JP5919700B2 - Toilet bowl cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet bowl cleaning apparatus, and more particularly to a toilet bowl cleaning apparatus provided with a remote control device.

  In recent years, toilet cleaning devices equipped with a remote control device for remotely controlling functions such as a toilet cleaning function and a local cleaning function have been spreading. In such a toilet bowl cleaning apparatus, a control signal is transmitted to the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus main body by a user operating an operation switch provided in the remote control apparatus, and the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus body that has received the control signal receives the control signal. The function is controlled accordingly.

  Such a remote control device is generally battery-driven. Therefore, in order not to make the user feel inconvenience due to running out of the battery, it is necessary to notify a decrease in the remaining battery level of the remote control device by an appropriate method and timing.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, even if a switch is operated, control is performed so that an operation signal is transmitted only once every two times or once every three or four times, and the remaining battery level is reduced by reducing operability. A control method of a toilet remote control device for notification is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, a remote control device is provided with a key for checking the remaining battery level, and when the user operates the key, the AV device displays the level of the remaining battery level on the display unit of the electrical device. A remote control device is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a battery remaining amount display device control method for a wireless communication system in which a remote control device transmits a battery remaining amount and displays it on the main body side only at a timing instructed by the main body side.

JP 2000-160633 A JP 2006-086559 A JP 2000-332644 A

  However, all of the above-described notification means for battery level reduction according to the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are intended to notify the user. If the installation location of the toilet bowl cleaning device is a general household, there will be no problem because the owner will be the user, but if the installation location is a public place such as a commercial facility, the user may experience a decrease in the battery level of the remote control device. It is meaningless to inform to.

  In particular, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to operate the remote control device many times in order to activate the function, the user feels uncomfortable with the toilet equipment, and as a result, the image of products and commercial facilities is reduced. May lead to An object to be notified of a decrease in the remaining battery level of the remote control device of the toilet cleaning device installed in a public place is a maintenance person.

  In addition, in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 2, it is costly to provide a dedicated battery remaining amount confirmation button on the remote control device, and the button may be operated by mischief. Also in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 3, it is costly to provide a dedicated display unit indicating the remaining battery level on the main body side.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a toilet bowl cleaning device that can notify only a maintenance person of a decrease in the remaining battery level of a remote control device without providing a new dedicated device. For the purpose.

The toilet bowl cleaning device of the present invention includes a main body having a cleaning valve that opens and closes a supply passage of cleaning water discharged to the toilet, a main body control unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the cleaning valve, and the main body control unit includes the cleaning valve. And a remote control device using a battery as a driving power supply for supplying an operation signal for controlling an opening / closing operation of the toilet, wherein the remote control device includes a toilet-related device operation signal and a battery remaining power of the battery. A transmitter that transmits a battery remaining amount signal indicating the amount, and the apparatus main body receives the battery remaining signal transmitted from the transmitter, and the battery remaining amount received by the receiver. A storage unit that stores battery remaining amount information based on a signal; an operation input unit that receives an input of a predetermined operation from a maintenance person and transmits an input signal to the main body control unit; and Battery level Anda notification unit for notifying the deterioration, the main control unit, based on input of the predetermined operation of the operation input unit receives the normal mode and maintenance person drive capable of the flush valve is used The main body control unit is configured to be able to switch and control a special mode that prohibits the driving of the cleaning valve, and the main body control unit stores the memory when the normal mode is switched to the special mode by an input of the predetermined operation. When the battery remaining amount recognized based on the battery remaining amount information stored in the unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the notification unit is operated to notify the decrease in the battery remaining amount of the battery. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify that the remaining battery level of the remote control device is low only by a predetermined operation by the maintenance person. That is, since the decrease in the remaining battery level of the remote control device is not notified in a normal use state, the usability of the toilet cleaning device by the user is not impaired. Further, conventionally, it is possible to grasp a decrease in the remaining battery level without performing a special operation only by setting a special mode that is normally used by a maintenance person.

