EP3299526B1

EP3299526B1 - Hygienic cleaning device

Info

Publication number: EP3299526B1
Application number: EP16799529.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kenji Matsui; Takayuki SATOI
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2016-05-12
Publication date: 2020-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-05-12
Also published as: TWI682088B; WO2016189814A1; JP6754951B2; TW201704599A; TWI731530B; TWI727569B; TWI727570B; TW202018158A; TW202018156A; JP7022903B2; EP3299526A1; ES2816048T3; CN107614808A; TW202018157A; JPWO2016189814A1; CN107614808B; JP2020079558A; EP3299526A4

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a to a toilet with a spray nozzle to clean the toilet bowl and a hygienic cleaning device that cleans a private part of a human body.

BACKGROUND ART

With this kind of a conventional hygienic cleaning device, a cleaning water nozzle extends from a storage position to a buttock cleaning position or a bidet cleaning position. The cleaning water nozzle then discharges cleaning water from a discharge opening. As a result, a configuration for cleaning a private part of a human body can be achieved.
Therefore, a proposed hygienic cleaning device includes, in addition to a cleaning water nozzle for cleaning a private part of a human body, a spray nozzle for injecting foam toward an inner surface of a toilet bowl before a user defecates to form a foam film onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl (for example, see PTL 1).
The hygienic cleaning device described in PTL 1 detects a seated user with a detection unit, and automatically injects foam from the spray nozzle. Accordingly, before the user defecates, a foam film is formed onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl to prevent dirt from adhering onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
A sufficient effect cannot be expected from this technique as a countermeasure against contamination. For example, the inner surface of the toilet bowl has a portion in which a spray of foam cannot reach thoroughly in some cases.

Citation List

Patent Literature

PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-104319
Document EP 2 848 745 A1 discloses a toilet with a nozzle for cleaning the inner surface of the toilet bowl. The jet flow velocity of the sprayed liquid may be varied in order to reach various regions of the surface of the bowl. Liquid sprayed onto the surface quickly flows down. The spray nozzle is able only to advance and to retract. The surface of the toilet bowl may not be entirely and reliably covered with the cleaning liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hygienic cleaning device that prevents adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on an inner surface of a toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
That is, the hygienic cleaning device according to the present invention includes a toilet seat pivotally mounted on a toilet bowl, a body that pivotally supports the toilet seat, a heat exchanger for heating cleaning water, a cleaning water nozzle for cleaning a human body, a foam generation unit for generating cleaning foam, and a spray nozzle for discharging cleaning water or cleaning foam to an inner surface of the toilet bowl. The device further includes a discharge water amount variable unit for variably changing a flow rate of cleaning water to be delivered to the spray nozzle, a spray nozzle drive unit for driving and rotating a direction of a discharge opening of the spray nozzle, an opening and closing valve for opening and closing a water passage to the spray nozzle, a control unit, and an operation unit. The control unit causes the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam to areas with different heights on the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
According to this configuration, when spraying foam (to be referred to as "cleaning foam" hereinafter) from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl, the control unit causes the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam to almost a whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, including a high area and a plurality of low areas.
As a result, a foam film is formed on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part, to prevent adhesion of dirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a hygienic cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed on a toilet bowl.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a front body case of the hygienic cleaning device is removed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the front body case and a control unit of the hygienic cleaning device are removed.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an upper surface of an operation unit of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a remote controller.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a water circuit of a cleaning unit of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the water circuit of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the water circuit of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a sub tank of the water circuit.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sub tank as viewed in a front view.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sub tank as viewed in a side view.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a heat exchanger of the water circuit.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a water pump of the water circuit.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the water pump.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a storage state of a nozzle device of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 shown in FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a storage state of the nozzle device.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion B shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a storage state of the nozzle device.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion C shown in FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a buttock cleaning state of the nozzle device.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion D shown in FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a bidet cleaning state of the nozzle device.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a detailed configuration of portion E shown in FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a bidet cleaning state of the nozzle device.
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a detailed configuration of portion F shown in FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 is a timing chart of the cleaning unit at an initial stage of use of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 30 is a timing chart of the cleaning unit at a usual stage of use of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a spray nozzle of the hygienic cleaning device.
FIG. 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle.
FIG. 33 is a plan view showing an installation position of the spray nozzle in the hygienic cleaning device, and a rotational angle of a discharge opening of the spray nozzle.
FIG. 34 is a chart showing a pump output corresponding to a rotational angle of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle.
FIG. 35A is a chart showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 35B is an explanatory drawing showing a discharge operation of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 36A is a chart showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 36B is an explanatory drawing showing a discharge operation of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment.

(Exemplary embodiment)

<1> Overall configuration of hygienic cleaning device

Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the hygienic cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment of the present invention is installed on a toilet bowl. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a front body case of a body of the hygienic cleaning device is removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the front body case of the body and a control unit of the hygienic cleaning device are removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an upper surface of an operation unit of the hygienic cleaning device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a remote controller.
As shown in FIG. 1, hygienic cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment includes, as main constitutional elements of hygienic cleaning device 100, at least body 200, toilet seat 300, toilet lid 320, remote controller 400, human body detection sensor 450 and the like. Body 200, toilet seat 300, and toilet lid 320 are formed as an integral body, and are mounted on an upper surface of toilet bowl 110.
Hereinafter, the arrangement of the respective constitutional elements is described by assuming a side of hygienic cleaning device 100 where body 200 is disposed as a rear side, a side of the hygienic cleaning device 100 where toilet seat 300 is disposed as a front side, a right side when a user faces frontward as a right side, and a left side when the user faces frontward as a left side.
Operation unit 210 is integrally mounted on body 200 in a state where operation unit 210 projects right-sideward from body 200. Toilet seat and toilet lid rotating mechanism 360 is disposed on a front portion side of body 200, and drives toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320 in an openable and closeable manner. Toilet seat and toilet lid rotating mechanism 360 includes a DC motor and a plurality of gears, for example, and can open or close toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320 independently from each other or simultaneously.
As shown in FIG. 1, when toilet lid 320 is open, toilet lid 320 is raised so as to be positioned at a rearmost portion of hygienic cleaning device 100. On the other hand, when toilet lid 320 is closed, toilet lid 320 conceals an upper surface of toilet seat 300.
Toilet lid 320 is molded by using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), for example. Toilet lid 320 has the heat insulation structure formed of the double structure and a heat insulation material.
A toilet seat heater (not shown in the drawing) which heats a seating surface is provided in toilet seat 300. The toilet seat heater heats the seating surface of toilet seat 300 such that the seating surface becomes a comfortable temperature for a user.
Further, seating sensor 330 is a component of a seating detection unit that is mounted on a bearing portion disposed inside body 200 which supports a rotary shaft of toilet seat 300, and detects a human body seated on toilet seat 300. Seating sensor 330 is formed of a weight-type sensor, for example, and opens and closes a switch in response to a change in weight brought about by sitting of a user on toilet seat 300. Due to such an operation, seating sensor 330 detects whether a user is seated on the seating surface of toilet seat 300.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, body 200 internally includes, sub tank 600, heat exchanger 700, cleaning unit 500 that includes nozzle device 800, spray nozzle 550, deodorizing device 120, control unit 130, and the like. Nozzle device 800 includes, for example, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 that is a cleaning water nozzle for cleaning a private part of a human body. Spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning water or cleaning foam toward an inner surface of the toilet bowl. Deodorizing device 120 deodorizes an odor generated at a time of defecation. Control unit 130 controls respective functions of hygienic cleaning device 100. Note that buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 will be described as an example of a cleaning water nozzle in some cases.
Nozzle device 800 that is a main constitutional element of cleaning unit 500 is provided in a center portion inside body 200. Spray nozzle 550 is mounted at a front position of body 200, fixed on toilet bowl 110, on a right side of nozzle device 800. Deodorizing device 120 is mounted on a left side of nozzle device 800. Toilet seat and toilet lid rotating mechanism 360 which drives toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320 in an openable and closeable manner is disposed on left of nozzle device 800.
Water stop electromagnetic valve 514 of cleaning unit 500, relief valve 515, sub tank 600 and the like are further disposed on front right of nozzle device 800. Heat exchanger 700 is disposed on rear of nozzle device 800. On rear of heat exchanger 700, water pump 516 configuring a discharge water amount variable unit is provided. Control unit 130 is disposed above cleaning unit 500.
As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of switches and display lamps 240 for operating and setting the respective functions of hygienic cleaning device 100 are disposed, in addition to other components, on operation unit 210. An operation board (not shown in the drawing) is disposed inside operation unit 210. A plurality of tact switches and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (not shown in the drawing) are disposed on the operation board. A user can then operate the tact switches by pushing and can visually recognize the LEDs by means of a switch name plate adhered to an upper surface of operation unit 210.
Operation unit 210 includes infrared-ray receiver 211 on a rear side of its upper surface. Infrared-ray receiver 211 receives infrared ray signals transmitted from remote controller 400 and human body detection sensor 450 shown in FIG. 1
The switches of operation unit 210 are constituted of a plurality of operation switches 220 for operating a cleaning operation, a plurality of setting switches 230 for setting various kinds of functions and the like. Further, display lamps 240 are constituted of a plurality of LEDs for displaying set states of body 200.
Operation switches 220 of operation unit 210 include, for example, buttock cleaning switch 221 and nozzle cleaning switch 222. Buttock cleaning switch 221 can be used for an auxiliary purpose if a battery of remote controller 400 expires or if a fault arises in remote controller 400. Nozzle cleaning switch 222 can be used to clean the nozzle.
Setting switches 230 of operation unit 210 are constituted of, for example: hot water temperature switch 231; toilet seat temperature switch 232; 8-hour warming stop switch 233; power saving switch 234; toilet lid automatically opening/closing switch 235 and the like.
The following operations are performed by a user when the respective switches are operated by pushing.
Hot water temperature switch 231 is provided for setting a temperature of cleaning water. Toilet seat temperature switch 232 is provided for setting a temperature of toilet seat 300. When 8-hour warming stop switch 233 is turned on, warming of toilet seat 300 is stopped, and warming of toilet seat 300 is started again after 8 hours elapse. Power saving switch 234 automatically learns a period of time where hygienic cleaning device 100 is not used, and lowers a warming temperature of toilet seat 300 during the period of time where hygienic cleaning device 100 is not used, thus achieving power saving. Toilet lid automatically opening/closing switch 235 is provided for setting automatic opening/closing operation of toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320.
Many operations of hygienic cleaning device 100 are performed by remote controller 400 which is constituted as a constitutional element separated from body 200. Accordingly, remote controller 400 is mounted on a wall surface or the like of a toilet room which a user seated on toilet seat 300 can easily operate.
As shown in FIG. 5, the overall shape of remote controller 400 is formed into a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. Remote controller 400 is configured such that the plurality of switches and display lamps are mounted on an upper surface and a front surface of box-shaped remote controller body 401 which is molded by using a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) and ABS, for example. Transmitting part 402 which transmits an operation signal from remote controller 400 to body 200 in the form of infrared rays is disposed in a vicinity of an upper corner portion of remote controller body 401.
A control board (not shown in the drawing) which forms a control function of remote controller 400, a battery (not shown in the drawing) which is a power source for remote controller 400 and the like are incorporated in the inside of remote controller body 401.
Buttock cleaning switch 410, bidet cleaning switch 411, stop switch 412, move cleaning switch 413, rhythm cleaning switch 414 and the like are disposed on a front center portion of remote controller body 401, for example.
The following operations are performed by a user when the respective switches are operated by pushing.
When buttock cleaning switch 410 is operated, buttock cleaning starts. When bidet cleaning switch 411 is operated, bide cleaning in which a woman's private part is cleaned starts. When stop switch 412 is operated, buttock cleaning or bidet cleaning stops. When move cleaning switch 413 is operated, cleaning over a wide range becomes possible by advancing and retracting a cleaning position of a nozzle periodically at the time of performing buttock cleaning or bidet cleaning. When rhythm cleaning switch 414 is operated, cleaning becomes possible where a cleaning strength is changed periodically at the time of performing buttock cleaning.
Cleaning strength switch 415, cleaning position switch 416, spray switch 417, and the like are disposed on an upper front portion of remote controller body 401, for example. When cleaning strength switch 415 is operated, a cleaning strength at the time of performing buttock cleaning and a cleaning strength at the time of performing bidet cleaning can be adjusted using two switches. When cleaning position switch 416 is operated, a cleaning position at the time of performing buttock cleaning and a cleaning position at the time of bidet cleaning can be adjusted using two switches. When spray switch 417 is operated, spray nozzle 550 discharges and sprays cleaning water or cleaning foam toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl or a surface of the cleaning water nozzle.
Strength display lamp 421 formed of LEDs which display a cleaning strength in five stages, for example, is disposed above cleaning strength switch 415. Further, position display lamp 422 which displays a cleaning position in five stages, for example, is disposed above cleaning position switch 416.
Toilet lid switch 418 for electrically opening and closing toilet lid 320, and toilet seat switch 419 for electrically opening and closing toilet seat 300 are disposed on the upper surface of remote controller body 401. By operating respective switches, a user can arbitrarily open and close toilet seat 300 and toilet lid 320. In this case, an open state of toilet seat 300 refers to a state in which toilet seat 300 is raised approximately upright (including upright) when, for example, a male person urinates. In contrast, a closed state of toilet seat 300 refers to a state in which toilet seat 300 lies approximately parallel (including parallel) to an upper edge surface of toilet bowl 110. The open state and the closed state of toilet seat 300 is detected based on a signal from toilet seat open and close sensor 331 that is a toilet seat open and close detection unit.
Human body detection sensor 450 shown in FIG. 1 is constituted as a constitutional element separated from body 200, and is mounted on the wall surface of the toilet room or the like, for example. Human body detection sensor 450 includes: a pyroelectric sensor; a sensor control unit; an infrared-ray transmitting part; a battery which is a power source for human body detection sensor 450 and the like (not shown in the drawings). The pyroelectric sensor receives infrared rays emitted from a human body. The sensor control unit detects the presence of a human body in response to a signal from the pyroelectric sensor. The infrared-ray transmitting part transmits a human body detection signal sent from the sensor control unit to the control unit of body 200 in the form of infrared rays.
Hygienic cleaning device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described above.

