JP7371288B1 - Toilet seat devices and toilet seat units - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a toilet seat device equipped with a micro-bubble generating means that can be easily used. [Solution] The toilet seat device of the present invention is provided with a water spouting part 66 for discharging water toward a user's private parts. It includes a nozzle assembly 59, a spout part 57 for discharging water into the interior of the toilet bowl 1, and a UFB nozzle 77 for generating fine bubbles in passing water, and the nozzle assembly 59 and the spout part 57 contain fine bubbles. The structure is such that water is supplied. Therefore, the toilet seat device equipped with the micro-bubble-generating means can be easily used without requiring special piping work to attach the micro-bubble-generating means to the wash water supply piping as in the past. [Selection diagram] Figure 14

Description

The present invention relates to a toilet seat device and a toilet seat unit that include microbubble generating means.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a flush toilet facility, a technique is known in which microbubbles are generated in the water supplied into the toilet bowl to improve the cleaning ability in the toilet bowl. For example, in Patent Document 1, a supply pipe that supplies water to a toilet bowl is branched, a fine bubble generating means is attached to generate fine bubbles in the water, and water from the fine bubble generating means is used as flush water for the toilet bowl. A microbubbled water supply system is disclosed.

JP 2021-179083 Publication

The microbubble-containing water supply system of Patent Document 1 is attached to a wash water supply pipe using a water absorption joint and a discharge joint, and cannot be easily used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a toilet seat device and a toilet seat unit that are equipped with an easy-to-use microbubble generating means.

The toilet seat device of the present invention includes a nozzle provided with a water spout for discharging water to a private area, a water spout for discharging water into the interior of the toilet bowl, and a microbubble generating means for generating microbubbles in water passing through. The water containing the microbubbles is supplied to the nozzle and the water outlet, and a flow path is formed for supplying the water from the water supply port to the toilet seat device to the nozzle and the water outlet, The fine bubble generating means includes a branching part that branches the flow path into a first flow path that supplies the water to the water outlet and a second flow path that supplies the water to the nozzle. It is provided upstream of the branching part in the flow path, and the branching part is configured with a valve device, and is capable of selectively supplying the water to the first flow path or the second flow path. The second flow path is further characterized in that a heating means for heating water is provided in the second flow path .

According to the present invention, the microbubble generating means can be easily used. Further, according to the present invention, water can be selectively supplied to the first channel or the second channel.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a toilet seat unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the toilet seat device seen from the bottom surface side. It is a perspective view explaining the operation|work of attaching a main body to a toilet seat same as the above. It is an enlarged top view of the main body in a state where the upper part of the casing is removed. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly same as above. It is a bottom view of the upper part of a nozzle holder same as the above. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the micro bubble generation means same as the above. It is a perspective view of the UFB nozzle same as the above. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the UFB nozzle same as the above. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the outlet part of the UFB nozzle same as the above. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the exit part of the modification of the UFB nozzle same as the above. FIG. 6 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the outlet portion showing the vicinity of the protrusion portion, same as above. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a toilet seat apparatus same as the above. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit, same as above. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram comparing the results of cleaning with the mist ejected from the ejection part in a toilet seat device having a configuration including a microbubble generation means and a toilet seat device having a configuration not including a microbubble generation device. An explanatory diagram comparing the results of cleaning the nozzle body with water jetted from the nozzle cleaning port in a toilet seat device having a configuration including a microbubble generation means and a toilet seat device having a configuration without a microbubble generation device. It is. It is a perspective view of the water guide unit of the toilet seat unit which shows the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a partial cross-sectional enlarged schematic diagram of the water conveyance unit same as the above. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit showing the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the main body lower surface part and main body water supply port same as the above. It is a partial cross-sectional enlarged schematic diagram of a main body water supply port and a water guide unit same as the above. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit showing the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit showing the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit showing the sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a water flow path diagram showing the path through which water flows in the toilet seat unit showing the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the toilet seat device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 to 16 show a first embodiment of a toilet seat device 10 of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a toilet seat unit 100 installed around a toilet bowl 1 in a toilet room S as a flush toilet facility. Moreover, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main body 11, the toilet seat 12, and the toilet seat cover 13 of the toilet seat device 10, viewed from below (bottom side). The toilet bowl 1 has a concave bowl portion 2 with an open upper surface for receiving excrement, and the bowl portion 2 forms the inner surface of the toilet bowl 1. Note that the bowl portion 2 is the toilet bowl of the toilet bowl 1. The toilet seat 12 has a substantially O-shape in plan view, and the toilet seat lid 13 covers the toilet seat 12, has a central opening 12A of the toilet seat 12, and is configured to cover the toilet seat 12 so as to be openable and closable. The main body 11 of the toilet seat device 10 is removably fixed to the upper surface of a toilet rear portion 3 (see FIG. 3) located at the rear of the toilet bowl 1.

The main body 11 includes a hollow casing 15 serving as a main body part, and this casing 15 includes a main body lower surface part 16 that is attached and fixed to the upper surface of the toilet rear part 3 of the toilet bowl 1, and a lower surface that covers the upper surface of this main body lower surface part 16. The upper part 17 of the casing has an opening, and an outer shell member made of synthetic resin is constructed. A toilet seat 12 and a toilet seat lid 13, both made of synthetic resin, are rotatably attached to the casing 15, and as shown in FIG. Then, the user can sit with his buttocks resting on the toilet seat 12.

On the bottom surface of the toilet seat 12, a plurality of convex toilet seat legs 18 are arranged at intervals, which directly contact the top surface of the toilet bowl 1 when the toilet seat 12 is tilted toward the toilet bowl 1 side in the use position. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, they are arranged at four locations on the left and right front sides and left and right rear sides, but this is just an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. One of the toilet seat legs 18 has a built-in mechanical seat switch 19 that serves as a seating detection means, and when the toilet seat leg 18 comes into contact with the toilet bowl 1 and is pushed in, the seat switch 19 is turned ON. , it is possible to detect that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the seat switch 19 is provided on one of the left and right toilet seat legs 18 on the front side of the center, but this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a main body operation section made of synthetic resin and provided on the side of the casing 15. The main body operation section 21 is provided with various operation buttons including, for example, a cleaning button such as a butt button and a bidet button, and a stop button, and user operations are inputted through these operation buttons. In addition, the main body operation section 21 is provided with indicator lamps such as a power lamp, a deodorizing lamp, a power saving lamp, a toilet seat lamp, etc., and the operating status of each part of the toilet seat device 10 is notified to the user by the display form of these indicator lamps. It is configured to do this.

A so-called movable cleaning nozzle 25 is provided at the front lower part of the casing 15 . The cleaning nozzle 25, which corresponds to a nozzle device, has a cylindrical shape that extends linearly along the front-back direction of the main body 11, and is arranged so as to be able to reciprocate along the front-back direction of the main body 11. One or more water spouting parts 66 (see FIG. 5) that spout water as a cleaning liquid are provided on the circumferential surface of the tip of the cleaning nozzle 25, and the cleaning nozzle 25 is advanced to a position protruding from below the toilet seat 12. The toilet seat 12 is configured so that water is ejected toward the private parts of the user sitting on the toilet seat 12 without any waste. In addition, a lower part 16 of the main body 16 that forms the bottom of the casing 15 is provided below the main body 11 in order to protect the washing nozzle 25 housed in the casing 15 when the washing nozzle 25 is retreated to the position below the toilet seat 12. A nozzle guard 26 is integrally formed with a convex shape toward. The cleaning nozzle 25 is preferably made of stainless steel in order to maintain cleanliness, but may be made of other materials. In the present embodiment, the water spouting parts 66 include a butt washing spout 66a that spouts water to a first private part of the user, and a bidet cleaning spout 66b that spouts water to a second private part different from the first private part of the user. The butt washing spout 66a and the bidet washing spout 66b are provided in the same washing nozzle 25. Note that the configuration of the cleaning nozzle 25 is merely an example, and a configuration may be adopted in which the butt cleaning water spout 66a and the bidet cleaning water spout 66b are provided in a dedicated cleaning nozzle 25, respectively, and the plurality of cleaning nozzles 25 are movable.

The water stop valve WV pre-installed in the toilet room S as a water supply route has a storage tank (for storing water for supplying water to the toilet seat 12 side and to the toilet bowl for flushing) for supplying the water flowing from the water stop valve WV to the toilet seat 12 side and the water stop valve WV installed in advance in the toilet room S as a water supply route. A branching metal fitting 33 is attached to branch into the (not shown) side. This branch fitting 33 is configured with a three-way joint, and each joint is connected to a water stop valve WV, a tank water supply hose R for supplying water to the storage tank, and the water supply hose 32, respectively. Further, a main body water supply port 31 is provided on the rear side of the casing 15, and by connecting a water supply hose 32 to this main body water supply port 31, the water stop valve WV and the main body water supply port 31 are communicated with each other, and the water stop valve WV and the main body water supply port 31 are connected to each other. Water from the faucet WV is guided from the main body water supply port 31 to the toilet seat 12 via a branch fitting 33 and a water supply hose 32. Therefore, in this embodiment, the toilet seat unit 100 is composed of the toilet seat device 10, the water supply hose 32, and the branch fitting 33. Note that the toilet seat unit 100 may have a configuration in which the toilet seat device 10 and the branch fitting 33 are directly connected.

As shown in FIG. 2, a mounting recess 41 is provided in the lower surface portion 16 of the main body so as to be recessed upward. The left and right edges 41L and 41R are formed from the left and right ends of this front edge 41A toward the rear, and there is a space between the rear ends of these left and right edges 41L and 41R. It has a rear opening 42 . As shown in FIG. 3, a fixing plate 43 for fixing the main body 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the toilet rear part 3, and the rear opening 42 of the mounting recess 41 is aligned with the fixing plate 43, and the main body 11 is slid backward. By inserting the fixing plate 43 into the mounting recess 41, the main body 11 is fixed to the toilet rear part 3. Conversely, by sliding the main body 11 forward and removing the fixing plate 43 from the mounting recess 41, the main body 11 is fixed to the toilet rear part 3. The main body 11 can be removed from 3. In this way, the rear part 3 of the toilet bowl is an attachment part of the toilet bowl 1 to which the main body 11 is attached.

