JP2000328630A - Human body washing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a human body washing equipment capable of giving a satisfactory feeling of cleanliness to a person and also of contributing to save electric power while using an ordinary domestic power source. SOLUTION: In a human body washing equipment comprising a water supply path 11, hot water temperature detecting means 24 for detecting temperature of washing water after heated by washing water heating means 14, a controller 28 for controlling washing water heating means 14 by taking in a signal from the hot water detecting means 24, and a washing nozzle 21, pulsation generating means 17 is provided for giving pulsation to washing water flowing through the water supply path 11 with the operation of the washing water heating means 14 and the operation of the pulsation generating means 17 interlocked each other in the configuration, thereby allowing power saving, water saving and, as a whole, great energy conservation. Since the operation of the pulsation generating means is interlocked with the operation of the washing water heating means, the pulsation can be automatically given to the washing water without forcefully imposing a special operation to an user. In addition, the operation of the pulsation generating means 17 may be interlocked with a human body detecting means or a use start signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a human body cleaning apparatus for cleaning a human body by heating water supplied from a water supply source to a suitable temperature of a predetermined temperature in a short time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 shows an example of a conventional human body washing apparatus of this kind.
Shown in Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a supply system of the cleaning water. In FIG. 3, a water supply pipe 5 for supplying cleaning water
1, the constant flow valve 52, the solenoid valve 53,
A vacuum breaker 54 is connected. The downstream of the vacuum breaker 54 branches in two directions, one of which is connected to a drainage pipe 55 for directly discharging excess water into the toilet, and the other is connected to a flow control pump 56. Downstream of the flow rate adjusting pump 56, a heat exchanger 57, a flow path switching valve 58,
A nozzle device 59 is provided. A hot water heater 60 is provided in the heat exchanger 57, and a cold water thermistor 61 and a hot water thermistor 6 are provided in a water inlet and a water outlet of the heat exchanger 57, respectively.
2 are provided. The nozzle device 59 includes the buttocks passage 6
3, three bidet channels 64 and a drainage channel 65 are formed. The control of the above-described units is performed by the controller 66. With the above configuration, the washing water supplied from the water supply pipe 51 by the opening operation of the solenoid valve 53 pushes up the vacuum breaker 54, the flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and is heated to the appropriate temperature hot water by the heat exchanger 57. The flow reaches the flow path switching valve 58. Here, the washing water is supplied to the flow path switching valve 5.
It is ejected from the nozzle device 59 through the flow path selected by 8.

FIG. 4 shows a conventional time chart.
When seating is detected by a seating switch (not shown) provided on a toilet seat (not shown), the solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are activated in this order, and are driven in the reverse order after a predetermined time has elapsed. To stop. Thereby, the water retained in the heat exchanger 57 is replaced with hot water. In addition,
The washing water supplied during this operation is discharged from the drainage passage 65 of the nozzle device 59 into the toilet via the flow path switching valve 58. (Heating with Water) Next, when the buttocks switch (not shown) is operated to start the buttocks washing, the solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are sequentially activated. Then, the flow path in the nozzle device 59 is switched to the posterior flow channel 63 by the flow path switching valve 58 to perform the pre-washing of the posterior water discharge port portion of the nozzle device 59 for a predetermined time, and then to the drain water path 65 again. At this time, if the drainage of the drainage channel 65 is set at a position where the body of the nozzle device 59 can be washed, the body of the nozzle device 59 can be washed. (Pre-cleaning) Thereafter, the nozzle is extended and the flow path is switched to the posterior flow path 63 by the flow path switching valve 58 to perform the posterior cleaning. (Nozzle extension / main cleaning) Next, when a stop switch (not shown) is operated to stop the posterior cleaning, the hot water heater 60, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the solenoid valve 53 stop driving in order. . After switching the flow path to the drainage path 65 by the flow path switching valve 58,
The nozzle is retracted and stored in the storage position. (Nozzle Storage) After a predetermined time has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are sequentially activated again, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the driving is stopped in the reverse order. At this time, the nozzle device 59
Is a bottom channel 63 by a channel switching valve 58.
And the drainage path 65 is sequentially switched, and the rear washing of the bottom water discharge hole portion and the body of the nozzle device 59 is performed for a predetermined time. (Post-washing) According to the above configuration, the heating of the washing water is performed only when the seat is detected, so that the standby power consumption when not in use is small, and the hot water is constantly stored in the tank. Compared to a hot water storage type human body washing device that keeps warm, it is possible to save a great deal of power.

