JP2011069166A - Sanitary washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sanitary washing device which acquires wash water in a desired temperature immediately after water starts to flow, even when using a heater with a relatively poor heat responsiveness in an instantaneous-heating type heat exchanger. <P>SOLUTION: The sanitary washing device includes: the heat exchanger with a heating chamber having the heater for instantaneously heating the water; a water-supply valve for controlling the supply of the water to the heating chamber; a wash nozzle having a water discharge opening for washing a human private part by jetting the water from the water discharge opening; the main channel for supplying the wash nozzle with the water heated in the heating chamber; a water-temperature detection means arranged in the main channel for detecting the temperature of the water heated by the heater; a sub-channel connected between the heating chamber and the water-temperature detection means, and discharging the water flowing from the heating chamber; a sub-channel opening and closing valve opening and closing the sub channel; and a control unit for executing such control as to open the sub-channel opening and closing valve when the water supply valve is opened, and to pass the water flowing from the heating chamber to the sub-channel for discharge. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a sanitary washing apparatus, and more specifically, to a sanitary washing apparatus for washing a user's “butt” or the like seated on a Western-style seated toilet with water.

  Generally, a ceramic heater is used in an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger provided in a sanitary washing device. On the other hand, a sheathed heater can be used for an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, for example, for the purpose of reducing cost or improving resistance to heat shock. Therefore, there are a human body cleaning device and a sanitary cleaning device using a sheathed heater as a heating source of an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger (Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, when a ceramic heater or a sheathed heater is used as a heating source of an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, the heater may generate residual heat even after being set to “OFF”. As a result, a phenomenon called “post-boiling” or the like occurs, and the water in the heat exchanger may be abnormally heated.

  On the other hand, the sanitary washing apparatus described in Patent Document 2 energizes the washing water heating means after supplying the washing water from the water supply source to the washing water heating means at the start of washing of the human body by the ejection means. Yes. Moreover, the sanitary washing apparatus described in Patent Document 2 energizes the washing water heating means before stopping the supply of the washing water from the water supply source to the washing water heating means at the end of washing of the human body by the ejection means. It has stopped. As a result, the sanitary washing device described in Patent Document 2 prevents the water in the heat exchanger from being abnormally heated, and prevents the hot wash water from being jetted out to the user's local area. Yes.

  However, since the sheath heater has a lower thermal response than the ceramic heater, in order to prevent “post-boiling” in the heat exchanger, after the energization of the sheath heater is stopped, the washing water is stopped. A longer time is required between. If it does so, since the cold water from a water supply source will flow in the heat exchanger for a longer time, there exists a problem that a heat exchanger is cooled too much. If the heat exchanger is too cool, it takes longer time to heat the wash water to the desired temperature after the start of the next water flow, or the initial temperature of the wash water sprayed to the human body part becomes lower There is. In other words, if cold water from a water supply source is allowed to flow through the heat exchanger for a long period of time that can prevent “post-boiling”, the heat exchanger will be too cold, and the initial temperature of the water injected into the human body will be higher. There is a problem of being lowered.

JP 2005-105668 A JP 2008-223470 A

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and even when a heater having a relatively poor thermal response is used in an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, a desired temperature is washed immediately after the start of water flow. It aims at providing the sanitary washing apparatus which can obtain water.

  A first invention includes a heat exchanger provided with a heating chamber having a heater that instantaneously heats water, a water supply valve that controls supply of water to the heating chamber, and a water discharge port. A cleaning nozzle that jets water from the water mouth to clean the human body part, a main channel that supplies water heated in the heating chamber to the cleaning nozzle, and water that is disposed in the main channel and heated by the heater A sub-flow path connected between the water temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the water, the heating chamber, and the water temperature detection means and capable of discharging water flowing out of the heating chamber; and the sub-flow path can be opened and closed. A sub-channel opening / closing valve, and a control unit that performs control for opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve to allow water flowing out from the heating chamber to flow into and discharge the sub-channel when the water supply valve is opened. The sanitary washing device is characterized by comprising:

  According to this sanitary washing device, the sub-flow channel capable of discharging the water flowing out from the heating chamber is connected between the heating chamber and the water temperature detecting means. Further, a sub-channel opening / closing valve capable of opening / closing the sub-channel is provided. And when a control part opens a water supply valve, it can let the water which flowed out from the heating chamber flow into a subchannel, and can be discharged by opening a subchannel on-off valve. Even when the water in the heating chamber is heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature by “post-boiling”, it is possible to prevent the water heated to the high temperature from flowing to the water temperature detecting means side. Thereby, it can prevent that a control part misidentifies that it is heating abnormality and prohibits the water discharge from a washing nozzle, and the situation where a user cannot use a local washing | cleaning function can be avoided.