A deodorizing device 51 is built into the casing 15 in order to reduce and remove odor within the toilet bowl 1. For this purpose, an intake port 52 is provided on the front lower surface of the casing 15 facing the top surface of the toilet bowl 1, and a deodorizing passage (not shown) is provided between the intake port 52 and the exhaust port 53 provided at the rear of the casing upper part 17. Deodorizing fans and deodorizing units are installed in the middle of the walkways.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged top view of the main body 11 with the casing upper part 17 removed. Referring to FIG. 4, the structure of the flow path 51 through which water flows from the main body water supply port 31 will be described. It is mainly formed by a bubble generating means 54, a switching valve 55, a branching section 56, a jetting section 57, a heating unit 58, a nozzle assembly 59, and an air pump 60. Further, as described later, the flow path 51 has a first flow path 51-1 and a second flow path 51-2, and the second flow path 51-2 has a third flow path 51-3. and a fourth flow path 51-4. Specifically, the flow path 51 branches into a first flow path 51-1 and a second flow path 51-2 at a branching portion 56, and the second flow path 51-2 is connected to a solenoid valve of a nozzle assembly 59. At 95, it is formed so as to branch into a third flow path 51-3 and a fourth flow path 51-4.

The water stop mechanism 52 starts/stops the flow of water from the main body water supply port 31 into the channel 51, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a solenoid valve and can be turned on/off by an electric signal. . The pressure reducing mechanism 53 lowers and stabilizes the pressure of the water passing therethrough to a predetermined pressure, such as 0.1 to 0.15 MPa. It is set in. In this embodiment, the main body water supply port 31, the water stop mechanism 52, and the pressure reducing mechanism 53 are integrally formed to form a unitized water guiding unit 110, and the water guiding unit 110 is composed of the above-mentioned solenoid valve. . Therefore, the water cutoff mechanism 52 and the pressure reduction mechanism 53 can be made smaller, and the main body water supply port 31, the water cutoff mechanism 52, and the pressure reduction mechanism 53 can be easily attached to the main body 11 and replaced. Therefore, the water guiding unit 110 also has a function as a valve device. Note that this is just an example, and the water guiding unit 110 may be configured with a motor-driven valve, for example, or may be configured with an electric valve whose power source is electricity, such as a solenoid valve or a motor-driven valve. good. Further, the main body water supply port 31, the water cutoff mechanism 52, and the pressure reduction mechanism 53 may be formed separately, and the water guide unit 110 may be formed by only one of the water cutoff mechanism 52 and the pressure reduction mechanism 53. good.

The switching valve 55 suppresses the water pressure of the water flowing through the channel 51 to a predetermined value or less, and has an inlet portion 55A into which water flows, a sending portion 55B which sends out water, an overflow drainage portion 55C, and a main body. It has a drain pipe 55D connected to a drain hole 16A provided in the lower surface portion 16. Here, to explain the case where water flows into the switching valve 55 from the inflow part 55A, if the pressure of the water flowing in is below a predetermined value, an overflow drain valve (not shown) built in the switching valve 55 is activated. The water that has flowed in without being opened is directly sent out from the delivery section 55B. On the other hand, if the pressure of the inflowing water exceeds a predetermined value, the overflow drain valve is opened and a portion of the water or gas that has flowed into the switching valve 55 is sent from the overflow drain section 55C to the drain pipe 55D. and is discharged into the bowl portion 2 of the toilet bowl 1 from the drain hole 16A. Thereafter, when the water pressure becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the overflow drain valve is closed, and the water that has flowed in from the inflow section 55A is configured to be sent out as it is from the delivery section 55B again. Note that the switching valve 55 may be configured so that the overflow drain valve is opened not only when the pressure of water flowing into the switching valve 55 but also when the flow rate of water exceeds a predetermined value.

The branching portion 56 branches the flow path 51 into a first flow path 51-1 leading to the jetting portion 57 and a second flow path 51-2 leading to the nozzle assembly 59. The water is selectively sent to the first channel 51-1 or the second channel 51-2. In this embodiment, the branch part 56 is composed of an electromagnetic valve, and includes an inlet part 56A into which water flows, a first delivery part 56B which sends water to the first channel 51-1, and a second delivery part 56B which sends water to the first channel 51-1. It has a second delivery section 56C that sends out the water to the flow path 51-2, and a branch main body 56D. The branch main body 56D is configured to be able to selectively open/close the first delivery part 56B or the second delivery part 56C by an electric signal, so that the flow of water flowing from the inflow part 56A into the branch main body 56D Water is configured to be delivered to the first channel 51-1 or the second channel 51-2 through the open first delivery section 56B or second delivery section 56C. Therefore, the branch portion 56 has the function of a valve device. Note that the branch section 56 may be configured with an electric valve, and the first delivery section 56B and the second delivery section 56C may be configured so that only one of them is opened/closed, or both are opened at the same time. / May be configured to be closed.

The spout section 57 discharges the water flowing from the first channel 51-1 into the bowl section 2 of the toilet bowl 1, and causes the water to adhere to the inner wall, which is the inner surface of the bowl section 2, to remove dirt when cleaning the toilet bowl. It also functions as a water outlet. The spouting part 57 of this embodiment has an atomization function of turning the inflowing water into a mist M and spouting it, and by atomizing the water, the spouting part 57 spreads over a wide range of the inner wall of the bowl part 2. The mist M can be attached. In this embodiment, the spouting section 57 is of a fixed type, but the spouting section 57 may be of a swinging type so that water can be sprayed over a wider range.

The heating unit 58 heats the water sent to the nozzle assembly 59 to raise the water temperature. In this embodiment, the heating unit 58 has a heater 58a (see FIG. 13), and while the water passes through the heating unit 58, the heater 58a heats the water to instantaneously raise the water temperature. It is composed of

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly 59 of this embodiment. The configuration of the nozzle assembly 59 will be described with reference to the figure. The nozzle assembly 59 includes a nozzle main body 62, a water supply cylinder 63, a nozzle motor 64, a water supply cylinder motor 65, a nozzle holder 67, and the like. The nozzle main body 62 constitutes the main body of the nozzle assembly 59, and is formed into a linearly extending cylindrical shape. A water supply cylinder housing portion 62a that extends linearly along the axial direction of the nozzle body 62 is provided at the center of the nozzle body 62 in the radial direction. Further, the nozzle main body 62 is configured to be slanted at an angle with respect to the horizontal such that the base end of the nozzle main body 62 is on top and the distal end is on the bottom. It moves back and forth along the front-rear direction at an angle, with the base end facing up and the distal end facing down.

The distal end surface of the nozzle body 62 is closed. Further, a water spouting portion 66 is provided on the circumferential surface of the tip of the nozzle body portion 62, in this case, on the upper surface facing the buttocks of the user placed on the toilet seat 12. In this embodiment, two water spouts 66 are provided, a butt washing water spout 66a and a bidet cleaning water spout 66b, but the water spout 66 may be provided with more than two spouts. Only one may be provided. The butt washing spout 66a and the bidet washing spout 66b each communicate with the tip of the water supply cylinder storage section 62a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply cylinder 63 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than that of the water supply cylinder housing part 62a, and can reciprocate back and forth along the axial direction within the water supply cylinder housing part 62a. Stored. Further, water is configured to flow inside a cylindrical water supply cylinder 63, and the water supply cylinder 63 forms a part of a third flow path 51-3, which will be described later. The distal end surface of the water supply cylinder 63 is closed. Further, one water supply port 72 is provided on the circumferential surface of the tip of the water supply cylinder 63, in this case, on the upper surface facing the buttocks of the user placed on the toilet seat 15.

The nozzle motor 64 is an example of a nozzle moving means, and rotates the wheel 64a in the arrow a1 direction and the arrow a2 direction to move the nozzle main body 62 along the axial direction of the nozzle assembly 59, that is, the front-rear direction of the toilet seat device 10. and move it back and forth. As a result, the entire nozzle assembly 59 reciprocates in the arrow A1 direction and the arrow A2 direction along the front-rear direction of the toilet seat device 10.

The water supply cylinder motor 65 rotates the wheel 65a in the arrow b1 direction and the arrow b2 direction to move the water supply cylinder 63 inside the nozzle body 62 in the axial direction of the nozzle assembly 59, that is, in the front-rear direction of the toilet seat device 10. and move it back and forth. As a result, the water supply cylinder 63 reciprocates in the direction of the arrow B1 and the direction of the arrow B2 along the front-rear direction of the toilet seat device 10 inside the nozzle main body 62.

As shown in FIG. 5, a movement restricting portion 68 having a larger diameter than the water supply cylinder housing portion 62a is provided inside the base end portion of the nozzle body portion 62, that is, on the opposite side from the tip portion. . A distal end touch sensor 69 is provided on the distal end side of the movement regulating section 68, and a proximal touch sensor 70 is provided on the proximal end side of the movement regulating section 68. On the other hand, an annular movement regulating component 71 is fixed to the base end of the water supply cylinder 63. The movement restriction component 71 is movably housed within the movement restriction section 68 . In this embodiment, the length L1 in the axial direction of the nozzle assembly 59 in the movement regulating portion 68 is formed to be approximately the same as the length L2 between the centers of the butt cleaning water spout 66a and the bidet cleaning water spout 66b, As shown in FIG. 5, when the water supply cylinder 63 is at the rearmost position, the water supply port 72 of the water supply cylinder 63 is located at the location of the butt washing spout 66a, and when the water supply cylinder 63 is at the frontmost position. At times, the water supply port 72 of the water supply cylinder 63 is configured to be located at the bidet cleaning water spout 66b.

The nozzle holder 67 holds the nozzle main body 62 so as to be movable in the front-back direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle holder 67 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the outer circumference of the nozzle body 62, and the nozzle body 62 slides along the inner wall 67a of the nozzle holder 67. Constructed for reciprocal movement. A nozzle cleaning port 67b is provided on the inner wall 67a, and is configured to be able to spray water onto the outer surface of the nozzle body 62. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the nozzle cleaning port 67b is positioned facing the butt cleaning spout 66a and the bidet cleaning spout 66b, and in the embodiment of FIG. Nozzle cleaning ports 67b are provided at positions on the inner wall 67a facing the cleaning spout 66b, and the length L3 between the nozzle cleaning ports 67b is the length between the centers of the butt cleaning spout 66a and the bidet cleaning spout 66b. It is formed substantially the same as length L2. Therefore, the configuration is such that the water from the two nozzle cleaning ports 67b can efficiently remove dirt adhering to the periphery of the butt cleaning water spout 66a and the bidet cleaning water spout 66b. Similarly to the nozzle body 62, the nozzle holder 67 is also configured to be angled with respect to the horizontal such that the base end of the nozzle body 62 is upward and the distal end thereof is downward. The water ejected from the nozzle cleaning port 67b flows along the inner wall 67a and the outer surface of the nozzle body 62 toward the tip of the nozzle body 62, and flows down into the bowl 2 of the toilet bowl 1. There is. Note that this configuration is an example, and the number and arrangement of the nozzle cleaning ports 67b are not limited to this configuration.