  In the toilet bowl cleaning device of the present invention, preferably, the notification unit is configured by a display lamp, and in the special mode, the display lamp is based on the battery remaining amount information stored in the storage unit. When the recognized remaining battery level exceeds the predetermined value, the first display pattern is displayed, and the recognized remaining battery level based on the remaining battery level information stored in the storage unit is the predetermined value. In the following cases, the second display pattern is different from the display of the first display pattern. In order to notify the maintenance person that the toilet cleaning device is in the special mode without providing a dedicated display unit for notifying that the remaining battery level is low in the device body. The display lamp used can also be used. Further, it is not necessary to provide a display unit for displaying the remaining battery level on the remote control device, and the remote control device can be simplified.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to notify that the remaining battery level of the remote control device is low only after a predetermined operation by the maintenance person. That is, since the decrease in the remaining battery level of the remote control device is not notified in the normal use state, the usability in the normal use state is not impaired.

The figure which shows the application example of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the battery residual amount alerting | reporting process of the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the modification of the battery residual amount alerting | reporting process of the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  The toilet bowl cleaning device of the present invention is configured to include a device main body and a remote control device, and information on the remaining battery level of the remote control device is stored in advance in a storage unit provided in the device main body. When the battery level of the remote control device is low, the battery level of the remote control device is not changed until a predetermined operation by an operator (hereinafter referred to as a maintenance person) who performs maintenance, maintenance, cleaning, etc. of the toilet bowl cleaning device. It is intended to notify the decline of the. Hereinafter, embodiments of a toilet bowl cleaning apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of toilet bowl cleaning device]
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment discharges water supplied from a water supply pipe 3 to the toilet bowl 2 as cleaning water for the toilet bowl 2 in order to wash the toilet bowl 2. That is, the water supplied by the water supply pipe 3 is supplied to the toilet bowl washing device 1 by the inflow pipe 5 through the stop cock 4, and the water supplied to the toilet bowl washing apparatus 1 is connected to the toilet bowl 2 as washing water. Is discharged to the toilet 2 through the outflow pipe 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment includes a device body 15 and a remote control device 14. The apparatus main body 15 includes a washing water flow path unit 10 including the electromagnetic valve 11, a human body detection sensor 12, an operation input unit 25, a display lamp 26, a reception unit 23, and a main body control unit 13. The remote control device 14 includes a battery 27 as a driving power source for the remote control device 14, a battery remaining amount detection unit 28 for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 27, a plurality of switches 24, a transmission unit 22, and a remote control control unit 29. With.

  The washing water flow path unit 10, the human body detection sensor 12, the operation input unit 25, the display lamp 26, the receiving unit 23, and the main body control unit 13 are provided in the apparatus main body 15 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 14 is attached to a wall of a room in which the toilet 2 is installed, for example, so that the user of the toilet 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as “user”) can operate it. Is provided. Hereinafter, the detail of each part of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus 1 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing water flow path portion 10 provided in the apparatus main body 15 includes a water inlet 16 that receives the supply of washing water, and an outlet as an outlet for the washing water discharged to the toilet 2. And a water inlet 17. Connected to the water inlet 16 is an inflow pipe 5 that guides water supplied by the water supply pipe 3 to the toilet bowl cleaning device 1. An outlet pipe 6 that guides wash water to the toilet 2 is connected to the outlet 17.

  In the washing water channel section 10, the washing water supplied from the water supply pipe 3 flows from the water inlet 16 through the inflow pipe 5 (see arrow A1). Wash water that has flowed in from the water inlet 16 passes through a wash water passage (hereinafter referred to as a main body water passage) provided between the water inlet 16 and the water outlet 17 in the wash water flow passage section 10, and then enters the water outlet. 17 flows out (see arrow A2) and is discharged to the toilet 2 through the outflow pipe 6.

  The washing water flow path unit 10 has a piston valve 18. The piston valve 18 is provided on the downstream side of the water inlet 16 in the water passage in the main body. The piston valve 18 is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction within the water passage in the main body. Here, the up and down direction is a substantially vertical direction with respect to the floor surface on which the toilet 2 is installed, that is, a substantially vertical direction. In the following description, the vertical direction, which is the moving direction of the piston valve 18, is defined as the vertical direction in the toilet bowl cleaning device 1.

  The piston valve 18 has a packing 18a. The packing 18 a seals between a wall surface formed as a sliding surface of the piston valve 18 and the outer peripheral surface of the piston valve 18 in the cleaning water flow path unit 10.

