U.S. patent application number 10/525770 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-10 for hygiene washing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Furubayashi, Mitsuyuki, Matsumoto, Tomohide, Matsumoto, Toshinari, Nakamura, Kazushige, Ohno, Hideki, Oketa, Takemi, Shirai, Shigeru.
Application Number | 20050246828 10/525770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31982501 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050246828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shirai, Shigeru ; et
al. |
November 10, 2005 |
Hygiene washing apparatus
Abstract
When the human body is washed, washing water is sprayed on a
surface to be washed of the human body from a posterior nozzle and
a bidet nozzle. On the other hand, when the human body is not
washed, the posterior nozzle and the bidet nozzle are subjected to
high-temperature cleaning by a nozzle cleaning nozzle. When it is
detected that a sanitary washing apparatus has not been employed
yet, the posterior nozzle and the bidet nozzle are allowed to be
cleaned by the nozzle cleaning nozzle by a controller. After a
cleaning operation is terminated, a user is notified that the
cleaning operation is terminated by a notification lamp and a
speaker. A scale inhibiting material supply device is interposed in
a pipe on the upstream side of an instantaneous heating device by
the nozzle cleaning nozzle.
Inventors: |
Shirai, Shigeru;
(Yamabe-gun, JP) ; Matsumoto, Tomohide;
(Yamatotakada-shi, JP) ; Ohno, Hideki;
(Yamatokoriyama-shi, JP) ; Nakamura, Kazushige;
(Yamatokoriyama-shi, JP) ; Matsumoto, Toshinari;
(Toyonaka-shi, JP) ; Furubayashi, Mitsuyuki;
(Yamatokoriyama-shi, JP) ; Oketa, Takemi;
(Katano-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Family ID: |
31982501 |
Appl. No.: |
10/525770 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
August 22, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP03/10677 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/420.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/420.4 |
International
Class: |
E03D 009/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 29, 2002 |
JP |
2002-250895 |
Mar 4, 2003 |
JP |
2003-57748 |
Mar 4, 2003 |
JP |
2003-57749 |
Mar 5, 2003 |
JP |
2003-59159 |
Claims
1. A sanitary washing apparatus comprising: a human body washing
nozzle device having a discharge port that discharges washing water
for washing the human body, and a nozzle cleaning device that
sterilizes at least an outer surface of the discharge port of the
human body washing nozzle device by high-temperature cleaning.
2. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
nozzle cleaning device cleans the human body washing nozzle device
by heated washing water.
3. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
nozzle cleaning device discharges washing water having a flow rate
of not less than 0.3 litters per minute from the discharge
port.
4. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
temperature of the heated washing water is not less than 55.degree.
C.
5. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
temperature of the heated washing water is not more than
100.degree. C.
6. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
nozzle cleaning device cleans the human body washing nozzle device
by vapor.
7. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
nozzle cleaning device cleans the human body washing nozzle device
by a mixed fluid of at least two of the vapor, the heated washing
water, and unheated washing water.
8. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
human body washing nozzle device comprises a plurality of nozzles
that respectively spray the washing water, and the nozzle cleaning
device has a discharge port that simultaneously cleans the
plurality of nozzles.
9. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising
a state detector that detects a state where the sanitary washing
apparatus is employed, and a control device that allows the human
body washing nozzle device to be cleaned by the nozzle cleaning
device in a case where the state detector detects that the sanitary
washing apparatus has not been employed yet.
10. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 9, further
comprising a toilet seat on which the human body is to sit, the
state detector comprising a seating detector that detects the
presence or absence of seating of the human body on the toilet
seat.
11. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the state detector comprises an optical detector that optically
detects the presence or absence of the human body on the toilet
seat.
12. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the state detector comprises a load detector that detects the
presence or absence of the human body on the toilet seat by a load
on the toilet seat.
13. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 9, further
comprising a toilet cover, the state detector comprising a toilet
cover opening/closing detection device that detects the
opening/closing of the toilet cover.
14. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the nozzle cleaning device comprises a heating device that heats
the washing water, and a spray device that sprays the washing water
heated by the heating device and/or the vapor to the human body
washing nozzle device.
15. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
the human body washing nozzle device discharges the washing water
heated by the heating device to the human body from the discharge
port.
16. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 14, further
comprising another heating device that heats washing water, the
nozzle cleaning device discharging the washing water heated by the
other heating device to the human body washing nozzle device from
the spray device.
17. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
the nozzle cleaning device further comprises a flow rate adjustment
device that adjusts the flow rate of the washing water supplied to
the heating device, the flow rate adjustment device spraying the
washing water in a gas state and/or a liquid state from the spray
device by the adjustment of the flow rate of the washing water.
18. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a notification device that notifies, after a cleaning
operation performed by the nozzle cleaning device is terminated,
that the cleaning operation is terminated.
19. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the notification device makes notification that the cleaning
operation is terminated after an elapse of a predetermined time
period since the cleaning operation performed by the nozzle
cleaning device was terminated.
20. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the notification device makes notification that the cleaning
operation is terminated when the temperature of the human body
washing nozzle device is lowered to a predetermined
temperature.
21. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the notification device stops the notification that the cleaning
operation is terminated after an elapse of a predetermined time
period since the cleaning operation performed by the nozzle
cleaning device was terminated.
22. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the notification device comprises a display device that visually
makes notification that the cleaning operation is terminated.
23. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the notification device comprises an sound output device that makes
notification by sound that the cleaning operation is
terminated.
24. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a scale adhesion preventer that prevents the adhesion of
a scale in the nozzle cleaning device.
25. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the scale adhesion preventer comprises a scale inhibitor supplier
that supplies a scale inhibitor for inhibiting the adhesion of the
scale to the washing water supplied to the nozzle cleaning
device.
26. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein
the scale inhibitor includes a crystal form changing material for
changing the crystal form of the scale and/or a crystal growth
inhibiting material for inhibiting the crystal growth of the
scale.
27. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein
the scale inhibitor includes a scale dissolving agent for
dissolving the scale.
28. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein
the scale adhesion preventer comprises a cation exchange resin
provided such that it can come into contact with the washing water
supplied to the nozzle cleaning device.
29. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
the scale adhesion preventer comprises a magnetism generator that
applies magnetism to the washing water supplied to the nozzle
cleaning device.
30. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 24, wherein
the scale adhesion preventer comprises a ultrasonic wave generator
that applies ultrasonic waves to the washing water supplied to the
nozzle cleaning device.
31. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the nozzle cleaning device further comprises a washing instruction
unit that issues an instruction to start the cleaning operation
performed by the nozzle cleaning device.
32. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein
the washing instruction unit comprises a remote control device that
issues an instruction to start the cleaning operation by remote
control.
33. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 31, further
comprising a disabling unit that disables the washing instruction
unit, in the washing instruction unit, the instruction to start the
cleaning operation performed by the nozzle cleaning device being
disabled by operating the disabling unit.
34. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the nozzle cleaning device starts the cleaning operation for each
predetermined time interval.
35. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at
least a part of the human body washing nozzle device is formed of a
heat-resistant material.
36. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 35, wherein
the heat-resistant material includes stainless steel.
37. The sanitary washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at
least a part of a surface of the human body washing nozzle device
is subjected to water repellent processing.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary washing
apparatus that washes the private parts of the human body.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In sanitary washing apparatuses that wash the private parts
of the human bodies, various types of functions have been devised
in order to ensure the sanitary conditions of the sanitary washing
apparatuses themselves. The conventional sanitary washing apparatus
will be described while referring to the drawing. FIG. 36 is a
schematic view showing the conventional sanitary washing apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 36, in this type of sanitary washing apparatus, a
washing nozzle (hereinafter referred to as a human body washing
nozzle device) 907 is ejected from a main body 905 in the sanitary
washing apparatus installed behind a toilet bowl toward the private
parts of the human body 906 who sits on a toilet seat 903, and
washing water is sprayed from behind the human body 906, to wash
the private parts. In FIG. 36, there are provided a toilet bowl
901, a sanitary washing toilet seat device 902, a toilet seat 903,
a toilet cover 904, a human body washing nozzle device 907, and a
main body 905 accommodating the human body washing nozzle device
907.
[0003] For example, in the sanitary washing apparatus, a front end
of the human body washing nozzle device 907 for washing the private
parts of the human body at the time of washing comes close to the
private parts of the human body 906, to spray the washing water.
Therefore, the washing nozzle device 907 is easily showered with
dirty water or dirt in the case of washing, and is made clean by
being cleaned using a chlorine or alcohol bleach or a cleaner at
the time of cleaning up a toilet room, for example. However, such
disinfection work is troublesome to a person. Therefore, the
function of cleaning the front end of the human body washing nozzle
device 907 is required.
[0004] According to the function of cleaning the human body washing
nozzle device 907, dirt adhering to the human body washing nozzle
device 907 is cleaned after washing the private parts of the human
body 906. This allows a user to wash the private parts with washing
water sprayed from the clean human body washing nozzle device
907.
[0005] In the conventional sanitary washing apparatus 902, however,
dirt on the human body washing nozzle device 907 is difficult to
sufficiently remove by spraying water which is washing water, and a
sterilization effect is not also obtained. Therefore, it is
proposed that the human body washing nozzle device 907 is cleaned
using a chemical liquid. When the human body washing nozzle device
907 is cleaned using the chemical liquid, the human body washing
nozzle device 907 is cleaned using the chemical liquid before and
after washing the private parts. Since the human body washing
nozzle device 907 is provided inside a casing of the sanitary
washing apparatus 902, the user cannot know that the human body
washing nozzle device 907 is actually cleaned. Therefore, the user
may erroneously touch the chemical liquid at the time of cleaning
the human body washing nozzle device 907. Even when the human body
washing nozzle device 907 is cleaned, the user cannot obtain such a
sufficient feeling of safety that the human body washing nozzle
device 907 is kept clean.
[0006] Furthermore, when the human body washing nozzle device 907
is cleaned using the chemical liquid, the chemical liquid costs
money, and it takes time and labor to replenish a chemical
liquid.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary
washing apparatus capable of keeping a human body washing nozzle
device clean simply and with little effort and safety and at low
cost as well as capable of giving a user such a sufficient feeling
of safety that the sanitary washing apparatus is kept clean.
[0008] A sanitary washing apparatus according to an aspect of the
present invention comprises a human body washing nozzle device
having a discharge port that discharges washing water for washing
the human body, and a nozzle cleaning device that sterilizes at
least an outer surface of the discharge port of the human body
washing nozzle device by high-temperature cleaning.
[0009] In the sanitary washing apparatus, the human body can be
washed by discharging the washing water from the discharge port
using the human body washing nozzle device. The nozzle cleaning
device can sterilizes the outer surface of the discharge port of
the human body washing nozzle device by the high-temperature
cleaning.
[0010] In this case, the nozzle cleaning device functions to
sterilize the outer surface of the discharge port of the human body
washing nozzle device by high-temperature cleaning, so that the
human body washing nozzle device can be kept clean simply and with
little effort and safely and at low cost.
[0011] Therefore, there can be provided a sanitary washing
apparatus that allows a user to sufficiently feel clean and have a
feeling of safety.
[0012] The nozzle cleaning device may clean the human body washing
nozzle device by heated washing water.
[0013] In this case, the human body washing nozzle device is washed
away by the heated washing water so that dirt adhering to the human
body washing nozzle device is easily removed, and a high
sterilization effect is obtained.
[0014] The nozzle cleaning device may discharge washing water
having a flow rate of not less than 0.3 litters per minute from the
discharge port.
[0015] In this case, the human body washing nozzle device is
cleaned with washing water having a sufficient flow rate.
Therefore, dirt adhering to the human body washing nozzle device is
easily removed, and a sterilization effect is obtained.
[0016] It is preferable that the temperature of the heated washing
water is not less than 55.degree. C. In this case, the temperature
of the washing water is set to not less than 55.degree. C. Dirt
adhering to the human body washing nozzle device is effectively
removed, and contamination by fungi and molds can be prevented.
[0017] It is preferable that the temperature of the heated washing
water is not more than 100.degree. C. Particularly, the temperature
of the washing water is preferably in a range from 55.degree. C. to
100.degree. C., and more preferably in a range from 60.degree. C.
to 70.degree. C. In this case, dirt adhering to the human body
washing nozzle device can be more effectively removed, and
contamination by fungi and molds can be reliably prevented.
[0018] The nozzle cleaning device may clean the human body washing
nozzle device by vapor. In this case, the human body washing nozzle
device is exposed to high-temperature vapor, so that dirt adhering
to the human body washing nozzle device is easily removed, and a
high sterilization effect is obtained. Further, a sterilization
range at high temperatures is enlarged by the diffusion properties
of the vapor.
[0019] The nozzle cleaning device may clean the human body washing
nozzle device by a mixed fluid of at least two of the vapor, the
heated washing water, and unheated washing water.
[0020] When the human body washing nozzle device is cleaned by the
mixed fluid of the vapor or the heated washing water and the
unheated washing water, the temperature of the human body washing
nozzle device sterilized by the vapor or the heated washing water
can be lowered. Therefore, the high-temperature washing water can
be prevented from being sprayed toward a user. Further, when the
human body washing nozzle device is cleaned by the mixed fluid of
the vapor and the heated washing water, bacteria growth can be
restrained.
[0021] The human body washing nozzle device nay comprise a
plurality of nozzles that respectively spray the washing water, and
the nozzle cleaning device may have a discharge port that
simultaneously cleans the plurality of nozzles.
[0022] In this case, the plurality of nozzles are simultaneously
sterilized. Even when any one of the plurality of nozzles is used
after the sterilization, a user can use the clean nozzle sterilized
with the high-temperature washing water at ease.
[0023] The sanitary washing apparatus may comprise a state detector
that detects a state where the sanitary washing apparatus is
employed, and a control device that allows the human body washing
nozzle device to be cleaned by the nozzle cleaning device in a case
where the state detector detects that the sanitary washing
apparatus has not been employed yet.
[0024] In this case, when it is detected that the sanitary washing
apparatus has not been employed yet, the human body washing nozzle
device is allowed to be cleaned by the nozzle cleaning device. When
the sanitary washing apparatus is employed, therefore, the washing
water by the nozzle cleaning device is prevented from adhering to
the human body. Thus, the human body washing nozzle device can be
kept clean while ensuring the sanitary conditions of the human
body.
[0025] The sanitary washing apparatus further comprises a toilet
seat on which the human body is to sit, and the state detector
comprises a seating detector that detects the presence or absence
of seating of the human body on the toilet seat.
[0026] In this case, the seating detector detects the presence or
absence of seating of the human body on the toilet seat. When the
human body does not sit on the toilet seat, therefore, the heated
washing water or the vapor can be sprayed on the human body washing
nozzle device from the nozzle cleaning device. Therefore, safety
can be ensured.
[0027] The state detector may comprise an optical detector that
optically detects the presence or absence of the human body on the
toilet seat.
[0028] In this case, the optical detector can optically detect the
presence or absence of the human body on the toilet seat. When the
human body does not sit on the toilet seat, therefore, the heated
washing water or the vapor can be sprayed on the human body washing
nozzle device from the nozzle cleaning device.
[0029] The state detector may comprise a load detector that detects
the presence or absence of the human body on the toilet seat by a
load on the toilet seat.
[0030] In this case, the load detector detects the presence or
absence of the human body on the toilet seat. Therefore, the heated
washing water or the vapor can be sprayed from the nozzle cleaning
device when the human body does not sit on the toilet seat.
