CA1209303A - Sanitary cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a sanitary cleaning equipment comprising a warm water tank (16), a pump (14) and a flushing nozzle as connected thereto, a sheathed heater (23) located in said warm water tank (16) and adapted to warm a cleaning water fed to said warm water tank, the resultant warm water being ejected from said flushing nozzle against a body area to be cleaned. The quantity of cleaning water in the warm water tank is sensed by a float (26) and when the water quantity is above a preset level, a switch (31) is closed to energize the sheathed heater (23) so that thermal damage to various components due to an idle heating of the warm water tank is prevented.

Description

3C~3 SPECIFICATION

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
Sanitary Cleaniny Equipment TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a sanitary cleaning equipment wherein a warm cleaning water in a warm water tank body is directed in a jet against an area to be cleaned through a flushing nozzle by a pump, which equipment being adapted to prevent damage due to overheating by an idle or unloaded heating of the warm water tank.

TECHNICAL BACK~ROUND
This kind o sanitary cleaning device is generally used in combination with a Western-style water closet and its principal function is to clean a selected area of the user's body with jets of cleaning water from a flushing nozzle thereof, The cleaning water i~ usually withdrawn from a water tank in -the lavatory or the like and supplied to a -flushing nozzle by means of a pump, and in order to give a better feeling of use, this cleaning water is warmed to a temperature of about 45C in a warm water tank before bèing fed to said flu,shing nozzle.
Now, the warm water tank of the prior art ,~.
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~Z09303 sanitary cleaning equipment has the construction illustrated in Fig. 8. Thus, the warm water tank 1 is constructed as a closed vessel in which a heater 2 and a temperature sensor 3 are disposed. Moreover, a sa~ety device 4 comprising a resetting-type thermostat inserted in the circuit of said heater 2 is provided externally of the tank in thermal coupling relationship.
Connected to this warm water tank 1 are a water conduit pipe 5 from the pump (not shown) and a warm water outlet 6 discharging into the nozzle (not shown). It should be understood that said temperature sensor 3 is adapted to actuate the thermostat (not shown) in the electric circuit of said heater 2 and thereby control the current supply so as to maintain the warm water in the warm water tank 1 at a preset temperature.
Moreover, a temperature fuse 10 is provided at an exterior periphery near the bottom of such a conventional warm water tank 1, while the top opening of the tank 1 is covered with a plate 7. This construction is generally such that the temperature sensor 3 detectes the temperature of the cleaning water ~hereinafter referred to as water temperature) in the warm water tank to drive the thermostat and thereby control the water temperature to a preset level and if the temperature of the warm water tank 1 rises to an abnormal level, the safety device 4 is ~2Q93~)3 actuated to interrupt the supply of electric energy to the heater 2.
However, the above construction has the following problems. Thus, when it is used after installation or a drainage from a drain 11 for preventing freezing in the winder, the warm water tank 1 is empty and, therefore, if the power supply is turned on, the heater 2 generates heat while the pump has not delivered enough water to the warm water tank 1 as yet. Generally because of its inherent application, the warm water tank 1 is of a small capacity (approximately 1 liter), while the heater is of high output (about 850W) with a fast temperature rise characteristic and attains a temperature of about 200C almost instantly. The safety device 4 is actuated at about 53C but since it is installed externally of the warm water tank 1, its response is delayed and the temperature sensor 3 is deteriorated by heat before the safety device 4 is actuated. (The above-mentioned sensor 3 is intended for strict temperature detection but it gives rise to an error due to the overheating by the heater ~). Moreover, the overheating by said heater 2 causes an idle or unloaded heating of the warm water tank and this means that the warm water tank 1 cannot be constructed of a synthetic resin or the like but must be made of metal, thus adding to the cost of the equipment.

-.~,, ~093C~3 ~ _ 4 _ To overcome the above disadvantages, the followingsequence may be contemplated.
(1) Heater 2 switch "OFF"

(2) Pump switch "ON"

(3) Water tank 1 full

(4) Heater 2 switch "ON".
However, this procedure is troublesome and if the heater 2 switch is ON to start with, the same problem as above arises inevitably.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
This invention has as its object to prevent the heat damage due to an idle or unloaded heating of the warm water tank.
This object is achieved by the provision of a sanitary cleaning equipment characterized by comprising a warm water tank, a flushing nozzle connected to said warm water ~ank, spouting mean for directing a jet of cleaning water from said warm water tank against an area ~o be cleaned, said warm water tank including therein a heater, a temperature sensor and a cleaning water level sensor adapted to sense the quantity of cleaning water in said warm water tank, and a switch interposed in an electric circuit of said heater and adapted to open when the ~uantity of said cleaning water is below a preset level.

