JP2003160964A - Bidet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bidet which changes the quantity of water, jetted from a cleaning nozzle, at prescribed time intervals and allows a user to receive not monotonous stimuli at fixed time intervals but comfortable stimuli with moderate fluctuations at variable time intervals. <P>SOLUTION: This bidet is composed of a heating means for heating water supplied from waterworks, the cleaning nozzle 5 which emits a jet of the heated water to private parts of a human body, a flow-rate adjusting means 26 for adjusting the quantity of the water jetted from the cleaning nozzle 5, and a mode control part 43 which changes the quantity of the jetted water at the prescribed time intervals and varies the time intervals automatically. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a local cleaning apparatus for cleaning a human body local area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a toilet seat with a heating function using a local cleaning device for cleaning a local part of a human body has been often used. In this case, not only is the toilet seat warm when seated, but also the human body part can be washed with wash water after use.

The cleaning of the human body part is performed by spraying cleaning water from a cleaning nozzle. At this time, pulse cleaning is often performed. In the pulse cleaning, the jet amount of wash water is changed at short time intervals in a pulsed manner (see FIG. 9), or the jet of wash water is turned on / off (see FIG. 10). By increasing the water pressure to vibrate the folds of the anus to scrape out dirt inside, the amount of jetted water is reduced to remove the dirt. The vertical axis in FIGS. 9 and 10 shows the set value of the flow rate, and the vertical axis in FIG. 11 shows the actual flow rate.

In such a conventional local washing apparatus, although the anus can be cleaned by pulse washing, it is a monotonous stimulus with a constant time interval, and a comfortable stimulus cannot be received. It was a low degree.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to change the amount of water jetted from a cleaning nozzle at predetermined time intervals. It is an object of the present invention to provide a local cleaning device that receives not a constant and monotonous stimulus but a moderately fluctuating and comfortable stimulus by changing the time interval.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a local cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises a heating means for heating water supplied from a water supply and a cleaning for jetting heated water to a local area of a human body. It comprises a nozzle 5, a flow rate adjusting means 26 for adjusting the amount of water jetted from the cleaning nozzle 5, and a mode controller 43 for switching the amount of water jetted at a predetermined time interval and automatically changing the time interval. It is a feature. With such a configuration, it is possible to satisfy the user by receiving a moderately fluctuating and comfortable stimulus by changing the time interval instead of a monotonous stimulus with a constant time interval.

Further, it is preferable to provide a mode control section 43 that can change the time interval within a range of 0.2 seconds to 1 second and provide a mode control section 43 that randomly changes the time interval. With such a configuration, not a monotonous stimulus with a constant time interval but a time interval changes and a moderately fluctuating and comfortable stimulus is received, which makes it possible to satisfy many users.

Further, it is preferable to provide a mode control section 43 for randomly changing the time interval. With such a configuration, it is possible to receive more stimulating and comfortable stimuli that are more fluctuating than those that regularly change the time interval, and it is possible to further satisfy many users.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration diagram of a toilet seat with a heating function using the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the toilet seat body Z is attached to the toilet bowl B, and the toilet seat temperature adjusting means 1, the cleaning means 2, the operating section 3 and the main control means 4 shown in FIG. 1 (a) are provided. Toilet bowl B
It is installed in the vicinity or in the toilet bowl B or the toilet seat body Z.

The toilet seat temperature adjusting means 1 comprises a toilet seat temperature adjusting section 1
1, a toilet seat temperature detecting unit 12, and a seating detecting unit 13.
The toilet seat temperature adjusting section 11 is a heat generating member such as a heater (not shown) as a heating means, the toilet seat temperature detecting section 12 is a temperature detecting member such as a thermistor (not shown), and the seating detecting section 13 is a specific example thereof. Although the description of the physical configuration is omitted, these are attached to the toilet seat body Z and are described later in the main control means
Connected to.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning means 2 includes a water supply valve 21 for supplying / stopping water supply from a water supply, and a heater (not shown) for heating the supplied water for cleaning a human body part. A warm water tank 22 with a heater for storing as wash water,
A pump 23a for generating water pressure in the wash water and supplying the wash water to the wash nozzle 5 and a wash nozzle 5 having a wash water spout 51 at its tip end constitute the main body. Then, the heater is connected to the main control means 4, and the heater and the cleaning means control section 42 of the main control means 4 constitute the cleaning temperature adjusting means 25. Further, the pump 23a is connected to the main control means 4 and the pump 23 is connected.
The flow rate adjusting means 26 is constituted by a and the cleaning means control section 42 of the main control means 4.