In the nozzle assembly 59, a third flow path 51-3 communicates from the water supply port 72 to the water spouting portion 66 through the inside of the water supply cylinder 63, and a fourth flow path 51 communicates with the nozzle cleaning port 67b through the inside of the nozzle holder 67. -4 is formed, and a solenoid valve 95 (see FIG. 13) branches the second flow path 51-2 into a third flow path 51-3 and a fourth flow path 51-4. There is. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve 95 is configured to selectively send water flowing into the electromagnetic valve 95 to the third flow path 51-3 or the fourth flow path 51-4 in response to an electric signal. Therefore, the electromagnetic valve 95 has a function as a valve device. Note that the solenoid valve 95 may be configured as an electric valve.

The air pump 60 injects gas into the water supply cylinder 63 to make the water flowing inside the water supply cylinder 63 contain air bubbles. When gas is injected and the water contains air bubbles, the pressure inside the water supply cylinder 63 increases. As a result, the pressure of the water flowing through the third flow path 51-3 increases, and the force of the water discharged from the butt washing spout 66a and the bidet washing spout 66b can be increased. The discharge port of the air pump 60 and the inside of the water supply cylinder 63 communicate with each other via a pipe (not shown), and this pipe is configured to be connected approximately at right angles to the extending direction of the water supply cylinder 63. Ru. Therefore, when the air pump 60 is operating, gas from the air pump 60 is injected from a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of water in the water supply cylinder 63, and the gas is efficiently injected into the water. Can contain air bubbles. Therefore, the air pump 60 has a function as a bubble-containing means for causing the water containing microbubbles flowing in the water supply cylinder 63 to further contain bubbles.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the microbubble generating means 54 of this embodiment. To explain with reference to the figure, the micro bubble generating means 54 includes a UFB (Ultrafine-Bubble) upper case 75 as a downstream joint, a UFB lower case 76 as an upstream joint, and a UFB nozzle 77. The UFB upper case 75, the UFB lower case 76, and the UFB nozzle 77 each have a part of a flow path 51 through which water flows. As shown in FIG. 6, the micro-bubble generating means 54 of this embodiment is coaxially arranged in the order of UFB lower case 76, UFB nozzle 77, and UFB upper case 75 from upstream of flow path 51, and each component They make perfect contact with each other to prevent water from leaking between the parts. Note that the micro bubble generating means 54 of this embodiment sequentially inserts the UFB nozzle 77 with the sealing member 78 attached thereto and the UFB lower case 76 with the sealing member 79 attached to the storage portion 75a formed in the UFB upper case 75. The UFB nozzle 77 is configured by being press-fitted, making it easy to replace the UFB nozzle 77. Note that this is just an example, and the UFB lower case 76, UFB nozzle 77, and UFB upper case 75 may be formed integrally.

The UFB lower case 76 has a hollow part 81 therein which becomes a part of the flow path 51, and water flows into the hollow part 81 from a pipe (not shown) of the flow path 51 connected to the UFB lower case 76. It guides water to the UFB nozzle 77. The UFB lower case 76 has a case body 76a and a mounting portion 76b. The case body 76a and the attachment portion 76b of this embodiment are both formed in a cylindrical shape, and the attachment portion 76b is coaxially provided on the case body 76a so that the attachment portion 76b protrudes from the case body 76a.

The attachment portion 76b allows piping such as a hose of the flow path 51 to be attached to the microbubble generating means 54. This piping is attached to the UFB lower case 76 by inserting and holding the end of the piping into the attachment portion 76b. Note that the outer circumferential surface of the attachment portion 76b in this embodiment is provided with a flange for preventing the piping from coming off, but this is just an example, and the axial length, outer diameter, and number of flange portions of the attachment portion 76b may vary. The shape and position may be adjusted and changed depending on the type and inner diameter of the piping used, the pressure of water flowing into the flow path 51, and the like.

The case main body 76a guides water flowing from the attachment part 76b into the hollow part 87 of the UFB nozzle 77 in the hollow part 81. In this embodiment, the hollow part 81 in the mounting part 76b is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the outlet of the hollow part 81 in the case body 76a is larger than the diameter of the inlet of the hollow part 6. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient as long as the water flowing in from the attachment portion 76b is smoothly guided to the hollow portion 87.

The UFB upper case 75 has a hollow part 82 that becomes a part of the flow path 51 inside, and the water flowing in from the hollow part 87 of the UFB nozzle 77 is transferred to a pipe (not shown) connected to the UFB upper case 75. ). The UFB upper case 75 includes a case body 75b and a mounting portion 75c in addition to the storage portion 75a described above. The attachment portion 75c allows piping such as a hose of the flow path 51 to be attached to the microbubble generating means 54, and has the same function as the attachment portion 76b. The case body 75b also guides water flowing from the hollow part 87 of the UFB nozzle 77 into the mounting part 75c in the hollow part 82. Note that the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 75c in this embodiment is provided with a flange for preventing the piping from coming off, but this is just an example, and the axial length, outer diameter, and number of flange portions of the mounting portion 75c The shape and position may be adjusted and changed depending on the type and inner diameter of the piping used, the pressure of water flowing into the flow path 51, and the like.

The UFB nozzle 77 generates microbubbles including ultrafine bubbles in the liquid when a liquid such as water supplied from an external water source passes through the inside of the UFB nozzle 77 toward the downstream direction of the flow path 51. let Therefore, the UFB nozzle 77 has a function as a microbubble generating section. Note that the UFB nozzle 77 of this embodiment is just an example, and in addition to or instead of ultra-fine bubbles, it may be one that generates fine bubbles such as microbubbles (fine bubbles) or micro-nano bubbles. ) may be used. In this specification, in addition to the general classification of bubbles by diameter, microbubbles with a diameter of 1 μm to 100 μm are referred to as microbubbles, and microbubbles with a diameter of several tens of nanometers to less than 1 μm are referred to as microbubbles. It is called ultra fine bubble.

Microbubbles, ultra-fine bubbles, and other microbubbles themselves are negatively charged, so they have the function of adsorbing positively charged substances such as dirt without bonding with each other. The cleaning effect is improved because the surface tension of liquids such as water containing air bubbles is reduced. If the microbubbles are ultrafine bubbles, they can absorb odors because they are positively charged substances, improving the deodorizing effect. Furthermore, when the microbubbles collapse on the surface of solid matter such as dirt, a very small jet stream is generated, further improving the cleaning effect. Note that, for example, the internal pressure of microbubbles with a diameter of 100 nm is calculated to be as high as approximately 30 atm (30 atmospheres). Furthermore, since microbubbles have a very large specific surface area, they also have the function of promoting chemical reactions at the interface by providing fluidity. Microbubbles are rapidly collapsed by shock waves, generating energy and generating free radicals and ozone.These free radicals and ozone attack and sterilize bacteria and viruses in the water containing microbubbles. and disinfection can be carried out. This effect is more effective as the diameter of the fine bubbles is smaller; for example, ozone ultra-fine bubble water is particularly effective.

Because ultra-fine bubbles have a small particle size, they can penetrate into intricate parts, and can exhibit a cleaning effect that removes dirt from objects that cannot be removed with other fine bubbles such as microbubbles. Furthermore, ultra-fine bubbles have a nano-order particle size, have low buoyancy, and are highly hydrophobic, making them difficult to dissolve in water, so they stay in a liquid for a long time.

As shown in FIG. 7, the UFB nozzle 77 is provided on the downstream side of the UFB lower case 76 and inside the storage section 75a of the UFB upper case 75. The UFB nozzle 77 is attached to be sandwiched between the UFB lower case 76 and the UFB upper case 75. A sealing member 78 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the UFB nozzle 77 and the inner peripheral surface of the storage portion 75a. The seal member 78 is composed of, for example, an O-ring made of synthetic resin. Then, the seal member 78 is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the UFB nozzle 77 and the inner peripheral surface of the storage section 75a, and the UFB nozzle 77 and the storage section 75a are connected in a watertight state.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the UFB nozzle 77 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape with a step on its outer peripheral surface. The UFB nozzle 77 has an inlet section 85, an outlet section 86, a hollow section 87, and a collision section 88. The inlet portion 85 and the outlet portion 86 are formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The inlet portion 85 is a portion through which water flowing into the UFB nozzle 77 from the outside passes. The water that has passed through the hollow part 81 of the UFB lower case 76 is introduced into the UFB nozzle 77 through the inlet part 85. The outlet portion 86 is a portion through which water flowing out from the inside of the UFB nozzle 77 passes. The inner diameter of the outlet section 86 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet section. The water that has flowed into the UFB nozzle 77 flows out from the outlet portion 86 into the hollow portion 82 of the UFB upper case 75, and then flows into the pipe attached to the attachment portion 75c of the UFB upper case 75.

The hollow part 87 is provided inside the UFB nozzle 77, connects the inlet part 85 and the outlet part 86, and is formed so that liquid such as water can pass therethrough. The hollow portion 87 includes a constricted portion 87a and a straight portion 87b. The constricted portion 87a and the straight portion 87b are provided over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the UFB nozzle 77. The throttle portion 87a is provided on the inflow side, that is, the upstream side, of the UFB nozzle 77. The throttle part 87a is connected to the inlet part 85 and is provided between the inlet part 85 and the outlet part 86. The constricted portion 87a is formed so that the cross-sectional area, that is, the inner diameter, of the hollow portion 87 gradually decreases from the inlet portion 85 to an intermediate portion in the direction in which the UFB nozzle 77 extends. In this embodiment, the constricted portion 87a is formed into a so-called truncated conical tapered tube shape so that the cross-sectional area, that is, the inner diameter of the hollow portion 87 gradually decreases continuously. Note that the constricted portion 87a may have a configuration in which the cross-sectional area of the hollow portion 87 is gradually reduced in a stepwise manner. Further, the aperture portion 87a may be configured integrally with the UFB nozzle 77, or may be a separate body.

The straight portion 87b is provided on the downstream side of the constricted portion 87a. The straight portion 87b is connected to the outlet portion 86. The straight portion 87b is formed into a cylindrical shape, a so-called straight tube shape, in which the inner diameter does not change, that is, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 43, that is, the area through which liquid can pass does not change. The inner diameter of the straight portion 87b is set to be substantially the same as the minimum inner diameter of the constricted portion 87a, and in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the straight portion 87b is set to, for example, approximately 3 mm.