  Moreover, according to this sanitary washing apparatus, since it is not necessary to prevent “post-boiling”, the flow path in the heater, the heating chamber, and the heat exchanger is not cooled too much. Therefore, the heater, the heating chamber, and the flow path in the heat exchanger are kept warm. Thereby, even when a heater having relatively poor thermal response is used as the heater of the heat exchanger, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the control unit opens the sub-channel on-off valve after opening the sub-channel on-off valve for a predetermined time when starting heating of water in the heating chamber. The sanitary washing apparatus is characterized in that the water supply to the water temperature detecting means is started by closing the valve.

  According to this sanitary washing device, when the water supply valve is opened, the control unit opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve, thereby passing water discharged from the heating chamber to the sub-channel and discharging it. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve, the control unit closes the sub-channel opening / closing valve and allows water to flow to the cleaning nozzle. That is, a control part controls discharge of the water heated by the heater in a heating chamber by time, and switches from discharge to a subchannel to water supply to a washing nozzle. According to this, the control unit can execute the initial heating operation of the heat exchanger without performing complicated or special operations. Therefore, even when a heater having a relatively poor thermal response is used as the heater of the heat exchanger, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle.

  According to the aspect of the present invention, even when a heater having a relatively poor thermal responsiveness is used in an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, a sanitary washing device capable of obtaining wash water at a desired temperature immediately after the start of water flow Is provided.

It is a perspective schematic diagram showing the toilet apparatus provided with the sanitary washing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the sanitary washing apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the example of the principal part structure of the waterway system of the sanitary washing apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which illustrates the specific example of the heat exchanger of this embodiment. It is a timing chart for explaining an outline of operation of a sanitary washing device concerning an embodiment. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the specific example of operation | movement of the sanitary washing apparatus concerning embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a toilet apparatus provided with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Moreover, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the sanitary washing apparatus concerning this embodiment. In addition, FIG. 2 represents together the principal part structure of the waterway system and the electrical system.

  The toilet device shown in FIG. 1 includes a Western-style seat toilet (hereinafter simply referred to as “toilet” for convenience of explanation) 800 and a sanitary washing device 100 provided thereon. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a casing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are pivotally supported with respect to the casing 400 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The casing 400 incorporates a local cleaning function unit that realizes cleaning of a user who sits on the toilet seat 200, such as a “butt”. Further, for example, the casing 400 is provided with a seating detection sensor 404 that detects that the user has sat on the toilet seat 200. When the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, when the user operates an operation unit (not shown) such as a remote controller, the cleaning nozzle 471 can be advanced into the bowl 801 of the toilet 800. it can. In the sanitary washing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the washing nozzle 471 is in a state where it has advanced into the bowl 801.

  One or a plurality of water discharge ports 473 are provided at the tip of the cleaning nozzle 471. Then, the washing nozzle 471 can wash water such as a “buttock” of a user sitting on the toilet seat 200 by ejecting water from a water discharge port 473 provided at the tip of the washing nozzle 471. In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the sanitary washing device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a water supply pipe 10 that guides water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) such as a water supply or a water storage tank. A water supply valve 431 is provided on the upstream side of the water supply pipe 10. A water supply valve (hereinafter referred to as “electromagnetic valve” for convenience of explanation) 431 is an openable / closable electromagnetic valve, and is supplied to the heat exchanger 440 based on a command from the control unit 405 provided in the casing 400. Control the water supply.

  A water entry thermistor 432 is provided on the downstream side of the electromagnetic valve 431. The incoming water thermistor 432 detects the temperature of the water led to the heat exchanger 440. An instantaneous heating type heat exchanger 440 is provided downstream of the incoming water thermistor 432. The heat exchanger 440 detects the temperature of the water heated by the heater 441, the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442, and the heater 441 that instantaneously heats the supplied water to a predetermined temperature, and information on the water temperature. A hot water thermistor (water temperature detecting means) 443 that outputs the output to the control unit 405.

  Examples of the heater 441 include a sheathed heater and a ceramic heater. The energization control to the heater 441 for heating the water supplied to the heat exchanger 440 to a predetermined temperature is performed on the incoming water temperature to the heat exchanger 440 detected by the incoming water thermistor 432 and the hot water thermistor 443. When the control unit 405 takes in the information of the temperature of the heated water detected in this way, it is performed by a combination of feedforward control and feedback control.