[0031] The sanitary washing apparatus may further comprise a toilet
cover, and the state detector may comprise a toilet cover
opening/closing detection device that detects the opening/closing
of the toilet cover.
[0032] In this case, the toilet cover opening/closing detection
device detects the opening/closing of the toilet cover. Therefore,
the heated washing water or the vapor can be sprayed on the human
body washing nozzle device from the nozzle cleaning device when the
toilet cover is closed. Therefore, safety can be ensured.
[0033] The nozzle cleaning device may comprise a heating device
that heats the washing water, and a spray device that sprays the
washing water heated by the heating device and/or the vapor to the
human body washing nozzle device.
[0034] In this case, the washing water is heated by the heating
device, so that the heated washing water or the vapor is generated,
and is sprayed on the human body washing water nozzle device from
the spray device. Thus, the human body washing nozzle device is
cleaned with the high-temperature washing water or the vapor
[0035] The human body washing nozzle device may discharge the
washing water heated by the heating device to the human body from
the discharge port.
[0036] In this case, the washing water is heated by the heating
device, so that the washing water heated to such a temperature that
the human body is not given an uncomfortable feeling, and is
discharged to the human body from the discharge port. Thus, the
human body is washed with the washing water heated to such a
temperature that it is not given an uncomfortable feeling.
[0037] The sanitary washing apparatus may further comprise another
heating device that heats washing water, and the nozzle cleaning
device may spray the washing water heated by the other heating
device on the human body washing nozzle device from the spray
device.
[0038] In this case, the washing water heated to such a temperature
that the human body is not given an uncomfortable feeling can be
further heated by the other heating device further provided in
order to heat the washing water. Thus, the high-temperature washing
water or the vapor can be efficiently sprayed by the spray device
in the nozzle cleaning device.
[0039] The nozzle cleaning device may further comprise a flow rate
adjustment device that adjusts the flow rate of the washing water
supplied to the heating device, and the flow rate adjustment device
may spray the washing water in a gas state and/or a liquid state
from the spray device by the adjustment of the flow rate of the
washing water.
[0040] In this case, the flow rate of the washing water supplied to
the heating device is adjusted, so that the washing water is
sprayed in a gas state and/or a liquid state from the spray device.
Thus, the human body washing nozzle device can be easily cleaned
with washing waters which differ in physical properties by the
adjustment of the flow rate of the washing water.
[0041] The sanitary washing apparatus may further comprise a
notification device that notifies, after a cleaning operation
performed by the nozzle cleaning device is terminated, that the
cleaning operation is terminated.
[0042] In this case, after the cleaning operation at high
temperatures by the nozzle cleaning device is terminated, the user
is notified of the termination of the cleaning operation.
Therefore, the user can recognize that the cleaning operation at
high temperatures is continued until he or she is notified of the
termination of the cleaning operation. Thus, the user is prevented
from erroneously causing the human body washing nozzle device at
high temperatures to spray washing water and erroneously touching
the human body washing nozzle device at high temperatures while the
cleaning operation at high temperatures is continued. Further, the
user can recognize that the human body washing nozzle device is
cleaned and sterilized. Therefore, the user can obtain such a
feeling of safety that the human body washing nozzle device is kept
sanitary. Therefore, the user is given a sufficient feeling of
safety, and the human body washing nozzle device can be kept clean
while ensuring safety.
[0043] The notification device may make notification that the
cleaning operation is terminated after an elapse of a predetermined
time period since the cleaning operation performed by the nozzle
cleaning device was terminated.
[0044] In this case, the notification that the cleaning operation
is terminated is made after the temperature of the human body
washing nozzle device cleaned at high temperatures is lowered.
Therefore, safety is sufficiently ensured.
[0045] The notification device may make notification that the
cleaning operation is terminated when the temperature of the human
body washing nozzle device is lowered to a predetermined
temperature.
[0046] In this case, the notification that the cleaning operation
is terminated when the temperature of the human body washing nozzle
device cleaned at high temperatures is lowered to a safe
temperature. Therefore, unexpected danger is avoided, so that
safety is sufficiently ensured.
[0047] The notification device may stop the notification that the
cleaning operation is terminated after an elapse of a predetermined
time period since the cleaning operation performed by the nozzle
cleaning device was terminated.
[0048] In this case, more notification than necessary is prevented,
and power is prevented from being uselessly consumed.
[0049] The notification device may comprise a display device that
visually makes notification that the cleaning operation is
terminated.
[0050] In this case, the user can visually recognize that the
cleaning operation at high temperatures is terminated.
[0051] The notification device may comprise an audio output device
that makes notification by audio that the cleaning operation is
terminated.
[0052] In this case, even an aged or blind user can visually
recognize that the cleaning operation at high temperatures is
terminated. Thus, the safety of various types of users is
ensured.
[0053] The sanitary washing apparatus may further comprise a scale
adhesion preventer that prevents the adhesion of a scale in the
nozzle cleaning device.
[0054] In this case, the adhesion of the scale in the nozzle
cleaning device is prevented, so that the generation efficiency of
the washing water in a heated gas state and/or liquid state is
prevented from being reduced. Thus, the washing water in the gas
state and/or liquid state heated for a long time period can be
stably formed. Further, the washing water does not cost money, and
it does not take time and labor to replenish washing water.
[0055] Thus, the human body washing nozzle device can be
sufficiently and stably cleaned and sterilized for a long time
period, and the cost and the time and labor for the cleaning and
sterilization are reduced.
[0056] The scale adhesion preventing device may comprise a scale
inhibitor supplier that supplies a scale inhibitor for inhibiting
the adhesion of the scale to the washing water supplied to the
nozzle cleaning device.
[0057] In this case, the scale inhibitor is supplied to the washing
water supplied to the nozzle cleaning device by the scale inhibitor
supplier. Thus, the adhesion of the scale in the nozzle cleaning
device is automatically prevented.
[0058] The scale inhibitor may include a crystal form changing
material for changing the crystal form of the scale and/or a
crystal growth inhibiting material for inhibiting the crystal
growth of the scale.
[0059] In this case, the crystal form of the scale within the
washing water is changed by the crystal form changing material
and/or the crystal growth inhibiting material for inhibiting the
crystal growth of the scale, thereby preventing the deposition of
the scale and preventing the adhesion of the scale in the nozzle
washing device.
[0060] The scale inhibitor may include a scale dissolving agent for
dissolving the scale.
[0061] In this case, the scale is dissolved by the scale dissolving
agent, so that the scale is removed. Thus, the adhesion of the
scale in the nozzle cleaning device is prevented. Further, the
reaction between the scale dissolving agent and the scale component
is hastened by heating so that the effect of removing the scale is
increased.
[0062] The scale adhesion preventer may comprise a cation exchange
resin provided such that it can come into contact with the washing
water supplied to the nozzle cleaning device.
[0063] In this case, metal ions which are a main component of the
scale are removed from the washing water by the cation exchange
resin so that a high scale removal capability is obtained. Further,
the washing water is prevented from being colored.
[0064] The scale adhesion preventer may comprise a magnetism
generator that applies magnetism to the washing water supplied to
the nozzle cleaning device.
[0065] The magnetism is applied to the washing water supplied to
the nozzle washing device so that an ion flow comprising a set of
ions having the same polarity of calcium ions and magnesium ions
which are main components of the scale is produced. In this case,
the ions are condensed so that collisions of the ions are hastened.
Thus, the aggregation and sedimentation actions of the ions are
hastened. Therefore, the adhesion of the scale in the nozzle
cleaning device is automatically prevented. The magnetism generator
is semipermanently operated, thereby eliminating the necessity of
maintenance.
[0066] The scale adhesion preventer may comprise a ultrasonic wave
generator that applies ultrasonic waves to the washing water
supplied to the nozzle cleaning device.
[0067] In this case, the ultrasonic waves are applied to the
washing water supplied to the nozzle cleaning device so that carbon
ions within the washing water are vaporized by cavitation. Thus,
the scale is prevented from being produced, and the adhesion of the
scale in the nozzle cleaning device is automatically prevented. The
ultrasonic wave generator is semipermanently operated, thereby
eliminating the necessity of maintenance.
[0068] The nozzle cleaning device may further comprise a washing
instruction unit that issues an instruction to start the cleaning
operation performed by the nozzle cleaning device.
[0069] In this case, the user can clean the human body washing
nozzle device at an arbitrary time by operating the washing
instruction unit.
[0070] The washing instruction unit may comprise a remote control
device that instructs the control device to start the cleaning
operation by a remote control system.
[0071] In this case, the user can clean the human body washing
nozzle device at an arbitrary time by operating the remote control
device, and the operability is improved.
[0072] The sanitary washing apparatus may further comprise a
disabling unit that disables the washing instruction device. In the
washing instruction unit, the instruction to start the cleaning
operation performed by the nozzle cleaning device may be disabled
by operating the disabling unit.
[0073] In this case, the instruction to start the cleaning
operation performed by the nozzle cleaning device is disabled by
operating the disabling unit, thereby making it possible to prevent
mischief by children and present a malfunction.
[0074] The control device may start the cleaning operation for each
predetermined time interval. In this case, even when the sanitary
washing apparatus is not employed for a long time period or over a
long time, the human body washing nozzle device is automatically
sterilized by the high-temperature cleaning for each predetermined
time interval, thereby allowing the human body washing nozzle
device to be always kept sanitary and clean without producing
contamination by fungi and molds.
[0075] At least a part of the human body washing nozzle device may
be formed of a heat-resistant material. In this case, the human
body washing nozzle device is not damaged even if it is sterilized
by the high-temperature cleaning, and can be employed at ease.
[0076] The heat-resistance material may include stainless steel. In
this case, at least a part of the human body washing nozzle device
is made of stainless steel, so that the sterilization effect by
high-temperature cleaning can be further enhanced.
[0077] At least a part of a surface of the human body washing
nozzle device may be subjected to water repellent processing. In
this case, a water stain scale or dirt can be prevented from
adhering to the human body washing nozzle device, thereby allowing
the sterilization effect by high-temperature cleaning to be further
enhanced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0078] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a sanitary
washing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0079] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a remote control device in the
sanitary washing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a
water circuit in the sanitary washing apparatus according to the
first embodiment.
[0081] FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of a switching valve in the
sanitary washing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0082] FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a switching valve in the
sanitary washing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of a switching valve in the
sanitary washing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an
instantaneous heating device in the sanitary washing apparatus
according to the first embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 8 is a partially side sectional view of the sanitary
washing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 9 is a partially side sectional view of the sanitary
washing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where a
sanitary washing apparatus according to a second embodiment is
mounted on a toilet bowl.
[0088] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a
remote control device shown in FIG. 10.
[0089] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a
main body in the sanitary washing apparatus according to the second
embodiment.
[0090] FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view of a switching valve, a
cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C of the switching valve,
a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of the switching
valve, and a cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E of the
switching valve.
[0091] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of
the switching valve shown in FIG. 13.
[0092] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow rate of washing water
flowing out of a washing water outlet in the switching valve shown
in FIG. 14 to a posterior nozzle, the flow rate of washing water
flowing out of the washing water outlet into a bidet nozzle, and
the flow rate of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet into a nozzle cleaning nozzle.
[0093] FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the
configuration of an instantaneous heating device.
[0094] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
part of a nozzle.
[0095] FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of a nozzle in a case
where washing water is sprayed toward a surface to be washed of the
human body from a posterior nozzle.
[0096] FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a nozzle in a case
where nozzle cleaning hot water or nozzle cleaning vapor is sprayed
from a nozzle cleaning nozzle.
[0097] FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of an automatic
opening/closing toilet seat system provided in a main body in the
sanitary washing apparatus shown in FIG. 10.
[0098] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F-F in
the automatic opening/closing toilet seat system shown in FIG.
20.
[0099] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an
automatic opening/closing toilet cover device for a toilet
cover.
[0100] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a signal transmitted to a
controller from a hole IC by operating the automatic
opening/closing toilet cover device shown in FIG. 22.
[0101] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
controller.
[0102] FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
controller.
[0103] FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view showing another example of
the remote control device shown in FIG. 10.
[0104] FIG. 27 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing
another example of an instantaneous heating device used for a
sanitary washing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0105] FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the operation of a
controller in a sanitary washing apparatus according to a third
embodiment.
[0106] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the operation of the
controller in the sanitary washing apparatus according to the third
embodiment.
[0107] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the control
timing of the controller in the sanitary washing apparatus in the
third embodiment.
[0108] FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a
main body in a sanitary washing apparatus according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0109] FIG. 32 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the
configuration of an instantaneous heating device.
[0110] FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of an instantaneous
heating device according to a fifth embodiment.
[0111] FIG. 34 is a schematic view of an example of an
instantaneous heating device according to a sixth embodiment.
[0112] FIG. 35 is a schematic view of the configuration of a
sanitary washing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.
[0113] FIG. 36 is a side sectional view of a conventional sanitary
washing apparatus.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0114] First to seventh embodiments of the present invention will
be described while referring to FIGS. 1 to 35.
First Embodiment
[0115] FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of a sanitary washing
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0116] In FIG. 1, a hot-water washing toilet seat serving as a
sanitary washing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a sanitary
washing apparatus) 100 is installed on a toilet bowl 600. The
sanitary washing apparatus 100 comprises a main body 200, a cover
(toilet cover) 500, a toilet seat 400 on which a user is to sit,
and so on. The sanitary washing apparatus 100 comprises a water
supply pipe for receiving the supply of washing water from a tap
water (indicated by a tap water pipe 201 shown in FIG. 3) and an
electrical cable 800 for receiving the supply of power from an
outlet on a wall surface. The inside of the sanitary washing
apparatus 100 comprises a posterior washing function for washing
the anus of a user, a bidet washing function for washing the female
private parts after urination, a drying function for drying the
private parts of the human body after washing, a room heating
function for heating a toilet space at cold times, and so on. The
functions are respectively exerted by a user pressing various types
of switches in a remote control device (a remote controller) 300
mounted on the wall surface. A seating sensor 51 serving as a
detector for detecting the presence of a user is provided in the
toilet seat 400. In the present embodiment, the seating sensor 51
detects the presence or absence of seating of a user on the toilet
seat 400 using infrared rays.
[0117] Used as a system of the seating sensor 51 may be a system
for detecting the electrostatic capacitance of the toilet seat 400,
a system for detecting seating of a user on the toilet seat 400
using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc., a system for detecting
that a user enters and leaves a toilet room, a system for detecting
the presence of a user in synchronization with the illumination of
the toilet room, or the like.
[0118] FIG. 2 illustrates the general view of the remote control
device 300.
[0119] In FIG. 2, the remote control device 300 comprises a nozzle
cleaning switch (a sterilization switch) 309 for issuing an
instruction to perform sterilization using high-temperature washing
water from a posterior nozzle 1 and a bidet nozzle which are human
body washing nozzle devices (hereinafter merely referred to as
high-temperature cleaning sterilization), a posterior switch 303
serving as a start device capable of a user inputting the start of
human body washing, a bidet switch 306 mainly used after urination
and in menstrual periods by women, a stop switch 305 serving as a
stop device for inputting the stop of washing, a drying switch 307
for switching a drying function on and off, a deodorization switch
314 for switching a deodorization function on and off, and an
adjustment switch (level switch) 302 for adjusting the level of the
function, and so on.
[0120] An operation signal transmitted by the user pressing each of
the switches in the remote control device 300 is transmitted to the
main body 200 in the warm water cleaning toilet seat by an infrared
signal. Thus, the remote control device 300 is so configured that
it can instruct the main body 200 to operate various types of
functions by radio.
