JP6150218B2 - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Description

  Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a sanitary washing apparatus, and more specifically, to a sanitary washing apparatus for washing a user's “butt” or the like seated on a Western-style seated toilet with water.

  The sanitary washing device has conventionally been provided with a heat exchanger in the flow path from the water supply source to the nozzle, and the water supplied from the water supply source is heated by the heat exchanger to a temperature similar to the temperature of the human body, and then the nozzle Water is supplied to the human body from the water discharge portion of the nozzle.

  In recent years, the demand for energy saving has further increased, and further power saving has been demanded for sanitary washing apparatuses. In the sanitary washing device described in Patent Document 1, when cleaning the nozzle surface, water that does not pass through the hot water tank is configured to be discharged from a discharge port provided separately from the nozzle. In the so-called “self-cleaning process” in which water is discharged from the nozzle and the surface of the nozzle itself is cleaned, water through the hot water tank must be discharged, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of power saving.

JP-A-62-50533

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary washing apparatus capable of washing a nozzle with power saving.

The present invention has a water discharge part, a nozzle for discharging water from the water discharge part to wash a user's body, a main flow path for guiding water supplied from a water supply source to the nozzle, and a main flow path A hot water storage heat exchanger having a water storage section for storing water supplied from the water supply source, and having a hot water heater for heating the water in the water storage section to a predetermined temperature; and in the main flow path from the heat exchanger A bypass flow path that branches from the first branch section on the upstream side and that merges with the main flow path at a merge section downstream from the heat exchanger and upstream from the nozzle; and provided in the first branch section. Switching means for switching between water supply and water stop to the main flow path and the bypass flow path downstream from the first branch section, and a second branch section downstream from the merge section in the main flow path, From the outside of the nozzle to the nozzle surface A sub-flow path for discharging water, and a flow path switching means provided at the second branch portion, for switching between water supply and water stop to the main flow path and the sub-flow path downstream from the second branch section. Controlling the switching means, supplying water supplied from the water supply source to the flow path switching means via the bypass flow path, and controlling the flow path switching means to supply water to the nozzle. A self-cleaning step of cleaning the surface of the nozzle by discharging water from the water discharge portion of the nozzle or cleaning the surface of the nozzle by discharging water from the outside of the nozzle toward the surface of the nozzle And a controller that can select whether to perform the nozzle surface cleaning process .

According to this sanitary washing apparatus, in the self-cleaning process of discharging water from the water discharge portion of the nozzle and cleaning the surface of the nozzle, the surface of the nozzle can be cleaned using water that does not pass through the hot water storage heat exchanger. It is possible to provide a sanitary washing apparatus that is hygienic and can contribute to power saving.
According to this sanitary washing apparatus, even when the nozzle surface is washed by the nozzle surface washing means, the storage is performed.
The nozzle surface can be washed with water without using a hot water heat exchanger. Therefore, more clauses
A sanitary washing device that can contribute to electricity can be provided.

Moreover, 2nd invention is a sanitary washing apparatus provided with the distribution means in which a switching means distributes water to a main flow path and a bypass flow path downstream from the said branch part at a predetermined ratio.

  According to this sanitary washing device, the self-cleaning is performed by mixing water through the hot water heat exchanger and water not through the hot water heat exchanger at a predetermined ratio in the main flow path downstream from the junction. Since the process can be executed, it can contribute to power saving compared with cleaning with only water through a hot water storage type heat exchanger. In addition, since the water in the main flow path can be warmed compared to washing with only water that does not go through a hot water storage heat exchanger, the cold water is not discharged to the user at the next water flow and used. Does not make people feel uncomfortable.

Moreover, 3rd invention is a sanitary washing apparatus which has the sterilization water production | generation means which is provided in the said bypass flow path and produces | generates sterilization water.

  According to this sanitary washing device, by providing the sterilizing water generating means in the bypass flow path, it becomes possible to generate sterilizing water without going through the heat exchanger, and repeated fatigue of water supply and stop water to the heat exchanger It is possible to prevent the life of the heat exchanger from being reduced.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the sanitary washing apparatus which can perform the washing | cleaning of a nozzle by hygienic and power saving without making a user unpleasant is provided.

It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the toilet apparatus provided with the sanitary washing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the sanitary washing apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a perspective schematic diagram which illustrates the example of the nozzle unit of this embodiment. It is a timing chart shown about the example (the 1) of temperature control of water at the time of washing operation. It is a timing chart shown about the example (the 2) of temperature control of water at the time of washing operation.

