JPH0444540A - Cleaning water draining mechanism for sanitary cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To raise massaging effect and cleaning effect of a cleaning water draining mechanism as well as simplify the operation of it by a method in which a valve unit having functions of opening and closing flow path of regulating flow rates and varying flow rates is provided to the flow path of cleaning water in a cleaning nozzle. CONSTITUTION:A valve unit 4 having functions of opening and closing flow path to a cleaning nozzle 1, regulating flow rates, and intermittent draining of water is set between pipes 6a and 6b in the flow path from a hot water tank 3 to the cleaning nozzle 1. In the block 7 of the unit 4, a valve seat 7c is formed between the primary side flow path 7a and the secondary side flow path 7b, and the casing 8a of a piezo-electric actuator 8 is integrated with the upper end of the block 7 in such a way as to enable a diaphragm 9 to contact with or separate from the seat 7c to be operated. When the cleaning switch of an operation board 51a is set ON, the diaphragm 9 separates from the seat 7c, and hot water is supplied from a hot water tank 3 to the cleaning nozzle and jetted at the part. By using the actuator 8, the opening and closing of flow path and regulation of flow rate can be made on one setting to eliminate the need to provide both cleaning switch and flow rate-regulating knob.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a sanitary cleaning device with a private part cleaning function,
In particular, the present invention relates to a flushing water spouting mechanism that uses a single on-off valve to adjust the flow rate and spout water intermittently.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art Sanitary cleaning devices that can clean private parts by jetting cleansing water and dry private parts by blowing warm air after cleaning have recently come into wide use. FIG. 6 shows an example of a sanitary cleaning device integrated into a toilet bowl, in which the functional parts of the sanitary cleaning device are housed in a casing 51 that is integrated into a toilet body 50, and are moved under the toilet seat 52 to the storage position. A cleaning nozzle 53 that advances from to the cleaning position is connected to this functional section.

In order to supply hot water at a temperature suitable for cleaning to the cleaning nozzle 53, as shown in FIG.
is incorporated within.

The valve unit 54 is generally a combination of a flow rate regulating valve using a needle valve or the like and an opening/closing electromagnetic valve for supplying and stopping the cleaning water. When in use, open the on-off solenoid valve and set the flow rate to an appropriate flow rate using the flow rate adjustment valve.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, when a flow rate adjustment valve is provided, setting the flow rate during cleaning requires turning a knob on the operation panel 51a of the casing 51. Therefore, for cleaning, after turning on the cleaning start switch, if necessary, turn a knob to set the flow rate, which requires at least two operations.

Furthermore, in private part cleaning, it is important to ensure that the cleaning water is accurately sprayed onto the target, and therefore it is necessary to appropriately set the stroke of the cleaning nozzle 53 and the jetting pressure of the cleaning water. In addition, for the purpose of improving the cleaning function, a device in which the cleaning nozzle 53 moves back and forth with a small stroke after reaching the cleaning position to widen the cleaning area has already been developed.

However, in the conventional structure, only the cleaning nozzle 53 itself is moved, so even if the cleaning water ejection point moves and the cleaning area is expanded, the force of the cleaning water does not change. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-14390 describes a configuration in which the nozzle head has a special structure and the cleaning nozzle is reciprocated at the cleaning position to intermittently apply water to private parts for cleaning. has been done. However, this is also a water spouting method that does not concentrate the washing water on one point by moving the jetting point of the washing water, and does not eject water while changing the force of the water.

As described above, in the conventional structure, although it is possible to move the washing point and set a wide washing area, it is not possible to intermittently change the force of the washing water itself.

For this reason, there was no pine surge effect during cleaning (and it was not possible to expect an improvement in the cleaning effect using changes in the flow due to intermittent water spouting).

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to simplify the handling by making it possible to perform everything from flow rate adjustment to intermittent water discharging by operating one M closing valve, and to improve the pine surge effect and cleaning function.

[Means to solve the problem]

The cleaning water spouting mechanism of the present invention provides a sanitary cleaning device equipped with a cleaning nozzle that spouts cleaning water toward private parts, and a system for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle. It is characterized in that a valve unit having a mechanism for opening/closing the flow path, adjusting the flow rate, and changing the flow rate is provided in the flow path of the washing water.

Further, the valve unit may include a diaphragm as a valve body in the internal flow path, and the diaphragm may be driven by a plunger of a piezoelectric actuator.

