JP2016216953A - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sanitary washing device having a water level detection sensor with high durability and reliability.SOLUTION: In a sanitary washing device, a sub-tank 600 has a water level detection sensor made up of a pair of water level electrodes 621. Each water level electrode 621 has: an electrode plate 622 made of a conductive material; and an electrode cover 623 which is made of an insulation material with water impermeability and seals the electrode plate 622. The pair of water level electrodes 621 is arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined space in between. A control section applies alternate current between the water level electrodes 621. Because a water level can be detected on the basis of a change in impedance between the water level electrodes 621, the electrode plates are installed without direct contact with washing water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to water level detection in a tank of a sanitary washing device.

  Conventionally, as a means for detecting the water level of a tank for storing washing water of this type of sanitary washing apparatus, two metal electrodes are installed at a predetermined height in the tank, and the water level in the tank rises. It is configured to detect the water level in the tank by detecting a change in the value of the current flowing between the two electrodes by submerging the two electrodes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As another example, three electrodes are installed at different heights in the tank, and the current flowing between the electrode installed at the lowest position and the electrode installed at the second height is detected. By detecting the lower limit water level and detecting the current flowing between the electrode installed at the lowest position and the electrode installed at the highest position, the upper limit water level is detected. Some also detect fluctuations in the water level in the tank (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-326129 JP 2013-234539 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, the electrode is made of a metal that is a conductive material, and the metallic electrode is directly submerged for use. There is a possibility that impurities may adhere to the surface, and there is a concern that the current value flowing between the electrodes may not be detected accurately, and there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of the reliability and durability of the water level detection means. It was.

  Moreover, in the example of patent document 2, although the water level of two points, the upper limit water level in a tank and a lower limit water level, is detectable, it should detect directly about the condition of the change of the water level in the meantime, or the speed of change of transition. However, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of the functionality of the water level detection means.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and prevents damage to the electrodes and is configured to continuously detect changes in the water level, thereby providing reliability, durability, and function. An object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary washing device provided with a highly water level detecting means.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a sanitary washing device of the present invention includes a nozzle device that ejects washing water, a water pump that is upstream of the nozzle device and supplies cleaning water to the nozzle device, A heat exchanger that heats the cleaning water upstream of the pump; a subtank that is upstream of the heat exchanger and has an air opening and stores the cleaning water; and a control unit. Is provided with a water level detection sensor comprising a pair of water level electrodes for detecting the level of the cleaning water stored in the sub-tank, the water level electrode comprising an electrode plate made of a substantially rectangular conductive material and an insulating material having water resistance An electrode cover that seals the outer periphery of the electrode plate, the pair of water level electrodes are arranged to face each other at a predetermined interval, and the control unit applies an alternating current between the pair of water level electrodes. Of impedance between a pair of water level electrodes It is characterized in that to detect the water level by reduction.

  As a result, the electrode plate of the water level electrode is not in direct contact with the cleaning water, and the surface of the electrode plate can be prevented from being corroded by the cleaning water and impurities can be prevented from adhering to the surface. Deterioration of the water level detection sensor can be suppressed, and durability and reliability can be improved.

  In addition, since the impedance continuously changes from the lower end to the upper end of the electrode plate, an arbitrary water level between the lower end and the upper end of the electrode plate can be detected.

  The sanitary washing device of the present invention can suppress deterioration of the water level detection sensor and improve durability and reliability.

The perspective view of the state which installed the sanitary washing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention in the toilet bowl The perspective view of the state which removed the front main part case of the sanitary washing device Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water circuit of the cleaning means of the sanitary cleaning device The perspective view which shows the assembly state of the main member of the water circuit of the sanitary washing apparatus Perspective view showing the appearance of the nozzle device Perspective view showing the appearance of the sub tank Cross section of front view of sub tank Side view of sub tank Block diagram showing the configuration of the water level detector Graph showing changes in sub tank water level and capacitance

  A first invention is a nozzle device that ejects cleaning water, a water pump that is upstream of the nozzle device and that supplies cleaning water to the nozzle device, and is upstream of the water pump, A heat exchanger that heats water; a subtank that is upstream of the heat exchanger and has an air opening, and that stores cleaning water; and a control unit, and the subtank is stored in the subtank. A water level detection sensor comprising a pair of water level electrodes for detecting the water level of the washed water, wherein the water level electrode is formed of an electrode plate made of a substantially rectangular conductive material, and an insulating material having water resistance, An electrode cover that seals an outer periphery of the electrode plate, the pair of water level electrodes are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval, and the control unit applies an alternating current between the pair of water level electrodes. Impeder between the pair of water level electrodes And detecting a water level by a change of the scan, a sanitary washing apparatus.