[0121] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a water circuit in the
sanitary washing apparatus 100 in the first embodiment, FIGS. 4, 5,
and 6 are diagrams showing the configuration of a switching valve,
and FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the appearance of
an instantaneous heating device (a hot water unit) and a
cross-sectional view showing a principal part of the human body
washing nozzle device.
[0122] In FIG. 3, a tap water pipe 201 serving as a water source is
first connected to a pipe (a water supply pipe) 202 leading to a
switching valve 14 in the main body 200 in the sanitary washing
apparatus 100. On the pipe 202, a stop solenoid valve 9 serving as
a waterstop device, a flow sensor 10 for measuring the flow rate of
washing water, a heat exchanger (a warm water unit) 11 for forming
warm water, a temperature sensor 12b for detecting the temperature
of warm water, and so on.
[0123] The heat exchanger 11 comprises a plate-shaped ceramic
heater and an internal flow path, which snakes, provided on both
its surfaces. Room-temperature washing water supplied to an inlet
of the heat exchanger 11 receives heat from a ceramic heater while
flowing through the internal flow path which snakes, and is heated
to a proper temperature until it leads to an outlet of the heat
exchanger 11. Therefore, the heat exchanger 11 is a very efficient
warm water supply device because it can continuously supply warm
water having a proper temperature when required and need not be
warmed and stored in preparation for the use time.
[0124] Although in the first embodiment, the plate-shaped ceramic
heater superior in heat density is used as a heater, various
heaters such as a sheathed heater, a mica heater, and a print
heater may be used.
[0125] Furthermore, the switching valve 14 is connected through a
pipe (warm water pipe) 203 on the downstream side of the heat
exchanger 11. In the switching valve 14, a washing water inlet (an
inlet flow path) 143a to which the above-mentioned pipe 203 is
connected is selectively communicated with a washing water outlet
(a first outlet flow path) 143b, a washing water outlet (a second
outlet flow path) 143c, and a washing water outlet (a third outlet
flow path) 143d by a motor 141.
[0126] The switching valve 14 used in the first embodiment can vary
the flow rate of washing water flowing through the flow path
selected in addition to switching of a water passage by varying the
communication area of the washing water inlet 143a with the washing
water outlet 143b, the washing water outlet 143c, and the washing
water outlet 143d.
[0127] On the downstream side of the switching valve 14, a
posterior nozzle 1 which is the one human body washing nozzle
device is connected to the washing water outlet 143b, and a bidet
nozzle 2 which is the other human body washing nozzle device is
connected to the washing water outlet 143c. An instantaneous
heating device 33 for changing warm water into high-temperature hot
water and a nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 for sterilizing outer surfaces
of the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 by
high-temperature cleaning with the hot water are connected to the
washing water outlet 143d.
[0128] Each of the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 is
provided with a spray hole (a discharge port) for spraying warm
water flowing via the heat exchanger 11 and the switching valve 14
as washing water for washing the human body toward the anus or the
female private parts.
[0129] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a nozzle cleaning hole 24d is
provided at a front end on the downstream side of a sheathed heater
505 in the instantaneous heating device 33.
[0130] A spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1 and a spray hole
in the bidet nozzle 2 are so configured as to spray washing water
toward a portion to be washed of the human body, that is, the anus
or the female private parts in a case where they are used for
washing the human body. When the human body is not washed, as shown
in FIG. 7, however, the nozzle cleaning switch (sterilization
switch) 309 in the remove operation device 300 is pressed so that
high-temperature hot water is discharged toward the outer surfaces
of the spray holes 25 in the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet
nozzle 2 which are the human body washing nozzle devices from the
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 to sterilize the posterior nozzle 1 and
the bidet nozzle 2. The hot water used for sterilizing the
posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 by high-temperature
cleaning flows down in the toilet bowl.
[0131] The position and the direction of the nozzle cleaning hole
24d are determined such that the high-temperature hot water
discharged from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 does not splash on the
human body even if the above-mentioned high-temperature cleaning
sterilization is performed in a state where the user sits on the
toilet seat 400.
[0132] The posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are driven by
a configuration of a piston (a cylindrical piston) 20, a cylinder
(a cylindrical cylinder) 21, and a spring 23. That is, when washing
water is fed to the washing water outlet 143b by operating the
switching valve 14 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water pressure of
the washing water is exerted on the piston 20, and the posterior
nozzle 1 is ejected against a force of the spring 23, so that warm
water is sprayed from the spray hole 25, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0133] When the switching valve 14 is operated by the motor 141 so
that the washing water outlet 143b is closed, the piston 20 is
pressed back by the force of the spring 23, as shown in FIG. 8.
Therefore, the posterior nozzle 1 enters a state where it is
accommodated within the main body 200 in the sanitary washing
apparatus 100. Thus, the posterior nozzle 1 is so configured that
the position of the spray hole 25 can be made variable at the
standby time and at the use time. The bidet nozzle 2 is similarly
so configured that the position of the spray hole can be made
variable by opening and closing the washing water outlet 143c using
the switching valve 14.
[0134] Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are gotten in and out by the water
pressure of washing water, the present invention is not limited to
the same. For example, they may be gotten in and out by meshing a
rack and a pinion gear (not shown), for example, and driving the
pinion gear by a motor.
[0135] As shown in FIG. 8, when the posterior nozzle 1 and the
bidet nozzle 2 are in a standby state (in an accommodated state),
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 covers upper surfaces of the spray
hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1 and the spray hole in the bidet
nozzle 2. Thus, the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 which
are the human body washing nozzle devices are generally
accommodated within the main body 200 in the sanitary washing
apparatus, and project from the main body in the sanitary washing
apparatus at the time of washing the human body. Further, an
operation of high-temperature cleaning sterilization is inhibited
in states other than the state where the posterior nozzle 1 and the
bidet nozzle 2 are accommodated within the main body 200 in the
sanitary washing apparatus such that hot water from the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 does not splash on the human body at the time of
the high-temperature cleaning sterilization.
[0136] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the switching valve 14
will be described in detail.
[0137] The switching valve 14 comprises an outer cylinder (a
housing) 143, an inner cylinder 142 (a valve member) which is
inserted into the outer cylinder 143 so as to be rotatable, and a
motor 141 for rotating the inner cylinder 142.
[0138] First, the outer cylinder 143 is provided with a washing
water inlet 143a, a washing water outlet 143b, a washing water
outlet 143c, and a washing water outlet 143d. As shown in FIG. 5,
the washing water outlet 143b and the washing water outlet 143c are
arranged so as to be positioned opposed to each other in a cross
section A-A. As shown in a cross section B-B in FIG. 6, the washing
water outlet 143d is provided at a cross-sectional position
different from those of the two washing water outlets 143b and
143c. Then, the inner cylinder 142 is provided with an internal
flow path 143h in such a form that it always communicates with the
washing water inlet 143a when it is inserted into the outer
cylinder 143. The inner flow path 143h is provided with a hole (a
first valve outlet) 142f and a hole (a second valve outlet) 142g.
The hole 142f is provided at a position corresponding to the
washing water outlet 143b and the washing water outlet 143c in the
outer cylinder 143, and the hole 142g is provided at a position
corresponding to the washing water outlet 143d in the outer
cylinder 143. By these configurations, the rotation angle of the
inner cylinder 142 allows the respective degrees of communication
of the washing water inlet 143a with the washing water outlet 143b,
the washing water outlet 143c, and the washing water outlet 143d to
be varied.
[0139] Although the flow paths are respectively provided with
O-rings 144 as sealing members in order to prevent an internal leak
or prevent an external leak, the present invention is not limited
to the same. The O-ring may be replaced with a special O-ring such
as an X-ring or a V packing in order to reduce a load on a
motor.
[0140] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a reduction gear
contained stepping motor which can be positioned with high accuracy
even in open control is employed as the motor 141, and its output
shaft is mounted on the inner cylinder 142 in such a form that it
is inserted thereinto. Although in the first embodiment, the
stepping motor is employed as the motor 141, a brush-type
general-purpose DC motor or the like can be utilized, provided that
even positioning accuracy is ensured. Alternatively, various types
of actuators such as a rotary-type solenoid may be used. Although
in the first embodiment, the rotary-type flow path switching valve
is used, a direct driving flow path switching valve, a flow path
switching valve using a diaphragm, or a flow path switching valve
for switching a plurality of flow paths by a disk-type inner
cylinder, and so on can be also used.
[0141] In the above-mentioned configuration, in the configuration
of the sanitary washing apparatus 100 comprising the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bide nozzle 2 respectively having the spray holes
25 and 25e for discharging washing water for washing the human body
and the instantaneous heating device (high-temperature cleaning
sterilization device) 33 for sterilizing at least the outer
surfaces of the spray holes 25 and 25e in the posterior nozzle 1
and the bidet nozzle 2 by high-temperature cleaning, the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 including the instantaneous heating device 33 can
sterilize the outer surfaces of the spray holes 25 and 25e in the
posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 by high-temperature
cleaning using the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 including the
instantaneous heating device 33. Thus, the posterior nozzle 1 and
the bidet nozzle 2 can be kept clean by performing the
high-temperature cleaning sterilization when the sanitary washing
apparatus 100 is employed, thereby making it possible for a cleanly
person to employ the sanitary washing apparatus 100 at ease.
[0142] When high-temperature hot water is discharged from the
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 including the instantaneous heating device
33, the user presses the nozzle cleaning switch 309 in the remote
control device 300 so that a controller 4 incorporated in the
sanitary washing apparatus 100 controls the operation of
high-temperature cleaning sterilization upon receipt of a
high-temperature cleaning sterilization mode signal.
[0143] That is, in a case where the user presses the nozzle
cleaning switch 309, the controller 4 carries out such control as
to drive the motor 141 in the switching valve 14 to communicate the
washing water inlet 143a and the washing water outlet 143d with
each other, and sterilize the outer surfaces of the spray holes 25
and 25e in the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 by
high-temperature cleaning from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 after
warm water from the heat exchanger 11 is supplied to the
instantaneous heating device 33 and is changed into
high-temperature hot water.
[0144] Thus, the sanitary washing apparatus 100 comprises the
controller 4 for controlling the operation of high-temperature
cleaning sterilization upon receipt of the high-temperature
cleaning sterilization mode signal and the instantaneous heating
device 33. Therefore, the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2
respectively having the spray holes 25 and 25e for discharging
washing water for washing the human body can be kept sanitary
without producing contamination by fungi and molds because at least
the outer surfaces of the spray holes 25 and 25e in the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are sterilized by high-temperature
cleaning without troubles of the operation.
[0145] Although in the first embodiment, description was made of
such a configuration that the nozzle cleaning switch 309 for
transmitting the high-temperature cleaning sterilization mode
signal is provided in the remote control device 300 in the sanitary
washing apparatus 100, it may be provided in the main body 200 in
the sanitary washing apparatus 100.
[0146] Thus, the configuration in which the nozzle cleaning switch
309 for transmitting the high-temperature cleaning sterilization
mode signal is provided in the main body 200 or the remote control
device 300 in the sanitary washing apparatus 100 allows the
high-temperature cleaning sterilization to be easily and simply
performed only by pressing the nozzle cleaning switch 309.
[0147] The posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are sterilized
using high-temperature hot water produced by the instantaneous
heating device 33, thereby making it possible to keep the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 sanitary without producing
contamination by fungi and molds by the sterilization function
using the high-temperature hot water.
[0148] The temperature of the hot water used for performing the
high-temperature cleaning sterilization is preferably 55.degree. C.
to 100.degree. C., more preferably 55.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.,
and most preferably 60.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. The reason for
this is that as a result of examination, there is an example in
which beer is sterilized at 55 to 60.degree. C., sake is sterilized
at 55 to 60.degree. C., and miso is sterilized at approximately
60.degree. C., for example, in the field of food. Incidentally, it
is said that the death point of a germ is 60.degree. C. if the germ
is any of a dysentery bacillus, typhoid bacteria, paratyphoid
bacillus, Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Brucella,
streptococci, and staphylococcus, and so on. The results of
examination of the effect of sterilizing the germs will be
described later.
[0149] Even in the results of experiments on the Escherichia coli,
the sterilization effect can be confirmed at 55.degree. C. The
higher the temperature is, the larger a high-temperature
sterilization action is. However, it is preferable that the
upper-limit temperature is 70.degree. C. Thus, the temperature of
hot water is set to 55.degree. C. to 70.degree. C., which may not
bring about a serious result even if the human body touches the hot
water, and allows contamination by fungi and molds to be
effectively prevented.
[0150] The nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is provided in a branched path
other than a path for supplying washing water to the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2. By this configuration, the
instantaneous heating device 33 is provided in another branched
path which does not lead to the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet
nozzle 2. Thus, the possibility that the hot water is discharged
from the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 to splash on the
human body is eliminated, thereby allowing the posterior nozzle 1
and the bidet nozzle 2 to be sterilized by high-temperature
cleaning at ease. Further, no high-temperature washing water is
supplied to the path for supplying washing water to the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2, so that a material composing the
path and a material composing the heat exchanger 11 and the
switching valve 14 halfway provided need not be a special
heat-resistant material.
[0151] Furthermore, the flow rate of the hot water passing through
the instantaneous heating device 33 is controlled to a
predetermined flow rate by the controller 4 at the time of
high-temperature cleaning sterilization. That is, the degree of a
communication aperture between the washing water inlet 143a and the
washing water outlet 143d in the switching valve 14 is taken as a
predetermined amount so that the flow rate of the hot water flowing
through the instantaneous heating device 33 is controlled by the
controller 4. The controller 4 can obtain a flow rate signal from
the flow sensor 10. The hot water can be prevented from splashing
on the human body by controlling the flow rate of the hot water to
a predetermined flow rate. Heat input required for warm water,
which is controlled to a predetermined temperature of 40.degree.
C., for example, by the heat exchanger 11 to be changed into hot
water having a predetermined temperature of 60.degree. C., for
example, by the instantaneous heating device 33 is theoretically
determined at the flow rate of the hot water. As a result, the flow
rate of the hot water passing through the instantaneous heating
device 33 is controlled to a predetermined flow rate, thereby
eliminating the necessity of providing a temperature sensor in the
instantaneous heating device 33. Moreover, an amount of heat
required for heating in the sheathed heater 505 can be also reduced
by controlling the flow rate of the hot water to a small
predetermined flow rate, and the effect of energy saving is
obtained together with the above-mentioned safety.
[0152] The sheathed heater 505 in the instantaneous heating device
33 is a self-temperature control heater. Thus, electric input is
automatically controlled such that the temperature of the hot water
is a predetermined temperature of 60.degree. C., for example, by
the self-temperature control sheathed heater 505 itself without
mounting a temperature sensor or the like on the instantaneous
heating device 33. Therefore, the instantaneous heating device 33
can be made compact, and can be used at ease by a user because the
temperature of the hot water can be also made approximately
constant and the sterilization effect can be stabilized. However,
the sheathed heater 505 in the instantaneous heating device 33 need
not necessarily be a self-temperature control heater. For example,
it may be a general ceramic heater, provided that even temperature
control can be safely carried out.
[0153] The posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are generally
accommodated in the main body 200 in the sanitary washing apparatus
100, and project from the main body 200 in the sanitary washing
apparatus 100 at the time of washing the human body, to inhibit the
operation of high-temperature cleaning sterilization in states
other than a state where the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet
nozzle 2 are accommodated within the main body 200 in the sanitary
washing apparatus 100 such that the hot water from the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 does not splash on the human body at the time of
the high-temperature cleaning sterilization. That is, even if the
user erroneously presses an operation button for issuing an
instruction to sterilize the remote control device 300 by
high-temperature cleaning (a nozzle cleaning switch 309) when he or
she washes his or her human body by the posterior nozzle 1 and the
bidet nozzle 2, the controller 4 carries out control so as not to
perform the operation of high-temperature cleaning sterilization.
