EP3434839A1

EP3434839A1 - Hygienic cleaning device

Info

Publication number: EP3434839A1
Application number: EP18184135.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Shonosuke SAWA; Nobutake Sakumoto; Masahiro Maeda; Takamasa Suzuki; Hiroaki Amemori; Kota YAMASAKI
Original assignee: Toto Ltd
Current assignee: Toto Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-25
Filing date: 2018-07-18
Publication date: 2019-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-18
Also published as: EP3434839B1; JP2019027013A; JP6369609B1

Abstract

Provided is a hygienic cleaning device which can suppress applying of a scale removing agent to a member disposed inside of a casing. The hygienic cleaning device includes: a water discharging part having a nozzle and provided for discharging water; a water supply passage provided for supplying the water to the water discharging part; a tank provided to the water supply passage; a removing agent charging part capable of charging a removing agent which dissolves a scale precipitating in the water supply passage into the tank; a control part provided for performing a scale removing mode where the scale which precipitates in the water supply passage is dissolved by the removing agent charged into the tank; and a casing provided for housing the water discharging part, the water supply passage, the tank, and the control part, wherein the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at a scale removing position where the removing agent is discharged from the water discharging part toward the outside of the casing while the control part performs the scale removing mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

An aspect of the present invention relates to a hygienic cleaning device in general.

BACKGROUND

In a hygienic cleaning device, there may be a case where a scale precipitates in a water supply passage from a water supply source to a water discharging port such as a nozzle. For example, in a region where water having high hardness is used, a scale is liable to precipitate. When the scale precipitates in the water supply passage, the water supply passage is clogged so that there is a concern that water cannot be discharged from the water discharging port. To prevent such a phenomenon, there has been known a method where a precipitate scale is dissolved by a removing agent (removing liquid) charged into the water supply passage by a user, thus removing the scale.

PRIOR ART LITERATURE

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP-A-7-324565

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Problems to be solved by Invention]

In removing a scale which precipitates in a water supply passage, a filling operation is performed where a removing agent is charged into the water supply passage and the water supply passage is filled with the removing agent by allowing the charged removing agent to flow from the water supply passage to the water discharging port. Further, after the filling operation is finished, a discharging operation is performed where the removing agent is discharged from the water supply passage by allowing water to flow from the water supply passage to the water discharging port. In such filling operation and discharging operation, there may be a case where the removing agent is discharged from the water discharging port. In such a state, when the removing agent is applied to a metal member or a resin member disposed inside of a casing of the hygienic cleaning device, there is a concern that such a member is easily deteriorated.
The present invention has been made in view of the recognition of these drawbacks, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a hygienic cleaning device which can suppress applying of a scale removing agent to a member disposed inside of a casing.

[Solutions to problems]

A first invention is directed to a hygienic cleaning device which includes: a water discharging part having a nozzle and provided for discharging water; a water supply passage provided for supplying the water to the water discharging part; a tank provided to the water supply passage; a removing agent charging part capable of charging a removing agent which dissolves a scale precipitating in the water supply passage into the tank; a control part provided for performing a scale removing mode where the scale which precipitates in the water supply passage is dissolved by the removing agent charged into the tank; and a casing provided for housing the water discharging part, the water supply passage, the tank, and the control part, wherein
the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at a scale removing position where the removing agent is discharged from the water discharging part toward the outside of the casing while the control part performs the scale removing mode.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, when a removing agent is discharged from the water discharging part, it is possible to prevent applying of the removing agent to the member disposed inside of the casing. Accordingly, the deterioration of the member can be prevented.
A second invention is, in the first invention, directed to the hygienic cleaning device characterized by a technical feature that the scale removing mode has a discharging operation of discharging the removing agent from the water supply passage, and the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at the scale removing position during the discharging operation.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to the member in the inside of the casing during the discharging operation.
A third invention is, in the second invention, directed to the hygienic cleaning device characterized by a technical feature that the scale removing mode has a filling operation for filling the water supply passage disposed downstream of the tank with the removing agent which is charged into the tank before the discharging operation, and the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at the scale removing position during the filling operation.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to the member disposed inside of the casing during the filling operation.
A fourth invention is, in any one of the first to third inventions, directed to the hygienic cleaning device characterized by a technical feature that in a state where the water discharging part is disposed at the scale removing position, a distal end of the nozzle is positioned outside the casing.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, the nozzle advances such that the distal end of the nozzle is positioned outside the casing at the scale removing position and hence, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to the member in the inside of the casing.
A fifth invention is, in the third or fourth invention, directed to the hygienic cleaning device characterized by a technical feature that the hygienic cleaning device further includes a flow passage switching unit provided to the water supply passage, the water discharging part has a plurality of water discharging ports for discharging the water, the water supply passage has a first flow passage disposed upstream of the flow passage switching unit, and a plurality of second flow passages disposed downstream of the flow passage switching unit and connected to the plurality of water discharging ports respectively, the flow passage switching unit is configured to connect the first flow passage with any one of the plurality of second flow passages, the scale removing mode has a standby operation where the control part stands by for a predetermined time after the filling operation, and the control part is configured to control the flow passage switching unit such that the first flow passage and the second flow passage where a speed at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply passage becomes lowest are connected with each other during the standby operation.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, a removing agent minimally leaks out from the water supply passage during the standby operation and hence, it is possible to make a removing agent function more effectively.
A sixth invention is, in the fifth invention, directed to the hygienic cleaning device characterized by a technical feature that the control part is configured to perform a control such that the nozzle is stored in the casing during the standby operation.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, compared to a state where a nozzle advances from the casing, a head (water head) in the nozzle during the standby operation can be made small. Accordingly, a removing agent minimally leaks out during the standby operation so that it is possible to maintain a state where water flow passage is filled with the removing agent. Accordingly, a scale can be efficiently removed.
A seventh invention is, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, directed to the hygienic cleaning device characterized by a technical feature that the hygienic cleaning device further includes a shutter, the casing has an opening portion which allows advancing of the nozzle to the outside of the casing, the shutter is configured to open or close the opening portion of the casing in response to advancing and retracting of the nozzle, and the water discharging port of the nozzle does not protrude frontward from the shutter in a state where the water discharging part is disposed at the scale removing position.
According to such a hygienic cleaning device, the water discharging port of the nozzle does not protrude from the shutter at the scale removing position and hence, it is possible to prevent discharging of a removing agent from the nozzle toward a side in front of the shutter. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to a user.

[Advantageous effect of Invention]

