JP4560807B2 - Human body cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention particularly relates to a human body cleaning apparatus that cleans a human body by heating water supplied from a water supply source to appropriate hot water at a predetermined temperature in a short time.

An example of this type of conventional human body cleaning apparatus is shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cleaning water supply system. In FIG. 3, a constant flow valve 52, a solenoid valve 53, and a vacuum breaker 54 are connected to a water supply pipe 51 that supplies cleaning water in order from the upstream side. The downstream of the vacuum breaker 54 branches in two directions, one being connected to a drain pipe 55 for directly discarding excess water into the toilet bowl, and the other connected to a flow rate adjusting pump 56. A heat exchanger 57, a flow path switching valve 58, and a nozzle device 59 are sequentially provided downstream of the flow rate adjusting pump 56.

  A hot water heater 60 is provided in the heat exchanger 57, and a cold water thermistor 61 and a hot water thermistor 62 are provided in a water inlet portion and a water outlet portion of the heat exchanger 57, respectively. The nozzle device 59 is configured with three channels: a buttocks channel 63, a bidet channel 64, and a drainage channel 65. Note that the control of each part is performed by the controller 66.

  With the above configuration, the cleaning water supplied from the water supply pipe 51 by the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve 53 is pushed up the vacuum breaker 54, the flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and heated to a suitable temperature by the heat exchanger 57, It reaches the flow path switching valve 58. Here, the washing water passes through the flow path selected by the flow path switching valve 58 and is ejected from the nozzle device 59.

FIG. 4 shows a conventional time chart. When seating is detected by a seating switch (not shown) provided on the toilet seat (not shown), the solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are activated in this order, and are driven in reverse order when a predetermined time has elapsed. To stop. Thereby, the staying water in the heat exchanger 57 is replaced with hot water. In addition, the wash water supplied during this operation is discharged from the waste water channel 65 of the nozzle device 59 into the toilet through the flow path switching valve 58. (Water heating)
Next, when a buttocks switch (not shown) is operated to start buttocks cleaning, the solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are sequentially activated. Then, the flow path in the nozzle device 59 is switched to the buttocks flow path 63 by the flow path switching valve 58, the pre-washing of the buttocks water discharge port portion of the nozzle apparatus 59 is performed for a predetermined time, and the water flow path 65 is switched again. At this time, if the drainage destination of the drainage channel 65 is set to a position where the body of the nozzle device 59 can be cleaned, the body of the nozzle device 59 can be cleaned. (Pre-cleaning)
Thereafter, the nozzle is extended, and the flow path switching valve 58 switches the flow path to the buttocks flow path 63 to perform butt washing. (Nozzle extension / main cleaning)
Next, when a stop switch (not shown) is operated to stop the buttocks cleaning, the hot water heater 60, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the solenoid valve 53 stop driving in order. Then, after the flow path is switched to the waste water path 65 by the flow path switching valve 58, the nozzle is retracted and stored in the storage position. (Nozzle storage)
After a predetermined time elapses, the solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are started again in order, and when the predetermined time elapses, the driving is stopped in the reverse order. At this time, the flow path in the nozzle device 59 is sequentially switched to the buttocks flow path 63 and the drainage path 65 by the flow path switching valve 58, and the post-washing of the nozzle apparatus 59 and the body is performed for a predetermined time. (Post-cleaning)
According to the above configuration, since the cleaning water is heated only when seating is detected, the consumption of standby power when not in use is small, and the hot water storage type that keeps hot water in the tank at all times Compared to the human body washing apparatus, it is possible to save a large amount of power.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-33236