  In the washing water flow path portion 10, a back pressure chamber 19 is provided above the piston valve 18. The back pressure chamber 19 communicates with the water inlet 16 via a communication passage 18 b formed inside the piston valve 18. A secondary water channel 20 is provided below the piston valve 18. The water flowing into the secondary water channel 20 flows out from the water outlet 17. The water inlet 16 and the secondary water channel 20 are in a non-communication state when the piston valve 18 is located at the lowermost end, and are in a communication state when the piston valve 18 rises from the lowermost position.

  The back pressure chamber 19 communicates with the secondary side water channel 20 by the bypass channel 21. The bypass valve 21 is provided with the electromagnetic valve 11. The electromagnetic valve 11 opens and closes the bypass passage 21. That is, the open / close state of the electromagnetic valve 11 switches the communication state / non-communication state between the back pressure chamber 19 and the secondary water channel 20 via the bypass flow channel 21.

  In the washing water flow path portion 10 having such a configuration, washing water is discharged to the toilet 2 as follows. In a state where the electromagnetic valve 11 is closed, water flowing from the water supply pipe 3 into the water inlet 16 through the inflow pipe 5 passes through the communication passage 18b of the piston valve 18 and the back pressure chamber 19 on the upstream side of the electromagnetic valve 11. Into the back pressure chamber 19.

  When water accumulates in the back pressure chamber 19, the pressure in the back pressure chamber 19 becomes higher than the pressure in the secondary water channel 20 due to the water pressure in the back pressure chamber 19, and the piston valve 18 is pushed down. Thereby, between the water inlet 16 and the secondary side water channel 20 is closed by the piston valve 18 (it will be in a non-communication state). That is, in a state where the electromagnetic valve 11 is closed, water flowing from the water inlet 16 is blocked by the electromagnetic valve 11 and the piston valve 18, and water is not discharged from the water outlet 17.

  Thus, when the solenoid valve 11 is opened from the state where the solenoid valve 11 is closed and the space between the water inlet 16 and the secondary water channel 20 is closed by the piston valve 18, the back pressure chamber is opened. The water in 19 flows into the secondary side water channel 20 through the bypass channel 21. As a result, the pressure in the back pressure chamber 19 is lowered, and the packing 18a is pushed up by the water in the water inlet 16, whereby the piston valve 18 is raised (moved to the back pressure chamber 19 side). As the piston valve 18 rises, the water inlet 16 and the secondary side water channel 20 are in communication with each other, and the water flowing into the water inlet 16 flows into the secondary side water channel 20 and flows out from the water outlet 17 to the toilet 2. Supplied.

  Then, when the solenoid valve 11 is closed from the state in which water is flowing out from the water outlet 17 by opening the solenoid valve 11, a part of the water flowing from the water inlet 16 is back from the communication passage 18b of the piston valve 18. It flows into the pressure chamber 19 and begins to accumulate in the back pressure chamber 19. As a result, the pressure in the back pressure chamber 19 increases, the pressure in the secondary water channel 20 decreases, and the piston valve 18 is pushed down. And finally, between the water inlet 16 and the secondary side water channel 20 is closed by the piston valve 18, and it will be in the water stop state in which the water discharge from the water outlet 17 is not performed.

  In the discharge of the wash water to the toilet 2 by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 11, the amount of the wash water discharged to the toilet 2 is adjusted by controlling the opening time (strictly, the excitation time) of the electromagnetic valve 11. The Therefore, the opening time of the electromagnetic valve 11 is longer in the case of stool washing than in the case of urine washing.

  Thus, in the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the solenoid valve 11 which the washing water flow-path part 10 has is an on-off valve for opening and closing a water flow path in a main body, and the washing water discharged to the toilet bowl 2 Functions as a cleaning valve for opening and closing the supply passage. By opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 11, the opening and closing of the water passage in the main body, that is, the water discharge state and the water stop state of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 are switched.

  The opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 is controlled by the main body control unit 13. For this reason, the solenoid valve 11 is connected to the main body control unit 13. The solenoid valve 11 is electrically controlled in accordance with a control signal from the main body control unit 13 to open and close the bypass passage 21. Opening and closing of the bypass passage 21 by the electromagnetic valve 11 is accompanied by opening and closing of the water passage in the main body as described above.