[Effect]

If the flow path opening/closing, flow rate adjustment, and flow rate change of the cleaning water are performed by a valve unit, the valve unit can be operated with a single switch or knob. Further, by changing the flow rate, the cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle in a pulsating manner or intermittently, thereby providing a cleaning form that replaces the usual jetting of a fixed amount of cleaning water.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a schematic system diagram showing the washing water discharging mechanism of the sanitary washing device of the present invention.

In the figure, a cleaning nozzle 1 can be moved forward and backward by a motor 1a, and a hot water supply system for heating and supplying water is connected to the cleaning nozzle 1. A water supply pipe from the outside is connected to a water stop valve 2, from which water is supplied to a hot water tank 3. The hot water tank 3 includes a heater 3a and a temperature sensor 3b.
etc., and heats the inflowing water to a set temperature and sends it to the cleaning nozzle 1.

In the path from the hot water tank 3 to the cleaning nozzle 1, a valve unit 4 is installed between piping 5a, (ib) for opening and closing the flow path to the cleaning nozzle 1, adjusting the flow rate, and intermittent water discharging. The motor la of the cleaning nozzle 1, the operation of the valve unit 4, the heating in the hot water tank 3, etc. are all controlled by the control section 5, for example, as shown in FIG.
A cleaning operation can be performed using an operation panel 51a provided in the casing 51 in a).

FIG. 2 shows details of the valve unit 4, which uses a piezoelectric actuator to drive a valve that opens and closes a flow path between the pipes 6a and iib. The block 7 of the valve unit 2 has piping 6a, 6
b are connected to form a valve seat 7c between the downstream flow path 7a and the secondary flow path 7b. A casing 8a of a piezoelectric actuator 8 is integrated with the upper end of the block 7, and is capable of driving a diaphragm 9 that approaches and separates from the valve seat 7c.

The piezoelectric actuator 8 is used in various precision machines, etc., and has a plunger 8 inside that is movable in the axial direction.
A pair of clamping piezoelectric elements 8c are placed around it.
, 8d and a clamping material 8f for arranging the stroke piezoelectric element 8e and further clamping the plunger 8b,
It has a structure with 8g. Then, by applying voltage to the clamping piezoelectric elements 11c and 8d and the stroke piezoelectric element 8e according to the drive order program read out from the memory by the control unit 5, the plunger 8b is clamped to the clamping materials 8f and 8g, and It is possible to make minute movements. If such a piezoelectric actuator 8 is used, the stroke and stop position of the plunger 8b can be set arbitrarily, and the plunger 8b can be made to perform minute reciprocating motion in the axial direction at a constant cycle.

An auxiliary plate 9a is integrated with the diaphragm 9, and a head 9b is provided at the center of the auxiliary plate 9a against which the tip of the plunger 8b abuts, and a communication hole 9C is formed in the head 9b in the axial direction. Further, the diaphragm 9 and the auxiliary plate 9a are provided with a small hole 9d in a portion included in the primary flow path 7a. The primary flow path 7a communicates with a pressure chamber 7d surrounded by the back surface of the diaphragm 9 and the inner wall of the block 7 through this small hole 9d.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, the diaphragm 9 is seated on the valve seat 7c and closes the flow path, and the plunger 8b hits the head 9b and closes the communication hole 9c. Here, when a voltage is applied to the stroke piezoelectric element 8e and the plunger 8b is moved upward as shown in the figure, the force pushing the head 9b disappears, and the water in the pressure chamber 7d flows from the communication hole 9c to the secondary side. Since the water is discharged into the passage 7b, the diaphragm 9 is moved upward by the water pressure of the primary passage 7a and separated from the valve seat 7C. Conversely, when the plunger 8b is driven in the downward direction from this open state, the head 9b is pushed down and the communication hole 9c is closed at the same time, so water enters and accumulates in the pressure chamber 7d, and the diaphragm 9 deforms downward. to close the valve seat 7c.

In the above configuration, when the cleaning switch on the operation panel 51a is turned on, the plunger 8b moves upward in FIG. 2, separating the diaphragm 9 from the valve seat 7c and opening the flow path. As a result, hot water from the hot water tank 3 is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 1 and sprayed toward the private parts.

Here, the stroke of the plunger 8b of the piezoelectric actuator 8 can be arbitrarily changed by applying a voltage to the stroke piezoelectric element 8e. For this reason, for example, if the maximum stroke of the plunger 8b is set in advance based on the maximum valve opening of the diaphragm 9, and the amount of movement of the plunger 8b is less than or equal to this maximum stroke, the valve opening of the diaphragm 9 can be reduced. . Moreover, the value of the opening degree can be arbitrarily set by controlling the voltage application to the stroke piezoelectric element 8e. Therefore, the valve unit 4 not only functions as a simple opening/closing valve, but also functions to adjust the flow rate by making the valve opening variable.