  However, when the conventional configuration described above is realized by using a normal household power source, the heat exchanger cannot have a sufficient boiling capacity. In other words, it is difficult to obtain wash water at a temperature and flow rate suitable for washing the human body, and there is a problem that it is uncomfortable because a satisfactory washing feeling cannot be obtained particularly in winter use in cold regions. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a human body that can provide a satisfactory feeling of cleaning while using a normal household power source and contributes to power saving. It is to provide a cleaning device.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the human body cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, a water supply path for supplying cleaning water, and heating of the cleaning water connected to the water supply path to heat the cleaning water in a short time to form hot water A hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means, a controller for taking in a signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the cleaning water heating means, In a human body cleaning device comprising a cleaning nozzle that ejects water, the human body cleaning device includes detection means for detecting approach to the human body cleaning device or use of the human body cleaning device, and the controller approaches from the detection means. The washing water heating means is activated in conjunction with a signal or a use start signal, and when the washing water is ejected from the washing nozzle to the human body, the washing water flowing through the water supply path is pulsated and a small amount Possibility of execution of control for activating pulsation generating means that enables washing of human body with washing water in the water supply path and starting the washing water heating means in conjunction with an approach signal or a use start signal from the detection means by the controller There is provided a power saving switch for selecting, and when the power saving switch is turned on, the controller does not perform control, and includes an operation means for instructing supply or stop of cleaning water, and the operation means instructs the supply of cleaning water. When the power saving switch is turned on, a delay means for delaying water discharge is provided.

  According to the above invention, when not in use, the washing water is not heated, so that power can be saved, and since the pulsation can be imparted to the discharged water, the feeling of washing and the washing power can be achieved even though the actual amount of washing water is small. As a result, it contributes to water saving and power saving, and overall energy saving is possible. In addition, since the actual amount of washing water is small, it is possible to obtain washing water at a temperature and flow rate suitable for washing the human body even when a normal household power supply is used. It is very useful when you use it, and it is very useful. If the user sets the power-saving switch to ON, even if it detects human approach or use, it automatically heats the cleaning water. Because it does not start, it can contribute to power saving more, and when the user instructs cleaning with the power saving switch set to ON, the cleaning water that is not at an appropriate temperature is discharged by delaying water discharge. Can be prevented.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the human body cleaning apparatus according to the first aspect, the controller activates the cleaning water heating means while delaying water discharge by the delay means.

  According to the above-described invention, when the user instructs cleaning with the power saving switch set to ON, the cleaning water is heated while the water discharge is delayed, so that the cleaning is performed with the appropriate temperature of the cleaning water. It becomes possible.

  In the present invention, it is possible to further contribute to power saving, and when the user instructs cleaning in a state where the power saving switch is set to ON, it is possible to discharge cleaning water that is not at an appropriate temperature by delaying water discharge. Can be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic block diagram of the human body washing | cleaning apparatus which shows one Example of this invention. The time chart of the example of FIG. The schematic block diagram of the conventional human body washing | cleaning apparatus. The time chart of the example of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A human body washing apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cleaning water supply system. In FIG. 1, a constant flow valve 12, a solenoid valve 13, and a heat exchanger 14 are connected in order from the upstream side to a water supply pipe 11 that supplies cleaning water. A vacuum breaker 15 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 14. The downstream of the vacuum breaker 15 branches in two directions, one being connected to a drainage pipe 16 for directly discarding excess water in the toilet and the other connected to a pulsation generator 17. A flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 is connected downstream of the pulsation generator 17. The downstream of the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 branches in two directions, one being connected to the drainage path 19 and the other being connected to the nozzle device 21 through the flow path switching valve 20 to eject wash water to the human body. In this example, the flow path switching valve 20 is integrally formed in the nozzle device 21.

Further, a hot water heater 22 is provided in the heat exchanger 14, and a cold water thermistor 23 and a hot water thermistor 24 are provided in a water inlet portion and a water outlet portion of the heat exchanger 14, respectively. Further, the drainage destination of the drainage channel 19 is at a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be cleaned. The nozzle device 21
The three channels of the buttocks channel 25, the soft channel 26, and the bidet channel 27 are configured. Note that the control of each unit is performed by the controller 28.

  In this embodiment, an accumulator 29 is provided upstream of the pulsation generator 17, a float switch 30 is provided in the heat exchanger 14, and a thermal fuse 31 is provided in the pulsation generator 17. The accumulator 29 is for preventing the pulsation generated by the pulsation generator 17 from propagating upstream, and the float switch 30 does not energize the hot water heater 22 when a predetermined water level is not detected. By doing so, the thermal fuse 31 is for stopping the drive when the abnormal temperature rise of the pulsation generating device 17 and for safety.