  The human body detection sensor 12 functions as a human body detection unit that detects a user of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1. The human body detection sensor 12 is a non-contact sensor that automatically detects the presence of a user. In the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor 12 is an infrared sensor. Therefore, the human body detection sensor 12 includes a light emitting element that emits infrared light and a light receiving element that receives reflected light of the emitted infrared light.

  The human body detection sensor 12 is arranged in the apparatus main body 15 such that the side that transmits and receives infrared rays faces the user. The apparatus main body 15 is provided with a detection window 12a for securing infrared transmission / reception by the human body detection sensor 12 on the wall surface on the side where the user is located (see FIG. 1).

  In the present embodiment, the presence / absence of a user sitting on the valve seat 2a of the toilet 2 is detected by the human body detection sensor 12. Therefore, the user seated on the valve seat 2 a is located within the detection range of the human body detection sensor 12. According to the human body detection sensor 12, the user exists within the detection range of the human body detection sensor 12, and the user sitting on the valve seat 2 a is separated from the detection range of the human body detection sensor 12. It is detected that it has come out. When a predetermined time elapses after the user is no longer detected by the human body detection sensor 12, such as after the user's stool, the automatic cleaning function is activated and the cleaning water is discharged into the toilet bowl 2.

  The human body detection sensor 12 is connected to the main body control unit 13. A signal output from the human body detection sensor 12 is input to the main body control unit 13, and the main body control unit 13 detects the presence or absence of the user.

  In the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor 12 is an infrared sensor, but as a human body detection unit for detecting a user, various sensors such as a known non-contact sensor and a contact sensor are employed in addition to the infrared sensor. Can do. In addition, the human body detection unit that detects the user is integrally housed in the valve seat 2a, for example, without being housed in the apparatus main body 15 together with the washing water flow path unit 10 and the like, like the human body detection sensor 12 of the present embodiment. The structure etc. which are made may be sufficient.

  The main body control unit 13 functions as a control unit that receives the detection signal from the human body detection sensor 12 and controls the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11. Specifically, the main body control unit 13 controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 based on a signal output from the human body detection sensor 12, an operation on the remote control device 14, and the like. Therefore, a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 12 and an operation signal from the remote control device 14 are input to the main body control unit 13. Further, a control signal for the electromagnetic valve 11 is output from the main body control unit 13.

  The operation input unit 25 functions as a switch for stopping the operation of the human body detection sensor 12 for a predetermined time and preventing the electromagnetic valve 11 from opening. The operation input unit 25 is composed of a reed switch and is housed inside the apparatus main body 15 near the detection window 12a. The operation input unit 25 can function by applying a magnetic field from the outside using a magnet or the like.

  In the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment, the operation input unit 25 is caused to function to stop the operation of the human body detection sensor 12, and the state where the driving (opening / closing) of the cleaning valve (electromagnetic valve 11) is prohibited is referred to as a "special mode". Call. The other state in which the human body detection sensor 12 is activated and the cleaning valve can be driven is referred to as “normal mode”. The special mode is a mode used by the maintenance person to stop the operation of the human body detection sensor 12 for a predetermined time. In the case of the present embodiment, when the maintenance person holds the magnet over the operation input unit 25 to cause the operation input unit 25 to function and enter the special mode, the human body detection sensor 12 is operated for a predetermined time (hereinafter, the predetermined time is 10 minutes). Explain.) Can be stopped. Even when 10 minutes have not elapsed since the start of the special mode, it is possible to return to the normal mode by holding the magnet over the operation input unit 25 again. Moreover, the predetermined time in the special mode is not limited to 10 minutes and can be changed as appropriate.

  The display lamp 26 is for notifying the maintenance person that the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 is in the special mode by the display mode of lighting or extinguishing, the blinking cycle, and the like. In the present embodiment, the display lamp 26 is housed behind the detection window 12a. The display lamp 26 in the present embodiment is an LED lamp, but may be other display means as long as it can be recognized by the maintenance person.

  The operation input unit 25 and the display lamp 26 are connected to the main body control unit 13. The operation input unit 25 transmits an input signal based on an input of a predetermined operation (application of a magnetic field by a magnet or the like) to the main body control unit 13. The main body control unit 13 receives an input signal from the operation input unit 25 and controls the human body detection sensor 12 and the display lamp 26. That is, the main body control unit 13 switches between the normal mode and the special mode for enabling or disabling the human body detection sensor 12 based on the signal input from the operation input unit 25, or switching to the normal mode or the special mode. The maintenance lamp is notified by turning on, turning off, flashing, or the like of the display lamp 26.

