TW202003974A - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the embodiment, a sanitary washing device, comprises a private part wash nozzle, a drive device, a casing, and an illuminator; the private part wash nozzle is tilted downward toward a front side and has a water discharge hole discharging washing water toward a private part of a user; the drive device causes the private part wash nozzle to advance and retract; the casing includes a nozzle container that can store an entirety of the private part wash nozzle in a state in which the private part wash nozzle is retracted; the illuminator irradiates sterilizing light which is light having a sterilizing action; and the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light on at least a front surface of the private part wash nozzle and a part of a bottom surface part of the nozzle container positioned below the front surface.

Description

Toilet cleaning device

The aspect of the present invention generally relates to a toilet seat washing device.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a toilet seat cleaning device including a partial cleaning nozzle. In this toilet seat washing device, in order to remove the dirt adhering to the local washing nozzle, the local washing nozzle is sprayed with washing water and irradiated with UV light having a sterilizing effect. [Prior Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-83141

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress the dirt of the nozzle for partial cleaning. In addition, Patent Literature 1 discloses a point where the UV light is irradiated from above the local cleaning nozzle, and not only the local cleaning nozzle but also the surrounding area. However, since the partial cleaning nozzles are arranged obliquely, even if UV light is irradiated from above the partial cleaning nozzles, the upper part of the partial cleaning nozzles will become a backlight, and the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzles will not be located at the partial cleaning The nozzle housing portion below the nozzle irradiates UV light. Therefore, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the contamination of the nozzle housing portion cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

As for the dirt in the nozzle housing section, there are dirt caused by the adhesion of feces and urine; and bacteria and mold floating in the toilet space are attached to the nozzle housing section due to local cleaning, self-cleaning of the nozzle, etc. The visible water and multiply produced visible dirt. The nozzle cover is opened when the user opens the nozzle cover when cleaning the toilet bowl washing device, or when the nozzle is extended during nozzle cleaning, and the nozzle housing portion can be visually observed. If the user recognizes that bacteria and mildew are attached to the nozzle housing portion, even if the partial washing nozzle itself is clean, there is a possibility that the user is uneasy about the cleaning of the partial washing nozzle. As a result, there is a concern that users who are highly conscious of cleaning will no longer use the local cleaning nozzle.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat washing device capable of suppressing dirt in an area that can be visually recognized by a user when the nozzle cover is opened.

The first invention is a toilet seat washing device, characterized by comprising: a partial washing nozzle, which is inclined downward toward the front side, and has a spout hole for discharging washing water toward a user's part; and a driving device, which causes the above-mentioned partial washing The nozzle extends and retracts; the housing has a nozzle housing portion that can house the entire partial cleaning nozzle in a state where the partial cleaning nozzle has been retracted; an illumination portion that irradiates light with a sterilization effect, that is, sterilization light, The light illuminating unit irradiates the sterilization light to at least a portion of the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom surface portion of the nozzle housing portion below the front surface.

According to the toilet seat washing device, the light-emitting part irradiates the part of the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom portion of the nozzle housing portion below the front surface with sterilization light. These areas are visually confirmable areas that can be visually observed by the user, and the irradiation of the sterilizing light can suppress the adhesion of dirt at the visually confirmable areas in the local cleaning nozzle and the nozzle housing portion. This makes it possible for the user to recognize that the partial washing nozzle is clean and the nozzle housing portion that houses it is also clean. Therefore, even users with high cleaning consciousness can use the partial cleaning nozzle with confidence.

The second invention is based on the toilet seat washing device of the first invention, wherein the illuminating portion is configured such that the sterilizing light is located on a portion of the front surface and the nozzle housing portion that is located forward of the front surface The average illuminance is larger than the average illuminance of the sterilization light on the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle.

According to this toilet seat washing device, sterilizing light is irradiated to the visual cleaning area of the partial washing nozzle and the nozzle housing portion. Therefore, it is more difficult for dirt to adhere to the visually confirmable area that requires high cleanability. In addition, with regard to the toilet seat washing device, in recent years, it has been desired to reduce the size in order to improve the design. By making the average illuminance on the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle smaller than the visually confirmable area of the nozzle housing portion, unnecessary irradiation of sterilizing light can be suppressed, and the power applied to the illuminating portion can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generated by the light emitting unit becomes smaller. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the number of fins and the like that dissipate the heat of the illumination unit, and it is possible to miniaturize the illumination unit. As a result, the toilet seat washing device can be miniaturized.

The third invention is based on the toilet seat washing device of the first or second invention, wherein the sterilizing light is located on a portion of the front surface and the nozzle housing portion that is located forward of the front surface The irradiation range is wider than the irradiation range of the sterilization light on the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle.

According to the toilet seat washing device, the sterilizing light is irradiated to the visually confirmable area of the nozzle housing portion. Therefore, it is more difficult for dirt to adhere to the visually confirmable area that requires high cleanability. In addition, with regard to the toilet seat washing device, in recent years, it has been desired to reduce the size in order to improve the design. By making the average illuminance on the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle smaller than the visually confirmable area of the nozzle housing portion, unnecessary irradiation of sterilizing light can be suppressed, and the power applied to the illuminating portion can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generated by the light emitting unit becomes smaller. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the number of fins and the like that dissipate the heat of the illumination unit, and it is possible to miniaturize the illumination unit. As a result, the toilet seat washing device can be miniaturized.

The fourth invention is the toilet seat washing device according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a nozzle cover provided to be openable and closable with respect to the opening provided at the front end of the nozzle housing portion , And is arranged to open the nozzle housing portion when the partial cleaning nozzle is extended, close the nozzle housing portion when the entire partial cleaning nozzle is stored in the housing portion, and locate the nozzle cover At least a portion of the back surface on the nozzle housing portion side is formed of a reflective material, and the light illuminating portion directly irradiates at least a portion of the sterilization light to the back surface of the nozzle cover with the nozzle cover closed.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, since the sterilization light is directly irradiated to the back surface of the nozzle cover, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt on the back surface of the nozzle cover. In addition, the back surface of the nozzle cover faces a wide range of the visually confirmable area of the partial cleaning nozzle and the nozzle housing portion. By forming the back surface with a reflective material, the sterilized light reflected from the back surface is irradiated to a wide range of the visually-recognizable area. Thereby, even if the illumination unit is miniaturized, it is possible to irradiate the sterilization light to a wide range in which the region can be visually confirmed.

The fifth invention is based on the toilet seat washing device of the fourth invention, wherein the sterilized light is irradiated directly to the back surface of the nozzle cover more than the irradiated portion to the portion other than the back surface of the nozzle cover. The range of sterilization light is wide.

According to the toilet seat washing device, it is possible to increase the irradiation range of the sterilization light directly irradiated to the back surface of the nozzle cover. Thereby, the sterilization light reflected by the back surface of the nozzle cover can be irradiated to a wider range of the visible region.

The sixth invention is based on the toilet seat washing device of the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the sterilization light includes reflected light reflected by the nozzle cover and direct light not reflected by the nozzle cover, and the illumination unit is disposed The position where the direct light is irradiated to the front end portion of the bottom surface portion of the nozzle housing portion.