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 perspective view showing a toilet apparatus provided with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Moreover, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the sanitary washing apparatus concerning this embodiment. In addition, FIG. 2 represents together the principal part structure of the waterway system and the electrical system.

  The toilet device 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 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.

  Inside the casing 400 is incorporated a body washing function unit that implements washing of a user who sits on the toilet seat 200 such as a “butt”. Further, for example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 that detects that the user has sat on the toilet seat 200. When the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, when the user operates the operation unit 500 such as a remote controller, for example, a cleaning nozzle (hereinafter simply referred to as “nozzle”) 473. Can be advanced into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. In the sanitary washing device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 473 has entered the bowl 801.

  Water discharge ports 474a, 474b, and 480 are provided at the tip of the nozzle 473. And the nozzle 473 can wash | clean the "buttock" etc. of the user who sat on the toilet seat 200 by injecting water from the spouts 474a and 474b provided in the front-end | tip part. In addition, the bowl 801 can be brought into a wet state by spraying water from the water outlet 480. In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the sanitary washing device 100 according to the present embodiment uses the water supplied from the water supply source 10 such as a water supply or a water storage tank to the water discharge ports 474a and 474b of the nozzle 473. The main channel 20 is led to 480. An electromagnetic valve (switching means) 431 is provided on the upstream side of the main flow path 20. The electromagnetic valve 431 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 405 provided in the casing 400.

  A hot water storage type heat exchanger 440 is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve 431. The hot water heat exchanger 440 (hereinafter simply referred to as “hot water heat exchanger” for convenience of explanation) includes a water storage unit 442 that stores water supplied from a water supply source, and heats the water stored in the water storage unit to a predetermined temperature. A hot water heater 441 for keeping heat is provided. Note that the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 drives the hot water heater 441 so that the temperature of the water in the water storage section 442 is the same as the temperature discharged by the user (about 38 ° C.), and heats and maintains the heat. In addition, during the time period when the user is not detected, the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 442 is kept lower than the temperature discharged by the user (for example, about 30 ° C.), and the user is detected. A semi-hot water storage type that heats the water in the water storage unit 442 to a temperature discharged by the user (about 38 ° C.) may be used.

A water temperature sensor 420 (not shown) that detects the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply source 10 is provided in the flow path 20 between the water supply source 10 and the hot water heater 441 of the hot water storage heat exchanger 440.
Further, in the main flow path 20, a bypass flow path 28 is provided that branches from the branch portion 29 of the flow path 25 upstream from the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 and joins the merge section 30 of the downstream flow path of the hot water heat exchanger 440. ing. With this bypass channel 28, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 can be supplied to the nozzle 473 or the nozzle cleaning chamber (nozzle surface cleaning means) 478 without going through the hot water storage heat exchanger 440. Further, the branching section 29 is provided with a flow rate / flow path switching valve (switching means) 460, and water supplied from the water supply source 10 to each of the flow path 26 and the bypass flow path 28 on the downstream side of the branching section 29. Can be distributed at a predetermined flow rate. Therefore, by switching the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 is allowed to flow only through the flow path 26, only through the bypass flow path 28, or through the flow path 26. And water can be passed through both the bypass channel 28. Each of the main flow path 20 and the bypass flow path 28 is provided with a backflow prevention device (not shown) so that backflow when a negative pressure is generated in the water supply source 10 can be prevented. The backflow prevention device may be provided downstream of the junction 30 of the main channel 20 and the bypass channel 28.

  The bypass channel 28 is provided with an electrolytic cell unit (sterilizing water generating means) 450 capable of generating sterilizing water. When the user presses the sterilization switch 510 provided in the operation unit 500, the control unit 405 executes control for causing the electrolytic cell unit 450 to generate sterilizing water. The sterilizing water is a liquid containing hypochlorous acid. The sterilizing water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 is sprayed from the water discharge ports 474a and 474b of the nozzle 473, or sprayed from the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 toward the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473. Thereby, the water discharge parts 474a and 474b of the nozzle 473 and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 are sterilized with sterilizing water. Further, the inner surface of the bowl 801 can be sterilized by spraying sterilizing water from the water outlet 480 of the nozzle 473. That is, the sterilization switch 510 receives an instruction for sterilization operation of the nozzle 473 or sterilization operation of the bowl 801. Then, the user can sterilize the nozzle 473 with the intention of the user by pressing the sterilization switch 510 and instructing the sterilization of the nozzle 473. In addition, by instructing the sterilization of the bowl 801, the bowl 801 can be sterilized by the user's intention.