  The main body control unit 13 includes various functional parts such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output interface that are connected to each other via a data communication bus or the like. The main body control unit 13 outputs control signals for the human body detection sensor 12, the operation input unit 25, an input interface for receiving input signals from the remote control device 14, and the electromagnetic valve 11, the human body detection sensor 12 and the display lamp 26. Having an output interface for.

  The main body control unit 13 includes a storage unit 13a that stores various control programs for controlling the toilet bowl cleaning device 1, information on the remaining battery level of the battery 27 provided in the remote control device 14 as described later, and the like. The storage unit 13a is configured by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) connected to the CPU. The main body control unit 13 is supplied with power from a household outlet or the like via an AC adapter (not shown).

  Based on various control programs stored in the ROM, the CPU of the main body control unit 13 performs various processes in the normal mode of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 (for example, cleaning process for the toilet bowl 2 and local user cleaning process). In addition, it functions as a control unit that controls various processes in the special mode (for example, a battery remaining amount notification process to be described later). The ROM connected to the CPU stores various control programs for controlling various operations of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 in the normal mode or the special mode. The RAM connected to the CPU stores various variables for executing various programs stored in the ROM. The RAM of the storage unit 13a functions as a storage unit that stores battery remaining amount information based on the battery remaining amount signal in the present embodiment, details of which will be described later. The RAM may be a non-volatile flash memory or the like that can retain stored information even when power supply to the main body control unit 13 is interrupted.

  The remote control device 14 functions as an operation unit that supplies an operation signal for controlling the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 11 to the main body control unit 13. Specifically, the remote control device 14 transmits an infrared signal as an operation signal supplied to the main body control unit 13. For this reason, the remote control device 14 has a transmitter 22 that transmits an infrared signal. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 14 has a rectangular thick plate-like outer shape, and is provided with transmitters 22 at two corners on both sides that are the upper side in the installed state. ing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 15 is provided with a receiver 23 that receives an infrared signal transmitted from the transmitter 22 of the remote control device 14. The receiving unit 23 is connected to the main body control unit 13, and the infrared signal received by the receiving unit 23 is input to the main body control unit 13 by being converted into an electrical signal. In the present embodiment, the operation signal supplied from the transmission unit 22 to the reception unit 23 is an infrared signal, but is not limited to this method. The operation signal from the transmitter 22 may be, for example, a signal using electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths, a signal using ultrasonic waves, a signal transmitted by a wired method, or the like.

  The remote control device 14 is an operation for performing various processes in the normal mode of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 (such as the toilet bowl 2 cleaning process, the user's local cleaning process, the user's local drying process, and the deodorizing process). A plurality of switches 24 are provided as switches. For example, when the toilet cleaning switch 24 is operated by a user or the like, as described above, the electromagnetic valve 11 is opened and the toilet cleaning device 1 is in a water discharge state, and the water discharged from the water inlet 16 to the toilet 2 is discharged. Is done.

  The remote control device 14 includes a battery 27 that functions as a drive power source, a battery remaining amount detection unit 28 for detecting the remaining battery level of the battery 27, a transmission unit 22 that transmits operation signals of a plurality of switches 24 to the device body 15, and a remote control It is comprised from the control part 29 grade | etc.,. In the present embodiment, when the user operates a plurality of switches 24, the remote control unit 29 performs an operation signal for performing normal processing (hereinafter referred to as a toilet-related device operation signal) and a battery remaining amount detection unit 28. Control is performed to transmit a battery remaining amount signal relating to the detected battery remaining amount information of the battery 27 from the transmitting unit 22 to the receiving unit 23 of the apparatus main body 15. The main body control unit 13 of the apparatus main body 15 stores the received battery remaining amount signal in a storage unit 13 a (for example, a predetermined storage area of the RAM) provided in the main body control unit 13.

