BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary cleaning apparatus for cleaning the private
parts after stool and more particularly to a sanitary cleaning apparatus which effectively
cleans the private parts by changing the flow state of cleaning water and allows a
user to select a desired pattern of cleaning jet flow.
Description of the Prior Art
[0002] In some conventional sanitary cleaning apparatuses for cleaning the private parts,
one nozzle or a plurality of nozzles are used to jet hot water to the private parts.
The cleaning water jetted from the nozzle or nozzles are in the form of convergent
steady flow. Therefore, a user feels uncomfortable when the cleaning water collides
with the private parts.
[0003] In order to overcome this problem, a sanitary cleaning apparatus was proposed and
disclosed in examined Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-13688. The apparatus is intended
to generate a jet flow which gives a soft feeling to a user by bubbles contained in
the cleaning water. The apparatus comprises an ejector nozzle, disposed in the vicinity
of a jet opening of a nozzle, for increasing the flow speed of the cleaning water;
and an air sucking portion for sucking air from a negative pressure space generated
by a high-speed flow of the cleaning water jetted from the nozzle and containing air
in the cleaning water. That is, the apparatus is intended to give a soft feeling to
the user by the cleaning water containing air jetted from the jet opening during cleaning
operation. But the cleaning water does not fluctuate in its flow over the region to
be cleaned. Hence, the cleaning efficiency has yet to be improved. Excrement attached
to the region to be cleaned is washed away therefrom by the process in which the cleaning
water penetrates into a portion between the region to be cleaned and the excrement,
thus reducing the connection therebetween and the process in which the cleaning water
collides with the region to be cleaned, thus separating the excrement from the region
to be cleaned. The excrement can be effectively separated from the region to be cleaned
by moving jet flows on the region to be cleaned fluctuantly and widely. Although the
sanitary cleaning apparatus used by the above apparatus contains air therein, it is
convergent jet flow and thus it is impossible to clean the region to be cleaned widely
in conformity to the configuration of the region to be cleaned. The construction of
the apparatus necessitates the movement of the entire nozzle device in order to clean
the region to be cleaned efficiently and widely. Hence, a particular driving means
is essential and thus the apparatus is complicated in construction and large, which
leads to a high cost.
[0004] According to a sanitary cleaning apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open
Publication No. 63-152703, cleaning water is fluctuated to give a comfortable feeling
to a user and clean the region to be cleaned efficiently. The sanitary cleaning apparatus
is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The sanitary cleaning apparatus is mounted on a stool 1
having a seat 3 and a cover 4. The sanitary cleaning apparatus comprises a main body
5 accommodating the cleaning apparatus; and a nozzle 7 which is projected into the
stool 1 to clean the private parts of a user 6. The nozzle 7 shown in Fig. 7 comprises
a contraction portion 8 communicating with a liquid supply path 9; a jetting opening
10 interposed between walls 11 and 12; and swirl chambers 13 and 14 disposed on both
sides of the direction of a jet flow and having openings 15 and 16 communicating with
atmospheric air, respectively.
[0005] In the above constriction, when cleaning water which has flowed into the nozzle 7
from the main body 5 is jetted from the contraction portion 8 via the liquid supply
path 9, the cleaning water flows out from the jetting opening 10 with the cleaning
water in contact with the wall 11 in the direction shown by an arrow (A) due to Coanda
effect, and air is sucked from the opening 15 and as a result, a bubble-containing
eddy is generated in the swirl chamber 13. At the same time, the pressure of the swirl
chamber 13 increases due to the air-sucking, with the result that the direction of
the jet flow is changed to the direction shown by an arrow (B). While the cleaning
water is jetted in this manner, self-oscillation state is generated, with the result
that the fluctuating cleaning water is jetted toward the private parts. Because the
cleaning water moves fluctuantly over the region to be cleaned, excretion can be washed
away from the private parts efficiently and the cleaning water is jetted widely toward
the private parts. Further, because air is contained in the cleaning water, the user
has a soft feeling during cleaning.
[0006] The sanitary cleaning apparatus is intended to generate a stable oscillation by utilizing
the pressure difference between the two swirl chambers disposed on both sides of the
direction of the jet flow. Therefore, in a low flow rate region, the flow speed of
the cleaning water jetted from the contraction portion 8 is reduced and hence it is
difficult to obtain the pressure difference reliably. In addition, a slight change
in sizes of constituent members or in the supply state of the cleaning water cause
bubbles to be contained in the cleaning water at a nonuniform ratio. Hence, oscillation
becomes unstable in the low flow rate region.
[0007] Needless to say, the sanitary cleaning apparatus is utilized by a plurality of persons
and thus favorable states of a jet flow are different from each other according to
sex, age, seating position or the like. Therefore, there is a growing demand for the
development of a sanitary cleaning apparatus allowing a user to select a pattern of
jet flow in accordance with the user's desire. As a measure for complying with such
a demand, a sanitary cleaning apparatus allowing a user to select the flow speed of
the cleaning water to a favorable speed from among a plurality of flow speeds but
the pattern of the jet flow is the same in each flow speed. Hence, the sanitary cleaning
apparatus has yet to be improved.
[0008] In recent years, a sanitary cleaning apparatus as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 has been
proposed and disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 62-111038. The
sanitary cleaning apparatus comprises two cleaning nozzles or more which jet cleaning
water in different flow patterns. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the sanitary cleaning
apparatus comprises a first anal region cleaning nozzle 17 which provides a steady
jet flow stimulating the region to be cleaned in a high degree; a second anal region
cleaning nozzle 18 which jets cleaning water at a lower speed than the first anal
region cleaning nozzle 17 and in a wider range than the first anal region cleaning
nozzle 17; a third cleaning nozzle for cleaning the female private parts; and an operation
panel 20, shown in Fig. 4, comprising first, second, and third switches 21, 22, and
23 for actuating the cleaning nozzles 17, 18, and 19, respectively; a stop switch
24; a flow speed adjusting switch 25; a nozzle change-over switch 26; a pump 27; a
tank 28; a hose 29; and a hot water tank 30. Upon pressing of any one of the first,
second, and third switches 21, 22, and 23, any one of the cleaning nozzles 17, 18,
and 19 is selected by the nozzle change-over switch 26, and the pump 27 operates to
supply water in the tank 28 to the hot water tank 30 via the hose 29. Then, the water
in the tank 30 is jetted from any one of the cleaning nozzles 17, 18, and 19. In this
sanitary cleaning apparatus having this construction, a desirable jet pattern can
be selected by selecting any one of the first, second, and third switches 21, 22,
and 23, and in addition, a desired flow speed of the cleaning water can be selected
by adjusting the flow speed adjusting switch 25 which controls the pump 27.