The collision part 88 is for generating fine bubbles in the liquid passing through the hollow part 87 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area of the hollow part 87 . The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the collision part 88 to the cross-sectional area of the hollow part 87 can be set to about 25% to 45%. As shown in FIG. 9, the collision portion 88 is located near the downstream end of the UFB nozzle 77, and at least a portion thereof is provided in the straight portion 87b. The collision part 88 is formed integrally with the UFB nozzle 77 by injection molding, for example, a synthetic resin material. Note that the collision portion 88 is not limited to a structure integrated with the UFB nozzle 77, and may be formed separately.

As shown in FIG. 9, the collision part 88 partitions the hollow part 87 into a plurality of parts, three in the case of FIG. The hollow portion 87 is configured to be partitioned into three hollow portions 87d when passing through the collision portion 88. The collision part 88 is composed of three protrusions 89 formed in, for example, a rod shape, and is formed to protrude into the hollow part 87 from the inner circumferential surface of the straight part 87b. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 89 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the straight portion 87b toward the center of the cross section of the hollow portion 87. The respective protrusions 89 are connected at their tips and are integrated into a substantially Y-shape.

The plurality of protrusions 89 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the hollow portion 87 . Note that the plurality of protrusions 89 are not limited to being spaced apart at equal intervals, but may be spaced apart at unequal intervals. Further, the area of the gap formed between each of the protrusions 89 becomes the minimum cross-sectional area through which water can pass through the micro-bubble generating means 54. Note that the plurality of protrusions 89 may be four or more, as shown in FIG. 11. In other words, the hollow portion 87 can be partitioned into four or more parts by the plurality of protrusions 89. In the example of FIG. 11, the collision portion 88 is formed into a substantially cross shape as a whole by the plurality of protrusions 89. In this case, the hollow part 87 is configured to be partitioned into four hollow parts 87b when passing through the collision part 60.

As shown in FIG. 12, the protruding portion 89 has an upstream wall portion 89a, an enlarged diameter portion 89b, and a downstream wall portion 89c. The upstream wall portion 89a constitutes an upstream end portion of the protrusion 89. The cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction of the upstream side wall portion 89a is formed into a so-called bullet-shaped curved surface so as to be convex toward the opposite direction to the direction in which water flows in the hollow portion 87, that is, toward the upstream side. The longitudinal direction means a direction along the direction in which water flows inside the hollow portion 87. The width direction means a direction perpendicular to the direction in which water flows inside the hollow portion 87.

The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the upstream wall portion 89a may be a triangular shape that is pointed toward the upstream side. The enlarged diameter portion 89b is connected to the upstream wall portion 89a, and is formed to increase in diameter substantially linearly from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The expanded diameter portion 89b is not limited to a configuration in which the diameter increases linearly, but may have a configuration in which the diameter increases in a curved manner. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 89 is smaller on the upstream side with respect to the direction in which water flows inside the hollow portion 87 than on the downstream side. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 89 changes smoothly with respect to the direction in which water flows within the hollow portion 87.

The downstream wall portion 89c is connected to the enlarged diameter portion 89b and constitutes a downstream end portion of the protrusion portion 89. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the downstream wall portion 89c is, for example, approximately rectangular. The downstream end surface of the downstream wall portion 89c is located on the same plane as the downstream end surface of the UFB nozzle 77. In other words, the downstream surface of the protrusion 89 is flush with the downstream surface of the UFB nozzle 77. Moreover, when considering only the shape of the downstream end of the protrusion 89, the lengthwise dimension of the downstream side wall part 89c is smaller than the widthwise dimension of the downstream side wall part 89c.

Here, in the cross section of the protruding part 89, if the longitudinal dimension L4 of the protruding part 89 is made smaller than the widthwise dimension W, the angle of the surface where the enlarged diameter part 89b faces the water flowing in the hollow part 87 is becomes large, and the flow path resistance of the protruding portion 89 to water flowing inside the hollow portion 87 increases, which may lead to a decrease in flow rate. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 89 is configured such that the lengthwise dimension L4 is larger than the widthwise dimension W in the cross section of the protrusion 89, and the protrusion 89 is hollow. The flow path resistance of the protruding portion 89 to water flowing inside the portion 87 is suppressed to increase the flow rate. In this embodiment, the ratio of the longitudinal dimension L4 of the protrusion 89 to the width dimension W is set to, for example, about 3:2, and the longitudinal dimension L4 of the protrusion 89 is, for example, 0. The widthwise dimension W of the protruding portion 89 is set to be approximately 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, for example, but this is just an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. .

When water flows into the upstream side of the UFB nozzle 77, the cross-sectional area of the flow path is narrowed in the constriction part 87a, which is formed to gradually reduce the inner diameter, thereby increasing the flow velocity based on the so-called Bernoulli's theorem of fluid mechanics. Cavitation occurs due to reduced pressure. The high-speed flow is then subdivided based on the shear force that acts when it collides with the collision part 88 and the negative pressure that is generated in the negative pressure region of -1.0 MPa or less, which is formed near the downstream end face of the collision part 88. microscopic bubbles are generated. As a result, the UFB nozzle 77 precipitates a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the UFB nozzle 77 as fine bubbles, and contains a larger amount of fine bubbles than before passing through the UFB nozzle 77. Can supply fine bubble water.

Next, the electrical configuration of the toilet seat device 10 will be explained with reference to FIG. 13. Reference numeral 91 denotes a control unit that electrically controls each part of the toilet seat device 10, and includes a storage means 92 such as a microcomputer, a readable and writable memory that stores various information and data, and a storage unit 92 that stores time and data. It is configured to include a clock means 93 for measuring time, driving elements for each part, and the like. The input port of the control unit 91 is electrically connected to the main body operation unit 21, the seating sensor 19, the tip side touch sensor 69 and the base side touch sensor 70 of the nozzle assembly 59, and the toilet seat lid opening/closing detection means 94, respectively. connected to. Further, the output port of the control section 91 is connected to the water stop mechanism 52, the branch section 56, the heater 58a of the heating unit 58, the air pump 60, the nozzle motor 64 of the nozzle assembly 59, the water supply cylinder motor 65, and the solenoid valve 95. , are electrically connected to each other.

The toilet seat lid opening/closing detection means 94 detects whether the toilet seat lid 13 is opened or closed, and is provided on the toilet seat lid 13 near a shaft rotatably attached to the toilet seat 12. Here, the toilet seat lid opening/closing detection means 94 may be of any detection type, such as an optical type, a mechanical type, or a magnetic type, as long as it can output a detection signal corresponding to the opening/closing of the toilet seat lid 13.

The control unit 91 receives detection signals from the seating sensor 19, the toilet seat lid opening/closing detection means 94, the tip side touch sensor 69, and the base side touch sensor 70, and the operation signal from the main body operation unit 21, and performs timekeeping. At a predetermined timing based on the time measurement from the means 93, a control signal is sent to the water stop mechanism 52, the branch section 56, the heater 58a, the air pump 60, the nozzle motor 64, the water supply cylinder motor 65, and the solenoid valve 95. It has a function to output each. These functions are realized by the control unit 91 reading programs and settings stored in the storage means 92 as a storage medium.

FIG. 14 is a water flow path diagram showing the main paths through which water flows in the toilet seat unit 100 of this embodiment. With reference to the figure, the operation of the toilet seat device 10 will be described in detail, particularly regarding the flow path 51, which is the water path within the toilet seat device 10.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which water is previously supplied from the water stop valve WV to the main body water supply port 31 via the branch metal fitting 33 and the water supply hose 32. First, the operation of the toilet seat device 10 when the toilet seat lid 13 is closed will be described. The control unit 91 controls the previous mist M to be ejected based on the settings stored in the storage unit 92 and the clock signal from the clock unit 93. When it is determined that there is an interval after a predetermined period of time, such as one hour, has elapsed during which no water is being ejected from the ejection part 57, the branching part 56 is controlled to open the first delivery part 56B, Further, the water stop mechanism 52 is controlled to start the flow of water into the flow path 51 .

The water that has flowed into the flow path 51 flows into the pressure reducing mechanism 53 through the water stop mechanism 52, and while passing through the pressure reducing mechanism 53, the pressure of the water is reduced to a predetermined pressure and stabilized at the predetermined pressure. Then, water flowing at a predetermined pressure flows into the hollow part 81 from the attachment part 76b of the microbubble generating means 54.

The water that has flowed into the microbubble generating means 54 flows into the hollow portion 87 of the UFB nozzle 77 via the case body 76a of the UFB lower case 76. When water flows into the upstream side of the hollow section 87 of the UFB nozzle 77, the cross-sectional area of the flow path is narrowed in the constriction section 87a, which is formed to gradually reduce the inner diameter. Cavitation occurs due to the increased flow velocity and reduced pressure around the water. Then, the shear force that acts when the high-speed flow of water collides with the collision part 88 and the negative pressure generated in a negative pressure region of, for example, -1.0 MPa or less, which is formed near the downstream end face of the collision part 88. Due to the pressure, the gas contained in this water is broken down into fine bubbles. As a result, the UFB nozzle 77 precipitates a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the UFB nozzle 77 as fine bubbles, and contains a larger amount of fine bubbles than before passing through the UFB nozzle 77. It supplies water. In this embodiment, for example, when water with a water pressure of 0.15 MPa flows into the UFB nozzle 77, the water that has passed through the UFB nozzle 77 is configured to contain 10 ⁵ /ml or more of UFB.

Water that has flowed into the hollow part 82 of the UFB upper case 75 from the UFB nozzle 77 flows out from the attachment part 75c via the case body 75b, and flows into the switching valve 55 from the inflow part 55A. Here, if the pressure of the water in the switching valve 55 is below a predetermined value, the inflowing water flows out from the delivery section 55B and flows into the branch section 56. On the other hand, if the water pressure in the switching valve 55 exceeds a predetermined value, such as when a blockage occurs in the flow path 51 between the switching valve 55 and the branch part 56, the overflow drain valve is opened. A part of the water and gas that have flowed into the switching valve 55 flow from the overflow drain section 55C to the drain hole 16A via the drain pipe 55D, and are discharged into the bowl section 2 of the toilet bowl 1.

The water flowing into the branch body 56D from the inlet 56A of the branch 56 flows into the first channel 51-1 through the open first outlet 56B. Thereafter, the water that has flowed into the spouting section 57 through the first channel 51-1 is turned into a mist M by the spouting section 57, and is spouted into the bowl section 2 of the toilet bowl 1. In this way, by discharging the water containing microbubbles into the bowl part 2, it is possible to wet the inner wall of the bowl part 2 and make it difficult for dirt to adhere to the inner wall. Since the cleaning effect is improved and sterilization and disinfection can be carried out, the inner wall of the bowl portion 2 can be kept clean.

Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that water has been allowed to flow into the flow path 51 for a predetermined period of time, such as one minute, based on the settings stored in the storage means 92 and the clock signal from the time measurement means 93, the control unit 91 controls the flow of water into the flow path 51. The water stop mechanism 52 is controlled to stop the inflow of water, and the branch part 56 is controlled to close the first delivery part 56B. When water no longer flows into the flow path 51 from the main body water supply port 31, water no longer flows through the flow path 51, and the jetting of the mist M from the jetting portion 57 also stops. As described above, in this embodiment, based on the settings stored in the storage means 92, the mist M is ejected from the ejection part 57 to the bowl part 2 for a predetermined period of time a predetermined number of times every predetermined period. Note that the method of ejecting the mist M from the ejecting section 57, such as setting the interval for ejecting the mist M, setting the predetermined number of times, and setting the predetermined time for ejecting the mist M, can be controlled by the user using the main body operation section 21, for example. It may also be configured so that it can be set.

Further, if the control unit 91 determines that water has not been ejected from the nozzle cleaning port 67b for a predetermined period such as one hour, based on the settings stored in the storage unit 92 and the clock signal from the clock unit 93, the control unit 91 controls the second The branching section 56 is controlled to open the delivery section 56C of the flow path 51, the solenoid valve 95 is controlled so that the fourth flow path 51-4 is selected, and the flow of water into the flow path 51 is started. The water stop mechanism 52 is controlled.

The water that has flowed into the flow path 51 passes through the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reduction mechanism 53, the microbubble generating means 54, and the switching valve 55 in this order, flows from the inflow section 56A of the branch section 56 into the branch section main body 56D, and is opened. It flows out into the second channel 51-2 through the second delivery section 56C. This water then passes through the heating unit 58, but the water is not heated at this time because the heater 58a is off and not energized. The water that has passed through the heating unit 58 flows into the nozzle assembly 59 along the second flow path 51-2.

The water that has flowed into the solenoid valve 95 of the nozzle assembly 59 flows into the selected fourth channel 51-4, and the water that has flowed into the nozzle cleaning port 67b through the fourth channel 51-4 is used for nozzle cleaning. The water is ejected from the opening 67b toward the butt cleaning spout 66a and the bidet cleaning spout 66b, flows along the inner wall 67a and the outer surface of the nozzle body 62, and flows toward the tip of the nozzle body 62, and then flows into the bowl of the toilet bowl 1. It flows down into 2. In this way, by spouting water containing microbubbles to the butt cleaning spout 66a and bidet cleaning spout 66b, dirt adhering to the area around the butt cleaning spout 66a and bidet cleaning spout 66b can be efficiently removed. It's falling on target. At this time, the nozzle body 62 is moved in the front-rear direction and water containing microbubbles is jetted onto the outer surface of the nozzle body 62 to remove a wide range of dirt on the outer surface of the nozzle body 62. It's okay.

Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that water has been allowed to flow into the flow path 51 for a predetermined period of time, such as one minute, based on the settings stored in the storage means 92 and the clock signal from the time measurement means 93, the control unit 91 controls the flow of water into the flow path 51. The water stop mechanism 52 is controlled to stop the inflow of water, and the branch part 56 is controlled to close the second delivery part 56C. When water no longer flows into the flow path 51 from the main body water supply port 31, water no longer flows through the flow path 51, and water jetting from the nozzle cleaning port 67b also stops. In this embodiment, based on the settings stored in the storage means 92, water is supplied from the nozzle cleaning port 67b to the butt cleaning spout 66a and the bidet cleaning spout 66b for a predetermined period of time a predetermined number of times every predetermined period. It is squirted. Note that the configuration is such that the user can set the predetermined number of times for each predetermined period of spouting water and the predetermined time for spouting water from the nozzle cleaning port 67b, for example, using the main body operation section 21. Good too.

Next, the operation of the toilet seat device 10 when the toilet seat lid 13 is open will be explained. When the control unit 91 determines that the toilet seat lid 13 has changed from the closed state to the open state based on the detection signal of the toilet seat lid opening/closing detection means 94, , controls the branch part 56 to open the first delivery part 56B, and controls the water stop mechanism 52 to start the flow of water into the flow path 51. As described above, the water flowing into the flow path 51 passes through the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reduction mechanism 53, the micro bubble generation means 54, the switching valve 55, and the branching part 56 in this order, and then passes through the first flow path 51-1. The mist flows into the spouting section 57, where it is turned into mist M, and is spouted into the bowl section 2 of the toilet bowl 1. In this way, water containing microbubbles is released into the bowl part 2 in advance to wet the inner wall of the bowl part 2, thereby making it difficult for dirt to adhere to the inner wall.

Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that water has been allowed to flow into the flow path 51 for a predetermined period of time, such as one minute, based on the settings stored in the storage means 92 and the clock signal from the time measurement means 93, the control unit 91 controls the flow of water into the flow path 51. The water stop mechanism 52 is controlled to stop the inflow of water, and the branch part 56 is controlled to close the first delivery part 56B. When water no longer flows into the flow path 51 from the main body water supply port 31, water no longer flows through the flow path 51, and the jetting of the mist M from the jetting portion 57 also stops.

When the user sits on the toilet seat 12, the toilet seat legs 18 come into contact with the toilet bowl 1 and are pushed in, and the seat switch 19 is turned on. When the control unit 91 receives a signal from the seat switch 19 that has been turned on, it controls the heater 58a of the heating unit 58 to be energized.

When the user selects and operates, for example, a "butt button" on the main body operating section 21, an operation signal from the main body operating section 21 is transmitted to the control section 91. Upon receiving the operation signal, the control unit 91 drives and controls the nozzle motor 64 so that the nozzle body 62 moves forward to the set position, and also causes the water supply cylinder 63 to move to the retreat position and the base end touch sensor 70 to move forward. The water supply cylinder motor 65 is driven and controlled so as to move backward until it is turned ON. The control section 91 then controls the branch section 56 to open the second delivery section 56C, and controls the electromagnetic valve 95 so that the third flow path 51-3 is selected. Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that the nozzle main body 62 has moved forward to the set position and that the water supply cylinder 63 has retreated to the retracted position based on the detection signal of the proximal touch sensor 70, the control unit 91 supplies water to the flow path 51. The water stop mechanism 52 is controlled to start the inflow of water, and the air pump 60 is also controlled to be driven.

The water that has flowed into the flow path 51 passes through the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reduction mechanism 53, the microbubble generating means 54, and the switching valve 55 in this order, flows from the inflow section 56A of the branch section 56 into the branch section main body 56D, and is opened. It flows out into the second channel 51-2 through the second delivery section 56C. When this water flows into the heating unit 58, the heater 58a is energized and turned on, so the heater 58a heats the water while the water passes through the heating unit 58, and instantaneously raises the water temperature. let Note that the output of the heater 58a may be configured to be set by the user using, for example, the main body operation section 21, and the water temperature after being heated by the heater 58a may be adjusted. The water that has passed through the heating unit 58 flows into the nozzle assembly 59 along the second flow path 51-2.

The water that has entered the solenoid valve 95 of the nozzle assembly 59 flows into the selected third flow path 51-3 and into the water supply cylinder 63. Here, if the setting is such that the force of water discharged from the butt washing spout 66a is increased, gas such as air is discharged from the air pump 60 into the water supply cylinder 63, and the gas is transferred to the water supply cylinder 63. Injected into the water flowing inside, the water further contains air bubbles, increasing the water pressure and increasing the force of the water. In this way, the force of water discharged from the water discharge section 66 can be adjusted. Note that the force of this water is adjusted by the control section 91 controlling the air pump 60, but the setting of the force of water may be configured such that the user can set it, for example, using the main body operation section 21. In addition, the control unit 91 controls the air pump 60 to be turned ON and OFF repeatedly in short cycles, so that the air pump 60 is turned ON and OFF repeatedly in a short period, and the water is discharged in a soft and powerful manner with only water without air being injected, and water that has been injected with air. Rhythm cleaning may be performed in which water discharging with increased water flow is automatically repeated at short intervals.

In addition, since the water supply cylinder 63 is in the retracted position and the water supply port 72 of the water supply cylinder 63 is located at the position of the butt washing water spout 66a of the water spouting part 66, the water that has passed through the water supply cylinder 63 flows through the water supply port 72. Water is spouted from the butt washing spout 66a.

Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that water has been allowed to flow into the channel 51 for a predetermined period of time based on the settings stored in the storage unit 92 and the clock signal from the clock unit 93, it controls the air pump 60 to turn off. , controls the water stop mechanism 52 to stop the flow of water into the flow path 51, and controls the branch part 56 to close the second delivery part 56C. When water no longer flows into the flow path 51 from the main body water supply port 31, water no longer flows through the flow path 51, and water discharging from the buttocks washing spout 66a also stops. Then, the control unit 91 drives and controls the nozzle motor 64 so that the tip of the nozzle main body 62 retreats to a storage position near the nozzle holder 67.

Further, when the user selects and operates, for example, a "bidet button" on the main body operating section 21, an operation signal from the main body operating section 21 is transmitted to the control section 91. When the control unit 91 receives the operation signal, it drives and controls the nozzle motor 64 so that the nozzle main body 62 moves forward to the set position, and also causes the water supply cylinder 63 to move to the forward position and the tip side touch sensor 69 to turn on. The water supply cylinder motor 65 is driven and controlled so as to move forward until the water supply cylinder motor 65 reaches the position shown in FIG. The control section 91 then controls the branch section 56 to open the second delivery section 56C, and controls the electromagnetic valve 95 so that the third flow path 51-3 is selected. Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that the nozzle body 62 has moved forward to the set position and that the water supply cylinder 63 has moved forward to the forward position based on the detection signal from the tip side touch sensor 69, the control unit 91 controls the flow of water into the flow path 51. The water stop mechanism 52 is controlled to start the inflow.

The water that has flowed into the flow path 51 passes through the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reduction mechanism 53, the microbubble generating means 54, and the switching valve 55 in this order, flows from the inflow section 56A of the branch section 56 into the branch section main body 56D, and is opened. It flows out into the second channel 51-2 through the second delivery section 56C. When this water flows into the heating unit 58, the heater 58a is energized and turned on, so the heater 58a heats the water while the water passes through the heating unit 58, and instantaneously raises the water temperature. let The water that has passed through the heating unit 58 flows into the nozzle assembly 59 along the second flow path 51-2.