  The remaining battery level is recognized by the remaining battery level detection unit 28 as, for example, 10-level numerical information of remaining levels 1 to 10 (the smaller the number, the lower the remaining battery level). The numerical information of the 10 steps relating to the remaining battery level is converted into a remaining battery level signal by the remaining battery level detecting unit 28 and transmitted from the transmitting unit 22 via the remote control unit 29. The main body control unit 13 of the apparatus main body 15 stores the remaining battery level signal received by the receiving unit 23 in the storage unit 13a as 10-step numerical information regarding the remaining battery level.

  When the operation input unit 25 is operated, the main body control unit 13 changes the display pattern of the display lamp 26 to a predetermined display pattern based on the information on the remaining battery level of the battery 27 stored in the storage unit 13a. At this time, the display lamp 26 functions as a notification unit that notifies a decrease in the remaining battery level of the battery. Details will be described later.

  The remote controller 29 has various functional parts such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output interface that are connected to each other via a data communication bus or the like. The remote control control unit 29 has an input interface for receiving input signals from the switch 24 and the remaining battery level detection unit 28 and an output interface for outputting signals to the transmission unit 22.

  The remote control unit 29 includes a storage unit that stores a control program, and the storage unit is configured by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory) connected to the CPU. The CPU included in the remote control unit 29 functions as a control unit that controls the remote control device 14 according to various control programs stored in the ROM.

  As described above, in the remote control device 14, the battery of the battery 27 detected by the battery remaining amount detection unit 28 as well as the toilet related device operation signal for the normal processing performed by the remote control unit 29 when the user operates the switch 24. A battery remaining amount signal related to the remaining amount information is transmitted from the transmitting unit 22 to the receiving unit 23 of the apparatus main body 15. The main body control unit 13 stores the received battery remaining amount signal in the storage unit 13 a provided in the main body control unit 13.

[Example 1 of battery remaining amount notification processing]
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 3, based on the information regarding the remaining battery level of the battery 27 stored in the storage unit 13 a, it is confirmed that the remaining battery level of the battery 27 has decreased with respect to the maintenance person of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1. An embodiment of the battery remaining amount notification process to be notified will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the main body control unit 13 of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 receives various signals related to the normal processing from the remote control device 14 in the standby state (step S1) in the normal mode, and executes various processes. Examples of the various processes include not only the above-described toilet 2 cleaning process, but also a user's local cleaning process, a user's local drying process, and a deodorizing process. Since these various processes are standard functions provided in the conventional toilet bowl cleaning device 1, description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the main body control unit 13 determines whether or not the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25 is turned on (step S2). The reed switch can be turned on by applying a magnetic field to the operation input unit 25 from the outside using a magnet owned by a maintenance person. If the reed switch is not On, the standby state in step S1 continues. When the reed switch is turned on, the apparatus body 15 starts a special mode (step S3). In the process of step S3, the main body control unit 13 causes the display lamp 26 to blink for 2 seconds at a cycle of 0.25 seconds as a signal notifying that the special mode has been started.

  When the process of step S3 is completed, the main body control unit 13 confirms the remaining battery level of the battery 27 included in the remote control device 14 with reference to the remaining battery level information stored in the predetermined area of the storage unit 13a. (Step S4). When it is determined that there is a sufficient remaining battery level in step S4 (step S4, YES), the main body control unit 13 changes the display lamp 26 to an operation of blinking at a cycle of 2 seconds (step S4). Step S5, first display pattern). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S4 that there is not enough remaining battery power (step S4, NO), the main body control unit 13 does not change the display method of the display lamp 26 and blinks in a cycle of 0.25 seconds. (Step S6, second display pattern).

  In the battery remaining amount notification process of the present embodiment, the special mode is set in advance to continue for 10 minutes. The main body control unit 13 determines whether or not the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25 is turned on again while the special mode continues (step S7). If the main body control unit 13 determines that the reed switch is turned on (step S7, YES), the main body control unit 13 moves the process to step S8.