<2> Water circuit configuration of hygienic cleaning device

Hereinafter, the overall configuration of a water circuit of the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the water circuit of the hygienic cleaning device.
Cleaning unit 500 shown in FIG. 6 is incorporated in body 200, and cleans a private part of a user.
As shown in FIG. 6, cleaning unit 500 configuring the water circuit includes at least: nozzle device 800 for jetting cleaning water; a series of cleaning water supply passage 690 through which cleaning water is supplied to nozzle device 800 from water supply connecting port 510 and the like.
Water supply connecting port 510, strainer 511, check valve 512, constant flow regulating valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, relief valve 515, sub tank 600, heat exchanger 700, buffer tank 750, water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit, flow regulating valve 517 and the like are sequentially mounted in cleaning water supply passage 690. A most downstream end of cleaning water supply passage 690 is connected to nozzle device 800.
Water supply connecting port 510 is disposed below a right side of body 200, and is connected with an external city water pipe, for example. Strainer 511 is disposed inside water supply connecting port 510, and prevents the inflow of dusts and dirt contained in tap water. Check valve 512 prevents the backflow of water stored in sub tank 600 to the city water pipe.
Constant flow regulating valve 513 is disposed downstream of check valve 512, and maintains an amount of cleaning water which flows in cleaning water supply passage 690 at a fixed value. Based on a signal sent from control unit 130, water stop electromagnetic valve 514 electrically opens and closes cleaning water supply passage 690. Constant flow regulating valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, and relief valve 515 are integrally formed as shown in FIG. 7.
Sub tank 600 is disposed downstream of water stop electromagnetic valve 514, and has an atmosphere open port 603. Heat exchanger 700 heats cleaning water instantaneously. Buffer tank 750 makes a temperature of hot water which is heated by heat exchanger 700 uniform.
Water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit is connected downstream of buffer tank 750. Nozzle device 800 is disposed downstream of water pump 516, and connected, via flow regulating valve 517, to water pump 516. Buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832, nozzle cleaning unit 833 and the like of nozzle device 800 are connected to respective ports of flow regulating valve 517.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, branch passage 530 includes opening and closing valve 530a, and is disposed and branched, at a point between water pump 516 and flow regulating valve 517, from cleaning water supply passage 690. Branch passage 530 connects cleaning water supply passage 690 with foam generation unit 560.
Foam generation unit 560 includes check valve 531, foam tank 532, detergent tank 533, detergent pump 534, air pump 535, and the like.
Branch passage 530 supplies cleaning water, via check valve 531, to foam tank 532 of foam generation unit 560.
Spray nozzle 550 is connected downstream of foam tank 532, and is driven and rotated by spray nozzle drive unit 550a. Detergent tank 533 and detergent pump 534 are connected to foam tank 532 to supply detergent to foam tank 532.
Air pump 535 supplies air to foam tank 532 into which cleaning water or detergent is supplied to generate cleaning foam when detergent is supplied. The generated cleaning foam, cleaning water, or the like is then supplied from foam tank 532 to spray nozzle 550.
Broken lines shown in FIG. 6 show that respective components are electrically connected with control unit 130 and controlled by control unit 130.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, out of members which constitute cleaning unit 500, water supply connecting port 510, strainer 511, check valve 512, constant flow regulating valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, relief valve 515, sub tank 600, heat exchanger 700, buffer tank 750, water pump 516 are assembled into chassis 501. Chassis 501 is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, and, as shown in FIG. 2, assembled to rear body case 201 of body 200.
Specifically, strainer 511 and check valve 512 are integrally assembled to water supply connecting port 510. Constant flow regulating valve 513 and relief valve 515 are integrally assembled to water stop electromagnetic valve 514. Buffer tank 750 is integrally formed with heat exchanger 700.
Connecting ports of water supply connecting port 510 and water stop electromagnetic valve 514, connecting ports of water stop electromagnetic valve 514 and sub tank 600, and connecting ports of sub tank 600 and heat exchanger 700 are respectively directly connected to each other with a packing, for example, an O-ring (not shown in the drawing) sandwiched therebetween without interposing a connecting tube or the like therebetween. Members configuring the above described water circuit are provided and fixed at predetermined positions of chassis 501.
With the above described configuration, a watertight structure is achieved, where accuracy in relative arrangement of members is enhanced. Particularly, the accuracy in relative arrangement of sub tank 600 and heat exchanger 700 is enhanced. Accordingly, the accuracy in controlling a flow rate of cleaning water is enhanced. As a result, the performance of cleaning unit 500 is enhanced and, at the same time, the accuracy in controlling a flow rate is enhanced.
Next, a configuration of water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit will now be described herein with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 and using FIGS. 14 and 15.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a water pump of the water circuit. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the water pump.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, water pump 516 is formed of a piston pump which is a displacement pump having an outer shape of an approximately L shape (including an L shape), for example. Water pump 516 includes motor unit 516a having an approximately circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape), link mechanism part 516b, piston unit 516c, and the like. Link mechanism part 516b converts a rotary motion of the motor into a reciprocating motion. Piston unit 516c is driven through a reciprocating motion of link mechanism part 516b to suck and discharge cleaning water. Accordingly, piston unit 516c includes, on an external surface, as connecting ports, water suction port 516d and discharge opening 516e.
In case of water pump 516 of this exemplary embodiment, vibrations generated in motor unit 516a which performs only a rotary motion are smaller than vibrations generated by link mechanism part 516b and piston unit 516c which perform a reciprocating motion.
To describe the operation of water pump 516 specifically, firstly when motor unit 516a is driven, piston unit 516c starts a reciprocating motion. Accordingly, cleaning water is sucked into water pump 516 from water suction port 516d of piston unit 516c, and the cleaning water is discharged from discharge opening 516e. The cleaning water discharged from discharge opening 516e is discharged while forming the flow of water having appropriate pulsation along with a reciprocating motion of piston unit 516c.
An outer periphery of motor unit 516a having an approximately circular columnar shape (including circular columnar shape) of water pump 516 having the above-mentioned configuration is surrounded by a buffer member (not shown in the drawing) made of a foamed resin having resiliency. Motor unit 516a is inserted into water pump mounting portion 501a having an approximately circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape) and provided on a rear portion of chassis 501. Accordingly, water pump mounting portion 501a supports motor unit 516a. In such a configuration, link mechanism part 516b and piston unit 516c are disposed in a downwardly suspended manner.
As shown in FIG. 7, water pump mounting portion 501a is formed of an ABS resin to have a thin wall thickness, and is formed on an upper portion of rib-shaped leg portion 501b which is raised from a bottom surface of chassis 501. Accordingly, with elasticity of a resin configuring water pump mounting portion 501a, vibrations of water pump 516 can effectively be absorbed.
Hot water outflow port 712 which is a connecting port of heat exchanger 700 with which buffer tank 750 is integrally formed and water suction port 516d which is a connecting port of water pump 516 are connected to each other by connecting tube 502 (see FIG. 8) made of a soft resin.
As described above, in water pump 516 of this exemplary embodiment, motor unit 516a which generates a small amount of vibrations is mounted in water pump mounting portion 501a having a thin wall thickness of chassis 501 by way of the buffer member. On the other hand, link mechanism part 516b and piston unit 516c which generate a large amount of vibrations are provided in a freely suspended manner. Further, piston unit 516c and the like are connected to buffer tank 750 by way of connecting tube 502 (see FIG. 8) made of a soft resin. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress vibrations generated at the time of driving water pump 516 from being transmitted to chassis 501, other members, and body 200. As a result, comfortability and durability of hygienic cleaning device 100 during use can be enhanced.
Particularly, water pump 516 is supported by way of two members made of materials different from each other, that is, the buffer member made of a foamed resin and water pump mounting portion 501a made of a resin having resiliency. Therefore, vibrations frequencies in a wide range can be absorbed. Accordingly, it is possible to further effectively suppress the transmission of vibrations to body 200.
The water circuit of hygienic cleaning device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described above.