The inventors found that residual water in the nozzle housing portion is likely to be generated at the front end portion of the bottom portion of the nozzle housing portion, and the front end portion is most likely to be contaminated. According to this toilet seat washing device, direct light with strong sterilizing power can be irradiated to the front end portion where dirt is most likely to occur in the visually confirmable area, and generation of bacteria and mold at the front end portion can be suppressed.

A seventh invention is the toilet seat washing device of the sixth invention, wherein the light illuminating portion is configured to irradiate the direct light and the reflected light to the front end portion of the bottom portion.

According to the toilet seat washing device, both the direct light and the reflected light are irradiated to the front end portion of the bottom portion where dirt is most likely to be generated. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the generation of bacteria and mildew in a portion of the area where the residual water is likely to be visually confirmed.

The eighth invention is the toilet seat cleaning device of any one of the fourth to seventh inventions, wherein the back surface of the nozzle cover is formed in a curved shape to diffuse the reflected light.

According to this toilet seat washing device, the sterilization light reflected from the back surface can be further diffused compared to the case where the back surface of the nozzle cover is flat, and the sterilization light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually confirmable area.

The ninth invention is the toilet seat cleaning device of any one of the fourth to eighth inventions, wherein a nozzle cleaning section is provided at the front end of the local cleaning nozzle, and the nozzle cleaning section has The nozzle washing hole for discharging the washing water on the outer surface of the partial washing nozzle is formed of a transmission material that transmits the sterilized light.

According to this toilet seat washing device, the sterilization light L that has passed through the nozzle washing section is irradiated to the gap between the partial washing nozzle and the nozzle washing section, and the visually confirmable area located at the backlight with respect to the lighting section. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the sterilization light to a wider range of the visually confirmable area.

A tenth invention is the toilet seat cleaning device of the ninth invention, wherein the nozzle cleaning unit is configured such that the sterilized light diffuses when transmitted, and at least a part of the nozzle cleaning unit is housed in the entire local cleaning nozzle It is arrange|positioned at the front side rather than the said front surface of the said partial cleaning nozzle in the state in the said storage part.

According to this toilet seat washing device, by arranging the nozzle washing portion having a light diffusion effect in front of the front surface of the partial washing nozzle, it is possible to sterilize light by the light diffusion effect of the nozzle washing portion Reach a wider range of the area where you can visually confirm.

The eleventh invention is the toilet seat cleaning device of the tenth invention, wherein the nozzle cleaning unit is moved in a state where the illumination unit is operated.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, by moving the nozzle cleaning unit while the illumination unit is in operation, the diffusion direction of the nozzle cleaning unit to the light can be changed. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the sterilization light to a wider range of the visually confirmable area.

The twelfth invention is based on the toilet seat washing device of the eleventh invention, wherein the nozzle washing portion is moved without opening the nozzle cover in a state where the illumination portion is started.

According to the toilet seat washing device, the nozzle washing portion is moved so that the nozzle cover does not open. By not opening the nozzle cover during the operation of the illumination unit, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the sterilized light to the outside of the housing. As a result, the safety of the user can be improved, and the sterilization light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually confirmable area. [Effect of invention]

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet seat washing device capable of suppressing dirt in an area that can be visually recognized by a user when the nozzle cover is opened.

[Form for carrying out the invention]

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each drawing, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet bowl provided with a toilet seat washing device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet includes a sitting toilet (hereinafter, simply referred to as “toilet” for convenience of description) 800 and a toilet seat washing device 100 provided thereon. The toilet seat washing device 100 includes a housing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet cover 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet cover 300 are respectively pivotally supported by the housing 400 so as to be openable and closable.

Inside the case 400, a body washing function part and the like for washing the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 are built. In addition, for example, the housing 400 is provided with a seating sensor 404 which detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat 200. When the seating sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, if the user operates the operation unit 500 (see FIG. 2) such as a remote controller, the nozzle can be partially washed (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation) And referred to as "nozzle") 473 extends into or backs out of the bowl 801 of the toilet 800. Among them, the toilet seat washing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state where the nozzle 473 extends into the basin 801.

The nozzle 473 discharges water (washing water) toward the body part to wash the body part. The tip of the nozzle 473 is provided with a female water spout 474a and a buttock water spout 474b. The nozzle 473 can spray water from the female washing spout port 474a provided at the front end thereof to wash the female part of the female sitting on the toilet seat 200. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 can spray water from the buttocks washing and spouting port 474b provided at the front end thereof to wash the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200. In the description of this application, "water" includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

Examples of the mode for washing "buttocks" include "buttock washing" and "gentle washing" which gently cleans with a softer water flow than "hip washing". The nozzle 473 can perform "feminine washing", "buttock washing", and "gentle washing", for example.

In addition, in the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1, the female washing spout 474a is provided on the tip side of the nozzle 473 than the buttock washing spout 474b, but the female washing spout 474a and the buttock washing spout 474b The installation location is not limited to this. The female washing water spout 474a may be provided on the rear end side of the nozzle 473 than the buttock washing water spout 474b. In addition, although the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with two water discharge ports, three or more water discharge ports may be provided.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to the embodiment. In Fig. 2, the main parts of the waterway system and the electrical system are shown together. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat washing device 100 has a water guide 20. The water guide 20 has a pipe 20 a from a water supply source 10 such as a water pipe or a water storage tank to the nozzle 473. The water guide 20 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 473 through the pipe 20 a. The pipeline 20a is formed of, for example, various parts such as a solenoid valve 431, a heat exchanger unit 440, and a flow switching unit 472 described below, and a plurality of pipes connecting these parts.

An electromagnetic valve 431 is provided on the upstream side of the water guide 20. The electromagnetic valve 431 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls the supply of water based on an instruction from a control unit 405 provided inside the housing 400. In other words, the solenoid valve 431 opens and closes the pipeline 20a. By opening the solenoid valve 431, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows through the pipeline 20a.

A pressure regulating valve 432 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 431. When the water supply pressure is high, the pressure regulating valve 432 adjusts the pressure in the pipeline 20a to a predetermined pressure range. A check valve 433 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 432. The check valve 433 suppresses the backflow of water to the upstream side of the check valve 433 when the pressure in the pipeline 20a is reduced.

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 a predetermined temperature, for example. That is, the heat exchanger unit 440 generates warm water.

The heat exchanger unit 440 is, for example, an instantaneous heating (instantaneous) heat exchanger using a ceramic heater or the like. Compared with a hot water storage heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank, the instantaneous heating heat exchanger can raise water to a predetermined temperature in a short time. In addition, the heat exchanger unit 440 is not limited to the instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger. In addition, the heating unit is not limited to the heat exchanger, and for example, it may be a structure using a microwave heating or other structure using another heating method.

The heat exchanger unit 440 is connected to the control unit 405. The control unit 405 controls the heat exchanger unit 440 according to the operation of the operation unit 500 by the user, for example, thereby raising the temperature of the water to the temperature set by the operation unit 500.

Downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440, a flow sensor 442 is provided. The flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 440. That is, the flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water flowing in the pipe 20a. The flow sensor 442 is connected to the control unit 405. The flow sensor 442 inputs the detection result of the flow to the control unit 405.

An electrolytic cell unit 450 is provided downstream of the flow sensor 442. The electrolytic cell unit 450 electrolyzes tap water flowing inside, thereby generating a liquid (functional water) containing hypochlorous acid from the tap water. The electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to the control unit 405. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates functional water based on the control of the control unit 405.

