JP6909434B2 - Sanitary cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Description

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

In sanitary cleaning equipment, scale may precipitate in the water supply channel from the water supply source to the water outlet such as a nozzle. For example, scale is likely to precipitate in areas where hard water is used. If scale is deposited in the water supply channel, the water supply channel may be blocked and water may not be discharged from the spout.

In order to prevent this, a method is known in which the precipitated scale is dissolved by a removing agent (removing liquid) put into the water supply channel by the user to remove the scale. For example, in the case of a hot water storage type in which the sanitary cleaning device has a hot water storage tank for storing hot water for cleaning a local part of the human body, the removing agent is charged into the hot water storage tank. Further, for example, when the sanitary cleaning device is provided with a backflow prevention mechanism for sewage having a sub tank, the removing agent is charged into the sub tank.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-324565

Generally, the capacity of the sub tank of the backflow prevention mechanism is smaller than the capacity of the hot water storage tank, and the amount of the removing agent that can be charged into the sub tank is small. When the removing agent is charged into the sub tank, the scale cannot be effectively removed unless the charged removing agent is used efficiently, and the water supply channel may be blocked. Therefore, it is desired to efficiently remove the scale by filling the water supply channel with as much of the removing agent charged into the sub tank as possible.

Further, the amount of the removing agent charged by the user into the sub tank is not always constant. If the amount of the removing agent charged into the sub tank is small, the air in the sub tank may be mixed in the water supply channel in the filling operation of filling the water supply channel with the removing agent in the sub tank. In particular, if the filling operation is controlled over time, air may be mixed into the water supply channel. If air gets into the water supply channel, the efficiency of scale removal will decrease.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary cleaning device capable of efficiently removing scale.

In the first invention, a water discharge unit for discharging water, a water supply channel for supplying the water to the water discharge unit, a sub tank provided in the water supply channel, and surplus water exceeding the full water level of the sub tank are discharged outside the sub tank. A backflow prevention mechanism having a discharge port for discharging to the sub tank and an outlet for discharging the water in the sub tank to the downstream side of the sub tank of the water supply channel, and a backflow prevention mechanism provided in the sub tank to raise the water level in the sub tank. A water level sensor that detects that the drought water level is substantially the same as the height of the outlet, a removing agent charging section that can charge a removing agent that dissolves scale deposited in the water supply channel into the sub tank, and a water supply channel. A filling operation of filling the removing agent charged into the sub tank on the downstream side of the sub tank, a standby operation of waiting for a predetermined time after the filling operation, and a discharge of the removing agent from the water supply channel after the waiting operation. The control unit includes a control unit that executes a scale removal mode, and the control unit determines that the water level in the sub tank is the drought water level during the execution of the scale removal mode. It is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that the filling operation is continued until the sensor detects it.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the filling operation is continued until the drought water level is reached. As a result, most of the charged remover (for example, almost all) can be filled to the downstream side, so that the remover can be used efficiently and scale removal can be performed efficiently. Further, since the filling operation is stopped when the drought water level is reached, it is possible to prevent air from being mixed into the water supply channel from the outlet of the sub tank after that. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of scale removal.

The second invention further comprises the flow path switching means provided in the water supply channel in the first invention, the water discharge unit has a plurality of water discharge ports for discharging the water, and the water supply channel is the water supply channel. A first flow path provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching means, and a plurality of second flow paths provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching means and connected to each of the plurality of spouts. The flow path switching means connects the first flow path to any one of the plurality of second flow paths, and the control unit connects to the first flow path during the filling operation. The sanitary cleaning apparatus, characterized in that the second flow path is sequentially switched and the flow path switching means is controlled so as to connect the first flow path to at least one of the plurality of second flow paths a plurality of times. Is.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the flow path switching means sequentially switches the second flow path connected to the first flow path, and connects the first flow path and the second flow path a plurality of times to remove the agent. Can be subdivided and evenly supplied to each of the plurality of second flow paths.

A third invention further comprises, in the first invention, a flow path switching means provided in the water supply channel, the water discharge unit has a plurality of water discharge ports for discharging the water, and the water supply channel has a plurality of water discharge ports. A first flow path provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching means, and a plurality of second flow paths provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching means and connected to each of the plurality of spouts. The flow path switching means connects the first flow path and any of the plurality of second flow paths, and the plurality of spouts discharge the water toward the human body local part. The plurality of second flow paths have a cleaning flow path for supplying the water to the washing water discharge port, and the control unit has a cleaning flow path other than the cleaning flow path during the standby operation. The sanitary cleaning device is characterized in that the flow path switching means is controlled so as to connect the second flow path and the first flow path.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the removal agent is prevented from flowing out from the plurality of cleaning channels by connecting the second channel and the first channel other than the plurality of cleaning channels during the standby operation. can. This makes it possible to more reliably remove the scale that interferes with the function of cleaning the human body of the sanitary cleaning device.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the second invention, wherein the plurality of spouts have a cleaning spout that discharges the water toward a local part of the human body, and the plurality of second flow paths are directed to the cleaning spout. The control unit has a cleaning flow path for supplying the water, and the control unit connects the second flow path other than the cleaning flow path and the first flow path during the standby operation. It is a sanitary cleaning device characterized by controlling the switching means.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the removal agent is prevented from flowing out from the plurality of cleaning channels by connecting the second channel and the first channel other than the plurality of cleaning channels during the standby operation. can. This makes it possible to more reliably remove the scale that interferes with the function of cleaning the human body of the sanitary cleaning device.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a flow path switching means provided in the water supply channel, the water discharge unit has a plurality of water discharge ports for discharging the water, and the water supply channel has a plurality of water discharge ports. A first flow path provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching means, and a plurality of second flow paths provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching means and connected to each of the plurality of spouts. The flow path switching means connects the first flow path and any of the plurality of second flow paths, and the control unit receives the plurality of second flows during the standby operation. It is characterized in that the flow path switching means is controlled so as to connect the second flow path and the first flow path in which the rate at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply channel is the lowest among the paths. It is a sanitary cleaning device.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the removing agent does not easily leak from the water supply channel during the standby operation, so that the removing agent can function more efficiently.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the control unit has a speed at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply channel among the plurality of second flow paths during the standby operation. The sanitary cleaning device is characterized in that the flow path switching means is controlled so as to connect the second flow path and the first flow path, which are the lowest.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the removing agent does not easily leak from the water supply channel during the standby operation, so that the removing agent can function more efficiently.

The seventh invention further comprises a casing in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the water discharge portion has a nozzle housed in the casing, and the nozzle is advanced from the casing. The control unit is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that the nozzle is housed in the casing during the standby operation.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the head (water head) of the nozzle can be made smaller during the standby operation as compared with the state where the nozzle advances from the casing. As a result, the removing agent does not easily leak during the standby operation and is easily left filled, so that the scale can be removed efficiently.

An eighth invention, in any one of the second to sixth inventions, is a flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the water flowing through at least one of the plurality of second flow paths, and the removing agent for the user. The control unit is a sanitary cleaning device that further includes a notification means for notifying the closing timing of the device, and operates the notification means when the flow rate detecting means detects a decrease in the flow rate.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, it is possible to notify the user of the timing of adding the removing agent at an appropriate timing before at least one of the plurality of second channels is clogged with the scale, and the removing agent can be effectively used. Can be made to work.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the eighth invention, wherein the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting means has at least one of the smallest cross-sectional area and the smallest conductance among the plurality of second flow paths. It is a sanitary cleaning device characterized by the flow rate of the second flow path.