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hygienic cleaning device which can suppress applying of a scale removing agent to a member disposed inside of the casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device provided with a hygienic cleaning device according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram exemplifying the configuration of main parts of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a plan view exemplifying a casing of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart exemplifying a scale removing mode used in the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are cross-sectional views exemplifying a water discharging part of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a schematic view exemplifying an open-type tank of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are schematic views exemplifying a flow passage switching part of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B are timing charts exemplifying an operation of the flow passage switching part of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a flowchart exemplifying a scale removing mode used in the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to drawings. In the respective drawings, substantially equal constitutional elements are given with the same symbol, and the detailed description of the respective constitutional elements is omitted as appropriate.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device provided with a hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 1, the toilet device includes: a western-type stool toilet bowl (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet bowl" for the sake of convenience of explanation) 800; and a hygienic cleaning device 100 mounted on the toilet bowl 800. The toilet bowl 800 may be a "floor mounting type" toilet bowl which is installed on a floor surface of a toilet room or a "wall hanging type" toilet bowl which is installed on a wall surface or a lining of the toilet room. The hygienic cleaning device 100 has a casing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are respectively pivotally supported on the casing 400 in an openable and closable manner.
In the inside of the casing 400, a body cleaning functional part which realizes cleaning of "buttocks" or the like of a user sitting on the toilet seat 200 and the like are housed. For example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 which detects sitting of the user on the toilet seat 200. When the user operates an operating part 500 such as a remote controller, for example (see Fig. 2) in a state where the seating detection sensor 404 detects sitting of the user on the toilet seat 200, a cleaning nozzle (hereinafter simply referred to as "nozzle" for the sake of convenience of explanation) 473 can be advanced to the inside of a bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. With respect to the hygienic cleaning device 100 shown in Fig. 1, a state where the nozzle 473 is advanced to the inside of the bowl 801 is shown.
The nozzle 473 discharges water to a human part so as to perform cleaning of the human part. A plurality of water discharging ports 31 (a bidet cleaning water discharging port 31a, a buttocks cleaning water discharging port 31b and the like) are formed on a distal end portion of the nozzle 473. The nozzle 473 sprays water from the bidet cleaning water discharging port 31a formed on a distal end of the nozzle 473 so as to clean a part of a woman seating on the toilet seat 200. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 sprays water from the buttocks cleaning water discharging port 31b formed on the distal end of the nozzle 473 so as to clean the "buttocks" of a user seating on the toilet seat 200.
In this specification, "water" includes not only cold water but also hot water obtained by heating. Further, in this specification, "front", "rear", "up" and "down" mean directions as viewed from a user seating on the toilet seat 200 with his/her back facing the opened toilet lid 300.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram exemplifying the configuration of main parts of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In Fig. 2, both the configuration of main parts of a water passage system and the configuration of main parts of an electric system are shown.
Fig. 3 is a plan view exemplifying a casing of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In Fig. 3, the casing 400 and the inside of the casing 400 are schematically shown.
The hygienic cleaning device 100 has a water discharging part 470 which discharges water. The water discharging part 470 includes a nozzle 473 (cleaning nozzle), a nozzle cleaning chamber 478, and a spray nozzle 479. The water discharging part 470 is disposed (housed) in the casing 400.
The hygienic cleaning device 100 has a water supply passage 20 disposed inside of the casing 400. The water supply passage 20 supplies water supplied from a water supply source 10 such as city water or a water storage tank to the water discharging part 470. That is, the water supply passage 20 introduces water to be discharged from the water discharging part 470 to the water discharging part 470. Parts described hereinafter and a plurality of pipes which connect these parts are mounted on the water supply passage 20. These parts include an electromagnetic valve 431, a pressure regulating valve 432, a check valve 433, an open-type tank 434 (a reverse flow preventing mechanism), a cleaning pump 436, a heat exchanger unit 440, a flow rate sensor 442 (a flow rate detection unit), an electrolytic bath unit 450, a vacuum breaker 452, a flow passage switching part 472 (flow passage switching unit).
The electromagnetic valve 431 is disposed on an upstream side of the water supply passage 20. The electromagnetic valve 431 is an openable and closable electromagnetic valve, and controls the supply of water based on a command from a control part 405 disposed inside of the casing 400. In other words, the electromagnetic valve 431 opens or closes the water supply passage 20. By bringing the electromagnetic valve 431 into an open state, water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows toward a downstream side.
The pressure regulating valve 432 is disposed downstream of the electromagnetic valve 431. The pressure regulating valve 432 regulates a pressure in the water supply passage 20 within a predetermined pressure range when a water supply pressure is high. The check valve 433 is disposed downstream of the pressure regulating valve 432. The check valve 433 suppresses a reverse flow of water toward an upstream side of the check valve 433, for example, when the pressure in the water supply passage 20 is lowered.
The open-type tank 434 (reverse flow preventing mechanism) is disposed downstream of the check valve 433. The open-type tank 434 is provided on a path of the water supply passage 20, and stores water which flows into the open-type tank 434 through the check valve 433 therein. An air gap is formed in the open-type tank 434 so that, in the water supply passage 20, the flow of water from a downstream side of the open-type tank 434 toward an upstream side of the open-type tank 434 is physically shut off. In other words, the open-type tank 434 terminates a portion of the water supply passage 20 downstream of the open-type tank 434 and a portion of the water supply passage 20 upstream of the open-type tank 434. With such a configuration, it is possible for the open-type tank 434 to prevent a reverse flow of cleaning water in the nozzle 473, dirty water pooled in the bowl 801 or the like toward the water supply source 10 (service water) side with certainty.
The cleaning pump 436 is disposed downstream of the open-type tank 434. The cleaning pump 436 allows water stored in the open-type tank 434 to flow out from the open-type tank 434. The cleaning pump 436 pumps out water stored in the open-type tank 434. With such an operation, the cleaning pump 436 supplies water stored in the open-type tank 434 to the water supply passage 20 disposed downstream of the open-type tank 434. The cleaning pump 436 is connected to the control part 405. Driving and stopping of driving of the cleaning pump 436 are controlled by the control part 405. The cleaning pump 436 may be any desired pump capable of making water stored in the open-type tank 434 flow out from the open-type tank 434.
The heat exchanger unit 440 (heating part) is disposed downstream of the cleaning pump 436. The heat exchanger unit 440 has a heater. The heat exchanger unit 440 heats water supplied from the open-type tank 434 by way of the cleaning pump 436 and increases a temperature of water up to a predetermined temperature, for example. That is, the heat exchanger unit 440 produces hot water.
The heat exchanger unit 440 is an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger which uses a ceramic heater or the like, for example. When compared with a storage type heat exchanger which uses a hot water storage tank, the heat exchanger unit 440 can increase a temperature of water to the predetermined temperature within a short time. The heat exchanger unit 440 is not limited to an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may be a storage type heat exchanger. The heating part is not limited to a heat exchanger. For example, other heating systems such as a system which uses microwave heating, for example can be used.
The heat exchanger unit 440 is connected to the control part 405. The control part 405 increases a temperature of water to a temperature set by the operating part 500 by controlling the heat exchanger unit 440 in response to an operation of the operating part 500 by a user, for example.
The flow rate sensor 442 is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440. The flow rate sensor 442 detects a flow rate of water which flows through the water supply passage 20. The flow rate sensor 442 is connected to the control part 405. The flow rate sensor 442 inputs a detection result on the flow rate to the control part 405.
The electrolytic bath unit 450 is disposed downstream of the flow rate sensor 442. The electrolytic bath unit 450 produces a liquid containing sodium hypochlorite (functional water) from city water by applying an electrolysis to city water which flows in the electrolytic bath unit 450. The electrolytic bath unit 450 is connected to the control part 405. The electrolytic bath unit 450 produces functional water based on a control performed by the control part 405.
Functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 may be a solution which contains metal ion such as silver ion or copper ion, for example. Functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 may also be a solution which contains electrolytic chlorine, ozone or the like. Functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 may also be acidic water or alkaline water.
The vacuum breaker (VB) 452 is disposed downstream of the electrolytic bath unit 450. The vacuum breaker 452 has a flow passage through which water flows; an intake port for taking air into the flow passage, and a valve mechanism which opens or closes the intake port, for example. The valve mechanism closes the intake port when water flows through the flow passage, and opens the intake port on stopping the flow of water so as to take air into the flow passage, for example. That is, the vacuum breaker 452 takes air into the water supply passage 20 when the flow of water does not exist in the water supply passage 20. For example, a float valve is used as the valve mechanism.
