TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary cleaning device that cleans a private
part of a human body.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] With this kind of a conventional sanitary cleaning device, a cleaning water nozzle
extends from a storage position to a buttock cleaning position or a bidet cleaning
position. The cleaning water nozzle then discharges cleaning water from a discharge
opening. This implements a configuration for cleaning a private part of a human body.
[0003] Accordingly, a proposed sanitary cleaning device includes, in addition to a cleaning
water nozzle for cleaning a private part of a human body, a spray nozzle for injecting
foam toward an inner surface of a toilet bowl before a user defecates, to form a foam
film onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl (for example, see PTL 1).
[0004] The sanitary cleaning device described in PTL 1 detects a seated user with a detection
unit, and automatically injects foam from the spray nozzle. Accordingly, before the
user defecates, a foam film is formed onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl to
prevent dirt from adhering onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0005] A sufficient effect cannot be expected from this technique as a countermeasure against
contamination. For example, the inner surface of the toilet bowl has a portion in
which a spray of foam cannot reach thoroughly in some cases.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0006] PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No.
2000-104319
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a sanitary cleaning device that prevents adhesion
of dirt by forming a foam film on an inner surface of a toilet bowl, ranging from
its front part to its rear part.
[0008] That is, the sanitary cleaning device according to the present invention includes
a toilet seat pivotally mounted on a toilet bowl, a body that pivotally supports the
toilet seat, a heat exchanger for heating cleaning water, a cleaning water nozzle
disposed in a central portion of the body, the cleaning water nozzle cleaning and
cleans a human body, a foam generation unit for generating cleaning foam, and a spray
nozzle for discharging cleaning water or cleaning foam to an inner surface of the
toilet bowl. The sanitary cleaning device further includes a discharge water amount
variable unit for variably changing a flow rate of cleaning water to be delivered
to the spray nozzle, a spray nozzle drive unit for driving and rotating a direction
of a discharge opening of the spray nozzle, an opening and closing valve for opening
and closing a branch passage to the spray nozzle, a control unit, and an operation
unit. The spray nozzle is mounted on the body such that a rotation axis is inclined
in a front-back direction and a right-left direction. In the front-back direction,
the rotation axis is inclined to a front side of the toilet bowl toward a lower side
of the spray nozzle. In the right-left direction, the rotation axis is inclined to
the cleaning water nozzle toward the lower side of the spray nozzle.
[0009] According to this configuration, when foam (to be referred to as "cleaning foam"
hereinafter) is sprayed from the spray nozzle, the discharge opening of the spray
nozzle is directed high as the spray nozzle is directed to the front part of the toilet
bowl, at which the discharge opening of the spray nozzle is distant from a spray position.
In contrast, the discharge opening of the spray nozzle is directed low as the spray
nozzle is directed to the rear part of the toilet bowl, at which the discharge opening
of the spray nozzle is near to the spray position. In this state, cleaning foam is
sprayed to the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0010] As a result, a foam film is formed on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging
from its front part to its rear part, to prevent adhesion of dirt.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a sanitary cleaning device according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a toilet bowl.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a front body case of the sanitary
cleaning device is removed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the front body case and a control
unit of the sanitary cleaning device are removed.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an upper surface of an operation unit of the
sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a remote con troller.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a water circuit of a cleaning
unit of the sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the water circuit of
the sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the water circuit of the
sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a sub tank of the water
circuit.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sub tank as viewed in a front view.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sub tank as viewed in a side view.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a heat exchanger of
the water circuit.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a water pump of the
water circuit.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the water pump.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a storage state of
a nozzle device of the sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 shown in FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a storage state of a nozzle device.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion B shown
in FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a storage state of the nozzle
device.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion C shown
in FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a buttock cleaning state of
a nozzle device.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion D shown
in FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a bidet cleaning state of the
nozzle device.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a detailed configuration of portion E shown in
FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a bidet cleaning state of a nozzle
device.
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a detailed configuration of portion F shown in
FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 is a timing chart of the cleaning unit at an initial stage of use of the sanitary
cleaning device.
FIG. 30 is a timing chart of the cleaning unit at a usual stage of use of the sanitary
cleaning device.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a spray nozzle of
the sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle.
FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of a spray
nozzle in the sanitary cleaning device.
FIG. 34 is a front view showing a mounted state of a spray nozzle in the sanitary
cleaning device.
FIG. 35 is a plan view showing a mounting position of a spray nozzle in the sanitary
cleaning device and a rotational angle of a discharge opening of the spray nozzle.
FIG. 36 is a chart showing a pump output corresponding to a rotational angle of the
discharge opening of the spray nozzle.
FIG. 37A is a chart showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of
the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 37B is an explanatory drawing showing a discharge operation of the spray nozzle
toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 38A is a chart showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of
the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 38B is an explanatory drawing showing a discharge operation of the spray nozzle
toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT
[0012] Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are hereinafter described
with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to
this exemplary embodiment.
(Exemplary embodiment)
<1> Overall configuration of sanitary cleaning device
[0013] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the sanitary cleaning device according
to an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the sanitary cleaning device according
to this exemplary embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a toilet bowl.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a front body case of a body of
the sanitary cleaning device is removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state
where the front body case of the body and a control unit of the sanitary cleaning
device are removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an upper surface of an operation
unit of the sanitary cleaning device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external
appearance of a remote controller.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, sanitary cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment includes,
as main constitutional elements of sanitary cleaning device 100, at least body 200,
toilet seat 300, toilet lid 320, remote controller 400, human body detection sensor
450 and the like. Body 200, toilet seat 300, and toilet lid 320 are formed as an integral
body, and are mounted on an upper surface of toilet bowl 110.
[0016] Hereinafter, the arrangement of the respective constitutional elements is described
by assuming a side of sanitary cleaning device 100 where body 200 is disposed as a
rear side, a side of the sanitary cleaning device 100 where toilet seat 300 is disposed
as a front side, a right side when a user faces frontward as a right side, and a left
side when the user faces frontward as a left side.
[0017] Operation unit 210 is integrally mounted on body 200 in a state where operation unit
210 projects right-sideward from body 200. Toilet seat and toilet lid rotating mechanism
360 is disposed on a front portion side of body 200, and drives toilet seat 300 and
toilet lid 320 in an openable and closeable manner. Toilet seat and toilet lid rotating
mechanism 360 includes a DC motor and a plurality of gears, for example, and can open
or close toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320 independently from each other or simultaneously.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, when toilet lid 320 is open, toilet lid 320 is raised so as to
be positioned at a rearmost portion of sanitary cleaning device 100. On the other
hand, when toilet lid 320 is closed, toilet lid 320 conceals an upper surface of toilet
seat 300.
[0019] Toilet lid 320 is molded by using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) and
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), for example. Toilet lid 320 has the heat insulation
structure formed from the double structure and a heat insulation material.
[0020] A toilet seat heater (not shown in the drawing) which heats a seating surface is
provided in toilet seat 300. The toilet seat heater heats the seating surface of toilet
seat 300 such that the seating surface becomes a comfortable temperature for a user.
[0021] Further, seating sensor 330 is a component of a seating detection unit that is mounted
on a bearing portion disposed inside body 200 which supports a rotary shaft of toilet
seat 300, and detects a human body seated on toilet seat 300. Seating sensor 330 is
formed of a weight-type sensor, for example, and opens and closes a switch in response
to a change in weight brought about by sitting of a user on toilet seat 300. Due to
such an operation, seating sensor 330 detects whether a user is seated on the seating
surface of toilet seat 300.
[0022] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, body 200 internally includes, sub tank 600, heat
exchanger 700, cleaning unit 500 that includes nozzle device 800, spray nozzle 550,
deodorizing device 120, control unit 130, and the like. Nozzle device 800 includes,
for example, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 that is a cleaning water nozzle for
cleaning a private part of a human body. Spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning water or
cleaning foam toward an inner surface of the toilet bowl. Deodorizing device 120 deodorizes
an odor generated at a time of defecation. Control unit 130 controls respective functions
of sanitary cleaning device 100. Note that buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 will
be described as an example of a cleaning water nozzle in some cases.
[0023] Nozzle device 800 that is a main constitutional element of cleaning unit 500 is provided
in a center portion inside body 200. Spray nozzle 550 is mounted at a front position
of body 200, fixed on toilet bowl 110, on a right side of nozzle device 800. Deodorizing
device 120 is mounted on a left side of nozzle device 800. Toilet seat and toilet
lid rotating mechanism 360 which drives toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320 in an openable
and closeable manner is disposed on left of nozzle device 800.
[0024] Water stop electromagnetic valve 514 of cleaning unit 500, relief valve 515, sub
tank 600 and the like are further disposed on front right of nozzle device 800. Heat
exchanger 700 is disposed on rear of nozzle device 800. On rear of heat exchanger
700, water pump 516 configuring a discharge water amount variable unit is provided.
Control unit 130 is disposed above cleaning unit 500.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of switches and display lamps 240 for operating and
setting the respective functions of sanitary cleaning device 100 are disposed, in
addition to other components, on operation unit 210. An operation board (not shown
in the drawing) is disposed inside operation unit 210. A plurality of tact switches
and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown in the drawing) are arranged
on the operation board. A user can then operate the tact switches by pushing and can
visually recognize the LEDs by means of a switch name plate adhered to an upper surface
of operation unit 210.
[0026] Operation unit 210 includes infrared-ray receiver 211 on a rear part of its upper
surface. Infrared-ray receiver 211 receives infrared ray signals transmitted from
remote controller 400 and human body detection sensor 450 shown in FIG. 1
[0027] The switches of operation unit 210 are constituted of a plurality of operation switches
220 for operating a cleaning operation, a plurality of setting switches 230 for setting
various kinds of functions and the like. Further, display lamps 240 are constituted
of a plurality of LEDs for displaying set states of body 200.
[0028] Operation switches 220 of operation unit 210 include, for example, buttock cleaning
switch 221 and nozzle cleaning switch 222. Buttock cleaning switch 221 can be used
for an auxiliary purpose if a battery of remote controller 400 expires or if a fault
arises in remote controller 400. Nozzle cleaning switch 222 can be used to clean the
nozzle.
[0029] Setting switches 230 of operation unit 210 are constituted of, for example: hot water
temperature switch 231; toilet seat temperature switch 232; 8-hour warming stop switch
233; power saving switch 234; toilet lid automatically opening/closing switch 235
and the like.
[0030] The following operations are performed by a user when the respective switches are
operated by pushing.
[0031] Hot water temperature switch 231 is provided for setting a temperature of cleaning
water. Toilet seat temperature switch 232 is provided for setting a temperature of
toilet seat 300. When 8-hour warming stop switch 233 is turned on, warming of toilet
seat 300 is stopped, and warming of toilet seat 300 is started again after 8 hours
elapse. Power saving switch 234 automatically learns a period of time where sanitary
cleaning device 100 is not used, and lowers a warming temperature of toilet seat 300
during the period of time where sanitary cleaning device 100 is not used, thus achieving
power saving. Toilet lid automatically opening/closing switch 235 is provided for
setting automatic opening/closing operation of toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320.
[0032] Many operations of sanitary cleaning device 100 are performed by remote controller
400 which is constituted as a constitutional element separated from body 200. Accordingly,
remote controller 400 is mounted on a wall surface or the like of a toilet room which
a user seated on toilet seat 300 can easily operate.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the overall shape of remote controller 400 is formed into a thin
rectangular parallelepiped shape. Remote controller 400 is configured such that the
plurality of switches and display lamps are mounted on an upper surface and a front
surface of box-shaped remote controller body 401 which is molded by using a resin
material such as polypropylene (PP) and ABS, for example. Transmitting part 402 which
transmits an operation signal from remote controller 400 to body 200 in the form of
infrared rays is disposed in a vicinity of an upper corner portion of remote controller
body 401.
[0034] A control board (not shown in the drawing) which forms a control function of remote
controller 400, a battery (not shown in the drawing) which is a power source for remote
controller 400 and the like are incorporated in the inside of remote controller body
401.
[0035] Buttock cleaning switch 410, bidet cleaning switch 411, stop switch 412, move cleaning
switch 413, rhythm cleaning switch 414 and the like are disposed on a front center
portion of remote controller body 401, for example.
[0036] The following operations are performed by a user when the respective switches are
operated by pushing.
[0037] When buttock cleaning switch 410 is operated, buttock cleaning starts. When bidet
cleaning switch 411 is operated, bidet cleaning in which a woman's private part is
cleaned starts. When stop switch 412 is operated, buttock cleaning or bidet cleaning
stops. When move cleaning switch 413 is operated, cleaning over a wide range becomes
possible by advancing and retracting a cleaning position of a nozzle periodically
at the time of performing buttock cleaning or bidet cleaning. When rhythm cleaning
switch 414 is operated, cleaning becomes possible where a cleaning strength is changed
periodically at the time of performing buttock cleaning.
[0038] Cleaning strength switch 415, cleaning position switch 416, spray switch 417, and
the like are disposed on an upper front portion of remote controller body 401, for
example. When cleaning strength switch 415 is operated, a cleaning strength at the
time of performing buttock cleaning and a cleaning strength at the time of performing
bidet cleaning can be adjusted using two switches. When cleaning position switch 416
is operated, a cleaning position at the time of performing buttock cleaning and a
cleaning position at the time of bidet cleaning can be adjusted using two switches.
When spray switch 417 is operated, spray nozzle 550 discharges and sprays cleaning
water or cleaning foam toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl or a surface of
the cleaning water nozzle.
[0039] Strength display lamp 421 formed of LEDs which display a cleaning strength in five
stages, for example, is disposed above cleaning strength switch 415. Further, position
display lamp 422 which displays a cleaning position in five stages, for example, is
disposed above cleaning position switch 416.
[0040] Toilet lid switch 418 for electrically opening and closing toilet lid 320, and toilet
seat switch 419 for electrically opening and closing toilet seat 300 are disposed
on the upper surface of remote controller body 401. By operating respective switches,
a user can arbitrarily open and close toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320. In this
case, an open state of toilet seat 300 refers to a state in which toilet seat 300
is raised approximately upright (including upright) when, for example, a male person
urinates. In contrast, a closed state of toilet seat 300 refers to a state in which
toilet seat 300 lies approximately parallel (including parallel) to an upper edge
surface of toilet bowl 110. The open state and the closed state of toilet seat 300
is detected based on a signal from toilet seat open and close sensor 331 that is a
toilet seat open and close detection unit.