  When determining that the reed switch is not On (step S7, NO), the main body control unit 13 determines whether 10 minutes have elapsed after the special mode is started (step S9). If the main body control unit 13 determines that 10 minutes have not elapsed since the start of the special mode (NO in step S9), the main body control unit 13 moves the process to step S4 and repeats the processes in steps S4 to S7. Run. On the other hand, if it is determined that 10 minutes have elapsed since the start of the special mode (YES in step S9), the main body control unit 13 blinks the display lamp 26 in a cycle of 0.25 seconds for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) in step S8. Then turn off. When the process of step S8 ends, the main body control unit 13 ends the battery remaining amount notification process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, after the special mode starts, either a predetermined duration (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, or the maintenance switch has turned on the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25 again. The special mode continues until the condition is satisfied. During this time, the maintenance person easily recognizes that the remaining battery level of the battery 27 of the remote control device 14 is low by visually recognizing that the display of the display lamp 26 in the special mode is the second display pattern. It becomes possible. Note that the duration of the preset special mode is not limited to 10 minutes, and may be changed as appropriate.

[Other Examples of Battery Remaining Information Processing]
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, based on the information regarding the remaining battery level of the battery 27 stored in the storage unit 13 a, it is confirmed that the remaining battery level of the battery 27 has decreased for the maintenance person of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1. Another embodiment of the battery remaining amount notification process to be notified will be described.

  As shown in the drawing, the main body control unit 13 of the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 receives various signals related to the normal processing from the remote control device 14 in the standby state (step S11) in the normal mode and executes various processes. Examples of the various processes include not only the above-described toilet 2 cleaning process, but also a user's local cleaning process, a user's local drying process, and a deodorizing process. Since these various processes are standard functions provided in the conventional toilet bowl cleaning device 1, description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the main body control unit 13 determines whether or not the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25 is turned on (step S12). The reed switch can be turned on by applying a magnetic field to the operation input unit 25 from the outside using a magnet owned by a maintenance person. If the reed switch is not On, the standby state in Step S11 continues. When the reed switch is turned on, the apparatus body 15 starts the special mode (step S13). In the process of step S13, the main body control unit 13 turns on the display lamp 26 as a signal notifying that the special mode has been started.

The main body control unit 13, the processing of step S 1 3 is completed, by referring to the information of the battery remaining amount is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13a of the battery remaining amount of the battery 27 provided in the remote control device 14 Confirm (step S14). When it is determined that there is a sufficient remaining battery level in step S14 (step S14, YES), the main body control unit 13 continues to turn on the display lamp 26 (step S15, first display). pattern). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that there is not enough remaining battery power (step S14, NO), the main body control unit 13 causes the display lamp 26 to perform a display operation that blinks in a cycle of 0.25 seconds (step S16, 2nd display pattern), it notifies a maintenance person that the battery remaining amount of the battery 27 is falling.

  In the battery remaining amount notification process of the present embodiment, the special mode is set in advance to continue for 10 minutes. The main body control unit 13 determines whether or not the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25 is turned on again while the special mode continues (step S17). When the main body control unit 13 determines that the reed switch is turned on (step S17, YES), the main body control unit 13 moves the process to step S18.

  When determining that the reed switch is not On (step S17, NO), the main body control unit 13 determines whether or not 10 minutes have elapsed since the start of the special mode (step S19). If the main body control unit 13 determines that 10 minutes have not elapsed since the start of the special mode (NO in step S19), the main body control unit 13 moves the process to step S14, and repeats the processes in steps S14 to S17. Run. On the other hand, when it is determined that 10 minutes have elapsed since the start of the special mode (YES in step S19), the main body control unit 13 turns off the display lamp 26 in step S18. When the process of step S18 ends, the main body control unit 13 ends the battery remaining amount notification process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, after the special mode starts, either a predetermined duration (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, or the maintenance switch has turned on the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25 again. The special mode continues until the condition is satisfied. During this time, the maintenance person easily recognizes that the remaining battery level of the battery 27 of the remote control device 14 is low by visually recognizing that the display of the display lamp 26 in the special mode is the second display pattern. It becomes possible. Note that the duration of the preset special mode is not limited to 10 minutes, and may be changed as appropriate.

  The information on the remaining battery level is stored in the storage unit 13a as, for example, 10-level numerical information of remaining levels 1 to 10 (the smaller the number, the lower the remaining battery level). Here, for example, consider a case where the reference value for determining whether or not the remaining battery level is lowered is set to 3. In step S4, the main body control unit 13 determines that the remaining battery level recognized based on the remaining battery level information stored in the storage unit 13a (that is, numerical information related to the remaining battery level) exceeds the remaining level 3. It is determined that the remaining battery level is sufficient. On the other hand, if the remaining battery level recognized based on the numerical information related to the remaining battery level stored in the storage unit 13a is less than or equal to 3 in step S4, the remaining battery level is low. Judge. It should be noted that the reference value for determining whether or not the remaining battery level is low can be changed as appropriate.