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3(~13 -~- 4a -The cleaning water level sensor can be a floa~
The main body of said warm water tank is preferably made of synthetic resin.
The heater can be a sheathed heater comprising a metallic pipe, a heat generating wire contained therein and a non-heat-generating part at the end thereof, a temperature fuse inserted in the electric circuit of said sheathed heater being attached to said non-heat-generating part at the end of said sheathed heater by way of a metallic heat-sensitive plate. The metallic heat-sensitive plate can have a bracing member which secures said temperature fuse in position.
The temperature sensor can be a bar-shaped element which is supported by a support segment having a plurality of chucking members.
The cleaning water level sensor can comprise a float disposed in said warm water tank, an actuating rod extending upwards from said float and a switch which is opened and closed by said actuating rod. A sealing member can be provided at the actuating rod extending through a guide hole of said warm water tank, said sealing member having a resilient annular edge.
An embodiment of this invention will hereinafter be described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

-lZ~303 - 4b -BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is an exterior perspective view showing a sani~ary cleaning equipment embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the same sanitary cleaning equipment with its external casing removed; Fig. 3 is a cross-section view showing the warm water tank of the same sanitary cleaning equipment; Fig. 4a is a perspective view showing the float in said warm water tank; Fig. 4b is a cross-section view showing a , I
~ ., lZ(J ~;~03 cardinal portion of the same float; Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the connection of the sheathed heater and temperature fuse of the same water tank; Fig. 6 is a cross-section view showing the temperature sensor holder of the same warm water tank;
Fig. 7 shows an important electric circuitry of the same warm water tank; and Fig. 8 is a cross-section view showing the conventional warm water tank.

