EP2312068A1

EP2312068A1 - Sanitary cleaning device

Info

Publication number: EP2312068A1
Application number: EP09773189A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mitsumasa Matsumura; Eiji Matsui; Keijirou Kunimoto; Ryouichi Koga
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2008-07-03
Filing date: 2009-07-02
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-02
Also published as: JP2010031637A; CN102076918A; JP5612836B2; WO2010001611A1; ES2743150T3; EP2312068B1; CN102076918B; EP2312068A4; KR101280785B1; KR20110038101A

Abstract

A water pump supplies washing water to a human body washing nozzle at a pressure that fluctuates, and an air pump supplies air to the human body washing nozzle. When a pressure of the air supplied from the air pump exceeds a pressure of the washing water supplied from the water pump, the air is mixed in the washing water. The washing water is parted by the air in a linear flow path of the human body washing nozzle, and the parted washing water is intermittently sprayed from a hole as separate water masses.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a sanitary washing apparatus that washes the private parts of a human body.

[Background Art]

Sanitary washing apparatuses that wash the private parts of human bodies have conventionally been provided with various functions of washing according to tastes of users. Description is made of a human body washing apparatus of Patent Document 1 as one example of such sanitary washing apparatuses.
In the human body washing apparatus, tap water obtained from a branched tap water pipe is sent to a heat exchanger through a connecting pipe, and heated to a given temperature at the time of washing the private parts of a human body. The tap water heated by the heat exchanger is sent to a posterior nozzle or a bidet nozzle through a posterior hose or a bidet hose as washing water for washing the private parts of the human body.
Here, air hoses extending from an air pump are connected to the posterior hose and the bidet hose. The air pump is operated with the washing water flowing in the posterior hose or the bidet hose, so that air is supplied into the posterior hose or the bidet hose. This causes the air to be mixed in the washing water flowing in the posterior hose or the bidet hose. The washing water with the air mixed therein is sprayed from the posterior nozzle or the bidet nozzle to the private parts of the human body.

[Patent Document 1] JP 2002-21155 A

[Disclosure of the Invention]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

The foregoing human body washing apparatus has a function of adjusting the flow rate of the washing water flowing in the posterior hose and the bidet hose. This allows the flow rate of the washing water sprayed from the posterior hose and the bidet nozzle to be adjusted.
However, the pressure of the washing water in the posterior hose or the bidet hose increases as the flow rate of the washing water becomes higher. In the case, an amount of the air mixed in the washing water decreases. This makes it difficult to spray the washing water as water masses from the posterior nozzle or the bidet nozzle.
Air needs to be pressurized using a large air pump in order to mix a sufficient amount of air in the washing water. In the case, the cost is raised with increasing the size of the human body washing apparatus.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary washing apparatus that is capable of intermittently spraying washing water as separate water masses, and can be inhibited from increasing in size and can be made at lower cost.

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) According to an aspect of the present invention, a sanitary washing apparatus includes a washing water supplying device that supplies washing water at a pressure that fluctuates, an air supplying device that supplies air, and a spraying device that has a spray port, and sprays the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device and the air supplied by the air supplying device from the spray port, wherein the pressure of the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device and a pressure of the air supplied by the air supplying device are set such that the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is higher than the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device at least once in a period where the washing water is sprayed from the spraying device.
In the sanitary washing apparatus according to the one aspect of the present invention, the washing water is supplied to the spraying device by the washing water supplying device at the pressure that fluctuates, the air is supplied to the spraying device by the air supplying device, and the supplied washing water and air are sprayed from the spray port. In this case, the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is higher than the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device at least once in the period where the washing water is sprayed from the spraying device.
The air is mixed in the washing water when the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is higher than the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device. This causes the washing water sprayed from the spray port to be intermittently sprayed as water masses.
Since the pressure of the washing water fluctuates, a time point where the pressure of the washing water is lower than the pressure of the air can be easily generated without increasing the pressure of the air even when a flow rate of the washing water is high. Thus, the air supplying device need not be increased in size. As a result, the sanitary washing apparatus can be inhibited from increasing in size and can be made at lower cost.
(2) The pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device may be set lower than a maximum value of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device.
In this case, the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device need not be increased. Therefore, the air supplying device need not be increased in size. As a result, the sanitary washing apparatus can be inhibited from increasing in size and can be made at lower cost.
(3) The air supplying device may supply the air at a constant pressure. In this case, the air supplied to the spraying device can be regularly mixed in the washing water supplied to the spraying device. This causes the washing water and the air to be regularly sprayed from the spraying device in an alternate manner. Using such washing water offers a highly stable washing feeling to users.
(4) The air supplying device may supply the air at a pressure that fluctuates. In this case, the air supplied to the spraying device can be irregularly mixed in the washing water supplied to the spraying device. This causes the washing water and the air to be irregularly sprayed from the spraying device in an alternate manner. Using such washing water offers a more stimulating washing feeling to users.
(5) The air supplying device may include an air pressurizing device that pressurizes the air at a pressure that periodically fluctuates, the washing water supplying device may include a washing water pressurizing device that pressurizes the washing water supplied from a water supply source at a pressure that periodically fluctuates, and the pressure of the washing water pressurized by the washing water pressurizing device and the pressure of the air pressurized by the air pressurizing device may be set such that a maximum value of the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is higher than a minimum value of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device.
In this case, the respective pressures of the washing water and the air supplied to the spraying device periodically fluctuate. The air supplied to the spraying device is mixed in the washing water supplied to the spraying device when the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device exceeds that of the washing water supplied to the spraying device.
The periodical pressure fluctuations of the washing water and the air can be obtained without complicating the configurations of the washing water supplying device and the air supplying device. Accordingly, the sanitary washing apparatus can be made at lower cost.
(6) The pressure of the washing water pressurized by the washing water pressurizing device and the pressure of the air pressurized by the air pressurizing device may be set such that a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is higher than a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device.
In this case, the frequency of fluctuations the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is higher than that of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device. This allows the air supplied to the spraying device to be regularly mixed in the washing water supplied to the spraying device with simpler configuration. Thus, the washing water and the air are regularly sprayed from the spraying device in an alternate manner. As a result, separate water masses are regularly sprayed from the spraying device. Using such washing water offers a highly stable washing feeling to users.
(7) The pressure of the washing water pressurized by the washing water pressurizing device and the pressure of the air pressurized by the air pressurizing device may be set such that a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is lower than a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device.
In this case, the frequency of fluctuations the pressure of the air supplied to the spraying device is lower than that of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the spraying device. This allows the air supplied to the spraying device to be irregularly mixed in the washing water supplied to the spraying device with simpler configuration. Thus, the washing water and the air are irregularly sprayed from the spraying device in an alternate manner. As a result, separate water masses are irregularly sprayed from the spraying device. Using such washing water offers a more stimulating washing feeling to users.
(8) The spraying device may further include a flow path that introduces the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device and the air supplied by the air supplying device to the spray port, and the pressure of the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device and the pressure of the air supplied by the air supplying device may be set such that the washing water flowing in the flow path is parted by the air.
In this case, the washing water flowing in the flow path of the spraying device is parted by the air, so that the washing water sprayed from the spray port of the spraying device is reliably parted by the air. This allows the washing water to be reliably sprayed from the spray port as separate water masses.
(9) The sanitary washing apparatus may further include a junction where the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device and the air supplied by the air supplying device are joined to be introduced to the flow path of the spraying device.
In this case, the air supplied by the air supplying device and the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device are joined in the junction. In addition, the washing water flowing in the flow path is efficiently parted by the air. This allows the washing water and the air to be efficiently sprayed from the spraying device in an alternate manner. As a result, the washing water is pressurized by the pressure of the air in a direction of spraying. Using such washing water further improves washing power of the washing water. Moreover, since sufficient washing can be realized with a small amount of washing water, water saving effects can be obtained.
(10) The sanitary washing apparatus may further include an operation unit that is operated by a user for setting washing strength, and a controller that controls at least one of the washing water supplying device and the air supplying device such that the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the spraying device attains a pressure corresponding to the washing strength set by operation of the operation unit.
In this case, when the user sets the washing strength by operating the operating unit, the at least one of the washing water supplying device and the air supplying device is controlled such that the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the spraying device attains the pressure corresponding to the set washing strength. This allows the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the spraying device to be maintained at the pressure corresponding to the set washing strength.
(11) The sanitary washing apparatus may further include a flow rate detector that detects a flow rate of the washing water supplied by the washing water supplying device, wherein the controller may control at least one of the washing water supplying device and the air supplying device based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector such that the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the spraying device attains the pressure corresponding to the washing strength set by the operation of the operation unit.
In this case, the at least one of the washing water supplying device and the air supplying device is controlled based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detector. This allows the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the spraying device to be maintained at the pressure corresponding to the set washing strength even when the flow rate of the washing water fluctuates.
(12) The sanitary washing apparatus may further include an instantaneous heating device that heats the washing water supplied from a supply source while causing the washing water to flow and supplies the washing water to the washing water supplying device in the period where the washing water is sprayed from the spraying device.
In this case, the washing water supplied from the supply source is instantaneously heated while flowing by the instantaneous heating device in the period where the washing water is sprayed from the spraying device. This eliminates the need to prepare heated washing water. In addition, a shortage of heated washing water does not occur even though a great amount of washing water is used. Furthermore, an abnormal increase in temperature of the washing water in the instantaneous heating device and heating of the instantaneous heating device with no washing water are prevented when the sanitary washing apparatus is not in use. As a result, the sanitary washing apparatus that realizes resource savings and safety can be provided.