[0041] Human body detection sensor 450 shown in FIG. 1 is constituted as a constitutional
element separated from body 200, and is mounted on the wall surface of the toilet
room or the like, for example. Human body detection sensor 450 includes: a pyroelectric
sensor; a sensor control unit; an infrared-ray transmitting part; a battery which
is a power source for human body detection sensor 450 and the like (not shown in the
drawings). The pyroelectric sensor receives infrared rays emitted from a human body.
The sensor control unit detects the presence of a human body in response to a signal
from the pyroelectric sensor. The infrared-ray transmitting part transmits a human
body detection signal sent from the sensor control unit to the control unit of body
200 in the form of infrared rays.
[0042] Sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured
as described above.
<2> Water circuit configuration of sanitary cleaning device
[0043] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of a water circuit of the sanitary cleaning
device according to this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIG.
6.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the water circuit of the sanitary
cleaning device.
[0045] Cleaning unit 500 shown in FIG. 6 is incorporated in body 200, and cleans a private
part of a user.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, cleaning unit 500 configuring the water circuit includes at least:
nozzle device 800 for jetting cleaning water; a series of cleaning water supply passage
690 through which cleaning water is supplied to nozzle device 800 from water supply
connecting port 510 and the like.
[0047] Water supply connecting port 510, strainer 511, check valve 512, constant flow regulating
valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, relief valve 515, sub tank 600, heat
exchanger 700, buffer tank 750, water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount
variable unit, flow regulating valve 517 and the like are sequentially mounted in
cleaning water supply passage 690. A most downstream end of cleaning water supply
passage 690 is connected to nozzle device 800.
[0048] Water supply connecting port 510 is disposed below a right side of body 200, and
is connected with an external city water pipe, for example. Strainer 511 is disposed
inside water supply connecting port 510, and prevents the inflow of dusts and dirt
contained in tap water. Check valve 512 prevents the backflow of water stored in sub
tank 600 to the city water pipe.
[0049] Constant flow regulating valve 513 is disposed downstream of check valve 512, and
maintains an amount of cleaning water which flows in cleaning water supply passage
690 at a fixed value. Based on a signal sent from control unit 130, water stop electromagnetic
valve 514 electrically opens and closes cleaning water supply passage 690. Constant
flow regulating valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, and relief valve
515 are integrally formed as shown in FIG. 7.
[0050] Sub tank 600 is disposed downstream of water stop electromagnetic valve 514, and
has an atmosphere open port 603. Heat exchanger 700 heats cleaning water instantaneously.
Buffer tank 750 makes a temperature of hot water which is heated by heat exchanger
700 uniform.
[0051] Water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit is connected
downstream of buffer tank 750. Nozzle device 800 is disposed downstream of water pump
516, and connected, via flow regulating valve 517, to water pump 516. Buttock cleaning
water nozzle 831, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832, nozzle cleaning unit 833 and the
like of nozzle device 800 are connected to respective ports of flow regulating valve
517.
[0052] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, branch passage 530 includes opening and closing valve
530a, and is disposed and branched, at a point between water pump 516 and flow regulating
valve 517, from cleaning water supply passage 690. Branch passage 530 connects cleaning
water supply passage 690 with foam generation unit 560.
[0053] Foam generation unit 560 includes check valve 531, foam tank 532, detergent tank
533, detergent pump 534, air pump 535, and the like.
[0054] Branch passage 530 supplies cleaning water, via check valve 531, to foam tank 532
of foam generation unit 560.
[0055] Spray nozzle 550 is connected downstream of foam tank 532, and is driven and rotated
by spray nozzle drive unit 550a. Detergent tank 533 and detergent pump 534 are connected
to foam tank 532 to supply detergent to foam tank 532.
[0056] Air pump 535 supplies air to foam tank 532 into which cleaning water or detergent
is supplied to generate cleaning foam when detergent is supplied. The generated cleaning
foam, cleaning water, or the like is then supplied from foam tank 532 to spray nozzle
550.
[0057] Broken lines shown in FIG. 6 show that components are electrically connected with
control unit 130 and controlled by control unit 130.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, out of members which constitute cleaning unit 500, water
supply connecting port 510, strainer 511, check valve 512, constant flow regulating
valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, relief valve 515, sub tank 600, heat
exchanger 700, buffer tank 750, water pump 516 are assembled into chassis 501. Chassis
501 is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, and, as shown in FIG. 2, assembled
to rear body case 201 of body 200.
[0059] Specifically, strainer 511 and check valve 512 are integrally assembled to water
supply connecting port 510. Constant flow regulating valve 513 and relief valve 515
are integrally assembled to water stop electromagnetic valve 514. Buffer tank 750
is integrally formed with heat exchanger 700.
[0060] Connecting ports of water supply connecting port 510 and water stop electromagnetic
valve 514, connecting ports of water stop electromagnetic valve 514 and sub tank 600,
and connecting ports of sub tank 600 and heat exchanger 700 are respectively directly
connected to each other with a packing, for example, an O-ring (not shown in the drawing)
sandwiched therebetween without interposing a connecting tube or the like therebetween.
Members configuring the above described water circuit are mounted and fixed at predetermined
positions of chassis 501.
[0061] The above described configuration implements a watertight structure and improves
accuracy in relative arrangement of members. Particularly, the accuracy in relative
arrangement of sub tank 600 and heat exchanger 700 is enhanced. Accordingly, the accuracy
in controlling a flow rate of cleaning water is enhanced. As a result, the performance
of cleaning unit 500 is enhanced and, at the same time, the accuracy in controlling
a flow rate is enhanced.
[0062] Next, a configuration of water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable
unit will now be described herein with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 and using FIGS.
14 and 15.
[0063] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the water pump of
the water circuit. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the water pump.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, water pump 516 is formed of a piston pump which is a
displacement pump having an outer shape of an approximately L shape (including an
L shape), for example. Water pump 516 includes motor unit 516a having an approximately
circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape), link mechanism
part 516b, piston unit 516c, and the like. Link mechanism part 516b converts a rotary
motion of the motor into a reciprocating motion. Piston unit 516c is driven through
a reciprocating motion of link mechanism part 516b to suck and discharge cleaning
water. Accordingly, piston unit 516c includes, on an external surface, as connecting
ports, water suction port 516d and discharge opening 516e.
[0065] In case of water pump 516 of this exemplary embodiment, vibrations generated in motor
unit 516a which performs only a rotary motion are smaller than vibrations generated
by link mechanism part 516b and piston unit 516c which perform a reciprocating motion.
[0066] To describe the operation of water pump 516 specifically, firstly when motor unit
516a is driven, piston unit 516c starts a reciprocating motion. Accordingly, cleaning
water is sucked into water pump 516 from water suction port 516d of piston unit 516c,
and the cleaning water is discharged from discharge opening 516e. The cleaning water
discharged from discharge opening 516e is discharged while forming the flow of water
having appropriate pulsation along with a reciprocating motion of piston unit 516c.
[0067] An outer periphery of motor unit 516a having an approximately circular columnar shape
(including circular columnar shape) of water pump 516 having the above-mentioned configuration
is surrounded by a buffer member (not shown in the drawing) made of a foamed resin
having resiliency. Motor unit 516a is inserted into water pump mounting portion 501a
having an approximately circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical
shape) and provided on a rear portion of chassis 501. Accordingly, water pump mounting
portion 501a supports motor unit 516a. In such a configuration, link mechanism part
516b and piston unit 516c are disposed in a downwardly suspended manner.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, water pump mounting portion 501a is formed of an ABS resin to
have a thin wall thickness, and is formed on an upper portion of rib-shaped leg portion
501b which is raised from a bottom surface of chassis 501. Accordingly, with elasticity
of a resin configuring water pump mounting portion 501a, vibrations of water pump
516 can effectively be absorbed.
[0069] Hot water outflow port 712 which is a connecting port of heat exchanger 700 with
which buffer tank 750 is integrally formed and water suction port 516d which is a
connecting port of water pump 516 are connected to each other by connecting tube 502
(see FIG. 8) made of a soft resin.
[0070] As described above, in water pump 516 of this exemplary embodiment, motor unit 516a
which generates a small amount of vibrations is mounted in water pump mounting portion
501a having a thin wall thickness of chassis 501 by way of the buffer member. On the
other hand, link mechanism part 516b and piston unit 516c which generate a large amount
of vibrations are provided in a freely suspended manner. Further, piston unit 516c
and the like are connected to buffer tank 750 by way of connecting tube 502 (see FIG.
8) made of a soft resin. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress vibrations
generated at the time of driving water pump 516 from being transmitted to chassis
501, other members, and body 200. As a result, comfortability and durability of sanitary
cleaning device 100 during use can be enhanced.
[0071] Particularly, water pump 516 is supported by way of two members made of materials
different from each other, that is, the buffer member made of a foamed resin and water
pump mounting portion 501a made of a resin having resiliency. Therefore, vibrations
frequencies in a wide range can be absorbed. Accordingly, it is possible to further
effectively suppress the transmission of vibrations to body 200.
[0072] The water circuit of sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment
is configured as described above.
<3> Configuration of sub tank
[0073] Hereinafter, the configuration of the sub tank of the sanitary cleaning device of
this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.
[0074] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the sub tank of the
water circuit. FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the sub tank. FIG.
11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sub tank.
[0075] Firstly, as shown in FIG. 9, sub tank 600 includes at least: tank body 610 which
is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, for example; water level detection
sensor 620; inflow water temperature sensor 630 and the like. Water level detection
sensor 620 detects a water level of cleaning water stored in tank body 610. Inflow
water temperature sensor 630 is formed of a thermistor, for example, and detects a
temperature of cleaning water supplied into the inside of tank body 610.
[0076] Tank body 610 includes three members, that is, front tank 611 which forms a front
wall, side walls, a bottom surface, and a top surface of the tank, rear tank 612 which
forms a rear wall of the tank, and atmosphere open portion 613 which is disposed on
a top surface of tank body 610. The overall shape of tank body 610 is formed of a
plurality of planes consisting of the front wall, the rear wall, the side walls, the
bottom surface, and the top surface. As shown in FIG. 10, the overall shape of tank
body 610 as viewed in a plan view is formed into an approximately quadrangular shape
(including a quadrangular shape). The front wall of front tank 611 has an inclined
portion which is inclined rearward from an intermediate portion of the front wall.
That is, when tank body 610 is viewed in a side view as shown in FIG. 11, tank body
610 is formed into an approximately trapezoidal shape (including a trapezoidal shape)
where a width of an upper portion is smaller than a width of a lower portion. With
such a configuration, a cross-sectional area of the upper portion of tank body 610
is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the lower portion of tank body 610.
[0077] Water inflow port 601 is formed at a lower portion of one of the side walls of front
tank 611 of tank body 610, and water outflow port 602 is formed at a lower portion
of the rear wall of rear tank 612 of tank body 610.
[0078] Atmosphere open port 603 which makes the inside and the outside of tank body 610
communicate with each other is formed on atmosphere open portion 613 which is disposed
on the top surface of tank body 610. Atmosphere open port 603 discharges air accumulated
in tank body 610 to the outside so as to consistently maintain inner pressure of tank
body 610 at atmospheric pressure. With such a configuration, the inside of sub tank
600 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, and cleaning water supply passage 690 from
a downstream side of sub tank 600 to water suction port 516d of water pump 516 is
also maintained at atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, without being affected by variations
in pressure of tap water to be supplied, water pump 516 can supply cleaning water
to nozzle device 800. As a result, water pump 516 can perform a pump function stably.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, in flow passage 613b which communicates with atmosphere open
port 603 of atmosphere open portion 613 in water pump 516, buffer portion 613a at
where flow passage 613b partially has a large cross-sectional area is formed. In the
case where cleaning water intends to flow out with an impulse along with bubbles from
atmosphere open port 603 or the like, buffer portion 613a temporarily stores cleaning
water. Due to such an operation, the flowing out of cleaning water from atmosphere
open port 603 is suppressed.
[0080] Further, inside tank body 610, partition wall 614 is provided. Partition wall 614
divides the inside of tank body 610 into two tanks, that is, water inflow tank 615
and storage tank 616. Tank body 610 includes water inflow port 601 provided, at a
position near the bottom surface, on a side surface of water inflow tank 615 (front
tank 611), and water outflow port 602 provided, at a position near the bottom surface,
on a rear wall of storage tank 616 (rear tank 612).
[0081] That is, tank body 610 is formed, by partition wall 614, with water inflow tank 615
and storage tank 616. Accordingly, when air is contained in cleaning water which flows
into tank body 610 through water inflow port 601, air passes through atmosphere open
port 603 from an upper portion of water inflow tank 615 and is discharged to the outside.
Accordingly, only cleaning water containing no air is allowed to flow into storage
tank 616.
[0082] Above water inflow tank 615 of tank body 610, barrier wall 617 which lies between
upper surface opening portion 615a of water inflow tank 615 and atmosphere open portion
613 is disposed in a state where barrier wall 617 projects from the side wall of front
tank 611 of tank body 610 in an approximately horizontal direction (including a horizontal
direction). Barrier wall 617 has a size capable of covering the whole surface of upper
surface opening portion 615a of water inflow tank 615.
[0083] Further, water inflow tank 615 incorporates a plurality of flow straightening ribs
618. Flow straightening ribs 618 are provided on the side walls of front tank 611
of tank body 610 and partition wall 614 so as to alternately project in an approximately
horizontal direction (including a horizontal direction).
[0084] Next, the flow of cleaning water in sub tank 600 is described.
[0085] Cleaning water which flows into sub tank 600 from water inflow port 601, firstly,
flows into a lower portion of water inflow tank 615. The flowed cleaning water rises
in water inflow tank 615 while the flow direction of cleaning water is changed by
flow straightening ribs 618. At this stage of operation, when pressure of cleaning
water which flows into sub tank 600 from water inflow port 601 is high, or when cleaning
water contains a large amount of air so that the flow of cleaning water is remarkably
turbulent, flow straightening ribs 618 suitably straighten the flow of cleaning water.
Further, flow straightening ribs 618 separate air contained in cleaning water due
to a vortex generated downstream of flow straightening ribs 618.
[0086] Cleaning water which rises in water inflow tank 615 and from which air is separated
overflows an upper end of partition wall 614, flows into storage tank 616, and is
stored in storage tank 616. At this time, even when pressure of cleaning water which
flows into storage tank 616 from water inflow port 601 is high, or even when cleaning
water contains a large amount of air so that the flow of cleaning water is remarkably
turbulent, the flow of cleaning water in the upward direction (toward atmosphere open
portion 613) is suppressed by barrier wall 617. That is, barrier wall 617 prevents
cleaning water from directly hitting atmosphere open portion 613, and, from atmosphere
open port 603, from flowing out to the outside of sub tank 600.