The functional water generated 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, and the like. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be acidic water or alkaline water.

A vacuum circuit breaker (VB) 452 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 450. The vacuum circuit breaker 452 has, for example, a flow path for water supply flow, an air intake port for taking in air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism that opens and closes the air intake port. The valve mechanism blocks the suction port when water flows in the flow path, and opens the suction port together with the stop of the flow of water to take in air into the flow path. That is, when there is no flow of water in the water guide 20, the vacuum circuit breaker 452 takes in air into the pipe 20a. For the valve mechanism, for example, a float valve can be used.

The vacuum circuit breaker 452 takes in air into the pipeline 20a as described above, thereby, for example, promoting drainage of the portion of the pipeline 20a downstream of the vacuum circuit breaker 452. The vacuum circuit breaker 452 promotes drainage of the nozzle 473, for example. In this way, the vacuum circuit breaker 452 removes the water in the nozzle 473 and takes in air into the nozzle 473, thereby, for example, suppressing the washing water in the nozzle 473 and the sewage remaining in the basin 801 to the water supply source 10 (supply water) Backflow side.

A pressure modulation unit 454 is provided downstream of the vacuum circuit breaker 452. The pressure modulation unit 454 pulsates or accelerates the flow of water in the pipe 20a of the water guiding unit 20, and applies the female washing water discharge port 474a and the buttocks washing water discharge port 474b from the nozzle 473, and the water discharge part of the nozzle washing unit 478 The spitting water gives pulsation. That is, the pressure modulation unit 454 changes the flow state of the water flowing in the pipe 20a. The pressure modulation unit 454 is connected to the control unit 405. The pressure modulation unit 454 changes the flow state of water based on the control of the control unit 405. The pressure modulation unit 454 changes the pressure of the water in the pipe 20a.

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

A nozzle 473, a nozzle washing 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 to extend into the basin 801 of the toilet 800 or to retract from the basin 801. That is, the nozzle motor 476 is a drive device that advances and retreats the nozzle 473 based on an instruction from the control unit 405.

The nozzle washing unit 478 cleans the outer surface (main body) of the nozzle 473 by, for example, spraying functional water or water from the water discharge unit. The outer surface of the nozzle 473 includes, for example, the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473. The spray nozzle 479 sprays the washing water and the functional water into the basin 801 in the form of water mist. In this example, a spray nozzle 479 is provided independently of the nozzle 473 for washing the human body. It is not limited to this, and the water discharge port for spraying the water mist-like liquid to the basin 801 may be provided in the nozzle 473.

In addition, a buttocks washing channel 21, a gentle washing channel 22, and a female washing channel 23 are provided downstream of the channel switching unit 472. The buttocks washing channel 21 and the gentle washing channel 22 guide the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the buttocks washing spout 474b. The female washing channel 23 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the female washing spout 474a.

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

The control unit 405 controls the flow channel switching unit 472 to switch the buttocks cleaning channel 21, the gentle cleaning channel 22, the female cleaning channel 23, the surface cleaning channel 24, and the spray channel 25 Opening and closing. In this way, the flow path switching unit 472 switches between the state in which it is in communication with the pipe 20a and the state in which it does not communicate with the plurality of water discharge ports, such as the female water discharge port 474a, the buttocks water discharge port 474b, the nozzle cleaning unit 478, and the spray nozzle 479. The state where the road 20a is connected.

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

In addition, the control unit 405 controls the illumination unit 700 based on the detection information of the human body sensor 403 and the seating sensor 404, for example. The illuminating unit 700 irradiates the sterilization light, which is light having a sterilization effect, to the periphery of the nozzle 473 (nozzle storage part to be described later). The illumination unit 700 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the human body sensor 403 is provided to be buried in the concave portion 409 formed on the upper surface of the housing 400 to detect a user (human body) approaching the toilet seat 200. In other words, the human body sensor 403 detects a user located near the toilet seat washing device 100. In addition, a transmission window 310 is provided at the rear of the toilet seat 300. Therefore, in a state where the toilet seat 300 is closed, the human body sensor 403 can detect the presence of the user through the transmission window 310. The control unit 405 automatically opens the toilet lid 300 in response to the detection of the user by the human body sensor 403, for example.

In addition, the housing 400 may be appropriately provided with a "warm air drying function", a "deodorizing unit", and an "indoor heating unit" that blow and dry warm air toward the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 and the like. And other institutions. At this time, the exhaust port 407 from the deodorizing unit and the exhaust port 408 from the indoor heating unit are appropriately provided on the side of the housing 400. However, in the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a sanitary washing functional part or other additional functional parts.

FIG. 3(a), FIG. 3(b), FIG. 6, FIG. 7(a), and FIG. 7(b) are around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. Section view. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the toilet seat washing apparatus of the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a nozzle housing portion of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment. FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b) are front views showing the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. However, in FIG. 4, the structure other than the nozzle 473 of the toilet seat washing device 100 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3( a) and 4, the housing 400 has a nozzle housing portion 480 that can house the entire nozzle 473 when the nozzle 473 is retracted. The nozzle storage portion 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, as the nozzle housing portion 480, a nozzle support portion 482 and a nozzle washing portion 478 are provided.

The nozzle support portion 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 extends and retracts while sliding relative to the nozzle support portion 482. The nozzle housing portion 480 may be provided with, for example, a cylindrical member that houses the nozzle 473.

The nozzle washing portion 478 is attached to the front end of the nozzle support portion 482. As shown in (a) of FIG. 3, the nozzle washing unit 478 includes a water discharge unit 478 a and a support 478 b formed with a water discharge hole for discharging washing water. As shown in (a) of FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, an opening 481 is provided in the lower portion of the front end of the housing 400. The nozzle washing portion 478 is located behind the opening 481. The nozzle washing unit 478 cleans the outer peripheral surface (main body) of the nozzle 473 (self-cleaning), for example, by spraying functional water or water from the water discharge unit 478 a when the nozzle 473 moves forward and backward.

A nozzle cover 600 is provided in front of the nozzle 473 and the nozzle washing unit 478. The nozzle cover 600 is provided to be able to open and close with respect to the opening 481. As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the nozzle cover 600 is in an open state with the opening 481 in a state where the nozzle 473 is extended, and as shown in (a) of FIG. 3, the entire nozzle 473 is housed in the nozzle housing In the state of the portion 480, the nozzle cover 600 is in a closed state closing the opening 481. For example, when the nozzle cover 600 is in the closed state, the opening 481 provided at the front end of the nozzle housing portion 480 is blocked by the nozzle cover 600.

