JP2004263424A

JP2004263424A - Toilet device

Info

Publication number: JP2004263424A
Application number: JP2003054291A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Gendo Kato; 玄道加藤; Mitsuo Takai; 光男高井; Tomio Arikawa; 富夫有川; Takemi Yoshinaga; 健実吉永
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2003-02-28
Filing date: 2003-02-28
Publication date: 2004-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-28
Also published as: JP4456820B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet device capable of cleaning a cleaning nozzle with high safety. <P>SOLUTION: In a toilet device provided with a warm water cleaning device having cleaning nozzles 16, 17 ejecting cleaning water to the parts of a human body, a seating detector 22 detecting a state that a user is seated on the toilet seat, and a controller 21 for action control of the warm water cleaning device in various modes, a cleaning mode cleaning the cleaning nozzles 16, 17 by supplying higher temperature cleaning water than that during cleaning the private parts is provided, and a means is provided for preventing the nozzle cleaning mode from being actuated while the seating state is detected by the seating detector 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明はトイレ装置に関し、特に洗浄ノズルを洗浄する機能を有する温水洗浄装置を備えたトイレ装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、温水洗浄装置を備えたトイレ装置は知られており、その温水洗浄装置として、洗浄水をヒータを内蔵した洗浄水タンクに常時所望の温度に保持した状態で貯留させておき、洗浄時に洗浄水を洗浄水タンクからポンプや給水圧にて洗浄ノズルに向けて送給し、洗浄ノズルから人体の局部に洗浄水を噴出させるようにしたものが知られている。
【０００３】
また、このような温水洗浄装置において、局部洗浄時よりも高い温度の洗浄水を洗浄ノズル内に流して洗浄ノズルの掃除を行うようにしたものも知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−３１１０７８号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記特許文献１に開示された温水洗浄装置では、高温の洗浄水を供給する高温ノズル洗浄動作中は、操作部の操作を不能とする動作禁止モードを設けているが、使用者が便座に着座した状態でも高温ノズル洗浄動作を行う恐れがあり、例え高温ノズル洗浄動作時には高温の洗浄水の吐出量を局部の洗浄時よりも少量となるようにしていても、飛散した高温の洗浄水が人体にかかる恐れがあるとともに、万一回路異常があると人体に高温水が噴射される危険性があって安全性に問題があり、また洗浄ノズルに高温の洗浄水を通して掃除する方式であるため洗浄ノズルの先端部の外面に汚物等が付着した場合、洗浄ノズルから高温の洗浄水を流出させてもその汚れは掃除され難く、汚れが放置されたままとなって不衛生になるという問題がある。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記従来の問題点に鑑み、高い安全性をもって洗浄ノズルの洗浄を行うことができるトイレ装置を提供することを目的としている。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明のトイレ装置は、人体の局部に洗浄水を噴出する洗浄ノズルを有する温水洗浄装置と、人体が便座上に着座している状態を検知する着座検知手段と、温水洗浄装置を各種モードで動作制御する制御部を備えたトイレ装置において、局部洗浄時よりも高温の洗浄水を供給して洗浄ノズルを洗浄するノズル洗浄モードを設け、かつ着座検知手段にて着座検知中はノズル洗浄モードの作動を禁止する手段を設けたものであり、人体が便座上に着座している状態では高温の洗浄水が洗浄ノズルに向けて供給されることがないので安全性が高く、かつ非着座時にノズル洗浄モードを選択することで洗浄ノズルを高温の洗浄水で洗浄してその衛生状態を確保することができる。
【０００８】
また、温水洗浄装置は、洗浄水を所定温度に加熱する瞬間式熱交換器と、洗浄水を選択的に供給する切換弁と、洗浄ノズルを有するノズルユニットとを備え、ノズル洗浄モードは、瞬間式熱交換器にて高温の洗浄水を発生させて切換弁を介して洗浄ノズルに供給するようにすると、ノズル洗浄用の高温の洗浄水を容易にかつ特別な構成を付加することなく安価な構成にてノズル洗浄を行うことができる。
【０００９】
また、ノズルユニットに洗浄ノズルの先端部外面に洗浄水を噴出するノズル洗浄通路を設け、ノズル洗浄モードは、瞬間式熱交換器にて高温の洗浄水を発生させて切換弁を介してノズル洗浄通路に供給するようにすると、洗浄ノズルの先端部外面に付着した汚れも高温の洗浄水を噴出して確実に除去することができ、衛生状態を一層向上することができる。
【００１０】
また、ノズル洗浄モードは、洗浄水の流量を、その流量を検出する流量検知手段の検出範囲の下限以上でかつ局部洗浄時の流量の下限よりも少なく設定することと、万一着座検出手段が誤作動している状態でノズル洗浄モードを選択しても高温の洗浄水が強く噴出して人体の局部にかかる恐れがなく、安全性を確保することができる。
【００１１】
また、洗浄水を所定温度に加熱する瞬間式熱交換器と、洗浄水を選択的に供給する切換弁と、人体の局部に洗浄水を噴出する洗浄ノズルが洗浄位置と待機位置との間で出退自在に支持されるとともに待機位置に向けて移動付勢され、洗浄水が所定流量以上で供給されると洗浄ノズルが洗浄位置に突出移動して洗浄水を局部に向けて噴出させるノズルユニットを有する温水洗浄装置と、温水洗浄装置を各種モードで動作制御する制御部を備えたトイレ装置において、局部洗浄時よりも高温の洗浄水を洗浄ノズルが突出移動する水量よりも少ない水量で洗浄ノズルに供給するノズル洗浄モードを設けた構成とすると、洗浄ノズルが待機状態にあるときに高温の洗浄水が供給されるので高い安全性をもって洗浄ノズルの洗浄を行うことができ、かつ上記のような圧力式のノズルユニットの特性と瞬間式熱交換器の能力を、局部に洗浄水が噴射される程の流量では洗浄水が火傷するほどの高温にならないようにする設定するだけで簡単に実現できる。
【００１２】
また、以上のトイレ装置において、ノズル洗浄モードは、その動作停止時に一定時間局部洗浄時の温度の洗浄水を供給するようにすると、ノズル洗浄が終了した状態で洗浄ノズル内には通常の局部洗浄時の温度の洗浄水に置換されているので、直ちに通常の局部洗浄を行っても高温の洗浄水が吐出されることがなく、安全である。
【００１３】
また、瞬間式熱交換器の二次側に第１の温度検知手段を設け、第１の温度検知手段が所定温度以上の温度を検知しかつ着座検知中のときに、瞬間式熱交換器に対する入力を停止する安全手段を設けると、着座して通常の局部洗浄を行う時には高温の洗浄水が供給されると安全手段が機能するようにしながら、着座していないときは高温水でのノズル洗浄を行うことができる。
【００１４】
また、瞬間式熱交換器の一次側に止水弁を設け、第１の温度検知手段が所定温度以上の温度を検知しかつ着座検知中のときに、安全手段が止水弁を遮断するようにすると、安全手段が機能すると、直ちに洗浄水の供給が停止されるので、一層の安全性を確保できる。
【００１５】
また、瞬間式熱交換器の二次側に第２の温度検知手段を設け、第２の温度検知手段の検知信号に基づいて局部洗浄時の洗浄水温度を制御する湯温制御手段を設け、かつ第１の温度検知手段は第２の温度検知手段より下流側に配設すると、安全手段に用いる第１の温度検知手段とは別にそれより上流側に設けた第２の温度検知手段による検知温度に基づいて湯温制御手段にて局部洗浄時の洗浄水温度を応答性よく制御することができる。
【００１６】
また、ノズル洗浄モードの作動累積時間を記憶する不揮発性メモリと、作動累積時間が所定値を越えたらノズル洗浄モードの作動を禁止する手段を設けると、高温の洗浄水を発生させることで瞬間式熱交換器内にスケールが発生して通常の局部洗浄機能に障害を与える恐れがあるので、その前にノズル洗浄モードの作動を禁止することでそのような弊害を未然に防止することができる。
【００１７】
また、不揮発性メモリの累積値をリセットする手段を設けると、保守点検を点検を行ってそのような弊害の恐れを無くした後、リセットすることで原状に復帰することができる。
【００１８】
また、ノズル洗浄モードは、操作部の専用スイッチの押圧操作にて設定されように構成し、かつ専用スイッチは操作部の表面に設けた凹部内に配置したり、操作部の複数スイッチを同時に押圧する操作にて設定されるようにしたり、操作部の単一又は複数スイッチを一定時間以上押圧する操作にて設定されるようにすることで、スイッチを誤って操作してノズル洗浄モードに移行するのを防止することができる。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明のトイレ装置の一実施形態について、図１〜図３を参照して説明する。
【００２０】
本実施形態のトイレ装置における温水洗浄装置の構成を示す図１において、給水元に接続された便器洗浄用の給水管路１からアングル水栓１ａにて温水洗浄装置への給水管２が分岐され、ストレーナ３、逆止弁４、定流量弁５を介して止水電磁弁６に接続されている。定流量弁５は、止水電磁弁６の開弁時に１０００ｃｃ／ｍｉｎ程度の洗浄水が定量給水されるように設定されている。この止水電磁弁６から負圧の発生を防止するための大気開放弁７と余分な水を便器内に放出する逃がし通路８を設けられた分岐通路９と流量検知手段１０を介してヒータ１２を内蔵した瞬間式熱交換器１１に接続されている。瞬間式熱交換器１１は、洗浄水を加熱して局部洗浄用の所望温度の洗浄水またはノズル洗浄用の高温の洗浄水を生成する。この瞬間式熱交換器１１にて所定温度に加熱された洗浄水はポンプ１３にて流量調節切換弁１４を介してノズルユニット１５に送給される。流量調節切換弁１４は、入口ポート１４ａと、おしり洗浄ポート１４ｂ及びその噴出形態調整ポート１４ｃと、ビデ洗浄ポート１４ｄと、ノズル洗浄ポート１４ｅとを有し、モータ１４ｆにて弁体（図示せず）の回転位置を制御することで各ポート１４ａ〜１４ｅの切換と流量調節を行うように構成されている。
