JP7223290B2 - sanitary washing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to sanitary washing devices.

In recent years, sanitary washing devices have become multi-functional, and drive circuits are provided to drive each function. As the number of drive circuits increases due to multifunctionality, the size and cost of the sanitary washing apparatus may increase. On the other hand, there is a method of integrating circuits as an integrated circuit (IC) (for example, Patent Document 1).
Some drive circuits of sanitary washing devices have relatively large power loss (or heat loss). When such a drive circuit is combined with other drive circuits into an integrated circuit, heat generation of the integrated circuit may increase. If the integrated circuit generates a large amount of heat, it may lead to an increase in the size and cost of the entire component (the entire product). For example, providing a large heat dissipation structure (a component such as a heat sink) may increase the overall size and cost. Therefore, consolidation of circuits as an integrated circuit (IC) in an attempt to achieve miniaturization and cost reduction may lead to an increase in size and cost.

JP-A-8-047252

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary washing apparatus that can be miniaturized.

A first invention comprises a plurality of functional units including a nozzle for discharging water toward a user's private part, an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing a water supply channel for guiding water to the nozzle, and controlling the advance and retraction of the nozzle. and a plurality of driving units for controlling the driving of the plurality of functional units, including a nozzle driving unit for controlling opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve, and a plurality of driving units for controlling the driving of the plurality of functional units. The sanitary washing device is characterized in that a portion including the nozzle drive section is integrated in an integrated circuit, and the electromagnetic valve drive section is not included in the integrated circuit.

According to this sanitary washing device, a part of a plurality of drive units including a nozzle drive unit with relatively small power loss (or heat loss) is integrated in an integrated circuit, and an electromagnetic nozzle with relatively large power loss (or heat loss) is integrated. By not including the valve drive unit in the integrated circuit, the size of the sanitary washing device can be reduced, and cost increase can be suppressed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect, further comprising a failure detection section for detecting a failure of at least a part of the plurality of functional sections, wherein when the failure detection section detects a failure, the solenoid valve driving section is a sanitary washing device characterized in that control is executed to close the electromagnetic valve.

When the driver is integrated in an integrated circuit, the responsiveness (response speed) of the driver may be lower than when the driver is not integrated. On the other hand, according to this sanitary washing device, since the electromagnetic valve driving section is not included in the integrated circuit, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the responsiveness of the electromagnetic valve driving section. Therefore, for example, when a failure is detected, the electromagnetic valve can be immediately closed, thereby suppressing a decrease in safety for the user.

In a third aspect based on the first or second aspect, the plurality of functional units includes a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle, and the plurality of driving units include the flow rate adjusting unit. The sanitary washing device is characterized in that it includes a flow rate adjustment drive section for controlling the drive of the flow rate adjustment drive section integrated in the integrated circuit.

According to this sanitary washing device, the flow control drive section with relatively small power loss is integrated in the integrated circuit. As a result, the size of the sanitary washing device can be reduced. In addition, even if the responsiveness of the flow rate adjustment drive section is reduced by integrating the flow rate adjustment drive section into an integrated circuit, since the solenoid valve drive section is not included in the integrated circuit, for example, when a failure is detected, , the solenoid valve can be immediately closed. Therefore, user safety can be further improved.

In a fourth aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, the plurality of functional units include a deodorizing functional unit, and the plurality of driving units are a deodorizing drive that controls driving of the deodorizing functional unit. , wherein the deodorizing drive unit is integrated in the integrated circuit.

According to this sanitary washing device, the deodorizing drive unit with relatively small power loss is integrated in the integrated circuit. As a result, the size of the sanitary washing device can be reduced.

An aspect of the present invention provides a sanitary washing device that can be miniaturized.

1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram showing another example of the main part configuration of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet apparatus equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet apparatus includes a seated toilet bowl (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet bowl" for convenience of explanation) 800 and a sanitary washing device 100 installed thereon. The sanitary washing device 100 has 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 openable and closable.

Inside the casing 400, there is built-in a private part washing function unit that realizes washing of the private parts such as the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200, and the like. Further, for example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 that detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat 200 .

When the seat detection sensor 404 detects the user sitting on the toilet seat 200, the user operates the operation unit 500 (see FIG. 2) such as a remote controller, and the private washing nozzle (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, simply " 473 can be extended into and retracted from bowl 801 of toilet bowl 800 . Note that the sanitary washing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the nozzle 473 has advanced into the bowl 801 .

The nozzle 473 discharges water (washing water) supplied from the water supply source toward the human body's private parts to wash the human body's private parts. At the tip of the nozzle 473, a bidet washing spout 474a and a buttocks washing spout 474b are provided. The nozzle 473 can jet water from a bidet washing spout 474a provided at its tip to wash the private parts of a woman sitting on the toilet seat 200. FIG. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 can jet water from the bottom washing spout 474b provided at its tip to wash the "bottom" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200. FIG. The term “water” may include not only cold water but also heated hot water.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the essential configuration of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 also shows the main configuration of the waterway system and the electrical system.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the sanitary washing device 100 has a power supply circuit 401 , a circuit section 30 and a plurality of functional sections 40 . These are provided inside the casing 400 .