The vacuum breaker 452, by taking air into the water supply passage 20 as described above, accelerates draining of water at a portion of the water supply passage 20 downstream of the vacuum breaker 452, for example. The vacuum breaker 452 accelerates draining of water in the nozzle 473, for example. In this manner, the vacuum breaker 452, by taking air into the nozzle 473 by draining water in the nozzle 473, prevents a reverse flow of cleaning water in the nozzle 473, dirty water pooled in the bowl 801 or the like toward the water supply source 10 (service water) side, for example.
The flow passage switching part 472 is disposed downstream of the vacuum breaker 452. The flow passage switching part 472 performs opening or closing or switching of the flow of water supplied to the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. In this embodiment, the flow passage switching part 472 functions also as a flow rate regulating part which regulates a flow rate. However, the flow rate regulating part and the flow passage switching part may be provided as separate parts. The flow passage switching part 472 is connected to the control part 405, and is controlled by the control part 405.
Downstream of the flow passage switching part 472, the water discharging part 470 (the nozzle 473, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478, and the spray nozzle 479) is disposed. The nozzle 473 advances or retracts in the inside of the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800 by receiving a driving force from a nozzle motor 476. That is, the nozzle motor 476 makes the nozzle 473 advance or retract in response to a command from the control part 405.
As indicated by a solid line in Fig. 3, the nozzle 473 is stored in the inside of the casing 400 when the nozzle 473 is not used. As indicated by a broken line in Fig. 3, the nozzle 473 cleans a human part by discharging water from the water discharging port 31 in a state where the nozzle 473 advances frontward and downward from the casing 400.
The nozzle cleaning chamber 478 cleans an outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473 by spraying functional water or water from the water discharging port 32 disposed inside of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. The spray nozzle 479 sprays cleaning water or functional water in a mist form from the water discharging port 33 formed on the distal end of the spray nozzle 479 to the bowl 801. In this embodiment, the splay nozzle 479 is provided separate from the nozzle 473 for cleaning a human body. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a water discharging port for spraying a liquid in a mist form to the bowl 801 may be formed in the nozzle 473.
Downstream of the flow passage switching part 472, a buttocks cleaning flow passage 21, a soft cleaning flow passage 22, and a bidet cleaning flow passage 23 are disposed. The buttocks cleaning flow passage 21 and the soft cleaning flow passage 22 introduce water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water supply passage 20 or functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 to the buttocks cleaning water discharging port 31b. The bidet cleaning flow passage 23 introduces water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water supply passage 20 or functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 to the bidet cleaning water discharging port 31a.
Downstream of the flow passage switching part 472, a bypass flow passage 24 and a spray flow passage 25 are disposed. The bypass flow passage 24 introduces water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water supply passage 20 or functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 to the water discharging port 32 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. The spray flow passage 25 introduces water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water supply passage 20 or functional water produced by the electrolytic bath unit 450 to the water discharging port 33 of the spray nozzle 479.
The control part 405 switches opening or closing of the respective flow passages of the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21, the soft cleaning flow passage 22, the bidet cleaning flow passage 23, the bypass flow passage 24, and the spray flow passage 25 by controlling the flow passage switching part 472.
The hygienic cleaning device 100 has a human body detection unit 406. The human body detection unit 406 detects a human body in a toilet room where the hygienic cleaning device 100 is installed. The control part 405 acquires a detection result from the human body detection unit 406. In this specification, "detection of a human body in a toilet room" by the human body detection unit 406 includes not only the detection of the presence of a user in the toilet room but also the detection of an operation of the user in the toilet room. For example, the detection of entrance and exit of a user into or from a toilet room, the detection of approaching and separating of the user toward or from the toilet bowl 800, the detection of opening or closing of the toilet seat 200, and the detection of opening or closing of the toilet lid 300 are also included in a scope of "detection of a human body in a toilet room".
As the human body detection unit 406, an entrance detection sensor 403, a seating detection sensor 404, and opening/closing detection sensor 402 are provided.
As the entrance detection sensor 403, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distant measurement sensor (infrared light emitting sensor) can be used. In this embodiment, as the entrance detection sensor 403, a pyroelectric sensor mounted on the casing 400 is used. The entrance detection sensor 403 can readily detect that a user enters a toilet room by opening the door of the toilet room, for example. Accordingly, the entrance detection sensor 403 can detect whether or not a user enters the inside of a toilet room.
The seating detection sensor 404 can detect whether or not a user is seated on the toilet seat 200. The seating detection sensor 404 detects seating of a user on the toilet seat 200 and separating of a user from the toilet seat 200. As the seating detection sensor 404, a microwave sensor, a distant measurement sensor (infrared light emitting sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, a tact switch, and an electrostatic capacitance switch (touch sensor), or a strain sensor can be used. In this embodiment, as the seating detection sensor 404, a distance measurement sensor mounted on the casing 400 is used.
When a contact-type sensor such as a tact switch, an electrostatic sensor, or a strain sensor is used, such a contact-type sensor is mounted on the toilet seat 200. When a user sits on the toilet seat 200, the tact switch is pushed down by a weight of the user. As another case, a user contacts with an electrostatic sensor. As still another case, a pressure is applied to a strain sensor due to a weight of a user. Sitting of a user on the toilet seat 200 can be detected in response to an electric signal from such a sensor.
The opening/closing detection sensor 402 is a micro switch, for example. The opening/closing detection sensor 402 detects an opening or closing state of the toilet seat 200 or the toilet lid 300. In this example, the opening/closing detection sensor 402 detects an opening or closing state of the toilet seat 200. For example, when the toilet seat 200 is opened from the toilet bowl 800 by a predetermined angle or more, the opening/closing detection sensor 402 detects an open state of the toilet seat 200.
The control part 405 includes a control circuit such as a microcomputer. Electricity is supplied to the control part 405 from a power source circuit 401. In response to signals from the human body detection unit 406, the open-type tank 434, the flow rate sensor 442, the operating part 500 and the like, the control part 405 controls operations of the electromagnetic valve 431, the cleaning pump 436, the heat exchanger unit 440, the electrolytic bath unit 450, the flow passage switching part 472, the nozzle motor 476 and the like.
The hygienic cleaning device 100 may further include a toilet bowl cleaning valve unit 510. The toilet bowl cleaning valve unit 510 plays a role of controlling the supply of cleaning water flown to the toilet bowl 800. An operation of the toilet bowl cleaning valve unit 510 is controlled by the control part 405, for example. A user can perform toilet bowl cleaning by transmitting a signal to the control part 405 by operating the operating part 500.
The hygienic cleaning device 100 may further include a toilet lid opening/closing unit 511 and a toilet seat opening/closing unit 512. The toilet lid opening/closing unit 511 has a motor and the like, and is connected to the toilet lid 300. The toilet seat opening/closing unit 512 has a motor and the like, and is connected to the toilet seat 200. Operations of the toilet lid opening/closing unit 511 and the toilet seat opening/closing unit 512 are controlled by the control part 405. A user can open or close the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 respectively by electrically operating the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 by transmitting a signal to the control part 405 by operating the operating part 500.
The casing 400 may have a "hot air drying function" for drying "buttocks" or the like of a user seated on the toilet seat 200 by blowing off hot air toward the "buttocks" or the like, a "deodorizing function", an "indoor warming function" or the like as necessary. In this case, air discharging port communicated with a deodorizing unit and a discharging port communicated with an indoor warming unit may be formed on a side surface of the casing 400 as necessary. However, it is not always necessary to provide these added functional parts.
Water (for example, city water) supplied from the water supply source to the water supply passage 20 may contain sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like. Accordingly, there may be a case where a scale which contains sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like as main components (for example, calcium carbonate or the like) precipitates in the water supply passage 20. When the scale precipitates, there is a concern that the water supply passage 20 is clogged by the scale. In view of the above, in this embodiment, the control part 405 performs a scale removing mode where a scale which precipitates in the water supply passage 20 is dissolved by a removing agent charged in a sub tank 706 of the open-type tank 434 (see Fig. 6). With such an operation, clogging of the water supply passage 20 by the scale can be eliminated or prevented.
The removing agent is an acidic liquid, for example, and dissolves a scale precipitating in the water supply passage 20. The removing agent includes a phosphoric acid, a lactic acid, a hydrochloric acid, a citric acid and the like, for example. As the removing agent, an agent which contains a sulfamic acid or an acetic acid may be also used. As shown in Fig. 3, a removing agent charging part 434a (for example, an opening portion) through which a removing agent can be charged into the sub tank 706 is formed on the open-type tank 434, for example. Place where the removing agent charging part 434a is provided or a tank into which a removing agent is charged is not limited to the open-type tank 434 (sub tank 706). For example, in the case of a hot water storage type hygienic cleaning device, the removing agent charging part 434a may be provided on a hot water storage tank, and a removing agent may be charged into the hot water storage tank.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart exemplifying a scale removing mode used in the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In Fig. 4, both an operation performed by a user and an operation performed by the hygienic cleaning device 100 (control part 405) are shown. Steps indicated by a chain line express operations performed by a user, and steps indicated by a solid line express operations performed by the hygienic cleaning device 100.
