JP2008231790A - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sanitary washing device capable of suppressing heat generation of a water supply electromagnetic opening and closing valve while introducing water into a water storage tank automatically. <P>SOLUTION: This sanitary washing device is provided with the water storage tank, a water supply pipe for supplying water into the water storage tank from a water supply source, the electromagnetic opening and closing valve for opening and closing a flow passage of the water flowing in the water supply pipe, and a control part for controlling opening and closing of the electromagnetic opening and closing valve. The control part opens the electromagnetic opening and closing valve intermittently when amount of water stored in the water storage tank is below predetermined amount to introduce water into the water storage tank. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sanitary washing device, and more specifically, to a sanitary washing device for washing, for example, a “butt” of a user sitting on a Western-style toilet bowl with water.

The sanitary washing device accommodates a water discharge nozzle for jetting washing water so that it can be moved back and forth, and can be installed on a sitting toilet so as to wash a “butt” of a user sitting on a toilet seat with warm water. Many of these sanitary washing apparatuses have a water storage tank for generating hot water. The water storage tank is empty when the sanitary washing device is first installed in the toilet or after draining the sanitary washing device for the purpose of preventing freezing. Therefore, in these cases, if water can be automatically supplied to the water storage tank, the sanitary washing apparatus can be automatically used in a short time, which is convenient (Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-138626 A

  However, for example, there may be a case where the stop cock is kept closed after the sanitary washing device is installed, or the water supply pressure is lower than usual although water is supplied. In such a case, if the normally closed electromagnetic on-off valve of the sanitary washing device is kept open for a long time until the water storage tank is full, the electromagnetic on-off valve may generate heat and hinder its operation. .

  The present invention has been made from such a point of view, and provides a sanitary washing apparatus that can automatically introduce water into a water storage tank while suppressing heat generation of an electromagnetic on-off valve.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a water storage tank, a water supply pipe that supplies water from a water supply source to the water storage tank, an electromagnetic on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the water supply pipe, and the electromagnetic on-off valve A sanitary washing device that controls opening and closing of the sanitary washing device, wherein when the power is supplied to the sanitary washing device, the amount of water stored in the water storage tank is less than a predetermined amount In some cases, a sanitary washing apparatus is provided, wherein water is introduced into the water storage tank by intermittently opening the electromagnetic on-off valve.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a water storage tank, a water supply pipe that supplies water from a water supply source to the water storage tank, an electromagnetic on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the water supply pipe, A sanitary washing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic on-off valve, wherein the control unit has an amount of water stored in the water storage tank within a predetermined time after the electromagnetic on-off valve is opened. A sanitary washing device is provided that controls the electromagnetic on-off valve to open intermittently when the value is below a predetermined amount.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the sanitary washing apparatus which suppressed heat_generation | fever of an electromagnetic on-off valve can be provided, enabling water to be automatically introduced into a water storage tank.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
This toilet device includes a Western-style seat toilet 950 and a sanitary washing device 10 installed thereon. The Western-style seat toilet 950 may be a so-called “low tank type”, or may be a “direct pressure type” that is directly connected to a water supply source such as a water supply and allows flush water to flow. Alternatively, the toilet 950 may be a so-called “vacuum” type installed in an aircraft or the like.
The sanitary washing device 10 installed on the toilet 950 includes a main body portion 12, and a toilet seat 14 and a toilet lid 16 that are pivotally supported to the main body portion 12 so as to be freely opened and closed. However, the toilet lid 16 may not be provided. From the main body 12, the water discharge nozzle 410 extends into the bowl of the toilet 950 in accordance with the user's switch operation, etc., and water is sprayed from the water discharge opening provided near the tip of the toilet 950. It can be washed. In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the sanitary washing device 10 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a water channel system of the sanitary washing device 10. 2 and the subsequent drawings, the same elements as those described above with reference to the previous drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 3, the sanitary washing device 10 includes a water supply pipe 110 that is connected to a water supply source 20 such as a water supply or a water storage tank and reaches the nozzle unit 400. A stop cock 112 is first provided on the upstream side of the water supply pipe 110. The stop cock 112 can be manually opened and closed, and can shut off the water channel at any time, for example, when attaching and removing the sanitary washing device 10 or during maintenance and inspection. The stop cock 112 may be provided in the sanitary washing device 10 or may be provided on the supply port side of the water supply source 20 such as water supply as a separate element from the sanitary washing device 10.