  As a result, the electrode plate of the water level electrode is not in direct contact with the cleaning water, and the surface of the electrode plate can be prevented from being corroded by the cleaning water and impurities can be prevented from adhering to the surface. Deterioration of the water level detection sensor can be suppressed, and durability and reliability can be improved.

  In addition, since the impedance continuously changes from the lower end to the upper end of the electrode plate, an arbitrary water level between the lower end and the upper end of the electrode plate can be detected.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the horizontal cross section of the sub tank is formed to have the same cross sectional area at least from the lower end to the upper end of the electrode plate. It is.

This makes it possible to calculate the flow rate of the cleaning water supplied to the sub tank and the cleaning water supplied from the sub tank by calculating the change in the water level, the cross-sectional area, and the time, and one water level detection sensor. Therefore, the water level detection function and the flow rate detection function can be combined, and the sanitary washing apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

  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)
<1> Overall Configuration of Sanitary Washing Device FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the sanitary washing device according to the present embodiment installed on a toilet, and FIG. 2 is a front body case removed from the main body of the sanitary washing device. The perspective view of a state is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sanitary washing device 100 includes a main body 200, a toilet seat 300, a toilet lid 320, a remote controller 400, and a human body detection sensor 450 as main components, and the main body 200, the toilet seat 300, and the toilet lid 320 are integrated. And is installed on the upper surface of the toilet 110.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration side of the main body 200 of the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is the rear side, the installation side of the toilet seat 300 is the front side, the right side is the front side, the right side is the front side, and the left side is the front side. Explain the arrangement of elements.

  An operation unit 210 is integrally provided so as to protrude from a side portion of the main body 200, and a toilet seat 300 and a toilet lid 320 are attached to a front portion of the main body 200 through a toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism 360 so as to be freely opened and closed. . The toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism 360 includes a DC motor and a plurality of gears, and can open and close the toilet seat 300 and the toilet lid 320 individually or simultaneously.

  In the state where the toilet lid 320 is opened as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet lid 320 stands up so as to be positioned at the rearmost part of the sanitary washing device 100. When the toilet lid 320 is closed, the upper surface of the toilet seat 300 is concealed. The toilet lid 320 is composed of a member made by molding a resin material, and has a double structure and a heat insulating structure using a heat insulating material.

  The toilet seat 300 has a built-in toilet seat heater (not shown) for heating the seating surface, and heats the seating surface of the toilet seat to a comfortable temperature.

  A seating sensor (not shown) for detecting a human body seated on the toilet seat 300 is installed at a bearing portion in the main body 200 that supports the rotation shaft of the toilet seat 300. This seating sensor is a weight-type seating sensor, and detects that the user is seated on the seating surface of the toilet seat 300 by opening and closing the switch by a weight change caused by the seating of the user on the toilet seat 300. It is.

  The main body 200 includes a sub-tank 600, a heat exchanger 700, a nozzle device 800, and the like. The cleaning means for cleaning a local part of the human body, the deodorizing device 120 for deodorizing odor during defecation, and the sanitary cleaning device 100 A control unit 130 for controlling each function is incorporated (details of the cleaning means will be described later).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a nozzle device 800, which is a main component of the cleaning means, is installed in the central part of the main body 200, and a deodorizing device 120 is installed on the left side of the nozzle device 800. . On the left side, a toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism 360 that opens and closes the toilet seat 300 and the toilet lid 320 is installed.