[Effects of the Invention]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sanitary washing apparatus that is capable of intermittently spraying washing water as separate water masses, and can be inhibited from increasing in size and can be made at lower cost.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a sanitary washing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a remote control device of FIG 1;
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a main body;
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a heat exchanger;
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a nozzle device provided inside the main body;
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a water supply system of washing water in the nozzle device;
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the nozzle device taken along the line A-A of FIG. 6;
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing a human body washing nozzle projecting from a nozzle guide stand;
[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the human body washing nozzle;
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the human body washing nozzle;
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing one side of the human body washing nozzle;
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle taken along the line B-B of FIG. 9;
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle taken along the line E-E of FIG. 11;
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle taken along the line C-C of FIG. 9;
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle taken along the line D-D of FIG. 9;
[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of the tip of the human body washing nozzle of FIG. 12;
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle taken along the line F-F of FIG. 16;
[FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of an air pump;
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a graph showing a first pressure relationship between water pressure and air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed;
[FIG. 20] FIG. 20 is a graph showing a second pressure relationship between water pressure and air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed;
[FIG. 21] FIG. 21 is a graph showing a third pressure relationship between water pressure and air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed;
[FIG. 22] FIG. 22 is a graph showing another example of a pressure relationship between water pressure and air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed; and
[FIG. 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing examples of a T-tube.

[Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention]

Description will be made of a sanitary washing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention while referring to the drawings.

(1) Appearance of Sanitary Washing Apparatus

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a sanitary washing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The sanitary washing apparatus 100 is installed in a lavatory.
As shown in Fig. 1, the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is composed of a main body 200, a remote control device 300, a toilet seat 400, a lid 410 and an entrance detecting sensor 600.
The main body 200 is attached to a toilet in the lavatory. The toilet seat 400 and the lid 410 are attached to the main body 200 such that they can be opened and closed. A nozzle device 500 and a washing water supply mechanism, which is not shown, are provided inside the main body 200. A controller 90 (Fig. 3) that will be described below is incorporated in the main body 200.
As shown in Fig. 1, part of the nozzle device 500 is exposed in a lower part of the front side of the main body 200. The nozzle device 500 is connected to a tap water pipe via the washing water supply mechanism. At the time of washing the private parts of a human body, a human body washing nozzle 540 (Fig. 3), described below, projects from the exposed part of the nozzle device 500 to the inside of the toilet that is not shown, and sprays washing water to the private parts of the human body.
The remote control device 300 has a plurality of switches. The remote control device 300 is provided in a place where a user sitting on the toilet seat 400 can operate it, for example.
The entrance detecting sensor 600 is attached at the entrance of the lavatory, for example. The entrance detecting sensor 600 is a reflection-type infrared ray sensor, for example. In this case, the entrance detecting sensor 600 detects infrared rays reflected from the human body to detect the entrance of the user in the lavatory.
The controller 90 (Fig. 3) of the main body 200 controls operations of components of the sanitary washing apparatus 100 based on signals transmitted from the remote control device 300 and the entrance detecting sensor 600.

(2) Structure of the Remote Control Device

Fig. 2 is a front view of the remote control device 300 of Fig. 1. In the remote control device 300, a controller cover 302 is attached to a lower part of a controller body 301 such that it can be opened and closed (see the arrow in Fig. 2 (a)).
With the controller cover 302 closed, a water flow switch 320, an air switch 321, strength adjustment switches 322, 323, and position adjustment switches 324, 325 are provided in an upper part of the controller body 301, and a stop switch 311, a posterior switch 312, and a bidet switch 313 are provided on the controller cover 302, as shown in Fig. 2(a).
The switches 311 to 313, 320 to 325 are operated by the user. Then, signals corresponding to the respective switches 311 to 313, 320 to 325 are sent by radio from the remote control device 300 to the main body 200 of Fig. 1. The controller 90 of the main body 200 (Fig. 3) controls the operations of the components of the main body 200 (Fig. 1) and the toilet seat 400 (Fig. 1) based on the received signals.
For example, when the user operates the posterior switch 312 or the bidet switch 313, washing water is sprayed from the nozzle device 500 (Fig. 3), described below, to the private parts of the user. When the user operates the stop switch 311, the spraying of washing water from the nozzle device 500 is stopped.
When the user operates the strength adjustment switches 322 and 323, the flow rate, pressure, etc. of the washing water sprayed to the private parts of the user are adjusted. When the user operates the position adjustment switches 324 and 325, the position of the human washing nozzle 540 (Fig. 3), described below, is adjusted. The position of the spraying of the washing water to the private parts of the user is thus adjusted.
When the user operates the water flow switch 320, the spray form of the washing water sprayed to the private parts of the user is switched between a linear flow and a dispersed spiral flow, described below.
When the user operates the air switch 321, air is mixed in the washing water flowing in the nozzle device 500. This causes water masses of the washing water, described below, to be intermittently sprayed from the nozzle device 500 to the private parts of the user.
Fig. 2(b) shows the front view of the remote control device 300 with the controller cover 302 opened. As shown in Fig. 2(b), an automatic open/close switch 331, a water temperature adjustment switch 332 and a toilet seat temperature adjustment switch 333, as well as the above-described stop switch 311, posterior switch 312 and bidet switch 313 are provided in the lower part of the controller body 301 that is covered with the controller cover 302.
Also when these switches 311 to 313, 331 to 333 are operated, signals corresponding to the respective switches 311 to 313, 331 to 333 are sent by radio from the remote control device 300 to the main body 200. Thus, the controller 90 of the main body 200 controls the operations of the components of the main body 200 and the toilet seat 400 based on the received signals.
When the automatic open/close switch 331 is in an ON state, the lid 410 is opened/closed in response to entrance of the user into the lavatory.
When the user operates the water temperature adjustment switch 332, the temperature of the washing water sprayed from the nozzle device 500 to the private parts of the user is adjusted. When the user operates the toilet seat temperature adjustment switch 333, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is adjusted.