[0004]

However, when the above-described conventional configuration is realized by using a normal household power supply, the heat exchanger cannot have a sufficient boiling capacity. That is, it is difficult to obtain cleaning water having a temperature and a flow rate suitable for cleaning the human body, and there is a problem that a satisfactory cleaning feeling cannot be obtained and it is unpleasant especially in the use in winter in a cold region. . The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a human body that can obtain a satisfactory washing feeling while using a normal household power supply and also contributes to power saving. A cleaning device is provided.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in a human body washing apparatus according to the first aspect, a water supply path for supplying cleaning water and a cleaning water connected to the water supply path. Heating means, a hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water heated by the washing water heating means, and a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, In a human body washing apparatus including a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water, a pulsation generating means for pulsating washing water flowing through the water supply path, heating of the washing water by the washing water heating means, and pulsation by the pulsation generating means And a controller configured to perform the generating operation in conjunction with each other. According to the above invention, when not in use, the cleaning water is not heated, so that power can be saved. Further, since pulsation can be given to the water discharge, the cleaning feeling and cleaning power can be provided even though the actual amount of the cleaning water is small. It is possible to clean the human body very well, resulting in water and power savings,
Significant energy saving is possible as a whole. Also, since the actual amount of washing water is small, even when using a normal household power supply, it is possible to obtain washing water having a temperature and a flow rate suitable for washing the human body, and in a cold region in winter. A satisfactory washing feeling can be obtained even in the use of, for example, which is very useful. Furthermore, the pulsation generating means is activated in conjunction with the start of heating of the washing water, and the pulsation generating means is stopped in conjunction with the stop of heating, so that the pulsation is automatically generated in the washing water without forcing the user to perform a special operation. Since it can be provided, no new load is imposed on the user. Further, when the cleaning water is not heated, such as during standby, the pulsation generating means is stopped, so that there is no generation of noise and unnecessary power consumption.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a water supply channel for supplying the cleaning water, a cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply channel, and a hot water temperature for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means. Detecting means, and a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means,
In a human body washing apparatus including a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water, a detecting means for detecting approach of the human body to the apparatus or use of the apparatus, and a pulsation generating means for pulsating washing water flowing through the water supply path. And a controller for activating the pulsation generating means in conjunction with the approach signal or use start signal from the detection means and stopping the pulsation generating means in conjunction with the distance signal or use stop signal. is there. According to the invention described above, when not in use, the washing water is not heated, so that power can be saved. Further, since pulsation can be given to the water discharge, the washing feeling and the washing power can be provided even though the actual amount of the washing water is small. It is possible to clean the human body very well, resulting in water and power savings,
Significant energy saving is possible as a whole. Also, since the actual amount of washing water is small, even when using a normal household power supply, it is possible to obtain washing water having a temperature and a flow rate suitable for washing the human body, and in a cold region in winter. A satisfactory washing feeling can be obtained even in the use of, for example, which is very useful. Further, the pulsation can be automatically applied to the washing water during use of the apparatus, so that a new load is not applied to the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the human body cleaning apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the controller stops the supply of the cleaning water after the heating of the cleaning water is stopped. . According to the above invention, water is flowed for a while after the heating of the washing water is stopped, and local boiling and abnormal heating due to post-boiling generated after the heating is stopped are prevented, so that high-temperature washing water is supplied, and the heating means itself is heated. Durable deterioration can be prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the human body cleaning apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the pulsation generating means is provided downstream of the cleaning water heating means. According to the above invention, it is possible to prevent unnecessary pulsation pressure from being applied to the heating means, and to suppress the attenuation of the pulsation pressure by disposing the pulsation generator near the water discharge portion.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a human body cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a supply system of cleaning water. In FIG. 1, a constant flow valve 12, a solenoid valve 13, and a heat exchanger 14 are connected to a water supply pipe 11 for supplying cleaning water in order from the upstream side. Heat exchanger 1
A vacuum breaker 15 is connected to the outlet 4. The downstream of the vacuum breaker 15 branches in two directions,
One is a drainage pipe 1 for directly dumping excess water into the toilet.
6 and the other is connected to a flow path switching and flow control valve 18. The downstream of the flow path switching and flow regulating valve 18 branches in two directions,
One is connected to a drainage channel 19, and the other is connected to a nozzle device 21 that ejects washing water to a human body via a pulsation generator 17 and a flow path switching valve 20. In this example, the flow path switching valve 2
0 is integrally formed in the nozzle device 21. Further, a hot water heater 22 is provided in the heat exchanger 14, and a cold water thermistor 23 and a hot water thermistor 24 are provided at a water inlet and a water outlet of the heat exchanger 14, respectively. The drainage of the drainage channel 19 is located at a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed. Further, the nozzle device 21 has three flow paths including a posterior flow path 25, a soft flow path 26, and a bidet flow path 27. The control of each unit is performed by the controller 28
Done by

