JP2019210658A - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sanitary washing device capable of allowing a user to recognize that a nozzle storage part is sterilized with sterilizing light even in a state where a nozzle lid is provided at the opening of the nozzle housing part.SOLUTION: A sanitary washing device includes: a nozzle for cleaning private parts; a driving device for moving the nozzle forward and backward; a casing having a nozzle housing part capable of housing the nozzle; a nozzle lid which is provided at opening at the front end of the nozzle housing part so as to be openable and closable, and is in an open state when the nozzle is advanced and in a closed state when the nozzle is housed; an illuminating part for irradiating the nozzle housing part with sterilization light; a human body detection sensor for detecting a user; and a control part for controlling the illuminating part on the basis of detection information of the human body detection sensor. The nozzle lid and the illuminating part can emit visible light from the opening or the nozzle lid to the outside of the casing when the sterilizing light is emitted in the closed state. When a user is detected from a state where the human body detection sensor does not detect the user, the control part activates the illuminating part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to a sanitary washing apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for irradiating the local cleaning nozzle with ultraviolet light (UV light) having a sterilizing action in order to remove dirt adhering to the local cleaning nozzle.

JP 2013-83141 A

  Around the local cleaning nozzle, there may be provided a nozzle storage part for storing the local cleaning nozzle, and a nozzle lid for preventing urine from entering the nozzle storage part at the opening at the front end of the nozzle storage part. is there. In this case, when irradiating the local cleaning nozzle with ultraviolet light, the nozzle storage portion or the like can be sterilized by irradiating the nozzle storage portion or the like with ultraviolet light.

  However, since the nozzle cover is provided with the nozzle cover, the user can confirm that the nozzle cover is clean before using it by opening the nozzle cover. It is necessary to confirm directly with eyes and is troublesome. That is, as a real problem, it is difficult for the user to confirm directly before use. For this reason, even if the nozzle housing is cleaned by ultraviolet light, the user may have a suspicion that the nozzle housing may be dirty.

  If there is a suspicion that the nozzle storage part may be dirty in this way, no matter how clean the local cleaning nozzle is, the local cleaning nozzle is stored in a dirty place, so psychological local cleaning It becomes impossible to have awareness that the nozzle is clean. As a result, there is a possibility that a user with high cleanliness will not use the local cleaning nozzle.

  As a means for solving this, a method is conceivable in which a part of the ultraviolet light is leaked to the outside of the nozzle housing portion and the user is made aware that the nozzle housing portion is sterilized by the ultraviolet light. However, there is a problem that ultraviolet light is light that cannot be visually recognized by the user, and that, as described above, the nozzle lid is provided at the opening of the nozzle housing portion, so that it is difficult to leak light to the outside.

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and uses the fact that the nozzle housing part is sterilized with sterilizing light even in the state where the nozzle cover is provided at the opening of the nozzle housing part. An object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary washing device that can be recognized by a person.

  A first invention is a sanitary washing device installed on an upper part of a sitting toilet, and a local washing nozzle having a spout for discharging washing water toward a user's local area, and the local washing nozzle advancing and Opening and closing with respect to the opening provided at the front end of the drive device for retracting, the casing having a nozzle housing portion capable of housing the entire local cleaning nozzle in the state in which the local cleaning nozzle is retracted A nozzle cover provided in an open state in which the opening is opened when the local cleaning nozzle is advanced; and the opening is closed when the entire local cleaning nozzle is stored in the nozzle storage portion. The nozzle lid in the closed state, an illumination unit that irradiates the nozzle housing unit with sterilizing light that is sterilizing light, and a human body that detects a user in the vicinity of the sanitary washing device An intelligent sensor, and a control unit that controls the illumination unit based on detection information of the human body detection sensor, and the nozzle lid and the illumination unit are in the closed state when the sterilization light is irradiated, Visible light can be emitted from the opening or the nozzle lid to the outside of the casing, and the control unit activates the illumination unit when detecting the user from the state where the human body detection sensor does not detect the user. This is a sanitary washing device.

  According to this sanitary washing device, visible light can be emitted from the opening or the nozzle lid to the outside of the casing at the time of irradiation of the sterilizing light, so that even in a state where the opening of the nozzle housing portion is covered by the nozzle lid It is possible to make the user recognize that the nozzle housing portion is sterilized with the sterilizing light. In addition, by operating the illumination unit at the timing when it is detected that the user has approached the sanitary washing device, before the user is seated on the toilet seat, the nozzle storage unit is sterilized with sterilizing light. The user can be made aware. Thereby, since it can recognize that the local washing nozzle is stored in a clean place, even a user with high cleanliness awareness can use the local washing nozzle with peace of mind.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first aspect further includes a toilet seat for a user to be seated, and a seating detection sensor for detecting the seating of the user on the toilet seat, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the seating. The sanitary washing apparatus is characterized in that when the seating is detected from a state where the sensor does not detect the seating, the operation of the illumination unit is stopped.