By providing the electrolytic cell unit 450 in the bypass flow path, it becomes possible to generate sterilized water without going through the hot water storage heat exchanger 440. Thereby, for example, every time the sterilizing water is generated, water supply to the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 and water stoppage are repeated, and it is possible to prevent the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 from having a reduced life due to repeated fatigue.
A flow path switching valve 472 that switches water supply to the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 450.

  Subsequently, a nozzle 473 is provided downstream of the flow path switching valve 472. The nozzle 473 can advance and retract into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800 under the driving force from the nozzle motor 476. That is, the nozzle motor 476 can advance and retract the nozzle 473 based on a command from the control unit 405. On the other hand, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 can sterilize or clean the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 by spraying sterilizing water or water from a water discharge portion 479 (see FIG. 3) provided therein.

  Here, downstream of the flow path switching valve 472, the flow path switching valve 472 and the flow paths 21, 22, and 23 connected to the water discharge ports 474a, 474b, and 480, respectively, are provided. Further, a flow path 24 that connects the flow path switching valve 472 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 is provided. The flow path (sub-flow path) 24 can guide water supplied from the water supply source 10 and sterilized water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. That is, the control unit 405 controls the flow path switching valve 472 to guide water or sterilizing water to the water discharge ports 474a, 474b, 480 of the nozzle 473, or to the water discharge unit 479 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 through the flow path 24. Can lead water and sterilized water. Then, the water and the sterilized water introduced to the water discharge unit 479 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 through the flow path 24 are jetted toward the water discharge ports 474 a, 474 b and 480 of the nozzle 473 and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473.

  The control unit 405 is supplied with electric power from the power supply circuit 401 and detects an entrance detection sensor 402 that detects the user entering the toilet room, a human body detection sensor 403 that detects a user in front of the toilet seat 200, and the toilet seat 200. On the basis of signals from the seating detection sensor 404 that detects the user's seating on the operation unit 500, the electromagnetic valve 431, the hot water heater 441, the electrolytic cell unit 450, the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460, The operations of the flow path switching valve 472 and the nozzle motor 476 can be controlled.

  The seating detection sensor 404 can detect a human body existing above the toilet seat 200 immediately before the user sits on the toilet seat 200 or a user seated on the toilet seat 200. In other words, the seating detection sensor 404 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 404, for example, an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor or the like can be used.

  In addition, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect a user in front of the toilet bowl 800, that is, a user present at a position spaced forward from the toilet seat 200. That is, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect a user who enters the toilet room and approaches the toilet seat 200. As such a human body detection sensor 403, for example, an infrared light projecting / receiving distance measuring sensor or the like can be used.

  Further, the room entry detection sensor 402 can detect a user immediately after opening a toilet room door or entering a room and a user existing in front of the door trying to enter the room. That is, the entrance detection sensor 402 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 a room entry detection sensor 402, 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 who enters a toilet room can be detected.

  In the toilet apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a recessed portion 409 is formed on the upper surface of the casing 400, and the entrance detection sensor 402 is provided so that a part of the recessed portion 409 is embedded. In the state where the toilet lid 300 is closed, the entrance detection sensor 402 detects the entrance of the user through the transmission window 310 provided near the base. For example, when the room entry detection sensor 402 detects a user, the control unit 405 can execute control to automatically open the toilet lid 300 based on the detection result of the room entry detection sensor 402. In addition, the seating detection sensor 404 and the human body detection sensor 403 are provided in a central portion in front of the casing 400. However, the installation form of the seating detection sensor 404, the human body detection sensor 403, and the entrance detection sensor 402 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.

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

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a specific example of the nozzle unit of the present embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the nozzle unit 470 of the present embodiment includes a mounting base 475 as a base, a nozzle 473 supported by the mounting base 475, and a nozzle motor 476 that moves the nozzle 473. The nozzle 473 is slidable with respect to the mounting base 475 by a driving force transmitted from the nozzle motor 476 via a transmission member 477 such as a belt, as indicated by an arrow A shown in FIG. That is, the nozzle 473 can move straight in the axial direction (advance / retreat direction) of the nozzle 473 itself. The nozzle 473 can be moved forward and backward from the casing 400 and the mounting base 475.

  Further, the nozzle unit 470 of the present embodiment is provided with a nozzle cleaning chamber 478. The nozzle cleaning chamber 478 is fixed to the mounting base 475 and sterilizes the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 by spraying sterilizing water or water toward the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 from the water discharger 479 provided therein. Alternatively, it can be washed.