The power supply circuit 401 is connected to an AC power supply (for example, a commercial power supply of AC 100 V (effective value)) via an outlet plug. The power supply circuit 401 converts AC power supplied from an AC power supply into DC power, and supplies the DC power to each section of the circuit section 30 and each functional section 40 . The power supply circuit 401 is, for example, an AC/DC converter.

The circuit section 30 is a circuit that drives and controls a plurality of functional sections 40 . A plurality of drive units 50 (see FIG. 3), a control unit 405, and the like, which will be described later, are collectively represented as a circuit unit 30 for convenience. As will be described later, at least a portion of the drive unit and the like included in the circuit unit 30 may be integrated and provided integrally, or a portion thereof may be provided as a plurality of physically distributed separate circuits. may have been An example of the circuit section 30 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and the like.

The functional section 40 includes, for example, a solenoid valve 431, a heating functional section 485, a sterilized water unit 450, a flow rate adjusting section 471, a nozzle unit 475, an opening/closing mechanism 420, a deodorizing unit 480 (deodorizing functional section), and the like. The heating function part 485 has a heating function, and includes the hot water unit 440 and the toilet seat heating unit 482, for example.

The sanitary washing device 100 has a water guide section 20 . The water guide section 20 has a pipe line 20 a (water supply channel) from the water supply source 10 such as water supply or water storage tank to the nozzle 473 . The water guide section 20 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 473 through the conduit 20a. The pipe line 20a is formed by, for example, parts such as the electromagnetic valve 431, the hot water unit 440, and the flow rate adjusting part 471, and a plurality of pipes connecting these parts.

A solenoid valve 431 is provided downstream of the water supply source 10 . The electromagnetic valve 431 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls water supply based on a command from the circuit section 30 (control section 405 ) provided inside the casing 400 . In other words, the electromagnetic valve 431 opens and closes the pipeline 20a. By opening the electromagnetic valve 431, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows into the pipeline 20a.

The solenoid valve 431 is, for example, a solenoid valve called a solenoid valve. When the solenoid valve 431 is switched from the closed state to the open state (during driving), energization of the solenoid coil moves the plunger to switch the flow path to the open state. When the solenoid coil is de-energized, it switches from the open state to the closed state (when stopped).

A hot water unit 440 (heating section) is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve 431 . The hot water unit 440 has a hot water heater, and heats the water supplied from the water supply source 10 by energizing the hot water heater to raise the temperature, for example, to a specified temperature. That is, the hot water unit 440 generates hot water.

The hot water unit 440 is, for example, an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger using a ceramic heater or the like. An instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can raise the temperature of water to a specified temperature in a short time compared to a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank. Note that the hot water unit 440 is not limited to an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may be a stored hot water heating type heat exchanger. Moreover, the heating unit is not limited to the heat exchanger, and may use other heating methods such as microwave heating.

The hot water unit 440 is connected to the circuit section 30 . The control unit 405 raises the temperature of the water to the temperature set by the operation unit 500 by controlling the hot water unit 440 according to the operation of the operation unit 500 by the user, for example.

A sterile water unit 450 is provided downstream of the hot water unit 440 . The sterilized water unit 450 is, for example, an electrolytic cell unit having electrodes. The sterilized water unit 450 generates a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (sterilized water) from the tap water by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes and electrolyzing the tap water flowing between the electrodes. The sterilized water unit 450 is connected to the circuit section 30 . The sterilized water unit 450 generates sterilized water (functional water) under the control of the control unit 405 .

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

A flow rate adjusting section 471 is provided downstream of the sterilized water unit 450 . The flow rate adjusting unit 471 adjusts the flow rate (water force) of water supplied to the nozzle 473 . The flow rate adjusting section 471 is connected to the circuit section 30 . The operation of the flow rate adjusting section 471 is controlled by the control section 405 . For example, the flow control unit 471 has a control valve and a flow control motor. The flow rate adjusting unit 471 adjusts the flow rate by changing the width of the channel by moving the adjusting valve with the flow rate adjusting motor based on the command from the control unit 405 . A stepping motor, for example, is used as the flow control motor.

A nozzle unit 475 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjusting section 471 . The nozzle unit 475 has a nozzle motor 476 and a nozzle 473 . The nozzle motor 476 is connected to the circuit section 30 . The nozzle 473 receives a driving force from the nozzle motor 476 and advances into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800 or retreats from the bowl 801 . That is, the nozzle motor 476 advances and retreats the nozzle 473 based on commands from the control unit 405 . A stepping motor, for example, is used for the nozzle motor 476 . The nozzle unit 475 may have a nozzle cleaning section (not shown) that cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473 .

