JP7449478B2 - sanitary cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

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

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of irradiating ultraviolet light (UV light) having a sterilizing effect to a private part cleaning nozzle when a human body is not detected, in order to remove dirt attached to the private part cleaning nozzle. .

JP2013-83141A

A nozzle accommodating portion in which the private part cleaning nozzle is housed is provided around the private part cleaning nozzle. In this case, when the private part cleaning nozzle is irradiated with sterilizing light such as ultraviolet light, the nozzle accommodating part and the like can also be sterilized by irradiating the sterilizing light to the nozzle accommodating part and the like.

In order to safely sterilize the inside of the nozzle housing using sterilizing light, it is preferable to irradiate the sterilizing light when no human body is detected (when no user is present). Furthermore, considering that the user starts using the product when the sterilization light is irradiated, it is more preferable to use light with a relatively long wavelength, such as ultraviolet light close to visible light, as the sterilization light. However, the sterilizing power per unit time of the sterilizing light with a long wavelength is lower than the sterilizing power per unit time of the sterilizing light with a shorter wavelength. Therefore, when using sterilizing light with a long wavelength, it is necessary to irradiate the sterilizing light into the nozzle storage portion for a relatively long time.

As a method of irradiating sterilizing light with a relatively long wavelength for a long period of time while considering the safety of the user, for example, it is possible to constantly irradiate sterilizing light when no human body is detected. However, in the method of constantly irradiating sterilizing light when no human body is detected, the irradiation time becomes longer than necessary, which may shorten the life of the illumination unit that irradiates the sterilizing light.

As another method, for example, irradiation with sterilizing light for a predetermined period of time after use by the user may be considered. In this case, since the irradiation time of the sterilization light depends on the frequency of use by the user, the sterilization light may be irradiated more than necessary, leading to a reduction in the life of the illuminated part, or conversely, the irradiation time may be insufficient. There is a possibility that the inside of the nozzle storage section cannot be properly sterilized.

As described above, when using sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength, there remains room for consideration in how to obtain a sufficient irradiation time while suppressing a decrease in the life of the illumination part.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of this problem, and is a sanitary and sanitary system that can obtain sufficient irradiation time while suppressing the reduction in the life of the illumination part even when using sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength. The purpose is to provide a cleaning device.

The present invention provides a private parts cleaning nozzle having a water spout for discharging cleansing water toward the user's private parts, a drive device for advancing and retracting the private parts cleaning nozzle, and a device for moving the private parts cleaning nozzle in a retracted state. a casing having a nozzle storage section capable of housing the entire private part cleaning nozzle; an illumination section that irradiates the nozzle storage section with sterilization light, which is light having a sterilization effect; and a human body detection sensor that detects a user. a control unit that controls the illumination unit based on detection information of the human body detection sensor, and the control unit causes the illumination unit to irradiate the sterilization light at a predetermined irradiance and a predetermined operating time. A normal mode and an energy saving mode in which the lighting section continues to stop, the lighting section operates for a shorter operating time than in the normal mode, and the lighting section operates at a lower irradiance than in the normal mode. mode, and measures the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit within a predetermined period, and if the cumulative operating time is less than the predetermined time, the normal mode is set when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state. The sanitary cleaning device is characterized in that, when the accumulated operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the energy saving mode is executed when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, if the cumulative operating time is less than a predetermined time, the normal mode is executed when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state, and the sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength is used. However, the inside of the nozzle housing can be sterilized in a timely manner. On the other hand, when the cumulative operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, by executing the energy saving mode when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the life of the illumination unit. Therefore, even when using sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength, it is possible to provide a sanitary cleaning device that can obtain a sufficient irradiation time while suppressing a decrease in the life of the illumination part.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sanitary cleaning device that can obtain sufficient irradiation time while suppressing reduction in the life of the illumination part even when using sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device including a sanitary cleaning device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a sanitary cleaning device according to an embodiment. 3(a) and 3(b) are cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the private part cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. It is a top view showing the internal structure of the sanitary washing device concerning an embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a nozzle storage part of a sanitary washing device concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing the vicinity of a private part cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. It is a front view showing the vicinity of a private part cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the nozzle lid periphery of the sanitary washing device concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the vicinity of a nozzle lid of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. It is a front view showing a modification of the area around the nozzle lid of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. It is a graph showing an example of wavelength distribution of sterilization light of the sanitary cleaning device concerning an embodiment. It is a top view showing the modification of the illumination part of the sanitary washing device concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart showing an example of operation of the sanitary cleaning device concerning an embodiment. It is a flowchart showing an example of operation in notification mode. It is a flow chart showing an example of operation in after-use mode. It is a flow chart showing an example of operation in non-use mode. It is a flowchart showing a modification of the operation in the non-use mode. It is a flowchart showing a modification of the operation in the non-use mode.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device including a sanitary cleaning device according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device includes a seated toilet bowl (hereinafter simply referred to as a "toilet bowl" for convenience of explanation) 800 and a sanitary cleaning device 100 installed thereon. The sanitary cleaning device 100 includes a casing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are each pivotally supported by a casing 400 so as to be freely openable and closable.

Inside the casing 400, there is a built-in private part cleaning function section that realizes cleaning of private parts such as the buttocks of a user sitting on the toilet seat 200. Further, for example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 that detects whether a user is sitting on the toilet seat 200. As the seating detection sensor 404, for example, a mechanical switch that detects seating by turning on/off a contact, an electrostatic sensor that detects seating by a change in capacitance, or the like is used. However, the seating detection sensor 404 is not limited to these, and may be any sensor that can detect that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 200.

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

The nozzle 473 discharges water (washing water) toward the human body's private parts to clean the human body's private parts. A bidet cleaning spout 474a and a butt cleaning spout 474b are provided at the tip of the nozzle 473. The nozzle 473 can wash the female private parts of a woman sitting on the toilet seat 200 by jetting water from a bidet washing spout 474a provided at its tip. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 can wash the "butt" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 by jetting water from a butt washing spout 474b provided at its tip. Note that in the present specification, "water" includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

Modes for washing the "butt" include, for example, "butt washing" and "soft washing" which gently washes with a water stream softer than "butt washing". The nozzle 473 can perform, for example, "bidet cleaning," "butt cleaning," and "soft cleaning."