  That is, when the control unit 405 generates sterilizing water by energizing the anode plate and the cathode plate of the electrolytic cell unit 450, the body of the nozzle 473 is sterilized by the sterilizing water sprayed from the water discharge unit 479. On the other hand, when the control unit 405 does not energize the anode plate and the cathode plate of the electrolytic cell unit 450, the body of the nozzle 473 is physically washed with water sprayed from the water discharger 479.

  More specifically, in a state where the nozzle 473 is accommodated in the casing 400, the water discharge ports 474 a, 474 b, and 480 of the nozzle 473 are substantially accommodated in the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. Therefore, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 sprays the sterilizing water or water from the water discharge portion 479 provided in the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 so that the water discharge ports 474a, 474b, 480 and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 in the stored state of the nozzle 473 are disposed. It can be sterilized or washed. (Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is simply referred to as “body cleaning process”)

  In addition, the nozzle 473 of the present embodiment is configured to discharge the sterilizing water or water from the water outlets 474a, 474b, and 480 included in the nozzle 473 itself in a state where the nozzle 473 is housed in the casing 400, and the water outlets 474a, 474b, 480 and its surroundings can be sterilized or washed. Further, in a state where the nozzle 473 is housed in the casing 400, the water outlets 474 a, 474 b, 480 of the nozzle 473 are almost housed in the nozzle cleaning chamber 478, so that the water outlets 474 a, 474 b, 480 of the nozzle 473 The discharged sterilizing water or water is reflected by the inner wall of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 and is applied to the water discharge ports 474a, 474b, 480 and the periphery thereof. Therefore, the water discharge ports 474a, 474b, and 480 of the nozzle 473 are also sterilized or cleaned by sterilized water or water reflected from the inner wall of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. (For convenience of explanation, simply referred to as “self-cleaning step” below)

Next, the operation of the sanitary washing device according to this embodiment will be described.
First, when the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that the flow path 26 is in a water-flowing state and the bypass flow path 28 is not turned on. Let water flow. Further, the control unit 405 switches the position of the flow path switching valve 472 from “origin” to “self-cleaning”, and enables water discharge from the water discharge ports 474 a and 474 b via the flow paths 21 and 22.

  Subsequently, when the switching of the flow path switching valve 472 is completed, the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431. Thereby, the water (hot water) of the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 is supplied to the flow path on the downstream side of the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 and also supplied to the flow path 21 and the flow path 22. Thereby, the water (for example, cold water) in the flow path 27, the flow path 21, and the flow path 22 is drained, and the warm water is prepared (a draining process). Then, the control unit 405 returns the flow path switching valve 472 to the “origin” and closes the electromagnetic valve 431.

  Subsequently, when the user presses a “wet cleaning switch” (not shown) provided on the operation unit 500, the “self-cleaning process” and the “body cleaning process” described later are executed, and then the “main cleaning process” is executed. To do.

  First, as the “self-cleaning process”, the control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that the flow path 26 of the main flow path 20 is in a water-flowing state and the bypass flow path 28 is in a non-water-flowing state. . Further, the position of the flow path switching valve 472 is switched from “origin” to “SC”, and the electromagnetic valve 431 is opened. Then, in a state where the nozzle 473 is housed in the casing 400, water (hot water) heated by the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 is discharged from the water discharge ports 474a and 474b of the nozzle 473 itself. Thereby, the water discharged from the water outlet is reflected by the nozzle cleaning chamber 478, and the water outlets 474a and 474b of the nozzle 473 and the surroundings can be cleaned.

  Next, as the “body cleaning step”, the control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that the flow path 26 is in a non-water-permeable state and the bypass flow path 28 is in a water-permeable state. Further, the position of the flow path switching valve 472 is switched from “SC” to “bypass” so that water can be injected from the water discharger 479 provided in the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 via the flow path 24. Subsequently, the control unit 405 advances the nozzle 473 housed in the casing 400 to the position of “wet washing”. At this time, since the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 is washed with water sprayed from the water discharger 479. Further, at this time, since the water supplied from the water supply source 10 is supplied through the bypass flow path 28, cold water that is not warmed by the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 is injected from the water discharger 479 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478.