<3> Configuration of sub tank

Hereinafter, the configuration of the sub tank of the hygienic cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the sub tank of the water circuit. FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the sub tank. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sub tank.
Firstly, as shown in FIG. 9, sub tank 600 includes at least: tank body 610 which is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, for example; water level detection sensor 620; inflow water temperature sensor 630 and the like. Water level detection sensor 620 detects a water level of cleaning water stored in tank body 610. Inflow water temperature sensor 630 is formed of a thermistor, for example, and detects a temperature of cleaning water supplied into the inside of tank body 610.
Tank body 610 includes three members, that is, front tank 611 which forms a front wall, side walls, a bottom surface, and a top surface of the tank, rear tank 612 which forms a rear wall of the tank, and atmosphere open portion 613 which is disposed on a top surface of tank body 610. The overall shape of tank body 610 is formed of a plurality of planes consisting of the front wall, the rear wall, the side walls, the bottom surface, and the top surface. As shown in FIG. 10, the overall shape of tank body 610 as viewed in a plan view is formed into an approximately quadrangular shape (including a quadrangular shape). The front wall of front tank 611 has an inclined portion which is inclined rearward from an intermediate portion of the front wall. That is, when tank body 610 is viewed in a side view as shown in FIG. 11, tank body 610 is formed into an approximately trapezoidal shape (including a trapezoidal shape) where a width of an upper portion is smaller than a width of a lower portion. With such a configuration, a cross-sectional area of the upper portion of tank body 610 is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the lower portion of tank body 610.
Water inflow port 601 is formed at a lower portion of one of the side walls of front tank 611 of tank body 610, and water outflow port 602 is formed at a lower portion of the rear wall of rear tank 612 of tank body 610.
Atmosphere open port 603 which makes the inside and the outside of tank body 610 communicate with each other is formed on atmosphere open portion 613 which is disposed on the top surface of tank body 610. Atmosphere open port 603 discharges air accumulated in tank body 610 to the outside so as to consistently maintain inner pressure of tank body 610 at atmospheric pressure. With such a configuration, the inside of sub tank 600 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, and cleaning water supply passage 690 from a downstream side of sub tank 600 to water suction port 516d of water pump 516 is also maintained at atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, without being affected by variations in pressure of tap water to be supplied, water pump 516 can supply cleaning water to nozzle device 800. As a result, water pump 516 can perform a pump function stably.
As shown in FIG. 10, in flow passage 613b which communicates with atmosphere open port 603 of atmosphere open portion 613 in water pump 516, buffer portion 613a at where flow passage 613b partially has a large cross-sectional area is formed. In the case where cleaning water intends to flow out with an impulse along with bubbles from atmosphere open port 603 or the like, buffer portion 613a temporarily stores cleaning water. Due to such an operation, the flowing out of cleaning water from atmosphere open port 603 is suppressed.
Further, inside tank body 610, partition wall 614 is provided. Partition wall 614 divides the inside of tank body 610 into two tanks, that is, water inflow tank 615 and storage tank 616. Tank body 610 includes water inflow port 601 provided, at a position near the bottom surface, on a side surface of water inflow tank 615 (front tank 611), and water outflow port 602 provided, at a position near the bottom surface, on a rear wall of storage tank 616 (rear tank 612).
That is, tank body 610 is formed, by partition wall 614, with water inflow tank 615 and storage tank 616. Accordingly, when air is contained in cleaning water which flows into tank body 610 through water inflow port 601, air passes through atmosphere open port 603 from an upper portion of water inflow tank 615 and is discharged to the outside. Accordingly, only cleaning water containing no air is allowed to flow into storage tank 616.
Above water inflow tank 615 of tank body 610, barrier wall 617 which lies between upper surface opening portion 615a of water inflow tank 615 and atmosphere open portion 613 is disposed in a state where barrier wall 617 projects from the side wall of front tank 611 of tank body 610 in an approximately horizontal direction (including a horizontal direction). Barrier wall 617 has a size capable of covering the whole surface of upper surface opening portion 615a of water inflow tank 615.
Further, inside water inflow tank 615, a plurality of flow straightening ribs 618 is provided. Flow straightening ribs 618 are provided on the side walls of front tank 611 of tank body 610 and partition wall 614 so as to alternately project in an approximately horizontal direction (including a horizontal direction).
Next, the flow of cleaning water in sub tank 600 is described.
Cleaning water which flows into sub tank 600 from water inflow port 601, firstly, flows into a lower portion of water inflow tank 615. The flowed cleaning water rises in water inflow tank 615 while the flow direction of cleaning water is changed by flow straightening ribs 618. At this stage of operation, when pressure of cleaning water which flows into sub tank 600 from water inflow port 601 is high, or when cleaning water contains a large amount of air so that the flow of cleaning water is remarkably turbulent, flow straightening ribs 618 suitably straighten the flow of cleaning water. Further, flow straightening ribs 618 separate air contained in cleaning water due to a vortex generated downstream of flow straightening ribs 618.
Cleaning water which rises in water inflow tank 615 and from which air is separated overflows an upper end of partition wall 614, flows into storage tank 616, and is stored in storage tank 616. At this time, even when pressure of cleaning water which flows into storage tank 616 from water inflow port 601 is high, or even when cleaning water contains a large amount of air so that the flow of cleaning water is remarkably turbulent, the flow of cleaning water in the upward direction (toward atmosphere open portion 613) is suppressed by barrier wall 617. That is, barrier wall 617 prevents cleaning water from directly hitting atmosphere open portion 613, and, from atmosphere open port 603, from flowing out to the outside of sub tank 600.
As described above, during a period where cleaning water which flows into sub tank 600 from water inflow port 601 of sub tank 600 rises in water inflow tank 615, air contained in the cleaning water is separated from the cleaning water due to flow straightening ribs 618 and the like. The separated air is discharged to the outside of tank body 610 from atmosphere open port 603. With such a configuration, cleaning water containing no air is stored in storage tank 616, and such cleaning water is supplied to heat exchanger 700 from water outflow port 602 of sub tank 600.
When air is contained in cleaning water supplied to heat exchanger 700 from sub tank 600, bubbles are generated in heat exchanger 700. Accordingly, there may be a case where a temperature in heat exchanger 700 is abnormally increased so that heat exchanger 700 is damaged. Therefore, sub tank 600 of this exemplary embodiment is provided with partition wall 614 in sub tank 600, thus preventing the mixing of air by separating air from cleaning water. Only the cleaning water is then supplied to heat exchanger 700. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively prevent heat exchanger 700 from being damaged.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, sub tank 600 includes water level detection sensor 620 which includes common electrode 621 made of a stainless material and used in common, and a plurality of water level electrodes 622 disposed corresponding to respective water levels in sub tank 600. This exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, a configuration of water level detection sensor 620 including one common electrode 621 and two water level electrodes 622.
Common electrode 621 is disposed, at a lower portion, on an inner surface of the front wall of tank body 610. Water level electrodes 622 are disposed on an inner surface of the rear wall of tank body 610. Water level electrodes 622 include upper limit electrode 623 disposed on an upper portion of the inner surface of the rear wall, and lower limit electrode 624 disposed on a lower portion of the inner surface of the rear wall. Common electrode 621 is disposed at a position below lower limit electrode 624 which constitutes one of water level electrodes 622, and is always immersed in cleaning water in a normal state of use.
That is, common electrode 621 is provided on a surface, at a height different from heights of upper limit electrode 623 and lower limit electrode 624, both configuring water level electrodes 622. Accordingly, it can be suppressed that water remained and adhered on the inner surface of tank body 610 is erroneously detected as stored water.
A method for detecting a water level of cleaning water using water level electrodes 622 will now be described herein.
Firstly, a DC voltage is applied between common electrode 621 and water level electrodes 622. Then, whether or not water level electrodes 622 are immersed in cleaning water is detected based on a change in voltage. Accordingly, a water level of cleaning water in tank body 610 is detected. That is, when the water level of cleaning water in storage tank 616 rises, lower limit electrode 624 and upper limit electrode 623 are immersed in water. In this case, a voltage between common electrode 621 and lower limit electrode 624 and a voltage between common electrode 621 and upper limit electrode 623 are lowered. Consequently, control unit 130 detects a water level of cleaning water based on the lowering of voltages.
Upper limit electrode 623 which constitutes one of water level electrodes 622 is used for detecting an upper limit water level, and lower limit electrode 624 which constitutes the other of water level electrodes 622 is used for detecting a lower limit water level. Accordingly, upper limit electrode 623 is disposed at a position below atmosphere open port 603. With such a configuration, cleaning water is prevented from flowing out from atmosphere open port 603. Further, lower limit electrode 624 is disposed above water outflow port 602 though which water is supplied to heat exchanger 700. This configuration can prevent air from flowing into heat exchanger 700.
Sub tank 600 of this exemplary embodiment is constituted as described above.

<4> Configuration of heat exchanger

Hereinafter, the configuration of the heat exchanger of the hygienic cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the heat exchanger of the water circuit. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger.
In this exemplary embodiment, buffer tank 750 is integrally formed with heat exchanger 700, and buffer tank 750 is mounted on an upper portion of heat exchanger 700.
Firstly, heat exchanger 700 is formed into a flat plate shape having an approximately rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape) as viewed in a front view (see FIG. 13). Heat exchanger 700 includes at least: casing 701 which is molded by using a reinforced ABS resin made of an ABS resin compounded with glass fibers; flat-plate-like heater 702 made of ceramic, hot water outflow member 703 and the like.
Casing 701 includes: front surface member 710 which constitutes a front surface portion of casing 701, and back surface member 720 which constitutes a back surface portion of casing 701. Flat-plate-like heater 702 is disposed in a space formed between front surface member 710 and back surface member 720. Heating passage 715 is formed of: a gap defined between front surface member 710 and flat-plate-like heater 702; and a gap defined between back surface member 720 and flat-plate-like heater 702.
Heat exchanger 700 having the above-mentioned configuration instantaneously heats and increases a temperature of cleaning water which flows through heating passage 715 by flat-plate-like heater 702.
In heat exchanger 700, water inflow port 711 which constitutes a connecting port is formed at a lower right end of a front surface of front surface member 710, and hot water outflow port 712 which constitutes a connecting port is formed on hot water outflow member 703 which is mounted on an upper end of a right side surface of front surface member 710.
As shown in FIG. 13, water inflow passage 713 which is continuously formed with water inflow port 711 is formed over the approximately whole width (including a whole width) of the lower end portion of casing 701. On an upper surface of water inflow passage 713, a plurality of slits 714 is provided over the whole width. Water inflow passage 713 is configured such that cleaning water flowed into water inflow passage 713 passes through slits 714, and flows into heating passage 715. Slits 714 have a function of allowing cleaning water to flow into heating passage 715 uniformly over the whole width of heating passage 715.
Partition rib 716 is provided to an upper end portion of heating passage 715, and, above partition rib 716, buffer tank 750 is provided. A plurality of water through holes 717 is formed on partition rib 716 over the approximately whole width (including the whole width) of partition rib 716. With such a configuration, cleaning water which is heated by heating passage 715 flows into buffer tank 750 through water through holes 717.
Projections 718 each having an approximately semicircular cross section (including a semicircular cross section), for example, are disposed in buffer tank 750 at intervals over the approximately whole width (including the whole width) of buffer tank 750. Projections 718 are provided for making the flow of cleaning water which flows toward hot water outflow port 712 in the inside of buffer tank 750 turbulent. With such a configuration, cleaning water is agitated so that irregularity in temperature of cleaning water is eliminated. As a result, cleaning water having uniform temperature is flown out from hot water outflow port 712.
Two thermistors, that is, outflow hot water temperature sensor 730 and excessively elevated temperature sensor 731 are mounted on hot water outflow member 703. Outflow hot water temperature sensor 730 detects an outflow hot water temperature of cleaning water. Excessively elevated temperature sensor 731 detects an excessively elevated temperature of heat exchanger 700. With such a configuration, control unit 130 controls a temperature of cleaning water flown out from heat exchanger 700.
Heat exchanger 700 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described above.