Further, on the right side of the nozzle device 800, a water stop electromagnetic valve 514 of the cleaning means 500, a sub tank 600, and the like are installed in the front, and a heat exchanger 700 (not shown) is installed behind the nozzle device 800. A water pump 516 (not shown) is installed behind the heat exchanger 700. A control unit 130 is installed above the cleaning unit 500.

  An operation unit 210 is integrally provided on the right side of the main body 200 so as to protrude forward, and a plurality of switches for operating and setting each function of the sanitary washing device 100 as shown in FIGS. Indicator lights are installed.

  An operation board (not shown) is installed inside the operation unit 210. A plurality of tact switches and a plurality of LEDs are installed on the operation board, and the tact switch can be pressed and the LEDs can be visually recognized via a switch nameplate attached to the upper surface of the operation unit 210.

  In addition, an infrared receiving unit 211 that receives infrared signals transmitted from the remote controller 400 and the human body detection sensor 450 is disposed behind the upper surface of the operation unit 210.

  The switches installed in the operation unit 210 are provided with a plurality of operation switches for operating the cleaning operation and a plurality of setting switches for setting various functions. Further, as the indicator lamp, a plurality of LEDs for displaying the setting state are installed.

  As the operation switches, there are provided a butt cleaning switch that is used as an auxiliary when the battery of the remote controller 400 is dead or broken, and a nozzle cleaning switch that is operated when cleaning the nozzle.

  As the setting switch, a hot water temperature switch for setting the temperature of the washing water, a toilet seat temperature switch for setting the temperature of the toilet seat, an 8-hour switch for stopping the warming of the toilet seat 300 for 8 hours after being set, and a hygiene It automatically learns a time zone when the cleaning device 100 is not used, and sets a power saving switch that saves power by lowering the temperature of the toilet seat 300 during a time when it is not used, and an automatic opening / closing operation of the toilet seat 300 and the toilet lid 320. A toilet lid automatic open / close switch is installed.

  Many operations of the sanitary washing apparatus 100 are performed by a remote controller 400 configured separately from the main body 200. The remote controller 400 is attached to a wall surface of a toilet room that is easy for a user who is seated on the toilet seat 300 to operate.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the overall shape of the remote controller 400 is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped, and a plurality of switches and indicator lamps are installed on the upper surface and the front surface of a box-shaped remote control body formed of a resin material. In addition, a transmitter 402 that transmits an operation signal of the remote controller 400 to the main body 200 by infrared rays is arranged in the upper corner of the remote control main body.

  A control board (not shown) constituting a control function of the remote controller 400 and a battery (not shown) as a power source of the remote controller 400 are built in the remote control body.

  At the center of the front of the remote control body, there is an ass cleaning switch that starts ass cleaning, a bidet cleaning switch that starts bidet cleaning that cleans women's local cleaning, and a stop switch that stops ass cleaning and bidet cleaning In addition, a move cleaning switch that allows a wide range of cleaning by periodically moving the cleaning position back and forth during butt cleaning and bidet cleaning, and a rhythm cleaning switch that periodically changes the cleaning strength during butt cleaning Has been.

At the top of the front, a cleaning strength switch that adjusts the cleaning strength for butt cleaning and bidet cleaning with two switches, and a cleaning position for adjusting the cleaning position for butt cleaning and bidet cleaning with two switches A switch and a nozzle disinfection switch for washing the nozzle with warm water of 40 ° C. for about 1 minute are arranged.

  Further, above the cleaning strength switch, an LED strength indicator lamp that displays the cleaning strength in five levels and a position indicator lamp that displays the cleaning position in five levels are arranged above the cleaning position switch. ing.

  On the upper surface of the remote control body, a toilet lid switch for electrically opening and closing the toilet lid and a toilet seat switch for electrically opening and closing the toilet seat are installed, and the user can arbitrarily open and close the toilet seat 300 and the toilet lid 320 by the switch operation. It has a configuration.

  The human body detection sensor 450 is configured separately from the main body 200 and is attached to the wall surface of the toilet room. The human body detection sensor 450 includes a pyroelectric sensor (not shown) that receives infrared rays emitted from the human body, a sensor control unit (not shown) that determines detection of a human body by a signal from the pyroelectric sensor, and a sensor control unit. The human body detection signal is transmitted to the control unit of the main body 200 by infrared rays (not shown), a battery (not shown) that is a power source of the human body detection sensor 450, and the like.

