JP2005337008A - Toilet bowl washing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet bowl washing system flexibly adaptable to various existing low tanks. <P>SOLUTION: This toilet bowl washing system is provided with a control part for supplying a control signal based on set washing mode to a toilet bowl washing device. The control part includes a remote control device supplying a control signal to the toilet bowl washing device and having operation switches for large washing and small washing. A plurality of washing modes include: a first washing mode for letting the same amount of washing water flow by rotating an output shaft for opening a water drain valve by rotation in the same direction during the same time; and a second washing mode for rotating the output shaft in different directions by operation of the operation switch for large washing and operation of the operation switch for small washing corresponding to respective operation of the operation switches. When setting the first washing mode, a seal for distinguishing the operation for large washing is bonded to the operation switch for small washing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet flushing system, and more particularly, to a toilet flushing system that is attached to a flush toilet and that can electrically supply flush water from a low tank to the flush toilet.

  For example, a dew-proof structure (for example, Patent Document 1), a drainage mechanism (for example, Patent Document 2), an operation mechanism (for example, a patent) to prevent condensation on the surface of the low tank. Document 3), operation mechanism (for example, Patent Document 4), handle device (for example, Patent Document 5), large and small washing water distribution mechanism (for example, Patent Document 6), electromagnetic drive means provided outside the low tank (for example, Patent Document 7) and the like are disclosed.

The present inventors have disclosed a lever device for a low tank as a toilet flushing device that can supply flush water to a flush toilet both manually and electrically (Patent Document 8). In this lever device, a spindle electric device with a built-in motor can be accommodated inside the row tank, and a threaded column that protrudes outside the row tank from the lever opening of the row tank is provided. A nut is screwed into the threaded column from the outside of the row tank, and the outer wall of the row tank is strongly held between the base end of the spindle motor and the spindle motor can be fixed. With this configuration, the lever device can be easily attached, and the gap between the lever and the low tank can be suppressed to the same level as that of the conventional hand-operated low tank, and the appearance can be improved.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 55-54485 JP 57-33641 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 55-106283 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-55085 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-38875 JP-A-60-1000026 JP 60-55136 A JP 2001-65028 A

  Various low tanks are already on the market. If a toilet cleaning system that can be adapted to as many of these models as possible and can be easily installed can be realized, the user can enjoy the benefits of electric cleaning without replacing the low tank.

  However, as can be seen from the descriptions in Patent Documents 1 to 8, the shapes, structures, and sizes of these existing low tanks are very diverse. For this reason, in order to realize a toilet flushing system that can be installed and operated in common, several technically advanced breakthroughs are required.

  FIG. 39 is a schematic view illustrating some of the existing low tank configurations. That is, what is shown in FIG. 4A is a so-called “front handle type” low tank in which the operation handle 100 is provided on the left side of the front of the low tank 200. Also, what is shown in FIG. 39B is a so-called “right handle type” low tank in which an operation handle 100 is provided on the right side surface of the low tank 200. On the other hand, what is shown in FIG. 39C is a so-called “corner type” low tank that can be arranged at the corner of the hand-washing room.

  As can be seen from these specific examples, there are various types even if only the shape of the low tank 200 and the mounting position of the operation handle 100 are viewed. Furthermore, when looking at the mechanism for distributing the large and small washing water, there are more various modes.

  For example, when flowing the “large” cleaning water, there are those that rotate the operation handle 100 to the right and those that rotate the operation handle 100 to the left. In addition, when flowing the “small” cleaning water, there are a type in which the operation handle 100 is rotated in the same direction as a flow in which the “large” cleaning water is flowed, and a case in which the operating handle 100 is rotated in the opposite direction. Furthermore, there is a case where a “hold” operation is required to hold the operation handle 100 in a state where the operation handle 100 is turned when the “small” cleaning water is poured.

  Therefore, in order to commonly adapt to these various kinds of existing low tanks, it is necessary to devise a great deal about the size and shape of the toilet bowl cleaning device attached to the low tanks, and at the same time, the control method for the same is also used. It is necessary to realize a new toilet flushing system that can flexibly respond to various models.

  The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a novel toilet flushing system that can be flexibly adapted to various existing low tanks.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A toilet bowl cleaning device that can be attached to a low tank having a drain valve and that can perform an opening operation of the drain valve by rotation of an output shaft;
Control information related to a plurality of washing modes is stored, can set any one of the plurality of washing modes, and a control unit that supplies a control signal based on the set washing mode to the toilet bowl cleaning device,
With
The control unit includes a remote control device having operation switches for large washing and small washing for supplying the control signal to the toilet bowl washing device,
The plurality of cleaning modes include the operation of the operation switch for large cleaning by rotating the output shaft in the same direction for the same time regardless of which of the operation switches for large cleaning and small cleaning is operated. The large washing operation switch corresponding to each of the first washing mode in which the same amount of washing water is caused to flow by the operation of the small washing operation switch, and the large washing and small washing operation switches. And a second cleaning mode in which the output shaft is rotated in different directions by the operation of the small cleaning operation switch,
A toilet cleaning system characterized in that, when the first cleaning mode is set, a sticker that can be used to identify a large cleaning operation is attached to the operation switch for small cleaning and can be used. Provided.