BEST MOD~ FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figs. 1 through 7, a sanitary cleaning equipment body 9 is installed on a toilet bowl 8. A flushing nozzle 12 of said sanitary cleaning equipment 9 is extended to a toilet bowl 8 when a warm cleaning water is delivered, where it delivers a jet of the water against a selected area of the user's body to clean the same.
FigO 2 is a perspective view showing said sanitary cleaning equipment body with its outer casing removed. Disposed on a base 13 are a pump 14 ~or withdrawing water from a low tank (not shown), a solenoid valve 15 disposed on the delivery side of the pump 14 and a warm water tank 16 disposed downstreams of said solenoid valve 15, said ~lushing nozzle 12 leading out from this warm water tank 16. Also disposed on said base 13 is a fan means (not shown), as well as a blowout port 17 for the warm air current _ lZ(i 93(~3 obtainable by said fan means and a heater (not shown) and a suction port 18 for collecting an odoriferous air from the toilet bowl 8 through the action of said fan means. In addition, control sections 19, 20 are disposed on both sides thereof.
The above-mentioned warm water tan]c 16 has the construction illustrated in Fig. 3. Thus, a plate 22 of synthetic resin is disposed on a tank body 21 of synthetic resin to provide a hermetically closed structure. Disposed within this tank body 21 are a sheathed heater, a temperature sensor 24 and a water pipe 25 leading from the pump 14. And the plate 22 functions as a support for said sheathed heater 23, temperature sensor 24 and water pipe 25. A float 26 is placed in the tank bod~. Provided at the top portion of said float 26 is a sealing member 29 of rubber or other elastic synthetic resin in such a manner that it surrounds the base portion of an actuating rod 27. This float will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.
The above-mentioned sealing member 29 has a flared trumpet-shaped resilient annular edge 38 at its peripheral top. Of course, this sealing member 29 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the guide hole 28 in the plate 22.
An annular groove is formed in the portion of the actuating rod 27 of the float 26 which is extending above the plate 22 and a slip-preventive washer 40 having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the guide hole 28 is fitted into said groove 39.
Disposed atop the plate 22 is a switch 31 inserted into the electric circuit of said sheathed heater 23 and an actuating member 32 thereof is associated with the top of the actuating rod 27 of the float 26 in such a manner that a~ the-actuating mem~er 27 is pushed upwards, the above-mentioned switch 31 is closed to energize the sheathed heater 23. The above-mentioned plate ~Z is provided with a water outlet 34, where a vacuum destruction valve 35 is disposed. Moreover, a water oputlet pipe 36 is connected to this water outlet 34. Disposed on one side of the tank body 21 is a resetting-type thermostat 33, while a drain 41 is formed at the bottom of the tank body. Tllere is also provided a temperature fuse 37 at the upper joint of the sheathed heater 23. These thermostat 33 and temperture fuse 37 are respectively inserted into the electric circuit of the sheathed heater 23 and function as safety elements. The water pipe 25 is connected to the pump 14 for the supply of cleaning water, while the water outlet plpe 36 is connected to the flushing nozzle 12.
The sheathed heater 23 will now be described in detail. Referring to Fig. 3, the sheathed heater 23 has a heat-generating wire 23b in a metallic pipe 23a, ~93~3 with its non-heat-generating part 23c formed at the end thereof projecting above said plate 22. As shown in Fig. 5, this non-heat-generating part 23c above the plate 22 is flanked by a metallic heat~sensitive plate member 42 which is tightened with a screw 43 to present a mechanically and thermally integral unit.
The above-mentioned metallic heat-sensitive plate mern)~er 42 is formed with a bracing member 4~ which supports the temperature fuse 37 inserted into the electric circuit of said sheathed heater 23. The temperature fuse 37 in this embodiment is provided with a heat-conductive metal pipe 37a around its periphery. While the sheathed heater 23 is supported by the plate 22, this is assisted by said metallic heat-sensitive plate member 42.
Referringl now, to Fig. 6, the temperature sensor 24 is a bar-shaped element, the top end of which is supported by a support segment 45 formed as projecting downwards from the underside of the plate ~2. The support segment 45 has a plurality of downwardly extending chucking members 26 which chuck the upper periphery of the temperature sensor 24 to hold the latter in position. The chucking members 46 are resiliently biased inwards and the outer diameter of the temperature sensor 24 is slightly larger than the diameter of the opening defined by said plurality of chucking members 46. Therefore, the temperature ~2~9;~03 sensor 24 is adequately supported in position as it is forced into the opening defined by the plurality of chuckig members 46.
Fig. 7 is an electric circuit diagram and this invention will now be explained with reference to this dlagram.
Referring to the tank body 21 of said warm water tank 16, when a sufficient amount of cleaning water is available therein, the float 26 is at a high level so that its actuating rod 27 keeps on the switch 31 shown in Fig. 7. Therefore, as long as the power switch 30 is on, the sheathed heater 23 is supplied with electric current so that the cleaning water is warmed.
And when the pump 14 is driven, the pressure causes the warm water to flow from its water outlet 34 to the flushing nozzle 12, from which the warm water is directed in a jet against the body area to be cleaned.
The temperature of cleaning water in the above-mentioned tank body 21 is sensed by the temperature sensor 24 and the output signal is used to control the thermostat, etc. in the circuit of the sheathed heater 23 to keep the warm water at a temperature of, ~or example, 45C.
Usually, the above-mentioned float 26 is held in the uppermost position within the tank body 21 by the cleaning water filled up to capacity and forces the sealing member 290 against the lower edge of the guide ~Z~9~03 hole 28. Therefore, even if the tank body 21 is supplied with water from the pump 14 and the water pressure in the tank body 21 is increased, the cleaning water in the tank body 21 does not emerge out of the guide hole 28.
There may be cases at the time of operation start in which the tank body 21 is supplied with water at a very high velocity of flow so that the water lea7~s out from the guide hole 28 but since the washer 40 provided on the actuating rod faces the top of the guide hole 28, the high-velocity water bombards the washer 40 and is deflected downwards so that it will not cause an accident such as a short circuit which would otherwise occur as the water drenches the switch 31 and other elements. Moreover, when the float 26 is in the upper position, there may be some change in the quantity of cleaning water in the tank body 21 due to the use thereof and this change is transmitted to the float 26. In such cases, the resilient annular edge 38 formed at the upper portion of the sealing member 29 of the float 26 is deflected so that the float 26 and actuating rod 27 move up and down constantly in response to changes in water quantity. This means that the actuating rod 27 moves within the guide hole 28 and that, therefore, the actuating rod 27 will not stick to the internal wall of the guide hole 28 even if there is some water in the guide hole 28. Therefore, ~ZC~303 it does not happen that the float 26 is stuck up to interfere with the operation of the switch 31.
Moreover, in accordance with the construction of this embodiment, since the temperature sensor 24 is held in position by the chucking members 46 of the support segment 45 disposed on the underside of the plate 22, the warm water in the tank body 21 contacts the upper end of ~he temperature sensor 24 through the clearances between the chucking members 46 so that the sensitivity of the temperature sensor 24 is not adversely affected by the support segment 45. Of course, the water having a comparatively high temperature in the upper zone of the tank body 21 contacts the temperature sensor 21 and this is a favorable factor in temperature detection. The most outstanding characteristics of this embodiment are as follows.
In this construction, the cleaning water in the tank body 21 is sensed by the float 26 and when there is no water or only an insufficient amount of water below a preset level, the float 26 descends to switch off the switch 31. In such a situation, the sheathed heater 23 does not generate heat. Therefore, if the power supply is turned on when there is no sufficient amount of water in the tank body 21 of the warm water tank 16 after installation of the sanitary cleaning equipment or when the equipment is restarted after ~Z~93~3 drainage, the sheathed heater 23 does not function, and when the tank body 21 has been supplied with a sufficient quantity of water by the pump 14, the sheathed heater 23 generates heat. This means that the damage to the temperature sensor 24 or an idle heating can be obviated. Of course, this leads to cost reduction, for the tank body 21 can be made of a synthetic resin that has a relatively low resis~ance to heat.
Moreover, of the safety devices on the warm water tank 16, the temperature fuse 37, in particular, is thermally coupled by the metallic heat-sensitive plate 42 with the non-heat-generating part 23c located above the plate 22 of the sheathed heater 23, so that if the sheathed heater 23 develops abnormal heat due to some accident or other, the high-temperature heat is instantly transmitted to the temperature fuse 37 via the metallic pipe 23a of the sheathed heater 23 to fuse the fuse 37, thus ensuring safety.
Thus, the responsiveness of the temperature fuse 37 is improved. Of course, when there is a sufficient quantity of water in the tank body 21, the heat generated by the sheathed heater 23 is absorbed by wate~ and the non-heat-generating part 23c of the sheathed heater does not reach a temperature high enough to fuse the temperature fuse 37 to cause a faulty operation.