As shown in Fig. 4, the scale removing mode includes a filling operation (first to third filling operations a1 to a3), a standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), and a discharging operation c1.
The filling operation (first to third filling operations a1 to a3) is an operation for filling the water supply passage 20 downstream of the sub tank 706 with a removing agent charged into the sub tank 706. That is, in the filling operation, the control part 405 controls the cleaning pump 436 and the like so as to supply a removing agent from the inside of the sub tank 706 to the portion of the water supply passage 20 downstream of the sub tank 706 and the respective water discharging ports ( water discharging ports 31a, 31b, 32, and 33). With such an operation, the water supply passage 20 is filled with a removing agent downstream of the sub tank 706.
The standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3) is an operation where the control part 405 stands by for a predetermined time after at least the first filling operation a1 is finished. A removing agent dissolves a scale during the predetermined time. Although the predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, for example, the predetermined time can be set based on a speed that the removing agent dissolves the scale, and is approximately 10 minutes to 1 hour.
The discharging operation is an operation for discharging the removing agent from the water supply passage 20 after the first to third standby operations b1 to b3. That is, in the discharging operation, the control part 405 controls the electromagnetic valve 431, the cleaning pump 436, the flow passage switching part 472 and the like so as to supply water from the water supply source 10 to the water supply passage 20 and the respective water discharging ports ( water discharging ports 31a, 31b, 32, and 33). With such an operation, the removing agent remaining in the water supply passage 20 can be washed away.
As shown in Fig. 4, a user inputs starting of a removal operation to the control part 405 by operating the operating part 500 (step S101). With such an operation, the control part 405 starts the execution of the scale removing mode.
The control part 405 performs a control so as to drain water from the inside of the sub tank 706 (step S102). Then, the control part 405 notifies a user of the completion of draining of water using a notification unit 501 (see Fig. 2). As the notification unit 501, any arbitrary unit such as a speaker, a display, or an LED can be used. In this embodiment, the notification unit is a display and a speaker mounted on the operating part 500. The notification unit 501 may be provided separate from the operating part 500.
Then, the user charges a removing agent through the removing agent charging part 434a (step S103). For example, the user charges a removing agent in a liquid form diluted with water or the like using a funnel or the like.
Then, the user inputs the completion of charging of the removing agent to the control part 405 by operating the operating part 500 (step S104).
Then, the control part 405 performs the first filling operation a1 (step S105). When the first filling operation a1 is completed, the control part 405 notifies the user of the completion of the first filling operation a1 using the notification unit. Then, the user performs charging of a removing agent and inputting of the completion of charging in the same manner as steps S103, S104 (steps S106, S107).
When charging of the removing agent is completed, the control part 405 performs the first standby operation b1, the second filling operation a2, the second standby operation b2, the third filling operation a3, and the third standby operation b3 sequentially (steps S108 to S112).
Then, the control part 405 performs the discharging operation c1 (step S113), and finished the execution of the scale removing mode (step S114).
By performing the above-mentioned steps, a scale precipitating in the water supply passage 20 can be removed.
Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are cross-sectional views exemplifying the water discharging part of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
The cross sections shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B correspond to the cross-section taken along line A1-A1 in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5A exemplifies a state where the water discharging part 470 (the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478) is at a storing position. The control part 405 performs a control so as to dispose the water discharging part 470 at the storing position shown in Fig. 5A when the hygienic cleaning device 100 is not used. "When the hygienic control device 100 is not used" is a period where cleaning of a human part is not performed or a period where the scale removing mode is not performed.
Fig. 5B exemplifies a state where the water discharging part 470 (the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478) is at a scale removing position. The control part 405 performs a control so as to dispose the water discharging part 470 at the scale removing position shown in Fig. 5B at least at a stage during the execution of the scale removing mode.
The casing 400 has an opening portion 407 which allows advancing of the nozzle 473 toward the outside of the casing 400. The opening portion 407 is formed on a front portion of the casing 400. The nozzle 473 can advance frontward from the opening portion 407 at the time of cleaning a human part. A shutter 408 (nozzle damper) is rotatably mounted on the opening portion 407. The shutter 408 opens or closes the opening portion 407 in response to advancing and retracting of the nozzle 473.
As shown in Fig. 5A, in the state where the water discharging part 470 is at the storing position, the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 are retracted to the inside of the casing 400, and are positioned behind the opening portion 407 and the shutter 408. At this stage of operation, the shutter 408 shuts the opening portion 407 so as to close the opening portion 407. Further, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 is positioned at a distal end portion of the nozzle 473.
As shown in Fig. 5B, in the state where the water discharging part 470 is disposed at the scale removing position, the nozzle 473 advances frontward from the casing 400. At this stage of operation, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 is rotated by receiving a force from the nozzle 473 so that the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 protrudes frontward from the casing 400. On the other hand, the shutter 408 is rotated by receiving a force from the nozzle 473 and is brought into an open state.
At least at a stage of the state where the water discharging part 470 is disposed at the scale removing position, a removing agent is discharged from the water discharging part 470 toward the outside of the casing 400. For example, as indicated by an allow AB shown in Fig. 5B, at the scale removing position, the water discharging port 32 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 discharges water or a removing agent toward the outside of the casing 400. For example, the removing agent is discharged in a downward and rearward direction and is discharged into the inside of the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. On the other hand, at the storing position shown in Fig. 5A, the water discharging port 32 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 discharges water toward the inside of the casing 400 as indicated by an arrow AA.
When a removing agent excessively adheres to metal members (a motor and the like) and resin members disposed inside of the casing 400, there may be a case where these members are easily deteriorated. To the contrary, according to this embodiment, by disposing the water discharging part at the scale removing position during a period where the control part 405 performs the scale removing mode, applying of a removing agent to the members disposed inside of the casing can be prevented. Accordingly, the deterioration of the members can be prevented.
In this embodiment, the control part 405 brings the water discharging part 470 into the scale removing position at least at a stage of the filling operation (first to third filling operations a1 to a3), the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), and the discharging operation c1.
For example, the removing agent is most likely to be applied to the member in the inside of the casing 400 during a discharging operation when the scale removing mode is finished by discharging the removing agent from the water supply passage 20. In view of the above, the control part 405 performs a control so as to dispose the water discharging part 470 to the scale removing position during the discharging operation. With such an operation, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to the member disposed inside of the casing 400 during the discharging operation.
Further, during the filling operation, there may be also the case where a removing agent is unintentionally discharged from the water discharging port. In view of the above, the control part 405 performs a control so as to dispose the water discharging part 470 at the scale removing position during the filling operation (at least one of the first to third filling operations a1 to a3). With such an operation, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to the member disposed inside of the casing 400 during the filling operation.
On the other hand, during the standby operation, a removing agent is minimally discharged from the water discharging part 470 compared to the filling operation period and the discharging operation period. The control part 405 performs a control so as to dispose the water discharging part 470 at the storing position such that the nozzle 473 is stored in the casing 400 during the standby operation (at least one of the first to third standby operations b1 to b3), for example. With such an operation, compared to a state where the nozzle 473 advances from the casing 400, it is possible to decrease a head (water head) in the nozzle 473 during the standby operation. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent leakage of a removing agent during the standby operation and hence, the removing agent can be easily maintained in a filled state whereby a scale can be efficiently removed.
During the standby operation, the nozzle 473 may be further retracted from the storing position. During the standby operation, a direction along which the nozzle 473 extends may become closer to a horizontal by the rotation or the like of the nozzle 473. With such an operation, leakage of a removing agent can be further reliably prevented.
As shown in Fig. 5B, when the water discharging part 470 is disposed at the scale removing position, the distal end 473f of the nozzle 473 is positioned outside the casing 400. In this manner, by advancing the nozzle 473 from the casing 400, it is possible to more effectively prevent applying of a removing agent to the members disposed inside of the casing 400.