  Here, if the polarity of the control signal supplied from the control unit is determined based on the set cleaning mode, the clockwise and counterclockwise directions differ depending on the low tank for flowing the cleaning water. It is possible to appropriately rotate one of the operations around and to reliably rotate the motor of the toilet bowl cleaning device in a predetermined direction.

  In addition, if the pulse width of the control signal supplied from the control unit is determined based on the set cleaning mode, for example, a control with a predetermined width is performed during the flash cleaning operation. When the pulse signal is supplied and the hold cleaning operation is performed, the operation of the motor can be reliably controlled by appropriately adjusting the pulse width.

  In addition, the toilet flushing apparatus includes a motor and a speed reduction unit that decelerates the output of the motor, and if the drainage valve can be opened by a drive output from the speed reduction unit, By controlling the operation of the motor by the control signal and rotating the motor in a predetermined direction for a predetermined time, the cleaning operation can be reliably performed.

  The toilet flushing apparatus includes a first output shaft output from the speed reduction unit and a second output shaft output from the speed reduction unit, and the first and second output shafts If the drain valve can be opened by at least one of them, the first and second output shafts can be appropriately used according to the type of the low tank to ensure a reliable and quick cleaning operation.

  Further, if the first output shaft and the second output shaft have different reduction ratios, depending on the type of the low tank, when the torque and rotation angle for opening the drain valve are different, These first and second output shafts can be properly used to ensure a reliable and quick cleaning operation.

  In addition, the control unit has a drive unit that supplies the control signal to the toilet bowl cleaning device, and if the drive unit is provided in the toilet seat, it is necessary to install an independent control unit in the hand-washing room Therefore, a toilet cleaning system that is compact and attractive and that does not require wiring or the like can be realized.

  In addition, if the toilet seat also has a local cleaning device that cleans the user's local area with water or warm water, it can share the local cleaning device and the power supply unit, etc. An automatic toilet system can be realized.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, by adding a function that can select and set one of a plurality of cleaning modes to the control unit of the toilet bowl cleaning system, it is already on the market by appropriately using them. It can be adapted to various low tanks. As a result, the user can bathe in the benefits of electric cleaning without buying a new low tank.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a toilet bowl cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
That is, the toilet bowl cleaning system of the present invention includes the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 and a control unit 500 connected thereto. The toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 has a built-in motor. And it is attached to the low tank of the flush toilet system, and the drain valve is operated by a motor.
On the other hand, the control unit 500 sets one of a plurality of cleaning modes 1, 2,..., And supplies a control signal corresponding to the cleaning mode to a motor built in the toilet bowl cleaning device 10, Control its operation.
Drawing 2 is a mimetic diagram which illustrates the state where the toilet bowl washing system of this embodiment was attached to the flush toilet bowl. That is, in the case of the specific example shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 500 is built in the toilet seat 400. The user or setter attaches the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 to the low tank 200, while attaching the toilet seat 400 (control unit 500) to the toilet bowl 300 and connects them with a connection cord. Then, a predetermined initial setting operation is executed on the control unit 500. Then, the optimum one of the plurality of cleaning modes 1, 2,... Is set. That is, the control signal suitable for the washing mode of the low tank 200 to which the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 is attached can be supplied to the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 to perform an appropriate operation.

FIG. 3 is a table summarizing typical cleaning modes of various low tanks on the market.
That is, the figure shows six typical cleaning modes. For example, in the case of “washing mode 1”, in order to allow “large” washing water to flow, a control signal (for example, clockwise) that rotates the output shaft of the toilet bowl washing device 10 (see the inset in FIG. 2) is CW (clockwise). , DC 24 volts) for 1 second. Further, in order to flow “small” washing water, a control signal for rotating the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 counterclockwise (CCW) is supplied for one second. For this reason, when a DC brush motor or the like is used as a motor built in the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10, it is necessary to appropriately change the polarity of a control signal (for example, DC 24 volts) supplied to the motor in accordance with the cleaning mode.

  For example, in the case of “small cleaning” in “cleaning mode 5”, a signal for rotating the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 counterclockwise is supplied for 4 seconds. This is a so-called “hold mode” and corresponds to an operation of holding the drain valve for the small washing water of the low tank 200 in an open state for about 4 seconds. That is, the length of the control signal supplied to the motor of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 also needs to be appropriately changed according to the cleaning mode.