  A strainer 114, an electromagnetic on-off valve 120, and a pressure regulating valve 130 are provided downstream of the stop cock 112. The strainer 114 is a filter of about 80 mesh, for example, and removes foreign matters mixed in the water supply. The electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve that is normally closed, that is, in a closed state when not energized, and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit (see FIG. 2). The pressure regulating valve 130 has a role of adjusting to a predetermined pressure range when the feed water pressure is high.

  A safety valve 140 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 130. The safety valve 140 opens when the water channel pressure rises and drains water into the bowl of the toilet 950. By providing the safety valve 140, it is possible to prevent water leakage from occurring inside the sanitary washing device 10 even when the pressure in the secondary water channel increases due to, for example, a failure of the pressure regulating valve 130.

  A water storage tank 200 is provided downstream of the safety valve 140. The water storage tank 200 heats the supplied water with a heater to obtain predetermined hot water. The capacity of the water storage tank 200 can be about 700 milliliters, for example. A nozzle unit 400 is connected downstream of the water storage tank 200 from a vacuum breaker 210, a check valve 220, and a vacuum breaker 230 via a flow rate adjustment valve unit 300. The check valve 220 prevents the backflow of water from the nozzle unit 400 to the water channel when the pressure in the water channel decreases. The vacuum breakers 210 and 230 provided before and after that promote the drainage of the water passages on the primary side and the secondary side of the check valve 220. The flow rate adjusting valve unit 300 switches the water supply to the water discharge nozzle 410 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 490 (see FIG. 2) provided in the nozzle unit 400 and adjusts the water flow. A pulsation unit that pulsates water may be provided on the secondary side of the flow rate adjustment valve unit 300.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the nozzle unit 400 includes a water discharge nozzle 410, a nozzle motor 480 that extends and retracts the water discharge nozzle 410, and a nozzle cleaning chamber that sprays water on the outer periphery of the water discharge nozzle 410 to clean its body. 490. The operations of these elements are controlled by the control unit 500.

  In addition, a signal from a seating sensor 600 that detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 14, information on a switch operation by a remote controller, and the like are input to the control unit 500.

  Furthermore, a notification unit 800 may be provided. The notification unit 800 is controlled by the control unit 500, and has a role of notifying the user of the operating state of the sanitary washing device 10, messages to the user, questions, and the like by light or sound.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation executed in the sanitary washing device of this embodiment.
That is, when the sanitary washing device 10 is powered on (step S100), an initial process is first executed (step S200). Here, when the sanitary washing apparatus 10 is provided with a power switch, the power is turned on when the power switch is turned on or when the power plug 30 (see FIG. 2) is inserted into the outlet. It can be. In the case where the sanitary washing apparatus 10 is not provided with a power switch, it can be assumed that the power is turned on when the power plug 30 is inserted into the outlet.

  The initial process (step S200) includes, for example, an operation for confirming and setting the operation reference point of the movable part. Specifically, for example, the water discharge nozzle 410 is driven by the nozzle motor 480 and moved to the operation reference point, and the water discharge nozzle 410 is accommodated in the main body 12. Further, the rotor of the flow rate adjustment valve provided in the flow rate adjustment valve unit 300 is operated and moved to the normal standby position.

  When the series of initial processing is completed, it is next determined whether or not the water storage tank 200 is full (step S300). Specifically, the water level detector 250 provided in the water storage tank 200 determines whether or not the water level stored in the water storage tank 200 is at a predetermined level. In the present specification, “full water” does not necessarily mean a state where the water storage tank 200 is completely filled with water, but may be a state where water of a predetermined level or more is stored. That's fine.