  According to this sanitary washing device, by stopping the operation of the illuminating unit at the timing when the user is seated on the toilet seat, the effect of making the user recognize that the nozzle storage unit is sterilized with the sterilizing light is provided. Without sacrificing, the user can be prevented from being irradiated with sterilizing light, and the safety of the user can be further enhanced.

  A third invention is the sanitary washing apparatus according to the second invention, wherein the control unit operates the illumination unit even in a state where the human body detection sensor does not detect a user.

  According to this sanitary washing device, the irradiation time of the sterilization light can be extended by irradiating the sterilization light even when the human body detection sensor does not detect the user. Thereby, the disinfection effect by disinfection light can be improved. Further, by increasing the irradiation time of the sterilization light, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect even when sterilization light having a relatively long peak wavelength is irradiated. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the user while suppressing the sterilization effect from decreasing.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the controller detects the user's operating time when the human body detection sensor detects the user when the human body detection sensor does not detect the user. The sanitary washing apparatus is characterized in that the illumination unit is controlled so as to be longer than an operation time of the illumination unit in a state of being present.

  According to this sanitary washing device, the sterilization effect can be further enhanced by further increasing the operation time (irradiation time of the sterilization light) of the illumination unit in a state where the human body detection sensor does not detect the user. .

  According to the aspect of the present invention, even in a state where the nozzle lid is provided at the opening of the nozzle housing portion, the user can recognize that the nozzle housing portion is sterilized with the sterilizing light. A cleaning device is provided.

It is a perspective view showing the toilet apparatus provided with the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. Fig.3 (a) and FIG.3 (b) are sectional drawings showing the local cleaning nozzle periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view showing the internal structure of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the nozzle storage part of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is front sectional drawing showing the local cleaning nozzle periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view showing the local washing nozzle periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the nozzle lid periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view showing the nozzle lid periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a front view showing the modification of the nozzle cover periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a graph showing the example of wavelength distribution of the disinfection light of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view showing the modification of the illumination part of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a timing chart which illustrates the example of operation | movement of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet apparatus including a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet apparatus includes a sitting toilet (hereinafter simply referred to as “toilet” for convenience of explanation) 800 and a sanitary washing device 100 installed thereon. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a casing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are pivotally supported with respect to the casing 400 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  In the casing 400, a local cleaning function unit for cleaning a local part such as a “butt” of a user sitting on the toilet seat 200 is incorporated. In addition, for example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 that detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat 200. When the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, when the user operates an operation unit 500 (see FIG. 2) such as a remote controller, for example, a local cleaning nozzle (hereinafter simply “ 473 (referred to as a “nozzle”) can be advanced into or out of the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. In the sanitary washing device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 473 has entered the bowl 801.

  The nozzle 473 discharges water (cleaning water) toward the human body local area and cleans the human body local area. At the tip of the nozzle 473, a bidet cleaning water outlet 474a and a buttocks cleaning water outlet 474b are provided. The nozzle 473 can wash the female local part of the woman sitting on the toilet seat 200 by spraying water from the bidet washing spout 474a provided at the tip thereof. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 can wash the “butt” of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 by jetting water from the buttocks washing spout 474 b provided at the tip thereof. In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

  Examples of the mode for washing “wet” include “wet washing” and “soft washing” for gentle washing with a softer water flow than “wet washing”. The nozzle 473 can execute, for example, “bidet cleaning”, “bottom cleaning”, and “soft cleaning”.

  In the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1, the bidet cleaning water outlet 474a is provided on the tip side of the nozzle 473 relative to the buttocks cleaning water outlet 474b, but the installation positions of the bidet cleaning water outlet 474a and the buttocks cleaning water outlet 474b are provided. Is not limited to this. The bidet cleaning water outlet 474a may be provided on the rear end side of the nozzle 473 with respect to the buttocks cleaning water outlet 474b. In addition, the nozzle 473 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided with two water outlets, but may be provided with three or more water outlets.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 2, the principal part structure of a waterway system and an electric system is represented collectively.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sanitary washing device 100 includes a water guide unit 20. The water guide unit 20 includes a pipe line 20 a that extends from a water supply source 10 such as a water supply or a water storage tank to the nozzle 473. The water guide unit 20 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 473 through the pipe line 20a. The pipe line 20a is formed by, for example, each part such as an electromagnetic valve 431, a heat exchanger unit 440, and a flow path switching part 472 described below, and a plurality of pipes that connect these parts.

  An electromagnetic valve 431 is provided on the upstream side of the water guide unit 20. The electromagnetic valve 431 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 405 provided in the casing 400. In other words, the electromagnetic valve 431 opens and closes the pipe line 20a. By opening the electromagnetic valve 431, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows into the pipe line 20a.