The sanitary washing device 100 may be appropriately provided with a pressure regulating valve, a check valve, a vacuum breaker, a pressure modulation section, a flow path switching section, a spray nozzle, and the like, which are not shown. The pressure regulating valve and check valve are provided, for example, between the solenoid valve 431 and the hot water unit 440 . The vacuum breaker and pressure modulating section are provided, for example, between the sterilized water unit 450 and the flow rate adjusting section 471 . The pressure modulating section fluctuates the pressure of water in the pipeline 20a. The channel switching section is provided, for example, between the flow rate adjusting section 471 and the nozzle unit 475 . The channel switching unit opens/closes and switches the supply of water to the nozzle 473 . The flow path switching section may be provided as one unit together with the flow rate adjusting section. For example, the channel switching unit switches between a state in which each water outlet of the nozzle 473 is communicated with the conduit 20a and a state in which it is not communicated with the conduit 20a. A spray nozzle is provided downstream of a flow-path switching part, for example. The spray nozzle turns washing water and functional water into a mist and sprays it onto the bowl 801 .

The sanitary washing device 100 has a first temperature sensor 491 and a second temperature sensor 492 . The first temperature sensor 491 has, for example, a thermistor (hot water thermistor) and detects the temperature of water supplied to the nozzle 473 . Specifically, the first temperature sensor 491 is provided in the hot water unit 440 or on the downstream side of the hot water unit 440, and detects the temperature of the water heated by the hot water unit 440 and supplied to the downstream side. The control unit 405 controls the driving of the hot water unit 440 , for example, the ON/OFF of the heater, based on the measurement result of the first temperature sensor 491 . A measurement result of the temperature sensor is, for example, a current value or a voltage value corresponding to the resistance value of the thermistor.

The second temperature sensor 492 has, for example, a thermistor (limit thermistor). The second temperature sensor 492 is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor 491 , for example, and detects the temperature of water supplied to the nozzle 473 . For example, based on the measurement result of the second temperature sensor 492, if the temperature of the water supplied downstream is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 405 drives the solenoid valve 431 to supply water to the downstream side. Stop. This can further improve the safety of the user.

Based on signals from the human body detection sensor 403, the seating detection sensor 404, the operation unit 500, and the like, the control unit 405 controls the electromagnetic valve 431, the warm water unit 440, the sterilized water unit 450, the flow rate adjustment unit 471, the nozzle motor 476, and the like. control behavior.

As shown in FIG. 1, the human body detection sensor 403 is embedded in a recessed portion 409 formed on the upper surface of the casing 400, and detects a user (human body) at a position away from the toilet seat 200. . In other words, the human body detection sensor 403 detects a user near the sanitary washing device 100 . A transmission window 310 is provided in the rear portion of the toilet lid 300 . Therefore, when the toilet lid 300 is closed, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect the presence of the user through the transmission window 310 . For the human body detection sensor 403, for example, a ranging sensor using infrared rays, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like is used. However, the human body detection sensor 403 is not limited to these, and may be any sensor that can detect a user who is away from the toilet seat 200 .

The seating detection sensor 404 detects a human body above the toilet seat 200 immediately before the user sits on the toilet seat 200 and the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 . As such a seating detection sensor 404, for example, an infrared light emitting/receiving type distance measuring sensor can be used. Note that the seating detection sensor 404 may be, for example, a microwave sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like. Also, the seating detection sensor 404 may be, for example, a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects movement of the toilet seat 200, or may be a capacitance sensor that detects changes in capacitance caused by seating. Alternatively, a piezoelectric sensor or the like that detects changes in pressure caused by seating may be used.

The opening/closing mechanism 420 drives the toilet seat 200 and/or the toilet lid 300 to open and close. The opening/closing mechanism 420 is configured by, for example, a motor, and is connected to the circuit section 30 . The control unit 405 controls the opening/closing mechanism 420 based on signals from the human body detection sensor 403, the seating detection sensor 404, the operation unit 500, etc., and moves the toilet seat 200 and/or the toilet lid 300 between the closed position and the open position. Let

The deodorizing unit 480 has a deodorizing fan, and by operating the deodorizing fan, sucks the air in the bowl 801 and reduces odor components such as fecal odor contained in the sucked air. A side surface of the casing 400 is provided with an exhaust port 407 ( FIG. 1 ) from the deodorizing unit 480 . The deodorizing unit 480 has a deodorizing member that deodorizes using a catalyst using activated carbon, for example. When air comes into contact with the deodorizing member, odorous components such as ammonia contained in the air are adsorbed by the deodorizing member. Thereby, the odor component contained in the air can be reduced. However, the deodorizing unit 480 is not limited to the above, and may have any configuration as long as it can deodorize the sucked air. The deodorizing unit 480 is connected with the circuit section 30 . The control unit 405 controls driving of the deodorizing fan (motor) based on signals from the seating detection sensor 404 and the operation unit 500, for example.