According to this sanitary cleaning device, the timing of adding the removing agent is notified based on the flow rate of the second flow path where the scale is easily clogged. As a result, it is possible to notify the user of the timing of adding the removing agent at a more appropriate timing before the scale is clogged.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sanitary cleaning device capable of efficiently removing scale.

It is a perspective view which shows the toilet apparatus provided with the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the main part of the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which illustrates the casing of the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the open type tank of the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the scale removal mode of the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are schematic views illustrating a flow path switching portion of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are timing charts illustrating the operation of the flow path switching unit of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are cross-sectional views illustrating a water discharge portion of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the scale removal mode of the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a table which illustrates the operation of the sanitary cleaning apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device including the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device includes a Western-style sitting toilet bowl (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “toilet bowl” for convenience of explanation) 800, and a sanitary cleaning device 100 provided on the Western-style sitting toilet bowl (hereinafter simply referred to as “toilet bowl”) 800. The toilet bowl 800 may be a "floor-standing type" installed on the floor surface of the toilet room, or may be a "wall-mounted type" installed on the wall surface or lining of the toilet room. The sanitary cleaning device 100 has a casing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are pivotally supported with respect to the casing 400 so as to be openable and closable.

Inside the casing 400, there is a built-in body cleaning function unit that realizes cleaning of the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200. Further, for example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 that detects that the user has sat on the toilet seat 200. When the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, when the user operates an operation unit 500 (see FIG. 2) such as a remote controller, a cleaning nozzle (for convenience of the following description, simply "nozzle"). 473) can be advanced into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. In the sanitary cleaning device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 473 represents a state in which the nozzle 473 has advanced into the bowl 801.

The nozzle 473 discharges water toward the local part of the human body to clean the local part of the human body. A plurality of water spouts 31 (bidet washing water spouting port 31a, buttocks washing water spouting port 31b, etc.) are provided at the tip of the nozzle 473. The nozzle 473 can inject water from the bidet washing spout 31a provided at the tip thereof to wash the female local part of the woman sitting on the toilet seat 200. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 can inject water from the buttocks washing spout 31b provided at the tip thereof to wash the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200.

The term "water" in the specification of the present application includes not only cold water but also heated hot water. Further, in the specification of the present application, "forward", "rear", "upper", and "lower" refer to the direction seen from the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 with his back to the open toilet lid 300. ..

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 also shows the main components of the water channel system and the electrical system.
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the casing of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 3, the casing 400 and the inside thereof are schematically shown.
The sanitary cleaning device 100 has a water discharge unit 470 that discharges water. The water discharge unit 470 has a nozzle 473 (cleaning nozzle), a nozzle cleaning chamber 478, and a spray nozzle 479. The water discharge unit 470 is arranged (or stored) in the casing 400.

The sanitary cleaning device 100 has a water supply channel 20 arranged in the casing 400. The water supply channel 20 supplies water supplied from a water supply source 10 such as a water supply or a water storage tank to a water discharge unit 470. That is, the water supply channel 20 guides the water discharged from the water discharge unit 470 to the water discharge unit 470.
The water supply channel 20 includes a solenoid valve 431, a pressure regulating valve 432, a check valve 433, an open tank 434 (backflow prevention mechanism), a cleaning pump 436, a heat exchanger unit 440, and a flow rate sensor 442 (flow rate detection) described below. Means), electrolytic cell unit 450, vacuum breaker 452, flow path switching section 472 (flow path switching means), and a plurality of pipes connecting these sections are provided.

A solenoid valve 431 is provided on the upstream side of the water supply channel 20. The solenoid valve 431 is a solenoid valve that can be opened and closed, and controls the supply of water based on a command from a control unit 405 provided inside the casing 400. In other words, the solenoid valve 431 opens and closes the water supply channel 20. By opening the solenoid valve 431, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows to the downstream side.

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

An open tank 434 (backflow prevention mechanism) is provided downstream of the check valve 433. The open tank 434 is provided on the path of the water supply channel 20, and stores the water that has flowed in through the check valve 433 inside. Further, the open tank 434 physically blocks the flow of water from the downstream side to the upstream side of the open tank 434 in the water supply channel 20 by forming an air gap inside. In other words, the open tank 434 cuts off the portion downstream and the portion upstream of the open tank 434 of the water supply channel 20. As a result, the open tank 434 reliably prevents the washing water in the nozzle 473 and the sewage collected in the bowl 801 from flowing back to the water supply source 10 (clean water) side.

A cleaning pump 436 is provided downstream of the open tank 434. The cleaning pump 436 drains the water stored in the open tank 434. The cleaning pump 436 pumps the water stored in the open tank 434. As a result, the cleaning pump 436 supplies the water stored in the open tank 434 to the water supply channel 20 downstream of the open tank 434. The cleaning pump 436 is connected to the control unit 405. The drive and stop of the drive of the cleaning pump 436 are controlled by the control unit 405. The cleaning pump 436 may be any pump capable of draining the water stored in the open tank 434.

A heat exchanger unit 440 (heating unit) is provided downstream of the cleaning pump 436. The heat exchanger unit 440 has a heater and heats water supplied from the open tank 434 via a cleaning pump 436 to raise the temperature to, for example, a specified temperature. That is, the heat exchanger unit 440 produces hot water.

The heat exchanger unit 440 is an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger using, for example, a ceramic heater, and defines water in a shorter time than a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank. The temperature can be raised to the temperature. 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. Further, the heating unit is not limited to the heat exchanger, and may be one using another heating method such as one using microwave heating.

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

A flow rate sensor 442 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440. The flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply channel 20. The flow rate sensor 442 is connected to the control unit 405. The flow rate sensor 442 inputs the flow rate detection result to the control unit 405.

An electrolytic cell unit 450 is provided downstream of the flow rate sensor 442. The electrolytic cell unit 450 produces a liquid (functional water) containing hypochlorous acid from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing inside. The electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to the control unit 405. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates functional water based on the control by 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, or the like. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be acidic water or alkaline water.

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

The vacuum breaker 452 takes in air into the water supply channel 20 as described above, thereby promoting drainage of a portion of the water supply channel 20 downstream of the vacuum breaker 452, for example. The vacuum breaker 452 promotes drainage of the nozzle 473, for example. In this way, the vacuum breaker 452 drains the water in the nozzle 473 and takes in the air in the nozzle 473, so that, for example, the washing water in the nozzle 473 and the sewage collected in the bowl 801 can be collected from the water supply source 10 ( Suppresses backflow to the clean water) side.

A flow path switching portion 472 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 452. The flow path switching unit 472 opens / closes and switches the water supply to the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. In this example, the flow path switching unit 472 also functions as a flow rate adjusting unit that adjusts the flow rate. However, the flow rate adjusting unit and the flow rate switching unit may be separate units. The flow path switching unit 472 is connected to the control unit 405 and is controlled by the control unit 405.

A water discharge unit 470 (nozzle 473, nozzle cleaning chamber 478, and spray nozzle 479) is provided downstream of the flow path switching unit 472. The nozzle 473 receives a driving force from the nozzle motor 476 and moves forward and backward into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. That is, the nozzle motor 476 advances and retreats the nozzle 473 based on a command from the control unit 405.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the nozzle 473 is housed in the casing 400 when not in use. As shown by the broken line in FIG. 3, the nozzle 473 discharges water from the spout 31 in a state of advancing forward and downward from the casing 400 to clean the human body local part.

