JP2000309972A - Washing device for human body - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing device for human body capable of sufficiently heating washing water and obtaining a satisfactory clean feeling while using an ordinary domestic electric source and contributing to power saving. SOLUTION: This washing device is provided with a water supply passage 11 supplying washing water, a heater 14 for the washing water, a hot water detector 24 detecting the temperature of the heated washing water, a controller 28 receiving a signal of the hot water detector 24 and controlling the heater 14 for the washing water, and a washing nozzle 21 jetting out the washing water, and further, it is provided with a pulse generator 17 imparting pulses to the washing water flowing through the water supply passage 11 and a water flow detector 32 detecting flowing water. The controller 28 is provided so that the pulse generator 17 is driven simultaneously with supply start of the washing water and stopped simultaneously with supply stop of the washing water. Or the pulse generator 17 is driven on the basis of the a supply start signal for the washing water and the pulse generator 17 is stopped in accordance with a supply stop signal by the controller 28.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a human body cleaning apparatus for cleaning a human body by heating water supplied from a water supply source to a suitable temperature of a predetermined temperature in a short time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 shows an example of a conventional human body washing apparatus of this kind.
Shown in Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a supply system of the cleaning water. In FIG. 3, a water supply pipe 5 for supplying cleaning water
1, the constant flow valve 52, the solenoid valve 53,
A vacuum breaker 54 is connected. The downstream of the vacuum breaker 54 branches in two directions, one of which is connected to a drainage pipe 55 for directly discharging excess water into the toilet, and the other is connected to a flow control pump 56. Downstream of the flow rate adjusting pump 56, a heat exchanger 57, a flow path switching valve 58,
A nozzle device 59 is provided. A hot water heater 60 is provided in the heat exchanger 57, and a cold water thermistor 61 and a hot water thermistor 6 are provided in a water inlet and a water outlet of the heat exchanger 57, respectively.
2 are provided. The nozzle device 59 includes the buttocks passage 6
3, three bidet channels 64 and a drainage channel 65 are formed. The control of the above-described units is performed by the controller 66. With the above configuration, the washing water supplied from the water supply pipe 51 by the opening operation of the solenoid valve 53 pushes up the vacuum breaker 54, the flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and is heated to the appropriate temperature hot water by the heat exchanger 57. The flow reaches the flow path switching valve 58. Here, the washing water is supplied to the flow path switching valve 5.
It is ejected from the nozzle device 59 through the flow path selected by 8.

FIG. 4 shows a time chart of a conventional human body cleaning apparatus. When seating is detected by a seating switch (not shown) provided on the toilet seat (not shown), the solenoid valve 5
3. The pump is started in the order of the flow rate adjusting pump 56 and the hot water heater 60, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving is stopped in the reverse order. Thereby, the water retained in the heat exchanger 57 is replaced with hot water. The washing water supplied during this operation is discharged from the drainage passage 65 of the nozzle device 59 into the toilet via the flow path switching valve 58. (Heating with Water) Next, when the buttocks switch (not shown) is operated to start the buttocks washing, the solenoid valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are sequentially activated. Then, the flow path in the nozzle device 59 is switched to the posterior flow channel 63 by the flow path switching valve 58 to perform the pre-washing of the posterior water discharge port portion of the nozzle device 59 for a predetermined time, and then to the drain water path 65 again. At this time, the drainage of the drainage channel 65 is set at a position where the body of the nozzle device 59 can be washed, and the nozzle device 5
9 torso cleaning can also be performed. (Pre-cleaning) Thereafter, the nozzle is extended and the flow path is switched to the posterior flow path 63 by the flow path switching valve 58 to perform the posterior cleaning. (Nozzle extension / main cleaning) Next, when a stop switch (not shown) is operated to stop the posterior cleaning, the hot water heater 60, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the solenoid valve 53 stop driving in order. . After switching the flow path to the drainage path 65 by the flow path switching valve 58,
The nozzle is retracted and stored in the storage position. (Nozzle Storage) After a predetermined time has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 53, the flow rate adjusting pump 56, and the hot water heater 60 are sequentially activated again, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the driving is stopped in the reverse order. At this time, the nozzle device 59
Is a bottom channel 63 by a channel switching valve 58.
And the drainage path 65 is sequentially switched, and the rear washing of the bottom water discharge hole portion and the body of the nozzle device 59 is performed for a predetermined time. (Post-washing) According to the above configuration, the heating of the washing water is performed only when the seat is detected, so that the standby power consumption when not in use is small, and the hot water is constantly stored in the tank. Compared to a hot water storage type human body washing device that keeps warm, it is possible to save a great deal of power.