The toilet seat heating unit 482 has a toilet seat heater that warms the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 . A toilet seat heater is, for example, a heating wire that generates heat by applying an electric current. The toilet seat heater is provided, for example, in the internal space of the toilet seat 200, and heats the seating surface from the back side (the inside of the toilet seat 200). The toilet seat heating unit 482 is connected to the circuit section 30 .

The sanitary washing device 100 has a third temperature sensor 493 . The third temperature sensor 493 has, for example, a thermistor (toilet seat thermistor) and detects the temperature of the toilet seat 200 . The control unit 405 controls the driving of the toilet seat heating unit 482 , that is, the ON/OFF of the energization of the toilet seat heater, based on signals from the operation unit 500 and the seating detection sensor 404 and the measurement result of the third temperature sensor 493 .

Further, the casing 400 is provided with various functional units such as a "warm air drying unit" and an "indoor heating unit" that blow warm air toward the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 to dry them. may be At this time, an outlet 408 (FIG. 1) from the indoor heating unit is appropriately provided on the side surface of the casing 400 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of the electrical system configuration of the sanitary washing device 100 including the circuit section 30 and the functional section 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the circuit section 30 includes a plurality of drive sections 50 , a conversion circuit 70 , a processing section 72 , a comparator section 74 and a control section 405 .

The conversion circuit 70 converts the power supplied from the power supply circuit 401 into DC power corresponding to the control unit 405 and the processing unit 72 . The conversion circuit 70 is a so-called step-down DC-DC converter. For example, the conversion circuit 70 steps down the voltage of 24 V input from the power supply circuit 401 to 5 V and outputs the voltage to the control unit 405 and the processing unit 72 . The control unit 405 and the processing unit 72 operate with power from the conversion circuit 70 .

Each of the plurality of drive units 50 is connected to each of the plurality of function units 40 and controls driving of each function unit 40 . Specifically, each drive unit 50 is a drive circuit having a transistor or the like and serving as a switch. For example, the driving section 50 is connected to the functional section 40 and its power supply. The drive unit 50 controls (for example, turns on and off) power supply to the connected functional unit 40 based on a command from the control unit 405 . For example, the drive unit 50 is in a state (on state) in which power is supplied to the function unit 40 to drive the function unit 40, and in a state (off state) in which power supply to the function unit 40 is stopped and the function unit 40 is not driven. and switch. In the ON state, the functional unit 40 and its power supply are energized via, for example, the drive unit 50, and the functional unit 40 operates with power from the power supply. In the OFF state, the drive unit 50 cuts off the energization between, for example, the function unit 40 and the power supply, and the function unit 40 stops operating. The driving unit 50 may include a plurality of switching elements (transistors, etc.) and resistors, and may include a bridge circuit (eg, H bridge circuit).

The plurality of driving units 50 includes, for example, a deodorizing driving unit 51, a disinfecting water driving unit 52, a nozzle driving unit 53, a flow rate adjusting driving unit 54, and an electromagnetic valve driving unit 55.
The deodorizing driving section 51 is connected to the deodorizing unit 480 and controls driving of the deodorizing fan (motor) of the deodorizing unit 480 based on a signal from the control section 405 .
The sterilized water driving section 52 is connected to the sterilized water unit 450 and controls the driving of the sterilized water unit 450 , that is, the energization of the electrodes, based on the signal from the control section 405 .
The nozzle driving section 53 is connected to the nozzle unit 475 and controls the driving of the nozzle motor 476 of the nozzle unit 475 , that is, the movement of the nozzle 473 based on the signal from the control section 405 .
The flow rate adjustment driving section 54 is connected to the flow rate adjustment section 471 and controls driving of the flow rate adjustment motor of the flow rate adjustment section 471 based on the signal from the control section 405 .
The solenoid valve drive section 55 is connected to the solenoid valve 431 and controls the drive of the solenoid valve 431 , that is, the energization of the solenoid coil based on the signal from the control section 405 or the comparator section 74 .

A second temperature sensor 492 (limit thermistor) is connected to the comparator section 74 and the control section 405 . A measurement result of the second temperature sensor 492 is output to the comparator section 74 and the control section 405 . Based on the output from the second temperature sensor 492, the control unit 405 controls the electromagnetic valve driving unit 55 to close the electromagnetic valve 431 when the detected water temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The comparator section 74 has a comparator and compares the output from the second temperature sensor 492 with a predetermined threshold value. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the detected water temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature. When the detected water temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the comparator unit 74 controls the electromagnetic valve driving unit 55 to close the electromagnetic valve 431 and maintain the closed state. Even if one of the comparator unit 74 and the control unit 405 malfunctions, the electromagnetic valve 431 can be closed based on the signal from the other. This can further improve safety.