  If the water storage tank 200 is full (step S300: yes), normal control is started (step S500). That is, when the heater attached to the water storage tank 200 is turned on to start heating of the stored water, or when the user operates the operation unit 700 (see FIG. 2), Then, control for discharging water from the water discharge nozzle 410 is started. On the other hand, when the water storage tank 200 is not full (step S300: no), automatic water supply is started (step S400).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of automatic water supply.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart corresponding to the automatic water supply operation.
With the start of automatic water supply, the controller 500 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 (step S410). Then, it is determined whether or not the water storage tank 200 is full (step S420). If the water storage tank 200 does not become full even if the open state of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is continued for T1 time (step S420: no). As shown in FIG. 6, the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 120 is started (step S430). That is, the open state is intermittently made by repeating the open state and the closed state. Then, it is determined whether or not the water storage tank 200 is full (step S440). The determination here can be performed based on the signal from the water level detection unit 250 as in step S300 described above with reference to FIG. If it is not full (step S440: no), the opening / closing operation is continued. On the other hand, when the water is full (step S440: yes), the opening / closing operation is terminated (step S450).

In this way, it is possible to fill the water storage tank 200 while suppressing heating of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120. That is, in order to fill the water storage tank 200, it may be considered that the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is kept open. However, for example, a stop cock from a water supply source such as a water supply or a water storage tank to which the sanitary washing device 10 is connected may be closed. Alternatively, water is supplied to the sanitary washing device 10, but the water pressure may be low.
In such a case, if the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is maintained in an open state, the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 may be heated by energization for a long time, and the operation may be hindered.

  On the other hand, according to this embodiment, by opening and closing the electromagnetic on-off valve 120, the state in which water can be introduced into the water storage tank 200 is continued for a long period of time while suppressing the heating of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120. be able to. That is, even when the stop cock connected to the sanitary washing device 10 is opened after a long time or when water is supplied to the water storage tank 200 little by little in a low water pressure, the solenoid on / off valve 120 Water can be supplied to the water storage tank 200 while the heating is suppressed to fill the water.

  When automatic water supply is executed in this way (step S400) and normal control is started (step S500), for example, water stored in the water storage tank 200 is heated by a heater, and hot water having a predetermined temperature is generated. The user can carry out washing with warm water.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, for example, simply by turning on the power, water can be automatically supplied to the water storage tank 200 so that it can be used. At this time, the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is not heated. Therefore, for example, after installing the sanitary washing device 10 in the toilet, the installer does not need to perform an operation of filling the water storage tank 200 with water after installing the sanitary washing device 10 in the toilet. Similarly, it is not necessary to introduce water into the water storage tank 200 again after draining the sanitary washing device 10 for the purpose of, for example, freezing prevention, repair, or inspection work.

  Similarly, for example, when the sanitary washing device 10 is installed in an aircraft, water to the sanitary washing device 10 is supplied via a pump of a water supply tank mounted on the aircraft. In such a case, when the aircraft that is parked is started, the timing when the sanitary washing device 10 is turned on is not necessarily later than the timing when the pump for the water tank of the aircraft is turned on. First, the sanitary washing device 10 may be powered on first. Even in such a case, according to the present embodiment, the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is not heated, and the water tank 200 of the sanitary washing device 10 is automatically turned on after the pump of the aircraft water tank is turned on. Can be full of water.

  In step S420 shown in FIG. 5, instead of the output from the water level detector 250 attached to the water storage tank 200, the water supply pipe 110, the flow rate adjusting valve unit 300, or the nozzle unit 400 on the downstream side of the water storage tank 200 is used. A sensor for detecting whether water is supplied or not may be provided in at least one of the above, and the fullness of the water storage tank 200 may be determined based on the output of the sensor. In this way, the water storage tank 200 can be completely filled with water.

  Further, the open time T1 and the closed time T2 of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 shown in FIG. 6 can be determined as appropriate depending on the structure of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120, heat-resistant temperature, environmental temperature, operating conditions, and the like. As a specific example, for example, the open time T1 can be about 1 minute, and the closed time T2 can be about 9 minutes. Considering the structure and operating conditions of a general electromagnetic on-off valve, the heated electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is more easily cooled when controlled so that the time T2 in the closed state is longer than the time T1 in the open state. It is desirable in that it can more reliably prevent abnormal heating.