<5> Configuration of nozzle device

Hereinafter, the configuration of the nozzle device of the hygienic cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 28.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a storage state of the nozzle device according to this exemplary embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a storage state of the nozzle device. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion B shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a storage state of the nozzle device. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion C shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a buttock cleaning state of the nozzle device. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion D shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a bidet cleaning state of the nozzle device. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of portion E shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the nozzle portion showing a bidet cleaning state of the nozzle device. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a detailed configuration of portion F shown in FIG. 27.
As shown in FIG. 16, nozzle device 800 includes at least support portion 810, nozzle portion 820, cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860, flow regulating valve 517 and the like. Support portion 810 is molded by using a resin material such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or ABS, for example, and is formed into an approximately triangular (including a triangular shape) frame shape as viewed in a side view. Nozzle portion 820 moves forward and backward along support portion 810. Cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 drives and moves nozzle portion 820 forward and backward. Flow regulating valve 517 changes over the supply of cleaning water to nozzle portion 820.
In the description of nozzle device 800 made hereinafter, the arrangement of the respective constitutional elements is described by assuming that a direction along which nozzle portion 820 is stored is a rearward direction, a direction along which nozzle portion 820 advances is a frontward direction, a right side in a direction from a rear side to a front side is a right side, and a left side in a direction from a rear side to a front side is a left side.
Support portion 810 is formed into a frame shape, and is formed of: inclined portion 812 which is lowered toward a front portion from a rear portion of inclined portion 812 with respect to bottom side portion 811 disposed approximately horizontally (including horizontally); and vertical side portion 813 which connects a rear end of bottom side portion 811 and a rear end of inclined portion 812 to each other. Guide rail 814 which guides forward and backward movement of nozzle portion 820 and rack guide 815 (see FIG. 17) which guides flexible rack 861 (see FIG. 17) of cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 are formed over the approximately whole length (including the whole length) of inclined portion 812. Holding portion 816 having an approximately circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape) which supports nozzle portion 820 in a surrounding manner is integrally formed on a lower side of a front end of inclined portion 812.
As shown in FIG. 16, guide rail 814 which guides nozzle portion 820 is formed into an approximately T shape (including a T shape) in cross section. Rack guide 815 which guides flexible rack 861 has an approximately U shape (including a U shape) as viewed in cross section where one side surface is open. Rack guide 815 is configured to guide flexible rack 861 while restricting upper and lower surfaces and one side surface of flexible rack 861.
Rack guide 815 is also formed on vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion 811 disposed at a rear portion of support portion 810 continuously with inclined portion 812. Rack guides 815 at a corner formed by inclined portion 812 and vertical side portion 813 are connected to each other in an arcuate shape, for example, and rack guides 815 at a corner formed by vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion 811 are connected to each other in an arcuate shape, for example. Rack guide 815 formed on vertical side portion 813 and rack guide 815 formed on bottom side portion 811 are also formed into an approximately U shape (including a U shape) in cross section. On the other hand, with respect to a side surface of rack guide 815, a left side surface of rack guide 815 is open at inclined portion 812, and a side opposite to the left side surface, that is, a right side surface of rack guide 815 is open at vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion 811. This reduces sliding resistance and can more reliably guide flexible rack 861. Further, open surfaces of rack guides 815 at vertical side portion 813 and bottom side portion 811 are closed by a support portion lid or the like which is a member provided separately from rack guide 815, for example.
Cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 includes: flexible rack 861 which is joined to nozzle portion 820; pinion gear 862 which is meshed with flexible rack 861; and drive motor 863 which rotatably drives pinion gear 862. Cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 moves nozzle portion 820 forward and backward along guide rail 814.
Drive motor 863 is formed of a stepping motor, for example, and a rotational angle of drive motor 863 is controlled by a pulse signal. Further, due to the rotation of drive motor 863, flexible rack 861 is driven by way of pinion gear 862.
A gap is defined between an inner peripheral surface of holding portion 816 of support portion 810 and an outer peripheral surface of nozzle portion 820. Accordingly, cleaning water jetted from nozzle portion 820 flows into the gap and cleans the outer peripheral surface of nozzle portion 820.
Nozzle lid 801 is disposed on a front side of holding portion 816 in an openable and closeable manner, and is open or closed in response to advancing and retracting of nozzle portion 820. With nozzle portion 820 retracted, nozzle lid 801 is then closed. Accordingly, nozzle portion 820 is prevented from becoming dirty.
On bottom side portion 811 of support portion 810, water supply joint 817 which connects a water supply tube (not shown in the drawing) connected to cleaning water supply passage 690 and connecting tube 802 provided for supplying cleaning water to flow regulating valve 517 from support portion 810 to each other is formed.
As shown in FIG. 21, nozzle portion 820 includes at least: rod-like nozzle body 830 which is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, for example; nozzle cover 840; connecting portion 850 and the like. Nozzle cover 840 is formed into a cylindrical shape, and covers approximately whole nozzle body 830 (including whole nozzle body 830). In connecting portion 850, nozzle body 830 tows nozzle cover 840.
As shown in FIG. 6, nozzle body 830 of nozzle portion 820 includes: buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 for cleaning a private part; bidet cleaning water nozzle 832 for cleaning a woman's private part; nozzle cleaning unit 833 for cleaning nozzle portion 820 and the like.
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 includes: buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 which is formed on a distal end portion of nozzle body 830 in an upwardly opening manner; and buttock cleaning water passage 835 which communicates with buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 from a rear end of nozzle body 830. Buttock cleaning water passage 835 is disposed on a lower portion side of nozzle body 830, and has a bent portion which is bent upward and is formed below buttock cleaning water jetting port 834. Straightening plate 835a which straightens the flow of cleaning water is disposed on the bent portion. With such a configuration, cleaning water jetted from buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 is jetted upward through jetting opening 844 formed on nozzle cover 840.
As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832 includes: bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 which is disposed behind buttock cleaning water jetting port 834; and bidet cleaning water passage 837 which communicates with bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 from a rear end of nozzle body 830. Cleaning water jetted from bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 is jetted upward through jetting opening 844 formed on nozzle cover 840.
As shown in FIG. 27, nozzle cleaning unit 833 includes: nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838 disposed on a side surface of nozzle body 830; and nozzle cleaning water passage 839 which communicates with nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838 from the rear end of nozzle body 830. Cleaning water jetted from nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838 is jetted to the inside of nozzle cover 840, and is discharged to the outside of nozzle cover 840 from discharge opening 845 of nozzle cover 840. Cleaning water jetted from nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838 is used for cleaning nozzle portion 820 and the surrounding of nozzle portion 820.
Further, a front side of nozzle portion 820 is inserted into and supported by holding portion 816 of support portion 810. A rear portion of nozzle portion 820 is suspended by and slidably provided to guide rail 814. Nozzle portion 820 is configured to move frontward and backward among a storage position shown in FIG. 16 where nozzle portion 820 is stored in an area behind holding portion 816, a buttock cleaning position shown in FIG. 23 where nozzle portion 820 projects from holding portion 816, and a bidet cleaning position shown in FIG. 25.
Nozzle cover 840 includes, as shown in FIG. 21, nozzle cover body 841 and connecting member 842. Nozzle cover body 841 is formed by machining a stainless thin plate into a circular cylindrical shape, for example. A distal end surface of nozzle cover body 841 is formed into a closed surface, and a rear end surface of nozzle cover body 841 is formed into an open surface. Connecting member 842 is molded by using a resin material such as ABS, for example, and is formed into an approximately circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape). Connecting piece 843 (see FIG. 22) which engages with nozzle body 830 is formed on both side portions of connecting member 842.
A nozzle cover stopper (not shown in the drawing) for restricting a slide range of nozzle cover 840 is integrally formed on a right rear end of connecting member 842. The nozzle cover stopper is configured such that the slide range of nozzle cover 840 is restricted by bringing the nozzle cover stopper into contact with a front stopper receiving portion and a rear stopper receiving portion (not shown in the drawing) formed on support portion 810.
A portion of connecting member 842 is fixed to and integrally formed with nozzle cover body 841 in a state where the portion of connecting member 842 is inserted into the inside of nozzle cover body 841 from an opening formed on a rear end of nozzle cover body 841.
Single jetting opening 844 which can face buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 and bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 of nozzle body 830 is formed, for example, on a front upper surface of nozzle cover body 841. Discharge opening 845 through which cleaning water flowing out to the inside of nozzle cover body 841 is discharged to the outside is formed on a front lower surface of nozzle cover body 841.
An inner diameter of nozzle cover 840 has a size slightly larger than an outer diameter of nozzle body 830. With such a configuration, nozzle body 830 and nozzle cover 840 are configured to be smoothly slidable relative to each other in a state where nozzle body 830 is inserted into nozzle cover 840.
Flow regulating valve 517 is mounted on a rear end surface of nozzle body 830. Flow regulating valve 517 includes, for example, disc-type valve body 517a, and stepping motor 517b for driving a switching operation, as shown in FIG. 6. Through a switching operation, flow regulating valve 517 selectively supplies cleaning water to either buttock cleaning water passage 835, bidet cleaning water passage 837, or nozzle cleaning water passage 839.
On an external surface of valve body 517a of flow regulating valve 517, water supply port 517c (see FIG. 16) for supplying cleaning water to flow regulating valve 517 is provided. Water supply port 517c is connected to and in communication with support portion 810 via water supply joint 817 and connecting tube 802.
Next, hereinafter, connecting portion 850 of this exemplary embodiment which is formed of connecting member 842 of nozzle cover 840 and connection receiving portion 851 of nozzle body 830 is described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 28.
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 28, connection receiving portion 851 is formed on a right side of an outer periphery of a rear end portion of nozzle body 830. Two grooves having an approximately V-shape (including a V-shape) which constitute front recessed portion 851a and rear recessed portion 851b respectively are formed on a front side and a rear side of connection receiving portion 851. Front recessed portion 851a and rear recessed portion 851b are disposed in a spaced-apart manner from each other in a longitudinal direction of nozzle body 830. A distance between front recessed portion 851a and rear recessed portion 851b is set equal to a distance between buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 and bidet cleaning water jetting port 836.
On the other hand, connecting member 842 of nozzle cover 840 is molded by using a resin material such as ABS and POM, for example, and is formed into an approximately circular cylindrical shape (including a circular cylindrical shape). Connecting piece 843 which projects rearward is formed on both side portions of a rear portion of connecting member 842. Connecting piece 843 includes, on a rear end portion, approximately V-shaped (including V-shaped) connecting projection 843a projecting inward is provided.
When nozzle body 830 is inserted into nozzle cover 840, connecting projection 843a of connecting member 842 of nozzle cover 840 is always brought into pressure contact with connection receiving portion 851 of nozzle body 830 due to resiliency of connecting member 842. In such a state, when connecting projection 843a is made to engage with either front recessed portion 851a or rear recessed portion 851b, nozzle body 830 and nozzle cover 840 are brought into a mutually connected state. With such a configuration, nozzle cover 840 is movable by being towed by nozzle body 830.
In a state where connecting projection 843a enters front recessed portion 851a as shown in FIG. 22, bidet cleaning water jetting port 836 of nozzle body 830 and jetting opening 844 of nozzle cover 840 face each other as shown in FIG. 26. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28, in a state where connecting projection 843a enters rear recessed portion 851b, buttock cleaning water jetting port 834 and jetting opening 844 face each other as shown in FIGS. 19 and 24. With such a configuration, cleaning water can be jetted from a predetermined jetting port.
Nozzle device 800 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described above.

