JP5846377B2 - Toilet equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to toilet devices.

  For example, in order to suppress adhesion of filth to a toilet bowl, there is a toilet apparatus that forms a water film by discharging water to the bowl surface of the toilet bowl in advance before the user uses the toilet bowl. On the other hand, there is a flush toilet that discharges functional water to the bowl part after a predetermined time has elapsed after a washing operation (Patent Document 1). Furthermore, there is a toilet in which a layer containing crystalline titanium oxide and silica is formed on the toilet surface (Patent Document 2). The toilet bowl described in Patent Document 2 has a hydrophilizing action associated with the activity of the photocatalyst and a decomposing action for decomposing remaining dirt, bacteria, and the like due to the decomposition activity of the photocatalyst. Since the bowl surface on which the photocatalyst layer is formed suppresses the adhesion of filth and decomposes the filth, the cleaning burden on the toilet is reduced and a clean toilet can be maintained.

  However, soluble silicic acid is dissolved in the washing water for performing toilet cleaning. When the washing water evaporates and the bowl surface dries, scale is formed on the bowl surface. For this reason, when scale is formed on the surface of the photocatalyst layer, the photocatalyst layer under the scale is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays for maintaining the activity of the photocatalyst. There is room for improvement in this regard. In addition, when the remaining water remaining on the surface of the photocatalyst layer is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the dehydration condensation reaction of silanol groups proceeds and scales are easily generated. There is room for improvement in this regard.

  On the other hand, there is a sanitary washing apparatus that removes calcium ions, magnesium ions, and the like, which are scale components, in advance (Patent Document 3). However, the sanitary washing apparatus described in Patent Document 3 has a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

JP 2004-92278 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-78665 Japanese Patent No. 4358536

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet device capable of easily removing scale in a toilet bowl having a photocatalyst layer formed on the surface thereof.

  The first invention is a toilet having a bowl and having a photocatalyst layer formed on the surface of the bowl, water supply means for supplying cleaning water to the surface of the bowl, and light for irradiating the photocatalyst layer with light containing ultraviolet light Irradiation means, and a silicic acid component polymerization inhibiting means for adding a silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor that inhibits polymerization of silicic acid components in the washing water remaining on the surface of the bowl to the washing water remaining on the surface of the bowl, and And a control unit that executes control to start irradiation of light including ultraviolet rays after the operation of the silicic acid component polymerization suppressing unit is started.

  According to this toilet device, since the photocatalyst layer is formed on the surface of the bowl, when the surface of the bowl is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the photocatalyst is excited to cause an oxidation-reduction reaction. As a result, it is possible to obtain a decomposing action for decomposing organic substances such as bacteria, bacteria, and odorous substances, and a hydrophilic action in which the surface easily gets wet with water. The bowl in which the photocatalyst layer is formed can suppress the adhesion of filth, decompose the filth, and easily remove the adhered water scale, thereby reducing the burden of cleaning the toilet bowl and maintaining a clean toilet bowl 800. .

  In order to activate the photocatalyst or maintain the activity of the photocatalyst, it is necessary to periodically irradiate the surface of the bowl on which the photocatalyst layer is formed with ultraviolet rays. However, when scale is formed on the surface of the photocatalyst layer, ultraviolet light is not irradiated to the photocatalyst layer under the scale. Then, the activity of the photocatalyst may be significantly reduced. Further, when the water film is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in a state where the water film is formed on the surface of the bowl, polymerization of silicic acid is promoted. As a result, a scale that firmly adheres to the photocatalyst layer is formed. As a result, the activity of the photocatalyst at that site may be significantly reduced and cannot be restored.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, irradiation of light containing ultraviolet rays is started after the operation of the silicic acid component polymerization suppressing means is started. Therefore, the polymerization of silicic acid can be suppressed and the generated scale can be easily removed. Thereby, it can suppress that the activity of a photocatalyst falls. Moreover, the formed scale can be easily removed by cleaning, and the activity of the photocatalyst can be recovered.

  The second invention is the toilet apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor is acidic water containing metal ions.

  According to this toilet device, the progress of the polymerization of the silicic acid component in the residual water can be suppressed. That is, normally, when residual water evaporates and the surface of the bowl is dried without silicic acid being polymerized, a coffee stain phenomenon occurs in the neutral region. In the process, polymerization of silicic acid proceeds. On the other hand, the present inventors have found that the coffee stain phenomenon does not occur in the acidic region. In the acidic region, the solvent flows in the central direction and silicic acid is not polymerized. Thereby, the progress of the polymerization of the silicic acid component in the residual water can be suppressed, and the generated scale can be easily removed.