The nozzle cleaning chamber 478 cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 473 by injecting functional water or water from the spout 32 provided inside the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. The spray nozzle 479 sprays the washing water and the functional water into the bowl 801 in the form of a mist from the spout 33 provided at the tip thereof. In this example, a spray nozzle 479 is provided separately from the nozzle 473 for cleaning the human body. Not limited to this, the nozzle 473 may be provided with a spout for spraying the mist-like liquid onto the bowl 801.

Further, downstream of the flow path switching portion 472, a buttocks cleaning flow path 21, a soft cleaning flow path 22, and a bidet cleaning flow path 23 are provided. The buttocks cleaning flow path 21 and the soft cleaning flow path 22 guide the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water supply channel 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the buttocks cleaning spout 31b. The bidet cleaning flow path 23 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water supply channel 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the bidet cleaning spout 31a.

Further, a bypass flow path 24 and a spray flow path 25 are provided downstream of the flow path switching portion 472. The bypass flow path 24 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water supply channel 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the spout 32 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478. The spray flow path 25 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water supply channel 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the spout 33 of the spray nozzle 479.

The control unit 405 controls the flow path switching unit 472 to control the flow paths of the buttocks cleaning flow path 21, the soft cleaning flow path 22, the bidet cleaning flow path 23, the bypass flow path 24, and the spray flow path 25. Switch between opening and closing.

Further, the sanitary cleaning device 100 has a human body detecting means 406. The human body detecting means 406 detects a human body in a toilet room provided with a sanitary cleaning device 100. The control unit 405 acquires the detection result of the human body detecting means 406. In the specification of the present application, the "detection of the human body in the toilet room" by the human body detection means 406 includes not only the detection of the presence of the user in the toilet room but also the detection of the movement of the user in the toilet room. For example, in the range of "detection of a human body in the toilet room", the user enters and leaves the toilet room, the user approaches and leaves the toilet bowl 800, the toilet seat 200 is opened and closed, and the toilet lid 300 is opened and closed. Detection is also included.

As the human body detecting means 406, an entry detection sensor 403, a seating detection sensor 404, and an open / close detection sensor 402 are provided.
For the room entry detection sensor 403, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distance measuring sensor (infrared projection type sensor) can be used. In this example, the pyroelectric sensor provided in the casing 400 is used as the entry detection sensor 403. The entry detection sensor 403 can immediately detect, for example, that the user has opened the door of the toilet room and entered the room. As a result, it is possible to detect whether or not the user has entered the toilet room.

The seating detection sensor 404 can detect whether or not the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. The seating detection sensor 404 detects the user's seating and leaving. As the seating detection sensor 404, a microwave sensor, a distance measuring sensor (infrared projection type sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, a tact switch, a capacitance switch (touch sensor), or a distortion sensor can be used. In this example, the seating detection sensor 404 uses a distance measuring sensor provided in the casing 400.

When contact-type sensors such as a tact switch, an electrostatic sensor, and a strain sensor are used, these contact-type sensors are provided on the toilet seat 200. When the user sits on the toilet seat 200, the tact switch is pressed according to the weight of the user. Alternatively, the user comes into contact with the electrostatic sensor. Alternatively, pressure is applied to the strain sensor by the weight of the user. The seating of the user can be detected by the electric signals from these sensors.

The open / close detection sensor 402 is, for example, a micro switch, and detects the open / closed state of the toilet seat 200 or the toilet lid 300. In this example, the open / close detection sensor 402 detects the open / closed state of the toilet seat 200. For example, when the toilet seat 200 opens from the toilet bowl 800 by a certain angle or more, the open / close detection sensor 402 detects the open state of the toilet seat 200.

The control unit 405 includes a control circuit such as a microcomputer. The control unit 405 is supplied with electric power from the power supply circuit 401, and based on signals from the human body detection means 406, the open tank 434, the flow rate sensor 442, the operation unit 500, and the like, the solenoid valve 431 and the cleaning pump. It controls the operations of the 436, the heat exchanger unit 440, the electrolytic cell unit 450, the flow rate switching unit 472, the nozzle motor 476, and the like.

Further, the sanitary cleaning device 100 may be provided with a toilet bowl cleaning valve unit 510. The toilet bowl cleaning valve unit 510 has a role of controlling the supply of cleaning water flowing to the toilet bowl 800. The operation of the toilet bowl cleaning valve unit 510 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 405. The user can clean the toilet bowl by operating the operation unit 500 and sending a signal to the control unit 405.

The sanitary cleaning device 100 may be provided with a toilet lid opening / closing unit 511 and a toilet seat opening / closing unit 512. The toilet lid opening / closing unit 511 has a motor or the like and is connected to the toilet lid 300. The toilet seat opening / closing unit 512 has a motor or the like and is connected to the toilet seat 200. The operation of the toilet lid opening / closing unit 511 and the toilet seat opening / closing unit 512 is controlled by the control unit 405. The user can electrically open and close each of the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 by operating the operation unit 500 and sending a signal to the control unit 405.

Further, the casing 400 is appropriately provided with a "warm air drying function", a "deodorizing function", an "indoor heating function", etc., which blow warm air toward the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 to dry them. It may have been done. At this time, an exhaust port from the deodorizing unit and an exhaust port from the indoor heating unit are appropriately provided on the side surface of the casing 400. However, these additional function units do not necessarily have to be provided.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an open tank of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the open tank 434 (backflow prevention mechanism) has a sub tank 706 provided in the water supply channel 20. The water that has passed through the solenoid valve 431 flows into the sub tank 706 of the open tank 434 from the inflow port 701 via the inlet pipe 710.

Further, the open tank 434 has an discharge port 703 (overflow port) and an outlet 702. The discharge port 703 discharges excess water exceeding the full water level H2 of the sub tank 706 to the outside of the sub tank 706. That is, the water flowing into the sub tank 706 is stored in the sub tank 706, but when the water level exceeds the full water level H2, the surplus water is indicated by the arrow OF from the discharge port 703 provided on the front surface of the open tank 434. Leaks to the outside (overflow).

An air gap A1 is formed between the inflow port 701 and the discharge port 703, and even if the water level in the open tank 434 rises, the stored water does not reach the inflow port 701. As a result, backflow of sewage from the open tank 434 to the upstream is prevented. In addition, there is a distance of height A2 from the discharge port 703 to the rim surface of the toilet bowl 800, which also functions as an air gap, and sewage splashes inside the bowl and enters the open tank 434 from the discharge port 703. It suppresses the occurrence of such a situation.

The outflow port 702 causes the water in the sub tank 706 (and the removing agent described later) to flow out to the downstream side of the sub tank 706 of the water supply channel 20. Specifically, a cleaning pump 436 is connected downstream of the outlet pipe 712 connected to the outlet 702, and the cleaning pump 436 pumps water in the sub tank 706 from the outlet 702 and downstream. Supply. Further, the cleaning pump 436 can also adjust the flow rate (water force).

With the above configuration, the water stored in the sub tank 706 of the open tank 434 is pumped out by the cleaning pump 436, and the flow rate pumped out is adjusted by the cleaning pump 436. When the flow rate of water flowing from the inflow port 701 into the sub tank 706 is pumped out by the cleaning pump 436 and the flow rate of the water flowing out from the outflow port 702 is relatively small, it is stored in the sub tank 706. The water level of the existing water rises and exceeds the full water level H2, and flows out as surplus water from the discharge port 703 as shown by the arrow OF. This excess water is discharged into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800, and is discharged together with the water in the bowl 801 when the toilet bowl 800 is drained.