<2> Configuration of Cleaning Means FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the water circuit of the cleaning means of the sanitary cleaning device, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the main members of the water circuit, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an apparatus.

  The main body 200 contains cleaning means for cleaning the user's local area. The cleaning means is formed by a nozzle device 800 that ejects cleaning water, and a series of cleaning water supply passages that supply the cleaning water from the water supply connection port 510 to the nozzle device 800.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning water supply flow path includes a water supply connection port 510, a strainer 511, a check valve 512, a constant flow valve 513, a water stop electromagnetic valve 514, a relief valve 515, and a sub tank 600. The heat exchanger 700, the buffer tank 750, the water pump 516, and the flow control valve 517 are sequentially installed and connected to the nozzle device 800.

  A water supply connection port 510 to which a water pipe is connected is disposed below the right side of the main body 200, and a strainer 511 that prevents inflow of waste contained in tap water is stored inside the water supply connection port 510 and stored in the sub tank 600. A check valve 512 is incorporated to prevent the discharged water from flowing back into the water pipe.

  Downstream of the check valve 512, a constant flow valve 513 that keeps the amount of washing water flowing in the flow path constant, a water stop electromagnetic valve 514 that electrically opens and closes the flow path, and a relief valve 515 are integrally configured. ing.

  Downstream of the water stop solenoid valve 514, a sub tank 600 having an air opening, a heat exchanger 700 that instantaneously heats the wash water, and a buffer tank that makes the temperature of the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 700 uniform. 750 is connected (a detailed configuration of the sub-tank 600 will be described later).

  In the heat exchanger 700 in the present embodiment, a buffer tank 750 is integrally formed, and the buffer tank 750 is installed on the top of the heat exchanger 700.

  The heat exchanger 700 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the front, and includes a casing formed of reinforced ABS resin in which glass fiber is compounded with ABS resin, a ceramic flat plate heater, and a hot water outlet member as main components.

  The casing is composed of a front member constituting the front portion and a back member constituting the back portion, and a flat heater is installed in a space formed between the front member and the back member. The gap formed in the facing portion between the front member and the flat heater and the facing portion between the back member and the flat heater is used as a heating channel, and the temperature of the cleaning water flowing through the heating channel is instantaneously raised by the flat heater. Is.

  The heat exchanger 700 includes a water inlet that is a connection port on the right side of the front lower end of the front member, and a hot water outlet that is installed at the upper end of the right side surface of the front member includes a hot water outlet that is a connection port.

  A water inlet channel that continues to the water inlet is provided over substantially the entire width of the lower end of the casing. A plurality of slits are provided over the entire width of the upper surface of the water inlet channel, and the cleaning water that has flowed into the water inlet channel passes through the slit and flows into the heating channel. The slit allows the cleaning water to flow evenly over the entire width of the heating channel.

  A partition rib is provided at the upper end of the heating channel, and a buffer tank 750 is provided above the partition rib. The partition rib is provided with a plurality of water passage holes over substantially the entire width, and the washing water heated by the heating flow path passes through the water passage holes and flows into the buffer tank 750.

  In the buffer tank 750, protrusions having a substantially semicircular cross-sectional shape are provided at intervals over substantially the entire width. The washing water flowing toward the outlet in the buffer tank 750 is disturbed by the protrusions, so that the washing water is mixed and the temperature variation of the washing water is eliminated, and the washing water having a uniform temperature is discharged from the outlet. Hot water is poured out.

  Two thermistors are installed in the tapping member, one is a tapping temperature sensor 730 that detects the tapping temperature of the wash water, and the other is a superheating temperature sensor 731 that detects the overheating temperature of the heat exchanger 700. is there.