Further, when metal ions are added to acidic water, they are interposed between silicic acid (SiO ₂ ) molecules in the generated scale. When water is supplied by washing or the like, metal ions are eluted. Then, the silicic acid aggregate is made more brittle and the scale can be easily removed.

  Moreover, 3rd invention is the toilet apparatus in 2nd invention, The acidity of the said acidic water is pH2.5-5.0.

  According to this toilet apparatus, since the acidity of acidic water is pH 2.5-5.0, acidic water can be generated by an electrolytic bath that electrolyzes water. Therefore, for example, maintenance such as replenishment of medicine becomes unnecessary. Moreover, the acidic water whose acidity is pH2.5-5.0 can adjust the acidity of the residual water which remained on the surface of the bowl, for example to about pH2.5-5.0.

In addition, a fourth invention is the toilet device according to the second or third invention, wherein the metal ion includes at least one of Al ³⁺ and Cu ²⁺ .

According to this toilet device, at least one of Al ³⁺ and Cu ²⁺ is interposed between silicic acid (SiO ₂ ) molecules in the generated scale. When water is supplied by washing or the like, at least one of Al ³⁺ and Cu ²⁺ is eluted. Then, the silicic acid aggregate is made more brittle and the scale can be easily removed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the toilet apparatus which can remove a scale easily in the toilet bowl in which the photocatalyst layer was formed in the surface is provided.

It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the toilet apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which illustrates an example of washing operation of the toilet device concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the toilet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which illustrates the electrolytic cell and metal ion water production | generation part of this embodiment. It is a timing chart which illustrates the example of operation of the toilet device concerning this embodiment. It is a comparison table of the scale production by the presence or absence of ultraviolet irradiation. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating this experimental condition. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating this experimental condition. It is a table | surface which illustrates an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property by the presence or absence of spraying of the acidic water containing a metal ion. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating this experimental condition. It is a table | surface showing the water quality analysis result of tap water and acidic electrolyzed water. It is a table | surface which illustrates an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property in this experiment. It is a table | surface which illustrates an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property in this experiment. It is a table | surface which illustrates an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property in this experiment. It is a table | surface which illustrates an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property in this experiment.

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 schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating an example of the cleaning operation of the toilet apparatus according to this embodiment.

  The toilet apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a Western-style seat toilet (hereinafter simply referred to as “toilet” for convenience of explanation) 800 and a sanitary washing device 100 provided thereon. The toilet bowl 800 has a bowl 801. The toilet bowl 800 is provided with cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the bowl 801. The toilet bowl 800 is provided with a trap 803, a bowl water supply port 811, and a trap water supply port 813. A photocatalytic layer is formed on the surface of the bowl 801. 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. Note that the toilet lid 300 is not necessarily provided.

A cleaning water supply device (water supply means) 401 for supplying cleaning water is provided inside the casing 400. Further, for example, in the lower part of the casing 400, a spray nozzle (spray part) 481 for spraying clean water or a silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor on the surface of the bowl 801 of the toilet 800, and ultraviolet (UV) in the bowl 801. And a UV light source (light irradiation means) 483 for irradiation. The spray nozzle 481 and the UV light source 483 may be provided inside the casing 400 or may be attached outside the casing 400.
In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water. The silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the user performs the toilet cleaning operation, or when the toilet stands up from the toilet seat 200 and the toilet cleaning is automatically performed after a predetermined time has elapsed, the bowl water supply port 811 is operated. The instantaneous flow rate of the cleaning water supplied to the bowl 801 increases. For example, the bowl water supply port 811 discharges cleaning water along the upper edge of the bowl 801 (rim discharge).
Subsequently, when a predetermined time elapses, the instantaneous flow rate of cleaning water discharged from the bowl water supply port 811 decreases while the instantaneous flow rate of cleaning water supplied from the trap water supply port 813 to the trap 803 increases. For example, the trap water supply port 813 discharges cleaning water toward the trap 803 (jet water discharge).
The cleaning water discharged to the bowl 801 by such rim water discharge and jet water discharge fills the trap 803 while cleaning the bowl 801. Thereby, siphon is generated. Then, the cleaning water discharged to the trap 803 discharges dirt and the like in the stored water 805 to the outside through the trap 803.

Subsequently, when a predetermined time elapses, the instantaneous flow rate of cleaning water supplied from the trap water supply port 813 to the trap 803 decreases, while the instantaneous flow rate of cleaning water supplied from the bowl water supply port 811 to the bowl 801 increases. . Thereby, the stored water 805 is ensured.
The above-described cleaning operation is an example of the cleaning operation of the toilet apparatus according to the present embodiment, and is not limited thereto.