[0087] As described above, during a period where cleaning water which flows into sub tank
600 from water inflow port 601 of sub tank 600 rises in water inflow tank 615, air
contained in the cleaning water is separated from the cleaning water due to flow straightening
ribs 618 and the like. The separated air is discharged to the outside of tank body
610 from atmosphere open port 603. With such a configuration, cleaning water containing
no air is stored in storage tank 616, and such cleaning water is supplied to heat
exchanger 700 from water outflow port 602 of sub tank 600.
[0088] When air is contained in cleaning water supplied to heat exchanger 700 from sub tank
600, bubbles are generated in heat exchanger 700. Accordingly, there may be a case
where a temperature in heat exchanger 700 is abnormally increased so that heat exchanger
700 is damaged. Therefore, sub tank 600 of this exemplary embodiment is provided with
partition wall 614 in sub tank 600, thus preventing the mixing of air by separating
air from cleaning water. Only the cleaning water is then supplied to heat exchanger
700. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively prevent heat exchanger
700 from being damaged.
[0089] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, sub tank 600 includes water level detection sensor 620
which includes common electrode 621 made of a stainless material and used in common,
and a plurality of water level electrodes 622 disposed corresponding to respective
water levels in sub tank 600. This exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation,
a configuration of water level detection sensor 620 including one common electrode
621 and two water level electrodes 622.
[0090] Common electrode 621 is disposed, at a lower portion, on an inner surface of the
front wall of tank body 610. Water level electrodes 622 are disposed on an inner surface
of the rear wall of tank body 610. Water level electrodes 622 include upper limit
electrode 623 disposed on an upper portion of the inner surface of the rear wall,
and lower limit electrode 624 disposed on a lower portion of the inner surface of
the rear wall. Common electrode 621 is disposed at a position below lower limit electrode
624 which constitutes one of water level electrodes 622, and is always immersed in
cleaning water in a normal state of use.
[0091] That is, common electrode 621 is provided on a surface, at a height different from
heights of upper limit electrode 623 and lower limit electrode 624, both configuring
water level electrodes 622. Accordingly, it can be suppressed that water remained
and adhered on the inner surface of tank body 610 is erroneously detected as stored
water.
[0092] A method for detecting a water level of cleaning water using water level electrodes
622 will now be described herein.
[0093] Firstly, a DC voltage is applied between common electrode 621 and water level electrodes
622. Then, whether or not water level electrodes 622 are immersed in cleaning water
is detected based on a change in voltage. Accordingly, a water level of cleaning water
in tank body 610 is detected. That is, when the water level of cleaning water in storage
tank 616 rises, lower limit electrode 624 and upper limit electrode 623 are immersed
in water. In this case, a voltage between common electrode 621 and lower limit electrode
624 and a voltage between common electrode 621 and upper limit electrode 623 are lowered.
Consequently, control unit 130 detects a water level of cleaning water based on the
lowering of voltages.
[0094] Upper limit electrode 623 which constitutes one of water level electrodes 622 is
used for detecting an upper limit water level, and lower limit electrode 624 which
constitutes the other of water level electrodes 622 is used for detecting a lower
limit water level. Accordingly, upper limit electrode 623 is disposed at a position
below atmosphere open port 603. With such a configuration, cleaning water is prevented
from flowing out from atmosphere open port 603. Further, lower limit electrode 624
is disposed above water outflow port 602 though which water is supplied to heat exchanger
700. This configuration can prevent air from flowing into heat exchanger 700.
[0095] Sub tank 600 of this exemplary embodiment is constituted as described above.
<4> Configuration of heat exchanger
[0096] Hereinafter, the configuration of the heat exchanger of the sanitary cleaning device
of this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0097] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the heat exchanger
of the water circuit. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger.
[0098] In this exemplary embodiment, buffer tank 750 is integrally formed with heat exchanger
700, and buffer tank 750 is mounted on an upper portion of heat exchanger 700.
[0099] Firstly, heat exchanger 700 is formed into a flat plate shape having an approximately
rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape) as viewed in a front view (see FIG.
13). Heat exchanger 700 includes at least: casing 701 which is molded by using a reinforced
ABS resin made of an ABS resin compounded with glass fibers; flat-plate-like heater
702 made of ceramic, hot water outflow member 703 and the like.
[0100] Casing 701 includes: front surface member 710 which constitutes a front surface portion
of casing 701, and back surface member 720 which constitutes a back surface portion
of casing 701. Flat-plate-like heater 702 is disposed in a space formed between front
surface member 710 and back surface member 720. Heating passage 715 is formed of:
a gap defined between front surface member 710 and flat-plate-like heater 702; and
a gap defined between back surface member 720 and flat-plate-like heater 702.
[0101] Heat exchanger 700 having the above-mentioned configuration instantaneously heats
and increases a temperature of cleaning water which flows through heating passage
715 by flat-plate-like heater 702.
[0102] In heat exchanger 700, water inflow port 711 which constitutes a connecting port
is formed at a lower right end of a front surface of front surface member 710, and
hot water outflow port 712 which constitutes a connecting port is formed on hot water
outflow member 703 which is mounted on an upper end of a right side surface of front
surface member 710.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 13, water inflow passage 713 which is continuously formed with water
inflow port 711 is formed over the approximately whole width (including a whole width)
of the lower end portion of casing 701. On an upper surface of water inflow passage
713, a plurality of slits 714 is provided over the whole width. Water inflow passage
713 is configured such that cleaning water flowed into water inflow passage 713 passes
through slits 714, and flows into heating passage 715. Slits 714 have a function of
allowing cleaning water to flow into heating passage 715 uniformly over the whole
width of heating passage 715.
[0104] Partition rib 716 is provided to an upper end portion of heating passage 715, and,
above partition rib 716, buffer tank 750 is provided. A plurality of water through
holes 717 is formed on partition rib 716 over the approximately whole width (including
the whole width) of partition rib 716. With such a configuration, cleaning water which
is heated by heating passage 715 flows into buffer tank 750 through water through
holes 717.
[0105] Projections 718 each having an approximately semicircular cross section (including
a semicircular cross section), for example, are disposed in buffer tank 750 at intervals
over the approximately whole width (including the whole width) of buffer tank 750.
Projections 718 are provided for making the flow of cleaning water which flows toward
hot water outflow port 712 in the inside of buffer tank 750 turbulent. With such a
configuration, cleaning water is agitated so that irregularity in temperature of cleaning
water is eliminated. As a result, cleaning water having uniform temperature is flown
out from hot water outflow port 712.
[0106] Two thermistors, that is, outflow hot water temperature sensor 730 and excessively
elevated temperature sensor 731 are mounted on hot water outflow member 703. Outflow
hot water temperature sensor 730 detects an outflow hot water temperature of cleaning
water. Excessively elevated temperature sensor 731 detects an excessively elevated
temperature of heat exchanger 700. With such a configuration, control unit 130 controls
a temperature of cleaning water flown out from heat exchanger 700.
[0107] Heat exchanger 700 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described
above.
<5> Configuration of nozzle device
[0108] Hereinafter, the configuration of the nozzle device of the sanitary cleaning device
of this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 28.
[0109] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a storage state of the nozzle device according
to this exemplary embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17
shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a storage
state of the nozzle device. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration
of portion B shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
20-20 shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a storage
state of the nozzle device. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration
of portion C shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing
a buttock cleaning state of the nozzle device. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing
a detailed configuration of portion D shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal
cross-sectional view showing a bidet cleaning state of the nozzle device. FIG. 26
is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion E shown in FIG.
26. FIG. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a nozzle portion, showing
a bidet cleaning state of the nozzle device. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing
a detailed configuration of portion F shown in FIG. 27.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 16, nozzle device 800 includes at least support portion 810, nozzle
portion 820, cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860, flow regulating valve 517 and the
like. Support portion 810 is molded by using a resin material such as polyoxymethylene
(POM) or ABS, for example, and is formed into an approximately triangular (including
a triangular shape) frame shape as viewed in a side view. Nozzle portion 820 moves
forward and backward along support portion 810. Cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860
drives and moves nozzle portion 820 forward and backward. Flow regulating valve 517
changes over the supply of cleaning water to nozzle portion 820.
[0111] In the description of nozzle device 800 made hereinafter, the arrangement of the
respective constitutional elements is described by assuming that a direction along
which nozzle portion 820 is stored is a rearward direction, a direction along which
nozzle portion 820 advances is a frontward direction, a right side in a direction
from a rear side to a front side is a right side, and a left side in a direction from
a rear side to a front side is a left side.
[0112] Support portion 810 is formed into a frame shape, and is formed from: inclined portion
812 which is lowered toward a front portion from a rear portion of inclined portion
812 with respect to bottom side portion 811 disposed approximately horizontally (including
horizontally); and vertical side portion 813 which connects a rear end of bottom side
portion 811 and a rear end of inclined portion 812 to each other. Guide rail 814 which
guides forward and backward movement of nozzle portion 820 and rack guide 815 (see
FIG. 17) which guides flexible rack 861 (see FIG. 17) of cleaning water nozzle drive
unit 860 are formed over the approximately whole length (including the whole length)
of inclined portion 812. Holding portion 816 having an approximately circular cylindrical
shape (including a circular cylindrical shape) which supports nozzle portion 820 in
a surrounding manner is integrally formed on a lower side of a front end of inclined
portion 812.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 16, guide rail 814 which guides nozzle portion 820 is formed into
an approximately T shape (including a T shape) in cross section. Rack guide 815 which
guides flexible rack 861 has an approximately U shape (including a U shape) as viewed
in cross section where one side surface is open. Rack guide 815 is configured to guide
flexible rack 861 while restricting upper and lower surfaces and one side surface
of flexible rack 861.
[0114] Rack guide 815 is also formed on vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion
811 disposed at a rear portion of support portion 810 continuously with inclined portion
812. Rack guides 815 at a corner formed by inclined portion 812 and vertical side
portion 813 are connected to each other in an arcuate shape, for example, and rack
guides 815 at a corner formed by vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion
811 are connected to each other in an arcuate shape, for example. Rack guide 815 formed
on vertical side portion 813 and rack guide 815 formed on bottom side portion 811
are also formed into an approximately U shape (including a U shape) in cross section.
On the other hand, with respect to a side surface of rack guide 815, a left side surface
of rack guide 815 is open at inclined portion 812, and a side opposite to the left
side surface, that is, a right side surface of rack guide 815 is open at vertical
side portion 813 and bottom side portion 811. This reduces sliding resistance and
can more reliably guide flexible rack 861. Further, open surfaces of rack guides 815
at vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion 811 are closed by a support portion
lid or the like which is a member provided separately from rack guide 815, for example.
[0115] Cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 includes: flexible rack 861 which is joined
to nozzle portion 820; pinion gear 862 which is meshed with flexible rack 861; and
drive motor 863 which rotatably drives pinion gear 862. Cleaning water nozzle drive
unit 860 moves nozzle portion 820 forward and backward along guide rail 814.
[0116] Drive motor 863 is formed of a stepping motor, for example, and a rotational angle
of drive motor 863 is controlled by a pulse signal. Further, due to the rotation of
drive motor 863, flexible rack 861 is driven by way of pinion gear 862.
[0117] A gap is defined between an inner peripheral surface of holding portion 816 of support
portion 810 and an outer peripheral surface of nozzle portion 820. Accordingly, cleaning
water jetted from nozzle portion 820 flows into the gap and cleans the outer peripheral
surface of nozzle portion 820.
[0118] Nozzle lid 801 is disposed on a front side of holding portion 816 in an openable
and closeable manner, and is open or closed in response to advancing and retracting
of nozzle portion 820. With nozzle portion 820 retracted, nozzle lid 801 is then closed.
Accordingly, nozzle portion 820 is prevented from becoming dirty.
[0119] On bottom side portion 811 of support portion 810, water supply joint 817 which connects
a water supply tube (not shown in the drawing) connected to cleaning water supply
passage 690 and connecting tube 802 provided for supplying cleaning water to flow
regulating valve 517 from support portion 810 to each other is formed.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 21, nozzle portion 820 includes at least: rod-like nozzle body 830
which is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, for example; nozzle cover 840;
connecting portion 850 and the like. Nozzle cover 840 is formed into a cylindrical
shape, and covers approximately whole nozzle body 830 (including whole nozzle body
830). Connecting portion 850 tows nozzle cover 840 with nozzle body 830.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 6, nozzle body 830 of nozzle portion 820 includes: buttock cleaning
water nozzle 831 for cleaning a private part; bidet cleaning water nozzle 832 for
cleaning a woman's private part; nozzle cleaning unit 833 for cleaning nozzle portion
820 and the like.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 includes: buttock
cleaning water jetting port 834 which is formed on a distal end portion of nozzle
body 830 in an upwardly opening manner; and buttock cleaning water passage 835 which
communicates with buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 from a rear end of nozzle
body 830. Buttock cleaning water passage 835 is disposed on a lower portion side of
nozzle body 830, and has a bent portion which is bent upward and is formed below buttock
cleaning water jetting port 834. Straightening plate 835a which straightens the flow
of cleaning water is disposed on the bent portion. With such a configuration, cleaning
water jetted from buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 is jetted upward through
jetting opening 844 formed on nozzle cover 840.
[0123] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832 includes: bidet cleaning
water jetting port 836 which is disposed behind buttock cleaning water jetting port
834; and bidet cleaning water passage 837 which communicates with bidet cleaning water
jetting port 836 from a rear end of nozzle body 830. Cleaning water jetted from bidet
cleaning water jetting port 836 is jetted upward through jetting opening 844 formed
on nozzle cover 840.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 27, nozzle cleaning unit 833 includes: nozzle cleaning water jetting
port 838 disposed on a side surface of nozzle body 830; and nozzle cleaning water
passage 839 which communicates with nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838 from the
rear end of nozzle body 830. Cleaning water jetted from nozzle cleaning water jetting
port 838 is jetted to the inside of nozzle cover 840, and is discharged to the outside
of nozzle cover 840 from discharge opening 845 of nozzle cover 840. Cleaning water
jetted from nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838 is used for cleaning nozzle portion
820 and the surrounding of nozzle portion 820.