(3) Configurations of Water Supply System and Control System in the Main Body

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the main body 200. As shown in Fig. 3, the main body 200 includes a branch water faucet 2, a strainer 4, a check valve 5, a constant flow rate valve 6, an electromagnetic shutoff valve 7, a flow rate sensor 8, a heat exchanger 9, a water pump 11, a buffer tank 12, the nozzle device 500, vacuum breakers 31, 61, thermistors S1, S2, and the controller 90.
The branch water faucet 2 is inserted in a tap water pipe 1. The strainer 4, the check valve 5, the constant flow rate valve 6, the electromagnetic shutoff valve 7, the thermistor S1 and the flow rate sensor 8 from the upstream side to the downstream side are sequentially inserted in the pipe 3 connected between the branch water faucet 2 and the heat exchanger 9. The thermistor S2, the water pump 11 and the buffer tank 12 from the upstream side to the downstream side are sequentially inserted in a pipe 10 connected between the heat exchanger 9 and the nozzle device 500.
The nozzle device 500 includes a switching valve 13, an air pump 14, the human body washing nozzle 540 and a nozzle washing nozzle 520. A linear flow path 551, a spiral flow path 552 and a bidet flow path 553 are formed in the human body washing nozzle 540. A switching valve motor 13m is connected to the switching valve 13.
The switching valve 13 includes a plurality of ports. The flow paths 551, 552, 553 of the human body washing nozzle 540 and the nozzle washing nozzle 520 are connected to the plurality of ports of the switching valve 13, respectively. The air pump 14 is connected between hoses h6, h7 (Fig. 6), described below, connecting the switching valve 13 and the linear flow path 551 of the nozzle device 500.
The vacuum breaker 31 is connected to a branch pipe 30 extending from a portion of the pipe 3 between the electromagnetic shutoff valve 7 and the flow rate sensor 8, and is located in a higher position than a washing water spraying opening of the heat exchanger 9. One end of a branch pipe 32 is connected to the vacuum breaker 31. The branch pipe 30 and the branch pipe 32 are coupled through the vacuum breaker 31. The other end of the branch pipe 32 is placed in the toilet, for example.
The vacuum breaker 61 is provided in the buffer tank 12, and is located in a higher position than the heat exchanger 9. The vacuum breaker 61 and the buffer tank 12 are integrated. Accordingly, the buffer tank 12 is also located in a higher position than the heat exchanger 9.
Next, flow of the washing water in the main body 200 and the control to the components of the main body 200 by the controller 90 will be described.
Purified water flowing in the tap water pipe 1 is supplied as washing water to the strainer 4 by the branch water faucet 2. Particles, impurities, etc. contained in the washing water are removed by the strainer 4.
Then, the check valve 5 prevents backflow of the washing water in the pipe 3, and the constant flow rate valve 6 maintains a constant flow rate of the washing water flowing in the pipe 3. Then, the electromagnetic shutoff valve 7 switches supply of the washing water to the heat exchanger 9. The operation of the electromagnetic shutoff valve 7 is controlled by the controller 90.
The thermistor S1 measures the temperature of the washing water flowing in the pipe 3, and applies the measured temperature value to the controller 90. The flow rate sensor 8 measures the flow rate of the washing water flowing in the pipe 3, and applies the measured flow rate value to the controller 90. The heat exchanger 9 heats the washing water supplied through the pipe 3 to given temperatures. Details of the heat exchanger 9 will be described below.
The water pump 11 then supplies the washing water heated by the heat exchanger 9 to the switching valve 13 of the nozzle device 500 through the buffer tank 12 while heating the washing water. The thermistor S2 measures the temperature of the washing water flowing in the pipe 10, and applies the measured temperature value to the controller 90.
The operations of the heat exchanger 9 and the water pump 11 are controlled by the controller 90 based on the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor 8 and the temperature values measured by the thermistors S1, S2.
The buffer tank 12 functions as a temperature buffer for the heated washing water. This suppresses temperature variations of the washing water supplied to the switching valve 13.
The human body washing nozzle 540 is used for washing the private parts of the user. The nozzle washing nozzle 520 is used for washing the portion of the human body washing nozzle 540 from which the washing water is sprayed.
When the switching valve motor 13m operates, the switching valve 13 of the nozzle device 500 selectively supplies the washing water supplied from the water pump 11 to the human body washing nozzle 540 or the nozzle washing nozzle 520. This causes the washing water to be sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 or the nozzle washing nozzle 520. The operation of the switching valve motor 13m is controlled by the controller 90.
Here, the air pump 14 operates when the air switch 321 of Fig. 2 is operated by the user with the washing water being supplied from the water pump 11 to the linear flow path 551 of the human body washing nozzle 540. The air pump 14 then mixes air in the washing water flowing from the switching valve 13 to the linear flow path 551. This causes water masses of the washing water, described below, to be intermittently sprayed from the nozzle device 500.
Extra part, which is not used in the nozzle device 500, of the washing water supplied from the electromagnetic shutoff valve 7 to the heat exchanger 9 is discharged as discarded water into the toilet through the branch pipe 30 and the branch pipe 32. That is, the branch pipe 30 and the branch pipe 32 function as a discarded water circuit.
The vacuum breaker 31 is provided upstream of the heat exchanger 9, and the vacuum breaker 61 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 9. Thus, the washing water is prevented from leaking out of the heat exchanger 9 even when negative pressure is formed in the pipe 3 or the pipe 10. This prevents heating of the heat exchanger 9.

(4) The Heat Exchanger

Fig. 4 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the heat exchanger 9. As shown in Fig. 4, the heat exchanger 9 includes a resin case 433 and a serpentine pipe 431.
The curved serpentine pipe 431 is buried in the resin case 433. A flat plate-shaped ceramic heater 432 with high power density is provided in contact with the serpentine pipe 431. As indicated by the arrows Y, the washing water is supplied from a supply opening 434 into the serpentine pipe 431, efficiently heated by the ceramic heater 432 while flowing in the serpentine pipe 431, and discharged from a discharge opening 435.
The thermistor S2 of Fig. 3 is integrated with the heat exchanger 9 while being located in the vicinity of the discharge opening 435 in this example. The controller 90 of Fig. 3 applies feedback control to the temperature of the ceramic heater 432 of the heat exchanger 9 based on the measured temperature value applied from the thermistor S2.
As described above, the heat exchanger 9 is an instantaneous heating device that instantaneously heats the washing water flowing in the serpentine pipe 431 in the inside thereof. Therefore, a required amount of washing water can be instantaneously heated to desired temperatures.
Washing water previously heated to given temperatures before washing of the private parts of the user need not be stored and kept warm in the sanitary washing apparatus 100 including the heat exchanger 9. This eliminates the need to provide a storing tank for the washing water, and realizes reduced size and energy saving of the sanitary washing apparatus 100. In addition, a shortage of washing water heated to given temperatures is prevented from occurring even though a washing period of time is lengthened or the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is continuously used by a plurality of users.
The ceramic heater 432 of the heat exchanger 9 is driven at up to 1200W, for example. In this case, the heat exchanger 9 can heat the washing water flowing in the serpentine pipe 431 from 5 °C to 42 °C at 500 cc/min, for example. The ceramic heater 432 heats the washing water only during the operation of the water pump 11 (Fig. 3) based on the control by the controller 90 (Fig. 3). Accordingly, an abnormal increase in the temperature of the washing water in the heat exchanger 9 and heating of the heat exchanger 9 with no washing water can be prevented.
While the flat plate shaped ceramic heater 432 with high power density is used as a heat source of the heat exchanger 9 in the example described above, the configuration of the heat source is not limited to this. For example, a sheathed heater, a mica heater, a sheet heater or the like can be also used as the heat source of the heat exchanger 9.
While the controller 90 controls the temperature of the ceramic heater 432 of the heat exchanger 9 by feedback control in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 90 may control the temperature of the ceramic heater 432 by feedforward control, or may perform complex control in which it controls the ceramic heater 432 by applying feedforward control for temperature rise and applying feedback control for normal operation.

(5) The Nozzle Device

(5-a) General Configuration of the Nozzle Device

Fig. 5 is an external perspective view of the nozzle device 500 provided in the main body 200.
As shown in Fig. 5, the main body 200 includes a lower casing 200U attached to an upper end surface of the toilet. The nozzle device 500 and the washing water supply mechanism are provided on the lower casing 200U. Fig. 5 does not show other components than the nozzle device 500 provided on the lower casing 200U.
The nozzle device 500 includes a nozzle guide stand 590. The nozzle guide stand 590 is provided at substantially the center of the lower casing 200U. The air pump 14 that forms part of the nozzle device 500 is provided beside the nozzle guide stand 590 in the lower casing 200U.
The human body washing nozzle 540 having a substantially columnar shape is mounted on an upper part of the nozzle guide stand 590 such that it can advance and retreat while being inclined to the horizontal plane. The human body washing nozzle 540 projects outward from a front end of the nozzle guide stand 590 when washing the private parts of the human body, and is accommodated inside the front end of the nozzle guide stand 590 when not washing the private parts of the human body, as described below.
The switching valve 13 is mounted adjacent to the human body washing nozzle 540 on the nozzle guide stand 590. The switching valve motor 13m is connected to the switching valve 13.
A nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a is provided at the center below the human body washing nozzle 540. Details of the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a will be described below. The water pump 11 of Fig. 3 and a water pump motor 11 m for driving the water pump 11 are provided in a rear portion below the human body washing nozzle 540 and the switching valve 13.
A plurality of hoses h1 to h8 are used for connecting components involved in the water supply system of the nozzle device 500 in this example. Details of the hoses h1 to h8 will be described below.
In this state, an upper casing is attached to cover the lower casing 200U, the nozzle device 500 and the washing water supply mechanism. The toilet seat 400 and the lid 410 of Fig. 1 are attached to the upper casing.