  With the above configuration, the wash water supplied from the water supply pipe 11 by the opening operation of the electromagnetic valve 13 is heated to an appropriate temperature by the heat exchanger 14, pushes up the vacuum breaker 15, and is given pulsation by the pulsation generator 17. To the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18. Here, the flow rate of the washing water is adjusted by the flow path switching / flow control valve 18, reaches the flow path switching valve 20, passes through the flow path selected by the flow path switching valve 20, and is ejected from the nozzle device 21. is there.

FIG. 2 shows a time chart of the present invention. When seating is detected by a seating switch (not shown) provided on the toilet seat (not shown), the electromagnetic valve 13 is opened to start the washing water flow, and the hot water heater 22 in the heat exchanger 14 is activated. . When the hot water thermistor 24 provided in the water discharge section of the heat exchanger 14 detects a predetermined temperature, the output of the hot water heater 22 is lowered, the electromagnetic valve 13 is closed, and the flow of cleaning water is stopped. Thereby, the staying water in the heat exchanger 14 is replaced with hot water of a predetermined temperature. In addition, the wash water supplied during this operation is discharged from the drainage channel 19 selected by the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 and discharged into the toilet bowl. At this time, by setting the drainage destination of the drainage channel 19 to a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be cleaned, the nozzle device 21 is arranged.
The body can be cleaned. These series of operations are controlled by the controller 28. In addition to the hot water thermistor 24 provided in the water discharge portion of the heat exchanger 14, a cold water thermistor 23 is provided in the water intake portion of the heat exchanger 14 to adjust the incoming water temperature. If it detects, control of warm water thermistor 24 can be performed more effectively. (Water heating)
As described above, the output of the hot water heater 22 is lowered after stopping the flow of the wash water. At this time, the temperature of the wash water stored in the heat exchanger 14 is always within a predetermined temperature range including the predetermined temperature. The output of the hot water heater 22 is controlled by the controller 28 based on the signal from the hot water thermistor 24 so as to be maintained. For example, when the predetermined temperature is set to 40 ° C. and the predetermined temperature zone is set to 38 ° C. to 42 ° C., the temperature of the cleaning water in the heat exchanger 14 is controlled so as to always fall within this range. With this heat retention control, there is no need to worry about low temperature water coming out during body washing and feeling uncomfortable or hot hot water coming out and causing burns. Although this heat retention control cannot be performed on the staying water in the pipe downstream from the heat exchanger 14, there is no practical problem because this staying water is discharged during pre-cleaning described later and replaced with hot water at an appropriate temperature. . (Insulation control)
Next, when a buttocks switch (not shown) is operated to start the buttocks cleaning, the electromagnetic valve 13, the hot water heater 22, and the pulsation generator 17 are sequentially activated. These activations are performed in conjunction with the buttocks switch operation. Of course, after the buttocks switch operation, each can be set to be activated after a predetermined time delay. Here, the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 has been switched in advance to the flow path toward the nozzle device 21 side, and the downstream flow path switching valve 20 is set at the self-cleaning (SC) position. Water is discharged from the water outlet of the nozzle device 21. That is, pre-cleaning of the water discharge port is performed. Note that the self-cleaning position referred to here indicates a state in which all of the three channels of the buttocks channel 25, the soft channel 26, and the bidet channel 27 are opened. At this time, since the pre-cleaning is performed with the cleaning water to which pulsation is imparted, dirt on the water discharge port can be effectively washed off. (Pre-cleaning)
After the pre-cleaning is performed for a predetermined time, the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 switches the flow path of the wash water to the drainage path 19. Since the drainage destination of the drainage channel 19 is at a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be cleaned as described above, the body of the nozzle device 21 can be cleaned. Here, the body cleaning of the nozzle is performed with cleaning water having an appropriate temperature and pulsation, so that dirt can be effectively washed off. The nozzle extends from the storage position to the buttocks washing position, and the flow path switching valve 20 is switched to the buttocks flow path 25. (Nozzle extension)
In addition, before cleaning the body of the nozzle device 21, if the cleaning water is heated by the hot water heater 22 to a temperature suitable for sterilization and the hot water is discharged, not only cleaning the nozzle body. It is possible to perform sterilization, and it is very hygienic. In addition, if the hot water thermistor 24 detects the hot water temperature suitable for a human body washing | cleaning when the time which switches the flow-path switching valve 20 to the buttocks flow path 25 is set, hot hot water will be discharged from a nozzle and will be burned. Can be prevented.