  In this hold operation, a continuous control signal (for example, DC 24 volts) may be supplied for 4 seconds. However, in order to prevent the motor from generating heat, PWM (pulse width modulation) is used. It is desirable to control by. That is, the hold operation can be executed while suppressing the heat generation of the motor by supplying the pulsed control signal to the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 in a duty range in which the drain valve can be kept open. That is, it is desirable that the pulse waveform of the control signal supplied to the motor is appropriately changed according to the cleaning mode. This point will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  As described above, there are various washing modes for low tanks on the market. On the other hand, according to the present invention, these cleaning modes can be stored in the control unit 500 of the toilet bowl cleaning system in advance, and an optimal one of them can be selected and set by a predetermined initial setting operation. For example, when the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 of the present invention is attached to the low tank 200 of the “washing mode 2” type, the user or the setter operates the control unit 500 as an initial setting operation, and “washing mode 2”. Can be selected and set. Then, in response to the “large” or “small” cleaning command, the control signal of “cleaning mode 2” is supplied to the toilet bowl cleaning device 10, and an appropriate cleaning operation can be executed.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of washing modes are stored in the control unit 500 of the toilet flushing system in this way, and any one of them can be selected and set as appropriate, so that various types of existing types can be obtained. Can be flexibly adapted to the low tank. As a result, the user can install the toilet flushing system of the present invention and bathe in the benefits of automatic washing without having to replace the existing low tank.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram more specifically illustrating the controller 500 of the toilet flushing system of the present invention.
That is, in this specific example, the control unit 500 includes an operation unit 510 and a drive unit 520. The operation unit 510 is provided with a switch or the like so that the user's will can be input. On the other hand, the drive unit 520 is provided with a cleaning mode determination unit 520A and a drive signal supply unit 520B. The washing mode determination unit 520A is a part that selects and sets an optimum washing mode according to the type of the low tank to which the toilet bowl washing apparatus 10 is attached. The drive signal supply unit 520B is a part that supplies a predetermined drive signal to the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 based on the cleaning mode set by the cleaning mode determination unit 520A.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the flow of signals in the toilet flushing system of this example. In this specific example, the cleaning mode determination unit 520A stores data corresponding to a plurality of cleaning modes 1, 2,. This data can be stored in, for example, a ROM (read only memory). On the other hand, a mode selection signal 502 and a cleaning command signal 504 can be sent from the operation unit 510. These signals 502 and 504 can be appropriately transmitted from the operation unit 510 by a user or a setter according to a predetermined operation procedure.

  The user or setter first performs a predetermined initial setting operation on the operation unit 510. Then, the mode selection signal 502 is sent to the cleaning mode determination unit 520A. When the cleaning mode determination unit 520A receives the mode selection signal 502, the cleaning mode determination unit 520A, depending on the content thereof, selects a predetermined mode (for example, “ The cleaning mode 2 ") is selected, and the drive signal supply unit 520B is instructed to perform an operation corresponding to the cleaning mode (for example," cleaning mode 2 "). That is, the drive signal supply unit 520B is set to output a control signal suitable for the cleaning mode 2 when receiving the cleaning command signal 504 from the operation unit 510.

  After the initial setting operation is performed in this way, when the user performs a predetermined operation for flowing “large” or “small” cleaning water, the operation unit 510 outputs a cleaning command signal 504 corresponding thereto. It transmits to the drive signal supply part 520B. Then, the drive signal supply unit 520B transmits a control signal 508 corresponding to the set cleaning mode (for example, “cleaning mode 2”) to the toilet bowl cleaning device 10. In response to the control signal 508, the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 executes a “large” or “small” cleaning operation suitable for the low tank.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a second specific example of the control unit 500 of the toilet flushing system of the present invention. That is, in this specific example, the operation unit 510 and the drive unit 520 are formed as separate bodies and are connected by wire or wirelessly. The operation unit 510 typically has the form of a remote control device. And these operation part 510 and drive part 520 can be suitably arrange | positioned in the circumference | surroundings of the low tank 200, the toilet bowl 300, etc. In addition, when a signal is transmitted wirelessly between the operation unit 510 and the driving unit 520, various types of signals such as light such as infrared rays, radio waves, and sound can be used as the signal carrying medium.

  In the case of this specific example, the user or the setter can place the operation unit 510 at hand to perform an initial setting operation and an operation for flowing the cleaning water. Since the processing executed by these operations can be the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a third specific example of the controller 500 of the toilet bowl cleaning system of the present invention. That is, also in this specific example, the operation unit 510 and the drive unit 520 are formed as separate bodies and are connected by wire or wirelessly. As described above, the operation unit 510 typically has the form of a remote control device.

  However, in this specific example, the operation unit 510 is provided with a cleaning mode determination unit 510A and a cleaning command signal transmission unit 510B. The cleaning mode determination unit 510A stores a plurality of cleaning modes in advance. Then, when the user or the setter performs a predetermined initial setting operation, one of the plurality of cleaning modes is selected, and the cleaning command signal suitable for the cleaning mode is transmitted to the cleaning command signal transmission unit 510B. To send.

  After the initial setting operation is performed in this way, when the user performs a predetermined operation for flowing “large” or “small” cleaning water, the cleaning command signal transmission unit 510B causes the corresponding cleaning command to be sent. A signal 504 is transmitted to the drive unit 520. Then, the drive unit 520 transmits a control signal 508 corresponding to the transmitted cleaning command signal 504 to the toilet bowl cleaning device 10. Upon receiving the control signal 508, the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 can execute a “large” or “small” cleaning operation adapted to the low tank.

  As described above, in any toilet cleaning system described as the first to third specific examples, any one of the plurality of cleaning modes 1, 2,... It can be selected appropriately. As a result, a toilet flushing system that can be flexibly adapted to various low tanks on the market can be realized.

Hereinafter, the toilet bowl cleaning system of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a main part of the toilet bowl cleaning device of the present embodiment. That is, the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 includes a screwing protrusion 20 and a driving unit 40. A shaft 22 protrudes from the tip of the screw protrusion 20. On the other hand, a first output shaft 70 and a second output shaft 72 are provided on the tank inward surface of the drive unit 40. The rotational torque output from the first output shaft 70 and the rotational torque output from the second output shaft 72 are preferably different from each other. By appropriately using the first and second output shafts 70 and 72, it is possible to adapt to various existing low tanks and drive the water flow mechanism. That is, the rotational torque and rotational angle required for the output shaft vary depending on the structure of the low tank. According to this example, by providing the two output shafts 70 and 72, it is possible to broadly adapt to these different requirements.