[0009] It is, however, necessary to provide the sanitary cleaning apparatus with a plurality
of cleaning nozzles and the nozzle switching means. Thus, the sanitary cleaning apparatus
has a complicated construction and is large and hence expensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is accordingly a first object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cleaning
apparatus having a simple construction and providing stable fluctuant cleaning water
flowing in different flow states, thus cleaning a region to be cleaned efficiently
and widely even in a low flow rate region.
[0011] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a sanitary cleaning apparatus
having a simple construction and allowing a user to select a desirable cleaning pattern
from among a steady convergent jet flow and a dispersive jet flow to be applied to
the region to be cleaned in a wider range than the steady convergent jet flow.
[0012] In accomplishing the first object of the present invention, there is provided a sanitary
cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning water supply means; a water supply channel;
and a cleaning nozzle for jetting cleaning water toward a region to be cleaned. The
cleaning nozzle comprises a plurality of jetting openings capable of jetting cleaning
water supplied from the cleaning water supply means. The jetting openings are inclined
so that a part of axes thereof or all axes thereof which jet cleaning water intersect
with each other between a jetting surface of the cleaning nozzle and the region to
be cleaned. Turbulence generating means is provided to generate turbulence in the
cleaning water to be discharged the jetting openings. Further, inside the nozzle,
the turbulence generating means generates bubbles in the cleaning water to change
the pressure of fluid and thereby change the flow speeds of jet flows discharged from
the jetting openings. Further, the turbulence generating means serves as a means for
altering the rate of flow jetted from each jetting opening and further, containing
air in the cleaning water so as to generate turbulence in jet flows. According to
this construction, the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water supply means
is jetted from the jetting openings, the jet flows intersect with each other between
the jetting surface of the cleaning nozzle and the region to be cleaned. As a result,
the jet flows become confluent with each other. Resolving the forces of respective
jet flows at the confluent point into horizontal components and vertical components
of the jet direction, the forces of the vertical components of respective jet flows
are jetted in different flow states due to a jet speed, a flow rate, and the dissolution
of air in the cleaning water. Thus, the vertical components of respective jet flows
are unbalanced with each other and hence, the jet flows fluctuate. Merely the inclination
of the jetting openings and the provision of the turbulence generating means cause
jet flows to fluctuate, thus separating excrement from the region to be cleaned efficiently
and cleaning the region to be cleaned widely. In addition, the range of the jet flow
to be applied to the region to be cleaned, namely, a cleaning position can be easily
adjusted by selecting the inclination of the jetting openings. Because jet flows are
fluctuated by making them turbulent in order to change the vertical components of
the forces of the jet flows in different flow states, a slight change in dimension
and in the supply state of the cleaning water do not affect the fluctuant state of
the cleaning water even in a low flow rate.
[0013] In order to achieve the second object, there is provided a sanitary cleaning apparatus
comprising: a cleaning water supply means; a water supply channel; a nozzle comprising
a plurality of jetting openings inclined by a predetermined angle and jetting the
cleaning water toward the region to be cleaned so that a part of axes of the jetting
openings or all axes thereof intersect with each other between a jetting surface of
the cleaning nozzle and the region to be cleaned; air containing means for containing
air in the cleaning water; air dissolution selection switch for selecting or rejecting
the dissolution of air in the cleaning water; and air amount adjusting means for controlling
the air containing means based on a signal outputted from the air dissolution selection
switch.
[0014] According to this construction, a user is allowed to select a desirable cleaning
pattern from among a steady convergent jet flow and a dispersive jet flow to be applied
to the region to be cleaned in a wider range than the steady convergent jet flow by
selecting the air dissolution selection switch. That is, supposing that air is not
contained in the cleaning water, when the cleaning water which has been supplied from
the cleaning water supply means is jetted from the jetting openings, jet flows intersect
with each other between the jetting surface of the nozzle and the region to be cleaned.
As a result, the jet flows are in contact and confluent with each other at the intersection.
Resolving the forces of respective jet flows at the confluent point into horizontal
components and vertical components of the jet direction, the vertical components are
balanced with each other. In this manner, the cleaning water is jetted toward the
region to be cleaned in the form of a steady convergent flow. When air is contained
in the cleaning water, jet flows discharged from the jetting openings are different
from each other in flow state and thus the vertical components of respective jet flows
are unbalanced with each other and hence, the jet flows fluctuate. Merely the control
over the mixture of air with the cleaning water allows the user to select the desirable
cleaning pattern from among the steady convergent jet flow and the dispersive jet
flow to be applied to the region to be cleaned in a wider range than the steady convergent
jet flow. Accordingly, the user can select a desirable jet flow from among the above
two kinds of jet flows without using a dedicated nozzle or a switching means. In addition,
air can be contained in the cleaning water in a wide range. That is, air can be contained
in the cleaning water anywhere in the supply system of the cleaning water and thus,
a remote control can be performed easily in selecting a desired jet flow. Further,
the present invention provides a cleaning pattern in which a convergent cleaning and
a wide range cleaning alternate with each other. Therefore, the flow speed of the
cleaning water fluctuates, and the cleaning water is jetted to the region to be cleaned
convergently and dispersively, which washes excretion away from the anal region reliably.
Thus, the anal region can be cleaned efficiently. Further, this way of cleaning does
not give the feeling of monotonousness to the user.
[0015] A sanitary cleaning apparatus comprises a first duct and a second duct; a plurality
of jetting openings communicating with each of the first duct and the second duct;
and flow amount ratio adjusting means for controlling the distribution ratio of the
amount of the cleaning water to be supplied to the first duct and the second duct.
The axes of the first duct and that of the second duct intersect with each other between
a jetting surface of the cleaning nozzle and a region to be cleaned.
[0016] According to this construction, the user can be allowed to select a desirable cleaning
pattern from among the steady convergent jet flow and the dispersive jet flow to be
applied to the region to be cleaned in a wider range than the steady convergent jet
flow by controlling the distribution ratio. That is, if the ratio of the flow amount
to be jetted from the first jetting opening to the flow amount to be jetted from the
second jetting opening is controlled to be 1:1, jet flows intersect with each other
at a predetermined position and become confluent with each other. Resolving the forces
of respective jet flows at the confluent point into horizontal components and vertical
components of the jet direction, the vertical components are balanced with each other.
In this manner, the cleaning water is jetted toward the region to be cleaned in the
form of a steady convergent flow. If the ratio of the flow amount to be jetted from
the second jetting opening is set to be more than the flow amount to be jetted from
the first jetting opening, the vertical components are unbalanced with each other.