The operation unit 3 comprises operation keys such as a hip cleaning operation key 31, a cleaning mode selection key 32, a cleaning temperature operation key 33, a cleaning flow rate operation key 34, and a toilet seat temperature setting key (not shown). Then, it is attached in the vicinity of the toilet seat body Z so as to be easily operated when the user sits on the toilet seat body Z, and is connected to the main control means 4.

The main control means 4 performs various controls by receiving operation signals from the operation section 3 and signals from the toilet seat temperature detection section 12 and the seating detection section 13, and the toilet seat temperature control section 4
1, the cleaning means controller 42 and the mode controller 43 are main components.

The operation of the heated toilet seat using such a local cleaning device will be described. (Note that FIG. 5 shows a chart described below.) First, the user enters the toilet room and sits on the toilet seat body Z. At this time, the toilet seat temperature adjusting means 1 provided in the toilet seat body Z
The seating detection unit 13 detects the seating and sends a signal to the main control unit 4, and the toilet seat temperature control unit 41 of the main control unit 4 sends a command to the toilet seat temperature adjusting unit 11 of the toilet seat temperature adjusting unit 1 to send the toilet seat body Z. To warm. Further, at this time, when the user changes the temperature of the toilet seat body Z, a signal is sent to the main control means 4 by setting the temperature with the toilet seat temperature setting key of the operation part 3, and the toilet seat temperature control part 41 The temperature of the toilet seat temperature adjusting unit 11 is adjusted by the control signal to heat the toilet seat body Z to the set temperature. To this, the main control means 4 receives the temperature signal from the toilet seat temperature detecting unit 12. Feedback control and the like are performed.

In order to wash the human body part after use, a signal is sent to the main control means 4 by operating the butt washing operation key 31 of the operating portion 3, and washing is performed by the control signal from the washing means controlling portion 42. The human body part is cleaned by the means 2. here,
The cleaning means 2 will be described in more detail. Prior to cleaning the human body part, the cleaning means controller 42 opens the water supply valve 21 of the cleaning means 2 and heats the supplied water to store it in the heater-equipped hot water tank 22. Then, when the buttocks washing operation key 31 is operated after the toilet, the main control means 4
Of the cleaning means 2 by the cleaning means controller 42 of
When a is operated, the cleaning water stored in the heater-equipped hot water tank 22 is ejected from the cleaning nozzle 5 to the human body part. Here, the cleaning nozzle 5 will be described.

The cleaning nozzle 5 is arranged at the rear part of the toilet seat body Z, and the cleaning nozzle 5 extends and is located in the immediate vicinity of the human body part only when in use, and when not in use, the cleaning nozzle 5 contracts and is stored in the casing 50. To be done. As shown in FIG. 3, a spring 55 is interposed between the nozzle body and the casing 50, and when wash water is sent from the pump 23a to the wash nozzle 5, this water pressure resists the spring force and causes the wash nozzle to move. When 5 is stretched and wash water is not sent, spring 5
By the restoring force of 5, the cleaning nozzle 5 contracts and returns to its original position. As a means for expanding and contracting the cleaning nozzle 5, an actuator such as a motor may be used instead of using such water pressure.