  Here, when the residual water remaining in the bowl 801 evaporates after the above-described cleaning operation is completed and the surface of the bowl 801 is dried, scale may adhere to the bowl 801. Usually, when the concentration of silicic acid increases in the process of evaporating water in the residual water, polymerization of silicic acid is promoted. This causes a coffee stain phenomenon (a phenomenon in which the solute flows to the outer periphery of the droplet due to the evaporation of the solvent in the droplet and accumulates in a ring shape), thereby forming a strong scale. When the water scale adheres to the bowl 801, the bowl 801 becomes dirty. Further, since the scale adheres firmly to the bowl 801, it is difficult to remove the scale.

  As described above, the photocatalyst layer is formed on the surface of the bowl 801 of the present embodiment. In the present specification, “photocatalyst” refers to a substance that promotes at least one of an oxidizing action and a reducing action when irradiated with light. Alternatively, “photocatalyst” refers to a substance that improves hydrophilicity when irradiated with light.

  As a material for the “photocatalyst”, for example, a metal oxide can be used. Examples of such oxides include titanium oxide (TiOx), zinc oxide (ZnOx), and tin oxide (SnOx). Among these, in particular, titanium oxide is active as a photocatalyst, and is excellent in terms of stability and safety.

  In order to activate the photocatalyst or maintain the activity of the photocatalyst, it is necessary to periodically irradiate the surface of the bowl 801 on which the photocatalyst layer is formed with ultraviolet rays. That is, when the photocatalyst is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, it is excited to cause a redox reaction. As a result, it is possible to obtain a decomposing action for decomposing organic substances such as bacteria, bacteria, and odorous substances, and a hydrophilic action in which the surface easily gets wet with water. The bowl 801 in which the photocatalyst layer is formed can suppress the adhesion of filth, decompose the filth, and easily remove the adhering water scale. Therefore, the cleaning load of the toilet bowl 800 can be reduced and the clean toilet bowl 800 can be maintained. Can do.

  In the present specification, “ultraviolet light” refers to light having a shorter wavelength than visible light and a longer wavelength than soft X-rays. Specifically, it means light having a wavelength of 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers.

  However, when scale is formed on the surface of the photocatalyst layer, ultraviolet light is not irradiated to the photocatalyst layer under the scale. Then, the activity of the photocatalyst may be significantly reduced. In addition, when the water film is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in a state where the water film is formed on the surface of the bowl 801, polymerization of silicic acid is promoted. As a result, a scale that firmly adheres to the photocatalyst layer is formed. As a result, the activity of the photocatalyst at that site may be significantly reduced and cannot be restored.

  On the other hand, the toilet apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes a silicic acid component polymerization suppressing unit that sprays a silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor onto the surface of the bowl 801 before the surface of the bowl 801 is dried. The silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor is, for example, a highly acidic aqueous solution (acidic water) containing metal ions. That is, the toilet apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment replaces the remaining water remaining in the bowl 801 with a highly acidic aqueous solution containing metal ions. Alternatively, the toilet apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment adds an aqueous solution having high acidity containing metal ions to the remaining water remaining in the bowl 801. According to this, the polymerization of silicic acid can be suppressed, and the generated scale can be easily removed.

  And the toilet apparatus 10 concerning this embodiment starts irradiation of the ultraviolet-ray from the UV light source 483, after starting spraying of the acidic water containing a metal ion. Thereby, it can suppress that the activity of a photocatalyst falls. Moreover, the formed scale can be easily removed by cleaning, and the activity of the photocatalyst can be recovered.

  Note that the timing of irradiation with ultraviolet rays may overlap with the timing of spraying acidic water containing metal ions. Specifically, irradiation of ultraviolet rays may be started during spraying of acidic water containing metal ions. Moreover, as long as the polymerization of the silicic acid component does not proceed, spraying of acidic water containing metal ions may be started during irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

  The reason why the generated scale can be easily removed by adding acidic water containing metal ions to the residual water remaining in the bowl 801 is as follows. However, this is an assumption or hypothesis based on the knowledge obtained by the present inventors, and is not limited to this in the present embodiment.

  When the acidity of the residual water is increased, the progress of the polymerization of silicic acid in the residual water can be suppressed. Then, even if the solute concentration increased in the process of evaporating the water, the coffee stain phenomenon did not occur, and the phenomenon of the solvent flowing in the central direction was observed. And it was confirmed that the adhesion between the generated scale and the substrate is small, and the scale is easily peeled off. Further, the effect that the generation of scale is suppressed and the generated scale can be easily removed is obtained not only for the scale of the silicate component but also for the scale of the calcium ion component or the magnesium ion component.

