JP2011220061A - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a safe and reliable sanitary washing device that detects the abnormality of a plurality of channel component members by a single sensor installed in the channel.SOLUTION: The sanitary washing device comprises channel component members including a water stop solenoid valve 25 for opening and closing a channel, a flow sensor 26 for detecting the water quantity flowing through the channel, a heat exchanger 27 for heating water, a water pump 28 for feeding water, and a washing nozzle 10 for ejecting washing water, and a control part 60 for controlling the channel component members. The control part 60 detects the abnormality of a plurality of the channel component members based on data detected by the flow sensor 26, and thus the sanitary washing device can detect the abnormality of the plurality of the channel component members by the single flow sensor 26. Thus the sanitary washing device is highly reliable and safe with the simple constitution.

Description

  The present invention relates to control for detecting an abnormality in a cleaning function of a sanitary cleaning device that ejects cleaning water toward a local body part.

  Conventionally, when this type of sanitary washing apparatus detects and notifies an abnormality in the cleaning function, a dedicated sensor for detecting an abnormality in the flow path constituent member to be detected is installed, and a specific flow path is determined based on the detection data of the sensor. The abnormality of the structural member is determined and the abnormality is notified (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a conventional sanitary washing device described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the flow path constituent members include a water supply pump 2 that supplies cleaning water from the water supply source 1, a hot water tank 3 that heats and stores the cleaning water, and a cleaning nozzle 4 that ejects the cleaning water. It has. The hot water tank 3 is provided with a pressure detection sensor 5, and the detection data of the pressure sensor 5 is electrically connected to the control unit 6 and the notification means 7. For example, when dirt or the like adheres to the cleaning nozzle 4 and the flow path resistance increases, the pressure of the hot water tank 3 increases, and the pressure sensor 5 detects abnormal greed and notifies the abnormality by the notification means 7. It has become.

JP-A-6-264487

  However, in the conventional configuration, although the abnormality of the cleaning nozzle can be detected and notified by the pressure sensor, other flow path components such as a valve disposed in the flow path in addition to the water supply pump and the hot water tank In order to notify these abnormalities, it is necessary to separately install a sensor.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and provides a safe and highly reliable sanitary washing apparatus by detecting an abnormality in a plurality of flow path component members with a single sensor installed in the flow path. With the goal.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, a sanitary washing device of the present invention includes a water stop electromagnetic valve that opens and closes a flow path, a flow rate sensor that detects the amount of water flowing in the flow path, a heat exchanger that heats water, A flow path component including a water pump for supplying water, a cleaning nozzle for ejecting cleaning water, and a control unit for controlling the flow path component, the control unit based on the detection data of the flow sensor A sanitary washing device that detects an abnormality in a plurality of flow path components.

  As a result, it is possible to detect an abnormality in a plurality of flow path components only by providing a single sensor, and therefore, a sanitary washing device with high reliability and safety can be provided with a simple configuration. .

  The sanitary washing device of the present invention can detect abnormality of a plurality of flow path constituent members with a simple configuration, and can provide a sanitary washing device with high reliability and safety.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sanitary washing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the water circuit and control system of the sanitary washing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The time chart which shows the relationship between the drive start timing of a water stop solenoid valve and a water pump, and the detection period of a flow sensor at the time of the washing | cleaning start in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Flow chart of abnormality determination in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Flow chart of abnormality determination in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Flow chart of abnormality determination in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Schematic diagram showing the structure of a conventional sanitary washing device

  A first invention includes a water stop solenoid valve that opens and closes a flow path, a flow rate sensor that detects the amount of water flowing in the flow path, a heat exchanger that heats water, a water pump that supplies water, and cleaning water. A flow path component including a cleaning nozzle to be ejected, and a control unit that controls the flow path component, and the control unit detects abnormalities in the plurality of flow path components based on detection data of the flow rate sensor. It is a sanitary washing device characterized by detecting the above.

  As a result, it is possible to detect an abnormality in a plurality of flow path components only by providing a single sensor, and therefore, a sanitary washing device with high reliability and safety can be provided with a simple configuration. .