【００２１】
ノズルユニット１５は、おしり洗浄ノズル１６とビデ洗浄ノズル１７とこれら洗浄ノズル１６、１７における洗浄水噴出口が設けられている先端部外面に洗浄水を吐出して洗浄するためのノズル洗浄通路１８を備えている。おしり洗浄ノズル１６にはおしり洗浄ポート１４ｂ及びその噴出形態調整ポート１４ｃからの洗浄水が供給され、ビデ洗浄ノズル１７にはビデ洗浄ポート１４ｄからの洗浄水が供給され、ノズル洗浄通路１８にはノズル洗浄ポート１４ｅからの洗浄水が供給される。
【００２２】
止水電磁弁６、瞬間式熱交換器１１のヒータ１２、ポンプ１３、流量調節切換弁１４のモータ１４ｆは制御部２１にて作動制御される。制御部２１には、流量検出手段１０による検出信号、瞬間式熱交換器１１の出口近傍に配設された安全回路用の第１の温度検知手段１９及び洗浄水の温度調整用の第２の温度検知手段２０の検知信号、便座上に人体が着座している状態を検知する着座検知手段２２の検知信号が入力されている。なお、第１の温度検知手段１９は第２の温度検知手段２０よりも下流側に配設されている。また、制御部２１には、ノズル洗浄モードを作動させた累積時間を記憶する不揮発性メモリ２３が接続され、またその累積値をリセットするリセット手段２４が設けられている。
【００２３】
以上の回路構成の温水洗浄便座３０は、図２に示すように、便器（図示せず）の上面後部に設置固定される本体部３１に便座３２とその上の便蓋３３が上下開閉可能に装着されている。本体部３１の一側部には操作部３４が配設され、その操作指令信号が図１に示すように制御部２１に入力されている。操作部３４には、おしり洗浄モードを選択設定するおしり洗浄スイッチ３５と、ビデ洗浄モードを選択設定するビデ洗浄スイッチ３６と、洗浄ノズル１６、１７を高温の洗浄水で洗浄するノズル洗浄モードを選択設定する高温洗浄スイッチ３７と、作動を停止する停止スイッチ３８とが設けられている。なお、高温洗浄スイッチ３７は、操作部３４の上面に形成した凹部３９内に配設され、指で押し込まないとスイッチを操作できず、操作部３４の上面に手を触れることで不測にスイッチ操作を行ってしまうことがないようにされている。
【００２４】
なお、ノズル洗浄モードの選択設定操作としては、図３（ａ）に示すように、高温洗浄スイッチ３７とおしり洗浄スイッチ３５を同時に一定時間以上押したときにノズル洗浄モードに選択設定されるようにしたり、図３（ｂ）に示すように、おしり洗浄スイッチと高温洗浄スイッチを兼用したおしり／高温洗浄スイッチ４０を設け、着座検知手段２２にて着座状態を検知している間におしり／高温洗浄スイッチ４０を押すとおしり洗浄モードを選択設定し、非着座状態で押すと高温洗浄モードを選択設定するようにしても良い。
【００２５】
次に、主な動作を説明すると、便座３２上に着座して用便した後操作部３４にておしり洗浄スイッチ３５を押すと動作モードがおしり洗浄モードとなり、動作プログラムに基づいて別途に選択設定された洗浄水の温度、流量、噴出態様等の洗浄条件に合わせて制御部２１によって止水電磁弁６、瞬間式熱交換器１１のヒータ１２、ポンプ１３、及び流量調節切換弁１４のモータ１４ｆが動作制御され、おしり洗浄ノズル１６から局部に向けて所望温度、所望噴出量の洗浄水が噴出され、洗浄が行われる。なお、ビデ洗浄スイッチ３６を押した場合も同様にビデ洗浄ノズル１７から局部に向けて洗浄水が噴出され、洗浄が行われる。
【００２６】
この局部洗浄動作時には、第２の温度検知手段２０による検出温度によってヒータ１２の入力制御が行われ、洗浄水の温度が精度よく設定温度にコントロールされる。また、局部洗浄時の温度調整範囲を越える異常な高温（例えば５０℃以上）の洗浄水が発生すると、第１の温度検知手段１９にて検知され、その検知信号と着座検知手段２２からの検知信号が入力することで、制御部２１内の安全回路が作動して直ちにヒータ１２への入力が停止されることで、高温の洗浄水が継続して洗浄ノズル１６、１７から吐出されるのが防止され、火傷させる恐れはない。さらに、第１の温度検知手段１９からの検知信号に基づいて止水電磁弁６を遮断するようにすると直ちに洗浄水の吐出が停止されて安全である。
【００２７】
一方、洗浄ノズル１６又は１７の先端部の外面に汚物が付着して汚れたためにノズル洗浄を行う場合には、便座３２に上に着座していない状態で高温洗浄スイッチ３７を押す。すると、動作モードがノズル洗浄モードとなり、動作プログラムに基づいて制御部２１によって止水電磁弁６、瞬間式熱交換器１１のヒータ１２、ポンプ１３、及び流量調節切換弁１４のモータ１４ｆが動作制御され、洗浄水の流量が上記局部洗浄時の流量の下限よりも少なくかつ流量検出手段１０の検出範囲の下限以上に設定し、ヒータ１１に比較的大きい所定の電力を入力することで７０℃程度の高温の洗浄水が生成され、この高温の洗浄水が流量調節切換弁１４を介してノズル洗浄通路１８に供給され、おしり洗浄ノズル１６及びビデ洗浄ノズルの先端部外面に吐出されることで、洗浄ノズル１６、１７の先端部外面の汚れが確実に掃除され、衛生状態が確保される。このノズル洗浄モードでは、着座検知手段２２からの検知信号が入力していないので、第１の温度検知手段１９から検知信号が入力しても上記安全回路は作動せず、ノズル洗浄動作を阻害することはない。
【００２８】
また、便座３２に人が着座している状態では、着座検知手段２２からの検知信号が出力されているため、ノズル洗浄モードによる動作が禁止されるため安全である。また、ノズル洗浄モードにおいては、上記のように洗浄水の流量を小さくしていることで、万一着座検出手段２２が誤作動している状態でノズル洗浄モードを選択しても高温の洗浄水が強く噴出して飛散した高温の洗浄水が人体の局部にかかる恐れがなく、安全性を確保することができる。
【００２９】
また、ノズル洗浄モードの動作停止時には、一定時間局部洗浄時の温度の洗浄水を供給するようにしている。これによって、ノズル洗浄が終了した状態で洗浄ノズル１６、１７内には通常の局部洗浄時の温度の洗浄水に置換されているので、直ちに通常の局部洗浄を行っても高温の洗浄水が吐出されることがなく、安全である。
【００３０】
さらに、高温の洗浄水を発生させることで瞬間式熱交換器１１内にスケールが発生して通常の局部洗浄機能に障害を与える恐れがあるので、ノズル洗浄モードの作動累積時間を不揮発性メモリ２３に記憶させ、その作動累積時間が所定値を越えたらノズル洗浄モードの作動を禁止するようにしており、これによってスケールの発生にて通常の局部洗浄機能に障害を与える弊害を未然に防止することができる。また、保守点検を点検を行ってそのような弊害の恐れを無くした後に、リセット手段２４にてその累積値をリセットすることで簡単に原状に復帰させることができる。
【００３１】
上記実施形態の説明では、ノズルユニット１５に洗浄ノズル１６、１７の先端部外面に洗浄水を吐出するノズル洗浄通路１８を設けた例を示したが、このようなノズル洗浄通路１８を設けていないノズルユニット１５においても、ノズル洗浄モード時に、高温の洗浄水を洗浄ノズル１６、１７の内部を通して供給し、これら洗浄ノズル１６、１７から吐出した高温の洗浄水を、カバー等によってノズル先端部外面に沿って流動させるように構成しても良い。また、ノズル洗浄通路１８を設けている場合にも高温の洗浄水を洗浄ノズル１６、１７の内部に通して内部の滅菌・清掃を行うようにしても良い。
【００３２】
また、上記実施形態では、洗浄ノズル１６、１７を機械的な出退機構にて出退させるようにした例について説明したが、ノズルユニット１５として、人体の局部に洗浄水を噴出する洗浄ノズルが洗浄位置と待機位置との間で出退自在に支持されるとともに待機位置に向けて移動付勢され、洗浄水が所定流量以上で供給されると洗浄ノズルが洗浄位置に突出移動して洗浄水を局部に向けて噴出させるようにしたもの（図示せず。例えば、特開２００１−１５２５１８号公報に開示されている。）を採用し、ノズル洗浄モード時に、局部洗浄時よりも高温の洗浄水を洗浄ノズルが突出移動する水量よりも少ない水量で洗浄ノズルに供給するように構成してもよい。
【００３３】
このような構成によれば、洗浄ノズルが待機状態にあるときに高温の洗浄水が供給されるので高い安全性をもって洗浄ノズルの洗浄を行うことができ、かつ瞬間式熱交換器１１の能力を局部に洗浄水が噴射される程の流量では洗浄水が火傷するほどの高温にならないように設定するだけで簡単に実現できる。
【００３４】
【発明の効果】
本発明のトイレ装置によれば、局部洗浄時よりも高温の洗浄水を供給して洗浄ノズルを洗浄するノズル洗浄モードを設け、かつ着座検知手段にて着座検知中はノズル洗浄モードの作動を禁止する手段を設けたので、非着座時にノズル洗浄モードを選択することで洗浄ノズルを高温の洗浄水で洗浄してその衛生状態を確保することができ、かつ人体が便座上に着座している状態では高温の洗浄水が洗浄ノズルに向けて供給されることがないので安全性を確保できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のトイレ装置の一実施形態の概略構成図である。
【図２】同実施形態における温水洗浄便座を示し、（ａ）は全体斜視図、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＡ部拡大平面図、（ｃ）は（ｂ）のＢ−Ｂ矢視断面図である。
【図３】同実施形態におけるノズル洗浄モード選択方法の他の例の説明図である。
【符号の説明】
６止水電磁弁
１０流量検知手段
１１瞬間式熱交換器
１４流量調節切換弁
１５ノズルユニット
１６おしり洗浄ノズル
１７ビデ洗浄ノズル
１８ノズル洗浄通路
１９第１の温度検知手段
２０第２の温度検知手段
２１制御部
２２着座検知手段
２３不揮発性メモリ
２４リセット手段
３０温水洗浄便座
３２便座
３７高温洗浄スイッチ
３９凹部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a toilet device, and more particularly to a toilet device provided with a hot water cleaning device having a function of cleaning a cleaning nozzle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a toilet apparatus equipped with a hot water washing device has been known. As the hot water washing device, washing water is stored in a washing water tank having a built-in heater at a desired temperature at all times. It is known that the washing water is supplied from a washing water tank to a washing nozzle by a pump or a water supply pressure, and the washing water is jetted from the washing nozzle to a local part of a human body.