The control unit 405 is, for example, an arithmetic device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and an integrated circuit such as a microcomputer is used. The processing unit 72 has, for example, a logic circuit. The processing section 72 is connected to the control section 405 , the deodorizing drive section 51 , the sterilizing water drive section 52 , the nozzle drive section 53 and the flow rate adjustment drive section 54 . Communication between the control unit 405 and the drive unit 50 connected to the processing unit 72 is performed via the processing unit 72 .

Synchronous serial communication, for example, is used for communication between the control unit 405 and the processing unit 72 . The control unit 405 transmits clock signals and data signals to the processing unit 72, for example.

The processing unit 72 has registers. The register stores a command for instructing the operation of the drive unit 50 (operation of the functional unit 40) connected to the processing unit 72. FIG. For example, the register stores commands such as turning on/off the deodorizing fan, advancing/retreating the nozzle, and increasing/decreasing the flow rate.

The control unit 405 transmits/receives a signal including command information to/from the processing unit 72 . The processing unit 72 logically operates the signal from the control unit 405 and transmits a signal according to the command to the driving unit 50 according to the command. Thereby, the control unit 405 controls driving of the function unit 40 by controlling the driving unit 50 via the processing unit 72 .

The register also stores commands corresponding to the states of the functional unit 40 and the driving unit 50 (for example, defects such as open, short, overheating, and overcurrent). Thereby, the processing unit 72 can notify the control unit 405 of the malfunction of the function unit 40 or the driving unit 50 .

For example, the current that drives the solenoid valve 431 is greater than the current that drives the deodorizing fan, the current that drives the disinfected water unit 450, the current that drives the nozzle motor, and the current that drives the flow rate adjustment motor.
For example, the power loss (W) in the solenoid valve drive unit 55 when the solenoid valve 431 is driven is the power loss in the deodorizing drive unit 51 when the deodorizing fan is driven, and the power loss in the sterilized water drive unit 52 when the sterilized water unit is driven. , the power loss in the nozzle drive section 53 when the nozzle motor is driven, and the power loss in the flow rate adjustment drive section 54 when the flow rate adjustment motor is driven.
For example, the amount of heat generated (heat loss) in the solenoid valve drive unit 55 when the solenoid valve 431 is driven is the amount of heat generated in the deodorization drive unit 51 when the deodorizing fan is driven, and the heat generation in the sterilization water drive unit 52 when the sterilization water unit is driven. , the amount of heat generated in the nozzle drive unit 53 when the nozzle motor is driven, and the amount of heat generated in the flow rate adjustment drive unit 54 when the flow rate adjustment motor is driven.

As shown in FIG. 3, circuit portion 30 includes integrated circuit 32 . In the embodiment, at least some of the plurality of driving units 50 including the nozzle driving unit 53 are integrated in the integrated circuit 32 . In this example, the conversion circuit 70 , the processing section 72 , the deodorizing drive section 51 , the sterilizing water drive section 52 , the nozzle drive section 53 , the flow rate adjustment drive section 54 and the comparator section 74 are integrated as the integrated circuit 32 . The integrated circuit 32 is an IC in which a plurality of circuits are integrated into one package. For example, the integrated circuit 32 is an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and is one IC chip (semiconductor chip). The circuit area can be reduced by consolidating the plurality of drive units 50 and the like.

On the other hand, the electromagnetic valve driving section 55 is not included in the integrated circuit 32 . For example, the electromagnetic valve driving section 55 is not integrated into an IC containing the other driving section 50 . The electromagnetic valve drive unit 55 is provided separately from the integrated circuit 32 .

As described above, according to the embodiment, part of the plurality of driving units 50 including the nozzle driving unit 53 with relatively small power loss (heat loss) is integrated in the integrated circuit 32, and the power loss (heat loss) is relatively small. By not including the solenoid valve drive unit 55 with a large .DELTA. For example, the integrated circuit 32 may not be provided with a relatively large heat dissipation structure.

Also, in this example, the deodorizing driving unit 51 , the sterilizing water driving unit 52 , and the flow rate adjusting driving unit 54 with relatively small power loss (heat loss) are integrated in the integrated circuit 32 . As a result, the sanitary washing device 100 can be made more compact.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit section 30 includes a plurality of driving sections 50, a conversion circuit 70, a processing section 72, a comparator section 74, and a control section 405, similarly to the description regarding FIG. .

In this example, a heating drive section 56 that controls driving of the heating function section 485 is further provided as the plurality of drive sections 50 . The heating driver 56 includes a toilet seat heater heating driver 561 and a hot water heater heating driver 562 . The toilet seat heater heating drive section 561 and the hot water heater heating drive section 562 may be circuits that are provided separately and operate independently of each other.