[0004]

However, when the above-described conventional configuration is realized by using a normal household power supply, the heat exchanger cannot have a sufficient boiling capacity. That is, it is difficult to obtain cleaning water having a temperature and a flow rate suitable for cleaning the human body, and there is a problem that a satisfactory cleaning feeling cannot be obtained and it is unpleasant especially in the use in winter in a cold region. . The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a human body that can obtain a satisfactory washing feeling while using a normal household power supply and also contributes to power saving. A cleaning device is provided.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in a human body washing apparatus according to the first aspect, a water supply path for supplying cleaning water and a cleaning water connected to the water supply path. Heating means, a hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the washing water heated by the washing water heating means, and a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, In a human body washing apparatus including a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water, a pulsation generating means for pulsating washing water flowing through the water supply passage, a water flow detecting means for detecting washing water flowing, and a washing water A controller is provided which activates the pulsation generating means in conjunction with the start of the supply and stops the pulsation generating means in conjunction with the stop of the supply of the washing water. According to the invention described above, when not in use, the washing water is not heated, so that power can be saved. Further, since pulsation can be given to the water discharge, the washing feeling and the washing power can be provided even though the actual amount of the washing water is small. This makes it possible to clean the human body very well, and as a result contributes to water saving and power saving, thereby enabling significant energy saving as a whole. Also, since the actual amount of washing water is small, even when using a normal household power supply, it is possible to obtain washing water having a temperature and a flow rate suitable for washing the human body, and in a cold region in winter. A satisfactory washing feeling can be obtained even in the use of, for example, which is very useful. Furthermore, the pulsation generating means is activated in conjunction with the start of the supply of the cleaning water, and the pulsation generating means is stopped in conjunction with the stop of the supply of the cleaning water. Since it can be provided, no new load is imposed on the user.
In addition, when the water is not flowing, the pulsation generating means is stopped, so that there is no generation of noise and unnecessary power consumption. Unnecessary operations can be eliminated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a water supply channel for supplying the cleaning water, a cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply channel, and a hot water temperature for detecting the temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means. Detecting means, and a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means,
In a human body washing apparatus including a washing nozzle for ejecting washing water, a pulsation generating means for pulsating washing water flowing through the water supply passage, an operating means for instructing supply or stop of the washing water, and And a controller for activating the pulsation generating means based on the washing water supply start signal and stopping the pulsation generating means based on the washing water supply stop signal. According to the invention described above, when not in use, the washing water is not heated, so that power can be saved. Further, since pulsation can be given to the water discharge, the washing feeling and the washing power can be provided even though the actual amount of the washing water is small. This makes it possible to clean the human body very well, and as a result contributes to water saving and power saving, thereby enabling significant energy saving as a whole. Also, since the actual amount of washing water is small, even when using a normal household power supply, it is possible to obtain washing water having a temperature and a flow rate suitable for washing the human body, and in a cold region in winter. A satisfactory washing feeling can be obtained even in the use of, for example, which is very useful. Furthermore, since the pulsation generating means does not start unless the user instructs the supply of the washing water,
The pulsation generation means is stopped when water is not flowing, so there is no noise generation, which is effective for power saving and noise reduction, there is no unnecessary power consumption, and the supply of washing water from the water supply channel is cut off. In the event of an abnormality, unnecessary operation of the pulsation generating means can be eliminated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the human body cleaning apparatus according to the second aspect, the controller shuts off the pulsation generating means by a wash water supply stop signal, and then shuts off the supply of the wash water. According to the above invention, since the pulsation generator is activated only when the washing water flows, the generated pulsation is transmitted to the downstream side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pulsation from propagating upstream and adversely affecting the heating means and the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the human body cleaning apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the pulsation generating means is provided downstream of the cleaning water heating means. According to the above invention, it is possible to prevent unnecessary pulsation pressure from being applied to the heating means, and to suppress the attenuation of the pulsation pressure by disposing the pulsation generator near the water discharge portion.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a human body cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a supply system of cleaning water. In FIG. 1, a constant flow valve 12, a solenoid valve 13, a flow sensor 32, and a heat exchanger 14 are connected to a water supply pipe 11 for supplying cleaning water in this order from the upstream side. A vacuum breaker 15 is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger 14. The downstream of the vacuum breaker 15 branches in two directions, one to a drainage pipe 16 for directly discharging excess water into the toilet bowl, and the other to a flow path switching and flow control valve 1.
8 is connected. The downstream side of the flow path switching and flow control valve 18 branches in two directions, one to the drainage path 19, and the other to the nozzle device 21 for jetting the washing water to the human body via the pulsation generator 17 and the flow path switching valve 20. It is connected. In this example, the flow path switching valve 20 is integrally formed in the nozzle device 21. In the heat exchanger 14, a hot water heater 22 is provided.
However, a cold water thermistor 23 and a hot water thermistor 24 are provided at the water inlet and the water outlet of the heat exchanger 14, respectively. The drainage of the drainage channel 19 is located at a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed. In addition, the nozzle device 21
Has a buttocks channel 25, a soft channel 26, a bidet channel 2
7 are formed. The control of each section is performed by the controller 28. In this embodiment, an accumulator 29 is provided upstream of the pulsation generator 17, a float switch 30 is provided in the heat exchanger 14, and a temperature fuse 31 is provided in the pulsation generator 17. The accumulator 29 is for preventing the pulsation generated by the pulsation generating device 17 from propagating upstream, and the float switch 30 does not energize the hot water heater 22 when the predetermined water level is not detected. By doing so, it is to prevent the empty heating, and the temperature fuse 31 is
This is to stop the drive when the abnormal temperature of the pulsation generator 17 rises, and to ensure safety.