Furthermore, if the voltage application to the stroke piezoelectric element 8e is controlled so that the plunger 8b reciprocates, the valve opening degree can be changed in small cycles, and the diaphragm 9 can intermittently close the valve seat 7C. can give and receive. In the former case where the valve opening degree is changed, the flow rate of the cleaning water changes at minute intervals, so the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 1 at the discharge end is jetted in a pulsating manner. Furthermore, in the latter case, since the cleaning water flows intermittently, the jetting from the cleaning nozzle 1 also becomes intermittent accordingly, making it possible to further strengthen the pulsation.

By using the piezoelectric actuator 8 in this way, it is possible to open and close the flow path and adjust the flow rate with a single knob, eliminating the need to provide both a cleaning switch and a flow rate adjustment knob. Therefore, the operating buttock 51a can be made smaller, and the piping space occupied within the casing 51 can also be reduced. In addition, since the cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 1 can be sprayed intermittently or in pulsating manner, the number of times the water hits the private parts increases compared to normal water jetting, which effectively removes deposits and improves cleaning efficiency. improves. In addition, since there is a pine surge effect due to pulsation, for example, squirting cleansing water before defecation can encourage the urge to defecate, and a comfortable defecation effect can be expected.

3 to 5 show another embodiment of the valve unit 4. FIG.

In the figure, the main body 10 of the valve unit 4 has primary flow passages 10 connected to the piping 5a, 5b of FIG.
a and a secondary flow path 10b are formed, and a diaphragm 11 is installed between these flow paths. Diaphragm 1
1 opens and closes a valve seat 10C formed at the entrance of the secondary flow path 10b, and an auxiliary diaphragm Ilb is attached to the lower end of a rod IIH passed through the secondary flow path 10b. The auxiliary diaphragm llb has an upper surface facing the secondary flow path 10b and a lower surface formed in the main body 10 to form a chamber 1 open to the atmosphere.
Built towards 0d. On the other hand, diaphragm 1
A pressure chamber 12 is formed on the upper side of 1, and a downstream flow path 10a
This pressure chamber 1 is supplied with water from the
Make sure that it can be supplied to 2. Furthermore, the secondary flow path 1 (
A pressure sensor 13 for detecting the secondary side water pressure is incorporated in lb.

A pilot valve 14 for opening and closing the diaphragm 11 is provided at the upper end of the main body 10. This pilot valve 14 is installed inside a pilot chamber 16 separated from the pressure chamber 12 by a partition 15, and as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, a block 1 fixed to the partition 15 is installed.
A pilot valve seat 14a is attached to the pilot valve seat 5a, and a lift valve type pilot valve body 14b that can be moved toward and away from the pilot valve seat 14a is also provided thereon. The pilot valve body 14b is the pilot valve seat 14a.
The rod 14C is slidable within a sleeve-shaped guide 14d integrated with the rod 14C. The pilot valve seat 14a has a passage hole 14e in the axial direction.
the water from the pressure chamber 12 to the pilot chamber 16.
It is possible to introduce it to This introduced water is drained out of the system from a discharge pipe 16a attached to the pilot chamber 16.

Furthermore, a piezoelectric actuator 17 is provided at the upper end of the main body 10 in which the pilot valve 14 is integrated. This piezoelectric actuator 17 has a piston 17 inside a casing 17a.
b and the piezoelectric element 17c are housed, and the plunger 17d is placed below.
It is something that sticks out. Further, a diaphragm 17e is attached to the lower end of the piston 17b, and the casing 17
A working fluid such as glycerin is sealed in the space 17f between Further, a bellows 17g is integrated around the plunger 17d, and the pressure of the working fluid acting on the bellows 17g is transmitted to the plunger 17(l).

In this piezoelectric actuator 17, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 17c, the piezoelectric element 17c contracts in the axial direction, and the piston 17b moves upward in the figure. Therefore, the internal pressure in the space 17f decreases, and the plunger 17d also moves upward. Furthermore, when the voltage is removed, the piezoelectric element 17c extends in the axial direction, the internal pressure in the space 17 increases, and the plunger 17
Push d down. In this way, the plunger 17d moves up and down by voltage application and short-circuiting, and by reducing the interval between voltage application and short-circuiting, the plunger 17d can be reciprocated intermittently.