  A pressure regulating valve 432 is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve 431. The pressure regulating valve 432 adjusts the pressure in the pipe line 20a to a predetermined pressure range when the feed water pressure is high. A check valve 433 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 432. The check valve 433 suppresses the backflow of water upstream from the check valve 433 when the pressure in the pipe line 20a is reduced.

  A heat exchanger unit 440 (heating unit) is provided downstream of the check valve 433. The heat exchanger unit 440 includes a heater, and heats the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to raise the temperature to, for example, a specified temperature. That is, the heat exchanger unit 440 generates hot water.

  The heat exchanger unit 440 is an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger using, for example, a ceramic heater. Compared with a hot water storage type heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank, an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can raise the temperature of water to a specified temperature in a short time. The heat exchanger unit 440 is not limited to an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger. Further, the heating unit is not limited to a heat exchanger, and may be one using another heating method such as one using microwave heating.

  The heat exchanger unit 440 is connected to the control unit 405. For example, the control unit 405 controls the heat exchanger unit 440 according to the operation of the operation unit 500 by the user, thereby raising the temperature of the water to the temperature set by the operation unit 500.

  A flow sensor 442 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440. The flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of the water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 440. That is, the flow sensor 442 detects the flow rate of the water flowing through the pipe line 20a. The flow sensor 442 is connected to the control unit 405. The flow sensor 442 inputs the flow rate detection result to the control unit 405.

  An electrolytic cell unit 450 is provided downstream of the flow sensor 442. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates a liquid (functional water) containing hypochlorous acid from tap water by electrolyzing tap water flowing inside. The electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to the control unit 405. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates functional water based on the control by the control unit 405.

  The functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions and copper ions, for example. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be a solution containing electrolytic chlorine, ozone, or the like. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be acidic water or alkaline water.

  A vacuum breaker (VB) 452 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 450. The vacuum breaker 452 includes, for example, a flow path for flowing water, an intake port for taking air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the intake port. For example, the valve mechanism closes the intake port when water is flowing through the flow path, and opens the intake port when the water flow stops to take air into the flow path. That is, the vacuum breaker 452 takes in air into the pipe line 20a when there is no flow of water in the water guide section 20. For example, a float valve is used as the valve mechanism.

  For example, the vacuum breaker 452 promotes drainage of a portion downstream of the vacuum breaker 452 of the pipe line 20a by taking air into the pipe line 20a as described above. The vacuum breaker 452 promotes draining of the nozzle 473, for example. In this way, the vacuum breaker 452 draws out the water in the nozzle 473 and takes in air into the nozzle 473, so that, for example, the cleaning water in the nozzle 473 or the sewage collected in the bowl 801 is supplied to the water supply source 10 ( Suppresses backflow to the water supply side.

  A pressure modulation unit 454 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 452. The pressure modulation unit 454 pulsates or accelerates the flow of water in the pipe 20 a of the water guide unit 20, and water is discharged from the bidet cleaning water discharge port 474 a and the butt cleaning water discharge port 474 b of the nozzle 473 and the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning unit 478. Pulsates the water. That is, the pressure modulation unit 454 changes the flow state of the water flowing in the pipe line 20a. The pressure modulation unit 454 is connected to the control unit 405. The pressure modulation unit 454 varies the flow state of water based on the control by the control unit 405. The pressure modulation unit 454 varies the pressure of water in the pipe line 20a.

  A flow rate adjustment unit 471 is provided downstream of the pressure modulation unit 454. The flow rate adjustment unit 471 adjusts the water flow (flow rate). A flow path switching unit 472 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment unit 471. The flow path switching unit 472 opens / closes and switches the water supply to the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning unit 478. The flow rate adjusting unit 471 and the flow path switching unit 472 may be provided as one unit. The flow rate adjusting unit 471 and the flow path switching unit 472 are connected to the control unit 405. The operations of the flow rate adjusting unit 471 and the flow path switching unit 472 are controlled by the control unit 405.

  A nozzle 473, a nozzle cleaning unit 478, and a spray nozzle 479 are provided downstream of the flow path switching unit 472. The nozzle 473 receives the driving force from the nozzle motor 476 and advances into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800 or retreats from the bowl 801. That is, the nozzle motor 476 is a drive device that moves the nozzle 473 forward and backward based on a command from the control unit 405.

  The nozzle cleaning unit 478 cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473 by, for example, jetting functional water or water from the water discharge unit. The spray nozzle 479 sprays cleaning water or functional water on the bowl 801 in a mist form. In this example, a spray nozzle 479 is provided separately from the nozzle 473 for cleaning the human body. However, the nozzle 473 may be provided with a water outlet for spraying a mist-like liquid onto the bowl 801.