In the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1, the bidet cleaning spout 474a is provided closer to the tip of the nozzle 473 than the butt cleaning spout 474b, but the installation positions of the bidet cleaning spout 474a and the butt cleaning spout 474b is not limited to this. The bidet cleaning spout 474a may be provided closer to the rear end of the nozzle 473 than the butt cleaning spout 474b. Moreover, although the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with two water spouts, three or more water spouts may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows the main configurations of the waterway system and the electrical system.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sanitary cleaning device 100 includes a water guide section 20. The water guide section 20 has a conduit 20a leading from the water supply source 10 such as a tap or a water storage tank to the nozzle 473. The water guide section 20 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 473 through the conduit 20a. The conduit 20a is formed by, for example, various parts such as a solenoid valve 431, a heat exchanger unit 440, and a flow path switching part 472, which will be described below, and a plurality of pipes connecting these parts.

A solenoid valve 431 is provided upstream of the water guide section 20 . The electromagnetic valve 431 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 405 provided inside the casing 400. In other words, the solenoid valve 431 opens and closes the conduit 20a. By opening the solenoid valve 431, water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows into the pipe line 20a.

A pressure regulating valve 432 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 431 . The pressure regulating valve 432 regulates the pressure within the pipe line 20a within a predetermined pressure range when the water supply pressure is high. A check valve 433 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 432 . The check valve 433 suppresses backflow of water to the upstream side of the check valve 433 when the pressure inside the pipe 20a decreases.

A heat exchanger unit 440 (heating section) is provided downstream of the check valve 433. The heat exchanger unit 440 has a heater and heats the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to raise the temperature to, for example, a specified temperature. That is, heat exchanger unit 440 generates hot water.

The heat exchanger unit 440 is an instantaneous heat exchanger using, for example, a ceramic heater. An instant heating type heat exchanger can heat water to a specified temperature in a shorter time than a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank. Note that the heat exchanger unit 440 is not limited to an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, but may be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger. Further, the heating section is not limited to a heat exchanger, and may be one using another heating method, such as one using microwave heating, for example.

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

A flow sensor 442 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440. Flow sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water discharged from heat exchanger unit 440. That is, the flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water flowing within the pipe line 20a. Flow rate sensor 442 is connected to control section 405. The flow rate sensor 442 inputs the flow rate detection result to the control unit 405.

An electrolytic cell unit 450 is provided downstream of the flow rate sensor 442. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates a liquid (functional water) containing hypochlorous acid from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing therein. Electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to control section 405. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates functional water based on control by the control unit 405.

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

A vacuum breaker (VB) 452 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 450. The vacuum breaker 452 has, for example, a channel for flowing water, an intake port for taking air into the channel, and a valve mechanism that opens and closes the intake port. For example, the valve mechanism closes the intake port when water is flowing through the flow path, and opens the intake port when the flow of water stops to take air into the flow path. That is, the vacuum breaker 452 takes air into the pipe line 20a when there is no flow of water in the water guide section 20. For example, a float valve is used as the valve mechanism.

The vacuum breaker 452 takes air into the pipe line 20a as described above, thereby promoting, for example, water removal from a portion of the pipe line 20a downstream of the vacuum breaker 452. Vacuum breaker 452, for example, facilitates drainage of water from nozzle 473. In this way, the vacuum breaker 452 removes water from the nozzle 473 and takes air into the nozzle 473, thereby removing cleaning water from the nozzle 473, dirty water accumulated in the bowl 801, etc. from the water supply source 10 ( Prevents backflow to the water supply side.

A pressure modulation section 454 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 452. The pressure modulation unit 454 applies pulsation or acceleration to the flow of water in the pipe line 20a of the water guide unit 20, and causes water to be spouted from the bidet cleaning spout 474a and the butt cleaning spout 474b of the nozzle 473 and the water spout of the nozzle cleaning unit 478. It gives pulsation to the water. That is, the pressure modulator 454 changes the flow state of water flowing inside the pipe 20a. Pressure modulation section 454 is connected to control section 405. The pressure modulator 454 varies the flow state of water based on control by the controller 405. The pressure modulator 454 varies the pressure of the water within the conduit 20a.

A flow rate adjustment section 471 is provided downstream of the pressure modulation section 454. The flow rate adjustment unit 471 adjusts the water force (flow rate). A flow path switching section 472 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment section 471 . The flow path switching section 472 opens/closes and switches the water supply to the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning section 478. The flow rate adjustment section 471 and the flow path switching section 472 may be provided as one unit. The flow rate adjustment section 471 and the flow path switching section 472 are connected to the control section 405. The operations of the flow rate adjustment section 471 and the flow path switching section 472 are controlled by the control section 405.

A nozzle 473, a nozzle cleaning section 478, and a spray nozzle 479 are provided downstream of the flow path switching section 472. The nozzle 473 receives the driving force from the nozzle motor 476, and advances into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800 and retreats from the bowl 801. That is, the nozzle motor 476 is a drive device that advances and retreats the nozzle 473 based on commands from the control unit 405.

The nozzle cleaning section 478 cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473 by, for example, jetting functional water or water from a water spouting section. The spray nozzle 479 sprays cleaning water or functional water into a mist onto the bowl 801 . In this example, a spray nozzle 479 is provided separately from a nozzle 473 for washing the human body. The present invention is not limited to this, and the nozzle 473 may be provided with a water spout for spraying a mist-like liquid onto the bowl 801.

Further, downstream of the flow path switching section 472, a butt wash channel 21, a soft wash channel 22, and a bidet wash channel 23 are provided. The butt wash channel 21 and the soft wash channel 22 guide water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide section 20 and functional water generated in the electrolyzer unit 450 to the butt wash spout 474b. The bidet cleaning channel 23 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide section 20 and functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the bidet cleaning water spout 474a.

Further, downstream of the flow path switching section 472, a surface cleaning flow path 24 and a spray flow path 25 are provided. The surface cleaning channel 24 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide section 20 and functional water generated in the electrolyzer unit 450 to the water discharge section of the nozzle cleaning section 478 . The spray channel 25 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide section 20 or functional water generated in the electrolyzer unit 450 to the spray nozzle 479 .

The control unit 405 controls the flow path switching unit 472 to switch the respective flows of the butt wash channel 21, the soft wash channel 22, the bidet wash channel 23, the surface wash channel 24, and the spray channel 25. Switch the opening and closing of the road. In this way, the flow path switching section 472 is in a state in which each of the plurality of water spouts such as the bidet cleaning spout 474a, the butt cleaning spout 474b, the nozzle cleaning section 478, and the spray nozzle 479 is communicated with the pipe line 20a. and a state of not communicating with the conduit 20a.