<6> Control and manner of operation of cleaning unit

Hereinafter, control and the manner of operation of the cleaning unit of the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment are described.
Firstly, the basic manner of operation of cleaning unit 500 is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 26 hereinafter.
Firstly, tap water which flows through the city water pipe is supplied to hygienic cleaning device 100 from water supply connecting port 510 as cleaning water. Then, water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is open so that cleaning water is supplied to sub tank 600. At this stage of operation, a flow rate of cleaning water which flows through cleaning water supply passage 690 is maintained at a fixed value by constant flow regulating valve 513. Driving of water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is controlled by control unit 130 based on an operation of remote controller 400 and an operation of operation unit 210.
Next, cleaning water supplied into sub tank 600 is stored in sub tank 600 and, at the same time, is supplied to heat exchanger 700 and water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit. Further, control unit 130 drives water pump 516 to supply cleaning water to nozzle device 800 through flow regulating valve 517. Driving of water pump 516 is controlled by control unit 130 based on an operation of remote controller 400 and an operation of operation unit 210.
Further, control unit 130 starts heating cleaning water by energizing flat-plate-like heater 702 of heat exchanger 700. At this stage of operation, control unit 130 controls the supply of electricity to flat-plate-like heater 702 based on information detected by inflow water temperature sensor 630 and outflow hot water temperature sensor 730. That is, control unit 130 performs control to maintain a temperature of the cleaning water at a temperature set by hot water temperature switch 231 of operation unit 210.
Next, control unit 130 controls switching of flow regulating valve 517 based on operation information of operation unit 210 and operation information of remote controller 400. That is, control unit 130 causes flow regulating valve 517 to select a cleaning water flow passage by switching and to supply cleaning water to any one of buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832, and nozzle cleaning unit 833 of nozzle device 800. With such an operation, cleaning water is jetted from one of buttock cleaning water jetting port 834, bidet cleaning water jetting port 836, and nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838.
Hereinafter, a control with respect to sub tank 600 according to this exemplary embodiment, in particular, detection of a water level and a flow rate, will now be described in detail.
Firstly, the description is made with respect to a control of cleaning unit 500 at an initial stage of use of hygienic cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment with reference to FIG. 29.
FIG. 29 is a timing chart concerning the cleaning unit at the initial stage of use of the hygienic cleaning device. Note that a term "at an initial stage of use" refers to a state where no cleaning water is stored in the cleaning unit, such as when hygienic cleaning device 100 is used for a first time after installed, or when hygienic cleaning device 100 is used again after cleaning water has been discharged for preventing cleaning water from freezing.
As shown in FIG. 29, at a point of time P1, a cleaning switch (for example, buttock cleaning switch 221 or buttock cleaning switch 410) on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400 is operated by a user. Accordingly, control unit 130 supplies electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 to simultaneously start both supplying of cleaning water to sub tank 600 and driving of water level detection sensor 620. Further, control unit 130 starts driving of water level detection sensor 620. Driving of water level detection sensor 620 continues until, at a point of time P14, after buttock cleaning ends, and post-cleaning ends, cleaning water is supplied to sub tank 600, and water level detection sensor 620 detects an upper limit water level.
Next, when water level detection sensor 620 detects an upper limit water level at a point of time P2, control unit 130 starts the measurement of time. Further, after a predetermined time elapses, that is, at a point of time P3, the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is stopped so that the supply of cleaning water is stopped.
In this exemplary embodiment, the supply of electricity is stopped, for example, after two seconds elapse from the detection of an upper limit water level. The reason is as follows. At the point of time P2 where the upper limit water level is detected, basically, sub tank 600 and heat exchanger 700 reach a fully filled state. At this time, the supply of cleaning water is further continued for two seconds. Accordingly, heat exchanger 700 and water pump 516 are securely filled with cleaning water to remove air in heat exchanger 700. As a result, no-water heating of heat exchanger 700 due to an existence of residual air can be prevented with certainty and hence, safety and durability of heat exchanger 700 can be ensured. At the same time, water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit can securely be supplied and fully filled with cleaning water. Accordingly, by starting water pump 516 fully stored with cleaning water, cleaning water can further securely be supplied to nozzle portion 820.
Next, control unit 130 starts driving of water pump 516 at the point of time P3 where the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 is stopped. Simultaneously, control unit 130 drives flow regulating valve 517 so as to start the supply of cleaning water to buttock cleaning water passage 835 of nozzle portion 820. At this stage of operation, due to driving of water pump 516, a water level of cleaning water in sub tank 600 is lowered and, at a point of time P4, the detection of an upper limit water level by water level detection sensor 620 is canceled. Therefore, at the point of time P4, control unit 130 starts driving of heat exchanger 700. That is, through a detected, lowered water level, a normal operation of water pump 516 can be confirmed. With such an operation, it is possible to prevent the abnormal temperature increase in heat exchanger 700, such as no-water heating.
Then, cleaning water supplied to buttock cleaning water passage 835 is jetted from buttock cleaning water jetting port 834. The jetted cleaning water passes through jetting opening 844 and hits and is reflected on an inner surface of holding portion 816 formed on a distal end of support portion 810. With such an operation, an outer peripheral surface of nozzle cover 840 is cleaned. Hereinafter, the above cleaning operation is referred to as "pre-cleaning." The pre-cleaning is continued to, for example, a point of time P5 which comes after two seconds elapses from a point of time where hot water temperature of cleaning water in heat exchanger 700 reaches 25°C.
Next, upon the pre-cleaning ends at the point of time P5, control unit 130 starts driving of cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 of nozzle device 800. Control unit 130 then causes nozzle portion 820 to advance from the storage position to the buttock cleaning position. At this time, while nozzle portion 820 is advancing from the storage position to the buttock cleaning position, control unit 130 switches flow regulating valve 517 to supply cleaning water to nozzle cleaning water passage 839. The cleaning water supplied to nozzle cleaning water passage 839 is jetted to the inside of nozzle cover 840 from nozzle cleaning water jetting port 838. The jetted cleaning water flows out to the outside of nozzle cover 840 from discharge opening 845 after cleaning the inner surface of nozzle cover 840. Meanwhile, nozzle portion 820 is heated by the cleaning water heated by heat exchanger 700. Accordingly, cold water is prevented from jetting toward a buttock to be cleaned so that a user does not feel uncomfortable.
At a point of time P6 at which nozzle portion 820 has reached the buttock cleaning position, control unit 130 switches flow regulating valve 517 to start supplying of cleaning water to buttock cleaning water passage 835. Then, cleaning water supplied to buttock cleaning water passage 835 is jetted from buttock cleaning water jetting port 834. The cleaning water then passes through jetting opening 844 to clean a private part of the user. Cleaning of the buttock continues to a point of time P11 at which, for example, the user stops the cleaning.
At this time, control unit 130 controls a temperature of cleaning water to a set temperature based on detection data of inflow water temperature sensor 630 and detection data of outflow hot water temperature sensor 730 during driving of heat exchanger 700.
If water pump 516 is kept driving from the point of time P3, a water level of cleaning water in sub tank 600 gradually lowers. Therefore, at a point of time P7 where water level detection sensor 620 detects a lower limit water level, control unit 130 starts the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 to supply cleaning water. After that, to a point of time P8 at which water level detection sensor 620 detects the upper limit water level, control unit 130 keeps the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514.
At the point of time P8 where the upper limit water level is detected, control unit 130 stops the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 and, at the same time, starts the measurement of time. Then, control unit 130 measures a time elapsed from the point of time P8 to a point of time P9 where water level detection sensor 620 detects a lower limit water level next time.
Next, at the point of time P9 where the lower limit water level is detected, control unit 130 calculates a flow rate of cleaning water by arithmetic processing based on a measured elapsed time and an amount of water from an upper limit water level to a lower limit water level (for example, 65 cc). When there is a difference between a flow rate which is set for every cleaning strength and a flow rate of jetted cleaning water at a point of time P10 where the calculation of the flow rate of cleaning water by a flow rate arithmetic processing unit is finished, control unit 130 adjusts an output of water pump 516 so as to correct the flow rate of cleaning water.
Next, at the point of time P11 where a cleaning stop operation is performed by a user using operation unit 210 or remote controller 400, control unit 130 stops the supply of electricity to water pump 516 and heat exchanger 700. Simultaneously, control unit 130 drives cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860 of nozzle device 800 so as to retract nozzle portion 820 to the storage position from the buttock cleaning position.
At a point of time P12 where nozzle portion 820 is retracted to the storage position, control unit 130 stops driving of cleaning water nozzle drive unit 860. Simultaneously, control unit 130 drives water pump 516 and heat exchanger 700 again so as to start "post-cleaning" where nozzle portion 820 is cleaned.
Next, at a point of time P13 where a predetermined time elapses from starting of "post-cleaning," control unit 130 stops driving of water pump 516 and heat exchanger 700. With such an operation, the "post-cleaning" is finished.
Next, at the point of time P13 where the post-cleaning of nozzle portion 820 is finished, control unit 130 supplies electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 again so that cleaning water is supplied to sub tank 600. Then, at the point of time P14 where water level detection sensor 620 detects the upper limit water level, control unit 130 stops the supply of electricity to water stop electromagnetic valve 514 so that a series of control for buttock cleaning is finished. With such an operation, where sub tank 600 fully filled with cleaning water to the upper limit water level, cleaning unit 500 is brought into a standby state.
As has been described heretofore, a control of the cleaning unit at the initial stage of use of hygienic cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment is performed.
Hereinafter, the description is made with respect to a control of the cleaning unit at a usual stage of use of hygienic cleaning device 100 of this exemplary embodiment with reference to FIG. 30.
FIG. 30 is a timing chart of the cleaning unit at the usual stage of use of the hygienic cleaning device. A term "at a usual stage of use" refers to a state where a hygienic cleaning device that has undergone an initial stage of use and thus is now in a standby state performs a cleaning operation.
A control of the cleaning unit at a usual stage of use shown in FIG. 30 differs from the control of the cleaning unit at an initial stage of use shown in FIG. 29 with respect to a point where sub tank 600 is already in a fully filled state at a point of time P20 where the cleaning operation is performed and a point where control unit 130 stores in a memory that the hygienic cleaning device has undergone an initial stage of use.
Firstly, as shown in FIG. 30, at the point of time P20, a cleaning switch (for example, buttock cleaning switch 221 or 410) on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400 is operated, by a user, in a standby state where sub tank 600 is in a fully filled state. Accordingly, control unit 130 supplies electricity to water pump 516 to start supplying of cleaning water to a predetermined nozzle portion. Simultaneously, control unit 130 starts the supply of electricity to heat exchanger 700 based on stored data that a control of an initial operation has been already performed.
Then, control unit 130 starts the "pre-cleaning" operation of nozzle device 800 simultaneously with the supply of electricity to heat exchanger 700. Further, control unit 130 starts driving of water level detection sensor 620.
That is, the case of the initial stage of use described with reference to FIG. 29 and the case of the usual stage of use differ from each other with respect to a control from a point of time that the cleaning operation is performed to a point of time that the supply of electricity to heat exchanger 700 is started. Both cases are substantially equal to FIG. 29 with respect to the control and the manner of operation after a point of time P5 where driving of nozzle device 800 is started and hence, the repeated description of the control and the manner of operation after the point of time P5 is omitted.
As described above, in the hygienic cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment, a change in water level of cleaning water is detected by the water level detection sensor mounted on the sub tank and a flow rate of cleaning water is calculated by an arithmetic operation. Accordingly, it is not necessary that a special flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate be separately provided to the cleaning unit. As a result, a configuration of the cleaning unit can be simplified in a cost-effective manner.
The hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment corrects a threshold for determining a change in output voltage between the electrodes in water level detection in accordance with a temperature. This improves the accuracy in water level detection and flow rate detection and enables the use of water having different conductivities in a wide range as cleaning water for the hygienic cleaning device. As a consequence, it is possible to further increase the range of use of the hygienic cleaning device and improve its user-friendliness.
Further, in the hygienic cleaning device of this exemplary embodiment, at an initial stage of use, a fully filled state of the sub tank is detected and, thereafter, the supply of water is continued for a predetermined time. Simultaneously, after the water pump is driven, and the water level detection sensor has detected a cancellation of the upper limit water level, the supply of electricity to the heat exchanger is started. Accordingly, it can be determined that the heat exchanger is securely supplied with cleaning water. Accordingly, the configuration of this exemplary embodiment can be simplified compared to the conventional configuration which prevents no-water heating using a flow rate sensor. As a result, it is possible to realize the hygienic cleaning device having high safety and reliability at a low cost.
As described above, control and the manner of operation of the cleaning unit of the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment is executed.

<7> Control and manner of operation of spray nozzle for discharging cleaning water toward inner surface of toilet bowl