That is, a signal of the nozzle cleaning switch 309 is accepted by
the controller 4 only in a state where the posterior nozzle 1 and
the bidet nozzle 2 are accommodated within the main body 200 in the
sanitary washing apparatus 100. This allows the user to employ the
sanitary washing apparatus 100 at ease without fears such as a
scald.
[0154] At the time of high-temperature cleaning sterilization, a
plurality of nozzles in each of the posterior nozzle 1 and the
bidet nozzle 2 are simultaneously sterilized by high-temperature
cleaning with hot water from the nozzle cleaning hole (hot water
discharge port) 24d. Even when the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet
nozzle 2 are employed after the high-temperature cleaning
sterilization, the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 which
are sterilization by high-temperature cleaning can be also used.
Therefore, the user can wash the private parts at ease in a state
where the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are clean by
being sterilized.
[0155] Portions, on which hot water having a high temperature of
55.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. is exerted, in the posterior nozzle
1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are composed of a high-resistant material
which sufficiently withstands the high temperature, thereby
allowing the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 to be
employed at ease for a long time period without fears such as
deformation and damage by high-temperature cleaning
sterilization.
[0156] On the other hand, portions, on which hot water having a
high temperature of 55.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. is exerted, in
the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are formed of
stainless steel, so that the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet
nozzle 2 sufficiently withstand the high temperature and are highly
clean, thereby making it possible to further enhance the effect of
high-temperature cleaning sterilization.
[0157] The posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are so
configured that a surface composed of resin is coated with a metal,
so that the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 can be formed
of resin even if the flow paths or outer shapes thereof are in a
three-dimensional curved shape, and the high-temperature cleaning
sterilization effect on the surfaces of the posterior nozzle 1 and
the bidet nozzle 2 can be further enhanced by plating the surface
of the resin with a metal, for example, to form a metal film on at
least a part of the surface.
[0158] A water stain scale can be prevented from adhering to the
posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 by subjecting the
surfaces of the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 to water
repellent processing. Therefore, the effect of the high-temperature
cleaning sterilization can be further enhanced.
[0159] The instantaneous heating device 33 is so configured as to
automatically perform high-temperature cleaning sterilization not
only in a case where the nozzle cleaning switch 309 in the remote
control device 300 is pressed but also for each predetermined time
interval, thereby making it possible to provide a sanitary washing
apparatus 100 that can be always kept sanitary and clean without
producing contamination by fungi and molds because the posterior
nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 are automatically sterilized by
high-temperature cleaning for each predetermined time interval even
when the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is not employed for a long
time period or for a long time.
[0160] As described in the foregoing, according to the first
embodiment, there can be provided a sanitary washing apparatus 100
that can be kept clean easily and simply and can be employed at
ease even by a cleanly person by the posterior nozzle 1 and the
bidet nozzle 2 for discharging washing water for washing the human
body and the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 for sterilizing the outer
surfaces of the spray holes in the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet
nozzle 2 by high-temperature cleaning.
Second Embodiment
[0161] A sanitary washing apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the present invention will be described on the basis
of FIGS. 10 to 25.
[0162] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where a
sanitary washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention is mounted on a toilet bowl.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 10, a sanitary washing apparatus 100a is
mounted on a toilet bowl 600. A tank 700 is connected to a tap
water pipe, to supply washing water to the toilet bowl 600.
[0164] The sanitary washing apparatus 100a comprises a main body
200a, a remote control device 300, a toilet seat 400, and a cover
500.
[0165] The toilet seat 400 and the cover 500 are mounted on the
main body 200a so as to be capable of being opened or closed.
Further, the main body 200a is provided with a washing water
supplying mechanism including a nozzle 30, a seating sensor 51, and
an automatic opening/closing toilet bowl system, described later,
and contains a controller. The seating sensor 51 detects the
presence or absence of a user on the toilet seat 400 using infrared
rays. A hole IC in the automatic opening/closing toilet bowl system
detects the presence or absence of the user on the toilet bowl 400
using a hole effect. Further, a toilet seat switch 55 for detecting
the presence or absence of the user on the toilet seat 400 by a
load is provided on a lower surface of the toilet seat 400.
[0166] In the present embodiment, the controller detects a state
where the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is used using the hole IC.
The controller may detect the state where the sanitary washing
apparatus 10a is employed using the seating sensor 51 or the toilet
seat switch 55.
[0167] The controller in the main body 200a controls the washing
water supplying mechanism on the basis of signals transmitted from
the hole IC, described later, the toilet seat switch 55, and the
seating sensor 51, and a signal transmitted by the remote control
device 300, described later. Further, the controller in the main
body 200a also controls a heater (not shown) contained in the
toilet seat 400, a deodorization device (not shown) provided in the
main body 200a, a hot air supply device (not shown), and so on.
[0168] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the
remote control device shown in FIG. 10. A remote control device
300a comprises a display panel 301, an adjustment switch 302, a
posterior switch 303, a stop switch 305, a bidet switch 306, a
drying switch 307, a nozzle cleaning switch 309, a speaker 310, a
notification lamp 311, and a child lock switch 312.
[0169] The adjustment switch 302, the posterior switch 303, the
stop switch 305, the bidet switch 306, the drying switch 307, the
nozzle cleaning switch 309, and the child lock switch 312 are
pressed by the user. Thus, the remote control device 300a transmits
a predetermined signal to the controller provided in the main body
200a in the sanitary washing apparatus 100a, described later, by
radio. The controller in the main body 200 receives the
predetermined signal transmitted by radio from the remote control
device 300, to control the washing water supplying mechanism or the
like.
[0170] For example, the user presses the posterior switch 303 or
the bidet switch 306 so that the nozzle 30 in the main body 200a
shown in FIG. 10 is moved to spray washing water. The stop switch
305 is pressed so that the spray of the washing water from the
nozzle 30 is stopped.
[0171] The child lock switch 312 is pressed so that a predetermined
signal transmitted to the controller, described later, from the
remote control device 300a is disabled. When the child lock switch
312 is pressed once, the predetermined signal transmitted to the
controller, described later, is enabled by performing a
predetermined operation. Examples of the predetermined operation
include an operation of pressing the child lock switch 312 for not
less than three seconds or an operation of simultaneously pressing
the child lock switch 312 and the other switch.
[0172] Furthermore, a posterior nozzle and a bidet nozzle in the
nozzle 30, described later, are cleaned (hereinafter referred to as
nozzle cleaning) by pressing the nozzle cleaning switch 309. The
details of a nozzle cleaning operation will be described later. The
drying switch 307 is pressed so that hot air is sprayed toward the
private parts of the human body from a warm air supply device (not
shown) in the sanitary washing apparatus 100.
[0173] The adjustment switch 302 comprises water power adjustment
switches 302a and 302b. The user presses the water power adjustment
switches 302a and 302b so that the pressure of washing water
sprayed from the nozzle 30 is changed. A lighting display in the
shape of a bar graph on the display panel 30 is changed as the
water power adjustment switches 302a and 302b are pressed.
[0174] Description is now made of the main body 200a in the
sanitary washing apparatus 100a according to an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the
configuration of the main body 200a in the sanitary washing
apparatus 100a according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0175] The main body 200a shown in FIG. 12 comprises a controller
4, a branched water faucet 5, a straighter 6, a check valve 7, a
constant flow valve 8, a stop solenoid valve 9, a flow sensor 10, a
heat exchanger 11, temperature sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c, a seating
sensor 51, a toilet bowl switch 55, hole ICs 513a and 513b, a pump
13, a switching valve 14a, an instantaneous heating device 33, and
a nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 comprises a posterior nozzle 1a, a bidet
nozzle 2, and a nozzle cleaning nozzle 3, and the instantaneous
heating device 33 comprises a thermistor 33a, a thermistor 33b, and
a temperature fuse (not shown).
[0176] As shown in FIG. 12, the branched water facet 5 is
interposed in a tap water pipe 201. The straighter 6, the check
valve 7, the constant flow valve 8, the stop solenoid valve 9, the
flow sensor 10, and the temperature sensor 12a are interposed in
this order in a pipe 202 connected between the branched water
faucet 5 and the heat exchanger 11. Further, the temperature sensor
12b and the pump 13 are interposed in a pipe 203 connected between
the heat exchanger 11 and the switching valve 14a.
[0177] First, purified water flowing through the tap water pipe 201
is supplied as washing water to the straighter 6 by the branched
water faucet 5. Dust, impurities, and so on included in the washing
water are removed by the straighter 6. Backflow of the washing
water in the pipe 202 is then prevented by the check valve 7. The
flow rate of the washing water flowing in the pipe 202 is kept
constant by the constant flow valve 8.
[0178] A relief pipe 204 is connected between the pump 13 and the
switching valve 14a, and a relief water faucet 205 is connected
between the stop solenoid valve 9 and the flow sensor 10. A relief
valve 206 is interposed in the relief pipe 204. The relief valve
206 is opened when the pressure, particularly on the downstream
side of the pump 13, of the pipe 203 exceeds a predetermined value,
to prevent problems such as damage to equipment at the abnormal
time and disconnection of a hose.
[0179] On the other hand, washing water which is not sucked in by
the pump 13 in washing water supplied after the flow rate thereof
is adjusted by the constant flow valve 8 is discharged from the
relief water pipe 205. Thus, predetermined back pressure is exerted
on the pump 13 without being dependent on tap water supply
pressure.
[0180] The flow sensor 10 then measures the flow rate of the
washing water flowing in the pipe 202, and gives a measured flow
rate value to the controller 4. The temperature sensor 12a measures
the temperature of the washing water flowing in the pipe 202, and
gives a measured temperature value to the controller 4.
[0181] The heat exchanger 11 then heats the washing water supplied
through the pipe 202 to a predetermined temperature on the basis of
a control signal fed by the controller 4. The temperature sensor
12b measures the temperature of the washing water heated to the
predetermined temperature by the heat exchanger 11, and gives a
measured temperature value to the controller 4. The temperature
sensor 12c measures the temperature of the washing water supplied
to the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 through the instantaneous heating
device 33, and gives a measured temperature value to the controller
4.
[0182] The pump 13 feeds by pressure the washing water heated by
the heat exchanger 11 to the switching valve 14 on the basis of the
control signal fed by the controller 4. The switching valve 14a
supplies the washing water to any one of the posterior nozzle 1a,
the bidet nozzle 2, and the instantaneous heating device 33 in the
nozzle 30 on the basis of the control signal fed by the controller
4.
[0183] When the washing water is supplied to the posterior nozzle
1a or the bidet nozzle 2 in the nozzle 30, the washing water is
sprayed from the posterior nozzle 1a or the bidet nozzle 2. On the
other hand, when the washing water is supplied to the instantaneous
heating device 33, the washing water is heated by the instantaneous
heating device 33, and the heated washing water or vapor generated
by the heating is supplied to the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3.
[0184] The washing water heated by the instantaneous heating device
33 is referred to as nozzle cleaning hot water, and the vapor
generated by the heating of the instantaneous heating device 33 is
referred to as nozzle cleaning vapor.
[0185] The nozzle cleaning hot water or the nozzle cleaning vapor
is sprayed on the posterior nozzle 1a or the bidet nozzle 2 from
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3. In the instantaneous heating device
33, the washing water is prevented from being overheated by the
thermistor 33a, the thermostat 33b, and the temperature fuse.
[0186] The flow rates of the washing water sprayed from the
posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 as well as the flow rates
of the nozzle cleaning hot water and the nozzle cleaning vapor
sprayed from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 are adjusted by the
switching valve 14a.
[0187] The controller 4 feeds the control signal to the stop
solenoid valve 9, the heat exchanger 11, the pump 13, the switching
valve 14a, and the instantaneous heating device 33 on the basis of
the signal transmitted by radio from the remote control device 300
shown in FIG. 11, the measured flow rate value fed from the flow
sensor 10, and the measured temperature values respectively fed
from the temperature sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c.
[0188] FIG. 13 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the
switching valve 14a, FIG. 13 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken
along a line C-C of the switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 13 (a),
FIG. 13 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D of the
switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 13 (a), and FIG. 13 (d) is a
cross-sectional view taken along a line E-E of the switching valve
14a shown in FIG. 13 (a).
[0189] The switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 13 comprises a motor
141, an inner cylinder 142, and an outer cylinder 143.
[0190] The inner cylinder 142 is inserted into the outer cylinder
143, and an axis of rotation of the motor 141 is mounted on the
inner cylinder 142. The motor 141 performs a rotating operation on
the basis of the control signal fed by the controller 4. The motor
141 is rotated so that the inner cylinder 142 is rotated.
[0191] As shown in FIGS. 13 (a), 13 (b), 13 (c), and 13 (d), a
washing water inlet 143a is provided at one end of the outer
cylinder 143, washing water outlets 143b and 143c are provided at
opposite positions of its side part, a washing water outlet 143d is
provided at a position different from the washing water outlets
143b and 143c in the side part, and a washing water outlet 143e is
provided at a position different from the washing water outlets
143b, 143c, and 143d in the side part. Holes 142e, 142f, and 142g
are provided at different positions of the inner cylinder 142. A
chamfer composed of a curved line and a straight line is formed, as
shown in FIGS. 13 (b) and 13 (c), around each of the holes 142e and
142f, and a chamfer composed of a straight line is formed, as shown
in FIG. 13 (d), around the hole 142g.
[0192] The rotation of the inner cylinder 142 allows the hole 142e
to be opposed to the washing water outlet 143b or 143c in the outer
cylinder 143, allows the hole 142f to be opposed to the washing
water outlet 143d in the outer cylinder 143, and allows the hole
142g to be opposed to the washing water outlet 143e in the outer
cylinder 143.
[0193] The pipe 203 shown in FIG. 12 is connected to the washing
water inlet 143a, the bidet nozzle 2 is connected to the washing
water outlet 143b, a first flow path of the posterior nozzle 1a is
connected to the washing water outlet 143c, and a second flow path
of the posterior nozzle is connected to the washing water outlet
143d, and the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is connected to the washing
water outlet 143e.
[0194] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of
the switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 13.
[0195] FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (f) illustrate states where the motor 141
in the switching valve 14a is respectively rotated through 0
degree, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, and 270
degrees.
[0196] First, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), in a case where the motor
141 is not rotated (rotated through 0 degree), the chamfer around
the hole 142e in the inner cylinder 142 is then opposed to the
washing water outlet 143b in the outer cylinder 143. Thus, washing
water passes in the inner cylinder 142 through the washing water
inlet 143a, to flow out of the washing water outlet 143b, as
indicated by an arrow W1.
[0197] Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), in a case where the motor 141
rotates the inner cylinder 142 through 90 degrees, the chamfer
around the hole 142g in the inner cylinder 142 is opposed to the
washing water outlet 143e in the outer cylinder 143. Thus, washing
water passes in the inner cylinder 142 through the washing water
inlet 143a, to flow out of the washing water outlet 143e, as
indicated by an arrow W2.
[0198] Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), in a case where the motor 141
rotates the inner cylinder 142 through 135 degrees, the chamfer
around the hole 142g in the inner cylinder 142 is then opposed to
the washing water outlet 143e in the outer cylinder 143, and a part
of the chamfer around the hole 142e in the inner cylinder 142 is
opposed to the washing water outlet 143c in the outer cylinder 143.