As shown in Fig. 5B, when the water discharging part 470 is disposed at the scale removing position, the water discharging port 31 (for example, at least one of the bidet cleaning water discharging port 31a and the buttocks cleaning water discharging port 31b) of the nozzle 473 does not protrude from the shutter 408. In other words, the water discharging port 31 is positioned behind the front end 408f of the shutter 408. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent discharging of a removing agent toward a position in front of the shutter. Accordingly, even in the case where the filling operation or the discharging operation is performed when a user is in the toilet room, it is possible to prevent applying of a removing agent to the user.
Further, when the distal end 473f of the nozzle 473 is positioned outside the casing 400, a user can easily recognize that a filling operation or a discharging operation is performed, for example, by watching the nozzle 473. With such an operation, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently approach the hygienic cleaning device and hence, applying of a removing agent to the user can be more effectively prevented.
Fig. 6 is a schematic view exemplifying the open-type tank of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 6, the open-type tank 434 (reverse flow preventing mechanism) has the sub tank 706 provided to the water supply passage 20. Water which passes through the electromagnetic valve 431 passes through the inlet pipe 710, and flows into the sub tank 706 of the open-type tank 434 from an inlet port 701.
The open-type tank 434 has a discharging port 703 (overflow port), and an outlet port 702. The discharging port 703 discharges surplus water exceeding a full-water water level H2 of the sub tank 706 to the outside of the sub tank 706. That is, although water which flows into the sub tank 706 is stored in the sub tank 706, when the water level of water exceeds the full-water water level H2, surplus water flows out from the discharging port 703 formed in a front surface of the open-type tank 434 toward the outside as indicated by an arrow OF (overflow).
An air gap A1 is formed between the inlet port 701 and the discharging port 703 and hence, even when the water level in the open-type tank 434 is elevated, there is no possibility that stored water reaches the inlet port 701. With such a configuration, a reverse flow of dirty water from the open-type tank 434 to an upstream side can be prevented. Further, a distance having a height A2 is provided from the discharging port 703 to a rim surface of the toilet bowl 800, and this distance also functions as an air gap. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a state where dirty water splashes in the bowl portion and intrudes into the inside of the open-type tank 434 through the discharging port 703.
The outlet port 702 allows water (and a removing agent) in the sub tank 706 to flow out to the water supply passage 20 downstream of the sub tank 706. Specifically, the cleaning pump 436 is connected to a downstream side of an exit pipe 712 connected to the outlet port 702. The cleaning pump 436 pumps out water in the sub tank 706 from the outlet port 702, and supplies the water toward a downstream side. The cleaning pump 436 may also regulate a flow rate (force of water).
By adopting the above-mentioned configuration, water stored in the sub tank 706 of the open-type tank 434 is pumped out by the cleaning pump 436 and, at the same time, a flow rate of pumped water is regulated by the cleaning pump 436. In the case where a flow rate of water pumped out by the cleaning pump 436 and flows out through the outlet port 702 is relatively small compared to a flow rate of water which flows into the sub tank 706 through the inlet port 701, a water level of water stored in the sub tank 706 is elevated and exceeds the full-water water level H2, and water flows out from the discharging port 703 as indicated by the arrow OF as surplus water. This surplus water is discharged into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800, and is discharged together with water in the bowl 801 at the time of discharging water in the toilet bowl 800.
A water level sensor 707 which detects a water level in the sub tank 706 is mounted on the sub tank 706. The water level sensor 707 is a float switch, for example. As the water level sensor 707, any desired sensor which can detect the water level in the sub tank 706 can be used.
The water level sensor 707 can detect that the water level in the sub tank 706 is a water-shortage water level H1. The water-shortage water level H1 is a water level substantially equal to a height of the outlet port 702. In this context, "substantially equal" means that, for example, a difference between the water-shortage water level H1 and a water level H0 (a height of an upper end of the outlet port 702) is 25 mm or less, preferably, 21 mm or less. It is preferable that the water-shortage water level H1 be equal to the water level H0 or slightly higher than the water level H0. For example, the difference between the water-shortage water level H1 and the water level H0 falls within a range of from 10 mm to 25 mm inclusive.
The outlet port 702 is formed in a bottom (or an area in the vicinity of the bottom) of the sub tank 706. For example, a difference between the water level H0 (the height of the upper end of the outlet port 702) and a height of the bottom of the sub tank 706 is 5 mm or less, preferably, 2 mm or less. When the water level in the sub tank becomes the water-shortage water level H1, the sub tank 706 is substantially in an empty state.
For example, in step S102 described with reference to Fig. 4, the control part 405 controls the cleaning pump 436 or the like so as to lower the water level in the sub tank to the water-shortage water level H1.
For example, the sensor (for example, the water level sensor 707) capable of detecting an upper limit water level H3 which indicates an upper limit of a charging amount of a removing agent is mounted on the sub tank 706. In step S104 described with reference to Fig. 4, when a user charges a removing agent so that the water level becomes the upper limit water level H3, the control part 405 performs a notification using the notification unit. With such an operation, it is possible to prevent overflowing of a removing agent from the sub tank 706.
In step S105 described with reference to Fig. 4, the control part 405 continues a filling operation (first filling operation a1) until the water level sensor 707 detects that the water level in the sub tank 706 becomes the water-shortage water level H1. That is, the control part 405 performs a control such that a removing agent in the sub tank 706 is continuously supplied to the water supply passage 20 downstream of the sub tank 706 until the water level in the sub tank 706 becomes the water-shortage water level H1. With such an operation, most of the charged removing agent (for example, substantially all removing agent) can be filled to the water supply passage 20 downstream of the sub tank 706 and hence, the removing agent can be efficiently used thus efficiently removing a scale.
On the other hand, when the cleaning pump 436 is continuously operated in a state where the water level in the sub tank 706 is lowered to the height of the outlet port 702 of the sub tank 706 (water level H0), air is mixed into the water supply passage 20 from the outlet port 702 and hence, scale removing efficiency is lowered. To the contrary, according to this embodiment, when the water level in the sub tank 706 becomes the water-shortage water level H1, a filling operation is stopped. Accordingly, mixing of air into the water supply passage 20 through the outlet port 702 can be prevented thereafter. Accordingly, lowering of scale removing efficiency can be prevented.
Also in step S111, in the same manner as the above-mentioned step, the control part 405 continues the filling operation (third filling operation a3) until the water level sensor 707 detects that the water level in the sub tank 706 becomes the water-shortage water level H1.
Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are schematic views exemplifying the flow passage switching part of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 7A, the water supply passage 20 has a first flow passage 41 and a plurality of second flow passages 42 (the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21, the soft cleaning flow passage 22, the bidet cleaning flow passage 23, the bypass flow passage 24, and spray flow passage 25). The first flow passage 41 is a portion of the water supply passage 20 disposed upstream of the flow passage switching part 472. The plurality of respective second flow passages 42 are portions of the water supply passage 20 disposed downstream of the flow passage switching part 472.
The plurality of respective second flow passages are connected to the plurality of water discharging ports of the water discharging part 470.
That is, as described with reference to Fig. 2, the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21 and the soft cleaning flow passage 22 are connected to the buttocks cleaning water discharging port 31b, the bidet cleaning flow passage 23 is connected to the bidet cleaning water discharging port 31a, the bypass flow passage 24 is connected to the water discharging port 32, and the spray flow passage 25 is connected to the water discharging port 33.
The flow passage switching part 472 has a fixed disc (stator) 80, a movable disc (rotor) 82, a housing 84, and a driving mechanism 86.
The fixed disc 80 has a circular plate shape, for example. The fixed disc 80 has a front surface 80a (a surface facing an upstream side), and a back surface 80b on a side opposite to the front surface 80a (a surface facing a downstream side).
Fig. 7B is a plan view exemplifying the fixed disc. The fixed disc 80 has a plurality of ports (opening portions). For example, in the fixed disc 80, a mist port P1, a bidet port P2, a first bypass port P3, a self-cleaning port P4, a soft cleaning port P5, a second bypass port P6, and a buttocks cleaning port P7 are formed.
The mist port P1 is connected to the spray flow passage 25. The bidet port P2 is connected to the bidet cleaning flow passage 23. The first bypass port P3 is connected to the bypass flow passage 24. The self-cleaning port P4 is connected to the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21, the soft cleaning flow passage 22, and the bidet cleaning flow passage 23. The soft cleaning port P5 is connected to the soft cleaning flow passage 22. The second bypass port P6 is connected to the bypass flow passage 24. The buttocks cleaning port P7 is connected to the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21.
The movable disc 82 has a circular plate shape, for example. The movable disc 82 has substantially the same diameter as the fixed disc 80. The movable disc 82 is disposed upstream of the fixed disc 80. The movable disc 82 is brought into contact with the front surface 80a of the fixed disc 80. The movable disc 82 slidably rotates on the front surface 80a about an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the front surface 80a (hereinafter referred to as a rotary axis RA). The movable disc 82 has an opening portion corresponding to one port of the fixed disc 80. For example, when the opening portion of the movable disc 82 overlaps with one port of the fixed disc 80, other ports of the fixed disc 80 are closed by the movable disc 82. Accordingly, water is supplied only through one port which overlaps with the opening portion of the movable disc 82.
