guide member 85 is hollow and forms a water passage.

[0048] An example of the cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 80 will be described. First, as in embodiment 2, the partition member 41 is attached to the bathtub 10. Next, the guide member 85 is fixed to the upper water discharger 28. Specifically, the lower guide portion 82 is inserted into the storage space 43 through the water discharge opening 51 of the partition member 41, and the fitting opening 83 of the upper guide portion 81 is fitted into the upper water discharger 28. This fixes the guide member 85 to the upper water discharger 28. The first water discharge opening 26 opens into the interior of the guide member 85, and the outlet 84 of the guide member 85 opens into the storage space 43.

[0049] Next, as in embodiment 2, flush water is stored in storage space 43 and water discharger 20 is operated. The flush water stored in storage space 43 is sucked in through water inlet 21, passes through water conduit 22, and is discharged from first water discharge outlet 26 into the interior of guide member 85. Water discharged from first water discharge outlet 26 passes through the water passage of guide member 85 and flows into storage space 43 from outlet 84 of guide member 85. This prevents the water discharged from first water discharge outlet 26 from splashing outside partition member 41, as in embodiment 2. Flush water circulates through water discharger 20, and dirt on water discharger 20 is removed.

[0050] Next, as in the second embodiment, the water discharger 20 is stopped, and the partition member 41 is removed from the bathtub 10. The guide member 85 is removed upward from the upper water discharger 28. This completes the cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 80.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the cleaning tool 80 is provided with the guide member 85, so that the water discharged from the first water discharge port 26, which is located above the upper surface 15 of the bathtub 10, is guided to the storage space 43 through the water passage of the guide member 85. Therefore, the water discharged from the first water discharge port 26 can be prevented from splashing outside the partition member 41.

[0052] <Embodiment 4> Next, a cleaning tool 90 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 7. The cleaning tool 90 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a partition member 96 covers the upper water discharger 28. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0053] Similar to the first embodiment, the cleaning tool 90 includes a partition member 96 and a detachable member 91. Similar to the first embodiment, the partition member 96 is a bag-shaped member made of soft, thin, water-resistant fabric, and can be folded or crumpled up to make it smaller.

[0054] As in the first embodiment, the partition member 96 is formed with two water inlet openings 49 and one water outlet opening 97. The water outlet opening 97 is large enough to pass through the upper water discharger 28. The detachable member 91 is a string that is threaded around the outer periphery of the water outlet opening 97.

[0055] An example of a cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 90 will be described. First, the partition member 96 is attached to the bathtub 10, and cleaning water is stored in the storage space 43. Specifically, the two water inlet openings 49 are fitted into the circulation port portion 29, and cleaning water is stored in the storage space 43. The partition member 96 is placed over the upper water discharger 28 through the water outlet opening 97, and the detachable member 91 is tightened, and the water outlet opening 97 is narrowed and hooked onto the upper water discharger 28. The upper water discharger 28 protrudes inside the partition member 96 through the water outlet opening 97, and the first water discharger 26 faces the storage space 43.

[0056] Next, the water discharger 20 is operated. The flush water stored in the storage space 43 is sucked in through the water intake 21, passes through the water conduit 22, and is discharged from the first water discharge outlet 26 into the storage space 43 of the partition member 96. This prevents the water discharged from the first water discharge outlet 26 from splashing outside the partition member 96. The flush water circulates through the water discharger 20, and dirt on the water discharger 20 is removed. Once the flush water has been circulated through the water discharger 20, as in embodiment 1, water other than flush water is circulated through the water discharger 20 to perform rinsing.

[0057] Next, as in the first embodiment, the water discharger 20 is stopped, and the partition member 96 is removed from the bathtub 10. Specifically, the detachable member 91 of the partition member 96 is loosened, the partition member 96 is removed from the upper water discharger 28, and the partition member 96 is folded up to make it compact. This completes the cleaning operation of the water discharger 20 using the cleaning tool 90.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, as in embodiment 1, water inlet 21 takes in water from storage space 43, and water discharged from first water outlet 26 flows into storage space 43. In this way, the water in storage space 43 formed in a part of bathtub 10 can be used as cleaning water, so the amount of water used to clean circulating water discharger 20, in which water inlet 21 and first water outlet 26 are located apart, can be reduced.