The toilet seat heater heating driving section 561 is connected to the toilet seat heating unit 482 and controls the driving of the toilet seat heating unit 482, that is, the energization of the toilet seat heater based on the signal from the control section 405. FIG.
The hot water heater heating driving section 562 is connected to the hot water unit 440 and controls driving of the hot water unit 440, that is, energization of the hot water heater, based on a signal from the control section 405. FIG.

Further, the circuit section 30 is further provided with a temperature information circuit (hot water temperature information circuit section 92, toilet seat temperature information circuit section 93). The hot water temperature information circuit section 92 is a circuit that reads information from the first temperature sensor 491 . The toilet seat temperature information circuit unit 93 is a circuit that reads information from the third temperature sensor 493 . The temperature information circuit receives an output signal containing temperature information detected by the temperature sensor, converts it as appropriate, and outputs a signal containing the temperature information to the control unit 405 . For example, the temperature information circuit section may convert an analog signal output from the thermistor into a digital signal. The temperature information circuit section may convert the output signal from the thermistor into a signal indicating the temperature based on a prestored conversion table.

The circuit section 30 is further provided with a failure detection section 80 . The failure detection unit 80 detects failures of at least some of the functional units 40 . The failure detection section 80 may include a plurality of failure detection circuits. In this example, a toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 and a hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 are provided as failure detection circuits. Each failure detection circuit is connected to one of the drive units 50 .

The toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 is connected to, for example, the toilet seat heater heating drive unit 561 and detects failure of the toilet seat heating unit 482 . The hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 is connected to, for example, the hot water heater heating driving section 562 and detects failure of the hot water unit 440 .

When a failure occurs in the functional unit 40 to which the drive unit 50 is connected, the current flowing through the drive unit 50 changes. For example, when a short circuit occurs in the functional unit 40 , overcurrent may flow through the functional unit 40 and the driving unit 50 . Each failure detection circuit can detect a failure of the functional unit 40 to which the drive unit 50 is connected, for example, by detecting the current of the drive unit 50 connected thereto. Further, the failure detection circuit may detect a failure by detecting voltage (potential) or temperature in the drive section 50 or the function section 40 . Failures detected by the failure detection circuit are not limited to short-circuit failures, and may be open failures or other failures.

Any configuration capable of detecting the current of the drive unit 50 may be applied to detect the current flowing through the drive unit 50 . For example, a detection element such as a transistor or a resistor connected to the drive unit 50 is provided to detect the current. The current flowing through the detection element and the voltage at the detection element change according to the current flowing through the drive unit 50 . By detecting the current or voltage (potential of the element), the current of the driving section 50 can be detected. A configuration of a known current detection circuit may be appropriately applied to the failure detection circuit. The configuration of the failure detection circuit is not limited to the above, and may be any configuration that can detect a failure of the functional unit 40 .

The toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 may detect an abnormality (overcurrent and/or overheating) of the toilet seat heater heating drive section 561 . The hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 may detect an abnormality (overcurrent and/or overheating) of the hot water heater heating drive section 562 .

A comparator that compares the magnitude with a reference value may be used to detect failures (overcurrent, overheating, etc.). A failure can be detected by using a comparator to compare the magnitude of the voltage at the detection element and a preset reference voltage. For example, the fault detection circuit determines that a fault has occurred when the voltage at the sensing element exceeds a reference voltage. Note that this reference voltage may be appropriately determined for each functional unit 40 (for each driving unit 50) so that failure can be detected. Moreover, the criteria for determining whether or not there is an overcurrent (or overheating) may be appropriately determined in consideration of whether or not the functional unit 40 can operate stably and safely.

The control unit 405 can execute control to close the electromagnetic valve 431 by controlling the electromagnetic valve driving unit 55 when the failure detection unit 80 detects a failure. For example, when a failure of the hot water unit 440 is detected, the controller 405 closes the solenoid valve 431 . That is, when the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 detects a failure, the controller 405 receives a signal indicating that a failure has occurred from the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 . Then, the control unit 405 controls the electromagnetic valve drive unit 55 to drive the electromagnetic valve 431 and close it. As a result, for example, high-temperature water can be prevented from being discharged from the nozzle 473, and user safety can be further improved.

The controller 405 may close the solenoid valve 431 when a failure of the toilet seat heating unit 482 is detected. That is, when the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 detects a failure, the controller 405 receives a signal from the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 indicating that a failure has occurred. Then, the control unit 405 may control the electromagnetic valve driving unit 55 to close the electromagnetic valve 431 .