  Further, downstream of the flow path switching unit 472, a buttocks cleaning flow path 21, a soft cleaning flow path 22, and a bidet cleaning flow path 23 are provided. The buttocks washing flow path 21 and the soft washing flow path 22 guide the water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water guide unit 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the buttocks washing discharge port 474b. The bidet cleaning flow path 23 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water guide 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the bidet cleaning outlet 474a.

  Further, the surface cleaning channel 24 and the spray channel 25 are provided downstream of the channel switching unit 472. The surface cleaning flow path 24 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water guide unit 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning unit 478. The spray channel 25 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the spray nozzle 479.

  The control unit 405 controls the flow path switching unit 472 so that each flow of the buttocks cleaning flow path 21, the soft cleaning flow path 22, the bidet cleaning flow path 23, the surface cleaning flow path 24, and the spray flow path 25 is controlled. Switch between opening and closing the road. In this way, the flow path switching unit 472 communicates with the pipe line 20a for each of the plurality of water discharge ports such as the bidet cleaning water discharge port 474a, the buttocks cleaning water discharge port 474b, the nozzle cleaning unit 478, and the spray nozzle 479. And a state of not communicating with the pipe line 20a.

  The control unit 405 is supplied with electric power from the power supply circuit 401, and based on signals from the human body detection sensor 403, the seating detection sensor 404, the flow rate sensor 442, the operation unit 500, etc., the electromagnetic valve 431 and the heat exchanger Operations of the unit 440, the electrolytic cell unit 450, the pressure modulation unit 454, the flow rate adjustment unit 471, the flow path switching unit 472, the nozzle motor 476, and the like are controlled.

  Moreover, the control part 405 controls the illumination part 700 based on the detection information of the human body detection sensor 403 or the seating detection sensor 404, for example. The illumination unit 700 irradiates the periphery of the nozzle 473 (nozzle storage unit described later) with sterilization light that is light having a sterilization action. The illumination unit 700 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the human body detection sensor 403 is provided so as to be embedded in a recessed portion 409 formed on the upper surface of the casing 400, and detects a user (human body) approaching the toilet seat 200. In other words, the human body detection sensor 403 detects a user in the vicinity of the sanitary washing device 100. A transmissive window 310 is provided at the rear of the toilet lid 300. Therefore, in the state where the toilet lid 300 is closed, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect the presence of the user via the transmission window 310. For example, the control unit 405 automatically opens the toilet lid 300 in response to a user detection by the human body detection sensor 403.

  Also, the casing 400 is provided with various types of devices such as a “warm air drying function”, a “deodorizing unit”, and an “indoor heating unit” for blowing and drying hot air toward a “butt” of a user sitting on the toilet seat 200. A mechanism may be provided as appropriate. At this time, an exhaust port 407 from the deodorizing unit and an exhaust port 408 from the indoor heating unit are appropriately provided on the side surface of the casing 400. However, in the present invention, the sanitary washing function unit and other additional function units are not necessarily provided.

Fig.3 (a) and FIG.3 (b) are sectional drawings showing the local cleaning nozzle periphery of the sanitary washing apparatus which concerns on embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the internal structure of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a nozzle storage portion of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the local cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the periphery of the local cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 4, configurations other than the nozzle 473 of the sanitary washing device 100 are omitted.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4, the casing 400 includes a nozzle storage portion 480 that can store the entire nozzle 473 when the nozzle 473 is retracted. The nozzle storage portion 480 is a member for storing the nozzle 473 and is adjacent to the nozzle 473 in a state where the entire nozzle 473 is stored. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, a nozzle support portion 482 and a nozzle cleaning portion 478 are provided as the nozzle storage portion 480.

  The nozzle support portion 482 supports the nozzle 473 below the nozzle 473. The nozzle support portion 482 is inclined downward in the direction from the rear to the front. The nozzle 473 advances and retracts while sliding relative to the nozzle support portion 482. The nozzle storage portion 480 may be provided with a cylindrical member that stores the nozzle 473, for example.

  The nozzle cleaning unit 478 is attached to the front end of the nozzle support unit 482. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the nozzle cleaning unit 478 includes a member (water discharger) 478a in which a water discharge hole for discharging the cleaning water is formed, and a support body 478b thereof. . As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3 </ b> B, and 7, an opening 481 is provided at the front end of the nozzle storage portion 480. The opening 481 is provided at the lower part of the front end of the casing 400. The nozzle cleaning unit 478 is located behind the opening 481. For example, when the nozzle 473 moves back and forth, the nozzle cleaning unit 478 cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473 by jetting functional water or water from the water discharger 478a (self-cleaning).

  A nozzle lid 600 is provided in front of the nozzle 473. The nozzle lid 600 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the opening 481 provided at the front end of the nozzle storage portion 480. As shown in FIG. 3B, the nozzle lid 600 is in an open state in which the opening 481 is opened when the nozzle 473 is advanced, and as shown in FIG. In the state of being housed, the opening 481 is closed. For example, when the nozzle lid 600 is in the closed state, the front of the opening 481 is blocked by the nozzle lid 600.