The control unit 405 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 401 and controls the electromagnetic valve 431 and the heat exchanger based on signals from the human body detection sensor 403, the seating detection sensor 404, the flow rate sensor 442, the operation unit 500, etc. The unit 440, the electrolytic cell unit 450, the pressure modulation section 454, the flow rate adjustment section 471, the flow path switching section 472, the nozzle motor 476, etc. are controlled.

Further, the control unit 405 controls the illumination unit 700 based on detection information from the human body detection sensor 403 and the seating detection sensor 404, for example. The illumination unit 700 irradiates the periphery of the nozzle 473 (such as a nozzle housing section described below) with sterilizing light that has a sterilizing effect. The illumination unit 700 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the human body detection sensor 403 is provided to be embedded in a recess 409 formed on the upper surface of the casing 400, and detects a user (human body) located away from the toilet seat 200. . In other words, the human body detection sensor 403 detects a user near the sanitary cleaning device 100. Further, a transparent window 310 is provided at the rear of the toilet lid 300. Therefore, when the toilet lid 300 is closed, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect the presence of the user through the transparent window 310. As the human body detection sensor 403, for example, a distance measurement sensor using infrared rays, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like is used. However, the human body detection sensor 403 is not limited to these, and may be any sensor capable of detecting a user located away from the toilet seat 200.

The sanitary cleaning device 100 further includes an opening/closing mechanism 420 and a toilet seat position detection sensor 422. The opening/closing mechanism 420 drives the toilet lid 300 to open and close. The opening/closing mechanism 420 is configured by, for example, a motor. The opening/closing mechanism 420 is connected to the control unit 405 and operates under the control of the control unit 405 to move the toilet lid 300 between a closed position and an open position. For example, the control unit 405 automatically opens the toilet lid 300 in response to detection of the user by the human body detection sensor 403.

The toilet seat position detection sensor 422 detects the opening operation of the toilet seat 200. The toilet seat position detection sensor 422 is connected to the control unit 405 and inputs the detection result of the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 to the control unit 405 . The toilet seat position detection sensor 422 detects, for example, the start of movement of the toilet seat 200 from the closed position to the open position as an opening operation of the toilet seat 200. In other words, the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 detects the movement of the toilet seat 200 away from the closed position as an opening operation of the toilet seat 200. For example, the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 may detect movement of the toilet seat 200 to the open position as an opening operation of the toilet seat 200. The opening operation of the toilet seat 200 detected by the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 may be a movement of the toilet seat 200 to any position away from the closed position. In other words, the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 only needs to be configured to be able to detect that the toilet seat 200 is not in the closed position. In other words, the closed position of the toilet seat 200 is a state in which the toilet seat 200 is lowered, and the open position of the toilet seat 200 is, in other words, a state in which the toilet seat 200 is raised.

For example, a mechanical switch, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or the like is used as the toilet seat position detection sensor 422. However, the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 is not limited to these, and may be any sensor capable of detecting the opening operation of the toilet seat 200.

The sanitary cleaning device 100 may further include, for example, an opening/closing mechanism that drives the toilet seat 200 to open and close, a detection sensor that detects the opening operation of the toilet lid 300, and the like. Note that the opening/closing mechanism 420 and the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 are provided as necessary and can be omitted. The sanitary cleaning device 100 does not necessarily have to have the function of automatically opening and closing the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300. The sanitary cleaning device 100 does not necessarily have to have a function of detecting the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300.

The casing 400 also has various devices such as a "warm air drying function" that blows warm air toward the buttocks of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 to dry them, a "deodorizing unit" and an "indoor heating unit." A mechanism may be provided as appropriate. At this time, an exhaust port 407 from the deodorizing unit and an exhaust port 408 from the indoor heating unit are provided on the side surface of the casing 400 as appropriate. However, in the present invention, the sanitary cleaning function section and other additional function sections do not necessarily need to be provided.

3(a) and 3(b) are cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the private part cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a nozzle housing part of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing the vicinity of the private part cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the vicinity of the private part cleaning nozzle of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
Note that in FIG. 4, components other than the nozzle 473 of the sanitary cleaning device 100 are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the casing 400 has a nozzle storage section 480 that can store the entire nozzle 473 when the nozzle 473 is in a retracted state. The nozzle storage section 480 is a member for storing the nozzle 473, and is adjacent to the nozzle 473 in a state where the entire nozzle 473 is stored. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle storage section 480 includes a nozzle support section 482 and a nozzle cleaning section 478.

The nozzle support part 482 supports the nozzle 473 below the nozzle 473. The nozzle support portion 482 is inclined downward in the direction from the rear to the front. The nozzle 473 advances and retreats while sliding with respect to the nozzle support portion 482. The nozzle storage section 480 may be provided with a cylindrical member that stores the nozzle 473, for example.

The nozzle cleaning section 478 is attached to the front end of the nozzle support section 482. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the nozzle cleaning section 478 includes a member (water discharging section) 478a in which a water discharging hole for discharging cleaning water is formed, and a support body 478b thereof. . As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 7, an opening 481 is provided at the front end of the nozzle storage section 480. The opening 481 is provided at the lower part of the front end of the casing 400. Nozzle cleaning section 478 is located behind opening 481 . The nozzle cleaning unit 478 cleans the outer circumferential surface (body) of the nozzle 473, for example, by jetting functional water or water from the water spouting unit 478a when the nozzle 473 moves back and forth (self-cleaning).

A nozzle lid 600 is provided in front of the nozzle 473. The nozzle lid 600 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to an opening 481 provided at the front end of the nozzle storage section 480. As shown in FIG. 3B, the nozzle lid 600 is in an open state in which the opening 481 is opened when the nozzle 473 is advanced, and as shown in FIG. When it is housed in the opening 481, it is in a closed state. For example, when the nozzle lid 600 is in a closed state, the front side of the opening 481 is blocked by the nozzle lid 600.

Nozzle lid 600 has a back surface 600a and a front surface 600b. The back surface 600a is a surface located on the nozzle 473 side in the closed state. The front surface 600b is a surface located on the opposite side to the back surface 600a. In other words, the back surface 600a is a surface located on the rear side in the closed state, and the front surface 600b is a surface located on the front side in the closed state.

When the nozzle 473 is not in use, it is stored in the nozzle storage section 480, as shown in FIG. 3(a). When the nozzle 473 performs private cleaning, the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward with respect to the nozzle storage section 480. When the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward, the nozzle 473 contacts the nozzle cleaning section 478, and the water spouting section 478a of the nozzle cleaning section 478 and the nozzle lid 600 are pushed upward. For example, before the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, the nozzle 473 is cleaned by water spouted from the water spouting section 478a.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, water is discharged from the bidet cleaning spout 474a or the butt cleaning spout 474b toward the user's private parts to perform cleaning. When the private part cleaning is completed, the nozzle 473 slides rearward and upward toward the nozzle storage section 480. For example, before the nozzle 473 is stored in the nozzle storage section 480, the nozzle 473 is cleaned by water spouted from the water spouting section 478a. The nozzle 473 is retreated to a predetermined position and is housed in the nozzle housing section 480 as in the state shown in FIG. 3(a).