With the above configuration, the washing water supplied from the water supply pipe 11 by the opening operation of the solenoid valve 13 is supplied to the heat exchanger 1.
4 is heated to a suitable temperature hot water and the vacuum breaker 15
To reach the flow path switching and flow control valve 18. Here, the flow rate of the washing water is adjusted by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18, pulsation is given by the pulsation generator 17, reaches the flow path switching valve 20, and the cleaning water is selected by the flow path switching valve 20. As a result, it is ejected from the nozzle device 21.

FIG. 2 shows a time chart of the present invention. When seating is detected by a seating switch (not shown) provided on the toilet seat (not shown), the opening operation of the solenoid valve 13 starts the flow of washing water. This allows the flow sensor 32
Detects the passage of water, and the pulsation generator 17 is activated in conjunction therewith. In addition, the hot water heater 22 in the heat exchanger 14 is also activated. When the hot water thermistor 24 provided at the water outlet of the heat exchanger 14 detects a predetermined temperature, the output of the hot water heater 22 is lowered, the electromagnetic valve 13 is closed, and the flow of washing water is stopped. Thereby, the flow sensor 32 detects the stoppage of the supply of the washing water, and the pulsation generator 17 stops in conjunction therewith. As a result, the water retained in the heat exchanger 14 is replaced with hot water at a predetermined temperature. The washing water supplied during this operation is discharged from the drainage passage 19 selected by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18 and discharged into the toilet. At this time, the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed by setting the drainage destination of the drainage channel 19 to a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed. A series of these operations are controlled by the controller 28. In addition to the hot water thermistor 24 provided at the water outlet of the heat exchanger 14, the cold water thermistor 2 is connected to the water inlet of the heat exchanger 14.
If the temperature 3 is provided to detect the incoming water temperature, the control of the hot water thermistor 24 can be performed more effectively. (Water flow heating)

As described above, the output of the hot water heater 22 is lowered after the flow of the cleaning water is stopped. At this time, the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the heat exchanger 14 always includes a predetermined temperature including a predetermined temperature. The output of the hot water heater 22 is controlled by the controller 28 based on the signal from the hot water thermistor 24 so as to be kept in the band. For example, when the predetermined temperature is set to 40 ° C. and the predetermined temperature zone is set to 38 ° C. to 42 ° C., the heat exchanger 1
Control is performed so that the temperature of the washing water in 4 always falls within this range. With this heat retention control, there is no need to worry about low-temperature water coming out when washing the human body and feeling uncomfortable, or hot water coming out and causing burns. It should be noted that this heat retention control cannot be performed on the retained water in the piping downstream of the heat exchanger 14, but there is no practical problem since the retained water is discharged during the pre-cleaning described later and replaced with hot water of an appropriate temperature. . (Insulation control)