In the unused state, the nozzle 473 is stored in the nozzle storage portion 480 as shown in (a) of FIG. 3. When the nozzle 473 performs partial cleaning, the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward relative to the nozzle housing portion 480. When the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward, the nozzle 473 comes into contact with the nozzle washing portion 478, and the water discharge portion 478a of the nozzle washing portion 478 and the nozzle cover 600 are pushed upward. For example, until the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, the nozzle 473 is washed by the water discharge from the water discharge unit 478a.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, when the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, water is discharged from the female washing spout 474a or the buttock washing spout 474b toward the user's part to perform washing. When the partial washing is completed, the nozzle 473 slides backward and upward toward the nozzle housing portion 480. For example, until the nozzle 473 is stored in the nozzle housing portion 480, the nozzle 473 is washed by the water discharge from the water discharge portion 478a. The nozzle 473 is retracted to a predetermined position, and is stored in the nozzle storage portion 480 as shown in the state shown in (a) in FIG. 3.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 3, (b) of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 includes an illuminating unit 700 that irradiates the sterilizing light, which is light having a sterilizing effect. By the irradiation of the sterilization light, at least a part of the bacteria attached to the object is killed or inactivated, and is sterilized. The wavelength of sterilization light is 250nm~480nm. The research results of the present inventors are: in the wavelengths around 250 nm to 300 nm, the bacteria are not sterilized by rewriting the DNA of bacteria and mold, and the bacteria and mold are affected by light in the vicinity of 300 to 480 nm. The water contained in the body generates free radicals, and the free radicals are used to kill or inactivate bacteria to perform sterilization. In addition, the inventors confirmed that by irradiating tap water with a wavelength of 300 nm to 480 nm, hydrogen peroxide is generated in tap water. This means that during the generation of free radicals, hydrogen peroxide is generated in the water. In addition, it was also confirmed that bacteria in water can be sterilized by irradiating the bacteria in water with a wavelength of 300 nm to 480 nm. The light illuminating unit 700 is provided inside the housing 400, for example. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in this example, the light-emitting part 700 has two light-emitting parts 710. The two light-emitting parts 710 are provided on the left and right sides below the nozzle support part 482, respectively.

The illuminating unit 700 has, for example, a light-emitting element 720 (luminous body). The light emitting element 720 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting element 720 is not limited to LEDs, and may be, for example, LD (Laser Diode) or OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). In addition, instead of the light-emitting element, a cold cathode tube or a hot cathode tube may be used. The light-emitting element 720 is connected to the control unit 405 shown in FIG. 2 through, for example, a substrate, and turns 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 light-emitting element 720 to turn on and off. In addition, the control unit 405 can control all the light beams of the light-emitting element 720 by adjusting the voltage applied to the light-emitting element 720, for example. The light emitting element 720 is provided in the light emitting unit 710, for example.

The light emitting unit 710 irradiates the sterilization light toward the front side (the opening 481 side) of the nozzle 473 and the nozzle housing unit 480. The sterilization light is used to sterilize the visually confirmable region including the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 below the nozzle 473.

The visually confirmable region will be described more specifically with reference to (a) in FIG. 7, (b) in FIG. 7, (a) in FIG. 8, and (b) in FIG. 8. FIG. 7( a) shows a state where the entire nozzle 473 is accommodated in the nozzle accommodating portion 480. FIG. 7(b) shows a state where the user fully opens the nozzle cover 600. The visually confirmable area refers to the front surface of the nozzle 473 that cannot be visually confirmed by the user in the state shown in (a) in FIG. 7 but can be visually confirmed in the state shown in (b) in FIG. 7. And the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 below the nozzle 473. For example, in the state shown in (b) in FIG. 7, the region R1 of the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the nozzle housing portion 480 can be visually confirmed when the user looks at the toilet seat washing device 100 from the direction indicated by arrow A1. The area R2 is a visually confirmable area.

By providing the illuminating part 700 that irradiates the sterilization light to the visually confirmable area, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt at the part that can be visually observed when the user opens the nozzle cover 600. In particular, according to the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, the front surface of the nozzle 473, the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 below the nozzle 473, as in the regions R1 and R2 shown in FIG. 7(b), etc. Also sterilize light. These parts are easily observed by the user when the nozzle cover 600 is opened, but on the other hand, it is difficult to sufficiently irradiate the sterilization light by irradiating the nozzle 473 with the normal sterilization light. According to the present invention, such a part can also be irradiated with sterilizing light to suppress the adhesion of dirt, so that the user can recognize that the nozzle 473 is stored in a clean place. Therefore, even a user with a high cleaning consciousness can use the nozzle 473 with peace of mind.

It is preferable that the light illuminating unit 700 irradiates the entire area with visual confirmation to sterilize light. Here, in the specification of the present application, "irradiating the entire visually identifiable area with sterilizing light" means irradiating sterilizing light to 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 90% or more of the visually confirmable area so that In 24 hours the bacteria decreased by 99%. It is visually confirmed that the entire area is actually sterilized by the illuminating unit 700.

The visually confirmable area may further include an area that can be visually confirmed when the user uses a hand-held mirror or the like in the state shown in (b) in FIG. 7. For example, in a state where the nozzle cover 600 is fully opened as shown in (b) in FIG. 7 and (b) in FIG. 8, in addition to the regions R1 and R2 that can be directly seen by the naked eye from the direction of arrow A1, use The region R3 of the back surface 600a of the nozzle cover 600 that can be visually confirmed, such as a hand mirror, is also included in the visually confirmable region. That is, in addition to irradiating the sterilization light L to the regions R1 and R2, the illuminating unit 700 also irradiates the sterilization light L to the rear surface 600a.

This is because, when a user with a high cleaning consciousness cleans the toilet seat washing device 100, there may be a case where a hand mirror is used to confirm an area that cannot be directly seen by the naked eye. By irradiating the rear surface 600a with the sterilization light L, the adhesion of dirt on the rear surface 600a can be suppressed. Therefore, the user who observes the back surface 600a can recognize that the nozzle 473 is stored in a clean place, and the user can use the nozzle 473 with peace of mind.

The illuminating unit 700 irradiates the visually confirmable region with sterilization light more intensively than the non-visually confirmable region other than the visually confirmable region in the nozzle storage unit 480. For example, the illumination unit 700 is configured such that the average illuminance of the sterilization light in the visually confirmable area is larger than the average illuminance of the sterilization light in the non-visually confirmable area. Alternatively, the illuminating unit 700 is configured such that the irradiation range of the sterilization light in the visually confirmable region is wider than the irradiation range of the sterilization light in the non-visually confirmable region. In this way, it is possible to improve the dirt removal performance of the visually-recognizable area that requires high cleanability. In addition, with regard to the toilet seat washing device 100, in recent years, it is desired to reduce the size in order to improve the designability. By irradiating the sterilization light to the visually confirmable region more intensively than the non-visually confirmable region, it is possible to suppress unnecessary sterilizing light irradiation and reduce the power applied to the illuminating unit 700. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generated by the illumination unit 700 becomes smaller. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of fins and the like that dissipate the heat of the illumination unit 700, and to reduce the size of the illumination unit 700. As a result, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 can be miniaturized.

The average illuminance of the sterilized light in the visually confirmable area is calculated by averaging the illuminance of the sterilized light at each point of the visually confirmable area. The average illuminance of the sterilization light in the non-visually confirmable area is calculated by averaging the illuminance of the sterilization light at each point of the non-visually confirmable area. The irradiation range of the sterilization light in the visually confirmable area is represented by the area of the portion where the sterilization light is irradiated at a predetermined illuminance or more in the visually confirmable area. The irradiation range of the sterilization light in the non-visually confirmable area is represented by the area of the portion of the non-visually confirmable area that irradiates the sterilization light at a predetermined illuminance or higher. The predetermined illuminance is, for example, 5 mW/cm ² .