[0003]
Further, in such a hot water cleaning device, there is also known a device in which cleaning water having a higher temperature than that at the time of local cleaning is caused to flow into the cleaning nozzle to clean the cleaning nozzle (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-311078
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the hot water cleaning device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an operation prohibition mode in which the operation of the operation unit is disabled during the high-temperature nozzle cleaning operation for supplying high-temperature cleaning water. There is a risk that the high-temperature nozzle cleaning operation may be performed even if the high-temperature nozzle cleaning operation is performed even if the high-temperature nozzle cleaning operation discharges a smaller amount of water than the local cleaning. However, if the circuit is abnormal, there is a risk of hot water being sprayed on the human body and there is a problem with safety, and cleaning is performed by passing high-temperature washing water through the washing nozzle. Therefore, if dirt or the like adheres to the outer surface of the tip of the cleaning nozzle, it is difficult to clean the dirt even if high-temperature cleaning water flows out of the cleaning nozzle, and the dirt is left unattended and unsanitary. There is a problem.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and has as its object to provide a toilet apparatus that can clean a cleaning nozzle with high safety.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The toilet device of the present invention includes a hot water washing device having a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water to a local part of a human body, a seating detecting means for detecting a state in which a human body is sitting on a toilet seat, and a hot water washing device in various modes. In the toilet apparatus provided with a control unit for controlling the operation, a nozzle washing mode is provided in which the washing nozzle is washed by supplying washing water having a higher temperature than that in the local washing, and the nozzle washing mode is set during the seating detection by the seating detecting means. A means for inhibiting operation is provided, and when the human body is sitting on the toilet seat, high-temperature washing water is not supplied toward the washing nozzle, so that the safety is high and the nozzle is not seated when not seated. By selecting the cleaning mode, the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned with high-temperature cleaning water to maintain the sanitary condition.
[0008]
Further, the hot water cleaning apparatus includes an instantaneous heat exchanger for heating the cleaning water to a predetermined temperature, a switching valve for selectively supplying the cleaning water, and a nozzle unit having a cleaning nozzle. When high-temperature cleaning water is generated by the heat exchanger and supplied to the cleaning nozzle via the switching valve, high-temperature cleaning water for nozzle cleaning can be easily and inexpensively added without any special configuration. Nozzle cleaning can be performed with the configuration.
[0009]
In addition, the nozzle unit is provided with a nozzle washing passage that jets washing water to the outer surface of the tip of the washing nozzle. In the nozzle washing mode, high-temperature washing water is generated by an instantaneous heat exchanger and nozzle washing is performed via a switching valve. When supplied to the passage, dirt attached to the outer surface of the leading end of the cleaning nozzle can be reliably removed by blowing out high-temperature cleaning water, and the sanitary condition can be further improved.
[0010]
In the nozzle cleaning mode, the flow rate of the cleaning water is set to be equal to or more than the lower limit of the detection range of the flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate and smaller than the lower limit of the flow rate at the time of the local cleaning. Even if the nozzle cleaning mode is selected in a malfunctioning state, there is no danger that high-temperature cleaning water will erupt and splash on a local part of the human body, and safety can be ensured.
[0011]