Thus, a small amount of washing water passes in the inner cylinder
142 through the washing water inlet 143a, to flow out of the
washing water outlets 143c and 143e, as indicated by arrows W2 and
W3.
[0199] Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (d), in a case where the motor 141
rotates the inner cylinder 142 through 180 degrees, the chamfer
around the hole 142e in the inner cylinder 142 is then opposed to
the washing water outlet 143c in the outer cylinder 143. Thus,
washing water passes in the inner cylinder 142 through the washing
water inlet 143a, to flow out of the washing water outlet 143c, as
indicated by an arrow W3.
[0200] Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (e), in a case where the motor 141
rotates the inner cylinder 142 through 225 degrees, a part of the
chamfer around the hole 142e in the inner cylinder 142 is then
opposed to the washing water outlet 143c in the outer cylinder 143,
and a part of the chamfer around the hole 142f in the inner
cylinder 142 is opposed to the washing water outlet 143d in the
outer cylinder 143. Thus, a small amount of washing water passes in
the inner cylinder 142 through the washing water inlet 143a, to
flow out of the washing water outlets 143c and 143d, as indicated
by arrows W3 and W4.
[0201] As shown in FIG. 14 (f), in a case where the motor 141
rotates the inner cylinder 142 through 270 degrees, the chamfer
around the hole 142f in the inner cylinder 142 is opposed to the
washing water outlet 143d in the outer cylinder 143. Thus, washing
water passes in the inner cylinder 142 through the washing water
inlet 143a, to flow out of the washing water outlet 143d, as
indicated by an arrow W4.
[0202] As described in the foregoing, the motor 141 is rotated on
the basis of the control signal from the controller 4, so that any
one of the holes 142e, 142f, and 142g in the inner cylinder 142 is
opposed to the washing water outlets 143b to 143e in the outer
cylinder 143. Thus, the washing water flowing from the washing
water inlet 143a flows out of any one of the washing water outlets
143b to 143e.
[0203] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow rate of washing water
flowing out of the washing water outlets 143c and 143d in the
switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 13 into the posterior nozzle 1,
the flow rate of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143b into the bidet nozzle 2, and the flow rate of washing
water flowing out of the washing water outlet 143e into the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3.
[0204] In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis indicates the rotation angle
of the motor 141, and the vertical axis indicates the flow rate of
washing water flowing out of the washing water outlets 143b to
143e. A solid line Q1 indicates the change in the flow rate of
washing water flowing out of the washing water outlet 143c into the
posterior nozzle 1, a one-dot and dash line Q2 indicates the change
in the flow rate of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143d into the posterior nozzle 1a, a two-dot and dash line
Q3 indicates the change in the flow rate of washing water flowing
out of the washing water outlet 143b into the bidet nozzle 2, and a
broken line Q4 indicates the change in the flow rate of washing
water flowing out of the washing water outlet 143e into the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 through the instantaneous heating device 33.
[0205] When the motor 141 is not rotated (0 degree), as shown in
FIG. 15, for example, the flow rate Q3 of washing water flowing out
of the washing water outlet 143b into the bidet nozzle 2 takes the
maximum value. As the rotation angle of the motor 141 increases,
the flow rate Q3 of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143b into the bidet nozzle 2 decreases, and the flow rate Q4
of washing water flowing out of the washing water outlet 143e into
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 increases.
[0206] When the motor 141 is then rotated through 90 degrees, the
flow rate Q4 of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143e into the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 takes the maximum
value. As the rotation angle of the motor 141 further increases,
the flow rate Q4 of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143e into the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 decreases, and the
flow rate Q1 of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143c into the posterior nozzle 1a increases.
[0207] When the motor 141 is then rotated through 180 degrees, the
flow rate Q1 of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143c into the posterior nozzle 1a takes the maximum value.
The rotation angle of the motor 141 further increases, the flow
rate Q1 of washing water flowing out of the washing water outlet
143c into the posterior nozzle 1 decreases, and the flow rate Q2 of
washing water flowing out of the washing water outlet 143d into the
posterior nozzle 1 increases.
[0208] When the motor 141 is then rotated through 270 degrees, the
flow rate Q2 of washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlet 143d into the posterior nozzle 1a takes the maximum value.
The rotation angle of the motor 141 further increases, the flow
rate Q2 of washing water flowing out of the washing water outlet
143d into the posterior nozzle 1a decreases, and the flow rate Q3
of washing water flowing out of the washing water outlet 143b into
the bidet nozzle 2 increases.
[0209] As described in the foregoing, the controller 4 controls the
rotation angle of the motor 141 in the switching valve 14 so that
the flow rate of the washing water flowing out of the washing water
outlets 143b to 143e can be controlled. Further, even when the
rotation angle of the motor 141 in the switching valve 14 takes any
value, any one of the washing water outlets 142e, 142f, and 142g or
the chamfer (recess) around the washing water outlet is opposed to
any one of the washing water outlets 143b to 143e. Therefore, the
flow path of the washing water is not closed, and the washing water
supplied from the washing water inlet 143a flows out of any one of
the washing water outlets 143b to 143e.
[0210] FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the
configuration of the instantaneous heating device 33. In FIG. 16,
the instantaneous heating device 33 comprises a casing 504, a
sheathed heater 505, a thermal conductor 506, a pipe 510, a
thermistor 33a, a thermostat 33b, and a temperature fuse 33c.
[0211] The casing 504 has a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped shape. In the casing 504, the pipe 510 and the
sheathed heater 505 are provided side by side with predetermined
spacing so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and both
ends of each of them project outward from both end surfaces of the
casing 504.
[0212] In the casing 504, the pipe 510 and the sheathed heater 505
are covered with the thermal conductor 506. The sheathed heater 505
contains an electrically-heated wire, and generates heat by being
supplied with power. At the time of the above-mentioned nozzle
cleaning, washing water supplied from the washing water outlet 143e
in the switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 13 is introduced into the
pipe 510 from the water supply port 511.
[0213] When power is supplied to the sheathed heater 505, the heat
generated by the sheathed heater 505 is transmitted to the pipe 510
through the thermal conductor 506. Thus, the washing water
introduced into the pipe 510 is heated, so that nozzle cleaning hot
water or nozzle cleaning vapor is discharged from a discharge port
512.
[0214] Here, when the side of the water supply port 511 in the pipe
510 is the upstream side of the instantaneous heating device 33 and
the side of the discharge port 512 is the downstream side of the
instantaneous heating device 33 in FIG. 16, the thermistor 33a and
the thermostat 33b are provided on the downstream side of the
instantaneous heating device 33. The temperature fuse 33c is
provided on a side surface of the casing 504.
[0215] In the second embodiment, the thermistor 33a, the thermostat
33b, and the temperature fuse 33c differ in reference operating
temperatures. Thus, adjustments for preventing overheating in three
stages can be made. Further, even if any one of the thermistor 33a,
the thermostat 33b, and the temperature fuse 33c fails, the
remaining two of them prevent overheating.
[0216] The thermistor 33a is mounted on the sheathed-heater 505, to
detect the temperature of the sheathed heater 505. The controller 4
judges the temperature of the sheathed heater 505 fed from the
thermistor 33a, to carry out control, in a case where the sheathed
heater is in an overheated state, such that the temperature of the
sheathed heater 505 is lowered.
[0217] The thermostat 33b is mounted such that the temperature of
washing water circulating within the pipe 510 is detectable. When
the temperature of the washing water circulating within the pipe
510 exceeds the reference operating temperature of the thermostat
33b, the thermostat 33b is operated so as to shut off the supply of
power to the sheathed heater 505.
[0218] Finally, the temperature fuse 33c is adhesively fixed to the
casing 504. When the temperature of the casing 504 exceeds the
reference operating temperature of the temperature fuse 33c, the
temperature fuse 33c is fused so that the supply of power to the
sheathed heater 505 is shut off.
[0219] By the functions of the thermistor 33a, the thermostat 33b,
and the temperature fuse 33c, overheating of washing water by the
sheathed heater 505 and overheating of the sheathed heater 505
itself are prevented.
[0220] Although in the instantaneous heating device 33 in the
second embodiment, the sheathed heater 505 is used as a heating
device for washing water, the present invention is not limited to
the same. For example, a mica heater, a ceramic heater, a print
heater, and so on may be used.
[0221] Furthermore, although each of the thermistor 33a, the
thermostat 33b, the temperature fuse 33c prevents the overheating
of the instantaneous heating device 33, the controller 4 may carry
out feedback control or feed forward control of the temperature of
the sheathed heater 505 on the basis of the measured temperature
value of the thermistor 33a or the thermostat 33b by connecting the
thermistor 33a or the thermostat 33b to the controller 4.
[0222] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a
part of the nozzle 30. In FIG. 17, the posterior nozzle 1a and the
bidet nozzle 2 having a cylindrical shape are provided parallel to
each other so as to be adjacent to each other, and the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 is mounted so as to cover upper parts at front
ends of the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2.
[0223] A tube 3t is connected to a rear end of the nozzle cleaning
nozzle 3, and the tube 3t is connected to the discharge port 512 in
the instantaneous heating device 33. Thus, the nozzle cleaning hot
water and the nozzle cleaning vapor are supplied to the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 through the tube 3t from the instantaneous
heating device 33.
[0224] FIG. 18 is a schematic sectional view of the nozzle in a
case where washing water is sprayed toward a surface to be washed
of the human body from the posterior nozzle, and FIG. 19 is a
schematic sectional view of the nozzle in a case where nozzle
cleaning hot water or nozzle cleaning vapor is sprayed from the
nozzle cleaning nozzle.
[0225] In FIGS. 18 and 19, the whole or a part of the nozzle 30 is
accommodated within a casing of the main body 200a.
[0226] Washing of the private parts of the human body by the
posterior nozzle 1a is hereinafter referred to as posterior
washing.
[0227] The posterior nozzle 1a comprises a piston 20, a cylinder
21, and a spring 23. A washing water inlet 24a is provided at a
rear end surface of the cylinder 21, and a washing water inlet 24b
is provided in its side part. A first flow path 20a and a second
flow path 20b are formed inside the piston 20, and a spray hole 25
is provided on an upper surface at a front end of the piston
20.
[0228] Washing water is supplied from the washing water inlet 24b
in the cylinder 21 at the time of starting the posterior washing.
Thus, the piston 20 provided within the cylinder 21 projects
outward from a casing of the main body 200a against an elastic
force of the spring 23, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0229] Thereafter, washing water is supplied from the washing water
inlets 24a and 24b in the cylinder 21. Thus, the washing water
supplied from the washing water inlet 24a is introduced into the
first flow path 20a in the piston 20, and is sprayed from the spray
hole 25 while being given a rotating force. The washing water
supplied from the washing water inlet 24b is introduced into the
second flow path 20b in the piston 20, and is sprayed from the
spray hole 25.
[0230] Thus, the washing water fed to the spray hole 25 from the
first flow path 20a is given the rotating force, so that the
washing water sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned of the human
body from the spray hole 25 has a divergent angle. The divergent
angle of the washing water sprayed from the spray hole 25 can be
adjusted by adjusting the ratio of the flow rate of the washing
water within the first flow path 20a to the flow rate of the
washing water within the second flow path 20b using the
above-mentioned switching valve 14a.
[0231] When the posterior washing is terminated, the supply of the
washing water to the washing water inlets 24a and 24b in the
cylinder 21 is stopped. Thus, the piston 20 is accommodated within
the cylinder 21 by the elastic force of the spring 23, as shown in
FIG. 19. In this case, the piston 20 does not project from the main
body 200a because the piston 20 is held in a state where it is
accommodated within the cylinder 21 by the elastic force of the
spring 23.
[0232] A washing water inlet 24c is provided at a rear end surface
of the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3, and a nozzle cleaning hole 24d is
provided on a lower surface at a front end of the nozzle cleaning
nozzle 3 so as to be opposed to the spray hole 25 in the posterior
nozzle 1a and the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2. A flow path 24e
for communicating the washing water inlet 24c and the nozzle
cleaning hole 24d is formed inside the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3. As
described in the foregoing, the washing water inlet 24c is
connected to the discharge port 512 in the instantaneous heating
device 33 through the tube 3t (FIG. 17).
[0233] At the time of nozzle cleaning, the nozzle cleaning hot
water or the nozzle cleaning vapor is supplied to the washing water
inlet 24c in the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 from the instantaneous
heating device 33. Thus, the nozzle cleaning hot water or the
nozzle cleaning vapor is sprayed in a direction indicated by an
arrow J1 from the nozzle cleaning hole 24d through the flow path
24e, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0234] The nozzle cleaning hot water or the nozzle cleaning vapor
sprayed from the nozzle cleaning hole 24d in the nozzle cleaning
nozzle 3 is sprayed toward the vicinities of the spray hole 25 in
the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2.
Thus, dirt adhering to the vicinities of the spray hole 25 in the
posterior nozzle 1a and the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 is
stripped by the nozzle cleaning hot water and the nozzle cleaning
vapor, and is caused to flow into the toilet bowl 600. As a result,
the vicinities of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a and
the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 are cleaned and sanitized.
[0235] FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of the automatic
opening/closing toilet seat system provided in the main body 200a
in the sanitary washing apparatus shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 21 is
a cross-sectional view taken along a line F-F of the automatic
opening/closing toilet seat system shown in FIG. 20.
[0236] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, an inner case 450 is provided
within the main body 200a. Within the inner case 450, an automatic
toilet seat opening/closing device 460 and an automatic toilet
cover opening/closing device 560 are provided. The automatic toilet
seat opening/closing device 460 has a toilet seat opening/closing
sensor 401, and the automatic toilet cover opening/closing device
560 has a toilet cover opening/closing sensor 501.
[0237] The automatic toilet cover opening/closing device 560
comprises a motor M5 and gears 507 and 509. An axis of rotation 506
of the motor M5 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow
R500, and rotates the gear 509 through the gear 507. The toilet
cover 500 is mounted on an axis of rotation 508 of the gear 509
through a fixed unit 820 (see FIG. 21). Thus, the gear 509 is
rotated, and the opening/closing operation of the toilet cover 500
is performed.
[0238] Permanent magnets 511a and 511b are mounted on the gear 509
in the automatic toilet cover opening/closing device 560 so as to
form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Holes 513a and 513b are
provided at positions respectively opposed to the permanent magnets
511a and 511b in a state where the toilet cover 500 is closed.
Here, the hole ICs 513a and 513b are magnetic sensors utilizing a
hole effect.
[0239] The automatic toilet seat opening/closing device 460
comprises a motor M4 and gears 407 and 409. An axis of rotation 406
of the motor M4 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow
R400, and rotates the gear 409 through the gear 407. The toilet
seat 400 is mounted on an axis of rotation 408 of the gear 409.
Thus, the gear 409 is rotated, and an opening/closing operation of
the toilet seat 400 is performed.
[0240] Permanent magnets 409a and 409b are mounted on the gear 409
in the automatic toilet seat opening/closing device 460 so as to
form an angle of 90 degrees. Hole ICs 420a and 420b are provided at
positions opposed to the permanent magnets 409a and 409b in a state
where the toilet seat 400 is closed.
[0241] Then, FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of
the automatic opening/closing toilet cover device 560 in the toilet
cover 500, and FIG. 23 is a diagram showing signals respectively
transmitted to the controller 4 from the hole ICs 513a and 513b by
operating the automatic opening/closing toilet cover device 560
shown in FIG. 22.