  The nozzle lid 600 has a back surface 600a and a front surface 600b. The back surface 600a is a surface located on the nozzle 473 side in the closed state. The front surface 600b is a surface located on the opposite side to the back surface 600a. In other words, the back surface 600a is a surface located on the rear side in the closed state, and the front surface 600b is a surface located on the front side in the closed state.

  When not used, the nozzle 473 is stored in the nozzle storage portion 480 as shown in FIG. When local cleaning is performed by the nozzle 473, the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward with respect to the nozzle storage portion 480. When the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward, the nozzle 473 comes into contact with the nozzle cleaning unit 478, and the water discharge unit 478a and the nozzle lid 600 of the nozzle cleaning unit 478 are pushed upward. For example, the nozzle 473 is washed by the water discharged from the water discharger 478a until the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, water is discharged from the bidet cleaning water outlet 474a or the butt cleaning water outlet 474b toward the user's local area, and cleaning is performed. When the local cleaning is completed, the nozzle 473 slides rearward and upward toward the nozzle storage portion 480. For example, the nozzle 473 is washed by the water discharged from the water discharging unit 478a until the nozzle 473 is stored in the nozzle storage unit 480. The nozzle 473 is retracted to a predetermined position and is stored in the nozzle storage portion 480 as in the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 6, the sanitary washing device 100 includes an illumination unit 700 that emits sterilizing light, which is light having a sterilizing action. The illumination unit 700 is provided inside the casing 400, for example. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in this example, the illumination unit 700 has two light emitting units 710. The two light emitting units 710 are respectively provided on the left and right side portions below the nozzle support unit 482, and are sterilized toward the nozzle support unit 482 and the nozzle 473 located between the two light emitting units 710. Irradiate light. Each of the two light emitting units 710 is provided on the front side (opening 481 side) of the nozzle storage unit 480 and irradiates the front side of the nozzle storage unit 480 with sterilizing light.

  The illumination unit 700 includes, for example, a light emitting element 720 (light emitter). The light emitting element 720 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting element 720 is not limited to an LED, and may be, for example, an LD (Laser Diode) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting element 720 may be, for example, a cold cathode tube or a hot cathode tube. The wavelength of the sterilizing light emitted by the light emitting element 720 is, for example, 250 nm to 480 nm. For example, the light emitting element 720 is connected to the control unit 405 via a substrate, and is turned on and off based on the control of the control unit 405. The control unit 405 controls the operation of the illumination unit 700 by controlling turning on and off of the light emitting element 720. In addition, the control unit 405 may control the radiation intensity of the light emitting element 720 by adjusting the voltage applied to the light emitting element 720, for example. The light emitting element 720 is provided in the light emitting unit 710, for example.

  The illumination unit 700 irradiates the nozzle storage unit 480 with sterilizing light. Thereby, the nozzle storage part 480 is disinfected by the disinfection light. In this example, the illumination unit 700 irradiates the back surface 600 a of the nozzle lid 600 and the surface 600 b of the nozzle lid 600 with sterilizing light. Thereby, the back surface 600a of the nozzle lid 600 and the surface 600b of the nozzle lid 600 are also sterilized by the sterilization light.

  The illumination unit 700 kills or inactivates at least a part of the bacteria attached to the nozzle storage unit 480 or the like, for example, by irradiation with sterilization light. Thereby, the illumination part 700 reduces the living microbe adhering to the nozzle accommodating part 480 etc. FIG. Thus, the illumination unit 700 sterilizes the nozzle storage unit 480 and the like by irradiation with sterilization light.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the vicinity of the nozzle lid of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the vicinity of the nozzle lid of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 9, the toilet lid 300 is omitted.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the nozzle lid 600 and the illumination unit 700 are visible light VL from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 when the sterilization light is irradiated in the closed state of the nozzle lid 600. Can be released. In this example, a nozzle lid 600 capable of transmitting the sterilizing light irradiated on the nozzle housing portion 480 is provided, and the sterilizing light irradiated on the nozzle housing portion 480 from the illumination unit 700 transmits the nozzle lid 600. Then, it is discharged to the outside of the casing 400. In this example, the sterilization light includes an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component.

  The sterilization light irradiation is performed, for example, in a state where the entire nozzle 473 is accommodated in the nozzle accommodating portion 480 and the nozzle lid 600 is closed (that is, the nozzle lid 600 is closed). Therefore, it is usually difficult for the user to recognize that the nozzle housing portion 480 is sterilized with the sterilizing light.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment, by allowing visible light VL to be emitted from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400, the nozzle lid 600 is provided in the opening 481 of the nozzle storage portion 480. In addition, it is possible to make the user recognize that the nozzle housing portion 480 is sterilized with the sterilizing light. Accordingly, since it can be recognized that the nozzle 473 is stored in a clean place, even a user with high cleanliness awareness can use the nozzle 473 with peace of mind.