Further, an instantaneous heat exchanger for heating the washing water to a predetermined temperature, a switching valve for selectively supplying the washing water, and a washing nozzle for jetting the washing water to a local part of the human body are provided between the washing position and the standby position. A nozzle unit that is supported so as to be able to move back and forth and is urged to move toward a standby position, and when cleaning water is supplied at a predetermined flow rate or more, the cleaning nozzle protrudes to the cleaning position and ejects the cleaning water toward a local area. In a toilet device provided with a hot water washing device having a controller and a control section for controlling the operation of the hot water washing device in various modes, the washing nozzle is provided with a smaller amount of water than the amount of water in which the washing nozzle projects and moves at a higher temperature than at the time of local washing. When the nozzle is provided with a nozzle cleaning mode, high-temperature cleaning water is supplied when the cleaning nozzle is in a standby state, so that the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned with high safety, and Just set the characteristics of the pressure type nozzle unit and the capacity of the instantaneous heat exchanger as described above so that the flow rate is such that the cleaning water is sprayed locally and the cleaning water does not become hot enough to burn. It can be easily realized.
[0012]
In the above toilet apparatus, the nozzle cleaning mode is such that when the operation is stopped, the cleaning water at the temperature at the time of the local cleaning is supplied for a certain period of time. Since the cleaning water is replaced with the cleaning water at the current temperature, even if the normal local cleaning is performed immediately, the high-temperature cleaning water is not discharged, so that it is safe.
[0013]
Further, a first temperature detecting means is provided on a secondary side of the instantaneous heat exchanger, and when the first temperature detecting means detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and is detecting seating, If a safety means to stop input is provided, the nozzle can be washed with hot water when not seated, while the safety means can function when hot washing water is supplied when sitting and performing normal local washing. It can be performed.
[0014]
In addition, a water shutoff valve is provided on the primary side of the instantaneous heat exchanger, and the safety means shuts off the water shutoff valve when the first temperature detecting means detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the seating is being detected. Then, when the safety means functions, the supply of the washing water is immediately stopped, so that further safety can be ensured.
[0015]
Further, a second temperature detecting means is provided on the secondary side of the instantaneous heat exchanger, and a hot water temperature controlling means for controlling a washing water temperature at the time of local washing based on a detection signal of the second temperature detecting means is provided, Further, when the first temperature detecting means is disposed downstream of the second temperature detecting means, the detection is performed by the second temperature detecting means provided upstream of the first temperature detecting means separately from the first temperature detecting means used for the safety means. The washing water temperature at the time of local washing can be controlled with good responsiveness by the hot water temperature control means based on the temperature.
[0016]
Also, if a non-volatile memory for storing the cumulative operation time of the nozzle cleaning mode and a means for prohibiting the operation of the nozzle cleaning mode when the cumulative operation time exceeds a predetermined value are provided, the instantaneous expression by generating high-temperature cleaning water is provided. Since the scale may be generated in the heat exchanger and impair the normal local cleaning function, such an adverse effect can be prevented beforehand by prohibiting the operation of the nozzle cleaning mode.
[0017]
In addition, if a means for resetting the accumulated value of the nonvolatile memory is provided, it is possible to return to the original state by resetting after performing a maintenance check to eliminate the risk of such adverse effects.
[0018]
In addition, the nozzle cleaning mode is configured to be set by pressing a dedicated switch of the operation unit, and the dedicated switch is disposed in a concave portion provided on the surface of the operation unit, or simultaneously presses a plurality of switches of the operation unit. By operating the switch by mistake, or by pressing one or more switches of the operation unit for a certain period of time or more, the switch is erroneously operated to shift to the nozzle cleaning mode. Can be prevented.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the toilet apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0020]