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 6, the sanitary cleaning device 100 includes a lighting section 700 that emits sterilization light that has a sterilization effect. The illumination unit 700 is provided inside the casing 400, for example. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in this example, the illumination section 700 has two light emitting sections 710. The two light emitting parts 710 are provided on the left and right sides below the nozzle support part 482, respectively, and sterilization is performed toward the nozzle support part 482 and the nozzle 473 located above between the two light emitting parts 710. Irradiate light. Further, the two light emitting sections 710 are each provided on the front side of the nozzle storage section 480 (opening 481 side), and irradiate the front side of the nozzle storage section 480 with sterilization light.

The illumination unit 700 includes, for example, a light emitting element 720 (light emitter). The light emitting element 720 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting element 720 is not limited to an LED, and may be, for example, an LD (Laser Diode) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting element 720 may be, for example, a cold cathode tube or a hot cathode tube. The wavelength of the sterilization light emitted by the light emitting element 720 is, for example, 250 nm to 480 nm. The light emitting element 720 is connected to the control unit 405 via, for example, a substrate, and is turned on and off based on the control of the control unit 405. The control unit 405 controls the operation of the illumination unit 700 by controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting element 720. Further, the control unit 405 may control the radiation intensity of the light emitting element 720, for example, by adjusting the voltage applied to the light emitting element 720. The light emitting element 720 is provided in the light emitting section 710, for example.

The illumination section 700 irradiates the nozzle storage section 480 with sterilization light. Thereby, the nozzle housing section 480 is sterilized by the sterilizing light. In this example, the illumination unit 700 also irradiates the back surface 600a of the nozzle lid 600 and the front surface 600b of the nozzle lid 600 with the sterilization light. Thereby, the back surface 600a of the nozzle lid 600 and the front surface 600b of the nozzle lid 600 are also sterilized by the sterilization light.

The illumination unit 700 kills or inactivates at least a portion of bacteria attached to the nozzle storage unit 480 and the like by, for example, irradiating with sterilizing light. Thereby, the illumination unit 700 reduces live bacteria attached to the nozzle storage unit 480 and the like. In this way, the illumination unit 700 sterilizes the nozzle storage unit 480 and the like by irradiating the sterilization light.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle lid of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing the vicinity of the nozzle lid of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In addition, in FIG. 9, the toilet lid 300 is omitted.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the nozzle lid 600 and the illumination unit 700 are in the closed state, visible light VL is transmitted from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 when irradiating sterilization light. can be released. In this example, a nozzle lid 600 is provided that can transmit the sterilization light irradiated onto the nozzle storage section 480, and the sterilization light irradiated onto the nozzle storage section 480 from the illumination section 700 is transmitted through the nozzle lid 600. Then, it is released to the outside of the casing 400. Note that in this example, the sterilization light includes an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component.

Irradiation with sterilizing light is performed, for example, with the entire nozzle 473 housed in the nozzle storage section 480 and with the nozzle lid 600 closed (that is, the nozzle lid 600 is in a closed state). Therefore, it is usually difficult for the user to recognize that the nozzle housing section 480 is being sterilized with the sterilizing light.

In contrast, in the embodiment, visible light VL can be emitted from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400, so that when the nozzle lid 600 is provided in the opening 481 of the nozzle storage section 480, Also, the user can be made aware that the nozzle housing section 480 is being sterilized with the sterilizing light. Thereby, it can be recognized that the nozzle 473 is stored in a clean place, so even a user who is highly conscious of cleanliness can use the nozzle 473 with peace of mind.

Hereinafter, a means for making it possible to emit visible light VL from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 when irradiating the sterilization light with the nozzle lid 600 in the closed state will be described.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the nozzle lid periphery of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. Note that in FIG. 10, the toilet lid 300 is omitted.
When the nozzle lid 600 is in the closed state, the means for emitting visible light VL from the opening 481 or the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 when irradiating the sterilizing light is to emit the sterilizing light itself containing a visible light component to the opening 481. It is conceivable that the water be released (leaked) from the casing 400 to the outside of the casing 400. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, by providing a gap (clearance) between the opening 481 of the nozzle housing part 480 and the nozzle lid 600, the sterilization light irradiated onto the nozzle housing part 480 can be removed. can be released to the outside of the casing 400 through the gap between the opening 481 and the nozzle lid 600.

In this way, in the embodiment, by providing a gap (clearance) between the opening 481 of the nozzle housing section 480 and the nozzle lid 600, the sterilization light irradiated onto the nozzle housing section 480 is transmitted between the opening 481 and the nozzle lid 600. It may be discharged to the outside of the casing 400 through the gap between the two. Note that in this case, for example, the nozzle lid 600 may not transmit sterilization light.

Further, in the embodiment, as described above, the nozzle lid 600 that can transmit the sterilization light irradiated onto the nozzle storage section 480 may be provided. By providing the nozzle lid 600 that can transmit the sterilizing light, the sterilizing light irradiated to the nozzle accommodating part 480 can be removed without having to provide a large clearance between the opening 481 of the nozzle accommodating part 480 and the nozzle lid 600, for example. Light can be transmitted through the nozzle lid 600 and emitted to the outside of the casing 400. This allows the user to recognize that the nozzle storage section 480 is being sterilized with the sterilization light while suppressing the intrusion of urine and the like into the nozzle storage section 480.

In addition, when the sterilization light does not include a visible light component, for example, the wavelength of the sterilization light that does not include a visible light component is converted into light that includes a visible light component, and the converted light is emitted from the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400. You may. More specifically, nozzle lid 600 may include, for example, a wavelength converting material. A wavelength conversion material is, for example, a material that, when irradiated with light, emits light that has a peak wavelength different from that of the irradiated light (for example, light that has a peak wavelength on the longer wavelength side than the irradiated light). It is. The wavelength conversion material is, for example, a fluorescent material. The wavelength conversion material is, for example, 2,5-thiophenediylbis(5-tert-butyl-1,3-benzoxazole).