  In a second aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, an abnormality notification unit that notifies abnormality is provided, and when the control unit detects an abnormality, the abnormality notification unit notifies the abnormality.

  Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the sanitary washing apparatus, the user can be surely recognized the abnormality, so that reliability and safety can be further improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, particularly in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an operation unit for operating a sanitary washing device is provided, and when the operation is performed by the operation unit, the control unit The drive of the water pump is started after a predetermined time has elapsed after the drive is started.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to detect the individual drive state of a flow path component, and to detect the individual abnormality of a flow path component. In addition, when the user operates the sanitary washing device, it can detect and notify the abnormality of the sanitary washing device, so that the degree of recognition of the abnormality by the user can be increased, so that more reliable and safer Can be improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the third aspect of the invention, in particular, the control unit includes at least the start of driving the water stop electromagnetic valve, the start of driving of the water stop electromagnetic valve, and the start of driving of the water pump. The detection data of the flow sensor is received during and after the start of driving of the water pump.

  Thereby, the control unit can receive the detection data of the flow rate sensor in the stop state and the drive state of the water stop solenoid valve and the water pump, and can accurately determine the abnormality.

  In a fifth aspect of the invention, in particular in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the flow path constituent members for which the control unit detects abnormality are at least a water stop solenoid valve and a water pump.

  Thereby, since the abnormality of the water stop solenoid valve and water pump which are the main functions of the flow path component in the sanitary washing apparatus can be detected, high reliability and safety can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sanitary washing apparatus using a nozzle device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water circuit and a control system of the sanitary washing apparatus.

<1> Configuration of Sanitary Washing Device As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary washing device 100 of the present invention is used by being installed on the upper surface of the toilet bowl 700. The toilet seat 400 and the toilet lid 300 are pivotally supported via a toilet seat toilet lid opening / closing mechanism (not shown), and when the toilet lid 300 is opened as shown in FIG. It stands up so that it may be located in the rearmost part of sanitary washing device 100. When the toilet lid 300 is closed, the entire surface of the toilet seat 400 is concealed.

  A cleaning nozzle 10 is installed at the front center of the main body 200, and the cleaning nozzle 10 is advanced toward the center of the toilet bowl 700 by a nozzle driving device (not shown), and a jet provided at the tip of the cleaning nozzle 10. Wash water is spouted from the exit toward the user's local area to clean the user's local area. The cleaning nozzle 10 includes an ass cleaning nozzle unit 10a that cleans the buttocks, a bidet nozzle unit 10b that cleans the local area of the woman, and a nozzle cleaning unit 10c that cleans the outer surface of the buttocks cleaning nozzle 10a and the bidet cleaning nozzle 10b. I have.

  A seating detection sensor 201 for detecting a human body seated on the toilet seat 400 is installed in the front corner portion of the main body 200. When the seating detection sensor 201 does not detect a human body seated on the toilet seat 400, the cleaning water is supplied from the cleaning nozzle 10. By stopping the ejection of water, the wash water is prevented from being ejected outside the toilet 700 and scattered in the toilet room.

  In addition, an abnormality indicator lamp 202 is installed at the front corner portion of the main body 200 as a notification means for notifying the user of an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the sanitary washing apparatus. When it occurs, it blinks and an error is displayed. In addition, depending on the abnormality determination content, the cleaning function of the buttocks cleaning and the bidet cleaning is stopped.

  A control unit 60 having a microcomputer as a main component is installed inside the main body 200 and controls each function of the sanitary washing device 100. The control unit 60 includes time measuring means 61 that measures the time related to control.

  In the toilet room, a human body detection sensor 500 for detecting the user's entry and a remote controller 600 for operating the sanitary washing device are installed.

  The human body detection sensor 500 is attached to the wall surface of the toilet room. The human body detection sensor 500 is a reflective infrared sensor, and detects that a user has entered the toilet room when detecting infrared light reflected from the human body.

  The remote controller 600 is provided with a plurality of operation switches. The remote controller 600 is attached to a place such as a wall surface of a toilet room that can be operated by a user seated on the toilet seat 400, and operates each function of the sanitary washing device.