As a result, the jet force from the second jetting opening increases while the jet
force from the first jetting opening decreases. Consequently, jet flows which have
been confluent with each other are jetted toward the region to be cleaned on the first
jetting opening side. That is, it is possible to change the cleaning position by altering
the distribution ratio of the cleaning water to be supplied to the first and second
jetting openings. Accordingly, the user can be allowed to select a desirable cleaning
pattern from among the steady convergent jet flow and the dispersive jet flow to be
applied to the region to be cleaned in a wider range than the steady convergent jet
flow by merely controlling the distribution ratio. Furthermore, because the direction
of the jet flow can be changed without moving the nozzle, excrement can be separated
from the region to be cleaned with a high efficiency and the cleaning apparatus has
a simple construction. In addition, the user can change the direction of the jet flow
as desired by controlling stepwise the distribution ratio of the cleaning water. That
is, the cleaning position can be adjusted without moving the nozzle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from
the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a view showing a stool seat equipped with a first conventional sanitary
cleaning apparatus;
Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning
apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a view showing a second conventional sanitary cleaning apparatus;
Fig. 4 is a view showing the construction of a control panel of the sanitary cleaning
apparatus of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a view showing the construction of a sanitary cleaning apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing a cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning apparatus
of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the sanitary cleaning apparatus of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 illustrates the principle of a fluctuant jet flow;
Figs. 9A and 9B are sectional views showing principal portions of a nozzle according
to modifications of the nozzle of Figs. 5 and 6;
Fig. 10 is a view showing the construction of a sanitary cleaning apparatus according
to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a characteristic view showing the relationship between the flow speed of
cleaning water and the amount of the cleaning water as well as that of air
Fig. 12 is an enlarged view showing a cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning apparatus
of Fig. 10;
Fig. 13 illustrates the principle of a fluctuant jet flow;
Fig. 14 is a time chart showing the relationship between time and the amount of cleaning
water as well as that of air;
Fig. 15 is a characteristic view showing the relationship between time and the amount
of air;
Fig. 16 is a characteristic view showing the relationship between the flow speed of
cleaning water and the upper limit as well as the lower limit of the amount of air
Fig. 17 is a view showing the construction of a sanitary cleaning apparatus according
to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 18 is a view showing the construction of a sanitary cleaning apparatus according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 19 is an enlarged view showing a cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning apparatus
of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing a flow amount ratio control valve;
Fig. 21 is a sectional view, showing the flow ratio control valve, taken along a line
X-X of Fig. 20; and
Fig. 22 is a characteristic view showing the relationship between the rotational angle
of the flow ratio control valve and a flow rate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Before the description of the present invention proceeds, it is to be noted that
like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings.
[0019] A sanitary cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention
is described below with reference to Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8. There is shown in Fig.
5 the construction of the sanitary cleaning apparatus. The sanitary cleaning apparatus
comprises a cleaning water supply means 31 having a water pump 32 and a motor 33 for
driving the pump 32; a hot water tank 34 for storing water heated by an electric heater
35; and a water supply channel 36. A nozzle main body 37 comprises a nozzle cylinder
39 having a water supply opening 38 communicating with the water supply channel 36;
a movable water supply member 42 disposed inside the nozzle cylinder 39 and driven
to move forward by the water pressure of cleaning water to a position corresponding
to the private parts (A), thus supplying the cleaning water fed through the water
supply channel 36 to a cleaning nozzle 41 disposed at the leading end of the sanitary
cleaning apparatus via a communicating path 40; and an elastic member 43 for moving
the movable water supply member 42 to a backward (retract) position when the supply
of the cleaning water is stopped due to the stop of the cleaning water supply means
31. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the nozzle 41 has a plurality of jetting openings 45a
and 45b for jetting the cleaning water which has flowed into a nozzle chamber 44 toward
the private parts (A). The axis of each of the jetting openings 45a and 45b forms
ϑn° with a vertical line so that the axes intersect with each other at a point (P)
between the upper end surface 46 of the nozzle 41 and the private parts (A). The sanitary
cleaning apparatus further comprises a turbulence generating means 47 for allowing
the jetting openings 45a and 45b to jet the cleaning water in different flow states
by mixing air and the cleaning water with each other. The turbulence generating means
47 comprises a contraction nozzle 48 provided at the leading end of the communicating
path 40; a diffuser 49 coaxial with the contraction nozzle 48; and an air sucking
opening 50 for sucking air from a negative pressure space generated by a high-speed
flow of the cleaning water discharged from the contraction nozzle 48 and mixing the
sucked air and the cleaning water with each other. The nozzle 41 mounted on the leading
end of the movable water supply member 42 is sealed by a sealing member 51. The sanitary
cleaning apparatus further comprises a water supply control means 52 for controlling
the supply of the cleaning water.
[0020] The operation of the sanitary cleaning apparatus having the above-described construction
is described below. When a cleaning actuation switch (not shown) provided in the water
supply control means 52 is pressed, the motor 33 is driven. As a result, the cleaning
water is fed by the pump 32 to the nozzle cylinder 39 from the tank 34. The pressure
of the cleaning water acts on the backward end surface 42a of the movable water supply
member 42, thus pressing the movable water supply member 42 forward against the force
of the elastic member 43. The movable water supply member 42 stops at the position
corresponding to the private parts so that the cleaning water is jetted from the jetting
openings 45a and 45b to the private parts (A). When the cleaning water passes through
the contraction nozzle 48, the flow speed of the cleaning water is increased. Air
is sucked from the air sucking opening 50 provided in the negative pressure space
generated by a high-speed flow of the cleaning water and dissolved in the cleaning
water. The cleaning water containing air is jetted from the jetting openings 45a and
45b. Jet flows of the cleaning water become confluent in contact with each other at
the point (P). At this time, the jet flows of the cleaning water are in different
flow states because air is dissolved in the cleaning water by the turbulence generating
means 47. Resolving the force of each jet flow at the confluent point (P) into a horizontal
component and a vertical component, the forces of the vertical components of respective
jet flows become unbalanced and the directions and forces of respective jet flows
become differentiated from each other and thus the entire cleaning water fluctuates.
Referring to Fig. 8, description is made on this point. Let it be supposed that the
force of the cleaning water jetted from the jetting opening 45a is Vm; the forces
jetted from the two inclined jetting openings 45b are Va and Vb; and the force Va
is resolved into a horizontal component Val and a vertical component Va2; and the
force Vb is resolved into a horizontal component Vb1 and a vertical component Vb2.