Hereinafter, control and the manner of operation of the spray nozzle of the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment for discharging cleaning water toward an inner surface of a toilet bowl will now be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 34.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the spray nozzle of the hygienic cleaning device. FIG. 32 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle. FIG. 33 is a plan view showing an installation position of the spray nozzle in the hygienic cleaning device, and a rotational angle of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle. FIG. 34 is a chart showing a pump output of the discharge water amount variable unit corresponding to a rotational angle of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle.
Spray nozzle 550 includes, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, spray nozzle drive unit 550a, body 550c, rotation nozzle 550d, and the like. Spray nozzle drive unit 550a includes, for example, a motor for driving and rotating rotation nozzle 550d. Body 550c includes inlet passage 550b and inlet holes 550h to supply cleaning foam, cleaning water, or the like generated by foam generation unit 560 shown in FIG. 6 to rotation nozzle 550d. Further, body 550c rotatably holds rotation nozzle 550d internally shaft-sealed with O-ring 550e and O-ring 550f. Note that an X-ring may be used in place of O-ring 550f. This can reduce torque required to drive and rotate rotation nozzle 550d. In addition, this can more reliably prevent locking of rotation nozzle 550d. This allows the use of a small low-torque motor as spray nozzle drive unit 550a.
Rotation nozzle 550d is fitted to spray nozzle drive unit 550a via shaft 550n of a rotary drive body and driven and rotated.
Spray nozzle 550 according to this exemplary embodiment is configured as described above, and operates as described below.
Firstly, cleaning water or cleaning foam generated by foam generation unit 560 shown in FIG. 6 is supplied from inlet passage 550b of body 550c of spray nozzle 550. The supplied cleaning water or cleaning foam is then supplied from a plurality of inlet holes 550h of body 550c, which is open around rotation nozzle 550d, to rotation nozzle 550d. After that, the supplied cleaning water or cleaning foam is discharged from discharge opening 550u of rotation nozzle 550d toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, and the like.
Spray nozzle 550 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 33, on right side of a center of body 200. A reason of this arrangement is to dispose at the center in a prioritized manner buttock cleaning water nozzle 831 and the like for cleaning a private part of a human body. Accordingly, spray nozzle 550 is not disposed at the center, but on either left or right of the center. The above described arrangement may obviously be reversed.
Next, how spray nozzle 550 is controlled to discharge cleaning foam or the like will now be described herein with reference to FIG. 6.
How spray nozzle 550 is controlled to discharge cleaning foam or the like when a user has not seated and a toilet seat is closed will now be described herein.
Firstly, control unit 130 of hygienic cleaning device 100 detects that, with human body detection sensor 450, a user has entered into a toilet room. Simultaneously, control unit 130 starts water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit to operate upon shifting to an operation of spraying foam to the toilet bowl. Further, control unit 130 opens opening and closing valve 530a of branch passage 530.
In this case, flow regulating valve 517 for switching a passage to buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, bidet cleaning water nozzle 832, nozzle cleaning unit 833, or the like is closed. Accordingly, cleaning water is supplied from heat exchanger 700, via branch passage 530, and check valve 531 and foam tank 532, both configuring foam generation unit 560, to spray nozzle 550. The supplied cleaning water is discharge from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, and the like.
At this time, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit 550a to drive and rotate discharge opening 550u of rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550. Accordingly, cleaning water or cleaning foam discharged from discharge opening 550u is sprayed toward a whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, buttock cleaning water nozzle 831, and the like to form a water film or a foam film. This prevents adhesion of dirt and the like.
As shown in FIG. 33, a distance from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to the inner surface of the toilet bowl differs depending on a rotational angle direction of spray nozzle 550.
That is, when a rotational angle of spray nozzle 550 disposed at the above described position is changed to, as shown in FIG. 33, a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 of 160°, a distance from discharge opening 550u to the inner surface of the toilet bowl becomes maximum (farthest). On the other hand, at a position where a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is 340° (turned 180° from the above described angle of 160°), a distance from discharge opening 550u to the inner surface of the toilet bowl becomes minimum (nearest).
Therefore, control unit 130 performs a control so that, as shown in FIG. 34, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit is changed.
A method of controlling an output of water pump 516 in accordance with a rotational angle of spray nozzle 550 will be described below.
Firstly, upon detecting, with human body detection sensor 450, that a user has entered the toilet room, control unit 130 starts the above control.
Next, while control unit 130 changes, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit in a range from "high" to "low," as shown in FIG. 34, cleaning foam or the like is discharged.
Specifically, around a rotational angle of 160° at which a distance to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, as shown in FIG. 33, becomes maximum (farthest), control unit 130 increases an output of water pump 516 to large (high). On the other hand, around a rotational angle of 340° at which a distance to the inner surface of the toilet bowl becomes minimum (nearest), control unit 130 lowers an output of water pump 516 to small (low).
That is, control unit 130 controls, in accordance with a rotational angle of spray nozzle 550, in other words, a distance between discharge opening 550u and the inner surface of the toilet bowl, a jetting amount (and a jetting speed) of cleaning foam or cleaning water from discharge opening 550u.
More specifically, to discharge cleaning foam or cleaning water toward a front side of the toilet bowl, which lies at a position most distant from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, water pump 516 is set to an output of "high" to most vigorously discharge the cleaning foam or cleaning water. Accordingly, the cleaning foam or cleaning water can fully reach to the inner surface on the front side of the toilet bowl.
On the other hand, to discharge cleaning foam or cleaning water toward a rear side of the toilet bowl, which lies at a position nearest from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, water pump 516 is set to an output of "low" to most gently discharge the cleaning foam or cleaning water. This prevents occurrence of unfavorable events such as splashing of cleaning foam or cleaning water.
Cleaning water or cleaning foam is then discharged toward the whole inner surface of the toilet bowl in advance before use to form a water film or a foam film. Accordingly, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl when used
In this exemplary embodiment, when human body detection sensor 450 detects that a user has entered a toilet room, or the user operates spray switch 417 via operation unit 210 or remote controller 400, control unit 130 sprays cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl. At this time, control unit 130 sprays cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl while changing an output of water pump 516 configuring a discharge water amount variable unit, as shown in FIG. 34. More specifically, first of all, control unit 130 rotates spray nozzle drive unit 550a forward (for example, clockwise), and sprays cleaning foam while rotating a direction of discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle between the rear side and the front side of the toilet bowl. In addition, control unit 130 rotates spray nozzle drive unit 550a backward (for example, counterclockwise), and sprays cleaning foam while rotating the direction of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 between the rear side and the front side of the toilet bowl. That is, control unit 130 rotates and moves discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 in forward and backward directions over the inner surface of the toilet bowl to spray cleaning foam while making at least one reciprocal rotating motion.
This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam over almost the whole circumference (including the whole circumference) of inner surface of toilet bowl 110 by controlling an output of the discharge water amount variable unit so as to make cleaning foam reach near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
Note that, in this case, as shown in FIG. 34, control unit 130 may cause the spray nozzle to discharge cleaning foam while setting an output of the discharge water amount variable unit lower when rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a forward than when rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a backward. At this time, as indicated by spray movement locus TF of cleaning foam indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 33, when rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a forward (clockwise), control unit 130 controls a direction of discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam to a side near water level surface 110b inward from rim 110a of toilet bowl 110. In contrast, as indicated by spray movement locus TR indicated by a broken line in FIG. 33, when rotating spray nozzle drive unit 550a backward (counterclockwise), control unit 130 controls a direction of discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam to a side near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110.
This makes it possible to cover water level surface 110b above drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110 with cleaning foam at an early stage of the start of spraying cleaning foam (forward rotation). Subsequently, at the time of backward rotation, cleaning foam can be sprayed to almost the whole circumference of the inner surface of toilet bowl 110 near rim 110a. This can effectively prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
In addition, according to this exemplary embodiment, spray nozzle 550 is disposed at a position on a front part of body 200 mounted and fixed on toilet bowl 110, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, spray nozzle 550 is placed on a front side relative to a front end position of nozzle device 800 in a storage state. Nozzle device 800 cleans a human body upon making the cleaning water nozzle protrude from the storage position to the buttock cleaning position or the bidet cleaning position. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam upon directing discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle to a rear side of toilet bowl 110 at the time of a driving and rotating operation. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a cleaning foam film on the inner surface of toilet bowl 110, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
In the above description, clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation when viewed from above in FIG. 33 are defined as forward rotation and backward rotation, respectively. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, forward rotation and backward rotation may be defined as counterclockwise rotation and clockwise rotation, respectively. That is, at the time of spraying cleaning foam, a direction in which discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle starts rotating is called forward rotation, and a direction in which discharge opening 550u returns is called backward rotation. These definitions do not limit rotation directions.
As described above, control unit 130 changes, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of water pump 516. Accordingly, toward the inner surface on the front side, sides, and the rear side of the toilet bowl, where distances vary, cleaning water or cleaning foam can fully and securely be discharged. As a result, in a wider area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, a water film or a foam film can be formed to prevent as much as possible dirt from adhering.
The above exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, a configuration of setting, based on an average level "medium", outputs of water pump 516 of "high" and "low." For example, water pump 516 may be configured to raise or lower the average output level of "medium" itself to change a standard level. In this case, a level changeover switch for adjusting an average level should advantageously be provided to operation unit 210 or remote controller 400. Accordingly, in even larger or smaller toilet bowl 110 for which hygienic cleaning device 100 is provided, cleaning water or cleaning foam can be discharged toward a whole circumference of an inner surface of the toilet bowl. Further, a height position (from a horizontal surface) on the inner surface of toilet bowl 110, at which cleaning foam is to be sprayed, can be changed in a desired manner. As a result, a water film or a foam film can further securely be formed onto the whole inner surface of the toilet bowl to prevent as much as possible dirt from adhering.
The above exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, the discharge control performed by control unit 130 to change, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, an output of water pump 516. For example, in addition to a change in output of water pump 516, control unit 130 may perform control to change a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550.
That is, in this exemplary embodiment, by changing an output of water pump 516, magnitude of how strongly or gently cleaning water or cleaning foam will be discharged is changed. Accordingly, cleaning water or cleaning foam can securely be sprayed toward a distant area on an inner surface of a toilet bowl, while splashing of the cleaning foam or cleaning water at a nearer area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl can effectively be prevented.
If, however, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 is rotated at a constant rotational speed, in an area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, which is distant from discharge opening 550u, spray density of cleaning foam or cleaning water becomes thinner. In contrast, in an area on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, which is close from discharge opening 550u, spray density of cleaning foam or cleaning water becomes thicker. For this reason, in this exemplary embodiment, as described above, spray nozzle drive unit 550a changes a rotational speed of spray nozzle 550 in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u. This can make the spray density of cleaning water or cleaning foam more uniform with respect to the whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
When spraying cleaning foam or cleaning water by changing an output of water pump 516, the cleaning foam or cleaning water can be sprayed at uniform spray density to a certain extent.
However, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is sprayed by changing a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a in accordance with a rotational angle of spray nozzle 550, further uniform spray density can be achieved. In other words, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is discharged from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 toward a whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl, further uniform spray density can be achieved.
That is, when a rotational speed is constant, as shown in FIG. 33, and cleaning water or cleaning foam is sprayed toward an area most distant from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, at which a rotational angle is around 160°, in other words, the front side of the toilet bowl, the cleaning water or cleaning foam disperses, and spray density becomes thinner. Therefore, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is discharged toward the front side of the toilet bowl, a rotational speed of spray nozzle 550 should be lowered to minimum. Accordingly, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 slowly passes around the front side of the toilet bowl so that spray density becomes thicker.
On the other hand, when cleaning foam or cleaning water is discharged toward an area nearest from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, at which a rotational angle is around 340°, in other words, the rear side of the toilet bowl, the cleaning foam or cleaning water concentrates, and spray density becomes thicker. Therefore, a rotational speed of spray nozzle 550 increases to maximum. Accordingly, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 quickly passes around the rear side of the toilet bowl so that spray density becomes thinner.
As a result, cleaning water or cleaning foam can be sprayed at uniform (less unevenness) spray density onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl, regardless of a rotational speed. Accordingly, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering over the whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
As described above, control unit 130 changes, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a. For example, at a rotational angle at which discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 faces the front side of the toilet bowl, where a distance to the inner surface of the toilet bowl is longer, a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a is lowered to small (lower speed). On the other hand, at a rotational angle at which discharge opening 550u faces the rear side of toilet bowl, where a distance to the inner surface of the toilet bowl is shorter, a rotational speed of spray nozzle drive unit 550a is increased to large (higher speed).
Accordingly, toward the front side, the sides, and the rear side of the toilet bowl, where distances vary, cleaning water or cleaning foam can evenly be discharged with less unevenness in spray density. As a result, with a water film or a foam film evenly formed onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering.
In this exemplary embodiment, upon control unit 130 detects that, with human body detection sensor 450, a user has entered, control unit 130 performs a control so that cleaning water or cleaning foam is sprayed beforehand from spray nozzle 550 toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. More specifically, when spraying cleaning foam or the like into the toilet bowl, control unit 130 controls spray nozzle drive unit 550a to spray cleaning foam from rotation nozzle 550d while driving and rotating rotation nozzle 550d to make at least one reciprocating motion and then automatically stop. Accordingly, before the user uses the hygienic cleaning device, a water film or a foam film is formed onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering during use onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
Note that the above description has exemplified the case in which, before a user uses the toilet, spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning foam or cleaning water while making one reciprocal rotation. However, this is not exhaustive. A number of reciprocal rotations can be freely set as long as it allows cleaning foam or cleaning water to be fully sprayed to the inner surface of the toilet bowl. In this case, a user can selectively set a number of reciprocal rotations for spraying cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl via operation unit 210 or remote controller 400.
Further, the above exemplary embodiment adopts a configuration of making one reciprocal rotation of rotation nozzle 550d, as shown in FIG. 34, without referring to any specific rotation direction of spray nozzle 550. This is because, in a configuration where rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 is rotated either rightward or leftward over the whole circumference, cleaning water or cleaning foam will always be sprayed in an identical direction. For this reason, as in this exemplary embodiment, spraying cleaning foam or cleaning water in a reciprocating rotation manner makes it possible to spray cleaning foam or cleaning water toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl in two directions through forward and backward rotations. Accordingly, a non-sprayed area can be further reduced. Accordingly, cleaning foam or cleaning water can further evenly be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, with even a less number (time) of spray operations, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering. The above described reciprocating rotation may obviously be performed not only once, but also twice, thrice, or any plurality of times.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, firstly, rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 rotates forward (for example, clockwise) in a rotational angle range from 0°, which corresponds to a direction toward the front side of the toilet bowl, to 340° inclusive, and then rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 once stops. After that, rotation nozzle 550d rotates backward (for example, counterclockwise) in a rotational angle range from 340° to 0° for a reciprocating rotation, and then rotation nozzle 550d stops.
In this case, a rotation restriction unit that is, for example, a mechanical stopper (not shown in the drawing) is provided for restricting a rotatable range of rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 in a rotational angle range from 0° to 340° inclusive.
Specifically, for example, a projection formed at a part of an outer periphery of rotation nozzle 550d, and a rotation restriction wall of body 550c are used to configure the rotation restriction unit . With this configuration, when the projection rotates and physically abuts the rotation restriction wall, a rotating operation of rotation nozzle 550d is restricted. That is, through this abutting, the motor configuring the spray nozzle drive unit 550a slips. Accordingly, rotation nozzle 550d is configured to rotate within the rotatable range.
As described above, spray nozzle 550 configured as described above is provided with the rotation restriction unit for restricting a rotational range to allow spray nozzle 550 to reciprocating-rotate within a rotatable range that is not restricted by the rotation restriction unit. Cleaning foam or cleaning water is then sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl in forward and backward directions through reciprocating, in other words, two directions through forward and backward rotations. Accordingly, a non-sprayed area can be reduced. Accordingly, cleaning foam or cleaning water can further evenly be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, with even a less number (time) of spray operations, dirt can be prevented as much as possible from adhering.
Further, spray nozzle 550 in the above described configuration always allows recognition of a position at which the projection of rotation nozzle 550d driven by the motor configuring spray nozzle drive unit 550a abuts the rotation restriction unit, as an origin of rotation of spray nozzle drive unit 550a. That is, even when rotation nozzle 550d of spray nozzle 550 reciprocating-operates, any position difference in origin does not arise. Accordingly, improved positional accuracy in rotational angle, relative to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, can be achieved. Accordingly, a position difference and the like relative to a predetermined position of the inner surface of the toilet bowl can be reduced. As a result, cleaning foam or cleaning water can precisely be sprayed from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 toward a rotational angle position on the inner surface of the toilet bowl at an appropriate discharge output and an appropriate rotational speed.
A configuration of physically restricting a rotational range of spray nozzle 550 has been described above without limitation. If a position difference in the origin of spray nozzle 550 is not problematic, spray nozzle drive unit 550a may perform a forward and backward rotation operation of spray nozzle 550. Accordingly, while no rotation restriction unit is required, operations with, for example, a forward and backward rotation and a single direction rotation can be used in a diversified manner. As a result, in accordance with how degree the inner surface of the toilet bowl is dirty, a further appropriate operation can be achieved. In this case, it is advantageous that, by setting a rotational angle, at which a rotation direction is switched, to around 160°, a rotational speed is gradually reduced around the angle. Accordingly, a load applied to spray nozzle drive unit 550a at a time of rapid switching a direction can be reduced.
Hereinafter, a configuration of foam generation unit 560 of the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment will now be described.
Foam generation unit 560 is connected to, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, branch passage 530 branched from cleaning water supply passage 690 at a point between water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit and flow regulating valve 517, via opening and closing valve 530a. Through opening and closing of opening and closing valve 530a, cleaning water is then supplied, via branch passage 530, to foam generation unit 560.
Foam generation unit 560 includes check valve 531, foam tank 532, detergent tank 533, detergent pump 534, and air pump 535. Foam tank 532 is connected, via check valve 531, to branch passage 530.
At downstream of foam tank 532, above described spray nozzle 550 is connected. Foam tank 532 is connected, via detergent pump 534, to detergent tank 533 for supplying detergent.
Foam tank 532 is further connected to air pump 535. Air pump 535 supplies air to foam tank 532 to generate cleaning foam or the like. Subsequently, air pump 535 supplies cleaning water or cleaning foam to be generated to spray nozzle 550.
Foam generation unit 560 is configured as described above, and operates as described below.
Firstly, control unit 130 opens opening and closing valve 530a. Control unit 130 then drives water pump 516 to supply cleaning water from heat exchanger 700 to foam tank 532 of foam generation unit 560.
At this time, in foam tank 532, detergent supplied by detergent pump 534 from detergent tank 533, and cleaning water supplied from heat exchanger 700 are mixed.
Next, control unit 130 drives air pump 535 to supply air into foam tank 532. Accordingly, in foam tank 532, cleaning foam is generated. The generated cleaning foam is supplied to spray nozzle 550, and discharged from discharge opening 550u of rotation nozzle 550d toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
At this time, in accordance with increased or decreased outputs of water pump 516 and air pump 535, a discharge amount and magnitude of discharge (discharge speed and discharge pressure) of cleaning water or cleaning foam to be discharged from spray nozzle 550 are increased or decreased. Accordingly, as described with reference to FIG. 34, cleaning foam or cleaning water can evenly be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. That is, air pump 535 of foam generation unit 560 also functions, similar to water pump 516, as a discharge water amount variable unit.
A configuration of branch passage 530 provided with opening and closing valve 530a has been described above without limitation. For example, a branching portion provided with a passage switch-over valve may be configured between branch passage 530 and cleaning water supply passage 690.
That is, foam generation unit 560 according to this exemplary embodiment includes foam tank 532 lying between opening and closing valve 530a and spray nozzle 550. With detergent supplied from detergent tank 533 to foam tank 532, cleaning foam is generated. In this configuration, the generated cleaning foam is discharged from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
Accordingly, onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl, instead of a simple water film formed with sprayed water or hot water, cleaning foam containing detergent forms a foam film. As a result, the cleaning foam can further effectively prevent dirt from adhering.
Further, the cleaning foam containing detergent effectively suppresses an odor generated from dirt and the like. Further, the cleaning foam provides a visually clean impression to a user. As a result, the user can feel much more comfortable.
The above exemplary embodiment has described, without limitation, a configuration of spraying cleaning water or cleaning foam toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl when human body detection sensor 450 has detected that a person has entered. For example, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured to include spray switch 417 on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400 to execute spraying when a person operates the switch. Accordingly, even if the toilet as a hygienic cleaning device is not used, if dirt on the inner surface of the toilet bowl is not negligible, cleaning foam containing detergent or the like can be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl in order to remove the dirt. Further, an unfavorable event where dirt adheres and dries onto an area around water level surface 110b or the like can be prevented as much as possible from occurring. That is, whenever a user operates spray switch 417, a foam film can be formed with cleaning foam containing detergent onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, the inner surface of the toilet bowl can be kept clean.
Further, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured so that a user is able to select as desired with a spray selection switch (not shown in the drawing) on operation unit 210 or remote controller 400 whether either cleaning water or cleaning foam will be sprayed toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, cleaning water or cleaning foam can be freely selected in accordance with how the inner surface of the toilet bowl is dirty and how strong an odor smells. As a result, detergent can be saved to provide improved cost performance.
Further, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured so that, to spray cleaning foam toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl, control unit 130 changes, in accordance with a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550, similar to an output of water pump 516 described with reference to FIG. 34, an output of air pump 535. That is, air pump 535 may be used as a discharge water amount variable unit. Accordingly, toward the inner surface on the front side, the sides, and the rear side of the toilet bowl, where distances vary, cleaning foam or cleaning water can effectively and fully be discharged. As a result, a foam film or a water film can fully be formed onto the inner surface on the front side of the toilet bowl in order to prevent as much as possible dirt from adhering.
Specifically, as described in FIG. 34, at around a rotational angle of 160° at which a distance from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to the inner surface of the toilet bowl becomes maximum (farthest), control unit 130 increases an output (air pressure) of air pump 535 to large (high). Accordingly, with increased pressure of air supplied from air pump 535, cleaning foam or cleaning water can be vigorously sprayed farther from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550.
On the other hand, control unit 130 reduces (lowers) an output (air pressure) of air pump 535 near at an rotational angle of 340° at which a distance from discharge opening 550u to the inner surface of the toilet bowl becomes smallest (shortest). This can reduce an air pressure generated by air pump 535 and weaken a force with which cleaning foam or cleaning water is splashed. That is, in accordance with a distance from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, pressure of air to be discharged from air pump 535 is adjusted. As a result, cleaning foam or cleaning water can fully and evenly be discharged toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
The above described exemplary embodiment may be configured to further include a dirt detection unit (not shown in the drawing) for detecting, with an image element such as a charge couple device (CCD), how the toilet bowl is dirty. At this time, control unit 130 follows a result of detection by the dirt detection unit to intensively spray cleaning foam or cleaning water from spray nozzle 550 in a partially reciprocating manner toward a still dirty portion. Accordingly, dirt can effectively be prevented as much as possible from adhering, as well as adhered dirt can effectively be removed. In addition to the method in which cleaning foam or cleaning water is reciprocally sprayed to only a dirty portion, discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 may be driven and rotated at a lower rotational speed when discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 passes a still dirty portion. Further, the above described exemplary embodiment may be configured to further increase outputs of water pump 516 and air pump 535 when discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 passes a dirty portion. Accordingly, a similar or identical effect can be achieved.
As described above, the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment includes toilet seat 300 pivotally mounted on toilet bowl 110, body 200 that pivotally supports the toilet seat, heat exchanger 700 that heats cleaning water, cleaning water nozzle 831 that cleans a human body, foam generation unit 560 that generates cleaning foam, and spray nozzle 550 that discharges cleaning water or cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl. This device further includes discharge water amount variable unit 516 that variably changes a flow rate of cleaning water or cleaning foam to be delivered to the spray nozzle, spray nozzle drive unit 550a that drives and rotates discharge opening 550u of the spray nozzle in a predetermined direction, opening and closing valve 530a that opens and closes a branch passage to the spray nozzle, control unit 130, and operation unit 210. Control unit 130 is configured to control spray nozzle 550 such that spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning water or cleaning foam to a plurality of adjacent areas with different heights on the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
With this configuration, when spraying cleaning foam from spray nozzle 550 to toilet bowl 110, control unit 130 can spray cleaning foam to almost the whole circumference of the inner surface of toilet bowl 110, including a high area and lower areas, as shown in FIG. 33. This makes it possible to prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film over a surrounding area of the inner surface of toilet bowl 110, ranging from its front to its rear circumferential area.
The above description has exemplified the case in which control unit 130 executes control, actions, and operations to make the spray nozzle discharge cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl in an unseated state and a toilet seat closed state.
That is, control unit 130 rotates a direction of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 over a wide rotational angle range. At this time, control unit 130 controls an output of water pump 516 configuring a discharge water amount variable unit from "low" to "high", thereby discharging cleaning foam to the whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl. With this control, control unit 130 causes the spray nozzle to fully discharge cleaning foam over a wide range on the inner surface of the toilet bowl. This can effectively prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film over wide range on the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
Note that to control water pump 516 at "high" means that the output is relatively higher than an output of control water pump 516 in operation conditions described in items <8> and <9> to be described later.