In addition, it is preferable that the non-visually-checkable area of the nozzle housing portion 480 is formed such that water in the non-visually-checkable area due to local washing, self-cleaning of the nozzle 473, etc. is guided to the visually confirmable area of the nozzle housing portion 480. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the nozzle support portion 482 constituting the nozzle housing portion 480 is inclined downward in the direction from the rear to the front. That is, the water is formed so as to be guided from the rear side of the nozzle support portion 482 that is the non-visually confirmable area to the front side of the nozzle support portion 482 that is the visually confirmable area. According to this configuration, the generation of residual water, which is an important factor for the growth of bacteria and mold, can be suppressed in the non-visually confirmable area, and the adhesion of dirt to the non-visually confirmable area can be suppressed. In addition, as a result, it is possible to suppress the release of spores from the mold generated in the non-visually confirmable region into the nozzle housing portion, and the propagation of bacteria and mold in the visually confirmable region can be suppressed.

For example, the light emitting portion 710 is provided on the side portion below the nozzle support portion 482 as described above. The light emitting portion 710 may be provided inside the nozzle housing portion 480, but it is preferably provided outside the nozzle housing portion 480 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. When the nozzle 473 is cleaned or when the cleaned nozzle 473 is stored, water will splash in the nozzle storage portion 480. Therefore, if the light-emitting portion 710 is provided in the nozzle housing portion 480, water will adhere to the light-emitting portion 710 and cause a failure of the light-emitting portion 710. Since the light emitting unit 710 is provided outside the nozzle housing unit 480, water does not adhere to the light emitting unit 710 and the power supply unit that supplies power to the light emitting unit 710, thereby preventing the light emitting unit 710 from malfunctioning.

When the light emitting section 710 is provided outside the nozzle housing section 480, the portion of the nozzle housing section 480 to which the sterilization light is irradiated preferably has translucency. That is, it is preferable that the nozzle housing portion 480 has a transmission portion 480a (as shown in FIG. 6) for guiding the sterilization light emitted from the light emitting portion 710 into the nozzle housing portion 480. By providing the transmission part 480a, it is possible to increase the illuminance of the sterilization light irradiated to the visually confirmable region in the nozzle housing part 480, and to improve the sterilization effect.

9( a) to 9 (c) are cross-sectional views showing an example of the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. In (a) to (c) in FIG. 9, dots are marked on the visually confirmable area to which the sterilization light is irradiated. For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the illuminating unit 700 has a reflecting unit 740 for irradiating the sterilized light L to the entire visually confirmable region. The reflection unit 740 reflects the sterilized light L radiated from the light-emitting unit 710 toward the visually confirmable region. For example, in order to increase the reflectivity, the reflection portion 740 is formed of a metal material. In addition, it is preferable that the surface of the reflecting portion 740 (the surface facing the light emitting portion 710) is mirror-finished. Alternatively, the reflecting portion 740 may be formed of a resin material with high reflectivity. As such a resin material, for example, a fluorine-based compound or a polyester-based compound can be used. All of the reflecting portion 740 may be composed of a material having a high reflectance as described above, or only a part of the reflecting portion 740 may be composed of a material having a high reflectance.

Alternatively, the light illuminating unit 700 may have a light guide member 750. For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the light guide member 750 is a nozzle cleaning part 478 formed of a light guide material. The nozzle cleaning unit 478 is made of a light guide material, and the sterilized light L irradiated to the nozzle cleaning unit 478 passes through the inside of the nozzle cleaning unit 478 and is radiated from the nozzle cleaning unit 478. As shown in (c) of FIG. 9, the light guide member 750 may be a nozzle cover 600 formed of a light guide material. The nozzle cover 600 is made of a light guide material, so that the sterilization light L irradiated to the nozzle cover 600 passes through the inside of the nozzle cover 600 and is radiated from the nozzle cover 600. As the light guide material constituting the nozzle cleaning section 478 or the nozzle cover 600, for example, acrylic resin parts, silicon resin, glass, etc. can be used

Since the illuminating unit 700 has the reflecting unit 740 or the light guide member 750, the sterilizing light can be efficiently irradiated from the light emitting unit 710 to the front end surface of the nozzle 473 that becomes the backlight. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently sterilize the entire visually confirmable area through the smaller (or less) light emitting unit 710, and it is possible to miniaturize the toilet seat washing apparatus 100.

In addition, the specific structure of the illumination unit 700 can be appropriately changed. FIGS. 10( a) to 10 (c) are cross-sectional views showing another example around the partial washing nozzle of the toilet bowl washing device of the embodiment. In (a) to (c) of FIG. 10, points in the visually confirmable area to which the sterilization light is irradiated are marked. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modification of the light-emitting part of the toilet seat washing apparatus of the embodiment.

For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 10, the light emitting section 710 may be provided above the front end of the nozzle 473. In the toilet seat washing apparatus 100, there is a surplus of space above the nozzle 473 compared to the side or the lower side of the nozzle 473. Therefore, by providing the light emitting unit 710 above the front end of the nozzle 473, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 can be reduced in size compared with the case where the light emitting unit 710 is provided below or to the side of the nozzle 473.

When the light emitting unit 710 is provided above the tip of the nozzle 473, the light emitting unit 710 irradiates the sterilization light L downward. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 10( a) to 10 (c ), it is also preferable that the light illuminating part 700 has the reflecting part 740 or the light guide member 750. By providing the reflecting portion 740 or the light guide member 750, the light-emitting portion 710 can efficiently irradiate the sterilization light L from the front end surface of the nozzle 473 that becomes a backlight, the nozzle housing portion 480 located below the nozzle 473, and the like.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the light emitting element 720 may be provided at a position away from the nozzle housing portion 480. In this example, two light-emitting elements 720 are provided at positions away from the nozzle housing 480 to the left and right, and the two light-emitting elements 720 are respectively connected to the two light-emitting portions provided at the left and right sides of the nozzle housing 480 via the optical fiber 730. 710 connection.

In the embodiment, the sterilization light can be guided from the light-emitting element 720 to the light-emitting portion 710 by using an optical fiber or the like, and the sterilization light can be irradiated from the light-emitting portion 710 provided near the nozzle storage portion 480 to the nozzle storage portion 480.

12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the nozzle cleaning section of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the nozzle washing portion of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a front view showing a modification of the nozzle washing portion of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment.

The structure of the nozzle washing unit 478 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. For example, the nozzle washing unit 478 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be provided. In this example, the nozzle washing portion 478 is a cylindrical member attached to the front end of the nozzle support portion 482. In a state where the nozzle 473 is completely retracted, the tip of the nozzle 473 is surrounded by the nozzle washing portion 478. On the inner wall of the nozzle washing portion 478, a water discharge hole for discharging washing water toward the outer periphery of the nozzle 473 is formed. For example, the nozzle housing portion 480 is composed of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 and the nozzle support portion 482.

Even when the nozzle washing unit 478 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is provided, the toilet seat washing device 100 has a visually confirmable area that can be visually confirmed when the nozzle cover 600 is fully opened. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the region R1 on the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the region R2 of the nozzle housing portion 480 located below the nozzle 473 are visually confirmable regions. The illuminating unit 700 irradiates the sterilization light to the visually confirmable area.