  A water pump 516 is connected downstream of the buffer tank 750. The flow control valve 517 and the nozzle device 800 which are integrally formed are connected downstream of the water pump 516, and the bottom cleaning unit 831 and the bidet cleaning unit of the nozzle device 800 are connected to the respective ports of the flow control valve 517. 832 and a nozzle cleaning unit 833 are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 4, among the members constituting the cleaning means, water supply connection port 510, strainer 511, check valve 512, constant flow valve 513, water stop electromagnetic valve 514, relief valve 515, sub tank 600, heat exchanger 700, a buffer tank 750, and a water pump 516 are integrated into a chassis 501 molded of a resin material, and are integrated with the rear body case 201 of the main body 200.

  The strainer 511 and the check valve 512 are integrated into the water supply connection port 510, and the constant flow valve 513 and the relief valve 515 are integrated into the water stop electromagnetic valve 514. The buffer tank 750 is integrated with the heat exchanger 700.

  The water supply connection port 510 and the water stop solenoid valve 514, the water stop solenoid valve 514 and the sub tank 600, and the sub tank 600 and the heat exchanger 700 are not connected to each other through a connection hose or the like. It is configured to connect directly. Further, the members constituting these water circuits are installed and fixed at predetermined positions of the chassis 501.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve the watertight structure and improve the arrangement accuracy of the members. In particular, the subtank 600 and the heat exchanger 70
By improving the arrangement accuracy of 0, it becomes possible to improve the control accuracy of the flow rate of the cleaning water, and it is possible to improve the performance of the cleaning means and the control accuracy.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the water pump 516 is a piston pump that is a positive displacement pump, and includes a motor unit 516a that is a driving source, a link mechanism unit 516b that converts the rotational motion of the motor unit into a reciprocating motion, and a link mechanism unit. It is comprised by the piston part 516c driven by reciprocating motion. On the outer surface of the piston portion 516c, a water inlet 516d and a water outlet 516e are provided as connection ports.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle device 800 drives a substantially triangular frame-shaped support portion 810 molded from a resin material, a nozzle portion 820 that moves forward and backward along the support portion 810, and the forward and backward movement of the nozzle portion 820. And a flow control valve 517 for switching the supply of cleaning water is integrally assembled at the rear end of the nozzle unit 820.

  The nozzle portion 820 includes a rod-shaped nozzle body molded from a resin material, a cylindrical nozzle cover that covers substantially the entire nozzle body, and a connecting unit that pulls the nozzle cover with the nozzle body.

  The nozzle body includes a butt cleaning unit 831 that cleans the local part, a bidet cleaning unit 832 that cleans the local part of the woman, and a nozzle cleaning unit 833 that cleans the nozzle part 820.

  The buttocks cleaning unit 831 includes an buttocks cleaning jet opening that opens upward at the tip of the nozzle body, and an buttocks cleaning channel that communicates from the rear end of the nozzle body to the buttocks cleaning jet.

  The bidet cleaning unit 832 includes a bidet cleaning spray port disposed behind the butt cleaning spray port and a bidet cleaning channel that communicates with the bidet cleaning spray port from the rear end of the nozzle body.

  The nozzle cleaning unit 833 includes a nozzle cleaning jet port disposed on the side surface of the nozzle body, and a nozzle cleaning channel that communicates with the nozzle cleaning jet port from the rear end of the nozzle body. The washing water ejected from the nozzle cleaning nozzle is used for cleaning the nozzle portion and its surroundings.

  The nozzle cover is composed of a nozzle cover body and a connecting member. The nozzle cover main body is formed by forming a thin stainless steel plate into a cylindrical shape, the front end surface is a closed surface, and the rear end surface is an open surface. The connecting member has a substantially cylindrical shape molded from a resin material, and connecting pieces that engage with the nozzle body are formed on both sides.

  The inner diameter of the nozzle cover is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle body, and the nozzle body and the nozzle cover have a dimensional relationship that allows the nozzle body and the nozzle cover to slide smoothly with each other with the nozzle body inserted into the nozzle cover.

  A flow control valve 517 is installed on the rear end surface of the nozzle body. The flow control valve 517 includes a disc-type valve main body 517a and a stepping motor 517b that drives a switching operation. The flow control valve 517 selectively supplies cleaning water to the buttocks cleaning channel, the bidet cleaning channel, and the nozzle cleaning channel.

  Further, a water supply port 517 c for supplying cleaning water from the water pump 516 to the flow control valve 517 is installed on the outer surface of the valve main body 517 a of the flow control valve 517.