When extension of the nozzle to the buttocks cleaning position is completed, the electromagnetic valve 13 is closed for a short time, the flow path switching and flow rate adjusting valve 18 is used to switch the flow path of the cleaning water from the drainage path 19 to the nozzle device 21 side, and the flow rate Is gradually raised toward the set water force, and the solenoid valve 13 is opened again during the operation. Even if the water force set by this is strong, since it becomes a set water force gradually from soft water discharge, it does not give a user a discomfort. (Soft start)
The above is an example of the soft start by the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18, but can also be implemented by using the pulsation generator 17. For example, the cleaning strength can be gradually increased even at the same flow rate by applying high-frequency pulsation to the cleaning water at the start of cleaning and gradually decreasing the frequency. Of course, in order to continuously increase the cleaning strength, both the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 and the pulsation generator 17 may be controlled in combination.

When the soft start operation is completed, the butt washing is performed with the appropriate temperature of hot water set. Again, since the pulsation is given to the washing water by the action of the pulsation generator 17, the washing can be performed comfortably even with a small amount of water. (Main cleaning)
Next, when a stop switch (not shown) is operated to stop the buttocks cleaning, the pulsation generating device 17 stops driving, and the flow path of the cleaning water is discarded by the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18. Switch to 19. At this time, the body of the nozzle device 21 can be cleaned as in the case of nozzle extension. The nozzle then moves backward and is stored in the storage position. The flow path switching valve 20 is switched to the self-cleaning position. (Nozzle storage)
When the storage of the nozzle is completed, the flow path of the washing water is switched again to the nozzle device 21 side by the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 and the pulsation generator 17 is also started. Here, the flow path switching valve 20 is set to the self-cleaning position, and the cleaning water is discharged from the water outlet of the nozzle device 21. That is, the post-cleaning of the water discharge port is performed. At this time, since the post-washing is performed with the washing water to which the pulsation is imparted, the dirt at the water discharge port can be effectively washed off. (Post-cleaning)
During a series of operations from the pre-cleaning to the post-cleaning described above, the controller 28 keeps the wash water flowing out from the heat exchanger 14 at an appropriate temperature based on signals from the hot water thermistor 24 and the cold water thermistor 23. So that it is controlled.

After the post-cleaning is performed for a predetermined time, the pulsation generator 17 and the electromagnetic valve 13 stop driving in order, and the hot water heater 22 decreases the output. Also here, the temperature control is performed so that the temperature of the washing water stored in the heat exchanger 14 is always kept within a predetermined temperature range including the predetermined temperature. This is to prevent low-temperature water or hot water from being discharged even when the cleaning operation is performed again. (Insulation control)
Then, when the seat switch (not shown) detects the separation (seating off), the driving of the hot water heater 22 is stopped. However, in order to prevent freezing of the washing water in the heat exchanger 14, when the cold water thermistor 23 or the hot water thermistor 24 detects a water temperature that may freeze, the hot water heater 22 is driven for a predetermined time to supply the washing water. Control to warm up. (Standby)
By the way, in this embodiment, the case where the butt switch was operated was described. However, the bidet switch for starting bidet washing and the soft switch for starting washing with softer water flow are operated. The same applies to the case, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the pulsation generator 17 is configured to be arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 14. This is because unnecessary pulsation pressure is not applied to the heat exchanger 14, and the pulsation generator 17 is disposed as close to the water discharge portion as possible in order to suppress attenuation of the pulsation pressure in the pipe.

  Further, although the pulsation generator 17 is configured to be disposed upstream of the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18, it may be provided between the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 18 and the flow path switching valve 20. . In this case, the body of the nozzle cannot be cleaned with the cleaning water to which the pulsation is applied, but the pulsation generating device 17 can be arranged closer to the water discharge portion, and the effect of suppressing the attenuation of the pulsating pressure in the pipe is increased. .