  In addition, the heat exchanger 440 detects the presence or absence of water stored in the heat exchanger 440, and the float switch 444 that prevents emptying of the heat exchanger 440 and the temperature of water flowing out of the heat exchanger 440 are safe. A limiter thermistor (water temperature detecting means) 445 for confirming this, and a vacuum breaker 446 for preventing sewage from flowing backward from the cleaning nozzle 471 when a negative pressure is generated on the electromagnetic valve 431 side, for example.

  Here, the downstream of the water supply pipe 10 branches in two directions at the auxiliary flow path opening / closing valve 442. One flow path is the main flow path 11 for supplying water heated by the heater 441 to the cleaning nozzle 471, and the other flow path is for supplying water heated by the heater 441 to the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 (see FIG. 3) or This is a sub-flow path 12 that discharges into the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. That is, the auxiliary flow path opening / closing valve 442 and the auxiliary flow path 12 are provided between the heater 441 and the hot water thermistor 443. Then, the control unit 405 controls and opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 to pass water heated by the heater 441 into the sub-channel 12, and into the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 and the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. Can be discharged. This will be described in detail later.

  Downstream of the heat exchanger 440, a flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 for opening / closing or switching water supply to the cleaning nozzle 471 or the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 (see FIG. 3) and adjusting the water flow rate (flow rate) is provided. Yes. The downstream of the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 branches, for example, in four directions. One channel is the waste water channel 15, and the remaining channel is the nozzle channel 14 that supplies the water supplied from the heat exchanger 440 to the cleaning nozzle 471. The number of nozzle channels 14 installed can be appropriately changed according to the number of nozzles 473 installed in the cleaning nozzle 471. Further, a nozzle device 470 having a cleaning nozzle 471 is provided downstream of the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450.

  In this embodiment, the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter thermistor 445 are installed in the heat exchanger 440, but the installation form of the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter thermistor 445 is not limited to this. That is, the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter thermistor 445 need not be installed in the heat exchanger 440 as long as they are arranged in the main flow path 11.

Next, a specific example of the sanitary washing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the main configuration of the water channel system of the sanitary washing device according to this embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a specific example of the heat exchanger of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) is first guided to the branch metal fitting 410. The water guided to the branch fitting 410 is distributed to the connecting hose 420 and a valve unit for toilet flushing (not shown). However, the toilet apparatus provided with the sanitary washing device 100 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the so-called “water direct pressure type”, and may be a so-called “low tank type”. Therefore, when the toilet device is a “low tank type”, the water guided to the branch fitting 410 is guided to a low tank (not shown) instead of the valve unit for toilet flushing.

  Subsequently, the water supplied to the connection hose 420 is guided to the valve unit 430. The valve unit 430 includes an electromagnetic valve 431, a water inlet thermistor 432, a water drain plug 433, a pressure regulating valve 434, and a check valve 435. The water drain plug 433 is used when the water in the water supply pipe 10 may freeze, and can discharge the water in the water supply pipe 10. Further, the pressure regulating valve 434 has a role of adjusting to a predetermined pressure range when the feed water pressure is high. The electromagnetic valve 431 and the incoming water thermistor 432 are as described above with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, the water supplied to the valve unit 430 is guided to the heat exchanger 440. The heat exchanger 440 includes a heater 441, a sub channel opening / closing valve 442, a hot water thermistor 443, a float switch 444, a limiter thermistor 445, and a vacuum breaker 446. At least a part of the heater 441 is disposed in a heating chamber 449 formed inside the heat exchanger 440. Therefore, the water supplied into the heat exchanger 440 is instantaneously heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449.
Note that the heater 441, the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442, the hot water thermistor 443, the float switch 444, the limiter thermistor 445, and the vacuum breaker 446 are as described above with reference to FIG.

  The water heated in the heating chamber 449 of the heat exchanger 440 is guided to the channel switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 through the main channel 11. The water guided to the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 is switched between water flow to the cleaning nozzle 471 side and water flow to the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 side, and the water pressure is adjusted. The nozzle cleaning chamber 472 included in the nozzle device 470 can clean the outer peripheral surface (body) of the cleaning nozzle 471 by spraying water from a water discharge unit (not shown) provided in the nozzle device 470.