  Further, a connection cord 76 for supplying a control signal from the control unit 500 is connected to the drive unit 40.

  An operation handle 100 (not shown) is attached to the shaft 22 that protrudes to the outside of the low tank. Even when the operation handle is manually operated, manual rotation torque is transmitted to the output shafts 70 and 72 via the shaft 22. At this time, in order to prevent the addition of the cogging torque of the motor built in the drive unit 40, a predetermined idling angle may be given to the operating shaft of the motor, or a clutch mechanism or the like may be added. In this regard, the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-292508 filed earlier by the present inventors can be employed.

Next, a specific example is given and demonstrated about the internal structure of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus 10 of a present Example.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the toilet bowl cleaning device of the present embodiment. This figure is a conceptual diagram for explaining the power transmission relationship, and the dimensions and arrangement relationships of the elements are not necessarily as they are actually.
Inside the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, a motor 42 as a drive source and five stages of gears 43 to 47 as a speed reduction means 41 are provided. The rotational torque of the fourth stage gear 46 is output to the first output shaft 70. Further, the rotational torque of the fifth stage gear 47 is output as the second output shaft 72. When a brush type high-speed motor operating at DC 24 volts is used as the motor 42, the reduction ratio from the first stage to the fourth stage can be about 1/100. If the gear reduction ratio of the fifth gear is about ½, it is easy to adapt to various low tanks.

  Further, the shaft 22 is provided with a shaft return spring 52 and is biased to a neutral state. Similarly, the gear 46 of the fourth stage is provided with a gear return spring 53 and is biased to a neutral state.

  Further, in order to prevent the addition of cogging torque of the motor 42 during manual operation using the operation handle 100, the fourth gear 46 is coupled to the shaft 22 with a predetermined idling angle.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling cross section between the fourth-stage gear 46 and the shaft 22. That is, the shaft 22 is disposed in the inner center of the fourth stage gear 46. The shaft 22 is coupled to the operation handle 100 and the first output shaft 70. And the convex part 22P and 46P are provided in the outer surface of these shafts 22 and the inner surface of the gear 46, respectively. FIG. 10 shows a neutral state, and when the shaft 22 (that is, the operation handle 100) is rotated in the direction of the arrow from this state, in the range until the convex portion 22P comes into contact with the convex portion 46P of the gear 46, It can be rotated independently from the gear 46. That is, in this range, the shaft 22 can be rotated without receiving the cogging torque of the motor 42 or the addition of the gear return spring 53. In this way, manual operation by the operation handle 100 can be performed easily.

  On the other hand, when driven by the motor 42, the gear 46 idles in the direction of the arrow from the neutral state shown in FIG. 10, and when the convex portion 46 </ b> P contacts the convex portion 22 </ b> P of the shaft 22, it is coupled to the shaft 22. Torque is transmitted to the output shaft. That is, the range until the convex part 46P contacts the convex part 22P is provided as the idling angle.

Next, a driver circuit for driving such a toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a driver circuit that drives the motor 42 of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10. That is, this driver circuit is incorporated in the drive unit 520 described above with reference to FIGS.

  The driver circuit illustrated in FIG. 11 includes switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 for controlling the rotation direction and rotation amount of the motor 42, a positive characteristic thermistor 71d for preventing an overcurrent from flowing to the motor 42, and a drive unit. Diodes d1 and d2 for preventing a back electromotive force or the like at the time of brake control from being applied to a CPU or the like incorporated in 520 or the operation unit 510, and diodes d3 and d4 for forming a current path at the time of brake control And having.

For example, when the motor 42 is rotated forward, the switching elements Tr1 and Tr4 are turned on, the Tr2 and Tr3 are turned off, and when reversed, the Tr1 and Tr4 are turned off and the switching elements Tr2 and Tr3 are turned on. To do.
On the other hand, when a strong brake is applied to the motor 42, either the switching element T3 or Tr4 is turned on and the other switching elements are turned off. For example, when the brake is applied in this manner after the motor 42 is rotated by a predetermined amount, the shaft of the motor 42 is driven by the biasing force of the gear return spring 53 and the shaft return spring 52 incorporated in the toilet bowl cleaning device 10. Is rotated to return to the neutral position shown in FIG. At this time, since the motor 42 acts as a generator, the regenerative braking by the current induction magnetic field works. Further, by providing the diodes d1 and d2, it is possible to prevent the counter electromotive force from being applied to a CPU or the like built in the control unit 500 or the like.

  On the other hand, when a weak brake is applied, all the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 may be turned off. That is, in this case, the braking action by the cogging torque of the motor 42 is obtained.

  When the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 are appropriately turned on as described above, the duty can be controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) method.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an energization waveform subjected to PWM control.
That is, when driving each of the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4, the rotation speed can be controlled by a pulsed energization waveform (for example, DC 24 volts) as illustrated in FIG. For example, the period G can be set to 1 millisecond (PWM drive frequency 1 kHz) during forward rotation or reverse rotation, and the period G can be set to 8 milliseconds (PWM drive frequency 125 Hz) during braking. Here, “ON-duty H%” represents that the period of the ON state in one cycle (G milliseconds) is H%. For example, if G = 1 ms and H = 30%, this means that the device is in the ON state for 0.3 ms (1 ms × 30%) in one cycle.