The flow passage switching part 472 selectively switches the port through which water passes by rotating the movable disc 82. With such an operation, corresponding to the selected port, water or a removing agent can be selectively supplied to at least one of the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21, the soft cleaning flow passage 22, the bidet cleaning flow passage 23, the bypass flow passage 24, and the spray flow passage 25.
The housing 84 has a cylindrical shape, for example. The housing 84 houses the fixed disc 80 and the movable disc 82 in a space defined inside the housing 84. The housing 84 rotatably supports the movable disc 82. The inner space of the housing 84 disposed upstream of the movable disc 82 is connected to an electromagnetic pump 54 through the pipe or the like. Water or a removing agent supplied to the housing 84 through the electromagnetic pump 54 is supplied from the inner space of the housing 84 to the respective flow passages through the movable disc 82 and the fixed disc 80.
The driving mechanism 86 has an electrically operated machine such as a motor or a solenoid. The driving mechanism 86 supplies a driving force to the movable disc 82 so as to rotate the movable disc 82. The driving mechanism 86 is connected to the control part 405, and rotates the movable disc 82 based on a control of the control part 405. Based on the control performed by the control part 405, the driving mechanism 86 is driven so that the movable disc 82 is rotated. With such a rotation, the opening portion formed in the movable disc 82 is selectively communicated with one of the ports formed in the fixed disc 80 so that the destination of water or a removing agent can be switched. The driving mechanism 86 may be any arbitrary mechanism which can rotate the movable disc 82 without causing leakage of water.
As described above, the flow passage switching part 472 selectively connects the first flow passage 41 with at least one of the plurality of second flow passages 42.
Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B are timing charts exemplifying an operation of the flow passage switching part of the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 8A shows ports selected by the flow passage switching part 472 in the first filling operation a1 (or the third filling operation a3), and Fig. 8B shows ports selected by the flow passage switching part 472 in the second filling operation a2. The ports to be selected are taken on an axis of ordinates, and time is taken on an axis of abscissas.
As shown in Fig. 8A, when the first filling operation a1 (or the third filling operation a3) is started, the control part 405 controls the flow passage switching part 472 such that the mist port P1, the bidet port P2, the first bypass port P3, the self-cleaning port P4, the soft cleaning port P5, the second bypass port P6, and the buttocks cleaning port P7 are selected in this order (first control CN1). Then, the control part 405 controls the flow passage switching part 472 such that the buttocks cleaning port P7, the second bypass port P6, the soft cleaning port P5, the self-cleaning port P4, the first bypass port P3, the bidet port P2, and the mist port P1 are selected in this order (second control CN2).
The control part 405 alternately repeats the first control CN1 and the second control CN2. In the first control CN1 and the second control CN2, switching of the ports is performed based on a time control, for example. That is, lengths of times that the respective ports are selected are set preliminarily for respective ports. When the water-shortage water level H1 is detected in the course of the first control CN1 or the second control CN2, the control part 405 finishes the first filling operation a1 (or the third filling operation a3). The order that the ports are selected is not limited to an example exemplified in the drawing. For example, either one of the first control CN1 or the second control CN2 may be repeated.
In this manner, the ports to be selected are sequentially switched, and the first control CN1 and the second control CN2 are repeated. With such a control, the flow passage switching part 472 sequentially switches the second flow passage 42 to be connected to the first flow passage 41, and connects the first flow passage 41 with at least one of the plurality of second flow passages 42 plural times.
In the plurality of second flow passages 42, a degree of clogging of a scale differs depending on the flow passage. In this case, in the case where one second flow passage 42 is filled with a removing agent and, thereafter, the next second flow passage 42 is filled with the removing agent, there may be a case where it is necessary to set a long filling operation time or it is necessary to increase a flow rate of a removing agent. In this case, when a capacity of the sub tank 706 is small, there is a concern that a water level in the sub tank 706 becomes the water-shortage water level H1 before a removing agent is filled in all the second flow passages 42. To the contrary, according to this embodiment, the flow passage switching part 472 sequentially switches the second flow passage 42 to be connected to the first flow passage 41, and the first flow passage 41 and the second flow passage 42 are connected to each other plural times. Accordingly, a removing agent can be divided into small fractions so that the removing agent can be uniformly supplied to the plurality of second flow passages 42 respectively.
In the second filling operation a2, as shown in Fig. 8B, the first control CN1 is performed only one time, for example. That is, in the second filling operation a2, the flow passage switching part 472 sequentially switches the port to be selected, and selects the respective ports one time.
In the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), the control part 405 controls the flow passage switching part 472 such that among the plurality of second flow passages 42, the second flow passage 42 other than the cleaning flow passages used for cleaning a human part and the first flow passage 41 are connected to each other.
The cleaning flow passages used for cleaning a human part are, for example, the buttocks cleaning flow passage 21, the soft cleaning flow passage 22, or the bidet cleaning flow passage 23. These cleaning flow passages supply water to the cleaning water discharging ports (the bidet cleaning water discharging port 31a, and the buttocks cleaning water discharging port 31b) which discharges water toward a human part. The second flow passages 42 other than the cleaning flow passages are, for example, the bypass flow passage 24 and the spray flow passage 25.
In this embodiment, the control part 405 controls the flow passage switching part 472 so as to select the first bypass port P3 during the standby operation. Accordingly, the flow passage switching part 472 connects the bypass flow passage 24 to the first flow passage 41 during the standby operation.
During the standby operation, for example, due to a negative pressure generated in the water supply passage 20, a removing agent in the second flow passage 42 which is not connected to the first flow passage 41 minimally flows out to the outside compared to a removing agent in the second flow passage 42 which is connected to the first flow passage 41. According to this embodiment, during the standby operation, the second flow passage 42 other than the cleaning flow passages is connected to the first flow passage 41 and hence, it is possible to prevent a removing agent from flowing out from the cleaning flow passages. Accordingly, it is possible to remove with more certainty a scale which obstructs a function of the hygienic cleaning device 100 for cleaning a human part.
Further, in the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), the control part 405 controls the flow passage switching part 472 such that among the plurality of second flow passages 42, the second flow passage 42 where a speed at which a removing agent flows out from the water supply passage 20 becomes lowest and the first flow passage 41 are connected to each other. In this case, the removing agent flows out through the water discharging port communicating with the connected second flow passage 42.
A speed (milliliter/second) at which a removing agent flows out from the water supply passage 20 depends on a pressure loss and a head (water head) in the second flow passage 42 connected to the first flow passage 41. As described above, in this embodiment, during the standby operation, the bypass flow passage 24 and the first flow passage 41 are connected to each other. During the standby operation, a speed at which a removing agent flows out when the bypass flow passage 24 and the first flow passage 41 are connected to each other is lower than a speed at which a removing agent flows out when the second flow passage 42 other than the bypass flow passage 24 and the first flow passage 41 are connected to each other. Accordingly, during the standby operation, a removing agent is minimally leaked out from the water supply passage 20 and hence, it is possible to make the removing agent function more effectively.
The flow rate sensor 442 described with reference to Fig. 2 can detect a flow rate of water which flows in at least one of the plurality of second flow passages 42. That is, the flow rate sensor 442 can detect a flow rate of the second flow passage 42 connected to the first flow passage 41 by the flow passage switching part 472.
When a scale precipitates in the second flow passage 42, a flow rate in the second flow passage 42 is lowered. Accordingly, the control part 405 operates the notification unit 501 when a flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 442 is lowered to a predetermined value or less. Accordingly, the notification unit 501 notifies a user of charging timing of a removing agent.
Although a predetermined value of a flow rate at which charging timing is notified is arbitrarily set to, for example, a predetermined value of the flow rate is set based on a flow rate before at least one of the second flow passages 42 is clogged by a scale, for example. As the notification unit for notifying charging timing, an arbitrary unit such as a speaker, a display, or an LED can be used.
The scale removing mode is performed after a user charges a removing agent to the sub tank 706 and hence, timing at which the scale removing mode is performed depends on the user. Easiness in the precipitation of a scale differs depending on a district and hence, timing at which a user should charge a removing agent changes depending on an environment. When timing at which the scale removing mode is performed is determined based on feeling of the user, removing of a scale cannot be performed at proper timing and hence, there is a concern that a removing agent does not function effectively. To the contrary, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of charging timing of a removing agent at proper timing before at least one of the plurality of second flow passages 42 is clogged by a scale and hence, it is possible to make a removing agent function effectively.