In this way, the structure near the nozzle housing portion 480 can be appropriately changed. In any structure, the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the visible region of the nozzle housing portion 480 under the nozzle 473 are irradiated with sterilization light, so that adhesion of dirt in this region can be suppressed.

15 is a graph showing an example of the wavelength distribution of the sterilization light of the toilet seat washing apparatus of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, 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 to be near the boundary between the visible light region and the ultraviolet light region, for example, it is possible to irradiate the visible light component (400 nm) including the UV-A component (315 nm or more and 400 nm or less) and violet to blue. Above 480nm). With such sterilization light, it is possible to balance the sterilization effect of the sterilization light on the nozzle housing portion 480 and the visual confirmation effect of the user.

In addition, the light source for sterilization light is not limited to one. For example, as the sterilization light, it is possible to irradiate the light including the ultraviolet light component and not including the visible light component from one light source, and to irradiate the light including the visible light component and not including the ultraviolet light component from other light sources. In other words, the ultraviolet light component and the visible light component included in the sterilization light can be simultaneously irradiated from different light sources.

In addition, the sterilization light is not limited to light including ultraviolet light components and visible light components. For example, in the case where the nozzle cover 600 contains a wavelength conversion material, the sterilization light may be light including ultraviolet light components and not including visible light components.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a time chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user, the illumination unit 700 does not operate (time t0). More specifically, the light-emitting element 720 (for example, LED) of the illumination unit 700 is turned off (off).

When the human body sensor 403 detects the user approaching the toilet seat washing device 100, the control unit 405 operates the light unit 700 (time t1). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on (turns on) the light-emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700.

In this way, by illuminating the illuminating unit 700 when it is detected that the user is approaching the toilet seat washing apparatus 100, the user can recognize that the nozzle storage unit 480 is being sterilized by the sterilizing light before the user sits on the toilet seat 200 .

The illumination unit 700 continues to operate, for example, until the seating sensor 404 detects the seating of the user. In other words, the control unit 405 continues to operate the illumination unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 detects the user and the seating sensor 404 does not detect seating.

When the seating sensor 404 detects the seating of the user, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (time t2). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off (turns off) the light-emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700.

After the user sits on the toilet seat 200, if the sterilization light leaks from the opening 481 to the outside of the housing 400, it becomes a state where it is easy to irradiate a part of the sterilization light to the user. By stopping the operation of the illumination unit 700 when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, it is possible to suppress the irradiation of the sterilization light to the user, and to further improve the safety of the user.

The illumination unit 700 continues to stop working, for example, until the seating sensor 404 detects the user's leaving. In other words, in a state where the seating sensor 404 detects seating, the control unit 405 continuously stops the operation of the illumination unit 700.

If the seating sensor 404 detects the user's leaving (if the seating sensor 404 changes from the state where the seating is detected to the state where the seating is not detected), the control unit 405 causes the illumination unit 700 to operate ( Time t3). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on (turns on) the light-emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700. This makes it possible for the user who is seated to recognize that the sterilization of the nozzle housing portion 480 has restarted.

The lighting unit 700 continues to operate until the predetermined time TM1 elapses. In other words, even if the human body sensor 403 changes from the state where the user is detected to the state where the user is not detected (time t4), the control unit 405 continues to operate the illumination unit 700 until the predetermined time TM1 elapses.

When a predetermined time TM1 has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (time t5). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off (turns off) the light-emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700.

When a predetermined time TM2 elapses when the toilet is not in use, the illumination unit 700 operates. In other words, if a predetermined time TM2 elapses in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect a user and the seating sensor 404 does not detect seating, the control unit 405 operates the illumination unit 700 (time t6). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on (turns on) the light-emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700. In this way, the control unit 405 can operate the illumination unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user.

Even if the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user, the nozzle storage portion 480 is sterilized by the sterilization light, so that the irradiation time of the sterilization light can be increased. Thereby, the sterilization effect of the sterilization light on the nozzle housing portion 480 can be improved. In addition, by increasing the irradiation time of the sterilization light, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the sterilization effect of the sterilization light on the nozzle housing portion 480 even when irradiating the sterilization light with a relatively long peak wavelength. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the user while suppressing the reduction of the sterilization effect.

When a predetermined time TM3 has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (time t7). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off (turns off) the light-emitting element 720 of the illumination unit 700.

The specified time TM1~TM3 can be any time. The predetermined times TM1 to TM3 are set such that, for example, the operating time of the illumination unit 700 when the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user is longer than the operating time of the illumination unit 700 when the human body sensor 403 detects the user. . In other words, the control unit 405 controls, for example, the lighting unit 700 such that the operating time of the lighting unit 700 when the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user is longer than that of the lighting unit 700 when the human body sensor 403 detects the user. Long work time. Thereby, the sterilization effect of the sterilization light on the nozzle housing portion 480 can be further improved.

(Other embodiments) 17 to 19 are cross-sectional views showing the periphery of a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. In the toilet seat washing apparatus 100a of another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the light-emitting part 710 of the light-emitting part 700 is provided above the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cover 600.

As shown in FIG. 18, the nozzle housing portion 480 has a bottom surface portion 480b. The bottom surface portion 480b is a part of the inner surface of the housing 400, and is a portion located in front of the nozzle support portion 482. As shown in (a) of FIG. 19, the light emitting unit 710 irradiates the sterilization light L downward. Thereby, the sterilization light L is irradiated to the back surface 600a of the nozzle cover 600, a part of the bottom surface portion 480b, the upper surface of the nozzle 473, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 18, the nozzle 473 has a front surface 473a. The front surface 473a is a surface located in front of the nozzle 473 when the extending direction of the nozzle 473 is taken as the front. The front surface 473a is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the nozzle 473, for example. The bottom surface portion 480b has a portion 480c located below the front surface 473a. For example, the front surface 473a of the nozzle 473 is located between at least a part of the portion 480c and the light emitting portion 710. That is, the sterilization light irradiated from the light emitting unit 710 cannot be directly irradiated to at least a part of the portion 480c.

In (b) of FIG. 19, the sterilization light L irradiated from the light-emitting part 710 and reflected by the back surface 600a is shown. When the sterilization light L is irradiated to the back surface 600a, as shown in (b) of FIG. 19, a part of the sterilization light L is reflected. For example, the sterilization light L reflected by the back surface 600a is irradiated to at least the front surface 473a of the nozzle 473 and the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 that is located forward of the front surface 473a. Specifically, the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 that is located forward of the front surface 473a includes a part of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 and the bottom surface portion 480b.

By irradiating the front surface 473a and the portion 480c with the sterilization light L, the nozzle 473 and the nozzle housing portion 480 can suppress the area where the user can visually observe, that is, the adhesion of dirt on the area can be visually confirmed. This makes it possible for the user to recognize that the nozzle 473 is clean and the nozzle housing portion 480 that houses it is also clean. Therefore, even users with high cleaning consciousness can use the partial cleaning nozzle with confidence.