[0125] Further, a front side of nozzle portion 820 is inserted into and supported by holding
portion 816 of support portion 810. A rear portion of nozzle portion 820 is suspended
by and slidably provided to guide rail 814. Nozzle portion 820 is configured to move
frontward and backward among a storage position shown in FIG. 16 where nozzle portion
820 is stored in an area behind holding portion 816, a buttock cleaning position shown
in FIG. 23 where nozzle portion 820 projects from holding portion 816, and a bidet
cleaning position shown in FIG. 25.
[0126] Nozzle cover 840 includes, as shown in FIG. 21, nozzle cover body 841 and connecting
member 842. Nozzle cover body 841 is formed by machining a stainless thin plate into
a circular cylindrical shape, for example. A distal end surface of nozzle cover body
841 is formed into a closed surface, and a rear end surface of nozzle cover body 841
is formed into an open surface. Connecting member 842 is molded by using a resin material
such as ABS, for example, and is formed into an approximately circular cylindrical
shape (including a circular cylindrical shape). Connecting piece 843 (see FIG. 22)
which engages with nozzle body 830 is formed on both side portions of connecting member
842.
[0127] A nozzle cover stopper (not shown in the drawing) for restricting a slide range of
nozzle cover 840 is integrally formed on a right rear end of connecting member 842.
The nozzle cover stopper is configured such that the slide range of nozzle cover 840
is restricted by bringing the nozzle cover stopper into contact with a front stopper
receiving portion and a rear stopper receiving portion (not shown in the drawing)
formed on support portion 810.
[0128] A portion of connecting member 842 is fixed to and integrally formed with nozzle
cover body 841 in a state where the portion of connecting member 842 is inserted into
the inside of nozzle cover body 841 from an opening formed on a rear end of nozzle
cover body 841.
[0129] Single jetting opening 844 which can face buttock cleaning water jetting port 834
and bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 of nozzle body 830 is formed, for example,
on a front upper surface of nozzle cover body 841. Discharge opening 845 through which
cleaning water flowing out to the inside of nozzle cover body 841 is discharged to
the outside is formed on a front lower surface of nozzle cover body 841.
[0130] An inner diameter of nozzle cover 840 has a size slightly larger than an outer diameter
of nozzle body 830. With such a configuration, nozzle body 830 and nozzle cover 840
are configured to be smoothly slidable relative to each other in a state where nozzle
body 830 is inserted into nozzle cover 840.
[0131] Flow regulating valve 517 is mounted on a rear end surface of nozzle body 830. Flow
regulating valve 517 includes, for example, disc-type valve body 517a, and stepping
motor 517b for driving a switching operation, as shown in FIG. 6. Through a switching
operation, flow regulating valve 517 selectively supplies cleaning water to either
buttock cleaning water passage 835, bidet cleaning water passage 837, or nozzle cleaning
water passage 839.
[0132] On an external surface of valve body 517a of flow regulating valve 517, water supply
port 517c (see FIG. 16) for supplying cleaning water to flow regulating valve 517
is provided. Water supply port 517c is connected to and in communication with support
portion 810 via water supply joint 817 and connecting tube 802.
[0133] Next, hereinafter, connecting portion 850 of this exemplary embodiment which is formed
of connecting member 842 of nozzle cover 840 and connection receiving portion 851
of nozzle body 830 is described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 28.
[0134] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 28, connection receiving portion 851 is formed on a right
side of an outer periphery of a rear end portion of nozzle body 830. Two grooves having
an approximately V-shape (including a V-shape) which constitute front recessed portion
851a and rear recessed portion 851b respectively are formed on a front side and a
rear side of connection receiving portion 851. Front recessed portion 851a and rear
recessed portion 851b are disposed in a spaced-apart manner from each other in a longitudinal
direction of nozzle body 830. A distance between front recessed portion 851a and rear
recessed portion 851b is set equal to a distance between buttock cleaning water jetting
port 834 and bidet cleaning water jetting port 836.
[0135] On the other hand, connecting member 842 of nozzle cover 840 is molded by using a
resin material such as ABS and POM, for example, and is formed into an approximately
circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape). Connecting piece
843 which projects rearward is formed on both side portions of a rear portion of connecting
member 842. Connecting piece 843 includes, on a rear end portion, approximately V-shaped
(including V-shaped) connecting projection 843a projecting inward is provided.
[0136] When nozzle body 830 is inserted into nozzle cover 840, connecting projection 843a
of connecting member 842 of nozzle cover 840 is always brought into pressure contact
with connection receiving portion 851 of nozzle body 830 due to resiliency of connecting
member 842. In such a state, when connecting projection 843a is made to engage with
either front recessed portion 851a or rear recessed portion 851b, nozzle body 830
and nozzle cover 840 are brought into a mutually connected state. With such a configuration,
nozzle cover 840 is movable by being towed by nozzle body 830.
[0137] In a state where connecting projection 843a enters front recessed portion 851a as
shown in FIG. 22, bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 of nozzle body 830 and jetting
opening 844 of nozzle cover 840 face each other as shown in FIG. 26. On the other
hand, as shown in FIG. 28, in a state where connecting projection 843a enters rear
recessed portion 851b, buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 and jetting opening
844 face each other as shown in FIGS. 19 and 24. With such a configuration, cleaning
water can be jetted from a predetermined jetting port.
[0138] Nozzle device 800 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described
above.
<6> Control and manner of operation of cleaning unit
[0139] Hereinafter, control and the manner of operation of the cleaning unit of the sanitary
cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment are described.
[0140] Firstly, the basic manner of operation of cleaning unit 500 is described with reference
to FIGS. 6 and 26 hereinafter.
[0141] Firstly, tap water which flows through the city water pipe is supplied to sanitary
cleaning device 100 from water supply connecting port 510 as cleaning water. Then,
water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is open so that cleaning water is supplied to
sub tank 600. At this stage of operation, a flow rate of cleaning water which flows
through cleaning water supply passage 690 is maintained at a fixed value by constant
flow regulating valve 513. Driving of water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is controlled
by control unit 130 based on an operation of remote controller 400 and an operation
of operation unit 210.
[0142] Next, cleaning water supplied into sub tank 600 is stored in sub tank 600 and, at
the same time, is supplied to heat exchanger 700 and water pump 516 configuring the
discharge water amount variable unit. Further, control unit 130 drives water pump
516 to supply cleaning water to nozzle device 800 through flow regulating valve 517.
Driving of water pump 516 is controlled by control unit 130 based on an operation
of remote controller 400 and an operation of operation unit 210.
[0143] Further, control unit 130 starts heating cleaning water by supplying electricity
to flat-plate-like heater 702 of heat exchanger 700. At this stage of operation, control
unit 130 controls the supply of electricity to flat-plate-like heater 702 based on
information detected by inflow water temperature sensor 630 and outflow hot water
temperature sensor 730. That is, control unit 130 performs control to maintain a temperature
of the cleaning water at a temperature set by hot water temperature switch 231 of
operation unit 210.
[0144] Next, control unit 130 controls switching of flow regulating valve 517 based on operation
information of operation unit 210 and operation information of remote controller 400.
That is, control unit 130 causes flow regulating valve 517 to select a cleaning water
flow passage by switching and to supply cleaning water to any one of buttock cleaning
water nozzle 831, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832, and nozzle cleaning unit 833 of
nozzle device 800. With such an operation, cleaning water is jetted from one of buttock
cleaning water jetting port 834, bidet cleaning water jetting port 836, and nozzle
cleaning water jetting port 838.
[0145] Hereinafter, a control with respect to sub tank 600 according to this exemplary embodiment,
in particular, detection of a water level and a flow rate, will now be described in
detail.
[0146] Firstly, the description is made with respect to a control of cleaning unit 500 at
an initial stage of use of sanitary cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment
with reference to FIG. 29.
[0147] FIG. 29 is a timing chart concerning the cleaning unit at the initial stage of use
of the sanitary cleaning device. Note that a term "at an initial stage of use" refers
to a state where no cleaning water is stored in the cleaning unit, such as when sanitary
cleaning device 100 is used for a first time after mounted, or when sanitary cleaning
device 100 is used again after cleaning water has been discharged for preventing cleaning
water from freezing.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 29, at a point of time P1, a cleaning switch (for example, buttock
cleaning switch 221 or buttock cleaning switch 410) on operation unit 210 or remote
controller 400 is operated by a user. Accordingly, control unit 130 supplies electricity
to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 to simultaneously start both supplying of
cleaning water to sub tank 600 and driving of water level detection sensor 620. Further,
control unit 130 starts driving of water level detection sensor 620. Driving of water
level detection sensor 620 continues until, at a point of time P14, after buttock
cleaning ends, and post-cleaning ends, cleaning water is supplied to sub tank 600,
and water level detection sensor 620 detects an upper limit water level.
[0149] Next, when water level detection sensor 620 detects an upper limit water level at
a point of time P2, control unit 130 starts the measurement of time. Further, after
a predetermined time elapses, that is, at a point of time P3, the supply of electricity
to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is stopped so that the supply of cleaning
water is stopped.
[0150] In this exemplary embodiment, the supply of electricity is stopped, for example,
after two seconds elapse from the detection of an upper limit water level. The reason
is as follows. At the point of time P2 where the upper limit water level is detected,
basically, sub tank 600 and heat exchanger 700 reach a fully filled state. At this
time, the supply of cleaning water is further continued for two seconds. Accordingly,
heat exchanger 700 and water pump 516 are securely filled with cleaning water to remove
air in heat exchanger 700. As a result, no-water heating of heat exchanger 700 due
to an existence of residual air can be prevented with certainty and hence, safety
and durability of heat exchanger 700 can be ensured. At the same time, water pump
516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit can securely be supplied
and fully filled with cleaning water. Accordingly, by starting water pump 516 fully
stored with cleaning water, cleaning water can further securely be supplied to nozzle
portion 820.
[0151] Next, control unit 130 starts driving of water pump 516 at the point of time P3 where
the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is stopped. Simultaneously,
control unit 130 drives flow regulating valve 517 so as to start the supply of cleaning
water to buttock cleaning water passage 835 of nozzle portion 820. At this stage of
operation, due to driving of water pump 516, a water level of cleaning water in sub
tank 600 is lowered and, at a point of time P4, the detection of an upper limit water
level by water level detection sensor 620 is canceled. Therefore, at the point of
time P4, control unit 130 starts driving of heat exchanger 700. That is, through a
detected, lowered water level, a normal operation of water pump 516 can be confirmed.
With such an operation, it is possible to prevent the abnormal temperature increase
in heat exchanger 700, such as no-water heating.
[0152] Then, cleaning water supplied to buttock cleaning water passage 835 is jetted from
buttock cleaning water jetting port 834. The jetted cleaning water passes through
jetting opening 844 and hits and is reflected on an inner surface of holding portion
816 formed on a distal end of support portion 810. With such an operation, an outer
peripheral surface of nozzle cover 840 is cleaned. Hereinafter, the above cleaning
operation is referred to as "pre-cleaning." The pre-cleaning is continued to, for
example, a point of time P5 which comes after two seconds elapses from a point of
time where hot water temperature of cleaning water in heat exchanger 700 reaches 25°C.
[0153] Next, upon the pre-cleaning ends at the point of time P5, control unit 130 starts
driving of cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 of nozzle device 800. Control unit
130 then causes nozzle portion 820 to advance from the storage position to the buttock
cleaning position. At this time, while nozzle portion 820 is advancing from the storage
position to the buttock cleaning position, control unit 130 switches flow regulating
valve 517 to supply cleaning water to nozzle cleaning water passage 839. The cleaning
water supplied to nozzle cleaning water passage 839 is jetted to the inside of nozzle
cover 840 from nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838. The jetted cleaning water flows
out to the outside of nozzle cover 840 from discharge opening 845 after cleaning the
inner surface of nozzle cover 840. Meanwhile, nozzle portion 820 is heated by the
cleaning water heated by heat exchanger 700. Accordingly, cold water is prevented
from jetting toward a buttock to be cleaned so that a user does not feel uncomfortable.
[0154] At a point of time P6 at which nozzle portion 820 has reached the buttock cleaning
position, control unit 130 switches flow regulating valve 517 to start supplying of
cleaning water to buttock cleaning water passage 835. Then, cleaning water supplied
to buttock cleaning water passage 835 is jetted from buttock cleaning water jetting
port 834. The cleaning water then passes through jetting opening 844 to clean a private
part of the user. Cleaning of the buttock continues to a point of time P11 at which,
for example, the user stops the cleaning.
[0155] At this time, control unit 130 controls a temperature of cleaning water to a set
temperature based on detection data of inflow water temperature sensor 630 and detection
data of outflow hot water temperature sensor 730 during driving of heat exchanger
700.
[0156] If water pump 516 is kept driving from the point of time P3, a water level of cleaning
water in sub tank 600 gradually lowers. Therefore, at a point of time P7 where water
level detection sensor 620 detects a lower limit water level, control unit 130 starts
the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 to supply cleaning
water. After that, to a point of time P8 at which water level detection sensor 620
detects the upper limit water level, control unit 130 keeps the supply of electricity
to water stop electromagnetic valve 514.
[0157] At the point of time P8 where the upper limit water level is detected, control unit
130 stops the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 and, at
the same time, starts the measurement of time. Then, control unit 130 measures a time
elapsed from the point of time P8 to a point of time P9 where water level detection
sensor 620 detects a lower limit water level next time.
[0158] Next, at the point of time P9 where the lower limit water level is detected, control
unit 130 calculates a flow rate of cleaning water by arithmetic processing based on
a measured elapsed time and an amount of water from an upper limit water level to
a lower limit water level (for example, 65 cc). When there is a difference between
a flow rate which is set for every cleaning strength and a flow rate of jetted cleaning
water at a point of time P10 where the calculation of the flow rate of cleaning water
by a flow rate arithmetic processing unit is finished, control unit 130 adjusts an
output of water pump 516 so as to correct the flow rate of cleaning water.
[0159] Next, at the point of time P11 where a cleaning stop operation is performed by a
user using operation unit 210 or remote controller 400, control unit 130 stops the
supply of electricity to water pump 516 and heat exchanger 700. Simultaneously, control
unit 130 drives cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 of nozzle device 800 so as to
retract nozzle portion 820 to the storage position from the buttock cleaning position.
[0160] At a point of time P12 where nozzle portion 820 is retracted to the storage position,
control unit 130 stops driving of cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860. Simultaneously,
control unit 130 drives water pump 516 and heat exchanger 700 again so as to start
"post-cleaning" where nozzle portion 820 is cleaned.