The acidity of acidic water containing metal ions is, for example, about pH 2.5 to 5.0. If it is acidic water which has the acidity of this range, the production | generation of acidic water is possible by the electrolytic cell (for example, refer FIG. 3) which electrolyzes water. Therefore, for example, maintenance such as replenishment of medicine becomes unnecessary. The acidic water containing metal ions having an acidity of about pH 2.5 to 5.0 has an acidity of the residual water of, for example, about pH 2.5 to 5.0 (preferably pH 2.0 to 5.0). Can be adjusted. In addition, as acidity, what is necessary is just to be able to adjust in the range of pH1.5-5.5. According to this, the polymerization of silicic acid is suppressed, and the generated scale can be easily removed. Since SiO ₂ dissolved in water with high acidity is mainly present in a low degree of polymerization such as a monomer or dimer, it is considered that polymerization is suppressed even when moisture evaporates. On the other hand, in an aqueous solution having an acidity lower than pH 1.5 and an aqueous solution having an acidity higher than pH 5.5, the abundance of monomer or dimer is low. That is, it is considered that silicic acid is polymerized.

The metal ions contained in the acidic water are, for example, aluminum ions (Al ³⁺ ) and copper ions (Cu ²⁺ ). When such metal ions are added to acidic water, they intervene between silicic acid (SiO ₂ ) molecules in the generated scale. When water is supplied by washing or the like, metal ions are eluted. Then, it is considered that the silicic acid aggregate becomes more brittle and the scale can be easily removed. The amount of metal ions added is about 0.1 ppm, preferably about 1.0 to 5.0 ppm with respect to the residual water.

Next, the toilet apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be further described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the toilet apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the electrolytic cell and the metal ion water generator of this embodiment.
In addition, FIG. 3 represents together the principal part structure of the waterway system and the electrical system. Moreover, Fig.4 (a) illustrates the electrolytic cell of this embodiment. FIG.4 (b) illustrates the metal ion water production | generation part of this embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sanitary washing device 100 included in the toilet device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the main flow path 23 that guides the water supplied from the water supply unit 401 to the buttocks washing nozzle 439 and the spray nozzle 481. A valve 413 and a heat exchanger unit 415 are provided on the upstream side of the main flow path 23. The valve 413 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 411 provided in the casing 400. The heat exchanger unit 415 has a hot water heater (not shown), and heats the supplied water to make predetermined hot water.

  A first flow path switching valve 417 is provided downstream of the valve 413 and the heat exchanger unit 415. The first flow path switching valve 417 opens, closes and switches water supply to the buttocks washing nozzle 439 and the spray nozzle 481. The main flow path 23 includes a first flow path 25 that guides cleaning water and the like to the buttocks cleaning nozzle 439 by a first flow path switching valve 417, and a first flow path that guides cleaning water and a silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor to the spray nozzle 481. Branches into two flow paths 27.

  On the upstream side of the second flow path 27, an electrolytic cell (silicic acid component polymerization suppression means) 420 is provided. The electrolytic cell 420 can generate acidic water and alkaline water. Here, the electrolytic cell 420 will be further described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the electrolytic cell 420 of this embodiment has an anode plate 424 and a cathode plate 425 inside, and the anode plate 424 and the cathode are controlled by controlling the energization from the control unit 411. The tap water flowing through the space (flow path) between the plate 425 can be electrolyzed. At this time, acid (H ⁺ ) is consumed in the cathode plate 425, and the pH increases in the vicinity of the cathode plate 425. That is, alkaline water is generated in the vicinity of the cathode plate 425. On the other hand, alkali (OH ⁻ ) is consumed in the anode plate 424, and the pH decreases in the vicinity of the anode plate 424. That is, acidic water is generated near the anode plate 424.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the acidic water and alkaline water generated in the electrolytic cell 420 are respectively guided to the second flow channel switching valve 431 provided downstream of the electrolytic cell 420 through mutually different channels. The second flow path switching valve 431 supplies the acidic water supplied from the electrolytic cell 420 to the metal ion water generation unit (silicic acid component polymerization suppression means) 440 provided downstream of the second flow path switching valve 431. Lead. On the other hand, the second flow path switching valve 417 causes the alkaline water supplied from the electrolytic cell 420 to flow into the sewage as waste water. Or the 2nd flow-path switching valve 417 may flow the alkaline water supplied from the electrolytic cell 420 to the toilet bowl 800 within the range which does not inhibit the scale control effect of this embodiment.

  In order to suppress the generation of scale such as calcium carbonate in the electrolytic cell 420, the control unit 411 may perform polarity reversal (pole change (PC)) for switching between the anode plate 424 and the cathode plate 425. Then, when the second flow path switching valve 431 is not provided, the flow paths for guiding the acidic water and the alkaline water are interchanged with each other, and the alkaline water is guided to the metal ion water generator. Therefore, the second flow path switching valve 431 has a function of switching the flow path to guide the acidic water to the metal ion water generating unit when polarity inversion is performed in the electrolytic cell 420.