The nozzle 473 has an outer peripheral surface 473b extending in the advancing and retreating direction of the nozzle 473. For example, the shape of the nozzle 473 is a cylindrical shape extending in the advancing and retreating direction, and the outer peripheral surface 473b is curved. Preferably, the illuminating unit 700 is configured such that the average illuminance of the sterilization light L for the portion of the front surface 473a and the nozzle housing portion 480 that is located forward of the front surface 473a is greater than the average illuminance of the sterilization light L for the outer circumferential surface 473b. Alternatively, it is preferable that the illuminating unit 700 is configured to irradiate the sterilizing light L to a portion of the front surface 473a and the nozzle housing portion 480 that is located forward of the front surface 473a than to irradiate the sterilizing light L to the outer peripheral surface 473b Wide range. In this way, the sterilization light L can be irradiated to the areas where the nozzle 473 and the nozzle housing portion 480 can be visually confirmed. Therefore, it is more difficult for dirt to adhere to the visually confirmable area that requires high cleanability. In addition, with regard to the toilet seat washing device 100, in recent years, it is desired to reduce the size in order to improve the designability. According to the above-mentioned relationship between the average illuminance and the irradiation range, unnecessary irradiation of the sterilization light L can be suppressed, and the power applied to the contrast light unit 700 can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generated by the illumination unit 700 becomes smaller. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of fins and the like that dissipate the heat of the illumination unit 700, and to reduce the size of the illumination unit 700. As a result, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 can be miniaturized. For the outer peripheral surface 473b of the nozzle 473, it is difficult for dirt to adhere to the water and sterilized water discharged from the nozzle washing unit 478. Therefore, even if the sterilization light L is not focused, the adhesion of dirt on the outer peripheral surface 473b can be suppressed.

In order to increase the irradiation intensity of the sterilized light L to the front surface 473a or the like or to expand the irradiation range, it is preferable that at least a part of the back surface 600a is formed of a reflective material. More preferably, the entire back surface 600a is formed of a reflective material. For example, the reflectance at the back surface 600a is greater than the reflectance of the bottom surface portion 480b or the reflectance of the inner surface of the housing 400 adjacent to the back surface 600a. As the reflective material, similar to the material of the above-mentioned reflective portion 740, a metal material, a resin material with a high reflectance, or the like can be used. For example, the back surface 600a is preferably mirror-finished.

If the sterilization light L is directly irradiated to the back surface 600a, the adhesion of dirt on the back surface 600a can be suppressed. In addition, the back surface 600a faces the front surface 473a of the nozzle 473, the nozzle washing portion 478, the bottom surface portion 480b, and the like, and the wide range of the area can be visually confirmed. By forming the back surface 600a with a reflective material, the sterilization light L reflected by the back surface 600a is irradiated to a wide range of the visually-recognizable area. This makes it possible to irradiate the sterilization light L over a wide range of the visible region even if the illumination unit 700 (light emitting unit 710) is miniaturized.

In addition to the back surface 600a, the bottom surface portion 480b and the inner surface of the housing 400 adjacent to the back surface 600a may be configured to reflect the sterilization light L. According to this configuration, it is possible to irradiate the sterilization light L to a wider range of the visually confirmable area.

It is preferable that the illumination unit 700 is configured to have a wider irradiation range of the sterilization light L directly irradiated to the rear surface 600 a than the irradiation range of the sterilization light L directly irradiated to a portion other than the rear surface 600 a in the interior of the housing 400. By increasing the irradiation range in which the sterilization light L is directly irradiated to the back surface 600a, the sterilization light L reflected by the back surface 600a can be irradiated to a wider range of the visible region.

The sterilization light L irradiated to each part in the housing 400 includes reflected light and direct light. The reflected light is the sterilized light L reflected by the back surface 600a after being irradiated from the light emitting unit 710. The direct light is sterilized light L that is irradiated from the light-emitting portion 710 without being reflected by the back surface 600a and other components and directly irradiated. It is preferable that the light illuminating unit 700 is arranged at a position where direct light is irradiated to the front end portion 480d of the bottom surface portion 480b. The front end portion 480d includes, for example, a range within 10 mm from the front end of the bottom surface portion 480b to the rear side.

As a result of research by the present inventors, it has been found that residual water in the nozzle housing portion 480 is likely to be generated at the front end portion 480d of the bottom surface portion 480b. In addition, the inventors found that the front end portion 480d is the most susceptible to contamination. By irradiating the front end portion 480d where the dirt is most likely to be generated in the visually confirmable area with direct light having strong sterilization power, it is possible to suppress the generation of bacteria and mold on the front end portion 480d. Thus, the front end portion 480d can be kept clean.

More preferably, the light illuminating unit 700 is configured to irradiate the front end portion 480d with direct light and reflected light. According to this configuration, both the direct light and the reflected light can be irradiated to the front end portion 480d where the dirt is most likely to be generated. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the generation of bacteria and mold at the tip portion 480d where residual water is likely to be generated in the visually confirmable region.

Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the periphery of a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views showing the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the back surface 600a of the nozzle cover 600 is preferably formed in a curved shape to diffuse the reflected light. According to this structure, the sterilization light L reflected by the back surface 600a can be diffused more than the case where the back surface 600a is planar, and the sterilization light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visible region.

In addition, it is preferable that the nozzle washing portion 478 is formed of a permeable material. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, it is preferable that the sterilization light L passes through the nozzle washing unit 478. The nozzle washing unit 478 is provided at the front end of the nozzle 473. Therefore, the sterilized light L that has passed through the nozzle washing unit 478 is irradiated to the gap between the nozzle 473 and the nozzle washing unit 478 and the visible region of the light emitting unit 710 that is located at the backlight. Thereby, it is possible to irradiate the sterilization light to a wider range of the visually confirmable area. For example, the transmittance of the nozzle washing unit 478 is preferably 5% or more.

More preferably, the nozzle washing unit 478 is configured such that the sterilization light L diffuses when transmitted. For example, the nozzle washing portion 478 is formed of a resin to which a scattering agent is added. At least a part of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is positioned forward of the front surface 473a in a state where the entire nozzle 473 is stored in the nozzle storage portion 480. Therefore, if the sterilization light L is diffused by the nozzle cleaning unit 478, the sterilization light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually-identifiable area. For example, it is possible to increase the illuminance of the sterilized light L toward the visually confirmable region located at the backlight with respect to the illuminating unit 700.

The nozzle washing unit 478 may be moved in a state where the illuminating unit 700 is operated and the sterilization light L is irradiated. When the nozzle washing unit 478 moves during the operation of the light illuminating unit 700, the irradiation range of the sterilization light L changes as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. Thereby, the sterilization light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually confirmable area. For example, the nozzle washing unit 478 moves due to the sliding of the nozzle 473. A driving unit that drives the nozzle washing unit 478 may be provided. The operation of the driving part causes the nozzle washing part 478 to move.

More preferably, during the operation of the illumination unit 700, the nozzle washing unit 478 is moved without opening the nozzle cover 600. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the sterilized light L to the outside of the housing 400, and it is possible to irradiate the sterilized light to a wider range of the visually confirmable area while improving the safety of the user.

Here, an example in which the toilet seat washing device 100a includes the nozzle cover 600 has been described. However, the toilet seat washing device 100a may not include the nozzle cover 600. In this case, the visually confirmable area is an area that the user can visually observe through the opening through which the local washing nozzle extends or retreats. When the toilet seat washing device 100 or 100a is provided with the nozzle cover 600, the visually confirmable area is an area that the user can visually observe when the nozzle cover 600 is fully opened. When the nozzle cover 600 is not provided, for example, the illuminating unit 700 is provided so as to directly irradiate the sterilizing light L to the portion 480c of the front surface 473a and bottom portion 480b of the nozzle 473 below the front surface 473a.