Hereinafter, a specific example of appropriately switching the driving method of the motor 42 according to the cleaning mode will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the driving method of the motor 42 when the large cleaning is performed.
That is, when the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 is rotated clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) for about 1 second as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the motor 42 is driven with a duty of 100%. Can do. At this time, the motor 42 is given the maximum driving force, and the large washing can be performed by quickly rotating the output shaft.

  On the other hand, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, when performing a small cleaning that requires a hold operation of about 4 seconds, the duty may be 100% and a continuous drive current may be continuously supplied to the motor 42. The motor 42 may generate heat during the hold period. In such a case, it is desirable to control the power supply by PWM control.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a specific example in which the PWM control is introduced and the small hold operation for 4 seconds is performed.
In this case, first, in steps S22 and S23, driving with a duty of 100% is performed for 1 second. As a result, the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10 is quickly rotated to the small cleaning hold position. Thereafter, in steps S24 and S25, motor drive by PWM control is executed. In other words, the drive duty in step S24 is such that the motor 42 can be supplied with power sufficient to keep the valve open in the small cleaning state against the urging force of the shaft return spring 52 and the gear return spring 53. Good. Specifically, for example, the drive duty in step S24 can be set to 80%. In this way, heating of the motor 42 can be prevented even if the small cleaning state is held for 4 seconds.

Furthermore, the small washing hold operation may be executed by controlling the brake of the motor 42.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the small washing hold operation in which the strong brake control is introduced.
That is, first, in steps S32 and S33, driving with a duty of 100% is performed for 1 second, and the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 is quickly rotated to the small cleaning hold position. Thereafter, in steps S34 and S35, the strong regenerative brake control is executed by turning on the switching element Tr3 or Tr4. Then, the motor 42 slowly returns to the neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 10) by brake control against the urging force of the shaft return spring 52 and the gear return spring 53. Therefore, the drain valve of the low tank can be kept open, and an operation substantially similar to the small hold operation can be realized. Moreover, in this case as well, during the period of steps S34 and S35, since no electric power is supplied from the outside to the motor 42, heating is not performed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a specific example in which the strong brake control is performed by duty control.
That is, when applying a strong brake in step S44, the switching element Tr3 or Tr4 is turned on by duty control as illustrated in FIG. By appropriately selecting the duty, the braking force can be finely controlled, and the speed until the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 returns to the neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 10) can be appropriately controlled. Thereby, it is possible to finely adjust the flow rate of water in the small washing hold operation to enhance the water saving effect.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing hold control in which weak brake control using cogging torque is introduced.
That is, in steps S52 and S53, the drive with a duty of 100% is performed for 1 second to quickly rotate the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 to the small cleaning hold position, and then in step S54, the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 are driven. Are all turned off, and weak brake control by the cogging torque of the motor 42 is executed. Also in this case, the motor 42 slowly returns to the neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 10) by brake control against the urging force of the shaft return spring 52 and the gear return spring 53. Therefore, the drain valve of the low tank can be kept open, and a small hold operation can be realized substantially. Whether to use the strong brake control shown in FIG. 15 or the weak brake control shown in FIG. 17 takes into account the urging force of the return springs 52 and 53, the flow rate of cleaning water required for the small cleaning hold operation, and the like. And can be determined as appropriate.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a specific example in which weak brake control is performed by duty control. That is, in step S64, the switching elements Tr1 to Tr4 are turned off by duty control as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the braking force can be finely controlled by appropriately selecting the duty, and the speed until the output shaft of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 returns to the neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 10) can be appropriately controlled. As a result, it is possible to finely adjust the flow rate of water in the small washing hold operation to enhance the water saving effect.

  The specific example in which the control of the motor 42 is appropriately changed according to the cleaning mode has been described above with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, in the hold operation, a strong brake and a weak brake may be combined, and any one of these brakes may be combined with the forward rotation or reverse rotation drive of the motor 42 as appropriate.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the toilet bowl system of this embodiment is mounted on a flush toilet having a “right handle type” low tank 200. FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewed from above.
That is, the toilet bowl cleaning system of the present embodiment has the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6, and includes a remote control operation section 510, a drive section 520 built in the toilet seat 400, and the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus 10.

  FIGS. 21 and 22 are assembly views for attaching the valve driving component to the first output shaft 70, and FIGS. 23 and 24 are assembly views for attaching the toilet bowl cleaning device to the low tank 200.

  First, as shown in FIG. 21, the shaft 80 is fixed to the first output shaft 70 with screws 81. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the spacer 82 is inserted into the shaft 80 and fixed by the pin 83, and the ball chain levers 84 and 85 are respectively mounted by the pin 86 near the tip thereof.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 23, the threaded protrusion 20 is protruded from the opening 202 of the low tank 200, and is fixed in a state in which the outer wall of the low tank 200 is sandwiched by the nut 92 through the washers 90 and 91. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the stopper 93 is fixed to the tip end of the shaft 22 with a screw 94, and the operation handle 100 for manual operation is press-fitted and fixed thereon.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, one ends of the ball chains 220 and 230 are fixed to the tips of the ball chain levers 84 and 85 that extend vertically downward from the spacers that protrude in the horizontal direction into the low tank 200, respectively. As shown in FIG. 19, the upper drain valve 240 and the lower drain valve 250 are connected to the other ends of the ball chains 220 and 230, respectively, and the wash water is supplied to the toilet bowl 300 by pulling them up. Washed away.