  The control unit 60 of the main body 200 controls the operation of each part of the sanitary washing device 100 based on detection signals from various sensors installed in the human body detection sensor 500, the remote controller 600, the seating sensor 201, and the sanitary washing device 100. .

<2> Structure of water circuit and control system of sanitary washing device A flow path for supplying washing water to the washing nozzle 10 is formed inside the main body 200, and as shown in FIG. Branch faucet 21, strainer 22, check valve 23, constant flow valve 24, water stop solenoid valve 25, flow sensor 26, heat exchanger 27, water pump 28, buffer tank 29, switching valve 30, washing nozzle 10, vacuum Flow path components such as the breakers 31 and 32 and the control unit 60 are installed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a branch tap 21 is connected to the water pipe 11. A strainer 22, a check valve 23, a constant flow valve 24, a water stop electromagnetic valve 25, and a flow sensor 26 are sequentially connected to the pipe 12 connected between the branch faucet 21 and the heat exchanger 27. A water pump 28 and a buffer tank 29 are connected to the pipe 13 connected between the heat exchanger 27 and the switching valve 30.

  The bottom cleaning nozzle portion 10a, the bidet nozzle portion 10b, and the nozzle cleaning portion 10c of the cleaning nozzle 10 are connected to a plurality of ports of the switching valve 30, respectively.

  The vacuum breaker 31 is connected to the branch pipe 14 extending from the pipe 12 between the water stop solenoid valve 25 and the flow rate sensor 26, and is arranged at a position above the heat exchanger 27. The vacuum breaker 32 is provided in the buffer tank 29 and is disposed at a position above the heat exchanger 27. The vacuum breaker 32 and the buffer tank 29 are integrally formed. Therefore, the buffer tank 29 is also arranged at a position above the heat exchanger 27.

  Next, the flow of cleaning water in the main body 200 and the control of each component of the main body 200 by the control unit 60 will be described.

  Tap water flowing through the water pipe 11 is supplied to the strainer 22 by the branch tap 21 as washing water. Thereby, the dust, impurities, etc. contained in the washing water are removed by the strainer 22.

  Next, the check valve 23 prevents backflow of the cleaning water in the pipe 12, and the constant flow valve 24 maintains the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing in the pipe 12 at a constant level. Then, the supply state of the washing water to the heat exchanger 27 is switched by the water stop solenoid valve 25. The operation of the water stop solenoid valve 25 is controlled by the control unit 60 based on the operation of the remote controller 600.

  In the pipe 12, the flow sensor 26 measures the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the pipe 12 and transmits the measured flow value to the control unit 60. The heat exchanger 27 heats the washing water supplied through the pipe 12 to a predetermined temperature. The operation of the heat exchanger 27 is controlled by the control unit 60 based on the measured flow rate value measured by the flow sensor 26.

  Subsequently, the wash water heated by the heat exchanger 27 is pumped to the switching valve 30 through the buffer tank 29 by the water pump 28. The operation of the water pump 28 is controlled by the control unit 60.

  The buffer tank 29 functions as a temperature buffer for heated washing water. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the temperature spot of the washing water pumped by the switching valve 30 is suppressed.

In the switching valve 30, when the switching valve motor 30a operates, the cleaning water pumped from the water pump 28 is supplied to any of the butt cleaning nozzle unit 10a, the bidet nozzle unit 10b, and the nozzle cleaning unit 10c. Thereby, the buttocks washing nozzle part 10a, the bidet nozzle part 10b
The cleaning water is ejected from any one of the nozzle cleaning units 10c. The operation of the switching valve motor 30a is controlled by the control unit 60.

  In the present embodiment, vacuum breakers 31 and 32 are provided before and after the heat exchanger 27. Thereby, even when the inside of the piping 12 and the piping 13 becomes a negative pressure, the washing water in the heat exchanger 27 is prevented from flowing out to the outside. As a result, emptying of the heat exchanger 27 is prevented.