[0242] FIG. 22 (a) illustrates a state where the toilet cover 500
is closed (a toilet cover rotation angle=0 degree), and FIG. 22 (b)
illustrates a state where the toilet cover 500 is opened (a toilet
cover rotation angle=90 degrees).
[0243] As shown in FIG. 22, permanent magnets 511a and 511b are
provided on the gear 509 in the automatic toilet cover
opening/closing device 560 so as to form an angle of 90
degrees.
[0244] An angle formed between the permanent magnets 511a and 511b
is so designed as to be equal to an opening/closing angle of the
toilet cover 500.
[0245] When the toilet cover 500 is closed, that is, when the
toilet cover rotation angle is 0 degree, as shown in FIG. 22 (a),
therefore, the permanent magnet 511a is opposed to the hole IC
513a, and the permanent magnet 511b is opposed to the hole IC
513b.
[0246] As a result, when the toilet cover rotation angle is 0
degree, as shown in FIG. 23, the hole ICs 513a and 513b detect
magnetism generated by the permanent magnets 511a and 511b, to
transmit a signal at a logical high (H) level to the controller 4.
Thus, the controller 4 recognizes that the opening/closing state of
the toilet cover is "close" on the basis of the signals from the
hole ICs 513a and 513b.
[0247] On the other hand, when the toilet cover 500 is opened by
the automatic toilet cover opening/closing device 560, the gear 509
in the automatic toilet cover opening/closing device 560 is rotated
in a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 22. Thus, the
permanent magnets 511a and 511b mounted on the gear 509 are also
rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow X.
[0248] When the toilet cover 500 is opened, that is, when the
toilet cover rotation angle is 90 degree, as shown in FIG. 22 (b),
the permanent magnet 511a is opposed to the hole IC 513b, and the
permanent magnet 511b is not opposed to the hole IC 513a.
[0249] As a result, when the toilet cover rotation angle is 90
degree, as shown in FIG. 23, the hole IC 513b detects magnetism
generated by the permanent magnet 511a, to transmit a signal at a
logical high (H) level to the controller 4, and the hole IC 513a
cannot detect magnetism from the permanent magnets 511a and 511b,
to transmit a signal at a logical low (L) level to the controller
4. Thus, the controller 4 recognizes that the opening/closing state
of the toilet cover is "open" on the basis of the signals from the
hole ICs 513a and 513b.
[0250] The operation of the controller 4 will be then described.
FIGS. 24 and 25 are flow charts showing the operation of the
controller 4.
[0251] As shown in FIG. 24, the controller 4 first judges whether
or not it receives a nozzle cleaning operation signal from the
remote control device 300a (step S10). Here, the nozzle cleaning
operation signal is a predetermined signal transmitted to the
controller 4 by the pressing of the nozzle cleaning switch 309.
[0252] When the controller 4 does not receive the nozzle cleaning
operation signal from the remote control device 300, it is judged
whether or not another signal is received (step S11). When another
signal is received, the controller 4 performs a predetermined
operation on the basis of the other signal (step S12). For example,
when the controller 4 receives a signal indicating that the
posterior switch 303 is pressed by the remote control device 300a,
control is carried out such that washing water is sprayed from the
posterior nozzle 1a. On the other hand, when the controller 4
judges in the step S11 that no other signal is received, the
procedure is returned to the step S10.
[0253] When the nozzle cleaning operation signal is then received
from the remote control device 300 in the step S10, the controller
4 receives output signals of the hole ICs 513a and 513b (step
S13).
[0254] The controller 4 judges the opening or closing of the toilet
cover on the basis of the output signals of the hole ICs 513a and
513b (step S14). When the controller 4 judges that the toilet cover
is closed, the procedure is returned to the step S13.
[0255] Although in the second embodiment, the opening or closing of
the toilet cover is judged on the basis of the output signals of
the hole ICs 513a and 513b, the present invention is not limited to
the same. For example, the seating sensor 51 for detecting the
presence or absence of a user may be used on the toilet seat 400
using infrared rays.
[0256] On the other hand, when it is judged that the toilet cover
is opened, the controller 4 transmits a heating instruction to the
instantaneous heating device 33 (step S15). Thus, an amount of heat
generated from the sheathed heater 505 is increased.
[0257] Furthermore, the controller 4 designates a rotation angle of
the switching valve 14a (step S16). For example, the controller 4
instructs the motor 141 to set the rotation angle of the switching
valve 14a shown in FIG. 15 to 90 degrees. Thus, the motor 141 is
rotated, and washing water having a flow rate Q4 is supplied to the
pipe 510 in the instantaneous heating device 33. The nozzle
cleaning hot water heated by the function of the instantaneous
heating device 33 is sprayed on the vicinity of the spray hole 25
in the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2
from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3.
[0258] Thus, dirt adhering to the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in
the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 is
floated and removed.
[0259] Thereafter, the controller 4 judges whether or not a
predetermined time period has elapsed (step S17). The predetermined
time period in the step S17 is a time period required to perform
cleaning by spraying the nozzle cleaning hot water on the vicinity
of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole
in the bidet nozzle 2. When the controller 4 judges that the
predetermined time period has not elapsed, the procedure is
returned to the step S17. In the step S17, the controller 4 waits
until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
[0260] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the controller 4 instructs the instantaneous heating
device 33 to raise the heating temperature (step S18). Thus, an
amount of heat generated from the sheathed heater 505 is
increased.
[0261] Furthermore, the controller 4 designates a rotation angle of
the switching valve 14a (step S19). For example, the controller 4
instructs the motor 141 to set the rotation angle of the switching
valve 14a shown in FIG. 15 to approximately 110 degrees. Thus, the
motor 141 is rotated, and washing water supplied to the pipe 510 in
the instantaneous heating device 33 is reduced. Therefore, the
nozzle cleaning hot water is changed into nozzle cleaning
vapor.
[0262] As a result, the high-temperature nozzle cleaning vapor is
sprayed on the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior
nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 from the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3. Thus, bacteria or dirt adhering to the vicinity
of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole
in the bidet nozzle 2 is removed and is sterilized. The nozzle 30
in the second embodiment is formed of resin having high heat
resistance which is not deformed even by spraying the nozzle
cleaning vapor or the nozzle cleaning hot water.
[0263] Thereafter, the controller 4 judges whether or not the
predetermined time period has elapsed (step S20). The predetermined
time period in the step S20 is a time period required to perform
cleaning and sterilization by spraying the nozzle cleaning vapor on
the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the
spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2. When the controller 4 judges that
the predetermined time period has not elapsed, the procedure is
returned to the step S20. In the step S20, the controller 4 waits
until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
[0264] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the controller 4 transmits an instruction to stop heating
to the instantaneous heating device 33 (step S21). Thus, the supply
of power to the sheathed heater 505 in the instantaneous heating
device 33 is stopped.
[0265] The controller 4 then judges whether or not the
predetermined time period has elapsed (step S22). The predetermined
time period in the step S22 is a time period required until the
temperature in the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior
nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 is lowered. The
predetermined time period may be variably set depending on seasons,
for example, because it depends on outside air temperature. For
example, the predetermined time period may be set to four to six
seconds in summer, and may be set to one to three seconds in
winter.
[0266] When the predetermined time period has not elapsed, the
controller 4 waits until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
Thus, the temperature of the nozzle cleaning vapor heated by the
instantaneous heating device 33 is gradually lowered so that the
nozzle cleaning vapor is transformed into nozzle cleaning hot
water. Further, the temperature is lowered so that low-temperature
washing water is sprayed on the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in
the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2
through the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 from the instantaneous heating
device 33.
[0267] As a result, the temperature in the vicinity of the spray
hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a is gradually lowered. Thus, the
temperature of the nozzle 30 after sterilization can be lowered,
thereby making it possible to prevent bacteria from growing.
[0268] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the rotation angle of the switching valve 14a is
designated (step S23). For example, the motor 41 is instructed to
set the rotation angle of the switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 15
to approximately 135 degrees. Thus, the motor 141 is rotated, and
the washing water supplied to the pipe 510 in the instantaneous
heating device 33 is stopped. Thus, the washing water sprayed from
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is stopped.
[0269] The controller 4 then transmits a lamp lighting control
signal for controlling the lighting of the notification lamp 311 in
the remote control device 300a (step S24). For example, a
pulse-shaped lamp lighting control signal comprising a logical high
(H) level and a logical low (L) level is transmitted to the
notification lamp 311. The notification lamp 311 lights up in the
case of the logical high level and goes out in the case of the
logical low level on the basis of the lamp lighting control signal.
Thus, the notification lamp 311 flickers.
[0270] The controller 4 transmits to the speaker 310 in the remote
control device 300a a sound output control signal for controlling
an output of a sound from the speaker 310 (step S25). Thus, the
sound is outputted from the speaker 310 provided in the remote
control device 300a. For example, a sound "Nozzle cleaning is
terminated. Please use at ease" is repeatedly outputted and a sound
"peep" is repeatedly outputted from the speaker 310 by the
controller 4.
[0271] The controller 4 then judges whether or not a predetermined
time period has elapsed (step S26). When the controller 4 judges
that the predetermined time period has not elapsed, the procedure
is returned to the step S24. The processing in the step S24 and the
step S25 is repeatedly performed. The predetermined time period in
the step S26 is a time period required to notify the user that
nozzle cleaning is terminated.
[0272] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the controller 4 transmits to the notification lamp 311 a
lamp extinction control signal for controlling the extinction of
the notification lamp 311 (step S27), and transmits a sound stop
control signal for carrying out such control that an output of a
sound from the speaker 310 in the remote control device 300a is
stopped (step S28). Thus, the notification lamp 311 goes out, so
that the output of the sound from the speaker 310 is stopped.
[0273] In the sanitary washing apparatus 100a according to the
present invention, when it is detected by the seating sensor 51,
the hole ICs 513a and 513b, and the toilet seat switch 55 that the
sanitary washing apparatus 10a has not been employed yet, the
cleaning of the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 by the
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is allowed. When the sanitary washing
apparatus is employed, therefore, the washing water by the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 is prevented from adhering to the human body.
Thus, the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 can be kept
clean while giving a sufficient feeling of safety to the user as
well as ensuring safety. Further, the posterior nozzle 1 and the
bidet nozzle 2 are exposed to high-temperature vapor so that dirt
adhering to the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 is
easily removed, and a sterilization effect is obtained. Further, a
sterilization range at high temperatures is enlarged by the
diffusion properties of the vapor.
[0274] The posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 are washed
away by the vapor or the heated washing water, and is then cleaned
with unheated washing water, so that the temperatures of the
posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 which are sterilized by
the vapor or the heated washing water can be lowered. Therefore,
the high-temperature washing water can be prevented from being
sprayed on the user. Further, bacteria can be also prevented from
growing.
[0275] The washing water is instantaneously heated by the
instantaneous heating device 33 so that the heated washing water or
the vapor is generated and is sprayed on the posterior nozzle 1a
and the bidet nozzle 2 from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3. Thus, the
posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 are cleaned with the
high-temperature washing water or the vapor. Further, the flow rate
of the washing water supplied to the instantaneous heating device
33 is adjusted so that the vapor and the heated washing water are
sprayed from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3. Thus, the posterior
nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 can be cleaned with the vapor or
the heated washing water easily by adjusting the flow rate of the
washing water.
[0276] In the remote control device 300a in the second embodiment,
the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 can be cleaned at an
arbitrary time by operating the nozzle cleaning switch 309 in the
remote control device 300a, and the operability is improved.
Therefore, an instruction to start a cleaning operation of the
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is disabled by operating the child lock
switch 312, thereby making it possible to prevent mischief by
children and prevent a malfunction. Further, after the cleaning
operation by the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is terminated, the user
is notified of the termination of the cleaning operation.
Therefore, the user can recognize that the cleaning operation is
continued until he or she is notified of the termination of the
cleaning operation. Thus, the user is prevented from erroneously
causing the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 to spray
washing water and erroneously touching the washing water sprayed
from the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 while the
cleaning operation is continued. Thus, the posterior nozzle 1a and
the bidet nozzle 2 can be kept clean while ensuring safety.
[0277] FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view showing another example of
the remote control device shown in FIG. 11.
[0278] The remote control device 300a shown in FIG. 26 differs from
the remote control device 300a shown in FIG. 11 in the following
points. As shown in FIG. 26, the remote control device 300b
comprises a liquid crystal display unit 313 in place of the speaker
310 and the notification lamp 311 in the remote control device
300a.
[0279] Thus, information can be displayed using characters, signs,
figures, etc. on the liquid crystal display unit 313. For example,
"Nozzle sterilization is completed" can be displayed using
characters on the liquid crystal display unit 313. As a result, the
user can visually recognize that nozzle cleaning is terminated so
that the sanitary washing apparatus 100 can be safely employed.
[0280] FIG. 27 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing
another example of an instantaneous heating device used for the
sanitary washing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0281] The instantaneous heating device 33a shown in FIG. 27
differs from the instantaneous heating device 33 shown in FIG. 16
in the following points.
[0282] A casing 504a in the instantaneous heating device 33a shown
in FIG. 27 has a substantially long cylindrical shape. A sheathed
heater 505 is provided within the casing 504a, and both ends of the
sheathed heater 505 project outward from both end surfaces of the
casing 504a. A cylindrical space 510a formed between the casing
504a and the sheathed heater 505 functions as the pipe 510 shown in
FIG. 16.
[0283] At the time of the above-mentioned nozzle cleaning, washing
water supplied from the washing water outlet 143e in the switching
valve 14a shown in FIG. 13 is introduced into the cylindrical space
510a from the water supply port 511a.
[0284] When power is supplied to the sheathed heater 505, the
washing water circulating through the cylindrical space 510a is
heated by heat generated by the sheathed heater 505, and nozzle
cleaning hot water or nozzle cleaning vapor is discharged from the
discharge port 512a.
[0285] In this case, in the instantaneous heating device 33a, the
pipe 510 need not be formed as in the instantaneous heating device
33, so that the cost can be reduced. Heat is directly exchanged
between the sheathed heater 505 and the washing water, thereby
allowing the heat exchange rate to be increased.
[0286] Although in the second embodiment, the nozzle cleaning hot
water, the nozzle cleaning vapor, and the washing water are sprayed
in this order on the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2
from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 at the time of nozzle cleaning,
the present invention is not limited to the same. For example, the
nozzle cleaning vapor, the nozzle cleaning hot water, and the
washing water may be sprayed in an arbitrary order on the posterior
nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2. For example, the nozzle cleaning
hot water, the nozzle cleaning vapor, the nozzle cleaning hot
water, and the washing water may be sprayed in this order to the
posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2 from the nozzle cleaning
nozzle 3.
[0287] Furthermore, although in the present embodiment, a state
where the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is employed is detected on
the basis of the opening/closing of the toilet cover 500 using the
hole ICs 513a and 513b, the present invention is not limited to the
same. For example, a method of detecting the presence or absence of
the human body on the basis of the change in electrostatic
capacitance of the toilet seat 400 to detect a state where the
sanitary washing apparatus 100a is employed, a method of detecting
the presence or absence of the human body using ultrasonic waves to
detect a state where the sanitary washing apparatus 100a is
employed, a method of detecting that a user enters and leaves a
toilet room on the basis of the opening/closing of a door of the
toilet room to detect a state where the sanitary washing apparatus
100a is employed, or a method of detecting a state where the
sanitary washing apparatus 100 is detected on the basis of on/off
of illumination in the toilet room may be utilized.