Hereinafter, a means for allowing visible light VL to be emitted from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 when the sterilizing light is irradiated in the closed state of the nozzle lid 600 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a modified example around the nozzle lid of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 10, the toilet lid 300 is omitted.
As a means for emitting visible light VL from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 when the sterilizing light is irradiated in the closed state of the nozzle lid 600, the sterilizing light itself containing a visible light component is used as the opening 481. It is conceivable that the air is discharged (leaked) from the outside of the casing 400 from the outside. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, disinfecting light irradiated on the nozzle housing portion 480 by providing a gap (clearance) between the opening 481 of the nozzle housing portion 480 and the nozzle lid 600. Can be discharged from the gap between the opening 481 and the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400.

  As described above, in the embodiment, by providing a gap (clearance) between the opening 481 of the nozzle storage portion 480 and the nozzle lid 600, the sterilization light irradiated to the nozzle storage portion 480 can be transmitted to the opening 481 and the nozzle lid 600. May be discharged to the outside of the casing 400 through the gap. In this case, for example, the nozzle lid 600 may not transmit sterilization light.

  In the embodiment, as described above, the nozzle lid 600 that can transmit the sterilizing light irradiated to the nozzle housing portion 480 may be provided. By providing the nozzle lid 600 capable of transmitting the sterilizing light, for example, the sterilization irradiated to the nozzle housing portion 480 without providing a large clearance between the opening 481 of the nozzle housing portion 480 and the nozzle lid 600. Light can be emitted to the outside of the casing 400 through the nozzle lid 600. Accordingly, it is possible to make the user recognize that the nozzle storage unit 480 is sterilized with the sterilization light while suppressing the intrusion of urine and the like into the nozzle storage unit 480.

  When the sterilization light does not include a visible light component, for example, the wavelength of sterilization light that does not include a visible light component is converted into light including a visible light component, and is emitted from the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400. May be. More specifically, the nozzle lid 600 may include, for example, a wavelength conversion material. The wavelength conversion material is, for example, a material that emits light having a peak wavelength different from the irradiated light (for example, light having a peak wavelength on the longer wavelength side than the irradiated light) when irradiated with light. It is. The wavelength conversion material is, for example, a fluorescent material. Examples of the wavelength conversion material include 2,5-thiophenediylbis (5-tert-butyl-1,3-benzoxazole).

  By including the wavelength conversion material in the nozzle lid 600, the wavelength of the sterilizing light irradiated on the nozzle housing portion 480 can be converted by the nozzle lid 600. Thereby, for example, since the light emitted from the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 can have a longer wavelength than the sterilization light, the nozzle storage portion 480 is sterilized more safely with the sterilization light. Can be recognized by the user.

  Further, for example, even when the nozzle housing 480 is irradiated with sterilization light having a low visible light component radiation intensity or no visible light component, the light containing the visible light component by the wavelength converting material is used. And can be discharged to the outside of the casing 400. Accordingly, the sterilization effect can be further enhanced by the ultraviolet light component having high sterilization performance, and the light converted to include the visible light component is emitted to the outside of the casing 400, so that the user can visually recognize the sterilization effect. The effect can also be satisfied.

  In the embodiment, the nozzle lid 600 may include a phosphorescent material, for example. The phosphorescent material is, for example, a material that absorbs the energy of irradiated light and emits it as light. The phosphorescent material is, for example, strontium aluminate.

  Since the sterilizing light is light having a sterilizing action, basically it is preferable not to irradiate the user. By including the phosphorescent material in the nozzle lid 600, even when the nozzle housing portion 480 is not actually irradiated with the sterilizing light, the nozzle housing portion 480 may appear to be sterilized with the sterilizing light. It becomes possible. Thereby, a user can be made to recognize that the nozzle storage part 480 is disinfected by the disinfection light more safely.

Next, sterilization light emitted from the illumination unit 700 will be described.
In the embodiment, the illumination unit 700 emits sterilization light including, for example, an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component. In this manner, by irradiating the nozzle housing portion 480 with irradiation light including both the ultraviolet light component with high sterilization performance and the visible light component with low sterilization performance compared with the ultraviolet light component, For example, when the sterilization light itself is emitted (leaked) from the opening 481 to the outside of the casing 400, both the sterilization effect by the sterilization light and the visual recognition effect for the user can be achieved.

  It is sufficient for the visible light component to have a radiation intensity that can be visually recognized by the user, and it is desirable to increase the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light component in order to enhance the disinfection effect. Therefore, in the embodiment, the illumination unit 700 irradiates, for example, sterilization light in which the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light component is larger than the radiation intensity of the visible light component. Thereby, the disinfection effect can be further enhanced while satisfying the visual recognition effect for the user.