[0059] <Embodiment 5> Next, a cleaning tool 40A according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 8. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the water discharger 100 used for cleaning is different. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0060] The water discharge device 100 is equipped with a water intake 21 and a water discharge 26. The water intake 21 is formed in a water intake section 101 provided on the left side wall surface 13 of the bathtub 10. The water intake section 101 protrudes from the side wall surface 13 of the bathtub 10 into the interior of the bathtub 10. When viewed from the right side, the water intake section 101 is approximately circular. One water intake section 101 is provided in the center in the front-to-rear direction of the side wall surface 13 of the bathtub 10. The water intake 21 opens on the right side of the water intake section 101. When viewed from the right side, the water intake 21 is circular.

[0061] The water outlet 26 is formed in a water outlet section 102 provided on the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10. The water outlet section 102 protrudes from the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10 into the interior of the bathtub 10. When viewed from the front, the water outlet section 102 is approximately circular. Two water outlet sections 102 are provided on the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10. The two water outlet sections 102 are lined up on the left and right. The water outlet 26 opens to the front surface 47 of the water outlet section 102. When viewed from the front, the water outlet 26 is circular. Water is forcefully sprayed from the water outlet 26 toward the bather's waist and back.

[0062] Similar to the first embodiment, the cleaning tool 40A includes a partition member 41A and a detachable member 42. Similar to the first embodiment, the partition member 41A is made of a water-resistant, soft, and thin fabric shaped like a bag, and can be folded or crumpled into a small size.

[0063] As in embodiment 1, partition member 41A has a bottom surface 44A and a peripheral surface 45A. Peripheral surface 45A is cylindrical and extends upward from the outer periphery of bottom surface 44A. Peripheral surface 45A has a rear surface 46A and left and right side surfaces 48A. When in use, left side surface 48A is aligned with left side wall surface 13. Right side surface 48A crosses the interior space of bathtub 10 diagonally in the left-right direction. When in use, partition member 41A is triangular when viewed from above.

[0064] The partition member 41A is formed with two water outlet openings 51A and one water inlet opening 49A. The water inlet opening 49A is provided on the left side surface 48A of the partition member 41A. The water inlet opening 49A penetrates the left side surface 48A of the partition member 41A in an inward and outward direction. The water outlet opening 51A is provided on the rear surface 46A of the partition member 41A. Each of the water outlet openings 51A individually corresponds to a water discharge section 102. The two water outlet openings 51A are lined up on the left and right.

[0065] As in the first embodiment, the water outlet opening 51A and the water inlet opening 49A each include a water blocking member such as a packing (not shown).

[0066] The detachable member 42 is a suction cup, as in the first embodiment. The detachable member 42 is connected by strings 56 to three corners of the upper edge 52A of the partition member 41A, as in the first embodiment.

[0067] An example of a cleaning operation for the water discharger 100 using the cleaning tool 40A will be described. First, as in embodiment 1, the partition member 41A is attached to the bathtub 10. Specifically, the partition member 41A is unfolded, the water inlet opening 49A is fitted to the water intake section 101, and the water outlet opening 51A is fitted to the water discharge section 102, and the detachable member 42 is attached to the top surface 15 of the bathtub 10. The water intake section 101 and the water discharge section 102 protrude into the storage space 43 through the water inlet opening 49A and the water outlet opening 51A, respectively.

[0068] Next, as in embodiment 1, flush water is stored in storage space 43 and water discharger 100 is operated. The flush water stored in storage space 43 is sucked in through water intake 21, passes through water conduit 22, is discharged from two water discharge ports 26, and flows into storage space 43. The flush water circulates through water discharger 100, and dirt on water discharger 100 is removed. Once the flush water has been circulated through water discharger 100, as in embodiment 1, water other than flush water is circulated through water discharger 100 to perform rinsing.

[0069] Next, as in the first embodiment, the water discharger 100 is stopped, and the partition member 41A is removed from the bathtub 10. Specifically, the detachable member 42 is removed from the bathtub 10, and the partition member 41A is folded up small to make it compact. This completes the cleaning operation of the water discharger 100 using the cleaning tool 40A.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, as in embodiment 1, water inlet 21 takes in water from storage space 43, and water discharged from water outlet 26 flows into storage space 43. In this way, the water in storage space 43 formed in a part of bathtub 10 can be used as cleaning water, so the amount of water used to clean circulating water discharger 100, in which water inlet 21 and water outlet 26 are located apart, can be reduced.

[0071] <Embodiment 6> Next, a cleaning tool 92 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 9. The cleaning tool 92 of this embodiment differs from that of the fifth embodiment in that it includes two partition members 93, 94 and a connecting member 95 that connects the two partition members 93, 94 together. Note that the same components as those of the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0072] The cleaning tool 92 is used to clean the water discharger 100, as in the fifth embodiment. The water discharger 100, as in the fifth embodiment, has a water inlet 21 and a water outlet 26, the water inlet 21 being formed in a water intake section 101 provided on the left side wall surface 13 of the bathtub 10, and the water outlet 26 being formed in a water outlet section 102 provided on the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10.