<8> Discharge control, actions, and operations concerning spray nozzle with respect to inner surface of toilet bowl in seated state

Discharge control on spray nozzle 550 in a case in which a user operates spray switch 417 while being seated on toilet seat 300 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 35A and 35B.
FIG. 35A is an explanatory drawing showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. FIG. 35B is an explanatory drawing showing a discharge direction of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
In this case, toilet seat open and close sensor 331 detects a toilet seat closed state, and seating detection unit 330 detects a seated state.
In the above state, a user presses operation unit 210 or spray switch 417 of remote controller 400.
With this operation, first of all, as shown in FIG. 35B, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit 550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 faces a rear part of the toilet bowl. Control unit 130 then stops driving of spray nozzle 550. Note that a rear part of toilet bowl corresponds to a position (see FIG. 33) where a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is, for example, about 100° as shown in FIG. 35A, in this exemplary embodiment. Note that the rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is not limited to the above rotational angle as long as it falls within, for example, a range of 100° to about 240° in a counterclockwise direction.
Control unit 130 then controls a discharge output of water pump 516 or air pump 535 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit at "low". Subsequently, control unit 130 discharges cleaning foam from spray nozzle 550 in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 35B toward near the rear part of the toilet bowl for a predetermined time. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined time is set to, for example, 8 sec.
That is, under the above condition, cleaning foam is discharged to a position on the rear part of the toilet bowl with a weak force (at "low" output). This eliminates the possibility of splashing discharged cleaning foam to a user seated on toilet seat 300. Furthermore, cleaning foam sprayed to the rear part of the toilet bowl covers water level surface 110b in the toilet bowl. This can prevent diffusion of odor accompanying excretion and adhesion of dirt to the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
In addition, cleaning foam covering water level surface 110b in the toilet bowl functions as a cushion when stool and urine discharged from a user in a seated state drop on water level surface 110b. As a result, a cushioning effect of cleaning foam can prevent water from splashing to an area around the toilet bowl or the user.
According to the above operation of spray nozzle 550, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit 550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 faces the rear part of the toilet bowl, and stops spray nozzle drive unit 550a at a position when a user inputs a foam spray signal via spray switch 417 while the user is seated on the closed toilet seat. Subsequently, control unit 130 controls water pump 516 or air pump 535 at "low" output to discharge cleaning foam to the rear part of the toilet bowl.
That is, while a user is seated on toilet seat 300, cleaning foam is discharged with a weak force toward the rear part of the inner surface of the toilet bowl. This makes it possible to cover water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 with cleaning foam without splashing cleaning foam to a user. Consequently, it is possible to prevent diffusion of odor accompanying excretion and adhesion of dirt to the inner surface of the toilet bowl.

<9> Discharge control, actions, and operations of spray nozzle in toilet seat open state/unseated state