  Further, the time T1 and the time T2 do not need to be constant, and may be variable. For example, as will be described in detail later, the time T2 may be increased for each opening / closing operation. For example, if the temperature of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is detected and the temperature of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 increases based on the result, the time T1 may be shortened or the time T2 may be lengthened. Similarly, the temperature of the atmosphere in which the sanitary washing device 10 is installed is detected, and based on the result, when the ambient temperature is high, the time T1 is set short or the time T2 is set long to execute automatic water supply. May be.

Further, as shown in a partially enlarged view in FIG. 6, the drive voltage (or current) waveform for opening the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 does not supply continuous constant power, but intermittent power. Alternatively, the waveform may be supplied automatically. Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a waveform in which power is supplied for the first 255 milliseconds and ON / OFF of the power supply is repeated every millisecond thereafter can be used. In this case, the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 transitions to the open state by the first 255 ms power supply. And the open state of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is maintained by the subsequent alternating signal of 1 millisecond. By doing so, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 during the time T1, as compared with the case where power is continuously supplied.
Note that during the execution of the automatic water supply operation (step S400), for example, heating of a heater attached to the water storage tank 200, cleaning operation by the water discharge nozzle 410, or the like may be prohibited. However, for example, when the heating means such as a heater is provided in the toilet seat 14 (FIG. 1), the heating means can be operated.
Further, during the automatic water supply operation (step S400), for example, the notification unit 800 may appropriately notify the user that the sanitary washing device 10 is being prepared by light or sound.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the automatic water supply operation.
In this modified example, when the water storage tank 200 is full (step S420: yes), for example, a timer is started, and the opening / closing operation is continued until a predetermined time T3 has elapsed (step S440). In this way, the water storage tank 200 can be completely filled with water. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, whether or not the water storage tank 200 is full in step S420 can be detected by the water level detection unit 250 attached to the water storage tank 200. For example, when a float switch is used as the water level detection unit 250, when the float switch is turned on, the water level of the water storage tank 200 has reached the water level at which the float switch operates, but the water storage tank 200 is not necessarily completely water. It is not always in the state filled with.

  On the other hand, in this modified example, after determining that the water level is full based on the output from the water level detection unit 250, the operation of opening and closing the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is continued for a predetermined time T3. It can be completely filled with water.

  The water supply port to the water storage tank 200 is normally provided vertically below the water storage tank 200, while the water outlet from the water storage tank 200 to the flow rate adjustment valve unit 300 is provided at the vertical upper part of the water storage tank 200. It is often done. This is because water is introduced from the lower side of the water storage tank 200 and hot water in the water storage tank 200 is pushed upward.

  That is, when the water storage tank 200 is not completely filled with water, there is a time delay from the start of water introduction to the water storage tank 200 until the water is supplied to the downstream nozzle unit 400. It will be.