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1~9303 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As described above, this invention is constructed so that the heater does not generate heat when there is no water or only an insufficient amount of water below a preset level. Therefore, the thermal damage to said warm water tank and other components can be effectively precluded and the heter current control can be automatically accomplished without resort to any extraordinary procedure. Accordingly, the convenience to the user is improved and no faulty operation is allowed to occur. Moreover, there is no thermal attack, so that the warm water tank can be made of synthetic resin material. Thus, this invention provides a very useful sanitary cleaning equipment.

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Claims (8)

CLAIMS:

1. A sanitary cleaning equipment characterized by comprising a warm water tank, a flushing nozzle connected to said warm water tank, spouting mean for directing a jet of cleaning water from said warm water tank against an area to be cleaned , said warm water tank including therein a heater, a temperature sensor and a cleaning water level sensor adapted to sense the quantity of cleaning water in said warm water tank, and a switch interposed in an electric circuit of said heater and adapted to open when the quantity of said cleaning water is below a preset level.

2. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said cleaning water level sensor is a float.

3. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a main body of said warm water tank is made of synthetic resin.

4. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said heater is a sheathed heater comprising a metallic pipe, a heat generating wire contained therein and a non-heat-generating part at the end thereof, a temperature fuse inserted in the electric circuit of said sheathed heater being attached to said non-heat-generating part at the end of said sheathed heater by way of a metalic heat-sensitive plate.

5. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said metallic heat-sensitive plate has a bracing member which secures said temperature fuse in position.

6. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim l wherein said temperature sensor is a bar-shaped element which is supported by a support segment having a plurality of chucking members.

7. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim l wherein said cleaning water level sensor comprises a float disposed in said warm water tank, an actuating rod extending upwards from said float and a switch which is opened and closed by said actuating rod.

8. A sanitary cleaning equipment as claimed in Claim 7 wherein a sealing member is provided at an actuating rod extending through a guide hole of said warm water tank, said sealing member having a resilient annular edge.