Further, the sub tank 706 is provided with a water level sensor 707 that detects the water level in the sub tank 706. The water level sensor 707 is, for example, a float switch. As the water level sensor 707, any sensor capable of detecting the water level in the sub tank 706 can be used.

The water level sensor 707 can detect that the water level in the sub tank 706 is the drought water level H1. The drought water level H1 means a water level that is substantially the same as the height of the outlet 702. Here, "substantially the same" means that, for example, the difference between the drought water level H1 and the water level H0 (the height of the upper end of the outlet 702) is 25 mm or less, preferably 21 mm or less. The drought water level H1 is preferably the same as or slightly higher than the water level H0. For example, the difference between the drought water level H1 and the water level H0 is 10 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

The outlet 702 is provided at the bottom (or near the bottom) of the sub tank 706. For example, the difference between the water level H0 (the height of the upper end of the outlet 702) and the height of the bottom of the sub tank 706 is 5 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less. When the water level in the sub tank is the drought water level H1, the sub tank 706 is almost empty.

The water supplied from the water supply source to the water supply channel 20 (for example, tap water) may contain sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like. Therefore, scales (for example, calcium carbonate) containing sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like as main components may precipitate in the water supply channel 20. When the scale is deposited, the water supply channel 20 may be clogged by the scale. Therefore, in the embodiment, the control unit 405 executes a scale removal mode in which the scale deposited in the water supply channel 20 is dissolved by the removing agent charged into the sub tank 706. As a result, it is possible to eliminate and prevent clogging of the scale.

The remover is, for example, an acidic liquid that dissolves the scale deposited in the water supply channel 20. The remover includes, for example, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid and the like. As the removing agent, one containing sulfamic acid or acetic acid may be used. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the open tank 434 is provided with a removing agent charging portion 434a (for example, an opening) capable of charging the removing agent into the sub tank 706. The place where the removing agent charging portion 434a is provided and the tank into which the removing agent is charged are not limited to the open tank 434 (sub tank 706). For example, in the case of a hot water storage type sanitary cleaning device, the removing agent charging unit 434a may be provided in the hot water storage tank, and the removing agent may be charged into the hot water storage tank.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a scale removal mode of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 5, the operation of the user and the operation of the sanitary cleaning device 100 (control unit 405) are shown together. The process represented by the alternate long and short dash line represents the operation of the user, and the process represented by the solid line represents the operation of the sanitary cleaning device 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the scale removal modes include a filling operation (first to third filling operations a1 to a3), a standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), and a discharge operation c1. And have.

The filling operation (first to third filling operations a1 to a3) is an operation of filling the removing agent charged into the sub tank 706 on the downstream side of the sub tank 706 of the water supply channel 20. That is, in the filling operation, the control unit 405 controls the cleaning pump 436 and the like to apply the removing agent from the inside of the sub tank 706 to the water supply channel 20 on the downstream side and each water discharge port (water discharge ports 31a, 31b, 32, 33). Supply. As a result, the water supply channel 20 is filled with the removing agent on the downstream side of the sub tank 706.

The standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3) is an operation of waiting for a predetermined time after at least the first filling operation a1. During this predetermined time, the remover dissolves the scale. This predetermined time is arbitrary, but is determined based on, for example, the speed at which the removing agent dissolves the scale, and is about 10 minutes to 1 hour.

The discharge operation is an operation of discharging the removing agent from the water supply channel 20 after the first to third standby operations b1 to b3. That is, in the discharge operation, the control unit 405 controls the solenoid valve 431, the cleaning pump 436, the flow path switching unit 472, and the like to the water supply channel 20 and each water discharge port (water discharge port 31a, 31b, 32, 33). Supply water from the water supply source 10. As a result, the removing agent remaining in the water supply channel 20 is washed away.

As shown in FIG. 5, the user operates the operation unit 500 and inputs the removal operation start to the control unit 405 (step S101). As a result, the control unit 405 starts executing the scale removal mode.

The control unit 405 drains water from the sub tank 706 (step S102). For example, the control unit 405 controls the cleaning pump 436 and the like to lower the water level in the sub tank to the drought water level H1. After that, the control unit 405 notifies the user that the drainage is completed by using the notification means 501 (see FIG. 2). Any means such as a speaker, a display, and an LED can be used for the notification means 501. In this example, the notification means is a display and a speaker provided in the operation unit 500. The notification means 501 may be provided separately from the operation unit 500.

After that, the user charges the removing agent from the removing agent charging unit 434a (step S103). For example, the user puts in a liquid remover diluted with water or the like using a funnel or the like. Further, the sub tank 706 is provided with a sensor (for example, a water level sensor 707) capable of detecting the upper limit water level H3 (see FIG. 4) indicating the upper limit of the input amount of the removing agent. When the user puts in the removing agent and the water level reaches the upper limit water level H3, the control unit 405 notifies by using the notification means. As a result, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from overflowing from the sub tank 706.

After that, the user operates the operation unit 500 and inputs the completion of the addition of the removing agent to the control unit 405 (step S104).

Then, the control unit 405 executes the first filling operation a1 (step S105). When the first filling operation a1 is completed, the control unit 405 notifies the user by using the notification means. After that, the user inputs the addition of the removing agent and the completion of the addition in the same manner as in steps S103 and S104 (steps S106 and S107).

When the charging of the removing agent is completed, the control unit 405 sequentially performs the first standby operation b1, the second filling operation a2, the second standby operation b2, the third filling operation a3, and the third standby operation b3. (Steps S108 to S112).

After that, the control unit 405 executes the discharge operation c1 (step S113), and ends the execution of the scale removal mode (step S114).
As described above, the scale deposited in the water supply channel 20 can be removed.

In step S105, the control unit 405 continues the filling operation (first filling operation a1) until the water level sensor 707 detects that the water level in the sub tank 706 is the drought water level H1. That is, the control unit 405 continues to supply the removing agent in the sub tank 706 to the downstream until the water level in the sub tank 706 reaches the drought water level H1. As a result, most of the charged remover (for example, almost all) can be filled to the downstream side, so that the remover can be used efficiently and scale removal can be performed efficiently.

On the other hand, when the water level in the sub tank 706 drops to the height of the outlet 702 of the sub tank 706 (water level H0), if the cleaning pump 436 continues to operate, air flows from the outlet 702 to the water supply channel 20. It will be mixed and the efficiency of scale removal will be reduced. On the other hand, according to the embodiment, when the water level in the sub tank 706 reaches the drought water level H1, the filling operation is stopped, so that it is possible to prevent air from being mixed into the water supply channel 20 from the outflow port 702 thereafter. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of scale removal.

Similarly, in step S111, the control unit 405 continues the filling operation (third filling operation a3) until the water level sensor 707 detects that the water level in the sub tank 706 is the drought water level H1.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are schematic views illustrating a flow path switching portion of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the water supply channel 20 includes a first flow path 41 and a plurality of second flow paths 42 (buttock cleaning flow path 21, soft cleaning flow path 22, bidet cleaning flow path 23, bypass). It has a flow path 24 and a flow path for spraying 25). The first flow path 41 is a portion of the water supply channel 20 provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching portion 472. Each of the plurality of second flow paths 42 is a portion of the water supply channel 20 provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching portion 472.