By including the wavelength conversion material in the nozzle lid 600, the wavelength of the sterilization light irradiated onto the nozzle housing section 480 can be converted by the nozzle lid 600. In this way, the nozzle lid 600, for example, receives the sterilization light irradiated into the nozzle storage section 480 and emits visible light VL having a longer wavelength than the sterilization light to the outside of the casing 400 (nozzle lid 600). Contains wavelength conversion material. As a result, for example, the light emitted from the nozzle lid 600 to the outside of the casing 400 can have a longer wavelength than the sterilizing light, so that the nozzle housing section 480 can be sterilized more safely with the sterilizing light. The user can be made aware of this.

For example, even when the radiation intensity of the visible light component is low or when the nozzle housing section 480 is irradiated with sterilization light that does not contain the visible light component, the sterilization light can be converted into light containing the visible light component by the wavelength conversion material. It can be converted into and discharged to the outside of the casing 400. As a result, the sterilization effect can be further enhanced by the ultraviolet light component with high sterilization performance, and by emitting light that has been converted to include a visible light component to the outside of the casing 400, it is visible to the user. The effect can also be satisfied.

Further, in the embodiment, the nozzle lid 600 may include, for example, a luminescent material. A luminescent material is, for example, a material that absorbs the energy of irradiated light and emits it as light. The luminous material is, for example, strontium aluminate.

Since the sterilizing light has a sterilizing effect, it is basically preferable not to irradiate the user with the sterilizing light. By including the phosphorescent material in the nozzle lid 600, it is possible to make it appear as if the nozzle housing part 480 is being sterilized with sterilizing light even when the nozzle accommodating part 480 is not actually being irradiated with sterilizing light. It becomes possible. This allows the user to more safely recognize that the nozzle housing section 480 is being sterilized with the sterilizing light.

Next, the sterilization light irradiated from the illumination unit 700 will be explained.
In the embodiment, the illumination unit 700 irradiates, for example, sterilization light containing an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component. In this way, by irradiating the nozzle housing section 480 with irradiation light that includes both the ultraviolet light component that has high sterilization performance and the visible light component that has lower sterilization performance than the ultraviolet light component but is visible, For example, when the sterilizing light itself is emitted (leaked) from the opening 481 to the outside of the casing 400, both the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing light and the visual effect for the user can be achieved.

It is sufficient that the visible light component has a radiation intensity that is visible to the user, and in order to enhance the sterilization effect, it is desirable to increase the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light component. Therefore, in the embodiment, the illumination unit 700 irradiates, for example, sterilization light in which the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light component is higher than the radiation intensity of the visible light component. Thereby, the sterilization effect can be further enhanced while satisfying the visual recognition effect for the user.

The peak wavelength of the sterilization light is, for example, 250 nm or more and 480 nm or less. The peak wavelength of the sterilizing light is preferably 350 nm or more and 480 nm or less. In this way, by setting the peak wavelength of the sterilization light to around 400 nm, which is the boundary between the visible light range and the ultraviolet light range (for example, 350 nm or more and 480 nm or less), the ultraviolet light component can be extracted from one light source (light emitting element 720). It is possible to irradiate sterilizing light containing a visible light component and a visible light component. Thereby, the number of light sources provided in the illumination section 700 can be further reduced, and the sanitary cleaning device 100 can be downsized.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the wavelength distribution of sterilization light of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, the sterilization light includes light with a wavelength of about 360 nm to about 420 nm, and the peak wavelength is about 385 nm. In this way, by setting the peak wavelength of the sterilization light near the boundary between the visible light region and the ultraviolet light region, for example, the UV-A component (315 nm or more and 400 nm or less), which is the ultraviolet light component, and the violet to blue light component can be Sterilization light containing a visible light component (400 nm or more and 480 nm or less) can be irradiated. Such sterilizing light can achieve both a sterilizing effect and a visual effect for the user.

Note that the light source of the sterilization light is not limited to one. For example, as sterilization light, one light source may emit light that contains an ultraviolet light component and no visible light component, and another light source may emit light that contains a visible light component and does not contain an ultraviolet light component. . In other words, the ultraviolet light component and the visible light component included in the sterilization light may be irradiated simultaneously from different light sources.

Furthermore, the sterilization light is not limited to light containing an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component. For example, when the nozzle lid 600 includes a wavelength conversion material, the sterilization light may be light that contains an ultraviolet light component and does not contain a visible light component.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a modification of the illumination part of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the light emitting element 720 may be provided at a position away from the nozzle housing section 480. In this example, two light emitting elements 720 are provided at positions left and right away from the nozzle housing part 480, and the two light emitting elements 720 are connected to the left and right sides of the nozzle housing part 480 via optical fibers 730, respectively. It is connected to two light emitting sections 710 provided in the.

In the embodiment, as described above, sterilization light is guided from the light emitting element 720 to the light emitting unit 710 using the optical fiber 730 or the like, and sterilization is carried out from the light emitting unit 710 provided near the nozzle housing 480 to the nozzle housing 480. Light may be irradiated.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, while waiting for a user to enter the room, the control unit 405 of the sanitary cleaning device 100 first determines whether the human body detection sensor 403 has detected a human body based on the detection information of the human body detection sensor 403. It is determined whether or not (step S101 in FIG. 13).

When the control unit 405 determines that the human body detection sensor 403 has switched from the non-detection state to the detection state, the control unit 405 causes the illumination unit 700 to irradiate sterilization light when the human body detection sensor 403 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state. A notification mode in which visible light VL is emitted to the outside of 400 is executed (step S102 in FIG. 13).

After executing the operation in the notification mode, the control unit 405 determines whether the user has left the toilet seat 200 based on the detection information of the seating detection sensor 404 (step S103 in FIG. 13). In other words, the control unit 405 determines whether the seating detection sensor 404 has switched from the detection state to the non-detection state.

When the control unit 405 detects the seating, the control unit 405 executes an after-use mode in which the illumination unit 700 irradiates sterilization light when the seating detection sensor 404 switches from the detection state to the non-detection state (step S104 in FIG. 13). . After executing the after-use mode, the control unit 405 returns to the process of step S101.

When the control unit 405 determines that the human body detection sensor 403 is in the non-detection state in step S101, the control unit 405 subsequently determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the timing at which the human body detection sensor 403 switched from the detection state to the non-detection state. (Step S105 in FIG. 13). In other words, the control unit 405 determines whether the state in which no human body is detected continues for a predetermined period of time.

If the control unit 405 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, it executes a non-use mode in which the illumination unit 700 irradiates sterilization light when the human body detection sensor 403 is in a non-detection state (step S106 in FIG. 13).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation in notification mode.
As shown in FIG. 14, when the control section 405 starts operating in the notification mode, it operates the illumination section 700 and causes the illumination section 700 to irradiate sterilization light (step S201 in FIG. 14). In other words, when the human body detection sensor 403 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state, the control unit 405 operates the illumination unit 700 to irradiate the illumination unit 700 with sterilization light.