Next, when the posterior switch (not shown) is operated to start the posterior washing, the flow of the washing water is started by the opening operation of the solenoid valve 13. As a result, the flow sensor 32 detects the flow of water, and the pulsation generator 17 starts in conjunction therewith. In addition, the hot water heater 22 in the heat exchanger 14 is also activated. These activations are performed in conjunction with the operation of the posterior switch. However, it is of course possible to set each of them to be activated after a predetermined time delay after the operation of the posterior switch. Here, the flow path switching and flow control valve 18
Is previously switched to the flow path toward the nozzle device 21 side, and the flow path switching valve 20 downstream thereof is set to the self-cleaning (SC) position, so that the cleaning water is discharged from the water discharge port of the nozzle device 21. You. That is, pre-washing of the spout is performed. Note that the self-cleaning position referred to here is the buttocks channel 25, the soft channel 2
6 shows a state in which all three flow paths of the bidet flow path 27 are opened. At this time, since the pre-washing is performed with the pulsating washing water, dirt on the spout can be effectively washed off. (Pre-cleaning)

After the pre-cleaning has been performed for a predetermined time, the flow path of the cleaning water is switched to the drainage path 19 by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18. Since the drainage of the drainage channel 19 is located at a position where the body of the nozzle device 21 can be washed as described above,
The body cleaning of the nozzle device 21 can be performed. Then, the nozzle extends from the storage position to the buttocks washing position, and the flow path switching valve 20 switches to the buttocks flow path 25. (Nozzle extension)

When the extension of the nozzle to the buttocks washing position is completed, the flow path of the washing water is switched from the drainage path 19 to the nozzle device 21 side by the flow path switching and flow rate regulating valve 18 and the flow rate is set to a predetermined value. Gradually rise toward. Thus, even when the set water force is strong, the water is gradually changed from the soft water discharge to the set water force, so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. (Soft start)

When the soft start operation is completed, the posterior washing is performed with the set hot water of the appropriate temperature. At this time, since the pulsation is given to the washing water by the function of the pulsation generator 17, the washing can be comfortably performed even with a small amount of water. (Main wash)

Next, when a stop switch (not shown) is operated to stop the posterior washing, the electromagnetic valve 13 is closed to stop the flow of the washing water. This allows the flow sensor 32
Detects the stoppage of the supply of cleaning water,
Stops. In addition, the flow path of the washing water is switched to the drainage path 19 by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18, and the flow path switching valve 20
Switches to the self-cleaning position. Then, the nozzle retracts and is stored in the storage position. (Nozzle storage)

When the storage of the nozzle is completed, the flow path of the washing water is again switched by the flow path switching and flow control valve 18 to the nozzle device 2.
The mode is switched to the first side, the electromagnetic valve 13 is opened again, and the flow of the cleaning water starts. As a result, the flow sensor 32 detects the flow of water, and the pulsation generator 17 starts in conjunction therewith. here,
The flow path switching valve 20 is set at the self-cleaning position, and the cleaning water is discharged from the water discharge port of the nozzle device 21. That is, post-washing of the water outlet is performed.
At this time, the post-washing is performed with the pulsating washing water, so that the dirt on the water discharge port can be effectively washed off. (After washing)

During a series of operations from the pre-cleaning to the post-cleaning, the controller 28 adjusts the cleaning water flowing out of the heat exchanger 14 to an appropriate temperature based on signals from the hot water thermistor 24 and the cold water thermistor 23. It is controlled to be kept. After the post-washing has been performed for a predetermined time, the solenoid valve 13 is closed again to stop the flow of the washing water. Thereby, the flow sensor 32 detects the stoppage of the supply of the washing water, and the pulsation generator 17 stops in conjunction therewith. At this time, the output of the hot water heater 22 is reduced, but also in this case, the heat retention control is performed so that the temperature of the washing water stored in the heat exchanger 14 is always kept within a predetermined temperature zone including a predetermined temperature. This is to prevent the discharge of low-temperature water or high-temperature water even when the cleaning operation is performed again. (Insulation control)

When the seating switch (not shown) detects the unseating (seating off), the driving of the hot water heater 22 is stopped. However, in order to prevent the washing water in the heat exchanger 14 from freezing, when the cold water thermistor 23 or the hot water thermistor 24 detects the water temperature at which there is a possibility of freezing, the hot water heater 22 is driven for a predetermined time to remove the washing water. Perform warming control. (Standby)

By the way, in this embodiment, the case where the buttocks switch is operated has been described. However, a bidet switch for starting the bidet washing or a soft switch for starting the washing with a softer water flow. Is operated, the pulsation generating means is controlled in the same manner as when the buttocks switch is operated.