<3> Operation and Action of Sanitary Washing Device In the sanitary washing device having the above configuration, when the user enters the toilet room, the human body detection sensor 500 detects the human body, and the control unit 90 drives the toilet seat toilet lid opening / closing mechanism. The toilet lid 300 is automatically opened. When the user sits on the toilet seat 400, the seat detection sensor 201 detects the seated human body and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 60, so that the control unit 60 can perform the cleaning operation of the toilet seat device 100 by the remote controller 600. And

  When the user operates the remote controller 600 to perform butt cleaning or bidet cleaning, the control unit 60 drives the nozzle driving device to advance the cleaning nozzle 10 to the center of the toilet bowl 700 and to stop the water stop solenoid valve 25. Then, the heat exchanger 27 and the water pump 28 are driven to heat and supply the cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle 10, whereby hot water is ejected from the outlet of the cleaning nozzle 10 toward the user's local area. Wash.

  When the user performs an operation for ending the cleaning with the remote controller 600, the control unit 60 stops driving the water stop solenoid valve 25, the heat exchanger 27, and the water pump 28, drives the nozzle driving device in the reverse direction, and performs cleaning. The nozzle 10 is housed in the main body 200 and the cleaning operation is completed.

<4> Method of Abnormality Detection FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the relationship between the drive start timing of the water stop solenoid valve and the water pump and the detection period of the flow sensor at the start of cleaning in the present embodiment. 4, 5, and 6 are control flowcharts of abnormality determination performed by the control unit for each detection period.

  While the cleaning operation is being performed, the controller 60 detects an abnormality of the flow path component member based on the flow rate detection data of the flow rate sensor 26 and displays an abnormality.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the user operates the remote controller 600 in a state where the seating is detected and performs a butt cleaning or bidet cleaning operation, the control unit 60 is shown in FIG. 3. As described above, the time measuring means 61 of the control unit 60 starts the measurement, and when the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the water stop solenoid valve 25 is opened, and when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the water pump 28 starts to be driven.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the period from when the washing operation is performed until the water stop electromagnetic valve 25 is opened is referred to as period A, and from when the water stop electromagnetic valve 25 is opened until the water pump 28 starts to be driven. Period B is the period C after the start of driving of the water pump 28. During these three periods, the control unit 60 performs abnormality determination of the flow path component member based on the detection data of the flow sensor 26 in four steps.

  The first step is an abnormality determination performed during period A. Period A is a period from when the washing operation is performed to when the water stop solenoid valve 25 is opened. Originally, it is normal that the washing water does not flow through the pipe 12 during this period.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of control of abnormality detection in the period A. As shown in the figure, when the flow rate a detected by the flow rate sensor 26 is detected to be 0 or more and the detection data is transmitted to the control unit 60, the control unit 60 determines that there is an abnormality. The abnormality in this case is that the flow rate of the pipe 12 is not completely shut off due to the abnormality of the water stop solenoid valve 25 and the flow rate is incorrect even though the washing water is not flowing due to the abnormality of the flow sensor 26 itself. In any case, it is determined that there is an abnormality, the abnormality indicator lamp 202 blinks, and the cleaning operation is stopped to notify the user of the abnormality.

  The second step is an abnormality determination performed during period B. Period B is a period from when the water stop solenoid valve 25 is opened until the water pump 28 starts to be driven, and during this period, it is normal that a small amount of washing water flows.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of control of abnormality detection in period B. As shown in the figure, when the flow rate sensor 26 does not detect the flow rate b (flow rate b = 0), the control unit 60 determines that there is an abnormality. In this case, the abnormality is a state in which the water stop solenoid valve 25 is not opened, or an abnormality in the water supply cut-off state. In any case, the abnormality is determined to be abnormal, the abnormality indicator lamp 202 is flashed and the cleaning operation is stopped. To inform the user of the abnormality.

  Further, when an abnormality is detected in the second step, it is determined that the abnormality is determined if the water is shut off even if the operation of the water stop solenoid valve 25 is normal.

  The third step is an abnormality determination performed during period C. Period C is a period in which the water stop solenoid valve 25 is opened and the water pump 28 is driven. During this period, it is normal that a predetermined amount of cleaning water necessary for cleaning flows.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of control of abnormality detection in period C. As shown in the figure, the control unit 60 stores the flow rate b in the period B, newly receives the flow rate c in the period C from the flow sensor, compares the flow rate b with the flow rate c, and the flow rate b ≧ flow rate. In the case of c, the control unit 60 determines that there is an abnormality. The abnormality in this case is an abnormality in which the water pump 28 is not driven, the abnormality indicator lamp 202 is blinked, the cleaning operation is stopped, and the abnormality is notified to the user.