  The “main cleaning process” is a process for cleaning the user's buttocks. The control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that the flow path 26 passes through again and the bypass flow path 28 enters a non-water pass state. In addition, the position of the flow path switching valve 472 is switched from “bypass” to, for example, “wet water force 5”, and water discharge from the water discharge port 474a is enabled via the flow path 21. For example, when the user changes the setting of the water force in “wet washing” from “water force 5” to “water force 3” using the operation unit 500, the control unit 405 sets the flow rate switching valve 471 to “wet water force 5”. To “Oshiri Water Force 3”. Then, the control unit 405 continues the main cleaning in “water force 3”. At this time, since water (warm water) warmed by the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 is supplied to the nozzle 473, warm water (warm water) is ejected from the water outlet 474a of the nozzle 473. In addition, the water outlet 474b different from the water outlet 474a may be a bidet water outlet, or may be a water outlet for washing the butt as with the water outlet 474a.

  When the user presses a “stop switch” (not shown) using the operation unit 500, the “main cleaning process” is completed, and subsequently, the “body cleaning process” and the “self cleaning process” are executed.

  First, as the “body cleaning step”, the control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that the flow path 26 is in a non-water-permeable state and the bypass flow path 28 is in a water-permeable state. Further, the position of the flow path switching valve 472 is switched from “wet water force 3” to “bypass” so that water can be injected from the water discharge section 479 provided in the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 via the flow path 24. Moreover, the control part 405 starts electricity supply to the electrolytic cell unit 450, and starts the production | generation of sterilization water. Subsequently, the control unit 405 stores the nozzle 473 that has advanced to the “wet washing” position in the casing 400. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 is sterilized by the sterilizing water sprayed from the water discharger 479. At this time, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 passes through the bypass channel 28 and is supplied to the water discharger 479 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. Accordingly, cold sterilizing water that does not pass through the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 is ejected from the water discharger 479.

  Subsequently, as the “self-cleaning step”, in a state where the nozzle 473 is housed in the casing 400, the control unit 405 switches the position of the flow path switching valve 472 from “bypass” to “SC”, and the flow paths 21 and 22. The sterilizing water is discharged from the water outlets 474a and 474b.

  Subsequently, the control unit 405 stops energization of the electrolytic cell unit 450 and ends the generation of sterilizing water. Subsequently, the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431.

  In the above example of operation, cleaning is performed by spraying water from the water discharge ports 474a and 474b and the water discharge portion 479 in the “self-cleaning step” and the “body cleaning step” before the “main cleaning step”. The sterilization may be performed by spraying sterilizing water.

  In the example of the above operation, sterilization is performed by spraying sterilizing water from the water discharge ports 474a and 474b and the water discharge portion 479 in the “self-cleaning step” and the “body cleaning step” after the “main cleaning step”. However, cleaning may be performed by jetting water.

Next, control of the water temperature during the cleaning operation will be described.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example (part 1) of water temperature control during a cleaning operation.
The horizontal axis in FIG. 4 represents the time series of the cleaning operation. 4 represents the state of water flow / non-water flow to the flow path 26, and the middle stage represents the state of water flow / non-water flow to the bypass flow path 28. Further, the lower part of FIG. 4 represents the temperature of the water in the flow path 27 on the downstream side of the junction 30 where the bypass flow path 28 merges with the main flow path 20.

  In the “water-discharging process” and the “self-cleaning process” before the “main cleaning process”, the water is passed through the flow passages 21 and 22 to the water discharge ports 474a and 474b of the nozzle 473, and thus is supplied to the nozzle 473. The water needs to be warm. Therefore, the control unit 405 is configured to control the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that only the flow path 26 is in a water-flowing state, and supply water (warm water) preheated by the hot water storage heat exchanger 440 to the nozzle 473. doing. The reason why the temperature in the flow path 27 gradually increases in the “water draining process” is that cold water (temperature T0) remains in the flow path 27 in advance, and by supplying hot water, the temperature gradually increases. To a specified temperature Th (for example, 38 ° C.).

  On the other hand, in the “body cleaning step” prior to the “main cleaning step”, the water passes only through the flow path 24 to the nozzle cleaning chamber 478, and therefore the water to be passed does not need to be hot water, and cold water is sufficient. . Therefore, the control unit 405 is configured to control the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that only the bypass flow path 28 is in a water-flowing state, and cold water (temperature T0) is supplied to the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. .

  Next, since it is necessary to supply hot water again in the “main cleaning process”, the control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that only the flow path 26 is in a water-flowing state and is supplied to the nozzle 473. Is configured to be supplied with warm water (temperature Th).