In FIG. 1 showing the configuration of the hot water cleaning device in the toilet device of the present embodiment, a water supply pipe 2 to the hot water cleaning device is branched at an angle faucet 1a from a water supply line 1 for toilet flushing connected to a water supply source. , Strainer 3, check valve 4, constant flow valve 5, and is connected to water stop solenoid valve 6. The constant flow valve 5 is set so that when the water stop solenoid valve 6 is opened, a fixed amount of washing water of about 1000 cc / min is supplied. An air release valve 7 for preventing generation of a negative pressure from the water stop solenoid valve 6, a branch passage 9 provided with an escape passage 8 for discharging excess water into the toilet bowl, and a heater 12 through a flow rate detecting means 10. Is connected to the instantaneous heat exchanger 11 having a built-in. The instantaneous heat exchanger 11 heats the cleaning water to generate cleaning water at a desired temperature for local cleaning or high-temperature cleaning water for nozzle cleaning. The washing water heated to a predetermined temperature by the instantaneous heat exchanger 11 is supplied to a nozzle unit 15 by a pump 13 via a flow rate control switching valve 14. The flow control switching valve 14 has an inlet port 14a, a bottom washing port 14b and its jetting form adjusting port 14c, a bidet washing port 14d, and a nozzle washing port 14e. The valve body (not shown) is driven by a motor 14f. ), The ports 14a to 14e are switched and the flow rate is adjusted by controlling the rotational position.
[0021]
The nozzle unit 15 includes a posterior washing nozzle 16, a bidet washing nozzle 17, and a nozzle washing passage 18 for ejecting washing water to an outer surface of a tip portion of each of the washing nozzles 16 and 17 where washing water jets are provided for washing. Have. The washing water is supplied to the buttocks washing nozzle 16 from the buttocks washing port 14b and its jetting form adjustment port 14c, the washing water is supplied to the bidet washing nozzle 17 from the bidet washing port 14d, and the nozzle washing passage 18 is supplied to the nozzle washing passage 18. Cleaning water is supplied from the cleaning port 14e.
[0022]
The operation of the water stop solenoid valve 6, the heater 12 of the instantaneous heat exchanger 11, the pump 13, and the motor 14f of the flow control switching valve 14 is controlled by the control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a detection signal from the flow rate detection unit 10, a first temperature detection unit 19 for a safety circuit disposed near the outlet of the instantaneous heat exchanger 11, and a second temperature detection unit 19 for adjusting the temperature of the washing water. A detection signal from the temperature detection means 20 and a detection signal from the seating detection means 22 for detecting a state in which a human body is sitting on the toilet seat are input. Note that the first temperature detecting means 19 is disposed downstream of the second temperature detecting means 20. Further, the control unit 21 is connected to a non-volatile memory 23 for storing the accumulated time during which the nozzle cleaning mode is operated, and is provided with reset means 24 for resetting the accumulated value.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the warm water flush toilet seat 30 having the above-described circuit configuration is configured such that a toilet seat 32 and a toilet lid 33 thereon can be opened and closed by a main body 31 installed and fixed at the rear of the upper surface of a toilet (not shown). It is installed. An operation section 34 is provided on one side of the main body section 31, and an operation command signal is input to the control section 21 as shown in FIG. The operation unit 34 includes a bottom cleaning switch 35 for selectively setting the bottom cleaning mode, a bidet cleaning switch 36 for selectively setting the bidet cleaning mode, and a nozzle cleaning mode for cleaning the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 with high-temperature cleaning water. A high-temperature cleaning switch 37 to be set and a stop switch 38 to stop the operation are provided. The high-temperature cleaning switch 37 is provided in a concave portion 39 formed on the upper surface of the operation unit 34. The switch cannot be operated unless it is pushed in with a finger. So that you do not
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the nozzle cleaning mode is selectively set to the nozzle cleaning mode when the high-temperature cleaning switch 37 and the posterior cleaning switch 35 are simultaneously pressed for a certain period of time or more. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), a posterior / high-temperature cleaning switch 40 is provided that combines the posterior cleaning switch and the high-temperature cleaning switch, and the posterior / high-temperature cleaning is performed while the seating detection unit 22 detects the seating state. When the switch 40 is pressed, the posterior washing mode may be selectively set, and when the switch 40 is not seated, the high-temperature washing mode may be selectively set.