In this condition, bubbles pass through the openings 45a and 45b because air is dissolved
in the cleaning water. As a result, respective jet flows from the openings 45a and
45b are different flow states. Consequently, the vertical components Va2 and Vb2 become
unbalanced as shown in Fig. 8 and thus the entire cleaning water fluctuates. For example,
supposing that the diameter of each of the openings 45a and 45b is 1mm and 0.75mm;
pitch Pn is 10mm; inclination ϑn is 30°; the distance between the upper end surface
46 of the nozzle 41 and the private parts (A) is 52mm; cleaning water is jetted from
the openings 45a and 45b at 0.8l/min; and the amount of air dissolved in the cleaning
water is 0.2l/min, the fluctuant cleaning water is jetted to the private parts (A)
in a length of 15mm. It is possible to obtain a desired range Wn by adjusting the
inclination ϑn of the opening 45b and the pitch Pn. That is, a great range Wn can
be obtained by setting the inclination ϑn to a large one and the pitch Pn to a small
one, whereas a small range Wn can be obtained by setting the inclination ϑn to a small
one and the pitch Pn to a large one. Although the flow speed of the fluctuant cleaning
water is comparatively high, it can be adjusted by altering the amount of the cleaning
water, the diameter of bubbles, and the diameter of the jetting openings 45a and 45b.
[0021] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to fluctuate
each jet flow of the cleaning water although the simple construction comprising the
inclined jetting openings and the turbulence generating means 47. Consequently, the
private parts (A) can be cleaned with a high efficiency and in a wide range. Further,
it is possible to adjust the range Wn of the fluctuant cleaning water, namely, cleaning
range by adjusting the inclination ϑn of the jetting opening and the pitch between
the jetting openings. Each jet flow is made to be turbulent, and the force of each
jet flow in the vertical direction is varied to obtain fluctuant cleaning water. Therefore,
a slight change in dimension and in the supply state of the cleaning water do not
affect the fluctuant state of the cleaning water even in a low flow rate.
[0022] Figs. 9A and 9B are sectional views showing the nozzle 41 according to another embodiment.
Referring Fig. 9A, there is provided a bubble generating member 53, disposed in the
nozzle chamber 44 communicating with the communicating path 40, for jetting the cleaning
water in different flow states from the jetting openings by feeding the cleaning water
to first and second nozzle chambers 44a and 44b and causing the cleaning water to
generate bubbles when the cleaning water passes through contracting portions 54a and
54b. Other component parts of the nozzle 41 are similar to those shown in Fig. 6 and
denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the detailed description thereof
are omitted herein.
[0023] In this construction, the cleaning water which has flowed into the nozzle chamber
44 via the communicating path 40 is introduced into the first and second nozzle chambers
44a and 44b, and bubbles are generated in the cleaning water when the cleaning water
passes through the contracting portions 54a and 54b. That is, the flow speed of the
cleaning water becomes unconstant due to the generation of bubbles in the flow thereof
and as a result, the pressure of the first and second nozzle chambers 44a and 44b
fluctuate in the vicinity of the jetting openings 45. Consequently, the cleaning water
is jetted out from each jetting opening 45 at different pressures. In this manner,
the vertical components of the forces of respective jet flows are unbalanced at the
confluent point (P) and thus the entire jet flow fluctuates. The nozzle 41 according
to this embodiment provides an effect similar to that provided by the first embodiment
and simplifies the construction of the sanitary cleaning apparatus because it is unnecessary
to provide the sanitary cleaning apparatus with the contraction nozzle 48, the diffuser
49, and the air sucking opening 50.
[0024] Referring Fig. 9B, the turbulence generating means 47 comprises a contracting portion
54c communicating with the communicating path 40 of the movable water supply member
42; a bubble generating chamber 55, disposed downstream of the contracting portion
54c, for swirling the cleaning water; and an air communicating opening 56 for sucking
air from eddy current generated in the bubble generating chamber 55. Other component
parts of the nozzle 41 are similar to those shown in Fig. 6 and denoted by the same
reference numerals. Therefore, the detailed description thereof are omitted herein.
[0025] In this construction, the cleaning water swirls when it is introduced into the bubble
generating chamber 55 via the contracting portion 54c as shown in Fig. 9B, and the
pressure in the center portion of the swirling flow becomes negative. As a result,
air is sucked from the air communicating opening 56 into the bubble generating chamber
55 and dissolved in the cleaning water and the cleaning water containing air is jetted
from the jetting openings 45a and 45b. Based on the principle of the embodiment shown
in Fig. 6, the vertical components of respective jet flows are unbalanced at the confluent
point (P) and thus the entire jet flow fluctuates. In this embodiment, the jet flow
can be fluctuated reliably and in a low flow rate in particular, because the jet flow
is fluctuated by both eddy current and air dissolved in the cleaning water in the
bubble generating chamber 55, in addition to the effect of the above-described embodiments.
[0026] A sanitary cleaning apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention
is described below with reference to Fig. 10. An air mixing means 57 for forcibly
dissolving air in the cleaning water comprises an air pump 58 for generating compressed
air; a motor 59 for driving the air pump 58; and an air supply pipe 60 for dissolving
the compressed air in the cleaning water. An opening 61 of the air supply pipe 60
is coaxial with the nozzle cylinder 39 so that the air supply pipe 60 becomes disposed
in the communicating path 40 when the movable water supply member 42 has moved to
the forward position (cleaning position), i.e., when the nozzle 41 has moved to the
position corresponding to the private parts (A). A movable plate 62 installed on the
peripheral surface of the air supply pipe 60 operates in cooperation with the reciprocating
motion of the movable water supply member 42 and is capable of sealing the communicating
path 40. A stopper 63 for stopping the movable plate 62 at a position where the duct
of the cleaning water is secured when the movable water supply member 42 has moved
to the forward position (cleaning position). A check valve 64 prevents the back flow
of the cleaning water from the air supply pipe 60 to the air pump 58.
[0027] A first water supply control circuit 65 for controlling the supply of the cleaning
water comprises a water amount adjusting means 66 for controlling the water pump 32
and an air amount adjusting means 67 for controlling the air pump 58. When a switch
68 is pressed, a predetermined amount of cleaning water and air are supplied to the
nozzle 41. When a flow speed adjusting switch 69 is pressed, the water pump 32 and
the air pump 58 are controlled so that a desired flow speed is selected depending
on a user. When a stop switch 70 is turned on, all water feeding operation terminates.
A second water supply control circuit 71 comprises an air mixing stopping means 73
for stopping the air pump 58 upon pressing of a first jet flow selection switch 72;
and a water amount increasing means 74 for increasing the cleaning water by a predetermined
amount. A third water supply control circuit 75 comprises a swinging control means
77 for altering the amount of air to be dissolved in the cleaning water in a predetermined
cycle by controlling the air pump 58 upon pressing of a second jet flow selection
switch 76; and an air adjust boundary setting means 78 for setting the upper and lower
limits of air amount according to a water flow speed selected by the flow speed adjusting
switch 69. Other component parts of the nozzle 41 are similar to those shown in Figs.