<3> Basic operation and action of the cleaning means The operation and action of the cleaning means in the normal use state will be described below.

  In a normal use state, the sub tank 600 stands by in a full water state where the wash water is stored up to the upper limit.

  When the user performs any cleaning operation of the buttocks cleaning unit, the bidet cleaning unit, or the nozzle cleaning with the operation unit 210 and the remote controller 400, the control unit 130 drives the water pump 516 and the heat exchanger 700 Energization of the flat heater is started and heating of the cleaning water is started.

  The control unit 130 controls energization to the flat heater based on the temperature detection information of the incoming water temperature sensor 630 and the hot water temperature sensor 730 and maintains the temperature set by the operation unit 210 for the cleaning water.

  Subsequently, the wash water heated by the heat exchanger 700 is supplied to the flow control valve 517. The control unit 130 controls the flow control valve 517 based on operation information of the operation unit 210 and the remote controller 400, and the cleaning water is supplied to any of the butt cleaning unit 831, the bidet cleaning unit 832, and the nozzle cleaning unit 833 of the nozzle device 800. Supply. Accordingly, the cleaning water is ejected from any one of the buttocks cleaning jet, the bidet cleaning jet, and the nozzle cleaning jet, and the selected cleaning operation is performed.

  On the other hand, the wash water stored in the sub-tank 600 is lowered when the water pump 516 is driven, and when the water level reaches the lower limit water level A, the water stop solenoid valve 514 is opened to open the sub-tank. The supply of cleaning water to 600 is started, and when the water level reaches the upper limit water level B, the water stop solenoid valve 514 is closed and the supply of cleaning water to the sub tank 600 is stopped. This operation is repeatedly performed while the cleaning operation is continued.

<4> Configuration of Subtank FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the subtank, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the subtank, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the water level detection unit. FIG. 10 is a graph showing changes in the water level and capacitance of the sub tank.

  As shown in the figure, the sub-tank 600 includes a tank body 610 molded from a resin material, a water level detection sensor 620 serving as a water level detection means stored in the tank body 610, and a cleaning supplied to the tank body 610. It is comprised with the incoming water temperature sensor 630 which consists of a thermistor which detects the temperature of water.

  The tank body 610 is composed of two members: a front tank 611 that constitutes the front wall, both side walls, the bottom surface, and the top surface of the tank, and a rear tank 612 that constitutes the rear wall of the tank. The overall shape of the tank body 610 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape.

  A water inlet 601 is provided at the lower part of one side wall of the tank body 610, and a water outlet 602 is provided at the lower part of the rear wall of the tank body 610. The tank body 610 communicates with the inside and the outside of the tank body 610. An atmosphere opening port 603 is provided. By providing the air opening 603, the air accumulated in the tank main body 610 can be released to the outside, and the internal pressure of the tank main body 610 can be constantly maintained at atmospheric pressure.

Since the interior of the sub tank 600 is always maintained at atmospheric pressure, the flow path from the downstream of the sub tank 600 to the water inlet 516d of the water pump 516 is also maintained at atmospheric pressure, so that the water pump 516 is affected by fluctuations in water pressure. Therefore, a stable pump function can be exhibited.

  Inside the water inlet 601 of the tank body 610, a partition wall 613 standing from the bottom surface at a position facing the water inlet 601 and a rectifying rib 614 extending in a substantially L shape from the side wall so as to cover the partition wall 613 are configured. The rectifying unit 615 and the storage unit 650 for storing the washing water that has passed through the rectifying unit 615 are formed. A water outlet 602 is provided at the bottom of the rear wall of the reservoir 650.

  Wash water that has flowed in from the water inlet 601 flows into the lower part of the rectifying unit 615, rises in the rectifying unit 615, passes through the gap between the partition wall 613 and the rectifying rib 614, and flows into the storage unit 650.

  During this time, even when the pressure of the cleaning water flowing in from the water inlet 601 is high or the flow is disturbed including a large amount of air, the flow of the cleaning water is rectified in the rectifying unit 615 and is stored in the storage unit 650. The rectified wash water flows in and is stored. The air contained in the washing water is separated during the storage and is discharged from the tank main body 610 through the atmosphere opening port 603.