  On the other hand, according to this modified example, when the user uses the sanitary washing device 10, the water storage tank 200 is completely filled with water, so that the nozzle unit 400 (FIG. 2) is immediately filled with water. Is supplied. Therefore, for example, even when the user starts cleaning using the water discharge nozzle 410, it is possible to immediately eject water from the nozzle cleaning chamber 490 and sufficiently clean the water discharge nozzle 410. It becomes possible to shorten the time taken from the switch operation at the start of cleaning to the start of cleaning.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another modified example of the automatic water supply operation.
In this modification, the time T2 when the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is closed is lengthened each time the opening / closing operation is repeated. The electromagnetic on-off valve 120 tends to increase in temperature due to current flowing each time it is opened. On the other hand, in this modified example, heating of the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 can be suppressed by gradually increasing the time T2 of the closed state. Alternatively, for example, the time T1 when the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is open may be shortened each time the opening / closing operation is repeated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing still another modified example of the automatic water supply operation.
In this variation, the water level detector 250 can detect a change in the water level in the water storage tank (for example, using a pressure sensor), and after opening the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 (step S410), within a certain time ( For example, the presence or absence of an increase in the water level in the storage tank 200 at 10 seconds is monitored (step S470). If there is an increase in the water level (step S470: yes), the time of opening the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 will be The electromagnetic on-off valve 120 is opened until the water storage tank 200 is full. On the other hand, when the water level detection unit 250 detects that there is no change in the water level of the water storage tank 200 within a certain time (step S470: no), the water supply is regarded as abnormal and the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 as described above is used. Open and close. This modified example can perform the same function as that of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, when the stop cock is closed, the electromagnetic on-off valve 120 can be quickly closed. Heating of 120 can be prevented satisfactorily.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the features of the specific examples described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 can be combined as appropriate within the technically possible range, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.
Further, the structure of the sanitary washing device and the content of its operation are not limited to those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in the same manner by appropriately modifying the design. What can obtain an effect is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention. For example, the water discharge nozzle may advance or retreat due to water pressure, or may have a multistage structure that can slide inside one or a plurality of cylinder bodies.

It is a model perspective view of the toilet apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the sanitary washing device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the water channel system of the sanitary washing apparatus 10 of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the operation | movement performed in the sanitary washing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the operation | movement of automatic water supply. It is a timing chart corresponding to operation of automatic water supply. It is a flowchart showing the modification of the operation | movement of automatic water supply. It is a flowchart showing another modified example of operation | movement of automatic water supply. It is a flowchart showing another modification of the operation | movement of automatic water supply.

Explanation of symbols

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sanitary washing device, 12 Body part, 14 Toilet seat, 16 Toilet lid, 20 Water supply source, 110 Water supply pipe, 112 Stop cock, 114 Strainer, 120 Electromagnetic on-off valve, 130 Pressure regulating valve, 140 Safety valve, 200 Water storage tank, 210 Vacuum Breaker, 220 Check valve, 230 Vacuum breaker, 250 Water level detection unit, 300 Flow rate adjustment valve unit, 400 Nozzle unit, 410 Water discharge nozzle, 480 Nozzle motor, 490 Nozzle cleaning chamber, 500 control unit, 600 Seat sensor, 950 Toilet bowl

Claims (7)

A water storage tank,
A water supply pipe for supplying water from a water supply source to the water storage tank;
An electromagnetic on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the water supply pipe;
A control unit for controlling opening and closing of the electromagnetic on-off valve;
A sanitary washing device comprising:
When the amount of water stored in the water storage tank is less than a predetermined amount, the control unit introduces water into the water storage tank by intermittently opening the electromagnetic on-off valve. Sanitary washing device. A water storage tank,
A water supply pipe for supplying water from a water supply source to the water storage tank;
An electromagnetic on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the water supply pipe;
A control unit for controlling opening and closing of the electromagnetic on-off valve;
A sanitary washing device comprising:
When the amount of water stored in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined amount within a predetermined time after the electromagnetic open / close valve is opened, the controller intermittently opens the electromagnetic open / close valve. A sanitary washing device characterized by controlling. A water level detection unit for detecting the level of water stored in the water storage tank;
The said control part makes the said electromagnetic on-off valve an open state intermittently until the said water level detection part detects that the water stored in the said water storage tank reached the predetermined | prescribed water level. Or the sanitary washing apparatus of 2.   When the control unit detects that the amount of water stored in the water storage tank has reached the predetermined water level when power is supplied to the sanitary washing device, the control valve is intermittently operated. 4. The sanitary washing device according to claim 3, wherein the sanitary washing device is not opened.   The sanitary washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller closes the electromagnetic on-off valve when the open state of the electromagnetic on-off valve is maintained for a predetermined time. .   The sanitary washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller sets the electromagnetic on-off valve to the open state every predetermined time.   The said control part makes the said electromagnetic on-off valve the said open state intermittently so that the time which makes the said closed state longer than the time which makes the said electromagnetic on-off valve the said open state becomes longer. The sanitary washing device according to any one of -6.

Images