[0288] In the sanitary washing apparatus according to the second
embodiment, the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2
correspond to a human body washing nozzle device, the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 corresponds to a nozzle cleaning device, the
seating sensor 51 or the hole ICs 153a and 153d correspond to a
state detector or a seating sensor, the controller 4 corresponds to
a control device, the instantaneous heating device 33 corresponds
to a heating device, the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 corresponds to a
spray device, the switching valve 14a corresponds to a flow rate
adjustment device, the toilet seat 400 corresponds to a toilet
seat, the seating sensor 51 corresponds to an optical detector, the
toilet seat switch 55 corresponds to a load detector, the hole ICs
153a and 153d correspond to a toilet cover opening/closing
detector, the nozzle cleaning switch 309 corresponds to a washing
instruction device, the remote control devices 300a and 300b
correspond to a remote control device, the child lock switch 312
corresponds to a disabling device, the speaker 310, the
notification lamp 311, or the liquid crystal display unit 313
correspond to a notification device.
Third Embodiment
[0289] Description is now made of a main body 200a in a sanitary
washing apparatus 10a according to a third embodiment of the
present invention. The sanitary washing apparatus 100a according to
the third embodiment has the same configuration as that of the
sanitary washing apparatus 10a according to the second embodiment.
The operation of the main body 200a in the sanitary washing
apparatus 10a according to the third embodiment differs from the
operation of the main body 200a in the sanitary washing apparatus
10a according to the second embodiment in the following points.
[0290] Description is now made of the operation of a controller 4
in the main body 200a in the sanitary washing apparatus 100a
according to the third embodiment. FIGS. 28 and 29 are flow charts
showing the operation of the controller 4, and FIG. 30 is a diagram
showing an example of the control timing of the controller 4.
[0291] The horizontal axis shown in FIG. 30 indicates time. FIG. 30
(a) indicates the timing of a heating device control signal HS,
FIG. 30 (b) indicates the change in temperature of a spray hole 25
in a posterior nozzle 1a, and FIG. 30 (c) indicates a lamp lighting
control signal of the notification lamp 311 in the remote control
device 300a shown in FIG. 11.
[0292] As shown in FIG. 28, the controller 4 first judges whether
or not a nozzle cleaning operation signal is received from the
remote control device 300a (step S30). Here, the nozzle cleaning
operation signal is a predetermined signal transmitted to the
controller 4 by the pressing of a nozzle cleaning switch 309.
[0293] The controller 4 judges, when the nozzle cleaning operation
signal is not received from the remote control device 300a, whether
or not another signal is received (step S31). When another signal
is received, the controller 4 performs a predetermined operation on
the basis of the other signal (step S32). When the controller 4
receives a signal indicating that a posterior switch 303 is pressed
from the remote control device 300a, control is carried out such
that washing water is sprayed from the posterior nozzle 1a. On the
other hand, when the controller 4 judges in the step S31 that no
other signal is received, the procedure is returned to the step
S30.
[0294] When the nozzle cleaning operation signal is then received
from the remote control device 300a in the step S30, the controller
4 receives an output signal of a seating sensor 51 (step S33).
[0295] The controller 4 judges the presence or absence of the human
body on a toilet seat 400 on the basis of the output signal of the
seating sensor 51 (step S34). When the controller 4 judges that the
human body exists, the procedure is returned to the step S33.
[0296] On the other hand, the controller 4 transmits, when it
judges that the human body does not exist, a heating instruction to
the instantaneous heating device 33 (step S35). Thus, an amount of
heat generated from the sheathed heater 505 is increased. For
example, as shown in FIG. 30 (a), the controller 4 transmits a
pulse-shaped heating device control signal HS comprising a logical
high (H) level and a logical low (L) level to the instantaneous
heating device 33. The instantaneous heating device 33 adjusts
on/off of the sheathed heater 505 on the basis of the heating
device control signal HS.
[0297] Furthermore, the controller 4 designates a rotation angle of
a switching valve 14a (step S36). For example, the controller 4
instructs a motor 141 to set the rotation angle of the switching
valve 14a shown in FIG. 15 to 90 degrees. Thus, the motor 141 is
rotated, and washing water having a flow rate Q4 is supplied to a
pipe 510 in the instantaneous heating device 33. Nozzle cleaning
hot water heated by the function of the instantaneous heating
device 33 is sprayed on the vicinity of a spray hole 25 in a
posterior nozzle 1a or a spray hole in a bidet nozzle 2 from a
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3.
[0298] Thus, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the temperature of the spray
hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a is raised. Dirt adhering to the
vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the
spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 is floated and removed.
[0299] Thereafter, the controller 4 judges whether or not a
predetermined time period has elapsed (step S37). The predetermined
time period in the step S37 is a time period required to perform
cleaning by spraying the nozzle cleaning hot water on the vicinity
of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole
in the bidet nozzle 2. When the controller 4 judges that the
predetermined time period has not elapsed, the procedure is
returned to the step S37. In the step S37, the controller 4 waits
until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
[0300] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the controller 4 instructs the instantaneous heating
device 33 to raise the heating temperature (step S38). Thus, an
amount of heat generated from a sheathed heater 505 is
increased.
[0301] Furthermore, the controller 4 designates a rotation angle of
the switching valve 14a (step S39). For example, the motor 141 is
instructed to set the rotation angle of the switching valve 14a
shown in FIG. 15 to approximately 110 degrees. Thus, the motor 141
is rotated, and washing water supplied to the pipe 510 in the
instantaneous heating device 33 is reduced. Thus, the nozzle
cleaning hot water is transformed into nozzle cleaning vapor.
[0302] As a result, the high-temperature nozzle cleaning vapor is
sprayed on the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior
nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 from the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3. Thus, bacteria or dirt adhering to the vicinity
of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole
in the bidet nozzle 2 is removed and is sterilized. The nozzle 30
in the second embodiment is formed of resin having high heat
resistance which is not deformed by spraying the nozzle cleaning
vapor or the nozzle cleaning hot water.
[0303] Thereafter, the controller 4 judges whether or not the
predetermined time period has elapsed (step S40). The predetermined
time period in the step S40 is a time period required to perform
cleaning and sterilization by spraying the nozzle cleaning vapor on
the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the
spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2. When the controller 4 judges that
the predetermined time period has not elapsed, the procedure is
returned to the step S40. In the step S40, the controller 4 waits
until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
[0304] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the controller 4 instructs the instantaneous heating
device 33 to stop heating (step S41). Thus, the supply of power to
the sheathed heater 505 in the instantaneous heating device 33 is
stopped.
[0305] The controller 4 then judges whether or not a predetermined
time period has elapsed (step S42). The predetermined time period
in the step S42 is a time period required until the temperature in
the vicinity of the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the
spray hole in the bidet nozzle 2 is lowered, and corresponds to a
time T1 in FIG. 30. The predetermined time period may be variably
set depending on seasons or the like because it depends on outside
air temperature. For example, the predetermined time period may be
set to four to six seconds in summer, and may be set to one to
three seconds in winter.
[0306] In this case, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the temperature of
the spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a is gradually
lowered.
[0307] When the predetermined time period has not elapsed, the
controller 4 waits until the predetermined time period has elapsed.
Thus, the temperature of the nozzle cleaning vapor heated by the
instantaneous heating device 33 is gradually lowered so that the
nozzle cleaning vapor is transformed into nozzle cleaning hot
water, and the temperature is further lowered. Thus,
low-temperature washing water is sprayed on the vicinity of the
spray hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a or the spray hole in the
bidet nozzle 2 from the instantaneous heating device 33 through the
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3.
[0308] As a result, the temperature in the vicinity of the spray
hole 25 in the posterior nozzle 1a is gradually lowered. Thus, the
temperature of the nozzle 30 after sterilization can be lowered,
thereby making it possible to prevent bacteria from growing.
[0309] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the rotation angle of the switching valve 14a is
designated (step S43). For example, the motor 41 is instructed to
set the rotation angle of the switching valve 14a shown in FIG. 15
to approximately 135 degrees. Thus, the motor 141 is rotated, and
the washing water supplied to the pipe 510 in the instantaneous
heating device 33 is stopped. Thus, the washing water sprayed from
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is stopped.
[0310] The controller 4 then transmits a lamp lighting control
signal for controlling the lighting of the notification lamp 311 in
the remote control device 300a (step S44). For example, a
pulse-shaped lamp lighting control signal comprising a logical high
(H) level and a logical low (L) level is transmitted to the
notification lamp 311, as shown in FIG. 30 (c). The notification
lamp 311 lights up in the case of the logical high level and goes
out in the case of the logical low level on the basis of the lamp
lighting control signal. Thus, the notification lamp 311
flickers.
[0311] The controller 4 transmits to the speaker 310 in the remote
control device 300a a sound output control signal for controlling
an output of a sound from the speaker 310 (step S45). Thus, the
sound is outputted from the speaker 310 provided in the remote
control device 300a. For example, a sound "Nozzle cleaning is
terminated. Please use at ease" is repeatedly outputted or a sound
"peep" is repeatedly outputted from the speaker 310 by the
controller 4.
[0312] The controller 4 then judges whether or not a predetermined
time period has elapsed (step S46). When the controller 4 judges
that the predetermined time period has not elapsed, the procedure
is returned to the step S44, to repeatedly perform the processing
in the step S44 and the step S45. The predetermined time period in
the step S46 is a time period required to notify a user that nozzle
cleaning is terminated, and corresponds to a time T2 in FIG.
30.
[0313] On the other hand, when the predetermined time period has
elapsed, the controller 4 transmits to the notification lamp 311 a
lamp extinction control signal for controlling the extinction of
the notification lamp 311 (step S47), and transmits a sound stop
control signal for carrying out such control that an output of a
sound is stopped from the speaker 310 in the remote control device
300a (step S48). Thus, the notification lamp 311 goes out, so that
the output of the sound from the speaker 310 is stopped.
[0314] In the sanitary washing apparatus 100a according to the
present invention, after the cleaning operation at high
temperatures by the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 is terminated, and the
temperature of the posterior nozzle 1a is lowered, the user is
notified of the termination of the cleaning operation by the
notification lamp 311 and the speaker 310. Therefore, the user can
recognize that the cleaning operation at high temperatures is
continued until he or she is notified of the termination of the
cleaning operation. Thus, the user is prevented from erroneously
causing the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 at high
temperatures to spray washing water and erroneously touching the
posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 at high temperatures
while the cleaning operation at high temperatures is continued.
Thus, the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 can be kept
clean while giving a sufficient feeling of safety to the user as
well as ensuring safety.
[0315] Furthermore, the notification lamp 311 and the speaker 310
stop notification that the cleaning operation is terminated after
an elapse of a predetermined time period since the cleaning
operation by the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 was terminated.
Therefore, more notification than necessary is prevented, and
useless power consumption is prevented. The use of the speaker 310
allows even an aged or blind user to visually recognize that the
cleaning operation at high temperatures is terminated. Thus, the
safety of various types of users is ensured.
[0316] Furthermore, the posterior nozzle 1 and the bidet nozzle 2
are exposed to high-temperature vapor, so that dirt adhering to the
posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 is floated, and is
washed away with high-temperature washing water, thereby obtaining
a sterilization effect. Further, a sterilization range at high
temperatures is enlarged by the diffusion properties of vapor.
[0317] In the sanitary washing apparatus according to the third
embodiment, the user is notified, after the cleaning operation at
high temperatures of the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2
by the vapor is terminated, of the termination of the cleaning
operation. Therefore, the user is prevented from erroneously
touching the high-temperature vapor, erroneously causing the
posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 to spray the
high-temperature washing water, and erroneously touching the
posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 at high temperatures
while the cleaning operation at high temperatures is continued.
Thus, the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 can be kept
clean while ensuring safety.
[0318] Furthermore, the flow rate of the washing water supplied to
the instantaneous heating device 33 is adjusted so that the washing
water is sprayed with the high-temperature washing water or the
vapor from the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3. Thus, the human body
washing nozzle device can be easily cleaned with washing waters
which differ in physical properties by the adjustment of the flow
rate of the washing water.
[0319] The posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 can be
cleaned at an arbitrary time by operating the nozzle cleaning
switch 309 provided in the remote control device 300a, and the
operability is improved.
Fourth Embodiment
[0320] Description is now made of a main body 200b in a sanitary
washing apparatus 100b according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0321] FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the
main body 200b in the sanitary washing apparatus 100b according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0322] The main body 200b in the sanitary washing apparatus 100b
shown in FIG. 31 further comprises a scale inhibiting material
supply device 34 in addition to the configuration of the main body
200a in the sanitary washing apparatus 100a shown in FIG. 12. The
details of the scale inhibiting material supply device will be
described later.
[0323] FIG. 32 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the
configuration of an instantaneous heating device 33. In FIG. 32,
the instantaneous heating device 33 comprises a casing 504, a
sheathed heater 505, a thermal conductor 506, a pipe 510, a
thermistor 33a, a thermostat 33b, and a temperature fuse 33c.
[0324] The casing 504 has a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped shape. In the casing 504, the pipe 510 and the
sheathed heater 505 are provided side by side with predetermined
spacing so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and both
ends of each of them project outward from both end surfaces of the
casing 504. Here, the side of one end of the pipe 510 is taken as
the upstream side of the instantaneous heating device 33, and the
side of the other end is taken as the downstream side of the
instantaneous heating device 33. One end of the pipe 510 is
connected to the pipe 520 connected to a switching valve 14 shown
in FIG. 31.
[0325] The scale inhibiting material supply device 34 is interposed
in the pipe 520 on the upstream side of the instantaneous heating
device 33. The scale inhibiting material supply device 34
accommodates a scale inhibitor.
[0326] In the casing 504, the pipe 510 and the sheathed heater 505
are covered with a thermal conductor 506. The sheathed heater 505
contains an electrically-heated wire, and generates heat by being
supplied with power.
[0327] At the time of the above-mentioned nozzle cleaning, washing
water is introduced into the pipe 510 from a water supply port 511
by the switching valve 14a.
[0328] When power is supplied to the sheathed heater 505, the heat
generated by the sheathed heater 505 is transmitted to the pipe 510
through the thermal conductor 506. Thus, the washing water
introduced into the pipe 510 is heated, so that nozzle cleaning hot
water or nozzle cleaning vapor is discharged from a discharge port
512.
[0329] The thermistor 33a and the thermostat 33b are provided on
the downstream side of the instantaneous heating device 33. The
temperature fuse 33c is provided on a side surface of the casing
504.
[0330] In the fourth embodiment, the thermistor 33a, the thermostat
33b, and the temperature fuse 33c differ in reference operating
temperatures. Thus, adjustments for preventing overheating in three
stages can be made. Further, even if any one of the thermistor 33a,
the thermostat 33b, and the temperature fuse 33c fails, the
remaining two of them allow overheating to be prevented.
[0331] The thermistor 33a is mounted on the sheathed heater 505, to
detect the temperature of the sheathed heater 505. A controller 4
judges the temperature of the sheathed heater 505 fed from the
thermistor 33a, to carry out control, in a case where the sheathed
heater 505 is in an overheated state, such that the temperature of
the sheathed heater 505 is lowered.
[0332] The thermostat 33b is mounted such that the temperature of
washing water circulating within the pipe 510 is detectable. When
the temperature of the washing water circulating within the pipe
510 exceeds the reference operating temperature of the thermostat
33b, the thermostat 33b is operated so as to shut off the supply of
power to the sheathed heater 505.