Further, for example, a flow rate which the control part 405 uses for determining the notification of charging timing is a flow rate of the second flow passage 42 having either one of a smallest cross-sectional area or a smallest conductance among the plurality of second flow passages 42. That is, charging timing is notified based on a flow rate of the second flow passage 42 which is liable to be clogged by a scale. For example, the control part 405 makes the notification unit 501 notify charging timing based on a flow rate, which is detected by the flow rate sensor 442, in the spray flow passage 25. With such a control, the control part 405 can notify a user of charging timing of a removing agent at more proper timing before the flow passage is clogged by the scale.
The cross-sectional area of the second flow passage 42 is, for example, a cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to a direction that water flows. In the case where the cross-sectional area changes along the direction that water flows, a minimum value of the cross-sectional area is used.
There may be a case where a scale which contains sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like as main components adheres to a cathode side of the electrolytic bath unit 450 which performs an electrolysis. In view of the above, when an accumulated operation time of the electrolytic bath unit 450 exceeds a predetermined time, the control part 405 may operate the notification unit 501 so as to notify a user of charging timing of a removing agent. The accumulated operation time is an integral value of times during which a voltage is applied between electrodes for performing an electrolysis. Although the predetermined time for notifying charging timing can be arbitrarily set, the predetermined time is set to a time shorter than the accumulated operation time until at least one of the second flow passages 42 is clogged by a scale, for example.
Fig. 9 is a flowchart exemplifying the scale removing mode used in the hygienic cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 9, the control part 405 starts the execution of the scale removing mode in step S201. Step S201 is substantially equal to step S101 described with reference to Fig. 4.
Then, the control part 405 starts a removal operation (step S202), and performs steps S102 and S105 described with reference to Fig. 4. On the other hand, a user performs steps S103, S104, S106, and S107 described with reference to Fig. 4.
Upon reception of a signal indicating completion of charging of a removing agent in step S107, the control part 405 starts the execution of steps S108 to S113 described with reference to Fig. 4. When the human body detection unit 406 detects a human body in the toilet room (step S203: YES) after step S105 is finished (for example, during the execution of steps S108 to S113), the control part 405 temporarily stops (interrupts) the execution of the scale removing mode (step S204). In this embodiment, the seating detection sensor 404 is used as the human body detection unit 406.
During a period where the human body detection unit 406 detects a human body in the toilet room (step S205: YES), the control part 405 continues a temporary stopping state of the scale removing mode. When the human body detection unit 406 stops detection of the human body in the toilet room (step S205: NO), the control part 405 restarts the scale removing mode.
During the period where the human body detection unit 406 does not detect the human body in the toilet room, the control part 405 continues the execution of the scale removing mode (step S203: NO). Step S203 to step S205 are continued until steps S108 to S113 described with reference to Fig. 4 are completed (step S206: NO).
When steps S108 to S113 described with reference to Fig. 4 are completed (step S206: YES), the control part 405 finishes the execution of the scale removing mode (step S207).
In this manner, the control part 405 temporarily stops the execution of the scale removing mode during the period that the human body detection unit 406 detects a human body during execution of the scale removing mode. With such a control, it is possible to prevent a removing agent from being discharged from the water discharging part 470 (nozzle 473 or the like) when a user exists in the toilet room and hence, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a state where a removing agent is applied to a user in error.
Temporary stopping of the scale removing mode means both the interruption of an underway filling operation or an underway discharging operation, and a state where neither the filling operation nor the discharging operation is started.
For example, during a period where the human body detection unit 406 detects a human body, even when the scale removing mode is in a temporary stopping state, a standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3) may be continued. In other words, even during the period where the human body detection unit 406 detects a human body, the control part 405 may continue counting of a standby time in a standby operation. By continuing the standby operation in this manner, it is possible to prevent a time required for completion of the scale removing mode from being prolonged and hence, availability of the hygienic cleaning device 100 can be enhanced.
When the filling operation is restarted, the interrupted second filling operation a2 or the interrupted third filling operation a3 may be performed from the beginning.
As described previously, in this embodiment, the human body detection unit 406 is the seating detection sensor 404. That is, during a period where the seating detection sensor 404 detects seating of a user on the toilet seat 200, the control part 405 temporarily stops the execution of the scale removing mode. Then, when the seating detection sensor 404 stops detection of seating of the user (detects separation of the user from the toilet seat 200), the control part 405 restarts the execution of the scale removing mode.
In this manner, when the control part 405 temporarily stops the execution of the scale removing mode based on a detection result of the seating detection sensor 404, the scale removing mode is continued until a user is seated. Accordingly, for example, compared to the case where the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped by detecting the entrance of a user in the toilet room, frequency that the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped is low. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a time until the scale removing mode is completed from being prolonged.
In the scale removing mode, a removing agent is filled in the water supply passage 20 and hence, the hygienic cleaning device 100 cannot clean a human part with water. In this case, for example, in the case where the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped by detecting the entrance of a user in the toilet room or approaching of a user to the toilet bowl, when the user enters the toilet room immediately before the scale removing mode is finished, even when the scale removing mode is finished until a time that the user sits on the toilet seat, the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped. In this case, the user cannot clean his/her part by the hygienic cleaning device and hence, availability of the hygienic cleaning device is deteriorated. To the contrary, when the execution of the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped based on a detection result of the seating detection sensor 404, the scale removing mode is continued until the user sits on the toilet seat and hence, even when the user enters the toilet room immediately before the scale removing mode is finished, possibility that the user can clean his/her part by the hygienic cleaning device 100 is high and hence, availability of the hygienic cleaning device 100 can be enhanced.
The human body detection unit 406 may be the opening/closing detection sensor 402. That is, for example, during a period where the opening/closing detection sensor 402 detects a state where the toilet seat 200 is opened by a user, the control part 405 temporarily stops the execution of the scale removing mode. Then, when the toilet seat 200 is closed, the control part 405 restarts the execution of the scale removing mode. When the execution of the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped based on a detection result of the opening/closing detection sensor 402 in this manner, the scale removing mode is continued until the user opens the toilet seat 200. Accordingly, compared to the case where the scale removing mode is temporarily stopped by detecting the entrance of a user into the toilet room or approaching of the user to the toilet bowl, a possibility that a user can clean his/her part by the hygienic cleaning device 100 when the user enters the toilet room immediately before the scale removing mode is finished is high and hence, availability of the hygienic cleaning device 100 can be enhanced.
For example, when the human body detection unit 406 stops detection of the human body in a state where the filling operation or the discharging operation is temporarily stopped (step S205: NO), the control part 405 restarts the temporarily stopped charging operation or discharging operation after a lapse of a predetermined time from a point of time that the human body detection unit 406 stops detection of the human body. With such a control, compared to the case where the filling operation or the discharging operation is restarted immediately after the human body detection unit 406 stops detection of the human body, the control part 405 can restart the filling operation or the discharging operation at timing that the user further separates from the water discharging part. Accordingly, it is possible to further prevent a removing agent from being applied to the user. Although the predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, the predetermined time can be set to about 5 seconds, for example.
Further, when the human body detection unit 406 detects a human body during the filling operation or the discharging operation, the control part 405 retracts the nozzle 473. For example, the control part 405 performs a control so as to dispose the water discharging part 470 (nozzle 473) at the scale removing position described with reference to Fig. 5B during the filling operation or during the discharging operation, and to dispose the water discharging part 470 at the storing position described with reference to Fig. 5A during temporary stopping of the scale removing mode. When the nozzle 473 is retracted, the nozzle 473 is moved away from the user and hence, it is possible to prevent a removing agent discharged from the nozzle 473 being applied to the user. Further, by retracting the nozzle 473 and storing the nozzle 473 in the inside of the casing 400, it is possible to prevent the adhesion of a foreign substance to the nozzle 473 or the inside of the casing.
The embodiment of the present invention has been described heretofore. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description. With respect to the above-mentioned embodiment, the configurations modified by those skilled in the art are also embraced in the scope of the present invention so long as these configurations include the technical features of the present invention. For example, shapes, sizes, materials, arrangements, mounting states of the respective constitutional elements which the hygienic cleaning device includes are not limited to the exemplified matters, and can be suitability modified.
Further, the respective constitutional elements which the above-mentioned respective embodiments include can be combined so long as such combinations are technically conceivable, and these combinations are also embraced in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A hygienic cleaning device comprising:
a water discharging part having a nozzle and provided for discharging water;