FIG. 5 is a diagram briefly explaining the flow of water in the pulp unit 4, and shows the piezoelectric element 17c of the piezoelectric actuator 17.
When a voltage is applied to the plunger 17d, the plunger 17d moves upward as shown in the figure, and the pressure chamber 12 communicating with the downstream flow path 10a moves upward.
The pilot valve body 14b also rises in response to the water pressure from.

As a result, the pilot valve seat 14a is opened, water in the pressure chamber 12 is discharged from the discharge pipe 16a, and the internal pressure in the pressure chamber 12 is reduced. Therefore, the diaphragm 11 receiving the water supply pressure in the downstream flow path 10a deforms upward to open the valve seat 10C and supply water to the secondary flow path 10b. The pressure of this water supply is detected by the pressure sensor 13, and the signal is fed back to the control system to adjust the position of the plunger 17d, readjust the pressure in the pressure chamber 12, and set the valve opening of the diaphragm 11. Note that at this time, the diaphragm 11 is directly connected to the auxiliary diaphragm llb, which is installed in a position open to the atmosphere, by the rod IIC.
During the transition period of flow rate adjustment, the auxiliary diaphragm llb functions as a damper and suppresses the vibration of the diaphragm 11.

Therefore, minute vibrations in the water supply pressure at the initial stage of water discharging can be prevented.

Further, when the voltage application to the piezoelectric element 17C is stopped, the plunger 17d descends and the flow passage hole 1 of the pilot valve body 14b is moved downward.
Close 4e. Therefore, water on the primary side begins to accumulate in the pressure chamber 12, and the water pressure pushes down the diaphragm 11 to close the valve seat 10c, stopping the water supply to the secondary flow path 10b.

Even when the pilot valve 14 is provided and operated by the piezoelectric actuator 17 in this way, intermittent jetting of cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 1 can be prevented by intermittently energizing the piezoelectric element 17c as in the previous embodiment. It is possible. Further, the supply, stop, flow rate adjustment, pulsation, and other settings of the cleaning water can also be performed by one valve unit 4.

In the embodiment, the valve unit 4 is driven by the piezoelectric actuator 8.17, but a proportional solenoid valve or the like may also be used. This proportional electromagnetic valve has a configuration that allows the valve opening degree to be arbitrarily set, and also allows the valve body to operate in minute strokes, and is capable of the above-described flow rate adjustment, intermittent water spouting, and the like.

〔Effect of the invention〕

In the present invention, one valve unit is configured to supply and stop the cleaning water, adjust the flow rate, and set the pulsation or intermittent setting so that the cleaning water can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle. For this reason, the structure is simpler than the conventional one that incorporates an on-off valve and a flow rate adjustment valve, and it also requires only a single switch, improving usability. In addition, it is possible to spray not only a fixed amount of cleaning water but also pulsating or intermittent spraying, so the cleaning water repeatedly hits the local area, making it possible to exfoliate and remove deposits more powerfully than with normal water jetting. , efficient cleaning becomes possible. In addition, if used before defecation, the pulsating water discharge will massage the private parts, which will encourage the urge to defecate, allowing you to fully utilize its functions in addition to cleansing.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a schematic system diagram of cleaning water supply showing the water discharging mechanism of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a valve unit using a piezoelectric actuator, and Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of another valve unit. , Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main parts, Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of water, Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a flush toilet equipped with a sanitary cleaning device, and Fig. 7 is a conventional It is a schematic diagram showing a supply system of washing water. 1: Cleaning nozzle 2: Water stop valve 3: Hot water tank 4: Valve unit 5: Control n
5a, 6b: Piping 7: Block
7a Primary side flow path 7b Secondary side flow path 10c: Valve seat 7d: Pressure chamber 8: Piezoelectric actiniator 9: Diaphragm 10: Main body 10a Primary side flow path 10b: Secondary side flow path 12: Pressure chamber 13: Pressure sensor 14: Pilot valve
15: Partition wall 16: Pilot chamber 17: Piezoelectric actuator Patent applicant Totokiki Co., Ltd. Agent
Kobori Masuzuzuzuzuzuzuzuzuzu (b)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Equipped with a cleaning nozzle that spouts cleaning water toward private parts,
In a sanitary cleaning device equipped with a system for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning nozzle, the cleaning water flow path toward the cleaning water jetting end of the cleaning nozzle has a mechanism for opening and closing the flow path, adjusting the flow rate, and changing the flow rate. A washing water discharging mechanism for a sanitary washing device characterized by being equipped with a valve unit. 2. The washing water discharging mechanism for a sanitary washing device according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit has a diaphragm as a valve body in an internal flow path, and the diaphragm is connected to a plunger of an actuator.