[0161] Next, at a point of time P13 where a predetermined time elapses from starting of
"post-cleaning," control unit 130 stops driving of water pump 516 and heat exchanger
700. With such an operation, the "post-cleaning" is finished.
[0162] Next, at the point of time P13 where the post-cleaning of nozzle portion 820 is finished,
control unit 130 supplies electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 again
so that cleaning water is supplied to sub tank 600. Then, at the point of time P14
where water level detection sensor 620 detects the upper limit water level, control
unit 130 stops the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 so
that a series of control for buttock cleaning is finished. With such an operation,
where sub tank 600 fully filled with cleaning water to the upper limit water level,
cleaning unit 500 is brought into a standby state.
[0163] As has been described heretofore, a control of the cleaning unit at the initial stage
of use of sanitary cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment is performed.
[0164] Hereinafter, the description is made with respect to a control of the cleaning unit
at a usual stage of use of sanitary cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment
with reference to FIG. 30.
[0165] FIG. 30 is a timing chart of the cleaning unit at the usual stage of use of the sanitary
cleaning device. A term "at a usual stage of use" refers to a state where a sanitary
cleaning device that has undergone an initial stage of use and thus is now in a standby
state performs a cleaning operation.
[0166] A control of the cleaning unit at a usual stage of use shown in FIG. 30 differs from
the control of the cleaning unit at an initial stage of use shown in FIG. 29 with
respect to a point where sub tank 600 is already in a fully filled state at a point
of time P20 where the cleaning operation is performed and a point where control unit
130 stores in a memory that the sanitary cleaning device has undergone an initial
stage of use.
[0167] Firstly, as shown in FIG. 30, at the point of time 20, a cleaning switch (for example,
buttock cleaning switch 221 or 410) on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400
is operated, by a user, in a standby state where sub tank 600 is in a fully filled
state. Accordingly, control unit 130 supplies electricity to water pump 516 to start
supplying of cleaning water to a predetermined nozzle portion. Simultaneously, control
unit 130 starts the supply of electricity to heat exchanger 700 based on stored data
that a control of an initial operation has been already performed.
[0168] Then, control unit 130 starts the "pre-cleaning" operation of nozzle device 800 simultaneously
with the supply of electricity to heat exchanger 700. Further, control unit 130 starts
driving of water level detection sensor 620.
[0169] That is, the case of the initial stage of use described with reference to FIG. 29
and the case of the usual stage of use differ from each other with respect to a control
from a point of time that the cleaning operation is performed to a point of time that
the supply of electricity to heat exchanger 700 is started. Both cases are substantially
equal to FIG. 29 with respect to the control and the manner of operation after a point
of time P5 where driving of nozzle device 800 is started and hence, the repeated description
of the control and the manner of operation after the point of time P5 is omitted
[0170] As described above, in the sanitary cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment,
a change in water level of cleaning water is detected by the water level detection
sensor mounted on the sub tank and a flow rate of cleaning water is calculated by
an arithmetic operation. Accordingly, it is not necessary that a special flow rate
sensor for detecting a flow rate be separately provided to the cleaning unit. As a
result, a configuration of the cleaning unit can be simplified in a cost-effective
manner.
[0171] The sanitary cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment corrects a threshold
for determining a change in output voltage between the electrodes in water level detection
in accordance with a temperature. This improves the accuracy in water level detection
and flow rate detection and enables the use of water having different conductivities
in a wide range as cleaning water for the sanitary cleaning device. As a consequence,
it is possible to further increase the range of use of the sanitary cleaning device
and improve its user-friendliness.
[0172] Further, in the sanitary cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment, at an initial
stage of use, a fully filled state of the sub tank is detected and, thereafter, the
supply of water is continued for a predetermined time. Simultaneously, after the water
pump is driven, and the water level detection sensor has detected a cancellation of
the upper limit water level, the supply of electricity to the heat exchanger is started.
Accordingly, it can be determined that the heat exchanger is securely supplied with
cleaning water. Accordingly, the configuration of this exemplary embodiment can be
simplified compared to the conventional configuration which prevents no-water heating
using a flow rate sensor. As a result, it is possible to realize the sanitary cleaning
device having high safety and reliability at a low cost.
[0173] As described above, control and the manner of operation of the cleaning unit of the
sanitary cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment is executed.
<7> Control and manner of operation of spray nozzle for discharging cleaning water
toward inner surface of toilet bowl
[0174] Hereinafter, control and the manner of operation of the spray nozzle of the sanitary
cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment for discharging cleaning water
toward an inner surface of a toilet bowl will now be described with reference to FIGS.
31 to 36.
[0175] FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the spray nozzle
of the sanitary cleaning device. FIG. 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of
the spray nozzle. FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a mounted
state of a spray nozzle in the sanitary cleaning device. FIG. 34 is a front view showing
a mounted state of the spray nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device. FIG. 35 is a
plan view showing a mounting position of the spray nozzle in the sanitary cleaning
device and a rotational angle of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle. FIG. 36
is a chart showing a pump output corresponding to a rotational angle of the discharge
opening of the spray nozzle.
[0176] Spray nozzle 550 includes, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, spray nozzle drive unit 550a,
body 550c, rotation nozzle 550d, and the like. Spray nozzle drive unit 550a includes,
for example, a motor for driving and rotating rotation nozzle 550d. Body 550c includes
inlet passage 550b and inlet holes 550h to supply cleaning foam, cleaning water, or
the like generated by foam generation unit 560 shown in FIG. 6 to rotation nozzle
550d. Further, body 550c rotatably holds rotation nozzle 550d internally shaft-sealed
with O-ring 550e and O-ring 550f. Note that an X-ring may be used in place of O-ring
550f. This can reduce torque required to drive and rotate rotation nozzle 550d. In
addition, this can more reliably prevent locking of rotation nozzle 550d. This allows
the use of a small low-torque motor as spray nozzle drive unit 550a.
[0177] Rotation nozzle 550d is fitted to spray nozzle drive unit 550a via shaft 550n of
a rotary drive body and driven and rotated.
[0178] Spray nozzle 550 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described
above, and operates as described below.
[0179] Firstly, cleaning water or cleaning foam generated by foam generation unit 560 shown
in FIG. 6 is supplied from inlet passage 550b of body 550c of spray nozzle 550. The
supplied cleaning water or cleaning foam is then supplied from a plurality of inlet
holes 550h of body 550c, which is open around rotation nozzle 550d, to rotation nozzle
550d. After that, the supplied cleaning water or cleaning foam is discharged from
discharge opening 550u of rotation nozzle 550d toward the inner surface of the toilet
bowl, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, and the like.
[0180] Spray nozzle 550 is disposed, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, on right side of a center
of body 200. A reason of this arrangement is to dispose at the center in a prioritized
manner buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 as a cleaning water nozzle for cleaning a
private part of a human body. Accordingly, spray nozzle 550 is not disposed at the
center, but on either left or right of the center. The above described arrangement
may obviously be reversed.
[0181] Next, how spray nozzle 550 is controlled to discharge cleaning foam or the like will
now be described herein with reference to FIG. 6.
[0182] How spray nozzle 550 is controlled to discharge cleaning foam or the like when a
user has not seated and a toilet seat is closed will now be described herein.
[0183] Firstly, control unit 130 of sanitary cleaning device 100 detects that, with human
body detection sensor 450, a user has entered into a toilet room. Simultaneously,
control unit 130 starts water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable
unit to operate upon shifting to an operation of spraying foam to the toilet bowl.
Further, control unit 130 opens opening and closing valve 530a of branch passage 530.
[0184] In this case, flow regulating valve 517 for switching a passage to buttock cleaning
water nozzle 831, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832, nozzle cleaning unit 833, or the
like is closed. Accordingly, cleaning water is supplied from heat exchanger 700, via
branch passage 530, and check valve 531 and foam tank 532, both configuring foam generation
unit 560, to spray nozzle 550. The supplied cleaning water is discharge from discharge
opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl, buttock
cleaning water nozzle 831, and the like.
[0185] At this time, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit 550a of spray nozzle
550 to drive and rotate discharge opening 550u of rotation nozzle 550d. Accordingly,
cleaning water or cleaning foam discharged from discharge opening 550u is sprayed
toward a whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, buttock cleaning
water nozzle 831, and the like to form a water film or a foam film. This prevents
adhesion of dirt and the like.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 35, a distance from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to
the inner surface of the toilet bowl differs depending on a rotational angle direction
of spray nozzle 550.
[0187] That is, when a rotational angle of spray nozzle 550 disposed at the above described
position is changed to, as shown in FIG. 35, a rotational angle of discharge opening
550u of spray nozzle 550 of 160°, a distance from discharge opening 550u to the inner
surface of the toilet bowl becomes maximum (farthest). On the other hand, at a position
where a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is 340° (turned 180° from the above
described angle of 160°), a distance from discharge opening 550u to the inner surface
of the toilet bowl becomes minimum (nearest).
[0188] Therefore, control unit 130 performs control so that, as shown in FIG. 36, in accordance
with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of
water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit is changed.
[0189] A method of controlling an output of water pump 516 in accordance with a rotational
angle of spray nozzle 550 will be described below.
[0190] Firstly, upon detecting, with human body detection sensor 450, that a user has entered
the toilet room, control unit 130 starts the above control.
[0191] Next, while control unit 130 changes, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge
opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of water pump 516 configuring the discharge
water amount variable unit in a range from "high" to "low," as shown in FIG. 36, cleaning
foam or the like is discharged.
[0192] Specifically, around a rotational angle of 160° at which a distance to the inner
surface of the toilet bowl, as shown in FIG. 35, becomes maximum (farthest), control
unit 130 increases an output of water pump 516 to large (high). On the other hand,
around a rotational angle of 340° at which a distance to the inner surface of the
toilet bowl becomes minimum (nearest), control unit 130 lowers an output of water
pump 516 to small (low).
[0193] That is, control unit 130 controls, in accordance with a rotational angle of spray
nozzle 550, in other words, a distance between discharge opening 550u and the inner
surface of the toilet bowl, a jetting amount (and a jetting speed) of cleaning foam
or cleaning water from discharge opening 550u.
[0194] More specifically, to discharge cleaning foam or cleaning water toward a front side
of the toilet bowl, which lies at a position most distant from discharge opening 550u
of spray nozzle 550, water pump 516 is set to an output of "high" to most vigorously
discharge the cleaning foam or cleaning water. Accordingly, the cleaning foam or cleaning
water can fully reach to the inner surface on the front side of the toilet bowl.
[0195] On the other hand, to discharge cleaning foam or cleaning water toward a rear side
of the toilet bowl, which lies at a position nearest from discharge opening 550u of
spray nozzle 550, water pump 516 is set to an output of "low" to most gently discharge
the cleaning foam or cleaning water. This prevents occurrence of unfavorable events
such as splashing of cleaning foam or cleaning water.
[0196] Cleaning water or cleaning foam is then discharged toward the whole inner surface
of the toilet bowl in advance before use to form a water film or a foam film. Accordingly,
dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering onto the inner surface of
the toilet bowl when used.
[0197] In this exemplary embodiment, when human body detection sensor 450 detects that a
user has entered a toilet room, or the user operates operation unit 210 or spray switch
417 via remote controller 400, control unit 130 sprays cleaning foam to the inner
surface of the toilet bowl. At this time, control unit 130 sprays cleaning foam to
the inner surface of the toilet bowl while changing an output of water pump 516 configuring
a discharge water amount variable unit, as shown in FIG. 36. More specifically, first
of all, control unit 130 rotates spray nozzle drive unit 550a forward (for example,
clockwise), and sprays cleaning foam while reciprocally moving a direction of discharge
opening 550u of the spray nozzle between the rear side and the front side of the toilet
bowl. In addition, control unit 130 rotates spray nozzle drive unit 550a backward
(for example, counterclockwise), and sprays cleaning foam while reciprocally moving
the direction of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 between the rear side
and the front side of the toilet bowl. That is, control unit 130 rotates and moves
discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 in forward and backward directions over
the inner surface of the toilet bowl to spray cleaning foam while making at least
one reciprocal rotating motion.
[0198] This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam over almost the whole circumference
(including the whole circumference) of the inner surface of toilet bowl 110 by controlling
an output of the discharge water amount variable unit so as to make cleaning foam
reach near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by forming
a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to
its rear part.
[0199] Note that, in this case, as shown in FIG. 36, control unit 130 may cause the spray
nozzle to discharge cleaning foam upon setting an output of the discharge water amount
variable unit lower when rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a forward than when rotating
spray nozzle drive unit 550a backward. Increasing the output of the discharge water
amount variable unit will increase a force with which cleaning foam is discharged,
and hence cleaning foam can be sprayed from the spray nozzle to a distance portion
(position). In contrast, reducing the output of the discharge water amount variable
unit will reduce a force with which cleaning foam is discharged, and hence cleaning
foam can be sprayed from the spray nozzle to a near portion (position). At this time,
as indicated by spray movement locus TF indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 35, when
rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a forward (clockwise), control unit 130 controls
a direction of discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam to
a side near water level surface 110b inward from rim 110a of toilet bowl 110. In contrast,
as indicated by spray movement locus TR indicated by a broken line in FIG. 35, when
rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a backward (counterclockwise), control unit 130
controls a direction of discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle to spray cleaning
foam to a side near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110.
[0200] This makes it possible to cover water level surface 110b above drainage opening 115
of toilet bowl 110 with cleaning foam at an initial stage of the start of spraying
cleaning foam (forward rotation). Subsequently, at the time of backward rotation,
cleaning foam can be sprayed to almost the whole circumference of the inner surface
of toilet bowl 110 near rim 110a. This can effectively prevent adhesion of dirt by
forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front
part to its rear part.
[0201] In addition, according to this exemplary embodiment, spray nozzle 550 is disposed
at a position on a front part of body 200 mounted and fixed on toilet bowl 110, as
shown in FIGS. 2, 33, 34, and 35. That is, spray nozzle 550 is placed on a front side
relative to a front end position of nozzle device 800 in a storage state. Nozzle device
800 cleans a human body upon making cleaning water nozzle 831 protrude from the storage
position to the buttock cleaning position or the bidet cleaning position. This makes
it possible to spray cleaning foam while moving a direction of discharge opening 550u
of the spray nozzle to a rear side of toilet bowl 110 at the time of a driving and
rotating operation. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a cleaning foam film
on the inner surface of toilet bowl 110, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
[0202] Note that the above description has exemplified the configuration for performing
control to change an output of water pump 516 as a discharge water amount variable
unit when spraying cleaning foam into the toilet bowl. However, this is not exhaustive.