As a result, the inside of the nozzle housing part 480 can be sterilized with the sterilizing light, and the visible light VL is emitted to the outside of the casing 400, allowing the user to sterilize the inside of the nozzle housing part 480 with the sterilizing light. I can show you where I am.

Further, when the human body detection sensor 403 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state, the control unit 405 operates the illumination unit 700 and operates the opening/closing mechanism 420 to move the toilet lid 300 from the closed position to the open position. move it to That is, the control unit 405 automatically opens the toilet lid 300 in response to the detection of a human body.

After emitting the visible light VL and opening the toilet lid 300, the control unit 405 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of irradiation with the sterilizing light (emission of the visible light VL) (see FIG. 14). Step S202).

When the control unit 405 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, it subsequently determines whether the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 has detected the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 (step S203 in FIG. 14).

If the control unit 405 determines that the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 has not been detected, the control unit 405 subsequently determines whether the seating detection sensor 404 has detected the seating on the toilet seat 200 (step S204 in FIG. 14).

If the control unit 405 determines that seating on the toilet seat 200 has been detected, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700, and stops the irradiation of the sterilization light and the emission of the visible light VL (step S205 in FIG. 14). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user's buttocks from coming too close to the nozzle housing section 480 that is being irradiated with the sterilization light.

Furthermore, if the control unit 405 determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed before detecting that the person is seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700, irradiates the sterilization light, and emits the visible light VL. stop. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the user's body from coming too close to the nozzle housing section 480 that is being irradiated with sterilization light.

Furthermore, if the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 determines that the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 is detected before the seating on the toilet seat 200 is detected, the control unit 405 also stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 and sterilizes the toilet seat 200. Light irradiation and emission of visible light VL are stopped. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the user's body from coming too close to the nozzle housing section 480 that is being irradiated with sterilization light.

The control unit 405 terminates the operation in the notification mode by stopping the operation of the illumination unit 700 and stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing light and the emission of the visible light VL.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation in the after-use mode.
As shown in FIG. 15, upon starting the operation in the after-use mode, the control unit 405 determines whether the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 has detected the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 (step S301 in FIG. 15). In other words, the control unit 405 determines whether the toilet seat position detection sensor 422 has detected the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 following the detection of the seat being unseated.

When the control unit 405 determines that the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 is not detected, the control unit 405 operates the illumination unit 700 to irradiate the illumination unit 700 with sterilization light (step S302 in FIG. 15). Thereby, the control unit 405 sterilizes the nozzle housing section 480 after using the sanitary cleaning device 100. In addition, by irradiating the illumination unit 700 with sterilizing light and emitting visible light VL to the outside of the casing 400 after detecting that the person has left the seat, the user can easily store the nozzle when the user has finished using the sanitary cleaning device 100. It is possible to show the inside of the section 480 being sterilized with sterilizing light. Thereby, for example, it is possible to give the user a greater sense of security.

After starting the irradiation of the sterilization light, the control unit 405 determines whether the human body detection sensor 403 has detected the next human body (step S303 in FIG. 15). That is, the control unit 405 determines whether the human body detection sensor 403 has switched from the detection state to the non-detection state and then switched back to the detection state.

When the control unit 405 determines that the next human body has been detected, the control unit 405 shifts to the notification mode operation (step S304 in FIG. 15).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the next human body has not been detected, the control unit 405 subsequently determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of irradiation with the sterilization light (step S305 in FIG. 15). .

The control unit 405 repeats the processing of steps S303 to S305 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the control unit 405 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700, and stops the illumination unit 700 from irradiating the sterilizing light (step S306 in FIG. 15). Thereby, the control unit 405 sterilizes the nozzle housing section 480 for a predetermined period of time. The control unit 405 ends the operation in the after-use mode by stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing light.

Further, if the control unit 405 determines in step S301 that the opening operation of the toilet seat 200 has been detected, the control unit 405 ends the operation in the after-use mode without sterilizing the nozzle storage unit 480. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user's body from coming too close to the nozzle housing section 480 that is being irradiated with sterilization light.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation in the non-use mode.
As shown in FIG. 16, when the control unit 405 starts operating in the non-use mode, it determines whether the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within a predetermined period is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S401 in FIG. 16). ).

If the control unit 405 determines that the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within the predetermined period is less than the predetermined time, the control unit 405 applies sterilization light to the illumination unit 700 at a predetermined irradiance (mW/cm ² ) and a predetermined operating time. A normal mode operation is performed to irradiate (step S402 in FIG. 16).

When the control unit 405 starts operating in the normal mode, it operates the illumination unit 700 and causes the illumination unit 700 to irradiate sterilization light with a predetermined irradiance (step S403 in FIG. 16). Thereby, the control unit 405 sterilizes the nozzle storage unit 480 when the sanitary cleaning device 100 is not in use.

After starting the sterilization light irradiation, the control unit 405 measures the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within a predetermined period (step S404 in FIG. 16). In the determination in step S401, the cumulative operating time measured in step S404 is used. In this case, the cumulative operating time is the total operating time of the lighting section 700 when the lighting section 700 is operated in the normal mode. The cumulative operating time is not limited to this, and may be the total operating time when the illumination section 700 is operated in each of the notification mode, after-use mode, and non-use mode.

The cumulative operating time of the illumination section 700 can be measured, for example, by the time during which power is being supplied to the illumination section 700.

The predetermined period for measuring the cumulative operating time is, for example, one day. The cumulative operating time is reset, for example, every day. However, the predetermined period is not limited to one day, and may be any period. Further, the cumulative operating time may be set as, for example, the cumulative operating time from the time when it is determined whether the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time to 24 hours before (before a predetermined period) without being reset. .

After starting the measurement of the cumulative activation time, the control unit 405 determines whether the human body detection sensor 403 has detected the next human body (step S405 in FIG. 16). That is, the control unit 405 determines whether the human body detection sensor 403 has switched from the detection state to the non-detection state and then switched back to the detection state.

When the control unit 405 determines that the next human body has been detected, the control unit 405 shifts to the notification mode operation (step S406 in FIG. 16).

On the other hand, if the control unit 405 determines that the next human body has not been detected, it subsequently determines whether the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within the predetermined period is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (see FIG. 16). Step S407).