In this low tank 200, as shown in FIG. 26, the operation lever 100 is rotated clockwise (CW) to perform “large cleaning” and counterclockwise (CCW) to perform “small cleaning”. Have Both are implemented in a flash fashion and no hold is required.
Correspondingly, the ball chain lever 85 has a predetermined idling angle with respect to the spacer 82. That is, as shown in the inset in FIG. 19, when the output shaft 70 rotates in the direction of arrow A (CW), the ball chain levers 84 and 85 both rotate and the ball chains 220 and 230. And the upper drain valve 240 and the lower drain valve 250 are both opened. As a result, the “large” wash water flows into the toilet bowl 300.

  On the other hand, in the inset in FIG. 4, when the output shaft 70 rotates by a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow B (CCW), the ball chain lever 84 rotates in conjunction with this, but the ball chain lever 85 rotates idle. It remains facing vertically downward. As a result, only the ball chain 220 is pulled up, and only the upper drain valve 240 is opened. As a result, “small” wash water flows into the toilet bowl 300.

  Such a cleaning mode in which “large cleaning” is “CW” and “small cleaning” is “CCW” is, for example, a default (initial setting) state of the toilet cleaning system of the present embodiment. That is, when the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 is attached to this type of low tank, the initial setting operation by the remote control device 510 can be made unnecessary.

Next, a case where the toilet flushing system of the present invention is mounted on a flush toilet having a different washing mode will be described.
FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the toilet cleaning device 10 of the present invention is attached to a “right handle type” low tank 200 having different cleaning modes.
FIG. 28 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewed from above.

This low tank 200 has a single drain valve 240 and a ball chain 220 connected thereto.
FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning mode of the low tank 200. That is, the “large cleaning” is performed by turning the lever 100 clockwise (CW), and the “small cleaning” is performed by rotating the lever 100 counterclockwise (CCW) and holding it. When the toilet flushing system of the present invention is mounted on a flush toilet having such a washing mode, an initial setting operation is executed by the remote control device 510.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the initial setting operation.
That is, first, the “stop” switch 511 provided in the remote control device 510 is pressed for 10 seconds or more. Then, the liquid crystal display 512 of the remote control device 510 starts blinking. This blinking indicates that the switching mode for switching the cleaning mode has been entered. Next, the “small” switch 513 of the remote control device is pressed for 5 seconds or more. Then, a “beep” sound is made from the drive unit 520 provided in the toilet seat 400. In the block diagram shown in FIG. 6, this is a signal that informs the user or the setter that the cleaning mode determination unit 520A of the drive unit 520 has switched the cleaning mode based on the switching signal from the operation unit 510. .

  After that, when the “stop” switch 511 of the remote control device is pressed, the liquid crystal display 512 stops blinking and the initial setting operation is completed.

  By the initial setting operation described above, the toilet flushing system of the present invention performs the operation of the clockwise (CW) flush in the case of “large washing” and the counterclockwise (CCW) hold in the case of “small washing”. Make sure to do it.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 of the present invention is attached to a “front handle type” low tank 200 having different cleaning modes.
FIG. 32 is a schematic view of the inside of the low tank 200 as viewed from above.

This low tank 200 also has a single drain valve 240 and a ball chain 220 connected thereto. The ball chain lever 87 is connected to the second output shaft 72 of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10. This is because in this type of low tank 200, since the ball chain lever 87 is long, the rotational torque required at the output shaft to open the drain valve 240 is large. That is, in this specific example, the rotational torque of the second output shaft 72 of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 can be made larger than the rotational torque of the first output shaft 70.
FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram for explaining the cleaning mode of the low tank 200. That is, in this low tank, there is no distinction between “large washing” and “small washing”, and in either case, the lever 100 is turned counterclockwise (CCW) and flushed. When the toilet flushing system of the present invention is attached to a flush toilet having such a washing mode, for example, the following initial setting operation can be executed by the remote control device 510.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an initial setting operation.
That is, first, the “stop” switch 511 provided in the remote control device 510 is pressed for 10 seconds or more. Then, the liquid crystal display 512 of the remote control device 510 starts blinking. This blinking indicates that the switching mode for switching the cleaning mode has been entered. Next, the “large” switch 514 of the remote control device is pressed for 5 seconds or more. Then, a “beep” sound is made from the drive unit 520 provided in the toilet seat 400. After that, when the “stop” switch 511 of the remote control device is pressed, the liquid crystal display 512 stops blinking and the initial setting operation is completed.

  By the initial setting operation described above, the toilet cleaning system of the present invention reliably performs the cleaning operation by the counterclockwise (CCW) flushing for both “large cleaning” and “small cleaning”.

  In this case, there is substantially no distinction between “large washing” and “small washing”, and the same amount of “large washing” washing water flows in both cases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 35, a “large” seal may be attached to the “small” switch of the remote control device 510.