5 and 6 and denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the detailed description
thereof are omitted herein.
[0028] The operation of the sanitary cleaning apparatus having the above-described construction
is described below.
[0029] When the switch 68 is pressed after stool, the rotation of the motors 33 and 59 is
started by the first water supply control circuit 65, and the water pump 32 supplies
a predetermined amount of cleaning water into the cylinder 39 via the tank 34 and
the water supply opening 38. Then, the pressure of the cleaning water acts on the
end surface of the movable water supply member 42, thus moving the movable water supply
member 42 forward against the force of the elastic member 43. At this time, the water
pressure presses the movable plate 62, slidably mounted on the peripheral surface
of the air supply pipe 60 and sealing the communicating path 40, forward toward the
nozzle 41 together with the movable water supply member 42. When the nozzle 41 has
reached the position corresponding to the private parts (A), the movable plate 62
is stopped in contact with the stopper 63, thus flowing the cleaning water through
the opened communicating path 40. Simultaneously with the actuation of the water pump
32, the air pump 58 is actuated, and thus air fed through the air supply pipe 60 and
discharged from the opening 61 of the air supply pipe 60 is dissolved in the cleaning
water at a predetermined ratio. Then, the cleaning water containing bubbles flows
into the nozzle 41. Because air is dissolved in the cleaning water in the vicinity
of the nozzle 41, the area of the cleaning water does not rapidly enlarge or contract
after the air is dissolved in the cleaning water. Thus, bubbles are prevented from
being connected with each other and hence diameters of bubbles can be prevented from
becoming nonuniform. That is, bubbles having a uniform diameter can be supplied to
the nozzle chamber 44. In addition, the flow speed of the cleaning water passing through
the vicinity of the opening 61 is increased due to the reduction of the area of the
cleaning water, and the pressure of the opening 61 can be reduced by ejector effect
caused by the passage of the cleaning water. Thus, air can be dissolved in the cleaning
water at a low pressure. Accordingly, air can be forcibly dissolved in the cleaning
water by the air pump 58 having a low discharge pressure.
[0030] The cleaning water containing air which has flowed into the nozzle chamber 44 is
jetted from the jetting openings 45a and 45b, thus fluctuating based on the principle
of the above-described embodiment of Fig 5. The user has a soft feeling during the
use of the sanitary cleaning apparatus because bubbles have been contained in the
cleaning water and in addition, has the private parts (A) cleaned with efficiency
due to the fluctuation of the cleaning water. Further, the cleaning water is widely
jetted to the private parts (A) . The disconnection of bubbles prevents the bubble
diameters from being enlarged and bubbles having a uniform diameter can be supplied
to the nozzle chamber 44. Therefore, noises is generated in a small degree when the
cleaning water is jetted from the jetting openings 45a and 45b.
[0031] Operation of adjusting the flow speed of the cleaning water is described below. The
flow speed of the cleaning water, namely, the amount of the cleaning water to be jetted
from the nozzle 41 can be adjusted depending on a user's desire by pressing the flow
speed adjusting switch 69 after the switch 68 is turned on. Fig. 11 is a characteristic
view showing the relationship between the flow speed of the cleaning water and the
amount of the cleaning water as well as that of air. In this embodiment, the flow
speed can be adjusted in five stages. Immediately after cleaning operation starts,
i.e., immediately after the switch 68 is pressed, level 3 which is an intermediate
flow speed is automatically selected and cleaning water and air are supplied to the
nozzle 41 in an amount of Qw and Qa, respectively. This is to eliminate the need for
pressing the switch 68 many times. As shown in Fig. 11, the mixing ratio between the
cleaning water and air is changed according to the flow speed of the cleaning water.
This is to prevent the reduction of the absolute value of the vertical components
Va2 and Vb2 of the jet force shown in Fig. 8, namely, to prevent the reduction of
the range of the jet flow of the cleaning water, namely, the cleaning range. In this
manner, even in a low flow rate region, the range can be made to be as wide as that
of a high flow rate range.
[0032] The operation of the second water supply control circuit 71 is described below. When
the first jet flow selection switch 72 is pressed after the switch 68 is turned on,
the indication made by the flow speed adjusting switch 69 is canceled, and the air
mixing stopping means 73 is actuated to stop the operation of the air pump 58, thus
suspending the dissolution of air in the cleaning water. At this time, the back flow
of the cleaning water via the air supply pipe 60 is prevented by the check valve 64.
As a result, only the cleaning water is supplied to the nozzle 41. Jet flows from
the jetting openings 45a and 45b become confluent with each other and convergent,
thus reaching the area to be cleaned as shown in Fig. 12. Detailed description is
made below on this respect with reference to Fig. 13. Supposing that the force of
the cleaning water jetted from the jetting opening 45a is Vm; the forces jetted from
the two inclined jetting openings 45b are Va and Vb; and the force Va is resolved
into a horizontal component Va1 and a vertical component Va2; and the force Vb is
resolved into a horizontal component Vb1 and a vertical component Vb2, the vertical
components Va2 and Vb2 are balanced with each other because air is not dissolved in
the cleaning water and thus the cleaning water becomes convergent.
[0033] The water amount adjusting means 66 is controlled by the water amount increasing
means 74 so as to increase the number of rotations of the water pump 32. As a result,
the flow rate of the cleaning water is increased. Detailed description is made on
this point with reference to Fig. 14. When the switch 68 is pressed at a time t₀,
the water pump 32 and the air pump 58 are actuated, thus supplying the cleaning water
and air in an amount of Qw and Qa, respectively. Consequently, the fluctuant cleaning
water containing bubbles is jetted from the nozzle 41. When the first jet flow selection
switch 72 is pressed at a time t₁, the supply of air is stopped and the cleaning water
is increased up to a flow rate Qv. This is to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable
due to the decrease of air in the cleaning water. More specifically, in cleaning the
private parts (A) by the cleaning water containing air, the rate of flow jetted from
the nozzle 41 is the sum of the amount of the cleaning water and that of air. When
the cleaning water is brought into contact with the private parts (A), a predetermined
flow rate is set. Therefore, when the supply of air is stopped, the flow rate decreases
substantially and hence the user may feel less comfortable than usual. Accordingly,
when the private parts (A) is cleaned by the cleaning water not containing air, it
is necessary to supply water increasingly. When a high-speed convergent jet flow collides
with the anal region, the anal region is stimulated, which causes the user to have
a call of nature. If the user desires to have the anal region cleaned by the cleaning
water containing air, namely, the fluctuating cleaning water, the first jet flow selection
switch 72 is pressed. That is, a fluctuant jet flow or a convergent jet flow can be
selected by pressing the first jet flow selection switch 72.