The water that has entered the solenoid valve 95 of the nozzle assembly 59 flows into the selected third flow path 51-3 and into the water supply cylinder 63. Here, if the force of the water discharged from the bidet cleaning water spout 66b is set to be increased, gas such as air is discharged from the air pump 60 into the water supply cylinder 63, and the gas is discharged into the water supply cylinder 63. When the water is injected into the flowing water, the water further contains air bubbles, and the water pressure increases, which increases the force of the water. Note that the force of this water is adjusted by the control section 91 controlling the air pump 60, but the setting of the force of water may be configured such that the user can set it, for example, using the main body operation section 21. In addition, the control unit 91 controls the air pump 60 to be turned ON and OFF repeatedly in short cycles, so that the air pump 60 is turned ON and OFF repeatedly in a short period, and the water is discharged in a soft and powerful manner with only water without air being injected, and water that has been injected with air. Rhythm cleaning may be performed in which water discharging with increased water flow is automatically repeated at short intervals.

In addition, since the water supply cylinder 63 is in the forward position and the water supply port 72 of the water supply cylinder 63 is located at the bidet cleaning water spout 66b of the water spouting part 66, the water that has passed through the water supply cylinder 63 flows through the water supply port 72. Water is spouted from the bidet cleaning spout 66b.

Thereafter, when the control unit 91 determines that water has been allowed to flow into the channel 51 for a predetermined period of time based on the settings stored in the storage unit 92 and the clock signal from the clock unit 93, it controls the air pump 60 to turn off. , controls the water stop mechanism 52 to stop the flow of water into the flow path 51, and controls the branch part 56 to close the second delivery part 56C. When water stops flowing into the flow path 51 from the main body water supply port 31, water stops flowing in the flow path 51, and water discharging from the bidet cleaning water spout 66b also stops. Then, the control unit 91 drives and controls the nozzle motor 64 so that the tip of the nozzle main body 62 retreats to a storage position near the nozzle holder 67.

Here, the inventors of the present application have proposed (1) a toilet seat device having a configuration including a fine bubble generating means 54 like the toilet seat device 10 of the first embodiment, (2) a toilet seat device having a configuration not including a fine bubble generating means 54. A comparative experiment was conducted using a toilet seat device.

(Comparative experiment 1)
Water containing a limescale component was sprinkled onto a resin plate, and then dried to artificially adhere the limescale component to the resin plate. The resin plate to which this limescale component is attached is cleaned by (1) the mist M jetted from the jetting part 57 of the toilet seat device 10, and (2) the jetting of the toilet seat device which is not equipped with the fine bubble generating means 54. Washing with mist M ejected from section 57 was performed, and each resin plate was measured using an electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA).

FIG. 15 shows the measurement results of EPMA. As shown in Figure 15, (2) cleaning with mist M of tap water leaves a small amount of limescale components on the resin plate, while cleaning with (1) water mist M containing microbubbles leaves the resin plate clean. It will be understood that no limescale components remain on the plate. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the water mist M containing microbubbles was improved, confirming the superiority of the toilet seat device 10 of this embodiment.

(Comparative experiment 2)
The nozzle main body 62 was washed by continuously flowing (1) water containing microbubbles and (2) tap water from the nozzle washing port 67, and the amount of bacteria removed after washing was measured. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of washing water at this time and the sterilization value, which is a numerical value indicating the sterilization rate. As shown in FIG. 16, the results showed that both the cleaning method (1) and the cleaning method (2) had a sterilizing effect at a volume of 200 ml or more. Furthermore, cleaning using method (2) inhibited bacteria by 99% or more after 2 minutes of washing, while cleaning using method (1) resulted in inhibiting 99% or more of bacteria after 1 minute of washing. Therefore, while both cleaning methods (1) and (2) are more effective than a certain level, it is clear that cleaning method (1) is more effective than cleaning method (2). The superiority of the toilet seat device 10 of the embodiment was confirmed.

As described above, the toilet seat device 10 of the present embodiment includes the nozzle assembly 59 as a nozzle provided with the water spout section 66 as a water spout for discharging water toward the user's private parts, and the bowl section of the toilet bowl 1. 2, and a UFB nozzle 77 of the fine bubble generating means 54 that generates fine bubbles in the passing water. The structure is such that water containing air bubbles is supplied.

With this configuration, by using the toilet seat device 10 of this embodiment, the user does not need to perform special piping work to attach the microbubble generating means to the wash water supply piping, as in the conventional case. Therefore, it is possible to easily use a toilet seat device equipped with a microbubble generating means. Furthermore, the water containing microbubbles can be used not only for washing the bowl part 2 but also for washing the user's private parts or the nozzle assembly 59 provided with the water spouting part 66 for spouting the water. The multi-purpose water used in the toilet seat device 10 can contain microbubbles.

Further, in the toilet seat device 10 of the present embodiment, a flow path 51 is formed for supplying water from the main body water supply port 31 as a water supply port to the toilet seat device 10 to the nozzle assembly 59 and the spouting portion 57. A branch section 56 is provided to branch into a first channel 51-1 that supplies water to the spout section 57 and a second channel 51-2 that supplies water to the nozzle assembly 59. The UFB nozzle 77 is configured to be provided upstream of the branch portion 56 in the flow path 51 . Therefore, the water in which microbubbles are generated by the UFB nozzle 77 can flow into the first flow path 51-1 and the second flow path 51-2. Even if the UFB nozzle 77 is not provided in each channel 51-2, both the nozzle assembly 59 and the water used in the spouting section 57 can contain microbubbles.

Further, in the toilet seat device 10 of the present embodiment, the water stop mechanism 52 as a water stop means for starting or stopping the flow of water into the flow path 51, or the water stop mechanism 52 and the flow of water flowing in, is depressurized. A water guiding unit 110 as a first valve device having a pressure reducing mechanism 53 as an adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of inflowing water is provided upstream of the flow path 51 than the branching part 56, and the fine bubble generating means 54 The UFB nozzle 77 is configured to be provided downstream of the flow path 51 than the water guiding unit 110. Therefore, it is possible to start/stop the inflow of water by an electric signal from the control unit 91, and water whose water pressure has been stabilized can be supplied to the UFB nozzle 77 of the microbubble generating means 54.

Further, in the nozzle assembly 59 of this embodiment, a third flow path 51-3 that supplies water to the water spouting section 66, and a fourth flow path 51-4 through which water flows to clean the nozzle body section 62 of the nozzle assembly 59. are formed, and therefore, the water used at the nozzle cleaning port 67b that spouts water for cleaning the nozzle main body 62 can contain microbubbles.

Further, the branching portion 56 of this embodiment is configured with a second valve device, and is configured to be able to selectively supply water to the first flow path 51-1 or the second flow path 51-2, Water can be selectively supplied to the first flow path 51-1 or the second flow path 51-2 based on an electric signal from the control unit 91.

In addition, the second flow path 51-2 of this embodiment is configured to be provided with a heating unit 58 as a heating means for heating water, which heats the water for washing the user's private parts and instantaneously heats the water. can be raised.

In addition, the water emitted from the spouting part 57 of this embodiment is configured to be a mist M, and by atomizing the water containing fine bubbles, the water emitted from the spouting part 57 spreads over a wide range of the inner wall of the bowl part 2. The mist M can be attached.

In addition, the toilet seat device 10 of the present embodiment may be configured to be able to set the method of ejecting the mist M as water from the ejection part 57, and the user can set the method of ejecting the mist M. It can be changed arbitrarily.

17 and 18 show a modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, the water guiding unit 110' is provided with a microbubble generating means 54'.

To explain with reference to FIG. 17, the water guide unit 110' is a unit in which a main body water supply port 31, a water stop mechanism 52, a pressure reduction mechanism 53, and a microbubble generating means 54' are integrally formed. The water discharge part of the pressure reduction mechanism 53 of the water conveyance unit 110 is press-fitted into the storage part 75a instead of the UFB lower case 76, and from the upstream of the flow path 51, the water discharge part of the pressure reduction mechanism 53, the UFB nozzle 77, and the UFB upper case 75 are in this order. They are arranged on a coaxial line, and each part makes perfect contact with each other to prevent water from leaking between the parts.

With this configuration, water is allowed to flow into the hollow part 87 of the UFB nozzle 77 from the discharge part of the pressure reducing mechanism 53, and the UFB nozzle 77 can remove the air dissolved in the water passing through the UFB nozzle 77. is precipitated in large quantities as fine bubbles, and supplies water that contains a larger amount of fine bubbles than before passing through the UFB nozzle 77, and the water that has flowed into the hollow part 82 of the UFB upper case 75 is passed through the case body 75b. It can flow out from the attachment part 75c. In addition, the main body water supply port 31, the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reduction mechanism 53, and the micro bubble generation means 54' are integrally formed into a unit, so that the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reduction mechanism 53, and the micro bubble generation means 54' are integrated. The size can be reduced, and the main body water supply port 31, the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reducing mechanism 53, and the microbubble generating means 54' can be easily attached to the main body 11 and replaced.

19 to 21 show a second embodiment of the toilet seat device 10' of the present invention. In this embodiment, there is no microbubble generating means 54, and a UFB nozzle 77 is provided at the main body water supply port 31'.

To explain with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the main body water supply port 31' is provided with a accommodating portion that accommodates the UFB nozzle 77, and the main body water supply port 31' that accommodates the UFB nozzle 77 is connected to the water stop mechanism 52. By attaching it to the water absorption part, that is, the water absorption part of the water guiding unit 110'', the main body water supply port 31', the UFB nozzle 77, and the water absorption part of the water stop mechanism 52 are arranged coaxially in this order from the upstream of the flow path 51. The parts are brought into close contact with each other to prevent water from leaking between the parts.Therefore, the main body water supply port 31' also functions as a microbubble generating means.

With this configuration, water with high water pressure before depressurization can be supplied to the UFB nozzle 77, and as the water passes through the UFB nozzle 77, the water pressure load applied to the UFB nozzle 77 can be increased. It is possible to precipitate a larger amount of air dissolved in water as fine bubbles, thereby increasing the concentration of fine bubbles. Furthermore, since the UFB nozzle 77 is provided not inside the casing 15 but at the main body water supply port 31', the configuration inside the casing 15 can be simplified and the casing 15 can be made smaller.