  As described above, the wash water flowing in from the water inlet 601 is separated from the air contained in the wash water while being stored in the sub-tank 600, and the separated air is discharged out of the tank body 610 from the atmosphere opening 603, and the air Wash water that does not contain water is supplied to the heat exchanger 700 from the water outlet 602.

  When air is mixed in the cleaning water supplied from the sub tank 600 to the heat exchanger 700, bubbles are generated in the heat exchanger 700, and the temperature inside the heat exchanger 700 is abnormally increased, and heat exchange is performed. The apparatus 700 may be damaged, and the effect of preventing the heat exchanger 700 from being damaged can be obtained by separating and releasing the air contained in the wash water in the sub tank 600.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the water level detection sensor 620 that is a water level detection means includes a pair of water level electrodes 621. The two water level electrodes 621 have the same shape and configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the water level electrode 621 has a substantially rectangular plate-like electrode plate 622 made of a metal material mainly composed of copper, which is a conductive material, and has insulation and water resistance, and has a high dielectric constant. The electrode cover 623 covers the entire outer periphery of the electrode plate 622 with a resin material (ABS resin in the present embodiment), and the electrode plate 622 is sealed with the electrode cover 623. An electrode terminal 624 is provided on the upper surface of the electrode cover 623, and the electrode plate 622 and the electrode terminal 624 are electrically connected via a lead wire 625.

  The pair of water level electrodes 621 is installed so as to hang down from the top surface of the tank body 610, and the two water level electrodes 621 are installed at a predetermined interval so that the planes of the electrode plates 622 face each other in parallel. Yes. By adopting such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, the two electrode plates 622 have the function of a capacitor.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the range where the electrode plate 622 of the water level electrode 621 is installed, the horizontal cross section of the tank body 610 is formed to have the same cross sectional area. In this range, the water level of the cleaning water fed at a constant amount rises at a constant speed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the water level electrode 621 is connected to the water level detection unit 131 of the control unit 130 and driven by being supplied with an alternating current from the water level detection unit 131, and the water level detection information is sent to the water level detection unit 131. It is configured to transmit.

The water level detection unit 131 is configured to drive the water level detection function of the water level electrode 621 as 60 Hz.
The AC converter 131a that transmits 5V AC current and the drive unit 131b that controls the supply of AC current supplied to the water level electrode 621 are configured.

  On the other hand, the detection function of detecting the water level detection information of the water level electrode 621 includes an impedance detection unit 131c that detects the impedance of the water level electrode 621 and a voltage conversion unit 131d that converts data detected by the impedance detection unit 131c into voltage data. The voltage data that is configured and converted by the voltage conversion unit 131d is transmitted to the microcomputer of the control unit 130, and cleaning means such as the water stop electromagnetic valve 514, the water pump 516, and the heat exchanger 700 is based on the transmitted detection information. Each function control which comprises is implemented.

<5> Sub-Tank Water Level Detection FIG. 10 is a graph showing changes in sub-tank water level and capacitance.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the state where the cleaning water is not stored in the sub tank 600 immediately after the sanitary cleaning device is installed, only air having a low dielectric constant is interposed between the two water level electrodes 621 which are the water level detection sensors 620. The electrostatic capacity of the water level electrode 621 is maintained at the lowest air capacity Cz.

  When cleaning water is supplied to the sub tank 600, the water level gradually rises, and the water level reaches the lower end 622a of the electrode plate 622, the electrostatic capacitance is generated by the presence of cleaning water having a high dielectric constant between the water level detection sensors 620. Rises all at once and rises to the level of the lower end capacity C1 in the figure. As the water level rises, the capacitance gradually increases, and when the water level reaches the upper end 622b of the electrode plate 622, the capacitance becomes the upper end capacitance C2, and even if the water level rises further, the capacitance Hardly rises.

  As described above, the controller 130 detects a change in the water level by detecting an impedance change between the two water level electrodes 621 by applying an alternating current to the water level detection sensor 620 whose capacitance changes. .