Each of the plurality of second flow paths is connected to a plurality of spouts of the spout portion 470.
That is, as described with respect to FIG. 2, the buttocks cleaning flow path 21 and the soft cleaning flow path 22 are connected to the buttocks cleaning spout 31b, and the bidet cleaning flow path 23 is connected to the bidet cleaning spout 31a. , The bypass flow path 24 is connected to the water discharge port 32, and the spray flow path 25 is connected to the water discharge port 33.

The flow path switching unit 472 includes a fixed disk (stator) 80, a movable disk (rotor) 82, a housing 84, and a drive mechanism 86.

The fixed disk 80 has, for example, a disk shape and has a front surface 80a (a surface facing the upstream side) and a back surface 80b (a surface facing the downstream side) opposite the front surface 80a.

FIG. 6B is a plan view illustrating a fixed disc. The fixed disk 80 has a plurality of ports (openings). For example, the fixed disk 80 is provided with a mist port P1, a bidet port P2, a first bypass port P3, a self-cleaning port P4, a soft cleaning port P5, a second bypass port P6, and a tail cleaning port P7. ..

The mist port P1 is connected to the spray flow path 25. The bidet port P2 is connected to the bidet cleaning flow path 23. The first bypass port P3 is connected to the bypass flow path 24. The self-cleaning port P4 is connected to the buttocks cleaning flow path 21, the soft cleaning flow path 22, and the bidet cleaning flow path 23. The soft cleaning port P5 is connected to the soft cleaning flow path 22. The second bypass port P6 is connected to the bypass flow path 24. The buttocks cleaning port P7 is connected to the buttocks cleaning port P7.

The movable disc 82 has, for example, a disk shape having a diameter similar to that of the fixed disc 80. The movable disc 82 is provided on the upstream side of the fixed disc 80. The movable disc 82 abuts on the front surface 80a of the fixed disc 80. The movable disc 82 slides and rotates on the front surface 80a with a direction orthogonal to the front surface 80a as an axis (hereinafter, referred to as a rotation axis RA). The movable disc 82 has an opening corresponding to one port of the fixed disc 80. For example, when the opening of the movable disk 82 overlaps one port of the fixed disk 80, another port of the fixed disk 80 is blocked by the movable disk 82. As a result, water can pass through only one port that overlaps with the opening of the movable disk 82.

The flow path switching unit 472 selectively switches the ports through which water can pass by rotating the movable disk 82. As a result, depending on the port to be selected, water or a removing agent may be added to at least one of the buttocks cleaning flow path 21, the soft cleaning flow path 22, the bidet cleaning flow path 23, the bypass flow path 24, and the spray flow path 25. Can be selectively supplied.

The housing 84 has, for example, a tubular shape, and accommodates a fixed disc 80 and a movable disc 82 in an internal space. The housing 84 rotatably supports the movable disc 82. The internal space of the housing 84 on the upstream side of the movable disk 82 is connected to the electromagnetic pump 54 via a pipe or the like. The water or the removing agent supplied via the electromagnetic pump 54 is supplied from the internal space of the housing 84 to each flow path via the movable disk 82 and the fixed disk 80.

The drive mechanism 86 has an electric motor such as a motor or a solenoid, and rotates the movable disk 82 by supplying a driving force to the movable disk 82. The drive mechanism 86 is connected to the control unit 405 and rotates the movable disk 82 based on the control of the control unit 405. The control unit 405 switches the destination of the water or the removing agent by driving the drive mechanism 86 to rotate the movable disk 82 and selecting one of the ports of the fixed disk 80. The drive mechanism 86 may be any mechanism capable of rotating the movable disk 82 without causing water leakage.

As described above, the flow path switching unit 472 selectively connects the first flow path 41 and at least one of the plurality of second flow paths 42.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are timing charts illustrating the operation of the flow path switching unit of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7A shows the port selected by the flow path switching unit 472 in the first filling operation a1 (or the third filling operation a3), and FIG. 7B shows the second filling operation a2. Represents a port selected by the flow path switching unit 472. The vertical axis represents the selected port and the horizontal axis represents time.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the control unit 405 starts the first filling operation a1 (or the third filling operation a3), the control unit 405 controls the flow path switching unit 472 to control the mist port P1 and the bidet port. P2, the first bypass port P3, the self-cleaning port P4, the soft cleaning port P5, the second bypass port P6, and the tail cleaning port P7 are selected in this order (first control CN1). After that, the control unit 405 controls the flow path switching unit 472, and the tail cleaning port P7, the second bypass port P6, the soft cleaning port P5, the self-cleaning port P4, the first bypass port P3, the bidet port P2, and the mist. Ports P1 are selected in this order (second control CN2).

The control unit 405 alternately repeats the first control CN1 and the second control CN2. In the first control CN1 and the second control CN2, the port switching is, for example, time control. That is, the length of time that each port is selected is predetermined for each port. When the drought water level H1 is detected in the middle of the first control CN1 or the second control CN2, the control unit 405 ends the first filling operation a1 (or the third filling operation a3). The order in which the ports are selected is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, either one of the first control CN1 and the second control CN2 may be repeated.

The ports selected in this way are sequentially switched, and the first control CN1 and the second control CN2 are repeated. As a result, the flow path switching unit 472 sequentially switches the second flow path 42 connected to the first flow path 41, and connects the first flow path 41 to at least one of the plurality of second flow paths 42 a plurality of times.

In the plurality of second flow paths 42, the degree of clogging of the scale differs depending on the flow path. In this case, if one second flow path 42 is filled with the removing agent and then the next second flow path 42 is filled with the removing agent, the filling operation time is set longer or the flow rate of the removing agent is increased. It may be necessary to set it. In this case, if the capacity of the sub tank 706 is small, the water level in the sub tank 706 may become the drought water level H1 before all the second flow paths 42 are filled with the removing agent. On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the flow path switching unit 472 sequentially switches the second flow path 42 connected to the first flow path 41, and a plurality of the first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42 are used. By connecting once, the removing agent can be divided into small portions and evenly supplied to each of the plurality of second flow paths 42.

In the second filling operation a2, for example, the first control CN1 is executed only once, as shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the flow path switching unit 472 sequentially switches the selected ports in the second filling operation a2, and selects each port once.

Further, in the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), the control unit 405 has a second flow path other than the cleaning flow path used for cleaning the human body local part among the plurality of second flow paths 42. The flow path switching unit 472 is controlled so as to connect the 42 and the first flow path 41.

The cleaning flow path used for cleaning the local part of the human body is, for example, the buttocks cleaning flow path 21, the soft cleaning flow path 22, or the bidet cleaning flow path 23. These cleaning channels supply water to a cleaning spout (bide cleaning spout 31a or tail cleaning spout 31b) that discharges water toward a local part of the human body. The second flow path 42 other than the cleaning flow path is, for example, a bypass flow path 24 and a spray flow path 25.

In this example, the control unit 405 controls the flow path switching unit 472 so as to select the first bypass port P3 during the standby operation. As a result, the flow path switching unit 472 connects the bypass flow path 24 and the first flow path 41 during the standby operation.

During the standby operation, for example, the removing agent in the second flow path 42 that is not connected to the first flow path 41 due to the negative pressure in the water supply channel 20 is in the second flow path 42 connected to the first flow path 41. It is harder to leak to the outside than the remover of. According to the embodiment, by connecting the second flow path 42 other than the cleaning flow path and the first flow path 41 during the standby operation, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from flowing out from the cleaning flow path. This makes it possible to more reliably remove the scale that interferes with the function of cleaning the human body local part of the sanitary cleaning device 100.