  Further, the pulsation generator 17 is configured to be driven during all the operations of pre-cleaning, nozzle body cleaning, soft start, main cleaning, and post-cleaning, but is driven only during any of these operations. You may do it. Further, a selection switch may be provided so that the user can select driving or stopping of the pulsation generator 17 in each operation.

  Further, the seat switch is taken as an example of the means for detecting approach or use of the human body, but it may be a detection switch for detecting an operation in which the toilet lid is opened from the closed state.

Moreover, although it has comprised so that water flow heating control may be started automatically, if a human body approach or use is detected, you may provide the power-saving switch which can select whether the implementation of this control is possible. In this case, if the user has set the power saving switch to ON, the water heating control is not automatically started even when the approach or use of the human body is detected, which can further contribute to power saving. However, at this time, even if the user presses the switch for starting the cleaning, it is not possible to immediately discharge the cleaning water having the appropriate temperature. Therefore, the water discharge is delayed and the hot water heater 22 is activated during that time. It is recommended to control so that the washing water is heated to an appropriate temperature.

  Further, although the flow path switching and flow rate adjusting valve 18 is taken as an example of means for changing the water discharge destination of the cleaning water to the nozzle discharge port and the drainage position, it may be a nozzle drive means for controlling the advance and retreat of the nozzle. In this case, the cleaning water may be discharged from the nozzle discharge port when the nozzle is extended and from the drainage position when the nozzle is stored.

  Further, although the float switch 30 is taken as an example of the water level detection means for preventing air blow, it is based on a means by an air detection thermistor using a thermistor, a method for detecting a water level by an electrode, or an optical sensor using light refraction. Various means such as means may be used.

  In addition, although all the examples described above have been described with respect to a human body local cleaning apparatus that performs local cleaning especially in the human body, it goes without saying that this embodiment can be applied to general human body cleaning apparatuses such as showers and faucets. Yes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Water supply piping 12 ... Constant flow valve 13 ... Electromagnetic valve 14 ... Heat exchanger 15 ... Vacuum breaker 16 ... Waste water piping 17 ... Pulsation generator 18 ... Flow path switching and flow control valve 19 ... Waste water path 20 ... Flow path switching Valve 21 ... Nozzle device 22 ... Hot water heater 23 ... Cold water thermistor 24 ... Hot water thermistor 25 ... Wet flow path 26 ... Soft flow path 27 ... Bidet flow path 28 ... Controller 29 ... Accumulator 30 ... Float switch 31 ... Thermal fuse 51 ... Water supply Piping 52 ... Constant flow valve 53 ... Solenoid valve 54 ... Vacuum breaker 55 ... Waste water piping 56 ... Flow rate adjusting pump 57 ... Heat exchanger 58 ... Flow path switching valve 59 ... Nozzle device 60 ... Hot water heater 61 ... Cold water thermistor 62 ... Hot water thermistor 63 ... Butt passage 64 ... Bidet passage 65 ... Waste water passage 66 ... Controller

Claims (2)

A water supply path for supplying cleaning water, a cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply path for heating the cleaning water in a short time to make hot water, and a temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means are detected. In a human body washing apparatus comprising a hot water temperature detecting means, a controller for taking in a signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, and a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water,
A detection means for detecting the approach of the human body to the human body cleaning device or the use of the human body cleaning device,
The controller activates the washing water heating means in conjunction with an approach signal or a use start signal from the detection means,
Further, when the washing water is ejected from the washing nozzle to the human body, pulsation generating means for pulsating the washing water flowing through the water supply passage and enabling human body washing with a small amount of washing water is provided in the water supply passage,
A power saving switch is provided for selecting whether or not to perform control for starting the cleaning water heating means in conjunction with an approach signal or a use start signal from the detection means by the controller, and the control is performed when the power saving switch is on. Control by the instrument,
An operation means for instructing supply or stop of the cleaning water is provided, and when the supply of the cleaning water is instructed by the operation means, provided is a delay means for delaying water discharge if the power saving switch is on. Human body cleaning device.   The human body washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller activates the washing water heating unit while water discharge is delayed by the delay unit.

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