Here, the metal ion water production | generation part 440 is demonstrated, referring drawings.
In the present embodiment, the case where the metal ions dissolved in the metal ion water generating unit 440 are aluminum ions (Al ³⁺ ) will be described as an example.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the metal ion water generation unit 440 of the present embodiment includes a tank 441 and aluminum 443 installed in the tank 441. Acidic water supplied from the electrolytic cell 420 via the second flow path switching valve 431 is stored in the tank 441. The aluminum 443 installed in the tank 441 is in a state of being immersed in the acid water stored in the tank 441.

Then, the aluminum 443 immersed in acidic water dissolves (slow dissolution) over, for example, about 1 to 2 hours. Thereby, the acidic water in the tank 441 becomes acidic water containing aluminum ions. That is, in the metal ion water production | generation part 440, the highly acidic aqueous solution containing a metal ion ( ^{Al3 + in} this embodiment) is produced | generated.

  Referring back to FIG. 3, the acidic water containing aluminum ions generated in the metal ion water generation unit 440 is sucked up by the spray pump (silicic acid component polymerization suppression means) 432 and passes through the vacuum breaker (VB) 433. It is guided to the flow rate adjustment valve 437. The flow rate adjustment valve 437 adjusts the water flow (flow rate), sets the supply destination of acidic water to the spray nozzle 481, and guides the acidic water to the spray nozzle 481. The spray nozzle 481 sprays acidic water supplied from the flow rate adjustment valve 437 to the bowl 801.

  On the other hand, the wash water guided to the first flow path 25 by the first flow path switching valve 417 is guided to the wet cleaning nozzle 439 via the electromagnetic pump 435 and the flow rate adjustment valve 437. Then, the washing water is jetted from a water outlet (not shown) provided in the butt washing nozzle 439 toward the “butt” of the user seated on the toilet seat 200.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sanitary washing device 100 of the present embodiment includes an entrance detection sensor (human body detection sensor A) 451, a human body detection sensor (human body detection sensor B) 453, a seating detection sensor 455, And a toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 457.

  The entrance detection sensor 451 can detect a user immediately after opening a toilet room door or entering a toilet room and a user existing in front of the door. That is, the entrance detection sensor 451 can detect not only the user who entered the toilet room, but also the user before entering the toilet room, that is, the user existing in front of the door outside the toilet room. As such an entrance detection sensor 451, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor, or the like can be used. When using a sensor that uses the microwave Doppler effect or a sensor that detects the object to be detected based on the amplitude (intensity) of the microwave transmitted and reflected, the user's The presence can be detected. That is, the user before entering the toilet room can be detected.

  The human body detection sensor 453 can detect a user who is in front of the toilet bowl 800, that is, a user who is present at a position spaced forward from the toilet seat 200. That is, the human body detection sensor 453 can detect a user who enters the toilet room and approaches the toilet seat 200. As such a human body detection sensor 453, for example, an infrared light projecting / receiving distance measuring sensor or the like can be used.

  The seating detection sensor 455 can detect a human body existing above the toilet seat 200 immediately before the user sits on the toilet seat 200 and a user seated on the toilet seat 200. That is, the seating detection sensor 455 can detect not only a user seated on the toilet seat 200 but also a user existing above the toilet seat 200. As such a seating detection sensor 455, for example, an infrared light projecting / receiving type distance measuring sensor or the like can be used.

The toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 457 can detect the opened / closed state of the toilet lid 300. As the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 457, for example, a combination of a Hall IC and a magnet, a micro switch, or the like can be used.
The control unit 411 controls the electrolytic bath 420, the spray pump 432, and the flow rate adjustment based on the signals from the entrance detection sensor 451, the human body detection sensor 453, the seating detection sensor 455, the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 457, and the like. The operation of the valve 437 and the like can be controlled.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the toilet apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the toilet apparatus according to this embodiment.

  First, before the entrance detection sensor (human body detection sensor A) 451 detects a user entering the toilet room, the UV light source 483 periodically irradiates the bowl 801 with ultraviolet rays for a predetermined time (before timing t1). As described above, this is for activating the photocatalyst on the surface of the bowl 801 or maintaining the activity of the photocatalyst.

  Subsequently, when the room detection sensor 451 detects a user who has entered the toilet room, the toilet lid 300 is opened, the valve 413 is opened, and the first flow path switching valve 417 is switched to the second flow path 27 side. The second flow path switching valve 431 is switched to the metal ion water generator 440 side (timing t1). In addition, the operation of the spray pump 432 that sucks up the cleaning water (clean water) or the acidic water from the tank 441 of the metal ion water generation unit 440 starts (timing t1). Thereby, clean water is sprayed on the surface of the bowl 801. In this way, the filth attached to the surface of the bowl 801 can be reduced by wetting the surface of the bowl 801 before the user uses the toilet bowl 800.