Further, in the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), the control unit 405 has the second lowest speed at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply channel 20 among the plurality of second flow paths 42. The flow path switching unit 472 is controlled so as to connect the flow path 42 and the first flow path 41. At this time, the removing agent flows out from the spout that communicates with the connected second flow path 42.

The rate at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply channel 20 (milliliter / sec) depends on the pressure loss in the second flow path 42 connected to the first flow path 41 and the head (head). As described above, in this example, the bypass flow path 24 and the first flow path 41 are connected during the standby operation. In the standby operation, the speed at which the removing agent flows out when the bypass flow path 24 and the first flow path 41 are connected is such that the second flow path 42 other than the bypass flow path 24 and the first flow path 41 are connected. It is slower than the rate at which the remover flows out when it is done. As a result, the removing agent is less likely to leak from the water supply channel 20 during the standby operation, so that the removing agent can function more effectively.

The flow rate sensor 442 described with reference to FIG. 2 can detect the flow rate of water flowing through at least one of the plurality of second flow paths 42. That is, the flow rate sensor 442 can detect the flow rate of the second flow path 42 connected to the first flow path 41 by the flow path switching unit 472.

When scale is deposited in the second flow path 42, the flow rate in the second flow path 42 decreases. Therefore, when the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 442 drops below a predetermined value, the control unit 405 operates the notification means 501. As a result, the notification means 501 notifies the user of the timing of adding the removing agent.

The predetermined value of the flow rate for notifying the closing timing is arbitrary, but is set based on, for example, the flow rate before at least one of the second flow paths 42 is clogged with the scale. Further, any means such as a speaker, a display, and an LED can be used as the notification means for notifying the closing timing.

Since the scale removal mode is performed after the user has charged the remover into the sub tank 706, the timing at which the scale removal mode is executed depends on the user. Since the easiness of scale precipitation differs depending on the region, the timing at which the user should add the remover varies depending on the environment. If the user decides the timing to execute the scale removal mode only by feeling, the scale cannot be removed at an appropriate timing, and the remover may not function effectively. On the other hand, according to the embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the timing of adding the removing agent at an appropriate timing before at least one of the plurality of second flow paths 42 is clogged with the scale, which is effective. Can function as a remover.

Further, for example, the flow rate used by the control unit 405 to determine the notification of the closing timing is the second flow having at least one of the smallest cross-sectional area and the smallest conductance among the plurality of second flow paths 42. The flow rate of the road 42. That is, the closing timing is notified based on the flow rate of the second flow path 42 in which the scale is easily clogged. For example, the control unit 405 causes the notification means 501 to notify the charging timing based on the flow rate in the spray flow path 25 detected by the flow rate sensor 442. As a result, it is possible to notify the user of the timing of adding the removing agent at a more appropriate timing before the scale is clogged.
The cross-sectional area of the second flow path 42 is, for example, a cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which water flows. If the cross-sectional area changes along the direction of water flow, use the minimum value.

Further, the scale containing sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like as main components may adhere to the cathode side of the electrolytic cell unit 450 that performs electrolysis. Therefore, when the cumulative operation time of the electrolytic cell unit 450 exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit 405 may operate the notification means 501 to notify the user of the timing of adding the removing agent. The operation integrated time is an integrated value of the time when a voltage is applied between the electrodes for electrolysis. Further, the predetermined time for notifying the closing timing is arbitrary, but is set to, for example, a time shorter than the integrated operation time until at least one of the second flow paths 42 is clogged with the scale.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are cross-sectional views illustrating a water discharge portion of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
The cross sections shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) correspond to the A1-A1 line cross sections shown in FIG.
FIG. 8A illustrates a state in which the water discharge unit 470 (nozzle 473 and nozzle cleaning chamber 478) is in the storage position. The control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit 470 at the storage position shown in FIG. 8A when the sanitary cleaning device 100 is not in use. The non-use time is, for example, when the local part of the human body is not washed or when the scale removal mode is not executed.

FIG. 8B illustrates a state in which the water discharge unit 470 (nozzle 473 and nozzle cleaning chamber 478) is in the scale removal position. The control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit 470 at the scale removal position shown in FIG. 8B during at least a part of the scale removal mode being executed.

The casing 400 has an opening 407 for advancing the nozzle 473 to the outside of the casing 400. The opening 407 is provided in front of the casing 400, and the nozzle 473 can advance forward from the opening 407 when cleaning the local human body. A shutter 408 (nozzle damper) is rotatably provided in the opening 407. The shutter 408 opens and closes the opening 407 according to the advancement and retreat of the nozzle 473.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the water discharge portion 470 is arranged at the storage position, the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 are retracted into the casing 400 and are retracted from the opening 407 and the shutter 408. Is also located behind. At this time, the shutter 408 is closed so as to close the opening 407. Further, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 is located at the tip of the nozzle 473.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the water discharge portion 470 is arranged at the scale removal position, the nozzle 473 advances forward from the casing 400. At this time, the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 rotates by receiving the force from the nozzle 473, and protrudes forward from the casing 400. Further, the shutter 408 is in an open state by being rotated by receiving a force from the nozzle 473.

In at least a part of the state where the water discharge unit 470 is in the scale removal position, the remover is discharged from the water discharge unit 470 toward the outside of the casing 400. For example, as shown by the arrow AB shown in FIG. 8B, the spout 32 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 discharges water or a removing agent toward the outside of the casing 400 at the scale removing position. For example, the remover is discharged downward and backward into bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. On the other hand, at the storage position shown in FIG. 8A, the water discharge port 32 of the nozzle cleaning chamber 478 discharges water toward the inside of the casing 400 as shown by arrow AA.

If the removing agent is excessively adhered to the metal member (motor or the like) or the resin member arranged inside the casing 400, these members may be easily deteriorated. On the other hand, according to the embodiment, when the control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit at the scale removal position while the scale removal mode is being executed, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from being applied to the members in the casing. As a result, deterioration of the member can be suppressed.

In the embodiment, the control unit 405 performs at least a part of the filling operation (first to third filling operations a1 to a3), the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3), and the discharging operation c1. , The water discharge portion 470 is set as the scale removal position.

For example, the removing agent is most likely to be applied to the member in the casing 400 during the discharging operation when the removing agent is discharged from the water supply channel 20 and the scale removal mode is terminated. Therefore, the control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit 470 at the scale removal position during the discharge operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from being applied to the members in the casing 400 during the discharging operation.

Further, during the filling operation, the removing agent may be unintentionally discharged from the spout. Therefore, the control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit 470 at the scale removal position during the filling operation (at least one of the first to third filling operations a1 to a3). As a result, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from being applied to the members in the casing 400 during the filling operation.

On the other hand, in the standby operation, the removing agent is less likely to be discharged from the water discharge unit 470 than in the filling operation and the discharging operation. For example, during the standby operation (at least one of the first to third standby operations b1 to b3), the control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit 470 at the storage position and stores the nozzle 473 in the casing 400. .. As a result, the head (water head) of the nozzle 473 can be made smaller during the standby operation as compared with the state where the nozzle 473 is advanced from the casing 400. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the removing agent during the standby operation, and it is easy to keep the filling agent, so that the scale can be removed efficiently.