The control unit 405 repeats the processing of steps S405 to S407 until the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or more. If the control unit 405 determines that the cumulative operating time has exceeded the predetermined time, it stops the operation of the illumination unit 700, and stops the illumination unit 700 from irradiating the sterilizing light (step S408 in FIG. 16). Thereby, the control unit 405 sterilizes the nozzle storage unit 480 until the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or more.

The control unit 405 ends the operations in the normal mode and the non-use mode by stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing light. In this way, the control unit 405 executes the normal mode until the human body detection sensor 403 switches from the non-detecting state to the detecting state or until the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or more.

If the control unit 405 determines in step S401 that the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within the predetermined period is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the control unit 405 executes an operation in the energy saving mode to continue stopping the illumination unit 700 (as shown in FIG. 16). Step S409).

When the control unit 405 starts the operation in the energy saving mode, the control unit 405 continues to stop the illumination unit 700, and ends the operation in the energy saving mode and the non-use mode (step S410 in FIG. 16). In this manner, the control unit 405 continues to stop the illumination unit 700 in the energy saving mode.

In this way, in the sanitary cleaning device 100, when the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 is less than the predetermined time, the normal mode is executed when the human body detection sensor 403 is in the non-detection state, thereby detecting relatively long wavelengths. Even when sterilization light is used, it is possible to sterilize the inside of the nozzle housing part 480 over time. On the other hand, when the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, a reduction in the lifespan of the illumination unit 700 can be suppressed by executing the energy saving mode when the human body detection sensor 403 is in a non-detection state. . Therefore, by executing the normal mode and the energy saving mode, the sanitary cleaning device can obtain sufficient irradiation time while suppressing the reduction in the life of the illumination unit 700 even when using sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength. 100 can be provided.

The control unit 405 also controls whether the human body detection sensor 403 detects a human body in step S101 of FIG. 13, step S303 of FIG. 15, and step S405 of FIG. In this case, the notification mode is executed. In this way, even if the cumulative operating time is longer than the predetermined time, by executing the notification mode, the user can be made aware that the inside of the nozzle storage section 480 is being sterilized with the sterilizing light. , the user can use the nozzle 473 with greater peace of mind.

The control unit 405 executes the normal mode until the human body detection sensor 403 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state or until the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or more, and continues to stop the illumination unit 700 in the energy saving mode. By executing the normal mode until the human body detection sensor 403 switches from the non-detection state to the detection state or until the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or more, it is possible to easily obtain sufficient irradiation time, and in addition, in the energy saving mode. By stopping the operation of the light emitting section 700, it is possible to more reliably suppress the decrease in the life of the light emitting section 700.

The control unit 405 can change the predetermined cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700. The control unit 405 changes the predetermined cumulative operating time based on the operation of the operating unit 500, for example. This allows the predetermined time to be changed to a more appropriate value by changing the predetermined time depending on the installation environment and the like. For example, in the case of a site where the inside of the nozzle storage section 480 is likely to get dirty, the predetermined time is set to be long. As a result, sufficient irradiation time can be obtained, and the inside of the nozzle housing section 480 can be appropriately sterilized. On the other hand, in the case of a site where there is little dirt in the nozzle housing section 480, the predetermined time is set short. Thereby, it is possible to obtain sufficient irradiation time while further suppressing a decrease in the life of the illumination section 700.

Communication between the control unit 405 and the operation unit 500 may be wired or wireless. The control unit 405 may change the predetermined cumulative operating time based on a control signal input from the operation unit 500 via wired communication, or may change the predetermined time of the cumulative operation time based on a control signal input from the operation unit 500 via wireless communication. The predetermined time of the cumulative operating time may be changed based on.

Note that the method of changing the predetermined cumulative operating time is not limited to the above method. The control unit 405 may, for example, receive a control signal from another device via a network or the like, and change the predetermined cumulative operating time based on the received control signal. The predetermined time of the cumulative operating time may be changed by any method that allows the control unit 405 to appropriately change the predetermined time.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a modification of the operation in the non-use mode.
As shown in FIG. 17, in this example, when the control unit 405 determines that the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within a predetermined period is equal to or longer than the predetermined time and starts operation in the energy saving mode, the control unit 405 The illumination unit 700 is also operated with a low irradiance (step S510 in FIG. 17). Note that steps S501 to S509 are the same as steps S401 to S409 described with reference to FIG. 16, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

After activating the illumination unit 700, the control unit 405 determines whether the human body detection sensor 403 has detected the next human body (step S511 in FIG. 17). When the control unit 405 determines that the next human body has been detected, the control unit 405 shifts to the notification mode operation (step S512 in FIG. 17).

On the other hand, if the control unit 405 determines that the next human body has not been detected, it subsequently determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S513 in FIG. 17).

The control unit 405 repeats the processing of steps S511 to S513 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the control unit 405 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700, and stops the illumination unit 700 from irradiating the sterilizing light (step S514 in FIG. 17).

The control unit 405 ends the operation of the energy saving mode and the non-use mode by stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing light. In this way, the operation in the energy saving mode is not limited to an operation in which the illumination unit 700 continues to stop, but may be an operation in which the illumination unit 700 is operated at a lower irradiance than in the normal mode.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a modification of the operation in the non-use mode.
As shown in FIG. 18, in this example, if the control unit 405 determines that the next human body has not been detected after starting the operation in the normal mode, it then determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed or not. (Step S607 in FIG. 18). Note that steps S601 to S606 are the same as steps S401 to S406 described with reference to FIG. 16, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The control unit 405 repeats the processing of steps S605 to S607 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the control unit 405 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700, and stops the illumination unit 700 from irradiating the sterilization light (step S608 in FIG. 18). The control unit 405 ends the operations in the normal mode and the non-use mode by stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing light.

If the control unit 405 determines that the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit 700 within a predetermined period is equal to or longer than the predetermined time and starts operation in the energy saving mode, the control unit 405 operates the illumination unit 700 for a shorter operating time than in the normal mode ( Steps S609 and S610 in FIG. 17). Hereinafter, steps S611 to S614 are the same as steps S511 to S514 described with reference to FIG. 17, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In this way, the operation in the energy saving mode may be an operation in which the illumination unit 700 is operated for a shorter operating time than in the normal mode. Note that the operation of operating the illuminating section 700 for a shorter operating time than in the normal mode is as described above, when operating the illuminating section 700 for a predetermined time in the normal mode, Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the lighting section 700 is operated until the cumulative operating time reaches a predetermined time or more in the normal mode, the longest operation of the lighting section 700 in the normal mode may be performed. The operation may be such that the illuminating section 700 is operated for a shorter operating time than the operating time.