[0034] The operation of the third water supply control circuit 75 is described below. When
the second jet flow selection switch 76 is pressed after the switch 68 is turned on,
the swinging control means 77 controls the air pump 58, thus increasing or decreasing
the amount of air to be dissolved in the cleaning water in a range from Qmi to Qmax
at a predetermined cycle (fa) as shown in Fig. 15. As a result, the fluctuating cleaning
water containing air and the convergent cleaning water of a steady flow automatically
alternate with each other. That is, the flow speed of the cleaning water fluctuates
and the cleaning water is jetted to the area to be cleaned convergently and dispersively,
which washes excretion away from the anal region reliably. Thus, the anal region can
be cleaned efficiently and in addition, massaged. Further, this way of cleaning does
not give the feeling of monotonousness to the user. The upper limit Qmax and the lower
limit Qmin of the amount of air to be controlled by the swinging control means 77
is automatically set by the air adjust boundary setting means 78 for setting the upper
and lower limits of air amount according to the flow speed selected by pressing of
the flow speed adjusting switch 69. Fig. 16 is a characteristic view showing the relationship
between flow speed and the upper limit Qmax as well as the lower limit Qmin of the
amount of air. When flow speed level 3 is selected, an air amount is increased or
decreased in the range from upper limit Qmax to the lower limit Qmin. In this manner,
the user can select a flow speed depending on the user's desire. When the stop switch
70 is pressed, cleaning operation is stopped.
[0035] As described above, in this embodiment, the cleaning water comprises the nozzle 41
providing jet flows of fluctuant cleaning water containing air; the first jet flow
selection switch 72 for selecting or rejecting the dissolution of air in cleaning
water; and the second jet flow selection switch 76 for changing an air amount cyclically.
Depending on the user's desire, the fluctuant jet flow or the convergent jet flow
can be selected by pressing the first jet flow selection switch 72. When the convergent
jet flow is selected, the water amount increasing means 74 for increasing the amount
of the cleaning water prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable although air supply
is stopped. In addition, a high-speed jet flow collides with the anal region, thus
stimulating it and causing the user to have a call of nature.
[0036] The amount of air is changeably dissolved in the cleaning water by the selection
of the second jet flow selection switch 76. As a result, the fluctuant cleaning water
containing air and the convergent cleaning water of a steady flow automatically alternate
with each other. The flow speed of the cleaning water fluctuates, and the cleaning
water is jetted to the area to be cleaned convergently and dispersively, which washes
excretion away from the anal region reliably. Thus, the anal region can be cleaned
efficiently and in addition, massaged. In addition, an air amount is increased or
decreased in the range from the upper limit Qmax to the lower limit Qmin according
to a selected flow speed. In this manner, the user feels comfortable in having the
anal region cleaned depending on a selected flow speed.
[0037] Further, when cleaning operation starts, i.e., when the switch 68 is pressed, not
the convergent cleaning water but the fluctuant cleaning water containing air is jetted
from the nozzle 41. Accordingly, the user does not feel pain. This is preferable for
a victim of piles.
[0038] A sanitary cleaning apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention
is described below with reference to Fig. 17. Referring to Fig. 17, the sanitary cleaning
apparatus comprises an anal region cleaning nozzle 37a for cleaning the anal region
after stool; a cleaning nozzle 37b for cleaning the female private parts. Each of
the anal region cleaning nozzle 37a and the cleaning nozzle 37b is composed of members
similar to those of the nozzle shown in Fig. 10 and is constructed to have a jetting
position, a jetting angle, and a flow rate suitable for cleaning the anal region and
the female private parts. A cleaning water change-over valve 79, one end of which
communicates with the cleaning water supply means 31 supplies the cleaning water supplied
from the cleaning water supply means 31 to either the anal region cleaning nozzle
37a or the cleaning nozzle 37b. An air change-over valve 80, one end of which communicates
with the air supply means 57 supplies air supplied from the air supply means 57 to
either the anal region cleaning nozzle 37a or the cleaning nozzle 37b via the air
supply pipe 60. The sanitary cleaning apparatus further comprises an anal region cleaning
switch 68a for actuating the anal region cleaning nozzle 37a and a cleaning switch
68b for actuating the cleaning nozzle 37b. A change-over valve control means 81 of
the first water supply control circuit 65 is operated by pressing either the anal
region cleaning switch 68a or the cleaning switch 68b, and the cleaning water change-over
switch 79 and the air change-over valve 80 are operated in turn, thus supplying the
cleaning water and air to the nozzle 37a or the nozzle 37b. A second water supply
control circuit 71a comprises an air change-over valve driving means 73a for switching
the duct so as to discharge air to the nozzle 37a or the nozzle 37b by the air change-over
valve 80 driven by the pressing of the first jet flow selection switch 72; and a water
amount increasing means 74. Other members of the sanitary cleaning apparatus are similar
to those shown in Fig. 10 and denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, the
detailed description thereof are omitted herein.
[0039] The operation of the sanitary cleaning apparatus having the above-described construction
is described below. When the anal region cleaning switch 68a is selected after stool,
the cleaning water change-over valve 79 and the air change-over valve 80 are operated
by the change-over valve control means 81 and then, the cleaning water and air are
supplied to the anal region cleaning nozzle 37a. Then, as shown in Fig. 17, the cleaning
water is jetted from the anal region cleaning nozzle 37a toward the anal region. When
the first jet flow selection switch 72 or the second jet flow selection switch 76
is pressed, operation similar to that of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10 is performed.
When the first jet flow selection switch 72 is pressed, the air change-over valve
driving means 73a allows the air change-over valve 80 to switch the duct to the cleaning
nozzle 37b and as a result, only air is discharged from the cleaning nozzle 37b.
[0040] When the cleaning switch 68b is selected, the cleaning water change-over valve 79
and the air change-over valve 80 supply the cleaning water and air, respectively to
the cleaning nozzle 37b and as a result, the movable water supply member 42 is driven
to move from the backward position shown in Fig. 17 to the cleaning position by water
pressure. In this manner, the female private parts can be cleaned.
[0041] In the third embodiment, because the anal region cleaning nozzle 37a and the cleaning
nozzle 37b are provided, the sanitary cleaning apparatus is sanitary for cleaning
the female private parts in particular. In addition, a suitable jet flow can be selected
depending on health condition, age, seating position or the like.