During the standby operation, the nozzle 473 may be further retracted from the storage position. Further, during the standby operation, the direction in which the nozzle 473 extends may be brought closer to horizontal by rotating the nozzle 473 or the like. Thereby, the leakage of the removing agent can be further suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the water discharge portion 470 is arranged at the scale removal position, the tip 473f of the nozzle 473 is located outside the casing 400. By advancing the nozzle 473 from the casing 400 in this way, it is possible to further suppress the removal agent from being applied to the members in the casing 400.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the water discharge portion 470 is arranged at the scale removal position, at least one of the water discharge port 31 of the nozzle 473 (for example, the bidet wash water discharge port 31a and the buttocks wash water discharge port 31b). ) Does not protrude forward from the shutter 408. In other words, the spout 31 is located behind the front end 408f of the shutter 408. As a result, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from being ejected toward the front of the shutter. Therefore, even if the filling operation or the discharging operation is executed while the user is in the toilet room, it is possible to suppress the removal agent from being applied to the user.

Further, when the tip 473f of the nozzle 473 is located outside the casing 400, the user can easily recognize that, for example, a filling operation or a discharging operation is being performed by looking at the nozzle 473. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently approaching the sanitary cleaning device, and it is possible to further prevent the user from being exposed to the removing agent.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a scale removal mode of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 405 starts executing the scale removal mode in step S201. Step S201 is the same as step S101 described with respect to FIG.

After that, the control unit 405 starts the removal operation (step S202), and performs steps S102 and S105 described with reference to FIG. In addition, the user executes steps S103, S104, S106, and S107 described with reference to FIG.

After receiving the signal of the completion of charging of the removing agent in step S107, the control unit 405 starts the execution of steps S108 to S113 described with reference to FIG. When the human body detecting means 406 detects a human body in the toilet room after step S105 (for example, during execution of steps S108 to S113), the control unit 405 suspends (interrupts) the execution of the scale removal mode. ) (Step S204). In this example, the seating detection sensor 404 is used as the human body detecting means 406.

The control unit 405 continues the paused state of the scale removal mode while the human body detecting means 406 detects the human body in the toilet room (step S205: YES). When the human body detecting means 406 stops detecting the human body in the toilet room (step S205: NO), the control unit 405 restarts the scale removal mode.

The control unit 405 continues executing the scale removal mode while the human body detecting means 406 does not detect the human body in the toilet room (step S203: NO). Steps S203 to S205 are continued until steps S108 to S113 described with reference to FIG. 5 are completed (step S206: NO).

When steps S108 to S113 described with reference to FIG. 5 are completed (step S206: YES), the control unit 405 ends the execution of the scale removal mode (step S207).

In this way, the control unit 405 suspends the execution of the scale removal mode while the human body detecting means 406 detects the human body during the execution of the scale removal mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the removing agent from being discharged from the water discharge portion 470 (nozzle 473, etc.) when the user is in the toilet room, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the removing agent accidentally hits the user.

The pause of the scale removal mode means that the filling operation during execution or the discharging operation during execution is interrupted, and that the filling operation and the discharging operation are not started.
For example, while the human body detecting means 406 is detecting the human body, even if the scale removal mode is in the paused state, the standby operation (first to third standby operations b1 to b3) may be continued. good. In other words, the control unit 405 may continue to count the waiting time in the standby operation even while the human body detecting means 406 is detecting the human body. By continuing the standby operation in this way, it is possible to suppress a long time until the completion of the scale removal mode, and it is possible to improve usability.

Further, when restarting the filling operation, the interrupted second filling operation a2 or the third filling operation a3 may be executed from the beginning.

Further, as described above, in this example, the human body detecting means 406 is a seating detection sensor 404. That is, the control unit 405 suspends the execution of the scale removal mode while the seating detection sensor 404 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. Then, when the seating detection sensor 404 does not detect the user's seating (detects the leaving), the control unit 405 resumes the execution of the scale removal mode.

In this way, when the execution of the scale removal mode is suspended based on the detection result of the seating detection sensor 404, the scale removal mode is continued until the user is seated. Therefore, for example, the user's entry is detected. The descaling mode is paused less frequently than when the descaling mode is paused. As a result, it is possible to suppress a long time until the completion of the scale removal mode.

Further, in the scale removal mode, since the water supply channel 20 is filled with the removing agent, the sanitary cleaning device 100 cannot clean the human body local part with water. Here, for example, when the user enters the room or the approach to the toilet bowl is detected and the scale removal mode is temporarily stopped, if the user enters the room immediately before the end of the scale removal mode, the scale removal mode is set in the time until sitting. The descaling mode will be paused even when is terminated. In this case, the user cannot clean the local area with the sanitary cleaning device, which may be inconvenient. On the other hand, when the execution of the scale removal mode is suspended based on the detection result of the seating detection sensor 404, the scale removal mode is continued until the user is seated, so that the user is in the scale removal mode. Even if the user enters the toilet room immediately before the end, there is a high possibility that the sanitary cleaning device 100 can clean the local area, and the usability can be improved.

Further, the human body detecting means 406 may be an open / close detection sensor 402. That is, for example, the control unit 405 suspends the execution of the scale removal mode while the open / close detection sensor 402 detects the state in which the toilet seat 200 is opened by the user. Then, when the toilet seat 200 is closed by the user, the control unit 405 resumes the execution of the scale removal mode. In this way, when the execution of the scale removal mode is suspended based on the detection result of the open / close detection sensor 402, the scale removal mode is continued until the user opens the toilet seat 200, so that the user enters or approaches the room. Compared to the case where the scale removal mode is paused by detecting Can be made to.

Further, for example, when the human body detecting means 406 stops detecting the human body while the filling operation or the discharging operation is temporarily stopped (step S205: NO), the human body detecting means 406 detects the human body. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when it disappears, the filling operation or the discharging operation during the suspension is restarted. As a result, the filling operation or the discharging operation is restarted at a timing when the user is farther from the water discharge portion, as compared with the case where the filling operation or the discharging operation is restarted immediately after the human body detecting means 406 stops detecting the human body. .. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the application of the removing agent to the user. The predetermined time is arbitrary, but can be set to, for example, about 5 seconds.

Further, when the human body detecting means 406 detects a human body during the filling operation or the discharging operation, the control unit 405 retracts the nozzle 473. For example, the control unit 405 arranges the water discharge unit 470 (nozzle 473) at the scale removal position described with respect to FIG. 8B during the filling operation or the discharge operation, and the water discharge unit during the pause of the scale removal mode. The 470 is placed in the storage position described with respect to FIG. 8 (a). Since the nozzle 473 is separated from the user by retracting, it is possible to prevent the user from being exposed to the removing agent discharged from the nozzle 473. Further, by retracting the nozzle 473 and storing it in the casing 400, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the nozzle 473 and the casing.

The control unit 405 prohibits the operation of some functions during the execution of the scale removal mode. This will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a table illustrating the operation of the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the user is working (between steps S101 and S107 described with reference to FIG. 5), the control unit 405 has a function of cleaning the human body locally by the nozzle 473 and a toilet bowl cleaning valve. Cleaning of the toilet bowl by the unit 510 and execution of electric opening and closing by the toilet lid opening / closing unit 511 and the toilet seat opening / closing unit 512 are prohibited. That is, even if the user operates the operation unit 500, these functions are not executed. As a result, it is possible to prevent confusion when the user accidentally operates the operation unit 500 during work.