[0333] Finally, the temperature fuse 33c is adhesively fixed to the
casing 504. When the temperature of the casing 504 exceeds the
reference operating temperature of the thermostat 33b, the
temperature fuse 33c is fused so that the supply of power to the
sheathed heater 505 is shut off.
[0334] By the functions of the thermistor 33a, the thermostat 33b,
and the temperature fuse 33c, overheating of washing water by the
sheathed heater 505 and overheating of the sheathed heater 505
itself are prevented.
[0335] Although in the instantaneous heating device 33 in the
fourth embodiment, the sheathed heater 505 is used as a heating
device for washing water, the present invention is not limited to
the same. For example, a mica heater, a ceramic heater, a print
heater, and so on may be used.
[0336] Furthermore, although each of the thermistor 33a, the
thermostat 33b, and the temperature fuse 33c prevents the
overheating of the instantaneous heating device 33, the thermistor
33a or the thermostat 33b is connected to the controller 4 so that
the controller 4 may carry out feedback control or feed forward
control of the temperature of the sheathed heater 505 on the basis
of the measured temperature value of the thermistor 33a or the
thermostat 33b.
[0337] Usable as the scale inhibitor is a phosphate compound, an
acrylic acid, or an acrylic compound. Usable as the phosphate
compound may be any one type of calcium phosphate, potassium
phosphate, hexametaphosphate, aluminum-calcium tripolyphosphate,
aluminum-magnesium tripolyphosphate, magnesium pyrophosphate,
calcium metaphosphate, and calcium sodium metaphosphate, or a
mixture of two or more types of the phosphate compounds.
[0338] Usable as the acrylic compound is an acrylic acid-maleic
acid copolymer compound or the like.
[0339] The crystal form of a scale in washing water is changed and
crystal growth is prevented by thus supplying the phosphate
compound, the acrylic acid, or the acrylic compound to the washing
water. Thus, the scale can be prevented from being deposited, so
that the scale can be prevented from adhering to a wall surface of
the pipe 510 in the instantaneous heating device 33.
[0340] Particularly, it is preferable that a mixture of calcium
phosphate and potassium phosphate is used. In this case, the effect
of preventing the adhesion of the scale is continued or a long time
period.
[0341] A chelate material may be used as the scale inhibitor.
Usable as the chelate material can be one or two or more types of
an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a hydroethylethylenediamine
triacetic acid, a dihydroxy ethylenediamine diacetic acid, a
1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid, a triethylenetetramine
hexaacetic acid, a nitrilotriacetic acid, and a gluconic acid.
[0342] In this case, the chelate material reacts with a metal ion
in the scale so that the scale is removed. As a result, the scale
is prevented from adhering to the wall surface of the pipe 510 in
the instantaneous heating device 33.
[0343] A scale dissolving agent may be used as the scale inhibitor.
Usable as the scale dissolving agent are a citric acid, a
hydrochloric acid, an acetic acid, or a nitric acid.
[0344] In this case, the scale is dissolved and is removed. This
prevents the scale from adhering to the wall surface of the pipe
510 in the instantaneous heating device 33. An unnecessary
component other than the scale component is also dissolved by the
scale dissolving agent. Thus, sodium ions and potassium ions which
are unnecessary components can be also removed.
[0345] A heater may be provided in the vicinity of the scale
inhibiting material supply device 34 to heat the scale component.
Thus, the reaction between the scale dissolving agent and the scale
component is hastened so that the effect of removing the scale is
increased.
[0346] As described in the foregoing, the scale inhibitor is
supplied to the washing water supplied to the instantaneous heating
device 33 by the scale inhibiting material supply device 34. Thus,
the scale is automatically prevented from adhering to the wall
surface of the pipe 510 in the instantaneous heating device 33.
[0347] Furthermore, cation exchange resin may be brought into
contact with the washing water by providing the cation exchange
resin in place of or in addition to the scale inhibitor in the
scale inhibiting material supply device 34. In this case, metal
ions such as calcium ions or magnesium ions which are a main
component of the scale are removed from the washing water so that a
high scale removal capability is obtained. The washing water is
prevented from being colored. An example of the type of the cation
exchange resin is a strong acid cation exchange resin sodium
type.
Fifth Embodiment
[0348] FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a
sanitary washing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0349] As shown in FIG. 33, the sanitary washing apparatus
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention differs
from the sanitary washing apparatus 100b according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention in that a pipe 510 is provided
with a vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a and a
horizontal magnetic field generating magnet 514b in place of or in
addition to the scale preventing material supply device 34.
[0350] The vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a generates
a vertical magnetic field, and the horizontal magnetic field
generating magnet 514b generates a horizontal magnetic field. The
vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a and the horizontal
magnetic field generating magnet 514b are composed of an
electromagnet, and energize a coil (not shown) to generate a
magnetic field.
[0351] Thus, magnetism can be exerted on calcium ions, magnesium
ions, etc. in washing water flowing in a pipe 510.
[0352] Both the vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a and
the horizontal magnetic field generating magnet 514b are used so
that respective non-action ranges of magnetism can be compensated
for. This allows the magnesium to be exerted on the whole of the
washing water flowing in the pipe 510.
[0353] As described in the foregoing, the magnetism is exerted on
the washing water flowing in the pipe 510 so that an ion flow
comprising a set of ions having the same polarity is produced
within the pipe 510. In this case, the ions are condensed so that
collisions of the ions are hastened. Thus, the aggregation and
sedimentation actions of the ions are hastened. Therefore, no scale
occurs on the wall surface of the pipe 510, so that an aggregate of
the ions flows toward the downstream side of the instantaneous
heating device 33. This automatically prevents the scale from
adhering to a wall surface of the pipe 510 in the instantaneous
heating device 33.
[0354] The vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a and the
horizontal magnetic field generating magnet 514b are
semipermanently operated, thereby eliminating the necessity of
maintenance.
[0355] The vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a and the
horizontal magnetic field generating magnet 514b may be provided so
as to be rotatable around an outer peripheral surface of the pipe
510 by an actuator (not shown).
[0356] The vertical magnetic field generating magnet 514a and the
horizontal magnetic field generating magnet 514b may be moved back
and forth in the axial direction of the pipe 510. Thus, the ion
flow can be more effectively produced. This makes it possible to
more effectively prevent the scale from adhering to the wall
surface of the pipe 510.
[0357] A permanent magnet may be used as the vertical magnetic
field generating magnet 514a and the horizontal magnetic field
generating magnet 514b. In this case, the necessity of the supply
of power can be eliminated.
Sixth Embodiment
[0358] FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing a part of a sanitary
washing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0359] As shown in FIG. 34, the sanitary washing apparatus
according to the sixth embodiment differs from the sanitary washing
apparatus 100a according to the fourth embodiment in that a pipe
510 is provided with a ultrasonic vibrator S in place of or in
addition to the scale inhibiting material supply device 34.
[0360] When an AC voltage having a resonance frequency is applied
to the ultrasonic vibrator S, strong ultrasonic waves are produced
by a resonance phenomenon. The ultrasonic waves produced by the
ultrasonic vibrator S are propagated in a direction at a right
angle to a vibration surface without being dispersed.
[0361] Therefore, the ultrasonic waves are propagated in the
backflow direction of washing water by providing the ultrasonic
vibrator S in a bent portion of the pipe 510. Thus, fine bubbles
(hereinafter referred to as cavitation) are produced in washing
water.
[0362] The cavitation produced in the washing water by the
ultrasonic waves evaporates carbon ions in the washing water which
cause a scale. Thus, the scale is prevented from being produced,
thereby making it possible to automatically prevent the scale from
adhering to a wall surface of the pipe 510 in the instantaneous
heating device 33. The ultrasonic vibrator S is semipermanently
operated, thereby eliminating the necessity of maintenance.
[0363] As in the above-mentioned fourth, fifth, and sixth
embodiments, the posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2
correspond to a human body washing nozzle device, the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3 corresponds to a nozzle cleaning device, the
scale inhibiting material supply device 34 corresponds to a scale
inhibitor supply device, the vertical magnetic field generating
magnet 514a and the horizontal magnetic field generating magnet
514b correspond to a magnetism generator, and the ultrasonic
vibrator S corresponds to a ultrasonic wave generator.
Seventh Embodiment
[0364] Description is now made of a main body 200c in a sanitary
washing apparatus 100c according to a seventh embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing the
configuration of the main body 200c in the sanitary washing
apparatus 100c according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention. The main body 200c in the sanitary washing apparatus
100c shown in FIG. 35 does not comprise the instantaneous heating
device 33 and the thermistor 33b in the configuration of the main
body 200a in the sanitary washing apparatus 100a shown in FIG.
12.
[0365] As shown in FIG. 35, a heat exchanger 11 heats washing water
supplied through a pipe 202 to a predetermined temperature on the
basis of a control signal fed by a controller 4. A temperature
sensor 12b measures the temperature of the washing water heated to
a predetermined temperature by the heat exchanger 11, and gives a
measured temperature value to the controller 4. A temperature
sensor 12c measures the temperature of the washing water supplied
to a nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 through the heat exchanger 11, and
gives a measured temperature value to the controller 4.
[0366] A pump 13 feeds by pressure the washing water heated by the
heat exchanger 11 to a switching valve 14a on the basis of the
control signal fed by the controller 4. The switching valve 14a
supplies washing water to any one of a posterior nozzle 1a and a
bidet nozzle 2 in a nozzle 30 and the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3 on
the basis of the control signal fed by the controller 4.
[0367] In a case where the washing water is supplied to the
posterior nozzle 1a or the bidet nozzle 2 in the nozzle 30, the
washing water is sprayed from the posterior nozzle 1a or the bidet
nozzle 2. On the other hand, when the washing water is supplied to
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3, the washing water is sprayed on the
posterior nozzle 1a and the bidet nozzle 2 from the nozzle cleaning
nozzle 3.
[0368] The washing water heated by the heat exchanger 11 is
referred to as nozzle cleaning hot water, and vapor generated by
the heating of the heat exchanger 11 is referred to as nozzle
cleaning vapor.
[0369] The nozzle cleaning hot water or the nozzle cleaning vapor
is sprayed on the posterior nozzle 1a or the bidet nozzle 2 from
the nozzle cleaning nozzle 3. In the heat exchanger 11, the washing
water is prevented from being overheated by the temperature sensors
12b and 12c.
[0370] As described in the foregoing, in the sanitary washing
apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, the instantaneous
heating device 33 need not be provided, so that the miniaturization
of the nozzle 30 can be realized.
[0371] That is, although in the seventh embodiment, the
instantaneous heating device 33 as described in the first
embodiment is not used, the washing water is heated to
high-temperature water having a temperature of approximately
60.degree. C. by the heat exchanger 11 and is discharged from the
nozzle cleaning nozzle 3, thereby making it possible to sterilize
the surface of the posterior nozzle 1 or the bidet nozzle 2 which
is a human body washing nozzle device by high-temperature cleaning,
as in the first embodiment.
[0372] The washing water is heated by the heat exchanger 11 to
high-temperature water or vapor, and is discharged from the nozzle
cleaning nozzle 3, thereby allowing the surface of the posterior
nozzle 1 or the bidet nozzle 2 which is the human body washing
nozzle device from being cleaned and sterilized by the
high-temperature water or the vapor, as in the other
embodiments.
[0373] (Sterilization Evaluation Test Result)
[0374] Description is now made of results obtained by conducting
sterilization evaluation tests in metal nozzles.
[0375] First, 12 metal nozzles (long size) are used as a specimen
of a test material. As the specimen, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739,
Pseudomonas sp. and Aspergillus niger IFO 9455 were used as test
strains.
[0376] As a strain preparation liquid, the Escherichia coli and the
Pseudomonas sp. were cultivated overnight at a temperature of
37.degree. C. in a tryptosoybouillon culture medium, and is
suitably diluted using the tryptosoybouillon culture medium diluted
by ten times, to be prepared such that the number of strains is
approximately 105 CFU/mL. As a spore preparation liquid, the
Aspergillus niger was suitably diluted using a liquid obtained by
diluting a potato dexitrose agar medium by 100 times, to be
prepared such that the number of spores is approximately 10.sup.4
CFU/mL. Four test tubes were prepared per one strain, and a strain
preparation liquid of 15 mL was put per one of the test tubes.
[0377] Escherichia coli: four test tubes (15 mL per one), the
number of strains is approximately 10.sup.5 CFU/mL
[0378] Pseudomonas sp.: four test tubes (15 mL per one), the number
of strains is approximately 10.sup.5 CFU/mL
[0379] Aspergillus niger: four test tubes (15 mL per one) the
number of strains is approximately 10.sup.4 CFU/mL
[0380] As a test method, the metal nozzles were subjected to
sterilization processing by autoclaving and then, one of the metal
nozzles was put in each of the strain preparation liquid and the
spore preparation liquid. Storage conditions were 25.degree. C.,
surfaces of the metal nozzles which were respectively subjected to
warming processing and no-processing were extracted using "wiping
check" after one and two weeks, and the preparation liquids were
suitably diluted by a sterile normal saline solution. Therefore,
the Escherichia coli and the Pseudomonas sp. were cultivated
overnight at a temperature of 37.degree. C. using a standard agar
medium and then, the number of strains which have grown was
measured. The Aspergillus niger was cultivated at a temperature of
25.degree. C. using a potato dextrose agar medium for seven days
and then, the number of strains which have grown was measured.
[0381] Here, as test conditions (a method of processing a surface
of the metal nozzle), tap water was warmed to 55.degree. C. with
respect to the warming processing, was cleaned for one minute at a
rate of 300 to 500 mL per minute, and was cleaned for seven minutes
(warmed once per day) at a rate of 300 to 500 mL per minute. As to
the no-processing, the tap water was not cleaned.
[0382] As to the results of the foregoing tests, the results of the
respective numbers of strains in bacteria and the Aspergillus niger
which have adhered to the surface of the metal nozzle are shown in
Table 1. Although the Escherichia coli which was warmed was 40
CFU/mL in the first week, it was not more than 10 CFU/mL which is
not more than the detection limit in the second week. Although the
Pseudomonas sp. was 38 CFU/mL in the first week, it was 20 CFU/mL
in the second week. The Aspergillus niger was not more than 10
CFU/mL which is not more than the detection limit in the first and
second weeks.
[0383] The respective numbers of strains in the Escherichia coli
and the Pseudomonas sp. which were not processed were 10.sup.4 to
10.sup.5 CFU/mL in the first and second weeks, and the number of
strains in the Aspergillus niger was 10.sup.3 CFU/mL in the first
and second weeks.
1TABLE 1 PERIOD WARMING NO TEST STRAIN (WEEK) PROCESSING PROCESSING
E. coli 1 40 7.9 .times. 10.sup.4 (5.3 .times. 10.sup.5 CFU/mL)* 2
<10 6.7 .times. 10.sup.6 [Pseudomonas sp. 1 38 1.3 .times.
10.sup.5 (9.2 .times. 10.sup.5 CFU/mL)* 2 20 3.2 .times. 10.sup.6
A. niger 1 <10 4.5 .times. 10.sup.3 (4.1 .times. 10.sup.4
CFU/mL)* 2 <10 4.8 .times. 10.sup.3 *NUMBER OF INITIAL STARINS
(UNIT: CFU/mL)
[0384] The above-mentioned metal nozzle is a so-called stainless
nozzle obtained by squeezing stainless steel.
[0385] The above-mentioned results are obtained by test and
evaluation in a third-party public organization.
[0386] The foregoing results proves that a sterilization effect is
produced by cleaning at a temperature of 55.degree. C. in the
foregoing conditions.
* * * * *