(5-b) The Water Supply System of the Nozzle Device

Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the water supply system of the washing water in the nozzle device 500. Fig. 6 shows part of the components constituting the nozzle device 500 except for the air pump 14 of Fig. 5.
The linear flow path 551 (Fig. 3), the spiral flow path 552 (Fig. 3) and the bidet flow path 553 (Fig. 3) are formed in the human body washing nozzle 540. Details will be described below. A linear port 551 p, a spiral port 552p and a bidet port 553p that communicate with the linear flow path 551, the spiral flow path 552 and the bidet flow path 553, respectively, are provided at the rear end of the human body washing nozzle 540.
A tip casing 521 that can accommodate the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540 when the private parts of the human body is not washed is attached to the front end of the nozzle guide stand 590. With the human body washing nozzle 540 accommodated in the nozzle guide stand 590, the tip casing 521 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to cover the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540 and a region in the vicinity thereof.
The nozzle washing nozzle 520 for supplying washing water to the inside of the tip casing 521 is provided in an upper portion of the tip casing 521. A nozzle washing port 520p is provided in the nozzle washing nozzle 520. A nozzle shutter 522 capable of opening/closing a front end opening of the tip casing 521 is provided at the front end of the tip casing 521.
A supply port 131, a nozzle wash/discharge port 132, a spiral discharge port 133, a bidet discharge port 134 and a linear discharge port 135 are provided in the switching valve 13.
Here, the switching valve 13 is composed of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. The foregoing ports 131 to 135 are provided in the outer cylinder. A plurality of holes and grooves are formed in the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder is inserted in the outer cylinder.
The switching valve motor 13m is a stepping motor capable of adjusting a rotation angle of a rotation shaft, for example. The rotation shaft of the switching valve motor 13m is connected to one end of the inner cylinder. The switching valve motor 13m operates to rotate the inner cylinder inside the outer cylinder, and the supply port 131 selectively communicates with any of the nozzle wash/discharge port 132, the spiral discharge port 133, the bidet discharge port 134 and the linear discharge port 135 depending on the rotation angle.
When the inner cylinder of the switching valve 13 is positioned at a given rotation angle to the outer cylinder, the supply port 131 does not communicate with any of the nozzle wash/discharge port 132, the spiral discharge port 133, the bidet discharge port 134 and the linear discharge port 135 (a completely closed state). In this case, the washing water supplied from the supply port 131 is pushed back by an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder of the switching valve 13. The pushed back washing water flows back to the vacuum breaker 31 of Fig. 3, and passes through the branch pipe 32 to be released into the toilet.
The switching valve 13 is controlled to be in the above-mentioned completely closed state when the entrance detecting sensor 600 detects that the user enters the lavatory or when a seating sensor, not shown, detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 400. The washing water is released before the user uses the toilet, so that a water screen is formed on an inner surface of the toilet. This prevents adhesion of wastes to the inner surface of the toilet.
The water pump 11 provided in the rear portion below the human body washing nozzle 540 has a supply port and a discharge port of the washing water. One end of the hose h1 is connected to the supply port of the water pump 11, and one end of the hose h2 is connected to the discharge port of the water pump 11. The hoses h1, h2 correspond to the pipe 10 of Fig. 3.
The other end of the hose h2 is connected to the supply port 131 of the switching valve 13. The supply port 131 of the switching valve 13 is connected to the discharge port of the water pump 11 through the hose h2.
The nozzle wash/discharge port 132 of the switching valve 13 is connected to the nozzle washing port 520p of the nozzle washing nozzle 520 through the hose h3. The spiral discharge port 133 of the switching valve 13 is connected to the spiral port 552p of the human body washing nozzle 540 through the hose h4. The bidet discharge port 134 of the switching valve 13 is connected to the bidet port 553p of the human body washing nozzle 540 through the hose h5.
The linear discharge port 135 of the switching valve 13 is connected to one port of a T-tube 503 through the hose h6. Another port of the T-tube 503 is connected to the linear port 551p of the human body washing nozzle 540 through the hose h7. Still another port of the T-tube 503 is connected to the air pump 14 of Fig. 5 through the hose h8.
The washing water supplied to the supply port 131 of the switching valve 13 is supplied to at least one of the linear port 551 p, the spiral port 552p and the bidet port 553p of the human body washing nozzle 540 for washing the private parts of the human body. This causes the washing water to be sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 to the private parts of the human body.
When the air switch 321 of Fig. 2 is operated by the user with the washing water being supplied to the linear port 551 p of the human body washing nozzle 540, air is supplied from the air pump 14 through the hose h8 of Fig. 5 to be mixed in the washing water sent from the switching valve 13 to the T-tube 503 through the hose h6.
This causes the washing water to be intermittently sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 to the private parts of the human body as separate water masses as described below.
The washing water supplied to the supply port 131 of the switching valve 13 is supplied to the nozzle washing port 520p of the nozzle washing nozzle 520 for washing the human body washing nozzle 540. In this case, the washing water is supplied from the nozzle washing nozzle 520 to the inside of the tip casing 521. At this time, the washing water flows to swirl along an outer peripheral surface of the human body washing nozzle 540 in the inside of the tip casing 521. This causes the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540 and the region in the vicinity thereof to be washed.

(5-c) Advancing/Retreating Mechanism of the Human Body Washing Nozzle

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the nozzle device 500 taken along the line A-A of Fig. 6. The plurality of hoses h1 to h8 of Fig. 6 are not shown in the nozzle device 500 of Fig. 7.
As shown in Fig. 7, a rack 540r is provided on a lower surface of the human body washing nozzle 540 along a direction of the axial center of the human body washing nozzle 540. A nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a is attached to the nozzle guide stand 590 below the human body washing nozzle 540.
A worm gear, not shown, is attached to a rotation shaft of the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a. A transmission gear 546b is provided below the human body washing nozzle 540 so as to engage with the worm gear. A pinion gear 546c is provided so as to engage with the transmission gear 546b and the rack 540r of the human body washing nozzle 540.
When the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a operates, the torque is transmitted to the rack 540r of the human body washing nozzle 540 through the worm gear, the transmission gear 546b and the pinion gear 546c. This causes the human body washing nozzle 540 to advance and retreat along the direction of its axial center as indicated by the thick arrow in Fig. 7.
A rotation sensor 547 is attached to the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a. The rotation sensor 547 detects a rotation angle of the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a, and applies it to the controller 90 of Fig. 3. Accordingly, the controller 90 of Fig. 3 controls the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a based on the signals applied from the remote control device 300 of Fig. 2 and the rotation angle applied from the rotation sensor 547, and adjusts an amount of movement of the human body washing nozzle 540.
Fig. 8 is an external perspective view showing the human body washing nozzle 540 projecting from the nozzle guide stand 590. The plurality of hoses h1 to h8 of Fig. 6 are not shown in the nozzle device 500 of Fig. 8.
The nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a operates when the posterior switch 312 or the bidet switch 313 of Fig. 2 are operated by the user. This causes the human body washing nozzle 540 to project a given length from the front end of the nozzle guide stand 590 as shown in Fig. 8. Then, the washing water is sprayed from a hole 540h formed in the vicinity of the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540.
The amount of movement of the nozzle advancing/retreating motor 546a differs when the posterior switch 312 of Fig. 2 is operated and when the bidet switch 313 of Fig. 2 is operated. The length of the projecting portion of the human body washing nozzle 540 when the posterior switch 312 is operated is larger than the length of the projecting portion of the human body washing nozzle 540 when the bidet switch 313 is operated.