[0025]
Next, the main operation will be described. After sitting down on the toilet seat 32 and using the toilet, pressing the posterior washing switch 35 on the operation unit 34 changes the operation mode to the posterior washing mode, which is separately selected and set based on the operation program. The control unit 21 controls the water stop solenoid valve 6, the heater 12 of the instantaneous heat exchanger 11, the pump 13, and the motor 14f of the flow rate control switching valve 14 in accordance with the cleaning conditions such as the temperature, flow rate, and jetting mode of the cleaning water. Is controlled, the washing water is ejected from the buttocks washing nozzle 16 toward a local portion at a desired temperature and a desired amount of ejection, and washing is performed. Also, when the bidet cleaning switch 36 is pressed, the cleaning water is similarly jetted from the bidet cleaning nozzle 17 toward a local area to perform cleaning.
[0026]
During the local cleaning operation, the input of the heater 12 is controlled based on the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means 20, and the temperature of the cleaning water is accurately controlled to the set temperature. Further, when an abnormally high temperature (for example, 50 ° C. or more) of cleaning water that exceeds the temperature adjustment range at the time of local cleaning is detected, the temperature is detected by the first temperature detecting means 19, and the detection signal and the detection from the seating detecting means 22 are detected. When the signal is input, the safety circuit in the control unit 21 is activated and the input to the heater 12 is stopped immediately, so that the high-temperature cleaning water is continuously discharged from the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17. It is prevented and there is no danger of burns. Further, if the water shutoff electromagnetic valve 6 is shut off based on the detection signal from the first temperature detecting means 19, the discharge of the washing water is immediately stopped, which is safe.
[0027]
On the other hand, when performing nozzle cleaning because dirt adheres to the outer surface of the tip of the cleaning nozzle 16 or 17 and becomes dirty, the high temperature cleaning switch 37 is pressed while the toilet seat 32 is not seated on the toilet seat 32. Then, the operation mode becomes the nozzle cleaning mode, and the control unit 21 controls the operation of the water stop solenoid valve 6, the heater 12 of the instantaneous heat exchanger 11, the pump 13, and the motor 14f of the flow rate control switching valve 14 based on the operation program. The flow rate of the washing water is set to be lower than the lower limit of the flow rate at the time of the local cleaning and equal to or higher than the lower limit of the detection range of the flow rate detecting means 10, and a relatively large predetermined power is input to the heater 11 to about 70 ° C. High-temperature washing water is generated, and this high-temperature washing water is supplied to the nozzle washing passage 18 through the flow rate control switching valve 14 and discharged to the outer surfaces of the tip end of the posterior washing nozzle 16 and the bidet washing nozzle. Dirt on the outer surfaces of the tip portions of the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 is reliably cleaned, and a sanitary condition is ensured. In this nozzle cleaning mode, since the detection signal from the seating detection means 22 is not input, even if a detection signal is input from the first temperature detection means 19, the above safety circuit does not operate, and the nozzle cleaning operation is hindered. Never.
[0028]
Further, when a person is seated on the toilet seat 32, the detection signal is output from the seating detection means 22, so that the operation in the nozzle cleaning mode is prohibited, which is safe. In the nozzle cleaning mode, since the flow rate of the cleaning water is reduced as described above, even if the nozzle cleaning mode is selected while the seating detection unit 22 is malfunctioning, the high temperature There is no danger that the high-temperature washing water squirted and scattered will splash on local parts of the human body, and safety can be ensured.
[0029]
Further, when the operation of the nozzle cleaning mode is stopped, the cleaning water at the temperature at the time of the local cleaning for a fixed time is supplied. As a result, after the nozzle cleaning is completed, the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 are replaced with the cleaning water at the temperature at the time of the normal local cleaning, so that the high-temperature cleaning water is discharged even if the normal local cleaning is performed immediately. It will not be done and will be safe.