[0042] A sanitary cleaning apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
is described below with reference to Fig. 18. The sanitary cleaning apparatus comprises
a cleaning water supply means 31 having a water pump 32 and a motor 33 for driving
the pump 32; a hot water tank 34 for storing water heated by an electric heater 35;
and a water supply channel 36. A nozzle main body 37c comprises a nozzle cylinder
39 having a first water supply opening 38a and a second water supply opening 38b;
and a movable water supply member 42a disposed inside the nozzle cylinder 39 and driven
to move forward by the water pressure of cleaning water to a position corresponding
to the private parts (A), thus supplying the cleaning water to a cleaning nozzle 41a
disposed at the leading end of the sanitary cleaning apparatus. The movable water
supply member 42a comprises valves 82a and 82b for preventing the cleaning water from
leaking to the outside of the nozzle 41a when the movable water supply member 42a
is disposed at the jetting position; and a water supply opening 38b intermediate between
the valves 82a and 82b. The movable water supply member 42a further comprises a first
duct 83 which communicates with the first water supply opening 38a and a second duct
84 which communicates with the second water supply opening 38b when the movable water
supply member 42a is disposed at the jetting position. As shown in detail in Fig.
19, the first duct 83 and the second duct 84 communicate with a first jetting opening
45a and a second jetting opening 45b, respectively. The axis of the first jetting
opening 45a and that of the second jetting opening 45b intersect with each other between
the upper surface 49 of the nozzle 41a and the private parts (A), with an angle ϑn
formed therebetween.
[0043] A flow amount ratio control valve 85, disposed downstream of the hot water tank 34,
distributes the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water supply means 31 among
the first duct 83 and the second duct 84. Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the
flow amount ratio control valve 85, and Fig. 21 is a sectional view, showing the flow
amount ratio control valve 85, taken along a line X-X of Fig. 20. As shown in Fig.
20, the flow amount ratio control valve 85 comprises a housing 86 having an entrance
port 87 communicating with the hot water tank 34; a first exit port 88a; and a second
exit port 88b branching from the entrance port 87. The first exit port 88a communicates
with the first water supply opening 38a, and the second exit port 88b communicate
with the second water supply opening 38b via a bypass 36a. The flow amount ratio control
valve 85 further comprises a valve cock 89 rotatably mounted in the housing 86; a
cut-out portion 90 formed on a part of a cylinder; a path 91 communicating selectively
with the first exit port 88a and the second exit port 88b; and a sealing member composed
of a high polymer material containing ethylene tetrafluoride and molded integrally
with the valve cock 89 by a die. The high polymer material containing ethylene tetrafluoride
has a small friction coefficient and is highly elastic, thus allowing the valve cock
89 to rotate smoothly and preventing fluid from leaking to the outside. A driving
means 93 for driving the valve cock 89 comprises a stepping motor 94; a decelerating
means 95; and a motor shaft 96 inserted into the valve cock 89.
[0044] A water supply control circuit 65a comprises a water amount adjusting means 66 for
controlling the amount of the cleaning water by controlling the cleaning water supply
means 31 upon pressing of the flow speed adjusting switch 69; and a flow amount ratio
adjusting means 97 for controlling the flow amount ratio control valve 85. The flow
amount ratio adjusting means 97 outputs a signal to the stepping motor 94 so as to
rotate the valve cock 89 and distribute a predetermined amount of cleaning water,
supplied by the cleaning water supply means 31, to the first and second ducts 83 and
84. Fig. 22 shows the relationship between the rotational angle ϑ of the valve cock
89 and a flow rate Q₁ to be distributed to the first duct 83 as well as a flow rate
Q₂ to be distributed to the second duct 84. When the rotational angle ϑ is 0, an equal
flow rate is distributed to the first and second exit ports 88a and 88b. When the
valve cock 89 rotates toward ϑa side, the flow rate to be supplied to the first exit
port 88a increases while the flow rate to be supplied to the second exit port 88b
decreases. When the valve cock 89 rotates toward ϑb side, the flow rate to be supplied
to the first exit port 88a decreases while the flow rate to be supplied to the second
exit port 88b increases.
[0045] When a fluctuation selection switch 98 is pressed, a flow amount ratio continuously
varying means 99 is actuated, thus outputting a signal to the flow amount ratio adjusting
means 97. As a result, the driving means 93 rotates the valve cock 89 clockwise and
counterclockwise continuously alternately in a range from ϑa to ϑb shown in Fig. 21.
In this manner, the ratio of flow rate Q₁ to Q₂ is continuously increased or decreased.
Each time a position adjusting switch 100 having a forward moving switch 101 and a
backward moving switch 102 is pressed, a flow amount ratio uncontinuously varying
means 103 is actuated, thus outputting a signal to the flow amount ratio adjusting
means 97. As a result, the stepping motor 94 rotates by a predetermined angle, thus
intermittently rotating the valve cock 89 in the range from ϑa to ϑb.
[0046] In a state in which a flow speed and a flow amount ratio are set according to a user's
desire upon pressing of the switch 68, upon pressing of the stop switch 70, an initializing
means 104 sets the flow speed adjusting means 66 to a standard flow speed, and the
flow amount ratio adjusting means 97 outputs a signal indicating the return of the
valve cock 89 to the position corresponding to a rotational angle 0 shown in Fig.
21. In this manner, preparation for cleaning operation is completed. Thus, upon pressing
of the switch 68 again, cleaning operation starts based on an initialization.
[0047] The operation of the sanitary cleaning apparatus having the above-described construction
is described below. Upon pressing of the switch 68, the cleaning water supply means
31 is actuated based on the initialization set by the initializing means 104, thus
supplying the cleaning water to the flow amount ratio control valve 85 via the hot
water tank 34. At this time, the valve cock 89 of the flow amount ratio control valve
85 is set to the position corresponding to a rotational angle 0 as shown in Fig. 21.
An equal amount of (50%) cleaning water is supplied to the first and second ducts
83 and 84 via the first and second exit ports 88a and 88b, respectively. Then, the
cleaning water is jetted from the first and second jetting openings 45a and 45b. Because
the first and second jetting openings 45a and 45b form an angle ϑn therebetween, jet
flows are confluent at the point (P), thus colliding with the private parts (A) in
the form of a convergent jet flow as shown by a solid line of Fig. 19. In this manner,
the private parts (A) is cleaned. A flow speed can be selected depending on a user's
desire by pressing the flow speed adjusting switch 69. If cleaning position is inappropriate
due to a seating position or the like and so, if the user desires the jet flow to
be moved forward of the user, the forward moving switch 101 of the position adjusting
switch 100 is pressed. As a result, the flow amount ratio adjusting means 97 is actuated
upon receipt of a signal outputted from the flow amount ratio uncontinuously varying
means 103, and the valve cock 89 of the flow amount ratio control valve 85 is rotated
by a predetermined angle ϑb₁ from the position corresponding to the rotational angle
0 toward the direction of ϑb as shown in Fig. 21. As a result, the flow rate Q₁ to
be supplied to the first duct 83 decreases whereas the flow rate Q₂ to be supplied
to the second duct 84 increases. Consequently, as shown in Fig. 19, the jet force
from the second jetting opening 45b increases, with the result that the jet flow moves
to the direction shown by an arrow F, i.e., the jet flow moves to a position forward
of the user. If the user wants the cleaning water to be jetted forward of the position
shown in Fig. 21, the forward moving switch 101 is pressed again to rotate the valve
cock 89 by an angle ϑb2. If the user desires the cleaning water to be jetted in a
backward position, the backward moving switch 102 is selected. In this manner, the
cleaning position can be adjusted stepwise.