  As indicated by the broken line in the “electrolysis tank” column shown in FIG. 5, when the room detection sensor 451 detects a user who has entered the toilet room, energization of the electrolysis tank 420 is started, and the acidic water is discharged. It may be generated (timing t1). In this case, acidic water (or acidic water containing metal ions) is sprayed on the surface of the bowl 801. According to this, dirt and scale adhering to the surface of the bowl 801 can be further reduced.

  Subsequently, when the human body detection sensor (human body detection sensor B) 453 detects a user in front of the toilet bowl 800, the valve 413 is closed and the first flow path switching valve 417 is switched to the first flow path 25 side. The second flow path switching valve 431 is switched to the drain side (timing t2). Subsequently, when about 5 seconds elapse, for example, after the seating detection sensor 455 detects that the user has left the toilet seat 200 (timing t3), toilet cleaning is started (timing t5). The operation of toilet flushing is, for example, as described above with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, when the predetermined time T has elapsed since the toilet cleaning was completed (timing t6), the valve 413 is opened, the first flow path switching valve 417 is switched to the second flow path 27 side, The flow path switching valve 431 is switched to the metal ion water generator 440 side (timing t7). Further, energization to the electrolytic cell 420 is started, and the operation of the spray pump 432 is started (timing t7). Thereby, acidic water containing metal ions is sprayed on the surface of the bowl 801.

  The predetermined time T from the end of toilet cleaning (timing t6) to the time when acidic water containing metal ions is sprayed on the surface of the bowl 801 (timing t7) is the time during which the surface of the bowl 801 is not dried. For example, about 30 seconds to 30 minutes. According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventors, an example of the time of about 30 minutes after the toilet cleaning is completed is the time when the surface of the bowl of the toilet bowl on which the glaze layer is formed starts to dry. According to this, the polymerization of silicic acid can be suppressed, and the generated scale can be easily removed.

  As described above, in this specific example, when the seating detection sensor 455 detects that the user has left the toilet seat 200 (timing t3), and the predetermined time T has elapsed since the toilet cleaning was completed (timing t6). At (timing t7), acidic water containing metal ions is sprayed on the surface of the bowl 801. Thereby, when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, it is possible to avoid the acidic water containing metal ions from being sprayed and applied to the user's buttocks.

  Subsequently, when about 90 seconds elapse, for example, after the human body detection sensor 453 no longer detects the user in front of the toilet 800 (timing t4), the toilet lid 300 is closed and the UV light source 483 is periodically turned on for a predetermined time. Only the ultraviolet ray is irradiated to the bowl 801 (after timing t8). Thus, in this specific example, after spraying of acidic water containing metal ions is started (timing t7), irradiation of ultraviolet rays from the UV light source 483 is started (timing t8). According to this, polymerization of the silicic acid component can be suppressed. Moreover, the formed scale can be easily removed by cleaning, and the activity of the photocatalyst can be recovered.

Next, experiments conducted by the present inventors will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is a comparison table of scale generation depending on the presence or absence of ultraviolet irradiation.
7 and 8 are schematic diagrams for explaining the experimental conditions.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the present inventors first prepared a tile 511 having a photocatalyst layer formed on the surface, and arranged the tile 511 so as to be inclined. Subsequently, the control unit 503 opened the valve 505, and the cleaning water 509 supplied from the water source 501 was discharged from the cleaning water outlet 507 in a shower shape for about 5 seconds. Thereby, a water film is formed on the surface of the tile 511.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first tile 511a among the plurality of tiles 511 having a water film formed on the surface was allowed to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes to dry the surface. . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, for the second tile 511b of the plurality of tiles 511 having a water film formed on the surface, ultraviolet light is emitted from the UV light source 513 to the surface of the second tile 511b. The surface was dried for about 30 minutes at room temperature in the irradiated state, and the surface was dried.

  The surface states of the first tile 511a and the second tile 511b after the drying (the generation state of scale) are as shown in FIG. The “photograph” shown in FIG. 6 is a photograph of the surface of the tile in the range A1 shown in FIG. The “scale diagram” shown in FIG. 6 schematically shows the scale generated on the surface of the tile in the “photo” shown in FIG.

  According to this, the range of the scale produced | generated on the surface of the 2nd tile 511b is wider than the range of the scale produced | generated on the surface of the 1st tile 511a. Therefore, it can be seen that when a water film of tap water (clean water) is formed and the water film is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the polymerization of silicic acid is promoted, that is, scale is easily generated.

FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property depending on the presence or absence of spraying of acidic water containing metal ions.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the experimental conditions.

  The scale removal test of this experiment was conducted by the following method. First, the present inventors prepared a tile 511 having a photocatalytic layer formed on the surface, and measured the initial value of the decomposition activity of the tile 511. About the measurement of the value of decomposition activity, it measured by the method defined by JIS standard number R1703-2 (JIS standard name: Fine ceramics-Self-cleaning performance test method of photocatalyst material-Part 2: Wet decomposition performance).

  Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the tiles 511 are arranged to be inclined. Subsequently, the first valve 505 was opened by the control unit 503, and the cleaning water 509 supplied from the water source 501 was discharged from the cleaning water outlet 507 in a shower shape for about 5 seconds. Thereby, a water film is formed on the surface of the tile 511.

25 seconds later, the second valve 515 was opened by the controller 503, and acidic water containing aluminum ions generated by the metal ion-containing acidic water generating means 517 was sprayed from the spray nozzle 519 for about 5 seconds. Thereby, acidic water containing aluminum ions is added to the residual water remaining on the tile 511.
Subsequently, the tile 511 was allowed to stand for about 25 minutes, and the surface of the tile 511 was dried.

  About the acidic water produced | generated by the metal ion containing acidic water production | generation means 517 and sprayed from the spray nozzle 519, the acidity was adjusted to pH 3.5, 4, 4.5, and 5. In each acidity, the aluminum ion concentration was adjusted to 0.5, 1, 3, 5 ppm.

  Subsequently, before performing the sliding test, the value of the decomposition activity of the tile 511 was measured again. Subsequently, the tile 511 was immersed in an acidic detergent (Sunpaul (registered trademark): manufactured by Dainippon Insect Chrysanthemum Company) for about 5 minutes.

Then, the sliding test was done by the following method using the rubbing tester (made by Taihei Rika Kogyo Co., Ltd.). After bonding a non-woven sponge Scotch Bright (registered trademark) (SS-72K manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.) to a 2 cm square, using a double-sided tape, adhere the non-woven fabric part to the head so that the non-woven fabric part hits the sliding surface Wet with distilled water. Subsequently, it was slid 10 times with a load of 50 g / cm ² . In addition, 10 times of sliding at a load condition of 50 g / cm ² corresponds to a normal toilet cleaning condition.

Subsequently, after performing a sliding test, the value of the decomposition activity of the tile 511 was measured again. Evaluation was as follows.

○: Recovery rate of decomposition activity (value of decomposition activity after sliding / initial value of decomposition activity) 80% or more ×: Recovery rate of decomposition activity (value of decomposition activity after sliding / initial value of decomposition activity) 80 Less than% An example of the test result of scale removal property of this experiment is as shown in FIG. In the table shown in FIG. 9, the items having an acidity of “pH 7” and an aluminum ion concentration of “0 ppm” represent the evaluation results of the tile 511 that is not sprayed with acidic water containing aluminum ions.

  According to this, the recovery rate of the decomposition activity of the tile 511 that is not sprayed with acidic water containing aluminum ions is less than 80%. On the other hand, the recovery rate of the decomposition activity of the tile 511 sprayed with acidic water containing aluminum ions includes 80% or more. Further, when the aluminum ion concentration was 1, 3, 5 ppm, the recovery rate of decomposition activity was 80% or more except when the acidity was pH 3.5. Thereby, when metal ion is added to acidic water, it turns out that the silicic acid aggregate formed in the photocatalyst layer becomes weaker, and scale can be removed easily.

FIG. 11 is a table showing the water quality analysis results of tap water and acidic electrolyzed water.
Moreover, FIGS. 12-15 is a table | surface which illustrates an example of the evaluation result of the scale removal property in this experiment.

  In the following examples, a tile (5 cm × 5 cm) having a glaze layer formed on the surface and pH adjusted water described below were used as test solutions, and acidic electrolyzed water was used as a control. The sliding tests conducted in the following examples were as follows.

  A solution prepared by adding nitric acid (reagent special grade, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) to normal tap water and adjusting the pH to 1 to 6 was used as pH adjusted water. The water quality analysis result of the used tap water is shown in FIG. Moreover, the acidic electrolyzed water of the following composition was produced with the electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus (made by TEK511 TOTO Corporation).

  A solution prepared by dissolving aluminum nitrate nonahydrate or copper nitrate hexahydrate (all reagent grade Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) in tap water and adjusting each metal ion to 1000 ppm was used as the metal ion stock solution. . This metal ion stock solution is diluted with pH-adjusted water (pH 1 to 6), and a solution in which the metal ion concentration (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 ppm) and pH (pH 1 to 6) are adjusted is converted to metal. Ion added pH adjusted water.