  As the threshold for water level detection set in the control unit 130, the impedance corresponding to the lower limit capacity Ca slightly higher than the lower end capacity C1 is set as the threshold for the lower limit water level A, and corresponds to the upper limit capacity Cb slightly lower than the upper end capacity C2. The impedance to be set is set to the upper limit water level B threshold.

  As described above, by setting the threshold values of the lower limit water level A and the upper limit water level B, it is possible to detect the lower limit water level A and the upper limit water level B and to detect an arbitrary water level between the lower limit water level A and the upper limit water level B. .

  In addition, since the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank body 610 corresponding to the water level from the lower limit water level A to the upper limit water level B is formed to be the same, the change in the water level of the sub tank 600 and the change in the amount of water are proportional to each other. The flow rate per unit time of the cleaning water supplied to the sub tank 600 and the cleaning water supplied from the sub tank is calculated by calculating the amount of change in the impedance of the sensor 620 and the time of the time measuring means of the control unit 130. be able to.

  By calculating based on the amount of change in impedance from the lower limit water level A to the upper limit water level B, the flow rate per unit time of the cleaning water supplied to the sub tank 600 can be calculated.

  In addition, the flow rate per unit time of the cleaning water supplied from the sub tank 600 to the heat exchanger 700 can be calculated by calculating based on the amount of change in impedance every moment between the upper limit water level B and the lower limit water level A. it can. If there is a difference between the calculated flow rate and the flow rate set for each cleaning strength, the flow rate of the cleaning water can be corrected by adjusting the output of the water pump 516. Can be controlled.

  By adopting the water level detection sensor 620 having the above-described configuration, the electrode plate 622 of the water level electrode 621 is not in direct contact with the cleaning water, and the surface of the electrode plate 622 is corroded by the cleaning water or impurities are attached to the surface. Since the deterioration of the water level detection sensor 620 can be suppressed and stable performance can be maintained over a long period of time, the durability and reliability of the water level detection sensor 620 can be improved. .

  In addition, since the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank body is the same, by calculating the change in water level, cross-sectional area and time, the cleaning water supplied to the sub-tank and the cleaning water supplied from the sub-tank The flow rate can be calculated, and a single water level detection sensor can have both water level detection and flow rate detection functions, and the sanitary washing apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

  In the present embodiment, in order to detect the flow rate, the horizontal cross section of the sub tank 600 is formed to have the same cross sectional area at least from the lower end to the upper end of the electrode plate 622. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the detection of the flow rate is not necessary, the horizontal section of the sub tank 600 may have an arbitrary sectional area.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the alternating current which the alternating current conversion part 131a transmits was set to 60 Hz and 5 V, it is not restricted to this, For example, a frequency is higher than 50 Hz or 60 Hz currently used with commercial power The voltage may be in the range of 5V to 12V.

  As described above, since the sanitary washing device according to the present invention can improve the durability and reliability of the water level detection sensor, it can be applied to other uses such as fluid application equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Sanitary washing apparatus 130 Control part 516 Water pump 600 Sub tank 603 Atmospheric release port 620 Water level detection sensor 621 Water level electrode 622 Electrode plate 623 Electrode cover 700 Heat exchanger 800 Nozzle device

Claims (2)

A nozzle device for jetting cleaning water;
A water pump on the upstream side of the nozzle device for supplying cleaning water to the nozzle device;
A heat exchanger upstream of the water pump for heating the wash water;
A sub-tank on the upstream side of the heat exchanger, provided with an air opening, and storing wash water;
A control unit,
The sub tank includes a water level detection sensor composed of a pair of water level electrodes for detecting the water level of the cleaning water stored in the sub tank,
The water level electrode includes an electrode plate made of a substantially rectangular conductive material, and an electrode cover formed of an insulating material having water resistance and sealing the outer periphery of the electrode plate,
The pair of water level electrodes are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval,
The control unit applies an alternating current between the pair of water level electrodes, and detects the water level by a change in impedance between the pair of water level electrodes.
Sanitary washing device. In the height from at least the lower end to the upper end of the electrode plate, the horizontal cross section of the sub tank is formed in the same cross sectional area,
The sanitary washing device according to claim 1.

Images