  By the way, when selecting a predetermined mode from a plurality of cleaning modes in the initial setting operation, it is complicated if the hierarchy of operation procedures is too deep or the number of switch operations is excessive. Therefore, when the initial setting operation is performed using the remote control device 510, the operation can be simplified by appropriately using a plurality of switches.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example in which the initial setting operation is simplified by using different switches of the remote control device 510.
That is, in this specific example, the default (initial setting) state corresponds to “cleaning mode 1”. From this state, for example, by pressing the “stop” switch 511 of the remote control device 510 for 10 seconds or more, it is possible to enter the switching mode for switching the cleaning mode. At this time, as described above, the user or the setter can be notified as appropriate by blinking the liquid crystal 512 or the like.

  From this state, for example, when the “small” switch 513 is pressed for 5 seconds or more, it can be switched to “cleaning mode 2”. At this time, mode switching can be confirmed by making a “beep” sound from the drive unit 520. When it is desired to fix the “cleaning mode 2”, the “stop” switch 511 is pressed.

  On the other hand, if the “small” switch is pressed again for 5 seconds or more, it can be switched to “cleaning mode 3”. At this time, it can be confirmed that the mode has been switched to this mode by sounding “beep” from the drive unit 520.

  In this way, every time the “Small” switch 511 is pressed for 5 seconds or more, the “cleaning mode 1” → “cleaning mode 2” → “cleaning mode 3” → “cleaning mode 4” → “cleaning mode 1” is sequentially switched. Can do.

  Similarly, in the switching mode, every time the “large” switch 514 is pressed for 5 seconds or longer, “cleaning mode 1” → “cleaning mode 5” → “cleaning mode 6” → “cleaning mode 7” → “cleaning mode 1”. It can be switched sequentially. Also at this time, it is possible to make a sound for confirming mode switching from the driving unit 520 as appropriate.

  Thus, in the present invention, by appropriately using the switches of the remote control device 510, for example, switching of seven types of cleaning modes can be performed by a maximum of five switch operations.

Further, in this case, a manual can be pasted on the remote control device 510 so that the initial setting operation can be easily performed.
FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing an instruction manual attached to the remote control device 510.
FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the appearance by pasting this instruction manual on the remote control device 510.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the initial setting operation can be easily and reliably performed by pasting the instruction manual 600 describing the procedure of the initial setting operation on the remote control device 510. Further, in the initial setting operation, among the switches provided in the remote control device 510, only the “stop” switch 511, the “small” switch 513, and the “large” switch 514 may be operated. Therefore, if the instruction manual 600 is designed so that only these switches and the liquid crystal 512 appear on the surface and the other switches are hidden, the initial setting operation can be performed very easily and reliably.

  When a series of initial setting operations is completed, the user manual 600 can be removed from the remote control device 510, and normal use by the user becomes possible.

On the other hand, according to the toilet bowl cleaning system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 19, the user does not operate the operation handle 100 provided in the low tank 200, and the remote provided appropriately on the wall surface of the hand-washing room or the like. By operating the control device 510, the washing water can be flowed to the toilet bowl, which is convenient.
Still further, the human-sensing sensor 410 is provided in the toilet seat 400, and for example, when the user approaches or sits on the toilet seat 400, the toilet flushing apparatus 10 can be operated so that the preliminary washing water flows. That is, before the toilet bowl 300 is used, the pre-cleaning water is poured to make the inner surface wet so that adhesion of filth and the like can be suppressed and the cleanliness is achieved.

  In addition, the toilet cleaning device 10 can be operated by the human sensor 410 so that the cleaning water automatically flows to the toilet bowl 300 when the user leaves or rises from the toilet seat 400. In this way, so-called “automatic cleaning” is possible, and a toilet cleaning system that is easy to use for the elderly, the physically disabled, and children can be realized.

  Furthermore, a so-called local cleaning device can be combined with such a toilet seat. That is, by incorporating a device for washing the user's local area seated on the toilet seat 400 with water (warm water), a toilet bowl cleaning system with higher functionality and ease of use is realized. In this case, for example, the toilet flushing apparatus 10 can be operated so as to cause flush water to flow in response to the end of local washing.

  According to the present invention, any one of a plurality of cleaning modes is stored in the control unit 500 in advance, and any one of these can be selected and operated to be adapted to existing various low tanks. Therefore, the user can install the toilet bowl cleaning system by attaching the toilet bowl cleaning device 10 to an existing row tank and executing a predetermined initial setting operation by the control unit 500 without newly purchasing a row tank. As a result, an easy-to-use flush toilet having various functions such as the above-described automatic cleaning can be realized at low cost and is convenient.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples.
That is, even if a person skilled in the art has modified the design of the elements constituting the toilet bowl cleaning device and toilet bowl cleaning system of the present invention, they are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention. The

  That is, the specific structure and operation procedure of the control unit 500, the type of cleaning mode to be stored, and the like, which are appropriately modified by those skilled in the art, are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention. Is done.

  Also, those skilled in the art have made appropriate design changes to the outer shape and size of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10, the type of built-in motor, the number of gears included in the speed reduction means, their reduction ratios, or their positional relationship. Are also included within the scope of the present invention.