  For the sliding test, use a scotch bright cut to 2.24 cm square, observe the scale adhering portion with a digital microscope (VHX-900, manufactured by Keyence Corporation) at a magnification of 100 times, and 250 g. The sliding test is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 except that the weight is loaded (loading condition: 4.9 kPa) and is slid 10 times.

In addition, 10 times of sliding at load conditions: 4.9 kPa is equivalent to the conditions for normal toilet cleaning. Evaluation was as follows.

○: Water scale was removed within 10 times sliding ×: Water scale remained even after 50 times sliding The water removability of pH adjusted water was evaluated by the following method. First, 20 μL of pH-adjusted water and acidic electrolyzed water were dropped on a tile (5 cm × 5 cm) having a glaze layer formed on the surface, and then allowed to stand at room temperature for 48 hours to dry and adhere scales. Thereafter, a sliding test was performed. The result was as shown in FIG.

  Scale removal property was evaluated in the same manner as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 12 except that aluminum ion-added pH-adjusted water prepared using aluminum nitrate nonahydrate was used as a test solution. The result was as shown in FIG.

  Scale removal property was evaluated in the same manner as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 12 except that copper ion-added pH-adjusted water prepared using copper nitrate hexahydrate was used as a test solution. The result was as shown in FIG.

Various metal ion stock solutions prepared using aluminum nitrate nonahydrate or copper nitrate hexahydrate (all made by reagent grade Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) can be obtained with a commercially available electrolyzed water generator (TEK511 TOTO Co., Ltd.). An appropriate amount is added to the generated acidic electrolyzed water, and diluted to the target metal ion concentration (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 ppm) is used as the metal ion-added acidic electrolyzed water. In addition, the water quality analysis result of the used acidic electrolyzed water is shown in FIG.
Except for using metal ion-added acidic electrolyzed water as a test solution, the scale removal property was evaluated in the same manner as in the example described above with reference to FIG. The result was as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the experimental results described above with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15, the acidic water containing acid water and metal ions (Al ³⁺ , Cu ²⁺ ) whose pH is adjusted to about 2.0 to 5.0 is used. It was found that the scale generated by evaporation of the scale is good in scale removal.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described. 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, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the toilet device 10 and the sanitary washing device 100 and the installation form of the spray nozzle 481 and the UV light source 483 are not limited to those illustrated, but may be changed as appropriate. can do.
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the toilet bowl is a Western-style toilet bowl (toilet bowl) has been described as an example, but the range of the toilet bowl of this embodiment includes a urinal.
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 Toilet apparatus, 23 Main flow path, 25 1st flow path, 27 2nd flow path, 100 Sanitary washing apparatus, 200 Toilet seat, 300 Toilet lid, 400 Casing, 401 Water supply means, 411 Control part, 413 Valve, 415 Heat Exchanger unit, 417 first flow path switching valve, 420 electrolytic cell, 424 anode plate, 425 cathode plate, 431 second flow path switching valve, 432 spray pump, 433 vacuum breaker, 435 electromagnetic pump, 437 flow rate adjustment Valve, 439 Washing nozzle, 440 Metal ion water generation unit, 441 Tank, 443 Aluminum, 451 Entrance detection sensor, 453 Human body detection sensor, 455 Seating detection sensor, 457 Toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor, 481 Spray nozzle, 483 UV light source, 501 Water source, 503 control unit, 505 bar Lub (first bulb), 507 water outlet for washing, 509 washing water, 511 tile, 511a first tile, 511b second tile, 513 UV light source, 515 second bulb, 517 generation of acid water containing metal ions Means, 519 spray nozzle, 800 toilet bowl, 801 bowl, 803 trap, 805 pooled water, 811 bowl water inlet, 813 trap water inlet

Claims (4)

A toilet having a bowl and a photocatalyst layer formed on the surface of the bowl;
Water supply means for supplying cleaning water to the surface of the bowl;
A light irradiation means for irradiating the photocatalyst layer with light containing ultraviolet rays;
A silicic acid component polymerization inhibiting means for adding a silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor that inhibits polymerization of the silicic acid component in the washing water remaining on the surface of the bowl to the washing water remaining on the surface of the bowl;
A control unit that executes control to start irradiation of light including the ultraviolet rays after starting the operation of the silicic acid component polymerization suppressing unit;
A toilet apparatus characterized by comprising:   The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the silicic acid component polymerization inhibitor is acidic water containing metal ions.   The toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the acidity of the acidic water is pH 2.5 to 5.0. The toilet device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the metal ions include at least one of Al ³⁺ and Cu ²⁺ .