For example, spray nozzle 550 may adopt a configuration to be described next instead
of changing an output of water pump 516 as a discharge water amount variable unit
when spraying foam. As a result, a foam film is formed on the inner surface of the
toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part, to prevent adhesion of
dirt.
[0203] In this case, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, spray nozzle 550 is mounted on body 200
such that rotation axis Ax of spray nozzle 550 is inclined in a front-back direction
and a right-left direction. More specifically, rotation axis Ax of spray nozzle 550
is disposed in the front-back direction such that spray nozzle 550 is inclined to
a front side of toilet bowl 110 toward a lower side. Rotation axis Ax of spray nozzle
550 is disposed in the right-left direction such that spray nozzle 550 is inclined
to cleaning water nozzle 83 (left side) disposed in a central portion of body 200
toward the lower side. With the above disposition of rotation axis Ax, when discharge
opening 550u is directed to the front part of toilet bowl 110, at which a spray position
is distant from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, a position of discharge
opening 550u is high in discharge opening direction Ac. This makes it possible to
spray cleaning foam to near rim 110a of the front part of toilet bowl 110. In contrast,
when discharge opening 550u is directed to the rear part of toilet bowl 110, at which
a spray position is near from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, a position
of discharge opening 550u is low in discharge opening direction Ac. In addition, when
discharge opening 550u is directed to a left side of toilet bowl 110, at which a spray
position is slightly distant from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, the
position of discharge opening 550u is slightly high in discharge opening direction
Ac. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam to near rim 110a of a right side
of toilet bowl 110. Furthermore, when discharge opening 550u is directed to a right
side of toilet bowl 110, at which a spray position is slightly near from discharge
opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, the position of discharge opening 550u is slightly
low in discharge opening direction Ac.
[0204] When spraying cleaning foam from spray nozzle 550 to toilet bowl 110, spray nozzle
drive unit 550a drives and rotates discharge opening direction Ac of discharge opening
550u of spray nozzle 550 about rotation axis Ax. At this time, as spray nozzle 550
rotates, a distance from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to the inner surface
of toilet bowl 110 changes. As described above, however, rotation axis Ax of spray
nozzle 550 is inclined to spray cleaning foam while a height position of discharge
opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 is changed in discharge opening direction Ac accompanying
rotation. This makes it possible to form a foam film on the inner surface of toilet
bowl 110, ranging from its front part to a portion near rim 110a of the rear part.
As a result, it is possible to prevent adhesion of dirt to the inner surface of toilet
bowl 110, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
[0205] Note that in this exemplary embodiment, inclination angle β of rotation axis Ax of
the discharge opening of the spray nozzle in the front-back direction shown in FIG.
33 is, for example, 20°, and inclination angle γ in the right-left direction shown
in FIG. 34 is, for example, 10°. It is needless to say that the above angles can be
freely changed depending on a shape of a toilet bowl and a mounting position of spray
nozzle 550.
[0206] In addition, a height position of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 is set
to a position below upper end face 110c of toilet bowl 110 at any rotational position.
[0207] In the above description, right rotation and left rotation when viewed from above
in FIG. 35 are defined as forward rotation and backward rotation, respectively. However,
forward rotation and backward rotation may be defined as left rotation and right rotation,
respectively. In other words, a direction in which discharge opening 550u of the spray
nozzle starts to rotate at the time of spraying is called the forward direction, and
a direction in which discharge opening 550u returns is called the backward direction.
[0208] As described above, control unit 130 changes an output of water pump 516 in accordance
with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550. This can reliably
and fully discharge cleaning water or cleaning foam to the front part, side parts,
and rear part of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, where distances vary. This
makes it possible to prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a water film or a foam film
over a wide range on the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0209] The above exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, a configuration
of setting, based on an average level "medium" of outputs of water pump 516 of "high"
and "low." For example, water pump 516 may be configured to raise or lower the average
output level of "medium" itself to change a standard level. In this case, a level
changeover switch for adjusting an average level should advantageously be provided
to operation unit 210 or remote controller 400. Accordingly, in even larger or smaller
toilet bowl 110 for which sanitary cleaning device 100 is provided, cleaning water
or cleaning foam can be discharged toward a whole circumference of an inner surface
of the toilet bowl. Further, a height position (from a horizontal surface) on the
inner surface of the toilet bowl, at which cleaning foam is to be sprayed, can be
changed in a desired manner. As a result, a water film or a foam film can further
securely be formed onto the whole inner surface of the toilet bowl to prevent as much
as possible dirt from adhering.
[0210] The above exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, the discharge control
performed by control unit 130 to change, in accordance with a rotational angle of
discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of water pump 516. For example,
in addition to a change in output of water pump 516, control unit 130 may perform
control to change a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a in accordance
with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550.
[0211] That is, in this exemplary embodiment, by changing an output of water pump 516, magnitude
of how strongly or gently cleaning water or cleaning foam will be discharged is changed.
Accordingly, cleaning water or cleaning foam is reliably sprayed toward a distant
area on an inner surface of a toilet bowl, and splashing of the cleaning foam or cleaning
water at a nearer area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl is effectively prevented.
[0212] If, however, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 is rotated at a constant
rotational speed, in an area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, which is distant
from discharge opening 550u, spray density of cleaning foam or cleaning water becomes
thinner. In contrast, in an area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, which is
distant from discharge opening 550u, spray density of cleaning foam or cleaning water
becomes thicker.
[0213] For this reason, in this exemplary embodiment, as described above, spray nozzle drive
unit 550a changes a rotational speed of spray nozzle 550 in accordance with a rotational
angle of discharge opening 550u. This can make the spray density of cleaning water
or cleaning foam more uniform with respect to the whole circumference of the inner
surface of the toilet bowl.
[0214] When spraying cleaning foam or cleaning water by changing an output of water pump
516, the cleaning foam or cleaning water can be sprayed at uniform spray density to
a certain extent.
[0215] However, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is sprayed by changing a rotational
speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a in accordance with a rotational angle of spray
nozzle 550, further uniform spray density can be achieved. In other words, when cleaning
foam or cleaning water is discharged from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550
toward a whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, further uniform
spray density can be achieved.
[0216] That is, when a rotational speed is constant, as shown in FIG. 35, and cleaning water
or cleaning foam is sprayed toward an area most distant from discharge opening 550u
of spray nozzle 550, at which a rotational angle is around 160°, in other words, the
front side of the toilet bowl, the cleaning water or cleaning foam disperses, and
spray density becomes thinner. Therefore, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is
discharged toward the front side of the toilet bowl, a rotational speed of spray nozzle
550 should be lowered to minimum. Accordingly, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle
550 slowly passes around the front side of the toilet bowl so that spray density becomes
thicker.
[0217] On the other hand, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is discharged toward an area
nearest from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, at which a rotational angle
is around 340°, in other words, the rear side of the toilet bowl, the cleaning foam
or cleaning water concentrates, and spray density becomes thicker. Therefore, a rotational
speed of spray nozzle 550 increases to maximum. Accordingly, discharge opening 550u
of spray nozzle 550 quickly passes around the rear side of the toilet bowl so that
spray density becomes thinner.
[0218] As a result, cleaning water or cleaning foam can be sprayed at uniform (less unevenness)
spray density onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl, regardless of a rotational
speed. Accordingly, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering over the
whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0219] As described above, control unit 130 changes, in accordance with a rotational angle
of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, a rotational speed of spray nozzle
drive unit 550a. For example, at a rotational angle at which discharge opening 550u
of spray nozzle 550 faces the front side of the toilet bowl, where a distance to the
inner surface of the toilet bowl is longer, a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive
unit 550a is lowered to small (lower speed). On the other hand, at a rotational angle
at which discharge opening 550u faces the rear side of toilet bowl, where a distance
to the inner surface of the toilet bowl is shorter, a speed of spray nozzle drive
unit 550a is increased to large (higher speed).
[0220] Accordingly, toward the front part, the side parts, and the rear part of the toilet
bowl, where distances vary, cleaning water or cleaning foam can evenly be discharged
with less unevenness in spray density. As a result, with a water film or a foam film
evenly formed onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl, dirt can be prevented as
much as possible from adhering.
[0221] In this exemplary embodiment, upon control unit 130 detects that, with human body
detection sensor 450, a user has entered, control unit 130 performs control so that
cleaning water or cleaning foam is sprayed beforehand from spray nozzle 550 toward
the inner surface of the toilet bowl. More specifically, when spraying cleaning water
or the like into the toilet bowl, control unit 130 controls spray nozzle drive unit
550a to spray cleaning foam from rotation nozzle 550d while driving and rotating rotation
nozzle 550d to make at least one reciprocating motion and then automatically stop.
Accordingly, before the user uses the sanitary cleaning device, a water film or a
foam film is formed onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, dirt can
be prevented as much as possible from adhering during use onto the inner surface of
the toilet bowl.
[0222] Note that the above description has exemplified the case in which, before a user
uses the toilet, spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning foam or cleaning water while making
one reciprocal rotation. However, this is not exhaustive. A number of reciprocal rotations
can be freely set as long as it allows cleaning foam or cleaning water to be fully
sprayed to the inner surface of the toilet bowl. In this case, a user can selectively
set a number of reciprocal rotations for spraying cleaning foam to the inner surface
of the toilet bowl via operation unit 210 or remote controller 400.
[0223] Further, the above exemplary embodiment adopts a configuration of making one reciprocal
rotation of rotation nozzle 550d, as shown in FIG. 36, without referring to any specific
rotation direction of spray nozzle 550. This is because, in a configuration where
rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 is rotated either rightward or leftward over
the whole circumference, cleaning water or cleaning foam will always be sprayed in
an identical direction. For this reason, as in this exemplary embodiment, spraying
cleaning foam or cleaning water in a reciprocating rotation manner makes it possible
to spray cleaning foam or cleaning water toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl
in two directions through forward and backward rotations. Accordingly, a non-sprayed
area can be further reduced. Accordingly, cleaning foam or cleaning water can further
evenly be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, with even
a less number (time) of spray operations, dirt can be prevented as much as possible
from adhering. The above described reciprocating rotation may obviously be performed
not only once, but also twice, thrice, or any plurality of times.
[0224] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36, firstly, rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle
550 rotates forward (for example, clockwise) in a rotational angle range from 0°,
which corresponds to a direction toward the front side of the toilet bowl, to 340°
inclusive, and then rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 once stops. After that,
rotation nozzle 550d rotates backward (for example, counterclockwise) in a rotational
angle range from 340° to 0° for a reciprocating rotation, and then rotation nozzle
550d stops.
[0225] In this case, a rotation restriction unit that is, for example, a mechanical stopper
(not shown in the drawing) is provided for restricting a rotatable range of rotation
nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 in a rotational angle range from 0° to 340° inclusive.
[0226] Specifically, for example, a projection formed at a part of an outer periphery of
rotation nozzle 550d, and a rotation restriction wall of body 550c are used to configure
the rotation restriction unit. With this configuration, when the projection rotates
and physically abuts the rotation restriction wall, a rotating operation of rotation
nozzle 550d is restricted. That is, through this abutting, the motor configuring the
spray nozzle drive unit 550a slips. Accordingly, rotation nozzle 550d is configured
to rotate within the rotatable range.
[0227] As described above, spray nozzle 550 configured as described above is provided with
the rotation restriction unit for restricting a rotational range to allow spray nozzle
550 to reciprocating-rotate within a rotatable range that is not restricted by the
rotation restriction unit. Cleaning foam or cleaning water is then sprayed toward
the inner surface of the toilet bowl in forward and backward directions through reciprocating,
in other words, two directions through forward and backward rotations. Accordingly,
a non-sprayed area can be reduced. Accordingly, cleaning foam or cleaning water can
further evenly be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result,
with even a less number (time) of spray operations, dirt can be prevented as much
as possible from adhering.
[0228] Further, spray nozzle 550 in the above described configuration always allows recognition
of a position at which the projection of rotation nozzle 550d driven by the motor
configuring spray nozzle drive unit 550a abuts the rotation restriction unit, as an
origin of rotation of spray nozzle drive unit 550a. That is, even when rotation nozzle
550d of spray nozzle 550 reciprocating-operates, any position difference in origin
does not arise. Accordingly, improved positional accuracy in rotational angle, relative
to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, can be achieved. Accordingly, a position
difference and the like relative to a predetermined position of the inner surface
of the toilet bowl can be reduced. As a result, cleaning foam or cleaning water can
precisely be sprayed from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 toward a rotational
angle position on the inner surface of the toilet bowl at an appropriate discharge
output and an appropriate rotational speed.
[0229] A configuration of physically restricting a rotational range of spray nozzle 550
has been described above without limitation. If a position difference in the origin
of spray nozzle 550 is not problematic, spray nozzle drive unit 550a may simply rotate
spray nozzle 550 forward and backward. Accordingly, while no rotation restriction
unit is required, operations with, for example, a forward and backward rotation and
a single direction rotation can be used in a diversified manner. As a result, in accordance
with how degree the inner surface of the toilet bowl is dirty, a further appropriate
operation can be achieved. In this case, it is advantageous that, by setting a rotational
angle, at which a rotation direction is switched, to around 160°, a rotational speed
is gradually reduced around the angle. Accordingly, a load applied to spray nozzle
drive unit 550a at a time of rapid switching a direction can be reduced.
[0230] Hereinafter, a configuration of foam generation unit 560 of the sanitary cleaning
device according to this exemplary embodiment will now be described.
[0231] Foam generation unit 560 is connected to, as described above with reference to FIG.
6, branch passage 530 branched from cleaning water supply passage 690 at a point between
water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit and flow regulating
valve 517, via opening and closing valve 530a. Through opening and closing of opening
and closing valve 530a, cleaning water is then supplied, via branch passage 530, to
foam generation unit 560.
[0232] Foam generation unit 560 includes check valve 531, foam tank 532, detergent tank
533, detergent pump 534, and air pump 535. Foam tank 532 is connected, via check valve
531, to branch passage 530.
[0233] At downstream of foam tank 532, above described spray nozzle 550 is connected. Foam
tank 532 is connected, via detergent pump 534, to detergent tank 533 for supplying
detergent.
[0234] Foam tank 532 is further connected to air pump 535. Air pump 535 supplies air to
foam tank 532 to generate cleaning foam or the like. Subsequently, air pump 535 supplies
cleaning water or cleaning foam to be generated to spray nozzle 550.
[0235] Foam generation unit 560 is configured as described above, and operates as described
below.
[0236] Firstly, control unit 130 opens opening and closing valve 530a. Control unit 130
then drives water pump 516 to supply cleaning water from heat exchanger 700 to foam
tank 532 of foam generation unit 560.