a water supply passage provided for supplying the water to the water discharging part;

a tank provided to the water supply passage;

a removing agent charging part capable of charging a removing agent which dissolves a scale precipitating in the water supply passage into the tank;

a control part provided for performing a scale removing mode where the scale which precipitates in the water supply passage is dissolved by the removing agent charged into the tank; and

a casing provided for housing the water discharging part, the water supply passage, the tank, and the control part, wherein

the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at a scale removing position where the removing agent is discharged from the water discharging part toward the outside of the casing while the control part performs the scale removing mode.
The hygienic cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the scale removing mode has a discharging operation of discharging the removing agent from the water supply passage, and the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at the scale removing position during the discharging operation.
The hygienic cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the scale removing mode has a filling operation for filling the water supply passage disposed downstream of the tank with the removing agent which is charged into the tank before the discharging operation, and the control part is configured to perform a control so as to dispose the water discharging part at the scale removing position during the filling operation.
The hygienic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a state where the water discharging part is disposed at the scale removing position, a distal end of the nozzle is positioned outside the casing.
The hygienic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a flow passage switching unit provided to the water supply passage, wherein
the water discharging part has a plurality of water discharging ports for discharging the water,
the water supply passage has a first flow passage disposed upstream of the flow passage switching unit; and a plurality of second flow passages disposed downstream of the flow passage switching unit and connected to the plurality of water discharging ports respectively,
the flow passage switching unit is configured to connect the first flow passage with any one of the plurality of second flow passages,
the scale removing mode has a standby operation where the control part stands by for a predetermined time after the filling operation, and
the control part is configured to control the flow passage switching unit such that the first flow passage and the second flow passage where a speed at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply passage becomes lowest are connected with each other during the standby operation.
The hygienic cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the control part is configured to perform a control such that the nozzle is stored in the casing during the standby operation.
The hygienic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a shutter, wherein the casing has an opening portion which allows advancing of the nozzle to the outside of the casing, the shutter is configured to open or close the opening portion of the casing in response to advancing and retracting of the nozzle, and
the water discharging port of the nozzle does not protrude frontward from the shutter in a state where the water discharging part is disposed at the scale removing position.