[0073] As in embodiment 5, two water outlet openings 51A and one water inlet opening 49A are formed in the partition members 93 and 94. The water outlet opening 51A and the water inlet opening 49A are each provided with a water-stopping member such as a packing (not shown).

[0074] The two partition members 93, 94 are the water inlet partition member 93 in which the water inlet opening 49A is formed, and the water outlet partition member 94 in which the water outlet opening 51A is formed. The water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94 are independent of each other. The water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94 are both bag-shaped and form the storage space 43 inside. The water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94 are each attached to the bathtub 10 by a detachable member (not shown).

[0075] The connecting member 95 is cylindrical. The inside of the connecting member 95 is a water passage. The connecting member 95 connects the storage space 43 formed by the inlet partition member 93 and the storage space 43 formed by the outlet partition member 94.

[0076] An example of the cleaning work of the water discharger 100 using the cleaning tool 92 will be described below. First, the water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94 are attached to the bathtub 10. Specifically, the water inlet opening 49A is fitted into the water intake section 101, and the water inlet partition member 93 is attached to the left side wall surface 13 of the bathtub 10. The water outlet opening 51A is fitted into the water discharge section 102, and the water outlet partition member 94 is attached to the rear wall surface 12 of the bathtub 10.

[0077] Next, flush water is stored in storage space 43, and water discharger 100 is operated. The flush water stored in storage space 43 of water inlet partition member 93 is sucked in through water inlet 21, passes through water conduit 22, and is discharged from water outlet 26 into storage space 43 of water outlet partition member 94. The water discharged into storage space 43 of water outlet partition member 94 passes through connecting member 95 and flows into storage space 43 of water inlet partition member 93, and is sucked in again through water inlet 21. The flush water circulates through water discharger 100, and dirt on water discharger 100 is removed. Once flush water has been circulated through water discharger 100, water other than flush water is circulated through water discharger 100 to perform rinsing, as in embodiment 5.

[0078] Next, as in the fifth embodiment, the water discharger 100 is stopped and the partition members 93 and 94 are removed. This completes the cleaning operation of the water discharger 100 using the cleaning tool 92.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, as in embodiment 5, water inlet 21 takes in water from storage space 43, and water discharged from water outlet 26 flows into storage space 43. In this way, the water in storage space 43 formed in a part of bathtub 10 can be used as cleaning water, so the amount of water used to clean circulating water discharger 100, in which water inlet 21 and water outlet 26 are located at separate locations, can be reduced.

[0080] The cleaning tool 92 includes two partition members 93, 94 and a connecting member 95 that connects the two partition members 93, 94 together. The two partition members 93, 94 include a water inlet partition member 93 in which a water inlet opening 49A is formed, and a water outlet partition member 94 in which a water outlet opening 51A is formed. The connecting member 95 connects the storage space 43 formed by the water inlet partition member 93 with the storage space 43 formed by the water outlet partition member 94. With this configuration, by providing the water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94 separately, the respective storage spaces 43 can be made smaller. This allows for a reduction in the amount of water used to clean the water discharger 100.