As described above, in the toilet seat device 10' of the present embodiment, the water stop mechanism 52 as a water stop means for starting or stopping the flow of water into the flow path 51, or the water stop mechanism 52 and the flow of water flowing in. A water guiding unit 110'' serving as a first valve device having a pressure reducing mechanism 53 as an adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of inflowing water by reducing the pressure of the water is provided on the upstream side of the flow path 51 than the branching part 56 The UFB nozzle 77 of the main body water supply port 31' serving as a microbubble generating means is provided upstream of the flow path 51 than the water stop mechanism 52 and pressure reduction mechanism 53 of the water guide unit 110''. Therefore, high pressure water before depressurization can be supplied to the UFB nozzle 77, and a larger amount of air dissolved in the water can be precipitated as fine bubbles, thereby increasing the concentration of fine bubbles.

FIG. 22 shows a third embodiment of the toilet seat device 10'' of the present invention. In this embodiment, the toilet seat device 10'' is provided with two or more microbubble generating means. To explain with reference to the figure, the toilet seat device 10'' of the present embodiment employs the main body water supply port 31' of the second embodiment in the toilet seat device 10 of the first embodiment, and the main body water supply port 31' of the second embodiment is adopted. Two or more micro-bubble generating means are provided, including the micro-bubble generating means 54 and the micro-bubble generating means 54. Therefore, a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the UFB nozzle 77 at the main body water supply port 31' is converted into micro-bubble. The fine bubbles contained in the water passing through the UFB nozzle 77 are further divided by cavitation by the fine bubble generating means 54, and the air dissolved in the water is further precipitated as fine bubbles. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to further subdivide the fine bubbles contained in the water discharged from the water spouting part 66 and the fine bubbles contained in the mist M spouted from the spouting part 57. The concentration of can be increased.

As described above, in the toilet seat device 10'' of this embodiment, two or more UFB nozzles 77 as fine bubble generating means are provided in the main body water supply port 31' and the fine bubble generating means 54, and the water spouting part 66 It is possible to further subdivide the fine bubbles contained in the water discharged from the water jetting section 57 and the fine bubbles contained in the mist M jetted from the spouting section 57, and it is also possible to increase the concentration of the fine bubbles.

FIG. 23 shows a fourth embodiment of the toilet seat device 10 ^III of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first flow path 51-1 and the second flow path 51-2 are each provided with a microbubble generating means 54. To explain with reference to the figure, in the toilet seat device 10 ^III of the present invention, the micro bubble generating means 54 is provided in the first flow path 51-1, which is the flow path 51 between the branching part 56 and the spouting part 57. In addition, a second flow path 51-2, which is the flow path 51 between the branch part 56 and the nozzle assembly 59, is also provided with a fine bubble generating means 54 downstream of the heating unit 58 in this embodiment. Ru. Note that in the second channel 51-2, a fine bubble generating means 54 may be provided upstream of the heating unit 58.

With this configuration, the fine bubble generating means 54, that is, the UFB nozzle 77, can have different performances such as the size, amount, and concentration of the fine bubbles to be generated. For example, the concentration of fine bubbles contained in the water of the mist M spouted from the spouting part 57 and the concentration of fine bubbles contained in the water spouted from the water spouting part 66 can be made different; Since water is ejected from the part 57 to the bowl part 2 of the toilet bowl 1, the concentration of fine bubbles is increased to improve the cleaning effect, and water is ejected from the water spouting part 66 to the user's private parts, so the concentration of fine bubbles is lowered. It can be configured to provide mild cleaning.

As described above, in the toilet seat device 10 ^III of the present embodiment, the flow path 51 for supplying water to the nozzle assembly 59 and the spout section 57 is formed, and the flow path 51 is used as the flow path 51 for supplying water to the nozzle assembly 59. The UFB nozzle 77 of the fine bubble generating means 54 is provided with a branching part 56 that branches into a first flow path 51-1 and a second flow path 51-2 that supplies water to the jetting part 57. It is configured to be provided in the passage 51-1 and the second passage 51-2. Therefore, the fine bubble generating means 54, that is, the UFB nozzle 77, may have different performances such as the size, amount, and concentration of the fine bubbles to be generated. A configuration can be adopted in which the concentration and the concentration of microbubbles contained in the water discharged from the water discharge section 66 are made different.

FIG. 24 shows a fifth embodiment of the toilet seat unit 100' of the present invention. In this embodiment, the UFB nozzle 77 is provided on the branch fitting 33' used in the toilet seat unit 100'. To explain with reference to the same figure, the joint that connects to the water stop valve WV of the branch fitting 33' is provided with an accommodating portion for accommodating the UFB nozzle 77, and the branch fitting 33' that accommodates the UFB nozzle 77 is stopped. By connecting to the water tap WV, water is prevented from leaking between the joint and the water stop valve WV. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the concentration of fine bubbles contained in the water flowing through the flow path 51 of the toilet seat device 10 connected to the branch fitting 33', and further improve the cleaning effect. . Further, since the water stored in the storage tank from the branch metal fitting 33' via the tank water supply hose also contains fine bubbles, the cleaning effect of the water that is flushed away after use can be improved. Therefore, the UFB nozzle 77 of the branch fitting 33' has a function as a micro-bubble generating means for external installation. Note that the UFB nozzle 77 may be housed in the joint connected to the water supply hose 32 of the branch fitting 33', so that the same effect as the toilet seat device 10' of the second embodiment can be obtained.

As described above, the toilet seat unit 100' of this embodiment includes the toilet seat device 10 and the branch fitting 33', and the branch fitting 33' connects the water supply hose 32 that supplies water to the toilet seat device 10 and the toilet bowl 1. A structure in which the flow of water is branched to a tank water supply hose R that supplies water to a storage tank that stores water to be supplied to the tank, and a UFB nozzle 77 as a microbubble generating means for external attachment is provided on the branching fitting 33'. It is said that Therefore, the concentration of fine bubbles contained in the water flowing through the flow path 51 of the toilet seat device 10 connected to the branch fitting 33' can be improved, and the cleaning effect can be further improved. Furthermore, the cleaning effect of the water flushed from the storage tank after use can be improved.

FIG. 25 shows a sixth embodiment of the toilet seat unit 100'' of the present invention. In this embodiment, the UFB nozzle 77 is provided only on the branch fitting 33', and the UFB nozzle 77 is provided on the toilet seat device 10 ^IV . Referring to the figure, the joint connected to the water stop valve WV of the branch fitting 33' has a housing for housing the UFB nozzle 77, as in the fifth embodiment. On the other hand, in the toilet seat device 10 ^IV , the micro bubble generating means 54 and the UFB nozzle 77 serving as the micro bubble generating section are provided in the flow path 51. The configuration is such that the UFB nozzle 77 is not provided. Even with this configuration, water containing fine bubbles generated by the branch fitting 33' cannot be supplied to the nozzle assembly 59 or the spouting part 57. The water can be used not only for washing the bowl part 2, but also for washing the user's private parts and water for washing the nozzle assembly 59.In addition, the water can be used for washing the user's private parts and the nozzle assembly 59.In addition, the branch metal Since the water stored in the storage tank from 33' also contains microbubbles, the cleaning effect of the water that is flushed away after use can be improved.Normally, the branch fitting is integrated with the toilet seat device, and the product of the toilet seat unit. Therefore, by making the toilet seat unit 100'' using the branch fitting 33' equipped with the UFB nozzle 77, the toilet seat device 10 ^IV is equipped with the micro bubble generating means 54, that is, the UFB nozzle 77. Even if the toilet seat device 10 ^IV has a conventional configuration without the above-mentioned toilet seat device 10, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

As described above, the toilet seat unit 100'' of the present embodiment includes the toilet seat device 10 ^IV and the branching fitting 33', and the branching fitting 33' is configured to discharge water into the toilet seat device 10 ^IV and the inside of the toilet bowl 1. The toilet seat device 10 ^IV is equipped with a UFB nozzle 77 that branches the flow of water into a storage tank that stores water and generates microbubbles in the passing water. The nozzle assembly 59 includes a nozzle assembly 59 and a spout section 57 for discharging water into the interior of the toilet bowl, and water containing microbubbles is supplied to the nozzle assembly 59 and the spout section 57.

With this configuration, the water containing microbubbles can be used not only for washing the bowl part 2 but also for washing the user's private parts and the nozzle assembly 59 provided with the water spouting part 66 for spouting the water. The water for multiple purposes used in the toilet seat device 10 ^IV can contain microbubbles.

FIG. 26 shows a seventh embodiment of the toilet seat unit 100 ^III of the present invention. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a hot water storage type toilet seat device ^10V . The structure of the flow path 51 will be explained with reference to the figure. It is mainly formed by a valve 97, a spout 57, a heating unit 58, and a nozzle assembly 59'. Further, as described later, the flow path 51' includes a fifth flow path 51-5, a sixth flow path 51-6, and a seventh flow path 51-7. Specifically, the flow path 51' is formed so as to branch into a fifth flow path 51-5, a sixth flow path 51-6, and a seventh flow path 51-7 at an electric valve 97. Ru.

The tank 96 stores the water flowing in from the microbubble generating means 54 in advance, heats the stored water to raise the water temperature, and supplies the heated water to the electric valve 97. It has a function as a heating unit that heats the water flowing through the passage 51'. Furthermore, the tank 96 of this embodiment has a valve that starts/stops the flow of stored water into the flow path 51', and a water stop means that starts/stops the flow of water into the flow path 51'. It has the function of In this embodiment, this valve is constituted by an electric valve and is controlled by an electric signal from the control section 91, but this is just an example. In addition, water that cannot be stored in the tank 96, such as water that overflows when the tank 96 is full, is configured to be sent to the drain pipe 96A, and the toilet bowl 1 is drained from the drain hole 16A via the drain pipe 96A. It is discharged into the bowl part 2. Note that the tank 96 may be configured to include a pump that sends water in the tank 96 to the electric valve 97.

The electric valve 97 connects a fifth flow path 51-5 that connects the flow path 51' to the spout section 57, a sixth flow path 51-6 that connects the flow path 51' to the water spouting section 66 of the nozzle assembly 59', and a sixth flow path 51-6 that connects the flow path 51' to the spouting section 57. It branches into a seventh flow path 51-7 leading to the nozzle cleaning port 67b, and the water flowing into the electric valve 97 is diverted to the fifth flow path 51-5, the sixth flow path 51-6, or the seventh flow path 51-7. 7 and is selectively sent to the flow path 51-7. Therefore, the electric valve 97 has the same function as the branch part 56. The electric valve 97 of this embodiment is configured as a motor-driven valve driven by a stepping motor, but this is just one example. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generating means 54 is provided upstream of the tank 96 in the flow path 51', but is not limited to this. As described in the previous embodiments, the water guiding unit 110 and the branch fitting 33 may be provided with the fine bubble generating means 54, or a plurality of fine bubble generating means 54 may be provided. good.