[0237] At this time, in foam tank 532, detergent supplied by detergent pump 534 from detergent
tank 533, and cleaning water supplied from heat exchanger 700 are mixed.
[0238] Next, control unit 130 drives air pump 535 to supply air into foam tank 532. Accordingly,
in foam tank 532, cleaning foam is generated. The generated cleaning foam is supplied
to spray nozzle 550, and discharged from discharge opening 550u of rotation nozzle
550d toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0239] At this time, in accordance with increased or decreased outputs of water pump 516
and air pump 535, a discharge amount and magnitude of discharge (discharge speed and
discharge pressure) of cleaning water or cleaning foam to be discharged from spray
nozzle 550 are increased or decreased. Accordingly, as described with reference to
FIG. 34, cleaning foam or cleaning water can evenly be sprayed toward the inner surface
of the toilet bowl. That is, air pump 535 of foam generation unit 560 also functions,
similar to water pump 516, as a discharge water amount variable unit.
[0240] A configuration of branch passage 530 provided with opening and closing valve 530a
has been described above without limitation. For example, a branching portion provided
with a passage switch-over valve may be configured between branch passage 530 and
cleaning water supply passage 690.
[0241] That is, foam generation unit 560 according to this exemplary embodiment includes
foam tank 532 lying between opening and closing valve 530a and spray nozzle 550. With
detergent supplied from detergent tank 533 to foam tank 532, cleaning foam is generated.
In this configuration, the generated cleaning foam is discharged from discharge opening
550u of spray nozzle 550 toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0242] Accordingly, onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl, instead of a simple water
film formed with sprayed water or hot water, cleaning foam containing detergent forms
a foam film. As a result, it is possible to further effectively prevent adhesion of
dirt.
[0243] Further, the cleaning foam containing detergent effectively suppresses an odor generated
from dirt and the like. Further, the cleaning foam provides a visually clean impression
to a user. As a result, the user can feel much more comfortable.
[0244] The above exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, a configuration
of spraying cleaning water or cleaning foam toward the inner surface of the toilet
bowl when human body detection sensor 450 has detected that a person has entered.
For example, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured to include
spray switch 417 on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400 to execute spraying
when a person operates the switch. Accordingly, even if the toilet as a sanitary cleaning
device is not used, if dirt on the inner surface of the toilet bowl is not negligible,
cleaning foam containing detergent or the like can be sprayed toward the inner surface
of the toilet bowl in order to remove the dirt. Further, an unfavorable event where
dirt adheres and dries onto an area around water level surface 110b or the like can
be prevented as much as possible from occurring. That is, whenever a user operates
spray switch 417, a foam film can be formed with cleaning foam containing detergent
onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, the inner surface of the toilet
bowl can be kept clean.
[0245] Further, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured so that a user
is able to select as desired with a spray selection switch (not shown in the drawing)
on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400 whether either cleaning water or cleaning
foam will be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, cleaning
water or cleaning foam can be freely selected in accordance with how the inner surface
of the toilet bowl is dirty and how strong an odor smells. As a result, detergent
can be saved to provide improved cost performance.
[0246] Further, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured so that, to spray
cleaning foam toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl, control unit 130 changes,
in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550,
similar to an output of water pump 516 described with reference to FIG. 36, an output
of air pump 535. That is, air pump 535 may be used as a discharge water amount variable
unit. Accordingly, toward the front part, the side parts, and the rear part of the
toilet bowl, where distances vary, cleaning foam or cleaning water can effectively
be discharged. As a result, a foam film or a water film can fully be formed onto the
inner surface on the front side of the toilet bowl in order to prevent as much as
possible dirt from adhering.
[0247] Specifically, as described in FIG. 35, at around a rotational angle of 160° at which
a distance from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to the inner surface of
the toilet bowl becomes maximum (farthest), control unit 130 increases an output (air
pressure) of air pump 535 to large (high). Accordingly, with increased pressure of
air supplied from air pump 535, cleaning foam or cleaning water can be vigorously
sprayed farther from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550.
[0248] On the other hand, at around a rotational angle of 340° at which a distance from
discharge opening 550u to the inner surface of the toilet bowl becomes minimum (nearest),
control unit 130 lowers an output (air pressure) of air pump 535 to small (low). Accordingly,
with lowered pressure of air supplied from air pump 535, cleaning foam or cleaning
water can be gently sprayed. That is, in accordance with a distance from discharge
opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, pressure
of air to be discharged from air pump 535 is adjusted. As a result, cleaning foam
or cleaning water can fully and evenly be discharged toward the inner surface of the
toilet bowl.
[0249] The above described exemplary embodiment may be configured to further include a dirt
detection unit (not shown in the drawing) for detecting, with an image element such
as a charge coupled device (CCD), how the toilet bowl is dirty. At this time, control
unit 130 follows a result of detection by the dirt detection unit to intensively spray
cleaning foam or cleaning water from spray nozzle 550 in a reciprocating manner toward
a still dirty portion. Accordingly, dirt can effectively be prevented as much as possible
from adhering, as well as adhered dirt can effectively be removed. In addition to
the method in which cleaning foam or cleaning water is reciprocally sprayed to only
a dirty portion, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 may be driven and rotated
at a lower rotational speed when discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 passes
a still dirty portion. Further, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured
to further increase outputs of water pump 516 and air pump 535 when discharge opening
550u of spray nozzle 550 passes a dirty portion. Accordingly, a similar or identical
effect can be achieved.
[0250] As described above, the sanitary cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment
includes toilet seat 300 pivotally mounted on toilet bowl 110, body 200 that pivotally
supports the toilet seat, heat exchanger 700 that heats cleaning water, cleaning water
nozzle 831 that is disposed in a central portion of body 200 and cleans a human body,
foam generation unit 560 that generates cleaning foam, and spray nozzle 550 that discharges
cleaning water or cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl. This device
further includes discharge water amount variable unit 516 that variably changes a
flow rate of cleaning water or cleaning foam to be delivered to the spray nozzle,
spray nozzle drive unit 550a that drives and rotates discharge opening 550u of the
spray nozzle in a predetermined direction, opening and closing valve 530a that opens
and closes a branch passage to the spray nozzle, control unit 130, and operation unit
210. Spray nozzle 550 is mounted on the body such that the rotation axis is inclined
in the front-back direction and the right-left direction. In this configuration, in
the front-back direction, the rotation axis is inclined to the front side of the toilet
bowl toward the lower side of spray nozzle 550. In the right-left direction, the rotation
axis is inclined to the cleaning water nozzle toward the lower side of spray nozzle
550
[0251] The above description has exemplified the case in which control unit 130 executes
control, actions, and operations to make the spray nozzle discharge cleaning foam
to the inner surface of the toilet bowl in an unseated state and a toilet seat closed
state.
[0252] That is, control unit 130 rotates a direction of discharge opening 550u of spray
nozzle 550 over a wide rotational angle range. At this time, control unit 130 controls
an output of water pump 516 configuring a discharge water amount variable unit from
"low" to "high" to discharge cleaning foam to the whole circumference of the inner
surface of the toilet bowl. With this control, control unit 130 causes the spray nozzle
to fully discharge cleaning foam over a wide range on the inner surface of the toilet
bowl. This can effectively prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film over wide
range on the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0253] Note that to control water pump 516 at "high" means that the output is relatively
higher than an output of control water pump 516 in operation conditions described
in items <8> and <9> to be described later.
<8> Discharge control, actions, and operations concerning spray nozzle with respect
to inner surface of toilet bowl in seated state
[0254] Discharge control on spray nozzle 550 in a case in which a user operates spray switch
417 while being seated on toilet seat 300 will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 37A and 38B.
[0255] FIG. 37A is a chart showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of
the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. FIG. 37B is a chart
showing a discharge direction of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the
toilet bowl.
[0256] In this case, toilet seat open and close sensor 331 detects a toilet seat closed
state, and seating detection unit 330 detects a seated state.
[0257] In the above state, a user presses operation unit 210 or spray switch 417 of remote
controller 400.
[0258] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 37B, firstly, control unit 130 rotates spray nozzle
drive unit 550a to a position at which discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550
is directed to face the rear part of the toilet bowl. Control unit 130 then stops
driving of spray nozzle 550. Note that the rear part of toilet bowl corresponds to
a position (see FIG. 33) where a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is, for
example, about 100° as shown in FIG. 37A, in this exemplary embodiment. Note that
the rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is not limited to the above rotational
angle as long as it falls within, for example, a range of 100° to about 240° in a
counterclockwise direction.
[0259] Control unit 130 then controls a discharge output of water pump 516 or air pump 535
configuring the discharge water amount variable unit at "low". Subsequently, control
unit 130 discharges cleaning foam from spray nozzle 550 in a direction indicated by
an arrow in FIG. 37B toward near the rear part of the toilet bowl for a predetermined
time. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined time is set to, for
example, 8 sec.
[0260] That is, under the above condition, cleaning foam is discharged to a position on
the rear part of the toilet bowl with a weak force (at "low" output). This eliminates
the possibility of splashing discharged cleaning foam to a user seated on toilet seat
300. Furthermore, cleaning foam sprayed to the rear part of the toilet bowl covers
water level surface 110b in the toilet bowl. This can prevent diffusion of odor accompanying
excretion and adhesion of dirt to the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
[0261] In addition, cleaning foam covering water level surface 110b in the toilet bowl functions
as a cushion when stool and urine discharged from a user in a seated state drop on
water level surface 110b. As a result, a cushioning effect of cleaning foam can prevent
water from splashing to an area around the toilet bowl or the user.
[0262] According to the above operation of spray nozzle 550, control unit 130 drives spray
nozzle drive unit 550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle
550 faces the rear part of the toilet bowl, and stops spray nozzle drive unit 550a
at the position when a user inputs a foam spray signal via spray switch 417 while
the user is seated on the closed toilet seat. Subsequently, control unit 130 controls
water pump 516 or air pump 535 at "low" output to discharge cleaning foam to the rear
part of the toilet bowl.
[0263] That is, while a user is seated on toilet seat 300, cleaning foam is discharged with
a weak force toward the rear part of the inner surface of the toilet bowl. This makes
it possible to cover water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 with cleaning
foam without splashing cleaning foam to a user. Consequently, it is possible to prevent
diffusion of odor accompanying excretion and adhesion of dirt to the inner surface
of the toilet bowl.
<9> Discharge control, actions, and operations of spray nozzle in toilet seat open
state/unseated state
[0264] Hereinafter, a discharge control on the spray nozzle, when a male user is about to
urinate without being seated on toilet seat 300, where toilet seat 300 is open approximately
upright, and when the user has operated spray switch 417, will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 38A and 38B.
[0265] FIG. 38A is a chart showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of
the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. FIG. 38B is an explanatory
drawing showing a discharge direction of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface
of the toilet bowl.
[0266] In this case, the user is standing, and toilet seat 300 is thus open. That is, toilet
seat open and close detection unit 331 detects that the toilet seat is open, while
seating detection unit 330 detects that no user is seated.
[0267] In the above state, a user presses operation unit 210 or spray switch 417 of remote
controller 400.
[0268] With this operation, first of all, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit
550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 faces drainage
opening 115 of the toilet bowl, as shown in FIG. 38B. Control unit 130 then stops
driving of spray nozzle 550. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, control unit
130 stops spray nozzle drive unit 550a at a position (see FIG. 35) where a rotational
angle of discharge opening 550u shown in FIG. 38A is, for example, near 150°. This
makes discharge opening 550u face drainage opening 115 of the toilet bowl.
[0269] Control unit 130 then controls a discharge output of water pump 516 or air pump 535,
which configures the discharge water amount variable unit, at about "medium" output,
as shown in FIG. 38A. Subsequently, cleaning foam is discharged from spray nozzle
550 in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 38B toward drainage opening 115 of
toilet bowl 110 for a predetermined time. Note that in this exemplary embodiment,
the predetermined time is set to, for example, 8 sec. This makes discharged cleaning
foam cover a water surface above drainage opening 115, so-called water level surface
110b. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the about "medium" output described
above means an output at which cleaning foam or the like directly reaches drainage
opening 115 of the toilet bowl.
[0270] That is, under the above condition, control unit 130 controls water pump 516 configuring
the discharge water amount variable unit to discharge cleaning foam or the like at
about "medium" output. Control unit 130 then discharges cleaning foam to near water
level surface 110b above drainage opening 115 and quickly covers the water level surface
110b with the cleaning foam. This can prevent diffusion of odor accompanying excretion
such as urination and adhesion of dirt near water level surface 110b of toilet bowl
110.
[0271] The cleaning foam covering water level surface 110b functions as a cushion when discharged
urine drops near water level surface 110b. As a result, the cushioning effect of the
cleaning foam prevents cleaning foam from splashing to an area around toilet bowl
110.
[0272] Note that FIGS. 38A and 38B show that cleaning foam is discharged to one point near
a center of drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110. However, this is not exhaustive.
For example, when discharging cleaning foam, control unit 130 may direct discharge
opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to an area within a range of water level surface
110b of drainage opening 115. In this case, a position where cleaning foam is sprayed
may be any of the following positions: a front side of the toilet bowl near water
level surface 110b of drainage opening 115, a center, a rear side, and left and right
sides. That is, cleaning foam is sprayed to a position within almost the range (including
within the range) of water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115. This makes
it possible to spray cleaning foam to water level surface 110b within a short time
of a few seconds after the start of discharging. As a result, it is possible to more
reliably prevent adhesion of dirt near water level surface 110b of toilet bowl 110.
[0273] At this time, there is no need to discharge cleaning foam while a change in rotational
angle of discharge opening 550u is stopped. For example, control unit 130 may spray
cleaning foam while reciprocating spray nozzle 550 in a narrow range near water level
surface 110b of drainage opening 115. In addition, control unit 130 may discharge
cleaning foam while changing a discharge output of water pump 516 or air pump 535.
This can more efficiently cover water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 with
cleaning foam.
[0274] According to the above operation of spray nozzle 550, control unit 130 drives spray
nozzle drive unit 550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle
550 faces the drainage opening of the toilet bowl and stops spray nozzle drive unit
550a at the position when a user inputs a foam spray signal via spray switch 417 while
he/she is in an unseated state and the toilet seat is open. Subsequently, control
unit 130 controls water pump 516 or air pump 535 at about "medium" output to discharge
cleaning foam toward drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110.