Even after the user's work is completed (steps S108 to S114 described with reference to FIG. 5), the control unit 405 prohibits the execution of the cleaning function of the human body local part. On the other hand, the control unit 405 enables the toilet bowl to be washed and the electric opening / closing to be performed after the user's work is completed. That is, the user can use the toilet bowl cleaning and electric opening / closing functions by operating the operation unit 500 after the work is completed. This allows the user to use the toilet even while the descaling mode is running.

However, the prohibition of electric opening / closing is released after a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes) after the standby operation (step S108) is started. As a result, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the toilet lid 300 or the like is accidentally opened when the user is cleaning up after the work.

Other functions (eg, warm air drying function, deodorizing function, room heating function, etc.) can be performed even when the scale removal mode is executed. Moreover, when the scale removal mode is not executed, the cleaning function of the human body local part, the toilet bowl cleaning, the electric opening / closing, and other functions can be executed.

When the operation unit 500 is operated when the scale removal mode is not executed, the notification means 501 notifies that the function is executed. For example, the notification means 501 emits an electronic sound of the first pattern (normal pattern).

If the user attempts to perform a prohibited function by operating the operation unit 500 during the execution of the scale removal mode, the notification means 501 emits a second pattern of electronic sounds. As a result, the user can recognize that the function is prohibited. However, during the work of the user (between steps S101 to S107), even if the execution of the prohibited function is input to the operation unit 500, the notification means 501 does not perform notification by an electronic sound. As a result, it is possible to prevent confusion when the user accidentally operates the operation unit 500 during work.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiment, those skilled in the art with appropriate design changes are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element included in the sanitary cleaning device are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
In addition, the elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

10 Water supply source, 20 Water supply channel, 21 Toilet cleaning channel, 22 Soft cleaning channel, 23 Bide cleaning channel, 24 Bypass channel, 25 Spraying channel, 31 Water spout, 31a Bide cleaning spout, 31b Cleaning spout Water outlet, 32 spout, 33 spout, 41 1st flow path, 42 2nd flow path, 54 electromagnetic pump, 80 fixed disk, 80a front, 80b back, 82 movable disk, 84 housing, 86 drive mechanism, 100 sanitary cleaning Equipment, 200 toilet seat, 300 toilet lid, 400 casing, 401 power supply circuit, 402 open / close detection sensor, 403 entry detection sensor, 404 seating detection sensor, 405 control unit, 406 human body detection means, 407 opening, 408 shutter, 408f front end, 431 Electromagnetic valve, 432 pressure regulating valve, 433 check valve, 434 open tank, 434a remover inlet, 436 cleaning pump, 440 heat exchanger unit, 442 flow sensor, 450 electrolytic tank unit, 452 vacuum breaker, 470 water discharge , 472 Flow path switching part, 473 nozzle, 473f tip, 476 nozzle motor, 478 nozzle cleaning chamber, 479 spray nozzle, 500 operation unit, 501 notification means, 510 toilet bowl cleaning valve unit, 511 toilet lid opening / closing unit, 512 toilet seat opening / closing Unit, 701 inlet, 702 outlet, 703 outlet, 706 sub-tank, 707 water level sensor, 710 inlet pipe, 712 outlet pipe, 800 toilet bowl, 801 bowl, CN1 1st control, CN2 2nd control, H0 water level, H1 drought Water level, H2 full water level, H3 upper limit water level, P1 mist port, P2 bidet port, P3 first bypass port, P4 self-cleaning port, P5 cleaning port, P6 second bypass port, P7 cleaning port, RA rotation axis, a1 a3 1st to 3rd filling operation, b1 to b3 1st to 3rd standby operation, c1 discharge operation

Claims (9)

A water discharge part that discharges water and
A water supply channel that supplies the water to the water discharge unit,
A sub tank provided in the water supply channel, a discharge port for discharging excess water exceeding the full water level of the sub tank to the outside of the sub tank, and the water in the sub tank flowing out to the downstream side of the sub tank of the water supply channel. With an outflow port, a backflow prevention mechanism,
A water level sensor provided in the sub tank and detecting that the water level in the sub tank is substantially the same as the height of the outlet.
A removing agent charging section capable of charging a removing agent that dissolves the scale deposited in the water supply channel into the sub tank, and a removing agent charging section.
A filling operation of filling the removing agent charged into the sub tank on the downstream side of the sub tank of the water supply channel, a standby operation of waiting for a predetermined time after the filling operation, and a waiting operation of the removing agent after the waiting operation. A control unit that executes a scale removal mode having a discharge operation of discharging from a water supply channel, and
With
The sanitary cleaning device is characterized in that the control unit continues the filling operation until the water level sensor detects that the water level in the sub tank is the drought water level during the execution of the scale removal mode. .. Further provided with a flow path switching means provided in the water supply channel,
The water spouting unit has a plurality of spouts for discharging the water.
The water supply channel
A first flow path provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching means,
A plurality of second flow paths provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching means and connected to each of the plurality of spouts, and a plurality of second flow paths.
Have,
The flow path switching means connects the first flow path and any of the plurality of second flow paths.
At the time of the filling operation, the control unit sequentially switches the second flow path connected to the first flow path, and connects the first flow path to at least one of the plurality of second flow paths a plurality of times. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising controlling the flow path switching means. Further provided with a flow path switching means provided in the water supply channel,
The water spouting unit has a plurality of spouts for discharging the water.
The water supply channel
A first flow path provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching means,
A plurality of second flow paths provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching means and connected to each of the plurality of spouts, and a plurality of second flow paths.
Have,
The flow path switching means connects the first flow path and any of the plurality of second flow paths.
The plurality of spouts have a cleaning spout that discharges the water toward a local part of the human body.
The plurality of second flow paths have a cleaning flow path for supplying the water to the washing spout.
The claim is characterized in that the control unit controls the flow path switching means so as to connect the second flow path other than the cleaning flow path and the first flow path during the standby operation. 1. The sanitary cleaning device according to 1. The plurality of spouts have a cleaning spout that discharges the water toward a local part of the human body.
The plurality of second flow paths have a cleaning flow path for supplying the water to the washing spout.
The claim is characterized in that the control unit controls the flow path switching means so as to connect the second flow path other than the cleaning flow path and the first flow path during the standby operation. 2. The sanitary cleaning device according to 2. Further provided with a flow path switching means provided in the water supply channel,
The water spouting unit has a plurality of spouts for discharging the water.
The water supply channel
A first flow path provided on the upstream side of the flow path switching means,
A plurality of second flow paths provided on the downstream side of the flow path switching means and connected to each of the plurality of spouts, and a plurality of second flow paths.
Have,
The flow path switching means connects the first flow path and any of the plurality of second flow paths.
The control unit connects the second flow path and the first flow path having the lowest speed at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply channel among the plurality of second flow paths during the standby operation. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path switching means is controlled so as to be used. The control unit connects the second flow path and the first flow path having the lowest speed at which the removing agent flows out from the water supply channel among the plurality of second flow paths during the standby operation. The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the flow path switching means is controlled so as to be used. With more casing,
The water discharge portion has a nozzle housed in the casing and has a nozzle.
The nozzle discharges the water in a state of advancing from the casing.
The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit houses the nozzle in the casing during the standby operation. A flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the water flowing through at least one of the plurality of second flow paths, and
A notification means for notifying the user of the timing of adding the removing agent, and
With more
The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the control unit operates the notification means when the flow rate detecting means detects a decrease in the flow rate. The flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting means is the flow rate of the second flow path having at least one of the smallest cross-sectional area and the smallest conductance among the plurality of second flow paths. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 8.

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