In this embodiment, an accumulator 29 is provided upstream of the pulsation generator 17, a float switch 30 is provided in the heat exchanger 14, and a temperature fuse 31 is provided in the pulsation generator 17. The accumulator 29 is for preventing the pulsation generated by the pulsation generating device 17 from propagating upstream, and the float switch 30 does not energize the hot water heater 22 when the predetermined water level is not detected. By doing so, the boil-off is prevented, and the temperature fuse 31 stops the drive when the pulsation generator 17 rises to an abnormal temperature, thereby ensuring safety.

With the above configuration, the washing water supplied from the water supply pipe 11 by the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve 13 is supplied to the heat exchanger 1.
4 is heated to a suitable temperature hot water and the vacuum breaker 15
To reach the flow path switching and flow control valve 18. Here, the flow rate of the washing water is adjusted by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18, pulsation is given by the pulsation generator 17, reaches the flow path switching valve 20, and the cleaning water is selected by the flow path switching valve 20. As a result, it is ejected from the nozzle device 21.

FIG. 2 shows a time chart of the present invention. When seating is detected by a seating switch (not shown) provided on a toilet seat (not shown), the opening of the solenoid valve 13 starts the flow of washing water, and starts the hot water heater 22 in the heat exchanger 14. In conjunction with this, the pulsation generator 17 is activated. When the hot water thermistor 24 provided at the water outlet of the heat exchanger 14 detects a predetermined temperature, the output of the hot water heater 22 is reduced, and the pulsation generator 17 stops in conjunction with this. Then, the electromagnetic valve 13 is closed to stop the flow of the cleaning water. However, the flow of the cleaning water may be delayed and stopped after the output of the hot water heater 22 is reduced. In such a case, it is possible to prevent local boiling and abnormal heating due to post-boiling that occurs after the heating is stopped by flowing water for a while after the heating of the cleaning water is stopped. By the operation so far, the water retained in the heat exchanger 14 is replaced with hot water of a predetermined temperature. The washing water supplied during this operation is discharged from the drainage passage 19 selected by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18 and discharged into the toilet.
At this time, by setting the drainage of the drainage channel 19 to a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed, the nozzle device 21 can be cleaned.
Body cleaning can be performed. A series of these operations are controlled by the controller 28. In addition to the hot water thermistor 24 provided at the outlet of the heat exchanger 14, the heat exchanger 14
If the cold water thermistor 23 is provided in the water inlet section to detect the incoming water temperature, the control of the hot water thermistor 24 can be performed more effectively. (Water flow heating)

As described above, when the hot water thermistor 24 detects a predetermined temperature, the output of the hot water heater 22 is reduced. At this time, the temperature of the washing water stored in the heat exchanger 14 always includes a predetermined temperature including the predetermined temperature. The output of the hot water heater 22 is controlled by the controller 28 based on the signal from the hot water thermistor 24 so as to be kept in the band. For example, when the predetermined temperature is set to 40 ° C. and the predetermined temperature zone is set to 38 ° C. to 42 ° C., the control is performed such that the temperature of the washing water in the heat exchanger 14 always falls within this range. By this heat retention control,
There is no need to worry about low-temperature water coming out of the body during cleaning and discomfort or hot water coming out and causing burns. It should be noted that this heat retention control cannot be performed on the retained water in the piping downstream of the heat exchanger 14, but there is no practical problem since the retained water is discharged during the pre-cleaning described later and replaced with hot water of an appropriate temperature. . (Insulation control)