Next, when the user presses a “stop switch” (not shown) by the operation unit 500 to complete the “main cleaning process”, the control unit 405 executes the “body cleaning process” and the “self cleaning process”.
In the “body cleaning process” and the “self-cleaning process”, the “main cleaning process” for injecting water to the user is completed in any process, so that cold water (temperature T0) is supplied. The control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 so that only the bypass flow path 28 is in a water flow state.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example (part 2) of temperature control of water during the cleaning operation. FIG. 5 differs from FIG. 4 only in the “self-cleaning step” after the “main cleaning step”, and only that point will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the “self-cleaning process” after the “main cleaning process”, the control unit 405 controls the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 to pass both the flow path 26 and the bypass flow path 28. The water state. With this configuration, the temperature of the water in the flow path 27 becomes Tm that is higher than T0 and lower than Th. By being configured in this way, compared to the case of FIG. 4, the “water cleaning step” or the “self-cleaning step” can be omitted in the next “main cleaning step”.
In order to set the temperature of the water in the flow path 27 to Tm, the temperature of the water in the water supply source 10 is detected by a water temperature sensor 420 (not shown), and the flow rate / flow path switching valve 460 is controlled according to the detection result. Thus, the distribution ratio of the flow rate of the water supplied to the flow path 26 and the bypass flow path 28 is controlled.

  According to the water temperature control of the sanitary washing device 100 according to this embodiment, the “self-cleaning step” after the “main cleaning step” is performed with water having a temperature lower than a specified temperature (for example, 38 ° C.) Since it can be carried out, it has a power saving effect of about 21% compared with the prior art.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the sanitary washing device 100 and the like, the installation form of the sterilization switch 510, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the sterilizing water is a liquid containing hypochlorous acid has been described as an example, but the sterilizing water is not limited to this. The sterilizing water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be a liquid containing metal ions such as silver ions and copper ions. Alternatively, the sterilizing water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be a liquid containing electrolytic chlorine, ozone, or the like. Alternatively, the sterilizing water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be acidic water or alkaline water. Alternatively, the sterilizing water generator is not limited to an electrolytic cell. That is, the sterilizing water may be sterilizing water generated by dissolving a sterilizing agent and a sterilizing liquid in water.

In the embodiment of the present invention, after the “main cleaning step”, the “self-cleaning step” is performed through the “body cleaning step”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the “self-cleaning step” may be performed after the “main cleaning step”.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Water supply source 20 Main flow path 21-27 Flow path 28 Bypass flow path 401 Power supply circuit 402 Entrance detection sensor 403 Human body detection sensor 404 Seating detection sensor 405 Control part 431 Solenoid valve 440 Hot water storage type heat exchanger 450 Electrolyzer unit 460 Flow rate / flow Path switching valve 470 Nozzle unit 472 Flow path switching valve 473 Nozzle 474a Water outlet 474b Water outlet 478 Nozzle cleaning room 479 Water outlet 480 Water outlet 500 Operation section (remote control)

Claims (3)

A nozzle that has a water discharge part, and discharges water from the water discharge part to wash the user's body;
A main flow path for guiding water supplied from a water supply source to the nozzle;
A hot water storage type heat exchanger having a water storage section for storing water supplied from the water supply source provided in the main flow path, and having a hot water heater for heating the water in the water storage section to a predetermined temperature;
A bypass channel that branches from the first branch portion upstream of the heat exchanger in the main channel, and that merges with the main channel at a junction downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the nozzle ;
Switching means provided in the first branch part, for switching between water supply and water stoppage to the main flow path and the bypass flow path downstream from the first branch part;
A sub-flow channel that branches off from the second branch portion downstream of the merging portion in the main flow channel and discharges water from the outside of the nozzle toward the surface of the nozzle;
A flow path switching means provided in the second branch part, for switching between water supply and water stop to the main flow path and the sub flow path downstream from the second branch part;
The switching means is controlled to supply water supplied from the water supply source to the flow path switching means via the bypass flow path, and the flow path switching means is controlled to supply water to the nozzle. A nozzle that performs a self-cleaning step of cleaning the surface of the nozzle by discharging water from a water discharge unit, or cleaning the surface of the nozzle by discharging water from the outside of the nozzle toward the surface of the nozzle A sanitary washing device comprising: a control unit that can select whether to perform the surface washing step . The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit includes a distribution unit that distributes water at a predetermined ratio to the main flow path and the bypass flow path downstream from the branch portion. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a sterilizing water generating unit that is provided in the bypass channel and generates sterilizing water.