(5-d) Configuration of the Human Body Washing Nozzle

Fig. 9 is a top view of the human body washing nozzle 540, Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the human body washing nozzle 540, and Fig. 11 is a side view showing one side of the human body washing nozzle 540. Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle 540 taken along the line B-B of Fig. 9, and Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle 540 taken along the line E-E of Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle 540 taken along the line C-C of Fig. 9, and Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle 540 taken along the line D-D of Fig. 9. Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540 of Fig. 12, and Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the human body washing nozzle 540 taken along the line F-F of Fig. 16.
As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the human body washing nozzle 540 includes a nozzle cover 50, a rack support 60 and a nozzle body 70.
The nozzle cover 50 has a cylindrical shape with its one end closed. The hole 540h is formed in the vicinity of the one end on an upper surface of the nozzle cover 50. A drain port 50g is formed in the vicinity of the one end on a lower surface of the nozzle cover 50. A slit 52 is formed in a portion from the other end to substantially the center of the nozzle cover 50.
The rack support 60 has a long-sized shape. The nozzle body 70 is held on an upper surface of the rack support 60. In this state, the nozzle body 70 is held by the rack support 60 so as to be able to slide in a longitudinal direction of the rack support 60. The rack 540r is provided on the lower surface of the rack support 60.
The rack support 60 holding the nozzle body 70 is attached to the other end of the nozzle cover 50. This causes part of the nozzle body 70 to be inserted into the nozzle cover 50. The rack 540r attached to the rack support 60 is fitted with the slit 52 of the nozzle cover 50.
A leaf spring holder 542 is provided on one side surface of the rack support 60. A leaf spring FS having a projection is attached to the leaf spring holder 542. The leaf spring FS is arranged such that the projection is opposite to one side surface of the nozzle body 70.
Two grooves G1, G2 are formed at a distance in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle body 70 on the one side surface in the vicinity of the rear end of the nozzle body 70. The projection of the leaf spring FS can be fitted in the two grooves G1, G2 with the nozzle body 70 placed on the rack support 60. The projection of the leaf spring FS is fitted in either one of the two grooves G1, G2, so that the nozzle body 70 is positioned on the rack support 60.
As shown in Figs. 12 to 15, the linear flow path 551, the spiral flow path 552 and the bidet flow path 553 are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction inside the nozzle body 70 of the human body washing nozzle 540. A buffer tank 554 is formed to extend parallel to the three flow paths 551 to 553.
As shown in Fig. 12, the linear flow path 551 communicates with the linear port 551 p on the rear end side of the nozzle body 70, and the bidet flow path 553 communicates with the bidet port 553p on the rear end side of the nozzle body 70. As shown in Fig. 13, the spiral flow path 552 communicates with the spiral port 552p on the rear end side of the nozzle body 70.
The inner diameter of each of the linear flow path 551 and the spiral flow path 552 is 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm, for example.
As shown in Fig. 16, a posterior spray port 555a and a bidet spray port 555b are formed on an upper surface in the vicinity of the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540. The posterior spray port 555a is positioned in front of the bidet spray port 555b. A columnar mixing chamber 551a that communicates with the posterior spray port 555a is formed inside the human body washing nozzle 540 in the vicinity of the tip of the human body washing nozzle 540.
The tip of the linear flow path 551 communicates with the mixing chamber 551a so as to extend toward the axial center of the mixing chamber 551a. The washing water supplied from the linear port 551p (Fig. 12) flows in the linear flow path 551, and flows into the mixing chamber 551a from a bottom portion toward the axial center of the mixing chamber 551a. The washing water flows from the bottom portion of the mixing chamber 551a toward the posterior spray port 555a. This causes a linear flow to be sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a.
As shown in Fig. 17, the tip of the spiral flow path 552 communicates with the mixing chamber 551 a so as to be eccentric from the axial center of the mixing chamber 551 a. The washing water supplied from the spiral port 552p (Fig. 13) passes through the spiral flow path 552, and flows into the mixing chamber 551a along an inner peripheral surface of the mixing chamber 551a. At this time, a spiral component is given to the washing water in the mixing chamber 551a. This causes a spiral flow to be sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a.
When the washing water is supplied only to the linear flow path 551, the linear flow is sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a. When the washing water is supplied to the linear flow path 551 and the spiral flow path 552, a dispersed spiral flow having a divergent angle is sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a.
As shown in Fig. 16, the tip of the bidet flow path 553 is bent to communicate with the bidet spray port 555b. The inner diameter of the bidet flow path 553 is 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm, for example. An ejector 556 having a downsized inner diameter is interposed in the bidet flow path 553. The inner diameter of the ejector 556 is 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, for example. An air mix-in hole 557 having the inner diameter of about 1.0 mm, for example, is provided in the vicinity of the ejector 556. The washing water supplied from the bidet port 553p (Fig. 12) flows in the bidet flow path 553 to be sprayed from the bidet spray port 555b.
The buffer tank 554 shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is a flow path having a circular cross section. Both ends of the buffer tank 554 are closed. The inner diameter of the buffer tank 554 is 3.0 mm to 3.2 mm, for example. The buffer tank 554 communicates with the bidet flow path 553 upstream of the ejector 556. The buffer tank 554 has a function of removing pulsation of the washing water flowing in the bidet flow path 553.
Pressure of the washing water supplied to the bidet flow path 553 by the water pump 11 (Fig. 3) pulses in some cases. In particular, the pulsing washing water with high pressure cannot pass through the ejector 556 having the small inner diameter and cannot reach the tip of the bidet flow path 553.
In such a case, the washing water is pushed back to the rear end side of the bidet flow path 553 by the ejector 556, and flows into the buffer tank 554 (Fig. 12) through a communication path that is not shown. This causes the air inside the buffer tank 554 to be compressed by the pressure of the washing water. As a result, pressure fluctuations of the washing water are absorbed, and the pulsation of the washing water is relaxed.
The washing water whose pulsation is relaxed returns from the buffer tank 554 to the bidet flow path 553 through the communication path that is not shown, passes through the ejector 556 having the small inner diameter, and reaches the tip of the bidet flow path 553. In this case, the washing water flows from the ejector 556 having the small inner diameter into a portion of the bidet flow path 553 having the large inner diameter, so that a swirling flow is generated by agitation in the washing water. This further relaxes the pressure pulsation of the washing water. Accordingly, a soft flow of washing water with small pressure pulsation is sprayed from the bidet spray port 555b.
As shown in Fig. 9, when the human body washing nozzle 540 is accommodated in the nozzle guide stand 590, the projection of the leaf spring FS is fitted in the rear-side groove G2 of the nozzle body 70. In this state, the bidet spray port 555b of the nozzle body 70 coincides with the hole 540h of the nozzle cover 50.
Here, an engaging projection 70p is formed on the upper surface of the nozzle body 70 as shown in Figs. 9, 11 and 12. As shown in Fig. 8, when the human body washing nozzle 540 advances toward the nozzle guide stand 590 of Fig. 8, the projection of the leaf spring FS is fitted in the groove G2 on the rear end side of the nozzle body 70 until the engaging projection 70p of Fig. 11 abuts against the tip casing 521 of Fig. 8.
In this case, the washing water is sprayed from the bidet spray port 555b of the nozzle body 70 through the hole 540h of the nozzle cover 50.
When the engaging projection 70p of the nozzle body 70 abuts against the tip casing 521 of Fig. 8, the advance of the nozzle body 70 toward the nozzle cover 50 and the rack support 60 is restricted. Thus, the engaged state between the leaf spring FS and the groove G2 of the nozzle body 70 is released, the nozzle body 70 slides on the rack support 60, and the projection of the leaf spring FS is engaged in the front-side groove G1 of the nozzle body 70.
In this state, the posterior spray port 555a of the nozzle body 70 coincides with the hole 540h of the nozzle cover 50. Thus, the washing water is sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a of the nozzle body 70 through the hole 540h of the nozzle cover 50.
In the present embodiment, the posterior spray port 555a of the nozzle body 70 is held in the position of the hole 540h of the nozzle cover 50 when the posterior switch 312 is operated, and the bidet spray port 555b of the nozzle body 70 is held in the position of the hole 540h of the nozzle cover 50 when the bidet switch 313 is operated.
In the present embodiment, a ratio of an area of the flow path communicating with the linear flow path 551 and an area of the flow path communicating with the spiral flow path 552 can be changed in the switching valve 13. This allows the washing water sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a to be successively switched between the linear flow and the spiral flow. The linear flow does not substantially have the spiral component. Using the linear flow allows the washing water to be focused to a given point, thus washing the given point. The dispersed spiral flow is obtained by increasing the spiral component of the washing water. Using the dispersed spiral flow allows a larger area to be washed while causing the washing water to be dispersed. Also, a dispersion angle of the washing water sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a can be controlled.
Furthermore, a flow rate of the washing water sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a and a flow rate of the washing water sprayed from the bidet spray port 555b can be adjusted by changing the areas of the respective flow paths communicating with the linear flow path 551, the spiral flow path 552 and the bidet flow path 553 in the switching valve 13.