Next, when the posterior switch (not shown) is operated to start the posterior washing, the solenoid valve 13 is opened to start the flow of the washing water, and the hot water heater 22 in the heat exchanger 14 is opened. And the pulsation generator 1
7 starts. These activations are performed in conjunction with the operation of the posterior switch. However, it is of course possible to set each of them to be activated after a predetermined time delay after the operation of the posterior switch. Here, the flow path switching and flow control valve 18 has been previously switched to a flow path toward the nozzle device 21 and the downstream flow path switching valve 20 is set to the self-cleaning (SC) position. Water is spouted from the spout of the nozzle device 21. That is, pre-washing of the spout is performed. Here, the self-cleaning position indicates a state in which all three of the buttocks channel 25, the soft channel 26, and the bidet channel 27 are opened. At this time, since the pre-washing is performed with the pulsating washing water, dirt on the spout can be effectively washed off. (Pre-cleaning)

After the pre-cleaning has been performed for a predetermined time, the flow path of the cleaning water is switched to the drainage path 19 by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18. Since the drainage of the drainage channel 19 is located at a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed as described above,
The body cleaning of the nozzle device 21 can be performed. Then, the nozzle extends from the storage position to the buttocks washing position, and the flow path switching valve 20 switches to the buttocks flow path 25. (Nozzle extension)

When the extension of the nozzle to the posterior washing position is completed, the solenoid valve 13 is closed for a short time, and the flow path of the washing water is switched by the flow path switching and flow regulating valve 18 from the drainage path 19 to the nozzle device 2.
The flow is switched to the first side and the flow rate is gradually increased toward the set water force, and the solenoid valve 13 is opened again during the operation. Thus, even when the set water force is strong, the water is gradually changed from the soft water discharge to the set water force, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. (Soft start)

When the soft start operation is completed, the posterior washing is performed with the set hot water of the appropriate temperature. At this time, since the pulsation is given to the washing water by the function of the pulsation generator 17, the washing can be comfortably performed even with a small amount of water. (Main wash)

Next, when a stop switch (not shown) is operated to stop the posterior washing, the flow path of the washing water is switched to the drainage path 19 by the flow path switching and flow rate regulating valve 18, and the flow path switching is performed. Valve 20 switches to the self-cleaning position. Then, the nozzle retracts and is stored in the storage position.
(Nozzle storage)

When the storage of the nozzle is completed, the flow path of the washing water is again changed by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18 to the nozzle device 2.
At this time, the flow path switching valve 20 is set to the self-cleaning position, and the cleaning water is discharged from the water discharge port of the nozzle device 21 at this time. That is, post-washing of the water outlet is performed. At this time, the post-washing is performed with the pulsating washing water, so that the dirt on the water discharge port can be effectively washed off. (After washing)

During a series of operations from the pre-cleaning to the post-cleaning described above, the controller 28 adjusts the cleaning water flowing out of the heat exchanger 14 to an appropriate temperature based on signals from the hot water thermistor 24 and the cold water thermistor 23. It is controlled to be kept.

After the post-washing has been performed for a predetermined time, the output of the hot water heater 22 is lowered, and in conjunction with this, the pulsation generator 17 is stopped, the electromagnetic valve 13 is closed, and the flow of the wash water is stopped.
Also in this case, the flow of the washing water may be delayed and stopped in order to prevent local boiling and abnormal heating due to the post-boiling. Also, here, so that the temperature of the washing water stored in the heat exchanger 14 is always maintained within a predetermined temperature zone including a predetermined temperature.
Performs heat retention control. This is to prevent the discharge of low-temperature water or high-temperature water even when the cleaning operation is performed again. (Insulation control)

When the seating switch (not shown) detects the unseating (seating off), the driving of the hot water heater 22 is stopped. However, in order to prevent the washing water in the heat exchanger 14 from freezing, when the cold water thermistor 23 or the hot water thermistor 24 detects the water temperature at which there is a possibility of freezing, the hot water heater 22 is driven for a predetermined time to remove the washing water. Perform warming control. (Standby)