[0275] That is, control unit 130 discharges cleaning foam at about "medium" output toward
water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110 when a user operates
spray switch 417 while he/she is not seated on toilet seat 300 and the toilet seat
is open. This can cover water level surface 110b above drainage opening 115 of toilet
bowl 110 with cleaning foam and hence prevent diffusion of odor accompanying urination
and adhesion of dirt near water level surface 110b of toilet bowl 110.
[0276] In the above manner, in the sanitary cleaning device according to this exemplary
embodiment, control unit 130 changes a direction of discharge opening 550u of spray
nozzle 550 and an output of water pump 516 as the discharge water amount variable
unit in accordance with a seated state with respect to toilet seat 300 and an open/closed
state of the toilet seat. This enables versatile use of spray nozzle 550, which discharges
cleaning foam, in accordance with a situation in which sanitary cleaning device 100
is used. As a result, it is possible to perform control with an appropriate amount
of foam in accordance with a situation and save the usage of detergent.
[0277] Note that this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration using a motor
as spray nozzle drive unit 550a. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, the
exemplary embodiment may adopt a configuration for making spray nozzle 550 pivot with
counteraction caused when cleaning foam is discharged from discharge opening 550u
of spray nozzle 550. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration and reduce
power consumption.
[0278] In addition, this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration including
one spray nozzle 550. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, the exemplary
embodiment may adopt a configuration provided with a plurality of spray nozzles such
as a spray nozzle that sprays cleaning foam toward near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110
and a spray nozzle that sprays cleaning foam toward near drainage opening 115 of toilet
bowl 110. In this case, a plurality of spray nozzles may be made to pivot independently
or in cooperation with each other. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam to
the inner surface of the toilet bowl in a short time.
[0279] In addition, this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration in which
spray nozzle 550 is provided with one discharge opening 550u. However, this is not
exhaustive. For example, spray nozzle 550 may be provided with a plurality of discharge
openings such as a discharge opening through which cleaning foam is sprayed to near
rim 110a of toilet bowl 110 and a discharge opening through which cleaning foam is
sprayed to near drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110. This makes it possible to
spray cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl in a short time.
[0280] In addition, this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration in which
spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning foam to two positions, that is, near rim 110a of
toilet bowl 110 and near drainage opening 115 of the toilet bowl. However, this is
not exhaustive. For example, other than the above configuration, the exemplary embodiment
may adopt a configuration for spraying cleaning foam from spray nozzle 550 to an intermediate
position (level) between rim 110a of toilet bowl 110 and drainage opening 115. Accordingly,
a non-sprayed area can be further reduced.
[0281] As described above, the sanitary cleaning device according to the present invention
includes the toilet seat pivotally mounted on the toilet bowl, the body that pivotally
supports the toilet seat, the heat exchanger for heating cleaning water, the cleaning
water nozzle disposed in the central portion of the body, the cleaning water nozzle
cleaning a human body, the foam generation unit for generating cleaning foam, and
the spray nozzle for discharging cleaning water or cleaning foam to the inner surface
of the toilet bowl. The sanitary cleaning device further includes the discharge water
amount variable unit for variably changing a flow rate of cleaning water to be delivered
to the spray nozzle, the spray nozzle drive unit for driving and rotating the discharge
opening of the spray nozzle in a predetermined direction, the opening and closing
valve for opening and closing a branch passage to the spray nozzle, the control unit,
and the operation unit. The spray nozzle is mounted on the body such that the rotation
axis is inclined in the front-back direction and the right-left direction. In the
front-back direction, the rotation axis may be inclined to the front side of the toilet
bowl toward the lower side of the spray nozzle toward. In the right-left direction,
the rotation axis may be inclined to the cleaning water nozzle toward the lower side
of the spray nozzle.
[0282] According to this configuration, when cleaning foam is discharged to the front part
of the toilet bowl, at which the discharge opening of the spray nozzle is distant
from the spray position, the discharge opening of the spray nozzle is directed high.
In contrast, when cleaning water is discharged to the rear part of the toilet bowl,
at which the discharge opening of the spray nozzle is near to the spray position,
the discharge opening of the spray nozzle is directed low. Cleaning foam is then sprayed
to the inner surface of the toilet bowl while the direction of the discharge opening
of the spray nozzle is changed in accordance with a distance to the spray position.
This makes it possible to prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner
surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part, without
changing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit.
[0283] When spraying the cleaning foam from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl, the control
unit of the sanitary cleaning device according to the present invention may perform
control to spray the cleaning foam by at least one reciprocal rotation operation of
a direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle over an inner circumference
of the toilet bowl by rotating the spray nozzle drive unit forward and backward while
changing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit.
[0284] According to this configuration, the control unit sprays cleaning foam from the spray
nozzle to the toilet bowl while rotating the spray nozzle drive unit forward first
to reciprocate a direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle between the
rear part of the toilet bowl and the front part of the toilet bowl. In addition, the
control unit sprays cleaning foam while rotating the spray nozzle drive unit backward
to reciprocate the direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle between
the rear part of the toilet bowl and the front part of the toilet bowl. That is, the
control unit rotates and moves the direction of the discharge opening of the spray
nozzle in forward and backward directions over the inner circumference of the toilet
bowl to spray cleaning foam while making at least one reciprocal rotating motion.
This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam over almost the whole circumference
of the inner surface of toilet bowl by controlling an output of the discharge water
amount variable unit so as to make cleaning foam reach near the rim of toilet bowl.
This can prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner surface of the
toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
[0285] The control unit of the sanitary cleaning device according to the present invention
may be configured to discharge cleaning foam from the discharge opening of the spray
nozzle upon setting an output of the discharge water amount variable unit lower at
the time of forward rotation of the spray nozzle drive unit than at the time of backward
rotation of the spray nozzle drive unit.
[0286] According to this configuration, when rotating the spray nozzle forward, which is
driven and rotated by one reciprocal operation, the control unit sprays cleaning foam
to a side near the water level surface inward from the rim of the toilet bowl while
reducing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit. In contrast, when
rotating the spray nozzle backward, the control unit sprays cleaning foam to a side
near the rim of the toilet bowl while increasing the output of the discharge water
amount variable unit. This can cover a water level surface above the drainage opening
of the toilet bowl with cleaning foam at an initial stage of the start of spraying
cleaning water. In addition, cleaning foam can be sprayed to almost the whole circumference
of the inner surface of the toilet bowl which is located near the rim. This can prevent
adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging
from its front part to its rear part.
[0287] The sanitary cleaning device according to the present invention may further include
a human body detection sensor for detecting entrance/exit of a user into/from a toilet
room, and the control unit may cause the spray nozzle to spray the cleaning foam into
the toilet bowl when the human body detection sensor detects entrance of the user
into the toilet room.
[0288] According to this configuration, when the human body detection sensor detects entrance
of a user into the toilet room, cleaning foam is sprayed to almost the whole circumference
of the inner surface of the toilet bowl in advance by making at least one reciprocal
rotating and driving of the spray nozzle. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by reliably
forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl before use of the toilet.
[0289] Further, the foam generation unit of the sanitary cleaning device according to the
present invention includes the foam tank to which cleaning water is supplied from
the heat exchanger by the discharge water amount variable unit, the detergent pump
for supplying detergent in a detergent tank to the foam tank, and the air pump for
supplying air to the foam tank. The control unit may cause the spray nozzle to discharge
cleaning water or cleaning foam in the foam tank.
[0290] According to this configuration, it is possible to discharge not only water or warm
water but also cleaning foam containing detergent to a surface of the cleaning water
nozzle or the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, an improved cleaning
effect and an improved dirt-adhesion prevention effect can be achieved. In addition,
cleaning foam containing detergent can prevent diffusion of an unpleasant odor and
the like. As a result, it is possible to provide a user with a visually clean impression
and a comfortable feeling at the time of use.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0291] According to the present invention, the spray nozzle is mounted on the body such
that the rotation axis of the discharge opening to be driven and rotated is inclined
in the front-back direction and the right-left direction. In addition, in the front-back
direction of the spray nozzle, a lower side of the rotation axis is inclined to the
front side of the toilet bowl. In the right-left direction, the lower side of the
rotation axis is inclined to the cleaning water nozzle. As a result, a foam film is
formed on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its
rear part, to prevent adhesion of dirt. The present invention can therefore be applied
to not only a sanitary cleaning device but also other types of water application equipment
including a spray nozzle.
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0292]
100: sanitary cleaning device
110: toilet bowl
110a: rim
110b: water level surface
110c: upper end face
115: drainage opening
120: deodorizing device
130: control unit
200: body
201: rear body case
210: operation unit
211: infrared-ray receiver
220: operation switch
221: buttock cleaning switch
222: nozzle cleaning switch
230: setting switch
231: hot water temperature switch
232: toilet seat temperature switch
233: 8-hour warming stop switch
234: power saving switch
235: toilet lid automatically opening/closing switch
240: display lamp
300: toilet seat
320: toilet lid
330: seating sensor (seating detection unit)
331: toilet seat open and close sensor (toilet seat open and close detection unit)
360: toilet seat and toilet lid rotating mechanism
400: remote controller
401: remote controller body
402: transmitting part
410: buttock cleaning switch
411: bidet cleaning switch
412: stop switch
413: move cleaning switch
414: rhythm cleaning switch
415: cleaning strength switch
416: cleaning position switch
417: spray switch
418: toilet lid switch
419: toilet seat switch
421: strength display lamp
422: position display lamp
450: human body detection sensor
500: cleaning unit
501: chassis
501a: water pump mounting portion
501b: leg portion
502: connecting tube
510: water supply connecting port
511: strainer
512: check valve
513: constant flow regulating valve
514: water stop electromagnetic valve
515: relief valve
516: water pump (discharge water amount variable unit)
516a: motor unit
516b: link mechanism part
516c: piston unit
516d: water suction port
516e: discharge opening
517: flow regulating valve
517a: valve body
517b: stepping motor
517c: water supply port
530: branch passage
530a: opening and closing valve
531: check valve
532: foam tank
533: detergent tank
534: detergent pump
535: air pump
550: spray nozzle
550a: spray nozzle drive unit
550b: inlet passage
550c: body
550d: rotation nozzle
550e: O-ring
550f: O-ring
550h: inlet hole
550n: shaft
550u: discharge opening
560: foam generation unit
601: water inflow port
602: water outflow port
600: sub tank
603: atmosphere open port
610: tank body
611: front tank
612: rear tank
613: atmosphere open portion
613a: buffer portion
613b: flow passage
614: partition wall
615: water inflow tank
615a: upper surface opening portion
616: storage tank
617: barrier wall
618: flow straightening rib
620: water level detection sensor
621: common electrode
622: water level electrode
623: upper limit electrode
624: lower limit electrode
630: inflow water temperature sensor
690: cleaning water supply passage
700: heat exchanger
701: casing
702: flat-plate-like heater
703: hot water outflow member
710: front surface member
711: water inflow port
712: hot water outflow port
713: water inflow passage
714: slit
715: heating passage
716: partition rib
717: water through hole
718: projection
720: back surface member
730: outflow hot water temperature sensor
731: excessively elevated temperature sensor
750: buffer tank
800: nozzle device
801: nozzle lid
802: connecting tube
810: support portion
811: bottom side portion
812: inclined portion
813: vertical side portion
814: guide rail
815: rack guide
816: holding portion
817: water supply joint
820: nozzle portion
830: nozzle body
831: buttock cleaning water nozzle (cleaning water nozzle)
832: bidet cleaning water nozzle
833: nozzle cleaning unit
834: buttock cleaning water jetting port
835: buttock cleaning water passage
835a: straightening plate
836: bidet cleaning water jetting port
837: bidet cleaning water passage
838: nozzle cleaning water jetting port
839: nozzle cleaning water passage
840: nozzle cover
841: nozzle cover body
842: connecting member
843: connecting piece
843a: connecting projection
844: jetting opening
845: discharge opening
850: connecting portion
851: connection receiving portion
851a: front recessed portion
851b: rear recessed portion
860: cleaning water nozzle drive unit
861: flexible rack
862: pinion gear
863: drive motor
[0293] The following examples listed below are directed to advantageous embodiments which
represent separate and independent inventions.
- A. A sanitary cleaning device comprising:
a toilet seat pivotally mounted on a toilet bowl;
a body pivotally supporting the toilet seat;
a heat exchanger configured to heat cleaning water;
a cleaning water nozzle disposed in a central portion of the body and configured to
clean a human body;
a foam generation unit configured to generate cleaning foam;
a spray nozzle configured to discharge the cleaning water or the cleaning foam to
an inner surface of the toilet bowl;
a discharge water amount variable unit configured to variably change a flow rate of
the cleaning water or the cleaning foam to be delivered to the spray nozzle;
a spray nozzle drive unit configured to drive and rotate a discharge opening of the
spray nozzle in a predetermined direction;
an opening and closing valve configured to open and close a branch passage to the
spray nozzle;
a control unit; and
an operation unit,
wherein the spray nozzle is mounted on the body such that a rotation axis is inclined
in a front-back direction and a right-left direction,
the rotation axis being disposed in the front-back direction so as to be inclined
to a front side of the toilet bowl toward a lower side of the spray nozzle and being
disposed in the right-left direction so as to be inclined to the cleaning water nozzle
toward the lower side of the spray nozzle.
- B. The sanitary cleaning device according to embodiment A, wherein when spraying the
cleaning foam from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl, the control unit rotates the
spray nozzle drive unit forward and backward while changing an output of the discharge
water amount variable unit so as to spray the cleaning foam while performing at least
one reciprocal rotation operation of a direction of the discharge opening of the spray
nozzle over an inner circumference of the toilet bowl.
- C. The sanitary cleaning device according to embodiment B, wherein the control unit
causes the spray nozzle to discharge the cleaning foam from the discharge opening
of the spray nozzle upon setting an output of the discharge water amount variable
unit lower when rotating the spray nozzle drive unit forward than when rotating the
spray nozzle drive unit backward.
- D. The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of embodiments A to C, further
comprising
a human body detection sensor configured to detect entrance of a user into/from a
toilet room or exit of the user from the toilet room,
wherein the control unit causes the spray nozzle to spray the cleaning foam into the
toilet bowl when the human body detection sensor detects entrance of a user into the
toilet room.
- E. The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of embodiments A to D, wherein
the foam generation unit comprises:
a foam tank to which the cleaning water is supplied from the heat exchanger by the
discharge water amount variable unit;
a detergent pump configured to supply detergent in a detergent tank to the foam tank;
and
an air pump configured to supply air to the foam tank,
wherein the control unit causes the spray nozzle to discharge the cleaning water or
the cleaning foam in the foam tank from the spray nozzle.