[0081] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) In the above embodiment, the storage space 43 is formed inside the partition member 41. However, the storage space is not limited to this, and may be formed by utilizing a part of the inner wall surface of the bathtub. (2) In the above embodiment, the detachable member 42 is either a suction cup or a string. However, the detachable member is not limited to this and may be a hook or the like. (3) In the above embodiment, the water intake opening 49, 49A is an opening sized to match either the circulation opening 29 or the water intake section 101 and is provided with a water-stopping member. This is not a limitation, and the water intake opening may be larger than the circulation opening and the water intake section. In this case, an adhesive gel or the like may be used instead of a water-stopping member to adhere the periphery of the water intake opening to the inner wall surface of the bathtub. (4) In the above embodiment, the positions of the water inlet 21 and the water outlet 26 are exemplified. However, the water inlet and the water outlet may be located in any positions apart from each other. A separate position refers to one portion that protrudes from the inner wall of the bathtub, such as a circulation port having both a water inlet and a water outlet, or a water outlet and water intake portion, and another portion that is separate from this one portion. As an example of separate positions of the water inlet and the water outlet, the water inlet may be located on the rear wall of the bathtub and the water outlet on the side wall of the bathtub. The water outlet located on the inner wall of the bathtub may be a jet nozzle that sprays a powerful jet of water toward the bather. (5) In the above embodiment, an outlet for discharging flush water stored in the storage space 43 of each of the partition members 41, 41A, 93, 94, and 96 may be formed near the lower end of the partition members 41, 41A, 93, 94, and 96. The outlet may have a structure similar to the air hole of a float, for example. (6) In the second embodiment, the cleaning tool 70 includes the guide member 71. However, the cleaning tool does not necessarily have to include the guide member. In this case, the vertical dimension of the partition member may be increased. (7) In the above embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, the water discharger 20 is set and operated to discharge water from the first water discharge port 26, thereby circulating flush water. However, this is not limited to this, and in a water discharger in which the water intake and discharge port are located at separate locations, the water discharger may be set and operated for reheating operation or jet spraying, thereby circulating flush water. (8) In the above-described embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, there are two water inlet openings 49, and in the above-described embodiments 5 and 6, there is one water inlet opening 49A. However, the number of water inlet openings is not limited to this, and there may be three or more water inlet openings. (9) In the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, there is one water outlet opening 51, and in the above-mentioned embodiments 5 and 6, there are two water outlet openings 51A. However, there is no limitation to this, and there may be three or more water outlet openings. (10) In the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the partition member 41, 41A, and 96 are bag-shaped and form the storage space 43 inside. The partition member is not limited to this, and may be a plate-shaped member inserted between the left and right sidewall surfaces of the bathtub. In this case, the water intake port provided in the bathtub may serve as the water intake port opening. When the water discharge port is located above the top surface of the bathtub, as in the water discharger 20 of the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, the water discharge port opening may be formed by the upper edge of the bathtub and the upper edge of the partition member. When the water discharge port is provided on the inner wall surface of the bathtub, as in the water discharger 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment 5, the water discharge port provided in the bathtub may serve as the water discharge port opening. (11) In the sixth embodiment, the water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94 are both bag-shaped and form the storage space 43 inside. This is not limiting, and the water inlet partition member and the water outlet partition member may both be shaped so that they are open on the bathtub side. In this case, the water inlet provided in the bathtub may serve as the water inlet opening, or the water outlet provided in the bathtub may serve as the water outlet opening. (12) In the above-described first, second, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, three openings are formed in the partition members 41, 41A, and 96. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the partition members may have two openings or four or more openings. (13) In the sixth embodiment, a total of three openings are formed in the water inlet partition member 93 and the water outlet partition member 94. However, the number of openings is not limited to this, and the water inlet partition member and the water outlet partition member may have a total of two openings or four or more openings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10...bathtub, 20,100...water discharge device, 21...water intake port, 26...first water outlet (water outlet), 40,40A,70,80,90,92...cleaning tool, 41,41A,96...partition member, 42,91...detachable member, 43...storage space, 49,49A...opening for water intake port, 51,51A,97...opening for water outlet, 71,85...guide member, 93...partition member for water intake port, 94...partition member for water outlet, 95...connecting member

Claims

1. A cleaning tool used to clean a circulating water discharge device in which the water intake for taking in water from the bathtub and the water discharge outlet for discharging the taken-in water are located at separate locations, The water outlet is located above the top surface of the bathtub, A partition member is provided to divide the space within the bathtub and form a storage space in a part of the bathtub, A plurality of openings are formed in the partition member, The plurality of openings include a water intake opening that opens to take in cleaning water in the storage space into the water intake, and a water outlet opening that opens facing upward and downward to allow cleaning water discharged from the water outlet to flow into the storage space.

2. A cleaning tool used to clean a circulating water discharge device in which the water intake for taking in water from the bathtub and the water discharge outlet for discharging the taken-in water are located at separate locations, The water outlet is located above the top surface of the bathtub, A partition member is provided to divide the space within the bathtub and form a storage space in a part of the bathtub, A plurality of openings are formed by the bathtub and the partition member, The plurality of openings include a water intake opening that opens to take in cleaning water in the storage space into the water intake, and a water outlet opening that opens facing upward and downward to allow cleaning water discharged from the water outlet to flow into the storage space.

3. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 , wherein the partition member is in the shape of a bag that defines the storage space therein.

4. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 , wherein the water outlet opening is open upward.

5. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 , wherein the partition member has a deformable shape.

6. The cleaning tool according to claim 1 , further comprising a detachable member that enables the partition member to be attached to and detached from the bathtub.

7. 4. A cleaning implement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the partition member is deformable to reduce its size.

8. A cleaning tool described in any one of claims 1 to 3, which is provided with a guide member that guides cleaning water from the water outlet to the water outlet opening.

Images