  The peak wavelength of the sterilization light is, for example, not less than 250 nm and not more than 480 nm. The peak wavelength of the sterilizing light is preferably 350 nm or more and 480 nm or less. Thus, the ultraviolet light component from one light source (light emitting element 720) can be obtained by setting the peak wavelength of the sterilizing light to around 400 nm (for example, 350 nm to 480 nm) that is the boundary between the visible light region and the ultraviolet light region. And germicidal light containing visible light components can be irradiated. Thereby, the number of the light sources provided in the illumination part 700 can be decreased, and the sanitary washing apparatus 100 can be reduced in size.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the wavelength distribution of the sterilization light of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, the sterilization light includes light having a wavelength of about 360 nm to about 420 nm, and the peak wavelength is about 385 nm. Thus, by setting the peak wavelength of the sterilization light near the boundary between the visible light region and the ultraviolet light region, for example, the UV-A component (315 nm or more and 400 nm or less) that is an ultraviolet light component and purple to blue Disinfecting light containing a visible light component (400 nm or more and 480 nm or less) can be irradiated. With such sterilization light, both the sterilization effect and the visual recognition effect for the user can be achieved.

  In addition, the light source of disinfection light is not limited to one. For example, as sterilization light, light that includes an ultraviolet light component and does not include a visible light component may be irradiated from one light source, and light that includes a visible light component and does not include an ultraviolet light component may be irradiated from another light source. . In other words, the ultraviolet light component and the visible light component contained in the sterilization light may be simultaneously irradiated from different light sources.

  The sterilizing light is not limited to light containing an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component. For example, when the nozzle lid 600 includes a wavelength conversion material, the sterilization light may be light that includes an ultraviolet light component and does not include a visible light component.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a modification of the illumination unit of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the light emitting element 720 may be provided at a position away from the nozzle housing portion 480. In this example, two light emitting elements 720 are provided at positions left and right away from the nozzle housing portion 480, and the two light emitting elements 720 are respectively connected to the left and right side portions of the nozzle housing portion 480 via the optical fiber 730. Are connected to the two light emitting units 710 provided in.

  In the embodiment, as described above, the sterilization light is guided from the light emitting element 720 to the light emitting unit 710 using the optical fiber 730 and the like, and the sterilized light is provided from the light emitting unit 710 provided near the nozzle housing unit 480 to the nozzle housing unit 480. You may irradiate light.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, in a state where the human body detection sensor 403 does not detect the user, the illumination unit 700 is not operated (timing t0). More specifically, the light emitting element 720 (for example, LED) of the illumination unit 700 is turned off (OFF).

  When the human body detection sensor 403 detects a user approaching the sanitary washing device 100, the control unit 405 activates the illumination unit 700 (timing t1). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on the light emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700 (ON).

  In this way, by operating the illumination unit 700 at a timing when it is detected that the user has approached the sanitary washing device 100, the nozzle storage unit 480 is removed with the disinfecting light before the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. It is possible to make the user recognize that the bacteria are present.

  For example, the illumination unit 700 continues to operate until the seating detection sensor 404 detects the seating of the user. In other words, the control unit 405 continues operating the illumination unit 700 in a state where the human body detection sensor 403 detects a user and the seating detection sensor 404 does not detect seating.

  When the seating detection sensor 404 detects the seating of the user, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (timing t2). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off the light emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700 (OFF).

  After the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, the nozzle storage portion 480 is not visible to the user. In addition, when the sterilization light is leaked from the opening 481 to the outside of the casing 400, a part of the sterilization light is easily irradiated to the user. On the other hand, by stopping the operation of the illumination unit 700 at the timing when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, the effect of causing the user to recognize that the nozzle storage unit 480 is sterilized by the sterilizing light is impaired. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the user from being irradiated with the sterilizing light, and to further improve the safety of the user.

  The illumination unit 700 continues to stop operating, for example, until the seating detection sensor 404 detects the user's sitting away. In other words, the control unit 405 continues to stop the operation of the illumination unit 700 in a state where the seating detection sensor 404 detects seating.

  When the seating detection sensor 404 detects the user's seating away (when the seating detection sensor 404 detects the seating, the seating detection sensor 404 does not detect the seating), the control unit 405 activates the illumination unit 700 ( Timing t3). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on the light emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700 (ON). Thereby, the user who has left can recognize that the sterilization of the nozzle storage unit 480 has been resumed.

  The illumination unit 700 continues to operate until the predetermined time TM1 elapses. In other words, the control unit 405 continues to operate the illumination unit 700 until the predetermined time TM1 elapses even when the human body detection sensor 403 detects the user and does not detect the user. t4).