Next, the operation of the toilet seat device ^10V will be explained. When the control unit 91 controls the water stop mechanism 52 to start water flowing into the flow path 51', the water flowing into the flow path 51 passes through the water stop mechanism 52, the pressure reducing mechanism 53, and the micro bubble generation means 54. and flows into tank 96. Here, since the valve of the tank 96 is not opened, the tank 96 is configured to store water containing fine bubbles that has passed through the UFB nozzle 77 in advance. Further, when water is stored in the tank 96, the tank 96 heats the water to raise the water temperature to a predetermined temperature. In this way, water containing microbubbles is stored in advance in the tank 96, and this water is raised to a predetermined temperature. Further, water that cannot be stored in the tank 96 is sent to the drain pipe 96A, and is discharged into the bowl part 2 of the toilet bowl 1 from the drain hole 16A via the drain pipe 96A.

Note that the control unit 91 determines the timing for starting the flow of water into the flow path 51', such as a predetermined time or setting an interval after the water stop mechanism 52 last stopped the flow of water into the flow path 51'. and the setting of the time from the start to the stop of water flowing into the channel 51' are stored in the storage means 92, and the settings stored in the storage means 92 and the time measurement signal of the time measurement means 93 are stored. Accordingly, the water stop mechanism 52 may be controlled to automatically start/stop the flow of water into the channel 51'. Further, the configuration may be such that the user can set and operate the start/stop of the flow of water into the flow path 51', for example, using the main body operation section 21. Further, the water stop mechanism 52 may be configured to allow water to flow into the flow path 51' when the valve of the tank 96 is opened. The water stop mechanism 52 makes the time for water to flow into the flow path 51' correspond to each other, and the amount of water flowing into the flow path 51' by the water stop mechanism 52 corresponds to the amount of water flowing out from the tank 96. 52 may be controlled.

Thereafter, the control unit 91 controls each component to discharge water containing microbubbles from the jetting unit 57, the water spouting unit 66, and the nozzle cleaning port 67b at the timing described above in the first embodiment. . For example, when the toilet seat lid 13 is closed, the control unit 91 controls the settings stored in the storage unit 92 and the clock signal from the clock unit 93 to jet water from the spout unit 57 after spouting the mist M last time. When it is determined that an interval has elapsed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the electric valve 97 is controlled to select the fifth flow path 51-5, and the electric valve 97 is controlled to open the valve of the tank 96. control.

The water that has flowed into the electric valve 97 from within the tank 96 flows into the selected fifth flow path 51-5. Thereafter, the water that has flowed into the spouting section 57 through the fifth channel 51-5 is turned into a mist M by the spouting section 57, and is spouted into the bowl section 2 of the toilet bowl 1. In this way, water at a predetermined temperature containing microbubbles is discharged into the bowl portion 2.

Further, for example, when the toilet seat lid 13 is closed, the control unit 91 causes water to be spouted from the nozzle cleaning port 67b during a predetermined period based on the settings stored in the storage unit 92 and the clock signal from the clock unit 93. If it is determined that there is not, the electric valve 97 is controlled to select the seventh flow path 51-7, and the tank 96 is controlled to open the valve of the tank 96. The water that has flowed into the electric valve 97 from within the tank 96 flows into the selected seventh flow path 51-7. Thereafter, the water that has flowed into the nozzle cleaning port 67b of the nozzle assembly 59 through the seventh flow path 51-7 is jetted from the nozzle cleaning port 67b toward the butt cleaning spout 66a and the bidet cleaning spout 66b. The water flows along the inner wall 67a and the outer surface of the nozzle body 62 toward the tip of the nozzle body 62, and flows down into the bowl 2 of the toilet bowl 1. In this way, water at a predetermined temperature containing microbubbles is ejected onto the outer surface of the nozzle body 62.

For example, when a user sits on the toilet seat 12 with the toilet seat lid 13 open, the toilet seat legs 18 come into contact with the toilet bowl 1 and are pushed in, turning the seat switch 19 ON. Then, when the user selects and operates, for example, a "butt button" or a "bidet button" on the main body operating section 21, an operation signal from the main body operating section 21 is transmitted to the control section 91. Upon receiving the operation signal, the control section 91 drives and controls the nozzle motor 64 so that the nozzle main body section 62 moves forward to a set position. The control unit 91 then controls the electric valve 97 to select the sixth flow path 51-6, and also controls the tank 96 to open the valve of the tank 96. The water that has flowed into the electric valve 97 from within the tank 96 flows into the selected sixth flow path 51-6. Thereafter, the water that has flowed through the sixth channel 51-6 and into the water spouting section 66 via the water supply cylinder 63 of the nozzle assembly 59 is spouted from the water spouting section 66. In this way, water containing microbubbles and having a predetermined temperature is spouted from the water spouting section 66.

As described above, in the toilet seat device ^10V of the present embodiment, a flow path 51' for supplying water from the main body water supply port 31 to the toilet seat device ^10V to the nozzle assembly 59' and the spouting part 57 is formed. The passage 51' is connected to a fifth passage 51-5 for supplying water to the spouting part 57, a sixth passage 51-6 for supplying water to the water spouting part 66, and water for cleaning the nozzle assembly 59'. An electric valve 97 is provided as a third valve device for branching into the seventh flow path 51-7, and in the flow path 51', a tank 96 as a heating means for heating water is located upstream of the electric valve 97. The UFB nozzle 77 of the micro bubble generating means 54 is provided upstream of the flow path 51' than the tank 96.

With this configuration, the user does not need special piping work to attach the fine bubble generation means to the wash water supply piping as in the past, and even a 10 ^V hot water storage type toilet seat device can be easily used. Toilet seat devices equipped with microbubble generating means can be used. Furthermore, the water containing microbubbles can be used not only for washing the bowl part 2 but also for washing the user's private parts or the nozzle assembly 59 provided with the water spouting part 66 for spouting the water. Microbubbles can be included in the multi-purpose water used in the toilet seat device ^10V .

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the first to seventh embodiments or their modifications, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the first flow path 51-1 of the toilet seat device 10 of the first embodiment may be further provided with a micro-bubble generating means 54, and the fine bubbles contained in the water passing through the first flow path 51-1 may be The cleaning effect may be improved by increasing only the concentration of bubbles. Further, the parts and numerical values used in the first to seventh embodiments and their modifications may be changed in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 Toilet bowl 10, 10', 10", 10 ^III , 10 ^IV , 10 ^V toilet seat device 31 Main body water inlet (water inlet)
33' Branch fitting 51 , 51' passage 51-1 First passage 51-2 Second passage 51-3 Third passage 51-4 Fourth passage
51-5 Fifth flow path (first flow path)
51-6 Sixth channel (second channel)
51-7 Seventh channel (third channel)
52 Water stop mechanism (water stop means)
53 Pressure reduction mechanism (adjustment means)
56 Branch part ( valve device, second valve device)
57 Spout part (water outlet)
58 Heating unit (heating means)
59 Nozzle assembly (nozzle)
66 Water outlet (water outlet)
77 UFB nozzle (micro bubble generation means, micro bubble generation means for external installation)
97 Electric valve (valve device)
100', 100" Toilet seat unit 110 Water guide unit (first valve device)
M Mist

Claims (11)

a nozzle provided with a spout for discharging water to a private area;
A water outlet for discharging water into the toilet bowl;
A microbubble generating means for generating microbubble in passing water,
Water containing the microbubbles is supplied to the nozzle and the water outlet,
A flow path is formed for supplying the water from the water supply port to the toilet seat device to the nozzle and the water discharge port,
A branching part that branches the flow path into a first flow path that supplies the water to the water outlet and a second flow path that supplies the water to the nozzle,
The microbubble generating means is provided upstream of the branch part in the flow path,
The branching part is configured with a valve device, and the water can be selectively supplied to the first flow path or the second flow path ,
A toilet seat device characterized in that the second flow path is provided with a heating means for heating water . a nozzle provided with a spout for discharging water to a private area;
A water outlet for discharging water into the toilet bowl;
A microbubble generating means for generating microbubble in passing water,
Water containing the microbubbles is supplied to the nozzle and the water outlet,
A flow path is formed for supplying the water from the water supply port to the toilet seat device to the nozzle and the water discharge port,
A branching part that branches the flow path into a first flow path that supplies the water to the water outlet and a second flow path that supplies the water to the nozzle,
The microbubble generating means is provided in the first flow path and the second flow path,
The toilet seat device, wherein the branching portion is configured with a valve device, and the water can be selectively supplied to the first flow path or the second flow path. The valve device is a second valve device,
A first valve device having a water cutoff means for starting or stopping the flow of the water into the flow path, or an adjustment means for adjusting the water pressure of the water cutoff means and the water flowing into the flow path, Provided on the upstream side of the flow path,
3. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the microbubble generating means is provided downstream of the flow path from the first valve device. The valve device is a second valve device,
A first valve device having a water stop means for starting or stopping the flow of the water into the flow path, or a water stop means and an adjustment means for adjusting the pressure of the water flowing into the flow path, Provided on the upstream side of the flow path,
The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the microbubble generating means is provided upstream of the flow path from the first valve device. In the nozzle,
a third flow path that supplies the water to the water outlet;
The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fourth flow path through which water for washing the nozzle flows. 3. The toilet seat device according to claim 2 , wherein a heating means for heating water is provided upstream of the fine bubble generating means in the second flow path. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the water discharged from the water outlet is in the form of mist. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the method for discharging the water from the water outlet can be set. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, characterized in that two or more of the microbubble generating means are provided. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 , 2, 4, 6 to 9 , and a branch fitting,
The branching fitting branches the flow of water between the toilet seat device and a storage tank that stores water to be supplied to the toilet bowl,
A toilet seat unit characterized in that the branch fitting is provided with a micro-bubble generating means for external attachment. a nozzle provided with a spout for discharging water to a private area;
A water outlet for discharging water into the toilet bowl;
A microbubble generating means for generating microbubble in passing water,
Water containing the microbubbles is supplied to the nozzle and the water outlet,
A flow path is formed for supplying the water from the water supply port to the toilet seat device to the nozzle and the water discharge port,
The flow path includes a first flow path that supplies the water to the water outlet, a second flow path that supplies the water to the water outlet, and a third flow path through which water for cleaning the nozzle flows. Equipped with a valve device that branches to
In the flow path, a heating means for heating water is provided upstream of the valve device,
The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the micro-bubble generating means is provided upstream of the flow path than the heating means.

Images