Further, the control unit 405 can execute control to stop the driving of the heating function unit 485 by controlling the heating driving unit 56 when the failure detection unit 80 detects a failure of the heating function unit 485 .
For example, when the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 detects a failure of the toilet seat heating unit 482, the controller 405 receives a signal from the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81 indicating that a failure has occurred. Then, the control unit 405 controls the toilet seat heater heating driving unit 561 to stop driving the toilet seat heating unit 482, that is, stops energizing the toilet seat heater.
For example, when the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 detects a failure of the hot water unit 440, the controller 405 receives a signal from the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82 indicating that a failure has occurred. Then, the control section 405 controls the hot water heater heating driving section 562 to stop driving the hot water unit 440, that is, stop energizing the hot water heater.

As shown in FIG. 4, the heating driver 56 (toilet seat heater heating driver 561, hot water heater heating driver 562), toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81, hot water heater failure detection circuit 82, hot water temperature information circuit 92, and The toilet seat temperature information circuit section 93 is not included in the integrated circuit 32 . For example, the heating drive section 56, the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81, the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82, the hot water temperature information circuit section 92, and the toilet seat temperature information circuit section 93 are not integrated into an IC and are separate from the integrated circuit 32. is established as The heating driver 56, the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81, the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82, the hot water temperature information circuit 92, and the toilet seat temperature information circuit 93 may be separately provided separately.

Each of the electromagnetic valve drive unit 55, the heating drive unit 56, the toilet seat heater failure detection circuit 81, the hot water heater failure detection circuit 82, the hot water temperature information circuit unit 92, and the toilet seat temperature information circuit unit 93 performs calculations like the processing unit 72. It is possible to communicate with the control unit 405 without going through the device. Thereby, the communication speed (response speed) can be improved.

Although not shown, the deodorizing drive section 51, the sterilizing water drive section 52, the nozzle drive section 53, and the flow rate adjustment drive section 54 may each be provided with a similar failure detection circuit. When each of these failure detection circuits detects a failure, it transmits a signal indicating that a failure has occurred to the control unit 405 via the processing unit 72 . When receiving the signal, the control unit 405 controls the electromagnetic valve driving unit 55 to close the electromagnetic valve 431, or controls the heating driving unit 56 to stop driving the heating function unit 485. good.

Further, when at least one of the failure detection circuits of the failure detection section 80 detects a failure, any one of the function sections 40 other than the solenoid valve 431 and the heating function section 485 may be stopped or driven. For example, nozzle motor 476 may be driven to retract nozzle 473 if a malfunction is detected. Further, when a failure is detected, not only one but also a plurality of functional units 40 may be stopped or driven.

When the driving section 50 is integrated in an integrated circuit, the responsiveness (response speed) of the driving section 50 may become lower than when the driving section 50 is not integrated. When an attempt is made to stop or start driving the functional unit 40 when a failure of a component is detected, a time lag occurs if the responsiveness of the driving unit 50 that controls the driving of the functional unit 40 is degraded. It takes time to stop or drive the unit 40 . More specifically, if the responsiveness of the heating drive unit 56 is degraded when a failure is detected in either the drive unit 50 or the function unit 40, it will take time to stop driving the heating function unit 485. It takes. Alternatively, when it is attempted to close the electromagnetic valve 431 when a failure of any of the drive units 50 or the function unit 40 is detected, if the responsiveness of the electromagnetic valve drive unit 55 is degraded, the electromagnetic valve 431 takes time to close.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment, since the heating driver 56 is not included in the integrated circuit 32, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the responsiveness of the heating driver 56. FIG. Therefore, for example, when a failure is detected, driving of the heating function unit 485 can be quickly stopped. Therefore, user safety can be further improved.

In addition, since the electromagnetic valve drive unit 55 is not included in the integrated circuit 32, a decrease in responsiveness of the electromagnetic valve drive unit 55 can be suppressed. Therefore, for example, when a failure is detected, the solenoid valve 431 can be immediately closed, thereby further improving safety for the user.

Further, even if the responsiveness of the flow rate adjustment drive unit 54 is reduced by integrating the flow rate adjustment drive unit 54 in the integrated circuit 32, since the electromagnetic valve drive unit 55 is not included in the integrated circuit 32, for example, When a failure is detected, the solenoid valve 431 can be immediately closed. Therefore, user safety can be improved.

In addition, since the temperature information circuit (warm water temperature information circuit section 92, toilet seat temperature information circuit section 93) is not included in the integrated circuit 32, the temperature information circuit is less efficient than when the temperature information circuit is included in the integrated circuit 32. A decrease in responsiveness can be suppressed. As a result, the controller 405 can quickly detect that the temperature of the water supplied to the nozzle 473 has increased due to, for example, a malfunction of the heating function unit 485 . For example, it is possible to prevent the user from being splashed with hot water (hot water), thereby further improving the safety of the user.