  When the predetermined time TM1 has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (timing t5). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off the light emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700 (OFF).

  The illumination unit 700 operates when the predetermined time TM2 elapses in an unused state. In other words, the control unit 405 operates the illumination unit 700 when the predetermined time TM2 elapses in a state where the human body detection sensor 403 does not detect the user and the seating detection sensor 404 does not detect the seating ( Timing t6). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on the light emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700 (ON). As described above, the control unit 405 may operate the illumination unit 700 in a state where the human body detection sensor 403 does not detect the user.

  Even when the human body detection sensor 403 does not detect the user, the irradiation time of the sterilization light can be extended by irradiating the sterilization light. Thereby, the disinfection effect by disinfection light can be improved. Moreover, even if it is a case where the sterilization light whose peak wavelength is comparatively long wavelength is irradiated by lengthening the irradiation time of disinfection light, it can suppress that the disinfection effect falls. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the user while suppressing the sterilization effect from decreasing.

  When the predetermined time TM3 has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (timing t7). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off the light emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700 (OFF).

  The predetermined times TM1 to TM3 may be arbitrary times. The predetermined times TM1 to TM3 are, for example, the operation time of the illumination unit 700 when the human body detection sensor 403 is not detecting the user, and the operation of the illumination unit 700 when the human body detection sensor 403 is detecting the user. It is set to be longer than the time. In other words, the control unit 405, for example, the operation time of the illumination unit 700 in a state where the human body detection sensor 403 does not detect the user, and the illumination unit 700 in a state where the human body detection sensor 403 detects the user. The illuminating unit 700 is controlled to be longer than the operation time of. Thereby, the disinfection effect can be further enhanced.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element included in the sanitary washing device 100 and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Water supply source, 20 Water conveyance part, 21 Butt washing channel, 22 Soft washing channel, 23 Bidet washing channel, 24 Surface washing channel, 25 Spray channel, 100 Sanitary washing device, 200 Toilet seat, 300 Toilet lid, 310 transmission window, 400 casing, 401 power supply circuit, 403 human body detection sensor, 404 seating detection sensor, 405 control unit, 407 exhaust port, 408 discharge port, 409 recessed portion, 431 solenoid valve, 432 pressure regulating valve, 433 check valve , 440 Heat exchanger unit, 442 Flow rate sensor, 450 Electrolytic cell unit, 452 Vacuum breaker, 454 Pressure modulation unit, 471 Flow rate adjustment unit, 472 Flow path switching unit, 473 Nozzle, 474a Bidet cleaning spout, 474b , 476 nozzle motor, 478 nozzle cleaning unit, 478a Water discharge unit, 478b support, 479 spray nozzle, 480 nozzle storage unit, 481 opening, 482 nozzle support unit, 500 operation unit, 600 nozzle lid, 600a back surface, 600b surface, 700 illumination unit, 710 light emitting unit, 720 light emitting element , 730 optical fiber, 800 toilet bowl, 801 bowl, t0-t7 timing, TM1-TM3 predetermined time, VL visible light

Claims (4)

A sanitary washing device installed on the upper part of a sitting toilet,
A local cleaning nozzle having a spout for discharging the cleaning water toward the user's local area;
A driving device for advancing and retreating the local cleaning nozzle;
In a state where the local cleaning nozzle is retracted, a casing having a nozzle storage portion that can store the entire local cleaning nozzle;
A nozzle lid provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to an opening provided at a front end of the nozzle housing portion, and is in an open state in which the opening is opened when the local cleaning nozzle has advanced, and the entire local cleaning nozzle In the state where is stored in the nozzle storage portion, the nozzle lid is in a closed state that closes the opening;
An illumination unit that irradiates the nozzle housing unit with sterilization light, which is light having a sterilization effect;
A human body detection sensor for detecting a user in the vicinity of the sanitary washing device;
Based on detection information of the human body detection sensor, a control unit that controls the illumination unit;
With
In the closed state, the nozzle lid and the illumination unit can emit visible light from the opening or the nozzle lid to the outside of the casing when irradiated with the sterilizing light.
The said washing | cleaning apparatus will operate the said illumination part, if the said detection part detects a user from the state which the said human body detection sensor has not detected the user. A toilet seat for the user to sit on;
A seating detection sensor for detecting the user's seating on the toilet seat;
Further comprising
2. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, wherein the controller stops the operation of the illumination unit when detecting the seating from a state where the seating detection sensor does not detect the seating. 3.   The sanitary washing device according to claim 2, wherein the controller operates the illumination unit even in a state where the human body detection sensor does not detect a user.   The control unit is configured such that an operation time of the illumination unit when the human body detection sensor is not detecting a user is longer than an operation time of the illumination unit when the human body detection sensor is detecting a user. 4. The sanitary washing device according to claim 3, wherein the illumination unit is controlled so as to become.

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