In the above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art appropriately add the design changes to the above-mentioned embodiments as long as they have the features of the present invention, they are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation method, and the like of each element included in the toilet seat washing device are not limited to the illustrated cases, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the elements included in the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as they are technically feasible. Embodiments obtained by combining these elements are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

10‧‧‧Water source 20‧‧‧Water Division 21‧‧‧Hip washing flow 22‧‧‧Softly clean the flow path 23‧‧‧Washing channel for women 24‧‧‧Surface cleaning flow path 25‧‧‧Spray flow path 100, 100a‧‧‧seat washing device 200‧‧‧seat 300‧‧‧Bilet 310‧‧‧Through the window 400‧‧‧Housing 401‧‧‧Power circuit 403‧‧‧Human Sensor 404‧‧‧Seating sensor 405‧‧‧Control Department 407‧‧‧Exhaust 408‧‧‧Export 409‧‧‧recessed part 431‧‧‧ Solenoid valve 432‧‧‧pressure regulator 433‧‧‧Check valve 440‧‧‧ heat exchanger unit 442‧‧‧Flow sensor 450‧‧‧Electrolyzer unit 452‧‧‧Vacuum circuit breaker 454‧‧‧Pressure Modulation Department 471‧‧‧Flow adjustment department 472‧‧‧Stream switching section 473‧‧‧Partial cleaning nozzle 473a‧‧‧Front surface 473b‧‧‧Peripheral surface 474a‧‧‧Washing spout for women 474b‧‧‧Hip wash spout 476‧‧‧ Nozzle motor 478‧‧‧Nozzle cleaning department 478a‧‧‧Spitting Department 478b‧‧‧Support 479‧‧‧ spray nozzle 480‧‧‧ nozzle storage 480a‧‧‧Through Department 480b‧‧‧Bottom face 480c‧‧‧Part 480d‧‧‧front part 481‧‧‧ opening 482‧‧‧Nozzle support 500‧‧‧Operation Department 600‧‧‧ nozzle cover 600a‧‧‧Back 700‧‧‧Lighting Department 710‧‧‧Lighting Department 720‧‧‧Lighting element 730‧‧‧ Fiber 740‧‧‧Reflection Department 750‧‧‧Light guide member 800‧‧‧Toilet 801‧‧‧ basin A1‧‧‧arrow L‧‧‧sterilization light R1~R3‧‧‧Region t0~t7‧‧‧moment TM1~TM3‧‧‧stipulated time

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet bowl provided with a toilet seat washing device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the toilet seat washing apparatus of the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a nozzle housing portion of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the cleaning nozzles around the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a front view showing the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the area around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modification of the light-emitting part of the toilet seat washing apparatus of the embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the nozzle cleaning section of the toilet seat cleaning device of the embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the nozzle washing portion of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a front view showing a modification of the nozzle washing portion of the toilet seat washing device of the embodiment. 15 is a graph showing an example of the wavelength distribution of the sterilization light of the toilet seat washing apparatus of the embodiment. Fig. 16 is a time chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the cleaning nozzles around the toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. Fig. 20 is a plan view showing the periphery of a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet seat cleaning device according to another embodiment. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around a partial cleaning nozzle of a toilet bowl cleaning device according to another embodiment.

100‧‧‧seat washing device

200‧‧‧seat

300‧‧‧Bilet

310‧‧‧Through the window

400‧‧‧Housing

403‧‧‧Human Sensor

404‧‧‧Seating sensor

407‧‧‧Exhaust

408‧‧‧Export

409‧‧‧recessed part

473‧‧‧Partial cleaning nozzle

474b‧‧‧Hip wash spout

474a‧‧‧Washing spout for women

800‧‧‧Toilet

801‧‧‧ basin

Claims (12)

A toilet seat washing device is characterized by: The local washing nozzle descends and inclines toward the front side, and has a spout hole that discharges washing water toward the user's part; The driving device extends and retracts the aforementioned partial cleaning nozzle; The housing has a nozzle storage portion capable of storing the entire partial cleaning nozzle in a state where the partial cleaning nozzle has been retracted; and The illuminating part irradiates the light with sterilization effect, that is, sterilization light, The light irradiating portion irradiates the sterilization light to at least a portion of the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom portion of the nozzle housing portion below the front surface. The toilet cleaning device described in item 1 of the patent application scope, in which The illuminating section is configured such that the average illuminance of the sterilizing light with respect to the front surface and the portion of the nozzle housing portion located forward of the front surface is greater than the average of the sterilizing light with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle Illuminance. The toilet cleaning device described in item 1 or item 2 of the patent application scope, in which The illuminating section is configured such that the sterilizing light irradiates the front surface and the portion of the nozzle housing portion located forward of the front surface from the sterilizing light to the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle Wide range. The toilet seat washing device as described in any one of items 1 to 3 of the patent application scope, wherein, It is further provided with a nozzle cover that is openable and closable with respect to an opening provided at the front end of the nozzle housing portion, and is configured to open the nozzle housing portion in a state where the local cleaning nozzle extends, and to wash The entire nozzle is stored in the storage section, and the nozzle storage section is closed. At least a part of the back surface of the nozzle cover on the side of the nozzle housing portion is formed of a reflective material, The light-emitting unit directly irradiates at least a part of the sterilization light to the back surface of the nozzle cover in a state where the nozzle cover is closed. The toilet cleaning device described in item 4 of the patent application scope, in which The illuminating section is configured to have a wider irradiation range of the sterilization light directly irradiated to the back surface of the nozzle cover than the sterilization light directly irradiated to a portion other than the back surface of the nozzle cover. The toilet cleaning device as described in item 4 or 5 of the patent application scope, in which The sterilization light includes reflected light reflected by the nozzle cover and direct light not reflected by the nozzle cover, The light illuminating portion is arranged at a position where the direct light is irradiated to the front end portion of the bottom surface portion of the nozzle housing portion. The toilet cleaning device as described in item 6 of the patent application scope, in which The light illuminating portion is configured to irradiate the direct light and the reflected light to the front end portion of the bottom portion. The toilet seat cleaning device as described in any one of the items 4 to 7 of the patent application scope, in which The back surface of the nozzle cover is formed in a curved shape to diffuse the reflected light. The toilet seat washing device as described in any one of the items 4 to 8 of the patent application scope, wherein, A nozzle cleaning section is provided near the front end of the local cleaning nozzle, and the nozzle cleaning section has a nozzle cleaning hole that discharges washing water to the outer surface of the local cleaning nozzle. The nozzle cleaning section is formed of a transmission material that transmits the sterilization light. The toilet cleaning device described in item 9 of the patent application scope, in which The nozzle cleaning section is configured such that the sterilized light diffuses when transmitted, At least a part of the nozzle cleaning section is arranged forward of the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle in a state where the entire partial cleaning nozzle is stored in the storage section. The toilet cleaning device described in item 10 of the patent application scope, in which The nozzle cleaning unit is moved while the illumination unit is operated. The toilet cleaning device described in item 11 of the patent application scope, in which In a state where the light-emitting part is operated, the nozzle washing part is moved without opening the nozzle cover.

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