For example, the heating of the toilet seat heater is triggered by the user sitting on the toilet seat. In addition, the frequency with which the user sits on the toilet seat is higher than the frequency with which the user uses the local cleansing function. Therefore, for example, when the toilet seat heater is out of order, the user is likely to be affected. On the other hand, according to the embodiment, since the toilet seat heater heating drive section 561 is not included in the integrated circuit 32, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the responsiveness of the toilet seat heater heating drive section 561. FIG. As a result, the toilet seat heater heating drive unit 561 can be quickly stopped when, for example, a failure of the toilet seat heater is detected. Therefore, user safety can be further improved. For example, it is possible to prevent the toilet seat from becoming hot.

Further, the failure detection unit 80 can detect a failure for each functional unit 40 by a failure detection circuit provided for each functional unit 40 (each driving unit 50). In the embodiment, a failure detection section 80 that detects failure of the heating function section 485 is provided. This makes it possible to stop only driving the heating function unit 485 when the heating function unit 485 fails. Therefore, the functional unit 40 that does not affect the safety of the user can be used continuously, and it is possible to prevent inconvenience to the user while ensuring the safety of the user.

For example, by providing a protection function circuit connected to a plurality of drive circuits in a power IC or the like, setting a threshold value for the circuit, and stopping the entire function of the sanitary washing device when overcurrent or overheating is detected. It is also possible to think of a method to However, in this case, the set threshold may be too high or too low for the individual drive unit 50 or function unit 40 . By setting the threshold low, safety can be improved. On the other hand, if the threshold is too low, even functions that are not actually abnormal will be stopped, which may make usability worse. In contrast, in the embodiment, as described above, a threshold value can be set for each drive unit 50 (each function unit 40) in detecting overcurrent or overheating. This makes it possible to improve usability while further improving safety.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element provided in the sanitary washing device are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10 water supply source 20 water conduit 20a pipeline 30 circuit 32 integrated circuit 40 functional unit 50 driving unit 51 deodorizing driving unit 52 sterilizing water driving unit 53 nozzle driving unit 54 flow rate adjusting driving unit , 55 electromagnetic valve drive unit, 56 heating drive unit, 70 conversion circuit, 72 processing unit, 74 comparator unit, 80 failure detection unit, 81 toilet seat heater failure detection circuit, 82 hot water heater failure detection circuit, 92 hot water temperature information circuit unit, 93 toilet seat temperature information circuit unit 100 sanitary washing device 200 toilet seat 300 toilet lid 310 transmission window 400 casing 401 power supply circuit 403 human body detection sensor 404 seating detection sensor 405 control unit 407 exhaust port 408 exhaust Exit 409 Recessed portion 420 Opening/closing mechanism 431 Solenoid valve 440 Warm water unit 450 Sterilized water unit 471 Flow rate adjusting unit 473 Nozzle 474a Bidet washing spout 474b Buttocks washing spout 475 Nozzle unit 476 Nozzle motor 480 Deodorizing unit 482 Toilet seat heating unit 485 Heating function part 491 to 493 First to third temperature sensors 561 Toilet seat heater heating drive part 562 Hot water heater heating drive part 800 Toilet bowl 801 Bowl

Claims (4)

a plurality of functional units including a nozzle for discharging water toward a user's private part and an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing a water supply channel for guiding water to the nozzle;
a plurality of driving units for controlling driving of the plurality of functional units, including a nozzle driving unit for controlling the advance and retreat of the nozzle; and a solenoid valve driving unit for controlling opening and closing of the solenoid valve;
with
at least some of the plurality of driving units including the nozzle driving unit are integrated in an integrated circuit;
the solenoid valve driving unit is not included in the integrated circuit,
The plurality of functional units include a flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle,
The plurality of drive units include a flow rate adjustment drive section that controls driving of the flow rate adjustment section,
The sanitary washing device , wherein the flow rate adjustment driving unit is integrated in the integrated circuit . a plurality of functional units including a nozzle for discharging water toward a user's private part and an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing a water supply channel for guiding water to the nozzle;
a plurality of driving units for controlling driving of the plurality of functional units, including a nozzle driving unit for controlling the advance and retreat of the nozzle; and a solenoid valve driving unit for controlling opening and closing of the solenoid valve;
with
at least some of the plurality of driving units including the nozzle driving unit are integrated in an integrated circuit;
the solenoid valve driving unit is not included in the integrated circuit,
The plurality of functional units include a deodorizing functional unit,
The plurality of driving units include a deodorizing driving unit that controls driving of the deodorizing function unit,
The sanitary washing device, wherein the deodorizing drive unit is integrated in the integrated circuit. further comprising a failure detection unit that detects a failure of at least part of the plurality of functional units;
3. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the failure detection section detects a failure, the electromagnetic valve driving section executes control to close the electromagnetic valve. The plurality of functional units include a deodorizing functional unit,
The plurality of driving units include a deodorizing driving unit that controls driving of the deodorizing function unit,
4. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, wherein the deodorizing drive unit is integrated in the integrated circuit.

Images