Further, in the cleaning nozzle 5, the main flow path 52 has a straight flow path for the cleaning water in the center, and a feedback flow path having a substantially 0 shape formed on both sides of the main flow path 52. And 53. By forming the flow path in this way, when the cleaning water flows through the cleaning nozzle 5, the cleaning water is alternately branched into the feedback flow path 53 to change the ejection direction, so that a large area can be cleaned. it can.
(See FIG. 4. From the state of FIG. 4 (a) to the state of FIG. 4 (b), and then to the state of FIG. 4 (c), it is possible to eject in a wide range. After that, FIG. 4 (c)). , Fig. 4 (b),
The state shifts to the state of FIG. 4A, and this is repeated thereafter. )
Further, due to the ejector effect in the air suction hole 54 provided in the vicinity of the confluence point of the feedback flow path 53, it is possible to mix air bubbles with the cleaning water and increase the impact force of the cleaning water on the human body part. Becomes

When the user changes the temperature of the washing water, the temperature is set with the washing temperature operation key 33 of the operating section 3 to send a signal to the main control means 4 and the washing means control section 42. Control signal, the temperature is adjusted by the cleaning temperature adjusting means 25 of the cleaning means 2 to adjust the cleaning water to the set temperature. When the user changes the flow rate of the cleaning water, the cleaning flow rate operation key 34 of the operation section 3 sets the flow rate to send a signal to the main control means 4 and the cleaning means control section 4
The flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting means 26 of the cleaning means 2 by the control signal from the control means 2 to adjust the wash water to the set flow rate.

Further, a case where the user performs pulse cleaning will be described. The pulse cleaning is to change the jetting amount of washing water or to turn on / off the jetting of washing water at short pulse intervals.
The amount of jetted water is increased to increase the water pressure to vibrate the folds of the anus to scrape out dirt inside, and the amount of jetted water is decreased to remove the dirt. 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the basic pattern of pulse cleaning.
FIG. 9 shows a case of changing the jetting amount of washing water at short time intervals in a pulse manner, and FIG. 10 shows a case of turning on / off the jetting of washing water.

In order to perform pulse cleaning, a signal is sent to the main control means 4 by operating the cleaning mode selection key 32 of the operation section 3, and the cleaning means control section 42 and the mode control section 43 of the main control means 4 are operated. Pulse cleaning is performed by the cleaning means 2 with the control signal. Specifically, the cleaning means 2 uses the control signals from the cleaning means controller 42 and the mode controller 43,
By periodically changing the number of revolutions of the pump 23a, the ejection flow rate of the washing water is changed at short pulse intervals, or the ejection of the washing water is turned ON / OFF.

For example, in the case shown in FIG.
The small washing mode (1) of the pattern in which the increase / decrease in the flow rate of the wash water at 3 second intervals is repeated 3 times is performed, and then (that is, 1.8 seconds later), the flow rate of the wash water at 0.4 second intervals. Change to the small washing mode (2) of the pattern in which the increase / decrease of 3 times is repeated, and thereafter (that is, 2.4 seconds later), the increase / decrease of the flow rate of the washing water at intervals of 0.5 seconds is repeated in 3 patterns. The mode shifts to the small cleaning mode of (3), and then (that is, 3.0 seconds later), the mode again shifts to the small cleaning mode of (2) of the pattern. After that, the pattern (1) → (2) → (3) →
With (2) as one cycle, this cycle is repeated.

As another example, in the structure shown in FIG. 7, after the pattern (1) is performed, the patterns (3), (2), (3), (1), (2), ( 1),
(2), (3), etc. are transitioned, and the order of the patterns is randomly determined.

After the pulse cleaning is completed, the user carries out a normal cleaning with cleaning water, and stops the cleaning to complete the cleaning.

The above is the description of the general operation of the heated toilet seat using the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention. As described above, FIG.
Shows this chart.

With the above-described structure, the mode control unit 43 is provided for switching the amount of jetted water at a predetermined time interval and automatically changing the time interval, and jetting the washing water at a short time interval like a pulse. By changing the amount of water or automatically changing the time interval of pulse cleaning to turn on / off the jet of wash water, the time interval of the change in the amount of jet of wash water is constant and not a monotonous stimulus. Changes, and a moderately fluctuating and comfortable stimulus can be received to satisfy the user.

Further, in this embodiment, the time interval is set to 0.3 to 0.5 seconds, but the time interval is set to 0.
By keeping the pulse stimulus within the range of 2 seconds to 1 second, the pulse stimulus that makes the person most satisfied can be obtained. This is a monitor test. When the time interval is less than 0.2 seconds, it is difficult to feel the change of the time interval and the stimulus becomes monotonous, and when the time interval is 1 second or more, a good cleaning feeling cannot be obtained. It is based on the result.