In this embodiment, the pulsation generator 17 is started and stopped in conjunction with the detection and non-detection of water flow by the flow rate sensor 32. However, it is performed based on the operation of the posterior switch and the stop switch. It may be.
That is, the pulsation generator is activated when the posterior switch is operated, and is stopped when the stop switch is operated. In this case, if the assembling switch is operated, the electromagnetic valve 13 and the pulsation generator 17 are activated in this order, and if the stop switch is operated, the pulsation generator 17 and the electromagnetic valve 13 are set to stop in this order. Since the user instructs the supply of the washing water and the pulsation generator 17 is activated only while the water is actually flowing, it is effective in power saving and noise reduction.

In this embodiment, the pulsation generator 17 is
It is configured to be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 14. This is because the unnecessary pulsating pressure is not applied to the heat exchanger 14 and the pulsation generating device 17 is arranged as close as possible to the water discharge part in order to suppress the pulsation pressure from attenuating in the pipe.

Although all of the above examples have been described with reference to a human body cleaning apparatus for cleaning a local area of a human body, the present embodiment is applied to a general human body cleaning apparatus such as a shower or a faucet. It goes without saying that you can do it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a human body cleaning apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a time chart of the example of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional human body cleaning device.

FIG. 4 is a time chart of the example of FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Water supply piping 12 ... Constant flow valve 13 ... Solenoid valve 14 ... Heat exchanger 15 ... Vacuum breaker 16 ... Waste water piping 17 ... Pulsation generator 18 ... Flow path switching and flow control valve 19 ... Waste water path 20 ... Flow path switching Valve 21 ... Nozzle device 22 ... Hot water heater 23 ... Cold water thermistor 24 ... Hot water thermistor 25 ... Bottom passage 26 ... Soft passage 27 ... Bidet passage 28 ... Controller 29 ... Accumulator 30 ... Float switch 31 ... Temperature fuse 32 ... Flow rate Sensor 51: Water supply pipe 52: Constant flow valve 53: Solenoid valve 54: Vacuum breaker 55:
Waste water piping 56 Pump for flow rate adjustment 57 Heat exchanger 58 Flow path switching valve 59 Nozzle device 60 Hot water heater 61 Cold water thermistor 62 Hot water thermistor 63 Bottom passage 64 Bidet passage 65 Waste water passage 66 ... Controller

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Haruo Tsutsui 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture Totoki Equipment Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Minoru Sato 2 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture 1-1-1 Toto Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Hiroyuki Matsushita Inventor 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture Tochi Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Koichiro Matsushita Kokura, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Yoshito Ushijima 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture Totoki Equipment Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Rinori Yanase 2D038 JB04 JH12 JH21 KA14 KA22 3B201 AA46 AB01 BB22 BB55 BB82 BB87 BB92 CB01 CD24 CD42 CD43

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A water supply path for supplying cleaning water, cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply path, hot water temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means, In a human body washing apparatus comprising a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, and a washing nozzle for jetting the washing water, the washing water flowing through the water supply passage pulsates. Pulsation generating means for providing
Water flow detecting means for detecting the flow of the cleaning water, and the pulsation generating means is activated in conjunction with the start of the supply of the cleaning water,
A controller for stopping the pulsation generating means in conjunction with stopping the supply of the washing water. 2. A water supply path for supplying cleaning water, cleaning water heating means connected to the water supply path, hot water temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the cleaning water heated by the cleaning water heating means, In a human body washing apparatus comprising a controller for taking in the signal of the hot water temperature detecting means and controlling the washing water heating means, and a washing nozzle for jetting the washing water, the washing water flowing through the water supply passage pulsates. Pulsation generating means for providing
Operating means for instructing the supply or stop of the washing water, and pulsating means being activated based on the washing water supply start signal from the operating means, and stopping the pulsating means based on the washing water supply stop signal. A human body washing device comprising a controller. 3. The human body cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein
The human body cleaning apparatus, wherein the controller shuts off the supply of the wash water after stopping the pulsation generating means by a wash water supply stop signal. 4. The human body cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pulsation generating means is provided downstream of said cleaning water heating means.