It is a conceptual diagram which illustrated the whole structure of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning system concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the state which attached the toilet bowl washing | cleaning system of embodiment of this invention to the flush toilet bowl. It is the table | surface which put together the typical thing of the washing | cleaning mode of various low tanks currently on the market. It is the block diagram which illustrated concretely control part 500 of the toilet bowl washing system of the present invention. It is the block diagram which illustrated the flow of the signal in the toilet bowl washing | cleaning system of the specific example of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the 2nd specific example of the control part 500 of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning system of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the 3rd specific example of the control part 500 of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning system of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the principal part of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus of the Example of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram which represented typically the internal structure of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus of the Example of this invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a coupling cross section between a fourth-stage gear 46 and a shaft 22. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a driver circuit that drives a motor 42 of the toilet bowl cleaning device 10. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the energization waveform by which PWM control was carried out. It is a flowchart which illustrates the drive system of the motor 42 at the time of implementing large washing | cleaning. It is a flowchart showing the specific example which introduces PWM control and implements the small hold operation | movement for 4 seconds. It is a flowchart showing the small washing hold operation which introduced strong brake control. It is a flowchart showing the specific example which implements strong brake control by duty control. It is a flow chart showing hold control which introduced weak brake control by cogging torque. It is a flowchart showing the specific example which implements weak brake control by duty control. It is a perspective view showing the state which equipped the toilet bowl system of a present Example with the flush toilet bowl which has the low tank 200 of a "right handle type". It is the schematic diagram which looked at the inside of low tank 200 from the upper part. FIG. 5 is an assembly diagram for attaching a valve driving component to the first output shaft 70. FIG. 5 is an assembly diagram for attaching a valve driving component to the first output shaft 70. It is an assembly drawing which attaches the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus to the low tank. It is an assembly drawing which attaches the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus to the low tank. It is the schematic diagram showing a mode that the end of each ball chain 220 and 230 was fixed to the front-end | tip of the ball chain levers 84 and 85. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating washing | cleaning mode. It is a schematic diagram showing the state which attached the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus 10 of this invention to the low tank 200 of the "right handle type" which has a different washing | cleaning mode. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the inside of low tank 200 from the upper part. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning mode of the low tank 200. FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of initial setting operation. Furthermore, it is the schematic diagram showing the state which attached the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus 10 of this invention to the low tank 200 of the "front handle type" which has a different washing | cleaning mode. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the inside of low tank 200 from the upper part. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cleaning mode of the low tank 200. FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of initial setting operation. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing that a “large” seal is attached to a “small” switch of the remote control device 510. It is explanatory drawing showing the specific example which simplified the initial setting operation by using the switch of the remote control apparatus 510 properly. It is a schematic diagram showing the instruction manual affixed on the remote control device. It is a schematic diagram showing the change of the appearance by pasting the instruction manual on the remote control device 510. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates some of the forms of the existing low tank.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toilet washing apparatus 20 Threading protrusion part 22 Shaft 40 Drive part 70 1st output shaft 72 2nd output shaft 80 Shaft 81 Screw 82 Spacer 83, 86 Pin 84, 85, 87 Ball chain lever 76 Connection cord 93 Stopper 94 Screw 100 Operation handle 200 Low tank 202 Opening 220 Ball chain 240, 250 Drain valve 300 Toilet seat 400 Toilet seat 410 Human sensor 500 Control unit 502 Mode selection signal 504 Cleaning command signal 508 Control signal 510 Remote control device (operation unit)
510A Cleaning mode determination unit 510B Cleaning command signal transmission unit 520 driving unit 520A Cleaning mode determination unit 520B driving signal supply unit 600 Instruction manual

Claims (8)

A toilet bowl cleaning device that can be attached to a low tank having a drain valve and that can perform an opening operation of the drain valve by rotation of an output shaft;
Control information related to a plurality of washing modes is stored, can set any one of the plurality of washing modes, and a control unit that supplies a control signal based on the set washing mode to the toilet bowl cleaning device,
With
The control unit includes a remote control device having operation switches for large washing and small washing for supplying the control signal to the toilet bowl washing device,
The plurality of cleaning modes include the operation of the operation switch for large cleaning by rotating the output shaft in the same direction for the same time regardless of which of the operation switches for large cleaning and small cleaning is operated. The large washing operation switch corresponding to each of the first washing mode in which the same amount of washing water is caused to flow by the operation of the small washing operation switch, and the large washing and small washing operation switches. And a second cleaning mode in which the output shaft is rotated in different directions by the operation of the small cleaning operation switch,
The toilet cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein when the first cleaning mode is set, a sticker that can be used to identify a large cleaning operation is attached to the small cleaning operation switch.   The toilet cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the polarity of the control signal supplied from the controller is determined based on the set cleaning mode.   The toilet bowl cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pulse width of the control signal supplied from the control unit is determined based on the set cleaning mode. The toilet bowl cleaning device comprises:
A motor,
Decelerating means for decelerating the output of the motor;
Have
The toilet cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drain valve can be opened by a drive output from the speed reduction means. The toilet bowl cleaning device has a first output shaft output from the speed reduction means, and a second output shaft output from the speed reduction means,
The toilet flushing system according to claim 4, wherein the drain valve can be opened by at least one of the first and second output shafts.   The toilet cleaning system according to claim 5, wherein the first output shaft and the second output shaft have different reduction ratios. The control unit has a drive unit that supplies the control signal to the toilet bowl cleaning device,
The toilet cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the driving unit is provided in a toilet seat. 8. The toilet cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein the toilet seat also includes a local cleaning device that cleans a user's local area with water or warm water.

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