  According to each embodiment described above, it is possible to notify that the remaining battery level of the remote control device 14 is low only by a predetermined operation by the maintenance person (operation to turn on the reed switch included in the operation input unit 25). . That is, since the decrease in the remaining battery level of the remote control device 14 is not notified in a normal use state, the usability of the toilet cleaning device 1 by the user is not impaired.

  Further, conventionally, it is possible to grasp a decrease in the remaining battery level without performing a special operation only by setting a special mode that is normally used by a maintenance person.

  Further, it is conventionally used to inform the maintenance person that the toilet bowl cleaning device 1 is in the special mode without providing a dedicated display unit for notifying that the battery remaining amount is low in the device main body 15. The display lamp 26 can also be used. Further, it is not necessary to provide a display unit for displaying the remaining battery level on the remote control device 14, and the remote control device 14 can be simplified.

  The first display pattern and the second display pattern of the display lamp 26 are not limited to the display methods described in the above two embodiments, and any display pattern that allows the maintenance person to recognize the difference may be used. For example, the blinking cycle is not limited to 0.25 seconds, and can be lengthened or shortened as appropriate. In order to change the blinking cycle, the period from the lighting of the display lamp 26 to the next lighting may be changed, and the lighting time may also be changed at that time. Alternatively, the turn-off time may be changed while the turn-off time is constant.

  Further, the display pattern of the display lamp 26 in the special mode may be varied depending on the difference in the value of the remaining battery level recognized based on the remaining battery level information. For example, the blinking cycle of the display lamp 26 may be shortened or the lighting time may be shortened with a constant extinguishing time as the remaining battery level is smaller. With such a setting, it is possible to easily recognize that the remaining battery level is lower as the blinking cycle of the display lamp 26 is shorter or the lighting time is shorter.

1 Toilet bowl cleaning device 2 Toilet bowl 11 Solenoid valve (cleaning valve)
13 Main body control unit 13a Storage unit 14 Remote control device 15 Device main body 22 Transmission unit 23 Reception unit 25 Operation input unit 26 Display lamp (notification unit)
27 batteries

Claims (2)

An apparatus main body having a cleaning valve for opening and closing a supply passage of cleaning water discharged to the toilet and a main body control unit for controlling the opening and closing operation of the cleaning valve, and for controlling the opening and closing operation of the cleaning valve by the main body control unit A toilet cleaning device comprising a remote control device using a battery as a driving power source for supplying an operation signal,
The remote control device has a transmitter for transmitting a battery remaining amount signal indicating a remaining battery amount of the battery together with a toilet related device operation signal,
The apparatus main body includes a receiving unit that receives the battery remaining amount signal transmitted from the transmitting unit, a storage unit that stores battery remaining amount information based on the battery remaining amount signal received by the receiving unit, and a maintenance person An operation input unit that receives an input of a predetermined operation from the control unit and transmits an input signal to the main body control unit, and a notification unit that notifies a decrease in the remaining battery level of the battery based on the remaining battery level information. And
The main body control unit is configured to be able to switch between a normal mode in which the cleaning valve can be driven and a special mode in which the cleaning valve is prohibited based on an input of the predetermined operation received by the operation input unit. Has been
When the main body control unit is switched from the normal mode to the special mode by an input of the predetermined operation, the battery remaining amount recognized based on the battery remaining amount information stored in the storage unit is predetermined. When the value is equal to or less than the value, the notification unit is operated to notify a decrease in the remaining battery level of the battery. The notification unit is composed of a display lamp,
In the state of the special mode, the indicator lamp is
When the remaining battery level recognized based on the remaining battery level information stored in the storage unit exceeds the predetermined value, a first display pattern is displayed.
When the remaining battery level recognized based on the remaining battery level information stored in the storage unit is less than or equal to the predetermined value, a second display pattern different from the display of the first display pattern is displayed.
Claim 1 Symbol placement of the toilet cleaning device, characterized in that.

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