(5-e) The Air Pump

Fig. 18 is a schematic sectional view of the air pump 14. A diaphragm pump is employed as the air pump 14 in the present embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 18, the air pump 14 includes a casing 14a, a pump motor 14b, a crank body 14c, a drive shaft 14d, a swing member 14e, a plurality of crushers 14g, a plurality of diaphragms 14h made of rubber and a plurality of umbrella valves 14i. In the example of Fig. 18, two crushers 14g, two diaphragms 14h and two umbrella valves 14i are provided.
A discharge port 14j is provided at a center portion on an upper surface of the casing 14a, and a plurality of supply ports 14k are provided in the surroundings of the discharge port 14j.
The pump motor 14b is provided below the casing 14a such that its rotation shaft penetrates a center portion on a lower surface of the casing 14a. The crank body 14c has a columnar shape. The rotation shaft of the pump motor 14b is attached perpendicular to the center on a lower surface of the crank body 14c. The drive shaft 14d is attached to an outside portion of the center on an upper surface of the crank body 14c so as to be inclined. The swing member 14e is attached to the drive shaft 14d. In this state, the swing member 14e is held to be able to slide in a direction of rotation of the drive shaft 14d.
The plurality of crushers 14g are attached to the swing member 14e along the outer periphery thereof. The umbrella valve 14i is attached to each of the supply ports 14k of the casing 14a. The diaphragm 14h is provided on a lower surface inside the casing 14a to cover a lower end of each umbrella valve 14i and each supply port 14k.
When the rotation shaft of the pump motor 14b is controlled to rotate by the controller 90 (Fig. 3), the crank body 14c rotates to cause the drive shaft 14d and the swing member 14e to rotate in an inclined state. This causes the swing member 14e to swing. Thus, the plurality of crushers 14g sequentially moves up and down, and sequentially presses the plurality of diaphragms 14h. Air flows into an internal space of the diaphragm 14h that is not pressed through the supply port 14k. Pressing each diaphragm 14h causes the corresponding umbrella valve 14i to close the supply port 14k, and causes the air in the internal space of the diaphragm 14h to be discharged to the outside through the discharge port 14j.
In this manner, rotation of the rotation shaft of the pump motor 14b causes air to sequentially flow into the internal spaces of the plurality of diaphragms 14h from the plurality of supply ports 14k, and causes air in the internal spaces of the plurality of diaphragms 14h to be sequentially discharged to the outside through the discharge port 14j. Accordingly, the pressure of the air discharged from the discharge port 14j periodically fluctuates to form a substantially full-wave waveform.
Also, the pressure of the air discharged from the discharge port 14j can be substantially constant by increasing the numbers of the supply ports 14k, the crushers 14g, the diaphragm 14h and the umbrella valves 14i.

(6) Discharge Pressure of the Water Pump

Discharge pressure of the washing water by the water pump 11 of Fig. 3 is referred to as water pressure in the following description. In the present embodiment, a reciprocating pump that pressurizes the washing water by reciprocating operation of a piston in a cylinder is used as the water pump 11. Thus, the water pressure periodically fluctuates within one fluctuation range to form a substantially sinusoidal waveform during operation of the water pump 11. In the reciprocating pump, the torque of the water pump motor 11m of Fig. 5 generates power for moving the piston. Accordingly, the water pressure is adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11 m.
For example, when the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11 m (Fig. 5) increases, a frequency of water pressure fluctuations increases and a period of fluctuation is shortened. Moreover, the range of water pressure fluctuation increases, and the fluctuation center becomes higher. Meanwhile, when the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11m decreases, the frequency of water pressure fluctuations decreases, and the period of fluctuation is lengthened. In addition, the range of water pressure fluctuation decreases, and the fluctuation center becomes lower.
The user can set washing strength at a plurality of levels by operating the strength adjustment switches 322, 323 (Fig. 2). The plurality of levels of washing strength correspond to a plurality of levels of water pressure. The plurality of levels of water pressure correspond to a plurality of rotational speeds of the water pump motor 11 m.
Here, the controller 90 of Fig. 3 stores a relationship between the plurality of levels of washing strength that can be set by operation of the strength adjustment switches 322, 323 and the plurality of rotational speeds of the water pump motors 11 m.
Thus, the controller 90 controls the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11 m based on the washing strength set by the user using the strength adjustment switches 322, 323. This causes the water pressure to be fluctuated depending on setting of the strength adjustment switches 322, 323 by the user.
Even though the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11 m is constant, the water pressure fluctuates depending on fluctuation of the pressure of the washing water supplied to the water pump 11. A constant relationship exists between the water pressure of the water pump 11 and the flow rate of the washing water flowing in the pipe 3 of Fig. 3. Therefore, the controller 90 applies feedback control to the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11 m based on the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor 8 of Fig. 3 in the present embodiment.
In this case, the controller 90 previously stores a relationship between the plurality of levels of washing strength that can be set using the strength adjustment switches 322, 323 and the flow rate of the washing water, and controls the rotational speed of the water pump motor 11 m such that the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor 8 attains a flow rate corresponding to the set washing strength based on the correspondence relationship. This causes the water pressure to be accurately adjusted to pressure corresponding to the setting of the strength adjustment switches 322, 323 (Fig. 2) by the user.
The flow rate sensor 8 applies an average value of the fluctuating flow rate of the washing water in a certain period of time (0.5 sec, for example) to the controller 90 as the measured flow rate value.

(7) Discharge Pressure of the Air Pump

Discharge pressure of the air by the air pump 14 of Fig. 3 is referred to as air pressure in the following description.
As described above, the diaphragm pump is employed as the air pump 14. In the air pump 14, the torque of the pump motor 14b of Fig. 8 generates power for moving the diaphragms 14h. Thus, the air pressure is adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the pump motor 14b.
For example, when the rotational speed of the pump motor 14b increases, a frequency of air pressure fluctuations increases, and a period of fluctuation is shortened. Moreover, a range of air pressure fluctuations increases, and the fluctuation center becomes higher. Meanwhile, when the rotational speed of the pump motor 14b decreases, the frequency of air pressure fluctuations decreases, and the period of fluctuation is lengthened. In addition, the range of air pressure fluctuations decreases, and the fluctuation center becomes lower. A drive pulse is supplied to the pump motor 14b. The rotational speed of the pump motor 14b can be adjusted by changing a duty ratio of the drive pulse.
Here, air is less likely to be mixed in the washing water as the flow rate of the washing water increases, so that the washing water is less likely to be parted by the air in the linear flow path 551 of Fig. 3. Thus, the washing water is unlikely to be sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 of Fig. 3 as separate water masses. Therefore, the duty ratio of the drive pulse of the pump motor 14b is controlled such that the air pressure increases with increasing the flow rate of the washing water in the present embodiment.
The controller 90 of Fig. 3 previously stores a map representing a relationship between the flow rate of the washing water and the duty ratio of the drive pulse. The map is created based on a relationship between the flow rate of the washing water and the air pressure required for forming water masses of the washing water.
The controller 90 applies feedforward control to the rotational speed of the pump motor 14b based on the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor 8 and the preset map. In this case, the controller 90 acquires a value of the duty ratio corresponding to the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor 8 from the map, and adjusts the duty ratio of the drive pulse of the pump motor 14b to the acquired value. This causes water masses to be reliably sprayed from the nozzle device 500 regardless of the flow rate of the washing water.

(8) Relationship between the Water Pressure and the Air Pressure

As described above, when the user operates the air switch 321 of Fig. 2 during washing of the private parts of the human body, water masses of the washing water are intermittently sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 to the private parts of the user. The air pressure is set to exceed the water pressure at least once in a washing period where the private parts of the human body are washed. Relationships between the water pressure and the air pressure that are set in the foregoing manner are illustrated in the following paragraphs. Here, the washing period refers to the period where the washing water is sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 because of operation of the posterior switch 312 by the user.

(8-a) First Pressure Relationship

Fig. 19 is a graph showing a first pressure relationship between the water pressure and the air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed. In Fig. 19, the ordinate represents pressure, and the abscissa represents time. The broken line wp indicates the water pressure caused by the water pump 11, and the solid line ap indicates the air pressure caused by the air pump 14.
As shown in Fig. 19, the water pressure caused by the water pump 11 periodically fluctuates in a range from a minimum value zero to a maximum value Pb in this example. Meanwhile, the air pressure caused by the air pump 14 is maintained substantially constant at a value Pa that is higher than the minimum value zero and lower than the maximum value Pb of the water pressure.
In this case, the air pressure periodically exceeds the water pressure as indicated by hatching in Fig. 19. At this time, the air is mixed in the washing water not as parted air bubbles but as air masses. Therefore, when the air masses flow in the linear flow path 551 of Fig. 3, the air masses occupy substantially the entire cross section of the flow path. Thus, the washing water in the linear flow path 551 is parted by the air masses, and the water masses and the air masses are alternately formed in the linear flow path 551. The water masses and the air masses flowing in the linear flow path 551 are intermittently sprayed in an alternate manner from the posterior spray port 555a of Fig. 16.
In particular, the inside of the linear flow path 551 is made smooth, so that formation of smaller water masses and air masses in the linear flow path 551 can be suppressed.
Immediately after sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a, the washing water has the form of substantially spherical water masses because of surface tension. Such water masses are focused and intermittently sprayed to the private parts, so that washing power is significantly improved as compared with a case where the washing water is continuously sprayed to the private parts at a uniform flow rate. The washing water having air mixed therein provides water saving effects because sufficient washing power is obtained with a small amount of washing water.
When heated washing water is used, a shortage of heated washing water may occur as an amount of used washing water increases. In the present embodiment, washing water that is efficiently and instantaneously heated can be supplied by using the washing water having air mixed therein. When the washing water having air mixed therein is sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a to be released in the atmosphere, the water masses are pressurized by expansion of the air in the direction of spraying. Therefore, using the washing water having air mixed therein improves sensitivity of the human body to stimuli.
The air pressure is maintained substantially constant in this example. This makes it possible to regularly mix the air supplied to the human body washing nozzle 540 in the washing water supplied to the human body washing nozzle 540. This causes the washing water and the air to be regularly sprayed in an alternate manner from the human body washing nozzle 540. Using such washing water offers a highly stable washing feeling to the user.
As described above, since the water pressure periodically fluctuates, a time point where the water pressure is lower than the air pressure can be easily generated without increasing the air pressure even when the flow rate of the washing water is high in this example.
When the air pressure is maintained substantially constant as in this example, a diaphragm pump including a large number of (three or more, for example) swing members 14e is preferably used as the air pump 14. In this case, the larger number of swing members 14e allows uniform air pressure to be more stably obtained. Instead of the diaphragm pump, a swirling flow pump can be also used as the air pump 14 capable of providing substantially uniform air pressure.