Hereinafter, a discharge control on the spray nozzle, when a male user is about to urinate without being seated on toilet seat 300, where toilet seat 300 is open approximately upright, and when the user has operated spray switch 417, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 36A and 36B.
FIG. 36A is an explanatory drawing showing a pump output at the time of a discharge operation of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl. FIG. 36B is an explanatory drawing showing a discharge direction of the spray nozzle toward the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
In this case, the user is standing, and toilet seat 300 is thus open. That is, toilet seat open and close detection unit 331 detects that the toilet seat is open, while seating detection unit 330 detects that no user is seated.
In the above state, a user presses operation unit 210 or spray switch 417 of remote controller 400.
With this operation, first of all, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit 550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 faces drainage opening 115 of the toilet bowl, as shown in FIG. 36B. Control unit 130 then stops driving of spray nozzle 550. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, control unit 130 stops spray nozzle drive unit 550a at a position (see FIG. 33) where a rotational angle of discharge opening 550u shown in FIG. 36A is, for example, near 150°. This makes discharge opening 550u face drainage opening 115 of the toilet bowl.
Control unit 130 then controls a discharge output of water pump 516 or air pump 535, which configures the discharge water amount variable unit, at about "medium" output, as shown in FIG. 36A. Subsequently, cleaning foam is discharged from spray nozzle 550 in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 36B toward drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110 for a predetermined time. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined time is set to, for example, 8 sec. This makes discharged cleaning foam cover a water surface above drainage opening 115, so-called water level surface 110b. Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the about "medium" output described above means an output at which cleaning foam or the like directly reaches drainage opening 115 of the toilet bowl.
That is, under the above condition, control unit 130 controls water pump 516 configuring the discharge water amount variable unit to discharge cleaning foam or the like at about "medium" output. Control unit 130 then discharges cleaning foam to near water level surface 110b above drainage opening 115 and quickly covers the water level surface 110b with the cleaning foam. This can prevent diffusion of odor accompanying excretion such as urination and adhesion of dirt near water level surface 110b of toilet bowl 110.
The cleaning foam covering water level surface 110b functions as a cushion when discharged urine drops near water level surface 110b. As a result, the cushioning effect of the cleaning foam prevents cleaning foam from splashing to an area around toilet bowl 110.
Note that FIGS. 36A and 36B show that cleaning foam is discharged to one point near a center of drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, when discharging cleaning foam, control unit 130 may direct discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 to an area within a range of water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115. In this case, a position where cleaning foam is sprayed may be any of the following positions: a front side of the toilet bowl near water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115, a center, a rear side, and left and right sides. That is, cleaning foam is sprayed to a position within almost the range (including within the range) of water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam to water level surface 110b within a short time of a few seconds after the start of discharging. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent adhesion of dirt near water level surface 110b of toilet bowl 110.
At this time, there is no need to discharge cleaning foam while a change in rotational angle of discharge opening 550u is stopped. For example, control unit 130 may spray cleaning foam while reciprocating spray nozzle 550 in a narrow range near water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115. In addition, control unit 130 may discharge cleaning foam while changing a discharge output of water pump 516 or air pump 535. This can more efficiently cover water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 with cleaning foam.
According to the above operation of spray nozzle 550, control unit 130 drives spray nozzle drive unit 550a up to a position where discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 faces the drainage opening of the toilet bowl and stops spray nozzle drive unit 550a at a position when a user inputs a foam spray signal via spray switch 417 while he/she is in an unseated state and the toilet seat is open. Subsequently, control unit 130 controls water pump 516 or air pump 535 at about "medium" output to discharge cleaning foam toward water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110.
That is, control unit 130 discharges cleaning foam at about "medium" output toward water level surface 110b of drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110 when a user operates spray switch 417 while he/she is not seated on toilet seat 300 and the toilet seat is open. This can cover water level surface 110b above drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110 with cleaning foam. This makes it possible to prevent diffusion of odor accompanying urination and adhesion of dirt near water level surface 110b of toilet bowl 110.
In the above manner, in the hygienic cleaning device according to this exemplary embodiment, control unit 130 changes a direction of discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550 and an output of water pump 516 as the discharge water amount variable unit in accordance with a seated state with respect to toilet seat 300 and an open/closed state of the toilet seat. This enables versatile use of spray nozzle 550, which discharges cleaning foam, in accordance with a situation in which hygienic cleaning device 100 is used. As a result, it is possible to perform control with an appropriate amount of foam in accordance with a situation and save the usage of detergent.
Note that this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration using a motor as spray nozzle drive unit 550a. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, the exemplary embodiment may adopt a configuration for making spray nozzle 550 pivot with counteraction caused when cleaning foam is discharged from discharge opening 550u of spray nozzle 550. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration and reduce power consumption.
In addition, this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration including one spray nozzle 550. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, the exemplary embodiment may adopt a configuration provided with a plurality of spray nozzles such as a spray nozzle that sprays cleaning foam toward near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110 and a spray nozzle that sprays cleaning foam toward near drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110. In this case, a plurality of spray nozzles may be made to pivot independently or in cooperation with each other. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl in a short time.
In addition, this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration in which spray nozzle 550 is provided with one discharge opening 550u. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, spray nozzle 550 may be provided with a plurality of discharge openings such as a discharge opening through which cleaning foam is sprayed to near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110 and a discharge opening through which cleaning foam is sprayed to near drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam to the inner surface of the toilet bowl in a short time.
In addition, this exemplary embodiment has exemplified the configuration in which spray nozzle 550 sprays cleaning foam to two positions, that is, near rim 110a of toilet bowl 110 and near drainage opening 115 of toilet bowl 110. However, this is not exhaustive. For example, other than the above configuration, the exemplary embodiment may adopt a configuration for spraying cleaning foam from spray nozzle 550 to an intermediate position (level) between rim 110a of toilet bowl 110 and drainage opening 115. Accordingly, a non-sprayed area can be further reduced.
As has been described above, the hygienic cleaning device according to the present invention includes the toilet seat pivotally mounted on the toilet bowl, the body pivotally supporting the toilet seat, the heat exchanger for heating cleaning water, the cleaning water nozzle for cleaning a human body, the foam generation unit for generating cleaning foam, and the spray nozzle for discharging cleaning water or cleaning foam into the inner surface of the toilet bowl. The device further includes a discharge water amount variable unit for variably changing a flow rate of cleaning water or cleaning foam to be delivered to the spray nozzle, a spray nozzle drive unit for driving and rotating a discharge opening of the spray nozzle in a predetermined direction, an opening and closing valve for opening and closing a branch passage to the spray nozzle, a control unit, and an operation unit for setting an instruction for the control unit. Further, the control unit may be configured to control spray nozzle 550 to spray cleaning water or cleaning foam from the spray nozzle to areas with different heights on the inner surface of the toilet bowl.
According to this configuration, when spraying foam (to be referred to as "cleaning foam" hereinafter) from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl, the control unit sprays cleaning foam to an almost whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl in accordance with high and low areas on the inner surface of the toilet bowl. This can effectively prevent adhesion of dirt by fully forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
In addition, when spraying cleaning foam from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl, the control unit of the hygienic cleaning device according to the present invention rotates the spray nozzle drive unit forward and backward while changing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit. The control unit also controls a direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam over the inner surface of the toilet bowl by making at least one reciprocal rotation operation.
According to the invention, the control unit sprays cleaning foam from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl while rotating the spray nozzle drive unit forward first to reciprocate a direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle between the rear part of the toilet bowl and the front part of the toilet bowl. Subsequently, the control unit sprays cleaning foam from the spray nozzle to the toilet bowl while rotating the spray nozzle drive unit backward to reciprocate the direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle between the rear part of the toilet bowl and the front part of the toilet bowl. That is, the control unit sprays cleaning foam from the spray nozzle while making at least one reciprocal rotating and driving over the inner surface of the toilet bowl. At this time, when rotating the spray nozzle drive unit forward or backward, the control unit sprays cleaning foam from the spray nozzle while controlling an output of discharge water amount variable unit so as to make cleaning foam reach near the rim or the water level surface of the toilet bowl. This makes it possible to spray cleaning foam to almost the whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl and form a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent adhesion of dirt.
The control unit of the hygienic cleaning device according to the present invention is configured to discharge cleaning foam from the discharge opening of the spray nozzle upon setting an output of the discharge water amount variable unit lower at the time of forward rotation of the spray nozzle drive unit than at the time of backward rotation of the spray nozzle drive unit.
Accordingly, when rotating the spray nozzle forward, which is driven and rotated by one reciprocal operation, the control unit sprays cleaning foam to a side near the water level surface inward from the rim of the toilet bowl while reducing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit. In contrast, when rotating the spray nozzle backward, the control unit sprays cleaning foam to a side near the rim of the toilet bowl while increasing the output of the discharge water amount variable unit. This can cover a water level surface above the drainage opening of the toilet bowl with cleaning foam at an early stage of the start of spraying cleaning water. In addition, cleaning foam can be sprayed to almost the whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl which is located near the rim. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part.
The hygienic cleaning device according to the present invention may further include a human body detection sensor for detecting entrance/exit of a user into/from a toilet room, and the control unit may control the spray nozzle to spray cleaning foam into the toilet bowl when the human body detection sensor detects entrance of the user into the toilet room.
According to this configuration, when the human body detection sensor detects entrance of a user into the toilet room, cleaning foam is sprayed to almost the whole circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl in advance. This can prevent adhesion of dirt by reliably forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl before use of the toilet.
Further, the foam generation unit of the hygienic cleaning device according to the present invention includes the foam tank to which cleaning water is supplied from the heat exchanger by the discharge water amount variable unit, the detergent pump for supplying detergent in a detergent tank to the foam tank, and the air pump for supplying air to the foam tank. The control unit may control the spray nozzle to discharge cleaning water or cleaning foam in the foam tank.
According to this configuration, it is possible to discharge not only water or warm water but also cleaning foam containing detergent to a surface of the cleaning water nozzle or the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Accordingly, an improved cleaning effect and an improved dirt-adhesion prevention effect can be achieved. In addition, cleaning foam containing detergent can prevent diffusion of an unpleasant odor and the like. As a result, it is possible to provide a user with a visually clean impression and a comfortable feeling at the time of use.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is configured to fully spray cleaning foam or the like to the inner surface of the toilet bowl by one reciprocal rotation operation of rotating the spray nozzle drive unit forward and backward while changing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit. This makes it possible to prevent adhesion of dirt by forming a foam film on the inner surface of the toilet bowl, ranging from its front part to its rear part. The present invention can therefore be applied to not only a hygienic cleaning device but also other types of water application equipment including a spray nozzle.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

100: hygienic cleaning device
110: toilet bowl
110a: rim
110b: water level surface
115: drainage opening
120: deodorizing device
130: control unit
200: body
201: rear body case
210: operation unit
211: infrared-ray receiver
220: operation switch
221: buttock cleaning switch
222: nozzle cleaning switch
230: setting switch
231: hot water temperature switch
232: toilet seat temperature switch
233: 8-hour warming stop switch
234: power saving switch
235: toilet lid automatically opening/closing switch
240: display lamp
300: toilet seat
320: toilet lid
330: seating sensor (seating detection unit)
331: toilet seat open and close sensor (toilet seat open and close detection unit)
360: toilet seat and toilet lid rotating mechanism
400: remote controller
402: transmitting part
401: remote controller body
410: buttock cleaning switch
411: bidet cleaning switch
412: stop switch
413: move cleaning switch
414: rhythm cleaning switch
415: cleaning strength switch
416: cleaning position switch
417: spray switch
418: toilet lid switch
419: toilet seat switch
421: strength display lamp
422: position display lamp
450: human body detection sensor
500: cleaning unit
501: chassis
501a: water pump mounting portion
501b: leg portion
502: connecting tube
510: water supply connecting port
511: strainer
512: check valve
513: constant flow regulating valve
514: water stop electromagnetic valve
515: relief valve
516: water pump (discharge water amount variable unit)
516a: motor unit
516b: link mechanism part
516c: piston unit
516d: water suction port
516e: discharge opening
517: flow regulating valve
517a: valve body
517b: stepping motor
517c: water supply port
530: branch passage
530a: opening and closing valve
531: check valve
532: foam tank
533: detergent tank
534: detergent pump
535: air pump
550: spray nozzle
550a: spray nozzle drive unit
550b: inlet passage
550c: body
550d: rotation nozzle
550e, 550f: O-ring
550h: inlet hole
550n: shaft
550u: discharge opening
560: foam generation unit
601: water inflow port
602: water outflow port
600: sub tank
603: atmosphere open port
610: tank body
611: front tank
612: rear tank
613: atmosphere open portion
613a: buffer portion
613b: flow passage
614: partition wall
615: water inflow tank
615a: upper surface opening portion
616: storage tank
617: barrier wall
618: flow straightening rib
620: water level detection sensor
621: common electrode
622: water level electrode
623: upper limit electrode
624: lower limit electrode
630: inflow water temperature sensor
690: cleaning water supply passage
700: heat exchanger
701: casing
702: flat-plate-like heater
703: hot water outflow member
710: front surface member
711: water inflow port
712: hot water outflow port
713: water inflow passage
714: slit
715: heating passage
716: partition rib
717: water through hole
718: projection
720: back surface member
730: outflow hot water temperature sensor
731: excessively elevated temperature sensor
750: buffer tank
800: nozzle device
801: nozzle lid
802: connecting tube
810: support portion
811: bottom side portion
812: inclined portion
813: vertical side portion
814: guide rail
815: rack guide
816: holding portion
817: water supply joint
820: nozzle portion
830: nozzle body
831: buttock cleaning water nozzle (cleaning water nozzle)
832: bidet cleaning water nozzle
833: nozzle cleaning unit
834: buttock cleaning water jetting port
835: buttock cleaning water passage
835a: straightening plate
836: bidet cleaning water jetting port
837: bidet cleaning water passage
838: nozzle cleaning water jetting port
839: nozzle cleaning water passage
840: nozzle cover
841: nozzle cover body
842: connecting member
843: connecting piece
843a: connecting projection
844: jetting opening
845: discharge opening
850: connecting portion
851: connection receiving portion
851a: front recessed portion
851b: rear recessed portion
860: cleaning water nozzle drive unit
861: flexible rack
862: pinion gear
863: drive motor
TF, TR: spray movement locus

Claims

A toilet bowl (110) and a hygienic cleaning device (100) comprising:
a toilet seat (300) pivotally mounted on the toilet bowl (110);

a body (200) pivotally supporting the toilet seat (300);

a heat exchanger (700) configured to heat cleaning water;

a cleaning water nozzle (831) configured to clean a human body;

a foam generation unit (560) configured to generate cleaning foam;

a spray nozzle (550) configured to discharge the cleaning water or the cleaning foam to an inner surface of the toilet bowl (110);

a discharge water amount variable unit (516) configured to variably change a flow rate of the cleaning water or the cleaning foam to be delivered to the spray nozzle (550);

a spray nozzle drive unit (550a) configured to drive and rotate a discharge opening of the spray nozzle (550) in a predetermined direction;

an opening and closing valve (530a) configured to open and close a branch passage (530) to the spray nozzle (550);

a control unit (130); and

an operation unit (210),

wherein the control unit (130) is configured to cause the spray nozzle (550) to spray the cleaning water or the cleaning foam to areas with different heights on the inner surface of the toilet bowl (110);

wherein when, in use, the cleaning foam is sprayed from the spray nozzle (550) to the toilet bowl (110), the control unit (130) causes the spray nozzle (550) to spray the cleaning foam by at least one reciprocal rotation operation of a direction of the discharge opening of the spray nozzle (550) over an inner circumference of the toilet bowl (110) by rotating the spray nozzle drive unit (550a) forward and backward while changing an output of the discharge water amount variable unit (516);

wherein the control unit (130) is configured to cause the spray nozzle (550) to discharge the cleaning foam from the discharge opening of the spray nozzle (550) upon setting an output of the discharge water amount variable unit (516) lower when rotating the spray nozzle drive unit (550a) forward than when rotating the spray nozzle drive unit (550a) backward.
The toilet bowl (110) according to claim 1, the hygienic cleaning device (100) further comprising
a human body detection sensor (450) configured to detect entrance of a user into a toilet room or exit of the user from the toilet room,
wherein the control unit (130) is configured to cause the spray nozzle (550) to spray the cleaning foam into the toilet bowl (110) when the human body detection sensor (450) detects entrance of the user into the toilet room.
The toilet bowl (110) according to claim 1, wherein the foam generation unit (560) comprises:
a foam tank (532) to which the cleaning water is supplied, in use, from the heat exchanger (700) by the discharge water amount variable unit (516);

a detergent pump (534) configured to supply detergent in a detergent tank (533) to the foam tank (532); and

an air pump (535) configured to supply air to the foam tank (532),

wherein the control unit (130) is configured to cause the spray nozzle (550) to discharge the cleaning water or the cleaning foam in the foam tank (532) from the spray nozzle (550).