By the way, in this embodiment, the case where the buttocks switch is operated has been described. However, a bidet switch for starting bidet washing or a soft switch for starting to wash the buttocks with a softer water flow. Is operated in the same manner, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the pulsation generating operation by the pulsation generating device 17 is performed in conjunction with the heating operation of the washing water by the hot water heater 22, but in conjunction with a signal from a detecting means such as a seat switch. It may be performed. That is, the pulsation generator is activated when detecting approach or use of a human body, and is stopped when detecting a distance (off of a seating switch, off of a human body detection sensor, etc.) or a use stop signal. . This makes it possible to automatically apply pulsation to the washing water during use of the apparatus.

In this embodiment, the pulsation generator 17 is
It is configured to be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 14. This is because the unnecessary pulsating pressure is not applied to the heat exchanger 14 and the pulsation generating device 17 is arranged as close as possible to the water discharge part in order to suppress the pulsation pressure from attenuating in the pipe.

Although all of the examples described above have been described with reference to a human body cleaning device for cleaning a local part of a human body, the present embodiment is applied to a general human body cleaning device such as a shower or a faucet. It goes without saying that you can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a human body cleaning apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart of the example of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional human body cleaning device.

FIG. 4 is a time chart of the example of FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Water supply pipe 12 ... Constant flow valve 13 ... Solenoid valve 14 ... Heat exchanger 15 ... Vacuum breaker 16
... Waste water piping 17 ... Pulsation generator 18 ... Flow path switching and flow control valve 19 ... Waste water path 20 ... Flow path switching valve 21 ... Nozzle device 22 ... Hot water heater 23 ... Cold water thermistor 24 ... Hot water thermistor 25 ... Bottom passage 26 ... soft flow path 27 ... bidet flow path 28 ... controller 29 ... accumulator 30 ... float switch 31 ... temperature fuse 51 ... water supply pipe 52 ... constant flow valve 53 ... solenoid valve 54 ... vacuum breaker 55 ... drainage pipe 56 ... flow rate adjustment Pump 57
Heat exchanger 58 ... Flow path switching valve 59 ... Nozzle device 60 ... Hot water heater 61 ... Cold water thermistor 62 ... Hot water thermistor 63 ... Butt flow path 64 ... Bidet flow path 65 ... Waste water path 66 ... Controller

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Haruo Tsutsui 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka Prefecture Inside Totoki Co., Ltd. (72) Minoru Sato 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture No. 1 Toto Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Hiroyuki Matsushita Inventor 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture Tochi Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Koichiro Matsushita Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka 2-1-1, Totoki Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshikazu Ushijima 2-1-1, Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka Prefecture Totoki Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Risanori Yanase Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 2D038 JA05 JB04 JF00 JF03 JF06 JH00 JH06 JH12 KA02 KA03 KA14 3B201 AA46 AB01 BB36 BB55 BB82 BB92 CB01 CD23 CD42 CD43

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A water supply path for supplying cleaning water, cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply path, hot water temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means, In a human body washing apparatus comprising a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, and a washing nozzle for jetting the washing water, the washing water flowing through the water supply passage pulsates. Pulsation generating means for providing
A human body washing apparatus, comprising: a controller configured to perform heating of the washing water by the washing water heating means and pulsation generating operation by the pulsation generating means in conjunction with each other. 2. A water supply path for supplying cleaning water, cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply path, hot water temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means, In a human body washing apparatus comprising a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, and a washing nozzle for jetting washing water, a human body approaching to the apparatus or the apparatus. Detecting means for detecting the use of water, pulsation generating means for pulsating the washing water flowing through the water supply passage, and activating the pulsation generating means in conjunction with an approach signal or use start signal from the detecting means, A human body washing device comprising a controller for stopping the pulsation generating means in conjunction with a signal or a use stop signal. 3. The human body cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller stops the heating of the cleaning water and then shuts off the supply of the cleaning water with a delay after stopping the heating of the cleaning water. apparatus. 4. The human body cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pulsation generating means is provided downstream of said cleaning water heating means.