(8-b) Second Pressure Relationship

Fig. 20 is a graph showing a second pressure relationship between the water pressure and the air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed. Also in Fig. 20, the ordinate represents pressure, and the abscissa represents time. The broken line wp indicates the water pressure caused by the water pump 11, and the solid line ap indicates the air pressure caused by the air pump 14.
As shown in Fig. 20, the water pressure caused by the water pump 11 periodically fluctuates in a range from a minimum value Pc to a maximum value Pd in this example. Meanwhile, the air pressure caused by the air pump 14 periodically fluctuates in a range from the minimum value zero to a maximum value Pe. The maximum value Pe of the air pressure is higher than the minimum value Pc and lower than the maximum value Pd of the water pressure.
In this case, the air pressure periodically exceeds the water pressure as indicated by hatching in Fig. 20. At this time, the air is periodically mixed in the washing water as parted air bubbles that are comparatively small. Since a large number of air bubbles are mixed during washing, the air bubbles coalesce to become air masses in the linear flow path 551 of Fig. 3 in this example. Therefore, when the air masses flow in the linear flow path 551, the air masses occupy substantially the entire cross section of the flow path. Thus, the washing water in the linear flow path 551 is parted by the air masses, and the water masses and the air masses are alternately formed in the linear flow path 551.
Such effects become more apparent as the frequency of air pressure fluctuations is higher than the frequency of water pressure fluctuations. In this case, since the air is more frequently mixed when the water pressure decreases, the flow rate of air mixed in the washing water can be stabilized even though a frequency drift occurs between the frequency of air pressure fluctuations and the frequency of water pressure fluctuations.
The linear flow path 551 is formed such that its cross sectional area gradually decreases, so that the washing water can be more efficiently parted by the air masses in the linear flow path 551. Accordingly, the water masses and the air masses reach the posterior spray port 555a of Fig. 16 to be intermittently sprayed in an alternate manner from the posterior spray port 555a of Fig. 16.
Furthermore, the second pressure relationship makes it possible to regularly mix the air supplied to the human body washing nozzle 540 in the washing water supplied to the human body washing nozzle 540 with simpler configuration than that when the first pressure relationship is employed. Thus, the washing water and the air are regularly sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 in an alternate manner. As a result, separate water masses are regularly sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540. Using such washing water offers a highly stable washing feeling to the user.

(8-c) Third Pressure Relationship

Fig. 21 is a graph showing a third pressure relationship between the water pressure and the air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed. Also in Fig. 21, the ordinate represents pressure, and the abscissa represents time. The broken line wp indicates the water pressure caused by the water pump 11, and the solid line ap indicates the air pressure caused by the air pump 14.
As shown in Fig. 21, the water pressure caused by the water pump 11 periodically fluctuates in a range from a minimum value Pf to a maximum value Pg in this example. Meanwhile, the air pressure caused by the air pump 14 periodically fluctuates in a range from the minimum value zero to a maximum value Ph. The maximum value Ph of the air pressure is higher than the minimum value Pf and lower than the maximum value Pg of the water pressure.
In this case, the air pressure irregularly exceeds the water pressure as indicated by hatching in Fig. 21. Therefore, air is mixed in the washing water in some cases when the water pressure decreases, and air is not mixed in the washing water in other cases when the water pressure decreases. In this case, the number of times of mixture of the air in a certain period of time varies. This causes the flow rate of the air mixed in the washing water fluctuates, and the water masses and the air masses are irregularly formed in the linear flow path 551 of Fig. 3.
Such effects become more apparent as the frequency of air pressure fluctuations is lower than the frequency of water pressure fluctuations. In this case, a period where the air is frequently mixed in the washing water and a period where the air is not mixed in the washing water at all can be irregularly generated.
Immediately after sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a, the washing water has the form of substantially spherical water masses because of surface tension. Here, when the water masses and the air masses are irregularly formed in the linear flow path 551, the size of water masses sprayed from the posterior spray port 555a also irregularly varies. Using such washing water provides irregular stimuli caused by the washing water to the user.
When the human body receives stimuli of the same kind for a long period of time, it becomes accustomed to the stimuli. This leads to lower sensitivity to stimuli. Therefore, lower sensitivity of the human body to stimuli is suppressed by spraying irregularly formed water masses and air masses to the human body. This offers a more stimulating washing feeling to the user, and hastens the bowels of the user.
The relationship between the water pressure and the air pressure is set as in this example, so that the sufficient and stable amount of air can be mixed in the washing water and a washing feeling depending on tastes of the user can be provided even when the small air pump 14 (Fig. 3) is used.