  The fourth step is an abnormality determination performed during period C as in the third step. Period C is a period in which the water stop solenoid valve 25 is opened and the water pump 28 is driven. During this period, it is normal that a predetermined amount of cleaning water necessary for cleaning flows.

  In the period C, even if the flow rate b <the flow rate c, it is also determined as abnormal if the flow rate c does not reach the predetermined flow rate x set in advance. In this case, the cleaning nozzle 10 is sufficiently cleaned because dirt or the like adheres to the cleaning nozzle 10 and a part of the ejection port is blocked or foreign matter has entered the water circuit, making it difficult for the cleaning water to flow. It is an abnormality in which water is not ejected, the abnormality indicator lamp 202 blinks, and the cleaning operation is stopped to notify the user of the abnormality.

  As described above, the control unit 60 performs abnormality detection over the first to fourth steps, and when the abnormality is determined, the abnormality indicator lamp 202 blinks to notify the user of the abnormality and determines the abnormality. The data of the step and the flow sensor 26 are stored in the control unit 60, and the determination data can be taken out by connecting an inspection device (not shown).

  Table 1 shows the relationship between the abnormality determination and the abnormality location in each step.

  As shown in Table 1, by making it possible to retrieve the detected flow rate value at each step, it is possible to estimate the abnormal location, and service personnel can easily check the abnormal status of the relevant location and perform repairs and maintenance. can do.

  As described above, the sanitary washing device 100 according to the present embodiment performs the washing function with the detection data of one flow sensor 26 by performing the washing operation, the water stop solenoid valve, and the water pump at different timings. More than the water stop solenoid valve 25 and the water pump 28, which are the main constituent members, can be detected, and a sanitary washing apparatus with high reliability and safety can be provided with a simple configuration.

  In the present embodiment, an abnormality indicator lamp composed of LEDs is employed as the abnormality notifying means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and notification may be provided by another light emitting member or an acoustic member such as a buzzer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the period A in which the water stop solenoid valve is not opened is set after performing the cleaning operation, but is not limited to this, for example, immediately after the seating sensor detects the seating. It is good also as a period until a water stop solenoid valve is opened. In this case, it is not always necessary to provide a time lag between the cleaning operation and the drive time of the water stop solenoid valve.

  The sanitary washing apparatus according to the present invention can detect abnormalities of a plurality of flow path components with a single sensor, and therefore can be applied to other uses such as fluid application equipment.

10 Cleaning nozzle (flow path component)
25 Water stop solenoid valve (flow path component)
26 Flow sensor (flow path component)
27 Heat exchanger (flow path component)
28 Water pump (flow path component)
60 Control Unit 100 Sanitary Washing Device 202 Abnormal Indicator Light (Abnormality Notification Means)
600 Remote controller (operation unit)

Claims (5)

A water stop solenoid valve that opens and closes the flow path, a flow rate sensor that detects the amount of water flowing in the flow path, a heat exchanger that heats water, a water pump that supplies water, a cleaning nozzle that ejects cleaning water, A flow path component comprising:
A control unit for controlling the flow path component,
The control unit detects an abnormality in the plurality of flow path component members based on detection data of the flow sensor,
Sanitary washing device. An abnormality notification means for notifying abnormality is provided,
When the control unit detects an abnormality, the abnormality notification means notifies,
The sanitary washing device according to claim 1. It has an operation part to operate the sanitary washing device,
When cleaning operation is performed in the operation unit,
The control unit starts driving the water pump after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting driving the water stop solenoid valve,
The sanitary washing measure according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit includes at least the flow rate before the start of driving the water stop solenoid valve, between the start of drive of the water stop solenoid valve and the start of drive of the water pump, and after the start of drive of the water pump. Receive sensor detection data,
The sanitary washing device according to claim 3. The flow path component in which the control unit detects an abnormality is
At least a water stop solenoid valve and a water pump,
The sanitary washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.