[0030]
Furthermore, since the generation of high-temperature cleaning water may cause scale to be generated in the instantaneous heat exchanger 11 and impair the normal local cleaning function, the cumulative operation time of the nozzle cleaning mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory 23. When the cumulative operation time exceeds a predetermined value, the operation of the nozzle cleaning mode is prohibited, thereby preventing the problem that the normal local cleaning function is impaired due to the occurrence of scale. Can be. Further, after the maintenance inspection is performed to eliminate such a risk of the adverse effects, the accumulated value can be easily reset to the original state by resetting the accumulated value by the reset unit 24.
[0031]
In the description of the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the nozzle unit 15 is provided with the nozzle cleaning passage 18 for discharging the cleaning water on the outer surfaces of the distal ends of the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17, but such a nozzle cleaning passage 18 is not provided. Also in the nozzle unit 15, in the nozzle cleaning mode, high-temperature cleaning water is supplied through the inside of the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17, and the high-temperature cleaning water discharged from the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 is applied to the outer surface of the nozzle tip by a cover or the like. You may comprise so that it may flow along. Even when the nozzle cleaning passage 18 is provided, high-temperature cleaning water may be passed through the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 to sterilize and clean the inside.
[0032]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 are moved back and forth by a mechanical retracting mechanism. However, as the nozzle unit 15, a cleaning nozzle that jets cleaning water to a local part of a human body is used. The cleaning nozzle is supported so as to be able to move back and forth between the cleaning position and the standby position and is urged to move toward the standby position. When the cleaning water is supplied at a predetermined flow rate or more, the cleaning nozzle protrudes to the cleaning position and moves. (Not shown, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-152518) is adopted. In the nozzle cleaning mode, the cleaning water having a higher temperature than the local cleaning is used. May be supplied to the washing nozzle with an amount of water smaller than the amount of water that the washing nozzle projects and moves.
[0033]
According to such a configuration, high-temperature washing water is supplied when the washing nozzle is in the standby state, so that the washing nozzle can be washed with high safety and the capacity of the instantaneous heat exchanger 11 can be improved. It can be easily realized only by setting such that the flow rate is such that the cleaning water is sprayed locally so that the cleaning water does not become so hot as to cause burns.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the toilet apparatus of the present invention, a nozzle cleaning mode is provided in which the cleaning nozzle is cleaned by supplying cleaning water having a higher temperature than that at the time of local cleaning, and the operation of the nozzle cleaning mode is prohibited while the seating detection unit detects seating. Means that the washing nozzle can be washed with high-temperature washing water to ensure its sanitary condition by selecting the nozzle washing mode when not seated, and that the human body is seated on the toilet seat. In this case, safety can be ensured because high-temperature washing water is not supplied to the washing nozzle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a toilet device of the present invention.
2 (a) is an overall perspective view, FIG. 2 (b) is an enlarged plan view of a portion A in FIG. 2 (a), and FIG. 2 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2 (b). FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the nozzle cleaning mode selection method in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
6 Water stop electromagnetic valve 10 Flow rate detecting means 11 Instantaneous heat exchanger 14 Flow rate control switching valve 15 Nozzle unit 16 Butt cleaning nozzle 17 Bidet cleaning nozzle 18 Nozzle cleaning passage 19 First temperature detecting means 20 Second temperature detecting means 21 Control part 22 Seating detection means 23 Non-volatile memory 24 Reset means 30 Hot water washing toilet seat 32 Toilet seat 37 High temperature washing switch 39 Recess