(8-d) Other Examples

(8-d-1) In the above-described embodiment, an air adjustment switch for setting the air pressure mixed in the washing water at a plurality of levels may be provided in the remote control device 300 of Fig. 2.
In this case, the user can set the air pressure at the plurality of levels by operating the air adjustment switch.
Fig. 22 is a graph showing another example of the pressure relationship between the water pressure and the air pressure that are maintained when water masses are sprayed. Specifically, the graph shows the water pressure fluctuations and the air pressure fluctuations when the user changes the setting of the air pressure during the spraying of water masses at one air pressure.
Also in Fig. 22, the ordinate represents pressure, and the abscissa represents time. The broken line wp indicates the water pressure caused by the water pump 11, and the solid line ap indicates the air pressure caused by the air pump 14.
As shown in Fig. 22, the water pressure caused by the water pump 11 periodically fluctuates in a range from the minimum value zero to the maximum value Pb in this example. Meanwhile, the air pressure caused by the air pump 14 is maintained substantially constant at the value Pa that is higher than the minimum value zero and lower than the maximum value Pb of the water pressure in a period from a time point t0 to a time point t1. Then, the air pressure is maintained substantially constant at a value Pi that is smaller than the value Pa at the time point t1 where the setting of the air pressure is changed by the user and thereafter. In this case, the air is mixed in the washing water at timings indicated by hatching in Fig. 22.
The ratio of the value Pi to the value Pa is 0.8, for example. In this case, the amount of air mixed in the washing water at the time point t1 and thereafter is smaller than that in the period from the time point t0 to the time point t1. Selecting such air pressure offers washing water with a soft washing feeling, which is accomplished by a sufficient flow rate of washing water and a comparatively small flow rate of air, to the user.
On the other hand, the user can change the setting of the air pressure to the higher side. For example, the ratio of the value Pi to the value Pa may be set to 1.3 in Fig. 22. In this case, the amount of air mixed in the washing water at the time point t1 and thereafter exceeds the amount of air mixed in the washing water in the period from the time point t0 to the time point t1. Selecting such air pressure offers highly stimulating washing water that is accelerated by the air to the user. In this case, the amount of used washing water is small, thus allowing the private parts to be dried after use in a short period of time.
(8-d-2) While the sanitary washing apparatus 100 (Fig. 1) has such a configuration that the three flow paths, which are the linear flow path 551 (Fig. 3), the spiral flow path 552 (Fig. 3) and the bidet flow path 553 (Fig. 3), are included in the one human body washing nozzle 540 (Fig. 3) in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sanitary washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle including the linear flow path 551 and the spiral flow path 552 and a nozzle including the bidet flow path 553.
In this case, the nozzle including the bidet flow path 553, about which women are especially concerned, is accommodated in the sanitary washing apparatus 100 when the user uses the nozzle including the linear flow path 551 and the spiral flow path 552. Accordingly, the sanitary washing apparatus 100, which is more sanitary, can be provided.
(8-d-3) While the water pressure fluctuates in the shape of a substantially sinusoidal wave as an example of the fluctuation of the water pressure in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water pressure may fluctuate in the shape of a triangular wave or a rectangular wave. The water pressure may fluctuate not periodically but irregularly. Amplitude of fluctuations of the water pressure may not be constant.
(8-d-4) While the small piston pump is used as the water pump 11 (Fig. 3) in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plunger pump or a diaphragm pump can be used. Also, a large piston pump can be used. In this case, the water pump 11 may be provided outside the main body 200 (Fig. 1).
The frequency of water pressure fluctuations is determined by a ratio of the flow rate of the washing water supplied to the water pump 11 to an amount of discharged water from the water pump 11. The instantaneous heating type heat exchanger 9 (Fig. 3) that instantaneously heats the washing water is employed in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the flow rate of the washing water supplied to the water pump 11 is 300 to 500 cc/min. Meanwhile, since a space for arranging the used water pump 11 is limited, the small water pump 11 capable of discharging water of 0.15 cc is used. In this case, the frequency of water pressure fluctuations is 33.3 to 55.6 Hz.
On the other hand, the large piston pump discharges a larger amount of water, resulting in a higher frequency of water pressure fluctuations. Accordingly, the washing water including irregularly formed water masses and air masses can be more easily formed as in the case of using the third pressure relationship.
(8-d-5) The controller 90 (Fig. 3) controls the water pump 11 (Fig. 3) and the air pump 14 (Fig. 3) based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor 8 (Fig. 3) for appropriately setting the water pressure and the air pressure in the above-described embodiment. An amount of control for setting the water pressure and the air pressure differs depending on the shape of the T-tube 503 (Fig. 5) in which the washing water and the air are joined.
Fig. 23 (a), (b), (c), (d) show examples of the T-tube 503.
In the example of Fig. 23 (a), an outflow pipe 503c is provided perpendicular to a washing water inflow pipe 503a and an air inflow pipe 503b that are formed in a linear shape. The inner diameter of each of the washing water inflow pipe 503a, the air inflow pipe 503b and the outflow pipe 503c is 2.5 mm, for example.
In the example of Fig. 23 (b), the air inflow pipe 503b is inclined with respect to the washing water inflow pipe 503a and the outflow pipe 503c that are formed in a linear shape. The inner diameter of each of the washing water inflow pipe 503a and the outflow pipe 503c is 6.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the air inflow pipe 503b is 1.0 mm, for example.
In the example of Fig. 23 (c), the washing water inflow pipe 503a is provided perpendicular to the air inflow pipe 503b and the outflow pipe 503c that are formed in a linear shape. The inner diameter of each of the washing water inflow pipe 503a, the air inflow pipe 503b and the outflow pipe 503c is 6.0 mm, for example, and an ejector 503d having the inner diameter of 1.15 mm, for example, is provided in the air inflow pipe 503b.
In the example of Fig. 23 (d), the air inflow pipe 503b is provided perpendicular to the washing water inflow pipe 503a and the outflow pipe 503c that are formed in a linear shape. The inner diameter of each of the washing water inflow pipe 503a and the outflow pipe 503c is 6.0 mm, for example, and an ejector having the inner diameter of 1.3 mm, for example, is used as the air inflow pipe 503b.
While the T-tube 503 shown in Fig. 23 (a) is used in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The T-tube shown in Fig. 23 (b) to (d) may be used depending on the amount of control to the water pump 11 and the air pump 14.
(8-d-6) While the relationship between the flow rate of the washing water obtained by the flow rate sensor 8 (Fig. 3) and the duty ratio of the drive pulse applied to the air pump 14 of Fig. 3 is previously stored as the map, and the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 is controlled to the pressure corresponding to the washing strength that is set by the user by controlling the duty ratio of the drive pulse using the map in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressure of spraying from the human body washing nozzle 540 may be controlled to the pressure corresponding to the washing strength that is set by the user by providing a pressure detector between the T-tube 503 of Fig. 5 and the posterior spray port 555a, and controlling the water pump 11 of Fig. 3 based on pressure detected by the pressure detector.
(8-d-7) While the frequency of air pressure fluctuations is controlled to be lower than the frequency of water pressure fluctuations in the third pressure relationship, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least either one of the frequency of water pressure fluctuations and the frequency of air pressure fluctuations may be controlled to irregularly fluctuate.
In this case, water masses and air masses can be further irregularly formed in the linear flow path 551 of Fig. 3. Therefore, the sizes of water masses sprayed from the posterior washing water spray port 555a of Fig. 16 are further irregularly formed. Using such washing water offers more irregular stimuli to the user, and hastens the bowels of the user.
(8-d-8) When the water pump 11 is not capable of providing the maximum washing strength that can be set by the user, the pressure of the washing water sprayed from the human body washing nozzle 540 may be controlled to the pressure corresponding to the maximum washing strength by increasing the air pressure caused by the air pump 14.

(9) Correspondences between Elements in the Claims and Parts in Embodiments

In the following paragraph, non-limiting examples of correspondences between various elements recited in the claims below and those described above with respect to various preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained.
In the above-described embodiment, the water pump 11 is an example of a washing water supplying device and a washing water pressuring device, the air pump 14 is an example of an air supplying device and an air pressuring device, the hole 540h is an example of a spray port, the human body washing nozzle 540 is an example of a spraying device, the linear flow path 551 is an example of a flow path, the T-tube 503 is an example of a junction, the remote control device 300 is an example of an operation unit, the flow rate sensor 8 is an example of a flow rate detector, and the heat exchanger 9 is an example of an instantaneous heating device.
As each of various elements recited in the claims, various other elements having configurations or functions described in the claims can be also used.

[Industrial Applicability]

The present invention can be effectively utilized for a sanitary washing apparatus that washes the private parts of a human body.

Claims

A sanitary washing apparatus comprising:
a washing water supplying device that supplies washing water at a pressure that fluctuates;

an air supplying device that supplies air; and

a spraying device that has a spray port, and sprays the washing water supplied by said washing water supplying device and the air supplied by said air supplying device from said spray port, wherein

the pressure of the washing water supplied by said washing water supplying device and a pressure of the air supplied by said air supplying device are set such that the pressure of the air supplied to said spraying device is higher than the pressure of the washing water supplied to said spraying device at least once in a period where the washing water is sprayed from said spraying device.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure of the air supplied to said spraying device is set lower than a maximum value of the pressure of the washing water supplied to said spraying device.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said air supplying device supplies the air at a constant pressure.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said air supplying device supplies the air at a pressure that fluctuates.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said air supplying device includes an air pressurizing device that pressurizes the air at a pressure that periodically fluctuates,
said washing water supplying device includes a washing water pressurizing device that pressurizes the washing water supplied from said water supply source at a pressure that periodically fluctuates, and
the pressure of the washing water pressurized by said washing water pressurizing device and the pressure of the air pressurized by said air pressurizing device are set such that a maximum value of the pressure of the air supplied to said spraying device is higher than a minimum value of the pressure of the washing water supplied to said spraying device.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressure of the washing water pressurized by said washing water pressurizing device and the pressure of the air pressurized by said air pressurizing device are set such that a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the air supplied to said spraying device is higher than a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the washing water supplied to said spraying device.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pressure of the washing water pressurized by said washing water pressurizing device and the pressure of the air pressurized by said air pressurizing device are set such that a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the air supplied to said spraying device is lower than a frequency of fluctuations of the pressure of the washing water supplied to said spraying device.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said spraying device further includes a flow path that introduces the washing water supplied by said washing water supplying device and the air supplied by said air supplying device to said spray port, and
the pressure of the washing water supplied by said washing water supplying device and the pressure of the air supplied by said air supplying device are set such that the washing water flowing in said flow path is parted by the air.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a junction where the washing water supplied by said washing water supplying device and the air supplied by said air supplying device are joined to be introduced to said flow path of said spraying device.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
an operation unit that is operated by a user for setting washing strength; and

a controller that controls at least one of said washing water supplying device and said air supplying device such that the pressure of the washing water sprayed from said spraying device attains a pressure corresponding to the washing strength set by operation of said operation unit.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a flow rate detector that detects a flow rate of the washing water supplied by said washing water supplying device, wherein
said controller controls at least one of said washing water supplying device and said air supplying device based on the flow rate detected by said flow rate detector such that the pressure of the washing water sprayed from said spraying device attains the pressure corresponding to the washing strength set by the operation of said operation unit.
The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instantaneous heating device that heats the washing water supplied from said supply source while causing the washing water to flow and supplies the washing water to said washing water supplying device in the period where the washing water is sprayed from said spraying device.