The operation in the energy saving mode is an operation of continuing to stop the illumination unit 700, operating the illumination unit 700 for a shorter operating time than in the normal mode, and operating the illumination unit 700 at a lower irradiance than in the normal mode. That's fine. In other words, the operation in the energy saving mode may be any operation that can suppress a decrease in the life of the illumination unit 700 more than in the normal mode.

As a sanitary cleaning device based on the embodiment described above, for example, the following aspects can be considered.

A first aspect includes a private parts cleaning nozzle having a water spout for discharging cleansing water toward the user's private parts, a drive device for advancing and retracting the private parts cleaning nozzle, and a state in which the private parts cleaning nozzle is moved back. , a casing having a nozzle accommodating part capable of accommodating the entire private area cleaning nozzle, an illumination part that irradiates the nozzle accommodating part with sterilizing light that is light having a sterilizing effect, and a human body detection sensor that detects a user. and a control unit that controls the illumination unit based on detection information of the human body detection sensor, the control unit applying the sterilization light to the illumination unit at a predetermined irradiance and a predetermined operating time. A normal mode in which the light is irradiated, a continuation of the stop of the light emitting section, an operation of the light emitting section for a shorter operating time than the normal mode, and an operation of the light emitting section at a lower irradiance than the normal mode. and measuring the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit within a predetermined period, and when the cumulative operating time is less than the predetermined time, the normal energy saving mode is performed when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state. The sanitary cleaning device is characterized in that, when the accumulated operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the energy saving mode is executed when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, if the cumulative operating time is less than a predetermined time, the normal mode is executed when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state, and the sterilization light with a relatively long wavelength is used. However, the inside of the nozzle housing can be sterilized in a timely manner. On the other hand, when the cumulative operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, by executing the energy saving mode when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the life of the illumination unit.

As a result of intensive studies, the inventor of the present application found that if the cumulative operating time of the illumination part exceeds a predetermined time within a predetermined period, even if sterilization light is irradiated for longer than that, the effect of suppressing stains caused by airborne bacteria will be reduced. We found that the impact was small.

Therefore, according to this sanitary cleaning device, by executing the normal mode and the energy saving mode, even when using relatively long wavelength sterilization light, sufficient irradiation can be achieved while suppressing the reduction in the life of the illumination part. A sanitary cleaning device that saves time can be provided.

In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the casing and the illumination section can emit visible light to the outside of the casing when irradiating the sterilization light, and the control section is configured to control the human body detection sensor. has a notification mode that causes the illumination unit to irradiate the sterilizing light and emit the visible light to the outside of the casing when the casing switches from a non-detection state to a detection state, and the integrated operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. The sanitary cleaning device is characterized in that the notification mode is executed even when

According to this sanitary cleaning device, since the notification mode is executed even when the cumulative operating time is longer than a predetermined time, it is possible to make the user aware that the inside of the nozzle housing is being sterilized with sterilizing light. This allows the user to use the private part cleaning nozzle with greater peace of mind.

A third aspect is the sanitary cleaning device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control section is capable of changing the predetermined time of the cumulative operating time.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the predetermined time can be changed to a more appropriate value by changing the predetermined time depending on the installation environment and the like. For example, in the case of a site where the inside of the nozzle housing is likely to get dirty, the predetermined time is set longer. Thereby, sufficient irradiation time can be obtained, and the inside of the nozzle housing can be appropriately sterilized. On the other hand, in the case of a site where there is little dirt in the nozzle housing, the predetermined time is set short. Thereby, it is possible to obtain sufficient irradiation time while further suppressing a decrease in the life of the illumination section.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element included in the sanitary cleaning device 100 etc. are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

10 water supply source, 20 water guide section, 21 butt cleaning channel, 22 soft cleaning channel, 23 bidet cleaning channel, 24 surface cleaning channel, 25 spray channel, 100 sanitary cleaning device, 200 toilet seat, 300 toilet lid, 310 transmission window, 400 casing, 401 power supply circuit, 403 human body detection sensor, 404 seating detection sensor, 405 control unit, 407 exhaust port, 408 discharge port, 409 recessed portion, 420 opening/closing mechanism, 422 toilet seat position detection sensor, 431 electromagnetic valve, 432 pressure regulating valve, 433 check valve, 440 heat exchanger unit, 442 flow rate sensor, 450 electrolytic cell unit, 452 vacuum breaker, 454 pressure modulation section, 471 flow rate adjustment section, 472 flow path switching section, 473 nozzle, 474a bidet cleaning spout, 474b butt cleaning spout, 476 nozzle motor, 478 nozzle cleaning section, 478a water spouting section, 478b support body, 479 spray nozzle, 480 nozzle storage section, 481 opening, 482 nozzle support section, 500 operation section, 600 Nozzle lid, 600a back surface, 600b front surface, 700 lighting section, 710 light emitting section, 720 light emitting element, 730 optical fiber, 800 toilet bowl, 801 bowl, VL visible light

Claims (3)

a private parts cleaning nozzle having a spout that discharges cleaning water toward the user's private parts;
a drive device for advancing and retracting the private part cleaning nozzle;
a casing having a nozzle accommodating portion capable of housing the entire private part cleaning nozzle when the private part cleaning nozzle is in a retracted state;
an illumination unit that irradiates the nozzle housing with sterilization light that has a sterilization effect;
A human body detection sensor that detects the user;
a control unit that controls the illumination unit based on detection information of the human body detection sensor and measures the cumulative operating time of the illumination unit within a predetermined period ;
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
a normal mode in which the illumination unit is irradiated with the sterilization light at a predetermined irradiance and a predetermined operating time , and the cumulative operating time is measured ;
an energy saving mode in which the illumination unit continues to stop, the illumination unit operates for a shorter operating time than the normal mode, and the illumination unit operates at a lower irradiance than the normal mode;
has
When the human body detection sensor is in a detection state, causing the illumination unit to stop irradiating the sterilization light,
When the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state and the cumulative operating time is less than a predetermined time, executing the normal mode;
A sanitary cleaning device characterized in that when the human body detection sensor is in a non-detection state and the cumulative operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the energy saving mode is executed. The casing and the illumination unit are capable of emitting visible light to the outside of the casing when irradiated with the sterilization light,
The control unit causes the illumination unit to irradiate the sterilizing light when the human body detection sensor switches from a non-detection state to a detection state, causes the illumination unit to emit the visible light to the outside of the casing , and then controls the illumination unit to emit the visible light to the outside of the casing. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification mode for stopping the irradiation of the sterilizing light , and executing the notification mode even when the cumulative operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. . The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is capable of changing the predetermined time of the cumulative operating time.

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