[0048] The operation of the flow amount ratio continuously varying means 99 is described
below. When the fluctuation selection switch 98 is pressed after the switch 68 is
turned on, the flow amount ratio continuously varying means 99 is actuated, thus outputting
a signal to the flow amount ratio adjusting means 97. Then, the valve cock 89 of the
flow amount ratio control valve 85 is rotated in both ways continuously alternately
in the range from the ϑa to the ϑb shown in Fig. 21. In this manner, the ratio of
flow rate Q₁ to Q₂ is continuously increased or decreased. As a result, the cleaning
water jetted from the first and second jetting openings 45a and 45b increases and
decreases alternately and successively. When the flow rate Q₁ increases, the cleaning
position moves to the direction shown by the arrow (B) of Fig. 19, whereas when the
flow rate Q₂ increases, the cleaning position moves to the direction shown by the
arrow (F) of Fig. 19. In this manner, the user can have the region widely cleaned
by the fluctuant jet flow. The range Wn of the jet flow is proportional to the inclination
ϑn of the first and second jetting openings 45a and 45b. That is, when the inclination
ϑn is set to be large, the range Wn, namely, the cleaning position adjusting range
can be set to be large. The fluctuation cycle depends on the operation speed of the
flow amount ratio control valve 85, namely, the rotational speed of the stepping motor
94 and the reduction ratio of the decelerating means 95 when the fluctuant cleaning
water is selected.
[0049] As described above, the cleaning water according to this embodiment comprises the
first and second jetting openings 45a and 45b inclined by a predetermined angle with
respect to the jetting direction so as to allow jet flows to be in confluence and
contact with each other; the two ducts 83 and 84 provided in correspondence with each
of the first and second jetting openings 45a and 45b; and the flow amount ratio control
valve 85 for controlling the ratio of the flow amount to be supplied to the two ducts
83 and 84. When the ratio of the flow amount to be jetted from the first jetting opening
45a to the flow amount to be jetted from the second jetting opening 45b is controlled
to be 1:1, the cleaning water is jetted convergently. When the fluctuation selection
switch 98 is selected, the cleaning water jetted from the first and second jetting
openings 45a and 45b increases and decreases alternately and successively. In this
manner, the cleaning water can be jetted fluctuantly in a wide range over the region
to be cleaned. Therefore, the user can select a jet flow according to the user's health
condition, age, seating position or desire.
[0050] In addition, it is possible to adjust the ratio of the flow amount between the first
and second jetting openings 45a and 45b stepwise by pressing the position adjusting
switch 100. Thus, the cleaning position can be adjusted without moving the nozzle
main body 37c. This construction allows the sanitary cleaning apparatus to be simple
and cost to be inexpensive and further, reliability to be improved.
[0051] Further, the initializing means 104 enables the user to change the flow speed and
cleaning position previously set, according to the user's desire. Hence, unnecessary
switch pressing operation is eliminated. Considering that a plurality of persons uses
the sanitary cleaning apparatus, this mechanism is very convenient.
[0052] Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred
embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted
that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such
changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the
present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.
1. A sanitary cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning water supply means; a water supply
channel; and a cleaning nozzle for jetting cleaning water toward a region to be cleaned,
the cleaning nozzle comprising: a nozzle chamber communicating the water supply
channel; a plurality of jetting openings communicating with the nozzle chamber; and
turbulence generating means for making jet flows discharged from the jetting openings
turbulent,
wherein axes of a part of jet flows or all jet flows discharged from the jetting
openings intersect with each other between a jetting surface of the cleaning nozzle
and a region to be cleaned.
2. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the turbulence generating
means comprises bubble generating member, for generating bubbles in the cleaning water,
provided in the nozzle chamber.
3. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the turbulence generating
means comprises air mixing means for mixing air in the cleaning water.
4. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the air mixing means
comprises an air pump for generating compressed air; and an air supply pipe for mixing
the compressed air in the cleaning water.
5. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 3, further comprising an air mixing
stopping means for stopping air mixing in the cleaning water on receipt of a signal
transmitted from a first jet flow selection switch.
6. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 5, further comprising water amount
increasing means for increasing a predetermined amount of cleaning water by controlling
the cleaning water supply means on receipt of a signal transmitted from a first jet
flow selection switch.
7. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 3, further comprising swinging control
means for altering the amount of air to be mixed in the cleaning water in a predetermined
cycle on receipt of a signal transmitted from a second jet flow selection switch.
8. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 7, further comprising a flow speed
adjusting switch for adjusting the flow speed of the cleaning water; an air adjust
boundary setting means for setting upper and lower limits of an air amount increased
or decreased by the swinging control means, according to the flow speed selected by
the flow speed adjusting switch.
9. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in any one of claims 5 through 8, wherein
an air-mixed cleaning mode is selected preferentially.
10. A sanitary cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning water supply means; a water supply
channel; and a cleaning nozzle for jetting cleaning water toward a region to be cleaned,
the cleaning nozzle comprising: a first duct and a second duct; a plurality of
jetting openings communicating with each of the first duct and the second duct; and
flow amount ratio adjusting means and a flow amount ratio control valvae both for
controlling distribution ratio of the amount of the cleaning water to be supplied
to the first duct and the second duct,
wherein axes of the first jetting opening and that of the second jetting opening
intersect with each other between a jetting surface of the cleaning nozzle and a region
to be cleaned.
11. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 10, further comprising: flow amount
ratio continuously varying means for automatically increasing or decreasing a distribution
ratio of the cleaning water to be supplied to the first duct and the second duct within
a predetermined range.
12. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 10, further comprising: a flow amount
ratio uncontinuously varying means for stepwise increasing or decreasing the distribution
ratio of the cleaning water to be supplied to the first duct and the second duct.
13. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in any one of claims 10 through 12, wherein
the distribution ratio of the cleaning water to be supplied to the first duct and
the second duct is set at an equal ratio at the beginning of cleaning.
14. A sanitary cleaning apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 through 13, further
comprising an anal region cleaning nozzle; a female private parts cleaning nozzle;
and a cleaning water change-over valve for selectively switching a duct to communicate
with the anal region cleaning nozzle and with the female private parts cleaning nozzle
vice versa.