Furthermore, by randomly changing the time interval, more stimulating and comfortable stimuli can be received, and more users can be satisfied, as compared with the case where the pulse pattern is changed regularly. It will be possible.

Although not shown, a motor is provided in place of the pump 23a of the cleaning means 2, and a variable cross-sectional area flow passage driven by the motor to increase or decrease the flow passage cross-sectional area of the washing water is provided. Alternatively, the pulse cleaning may be performed in the variable cross-sectional area channel. In this case, the water pressure of tap water may be used as the water pressure, and the water supply valve 21 may be controlled to be opened and closed by the cleaning means controller 42 in order to adjust the water pressure. By doing so, the jetting amount of the washing water is changed at short time intervals in a pulse manner without using the pump 23a, or the jetting of the washing water is turned ON / OF.
It becomes possible to do F.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Since most of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the above embodiment, description of the same parts will be omitted and only different parts will be described.

In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning means 2 is different. More specifically, the pump 2 of the cleaning means 2
An electromagnetic valve or a motor 23b is provided instead of 3a, and a bypass flow path 27 that bypasses this portion is formed. As the water pressure, the water pressure of tap water is used, and the water supply valve 21 is controlled to be opened / closed by the cleaning means controller 42 in order to adjust the water pressure. In this case, the washing water is distributed to the bypass passage 27 by the solenoid valve or the motor 23b, or the passage is closed to change the jetting amount of the washing water at short pulse intervals. Alternatively, the jet of cleaning water is turned on / off.

By doing so, the jetting amount of the washing water is changed at short pulse intervals without using the pump 23a, or the jetting of the washing water is turned ON / OF.
It becomes possible to do F.

[0033]

As described above, in the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention, the heating means for heating the water supplied from the water supply, and the cleaning nozzle for ejecting the heated water to the local area of the human body. Since the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the amount of water ejected from the cleaning nozzle and the mode controller for switching the amount of water ejected at a predetermined time interval and automatically changing the time interval are provided, the time interval is constant and monotonous. Instead of the stimulus, the time interval changes and the stimulus is moderately fluctuated and a comfortable stimulus can be received to satisfy the user.

According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the time interval is 0.2
Since the mode control unit that is variable within the range of 1 second to 1 second is provided, it is not a monotonous stimulus with a constant time interval, but the time interval changes and a moderately fluctuating and comfortable stimulus is received, and many users can receive it. It becomes possible to be satisfied.

According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, a mode control unit for randomly changing the time interval is provided, so that the change of the time interval is regular. It is possible to satisfy more users by receiving a more stimulating and comfortable stimulus that is more fluctuating than what is done in the above.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A is a schematic explanatory view of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory view of a heated toilet seat using a local cleaning apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning unit in the above embodiment.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are explanatory views of expansion and contraction of the cleaning nozzle in the above embodiment.

4 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory views of the internal structure of the cleaning nozzle according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a usage chart of a heated toilet seat using a local cleaning device.

FIG. 6 shows a usage chart illustrating an example of pulse cleaning.

FIG. 7 is a use chart illustrating another example of pulse cleaning.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a basic cleaning pattern of pulse cleaning.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a basic cleaning pattern of pulse cleaning.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an actual water amount in a basic cleaning pattern of pulse cleaning.

[Explanation of symbols]

26 Flow rate adjusting means 43 Mode controller 5 Washing nozzle

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masaaki Terano             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company (72) Inventor Yuri Chimura             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company F-term (reference) 2D038 JA00 JB01 JB03 JH06 JH12

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A heating means for heating water supplied from a water supply, a cleaning nozzle for ejecting the heated water to a local part of the human body, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the amount of water ejected from the cleaning nozzle, and a predetermined time. A local cleaning apparatus comprising: a mode control unit that switches the amount of jetted water at intervals and automatically changes the time interval. 2. The local cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode control unit whose time interval is variable within a range of 0.2 seconds to 1 second. 3. The local cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode control unit that randomly changes the time interval.