Claims

A warm water washing device having a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water to a local part of a human body, a seating detecting means for detecting a state in which a human body is sitting on a toilet seat, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the hot water washing device in various modes are provided. In a toilet device, a nozzle cleaning mode is provided for cleaning the cleaning nozzle by supplying cleaning water at a higher temperature than in local cleaning, and a means for inhibiting operation of the nozzle cleaning mode during seat detection by the seat detection means is provided. A toilet device, characterized in that:

The hot water cleaning apparatus includes an instantaneous heat exchanger for heating the cleaning water to a predetermined temperature, a switching valve for selectively supplying the cleaning water, and a nozzle unit having a cleaning nozzle. 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein high-temperature washing water is generated by an exchanger and supplied to the washing nozzle via a switching valve.

The nozzle unit is provided with a nozzle washing passage that jets washing water to the outer surface of the tip of the washing nozzle.In the nozzle washing mode, high-temperature washing water is generated by the instantaneous heat exchanger, and the nozzle washing passage is switched to the nozzle washing passage through the switching valve. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the toilet device is supplied.

The nozzle cleaning mode is characterized in that the flow rate of the washing water is set to be equal to or larger than the lower limit of the detection range of the flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate and smaller than the lower limit of the flow rate at the time of local cleaning. The toilet device according to any one of the above.

An instantaneous heat exchanger that heats washing water to a predetermined temperature, a switching valve that selectively supplies washing water, and a washing nozzle that jets washing water to a local part of the human body moves back and forth between the washing position and the standby position. It has a nozzle unit that is freely supported and urged to move toward the standby position, and when the cleaning water is supplied at a predetermined flow rate or more, the cleaning nozzle protrudes to the cleaning position and ejects the cleaning water toward a local portion. In a toilet device equipped with a hot water cleaning device and a control unit for controlling the operation of the hot water cleaning device in various modes, a higher amount of cleaning water than in local cleaning is supplied to the cleaning nozzle with a smaller amount of water than the amount of water that the cleaning nozzle protrudes and moves. A toilet cleaning mode provided with a nozzle cleaning mode.

The toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the nozzle cleaning mode supplies cleaning water at a temperature at the time of local cleaning for a fixed time when the operation is stopped.

A first temperature detecting means is provided on the secondary side of the instantaneous heat exchanger, and when the first temperature detecting means detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and is detecting seating, an input to the instantaneous heat exchanger is input. The toilet device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a safety means for stopping the toilet device.

A water shutoff valve is provided on the primary side of the instantaneous heat exchanger, and the safety means shuts off the water shutoff valve when the first temperature detecting means detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the seating is being detected. The toilet device according to claim 7, wherein:

A second temperature detecting means is provided on the secondary side of the instantaneous heat exchanger, and a hot water temperature controlling means for controlling a washing water temperature at the time of local washing based on a detection signal of the second temperature detecting means is provided, and 8. The toilet apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first temperature detecting means is disposed downstream of the second temperature detecting means.

10. A non-volatile memory for storing the cumulative operation time of the nozzle cleaning mode, and means for prohibiting the operation of the nozzle cleaning mode when the cumulative operation time exceeds a predetermined value. The toilet device as described.

11. The toilet apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for resetting the accumulated value of the nonvolatile memory.

The nozzle cleaning mode is configured to be set by a pressing operation of a dedicated switch of the operation unit, and the dedicated switch is disposed in a concave portion provided on a surface of the operation unit. A toilet device according to claim 1.

The toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the nozzle cleaning mode is set by an operation of simultaneously pressing a plurality of switches of an operation unit.

The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the nozzle cleaning mode is set by an operation of pressing a single or a plurality of switches of an operation unit for a predetermined time or more.