  Subsequently, the water passed from the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 to the cleaning nozzle 471 side is supplied to the pressure modulation device 460. The pressure modulation device 460 can pulsate the flow of water in the main flow path 11 and pulsate the water discharged from the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471. Subsequently, the water supplied from the pressure modulation device 460 to the nozzle device 470 is supplied to each nozzle flow path 14 corresponding to, for example, “wet washing”, “soft washing”, “bidet washing”, and the like by the flow path switching valve 475. (See Fig. 2). Then, the water passed through the nozzle channel 14 is jetted from the respective water outlets 473 corresponding to, for example, “wet washing”, “soft washing”, “bidet washing”, and the like to the local body part. On the other hand, the water passed from the flow path switching / flow control valve 450 to the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 side is directed to the outer peripheral surface (body) of the cleaning nozzle 471 from a water discharge portion (not shown) provided in the nozzle cleaning chamber 472. Is injected.

  Here, in more detail, when the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, when the user presses a “wet washing switch” (not shown), the control unit 405 The electromagnetic valve 431 is opened, and water flow from the valve unit 430 to the heat exchanger 440 is started. Water supplied from the valve unit 430 to the heat exchanger 440 flows into the heating chamber 449 and is instantaneously heated by the heater 441. Then, the water heated in the heating chamber 449 is jetted from the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471 toward the “butt”. Subsequently, when the user presses a “stop switch” (not shown), the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431 and stops water flow from the valve unit 430 to the heat exchanger 440.

  At this time, if the controller 405 simultaneously stops the energization of the heater 441 and closes the solenoid valve 431, a phenomenon called “post-boiling” may occur. Alternatively, even when the control unit 405 closes the solenoid valve 431 after stopping energization of the heater 441, a heater having a relatively poor thermal response, such as a sheathed heater, is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440. In such a case, a so-called “post-boiling” phenomenon may occur.

  More specifically, the heater 441 may generate residual heat even after the control unit 405 stops energization. This may occur when a heater (for example, a sheathed heater) having a relatively poor thermal response is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440. At this time, if the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431 or closes the electromagnetic valve 431 soon after the energization of the heater 441 is stopped, the water in the heating chamber 449 stays in the heating chamber 449, so that the heater 441 Heated by residual heat. Then, the water in the heating chamber 449 may be heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature. In this specification, the phenomenon that the water in the heating chamber 449 is heated by the remaining heat of the heater 441 after the energization is stopped is referred to as “post-boiling”.

  In a state where the water in the heating chamber 449 is heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature by the “post-boiling”, when the user presses a “wet washing switch” (not shown) or the like, the water heated to the high temperature is heated by the hot water thermistor 443. Guided to the side. Therefore, as it is, water heated to a high temperature is jetted to the local body part. Therefore, the hot water thermistor 443 detects the temperature of the water heated to a high temperature and outputs the temperature information to the control unit 405. Thereby, the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431 earlier than anything, prohibits the supply of water to the heat exchanger 440 and prohibits water from being discharged from the cleaning nozzle 471. According to this, it is possible to prevent water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature from being sprayed onto the human body part, and to ensure safety. The same applies to the case where the limiter thermistor 445 detects the temperature of water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature.

  However, if the hot water thermistor 443 or the limiter thermistor 445 detects the temperature of the water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature, the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431 and prohibits the supply of water to the heat exchanger 440. The user cannot use the local cleaning function.

  In addition, in order to prevent water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature from being injected into the local body part, the control unit 405 flows out of the heating chamber 449 by controlling the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450. It is also conceivable to pass water through the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 and discharge it. According to this, water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 can be prevented from being ejected from the cleaning nozzle 471.

  However, since the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 is installed on the downstream side of the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter thermistor 445, the water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature in the heating chamber 449 is the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter. Pass the thermistor 445. Therefore, as described above, the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431 and prohibits the supply of water to the heat exchanger 440, and the user cannot use the local cleaning function.

  In order to prevent “post-boiling” from occurring, it is conceivable that the controller 405 stops energizing the heater 441 and closes the electromagnetic valve 431 after a while. According to this, the water in the heating chamber 449 does not stay in the heating chamber 449 and flows for a while, so it is not heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature.

  However, when a heater having a relatively poor thermal response is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, in order to prevent “post-boiling”, the controller 405 stops energization of the heater 441 and then electromagnetic A longer time is required until the valve 431 is closed. Then, since the cold water from the water supply source flows through the heating chamber 449 for a longer time, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are excessively cooled. If the flow path in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, or the heat exchanger 440 is excessively cooled, it takes a longer time for the heater 441 to heat the water to a desired temperature after the next water flow starts.

  Or if the flow path in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, or the heat exchanger 440 is cooled too much, the initial temperature of the water jetted to the human body local part becomes lower after the start of the next water flow. That is, if cold water from a water supply source is allowed to flow into the heating chamber 449 for a long time that can prevent “post-boiling”, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 become too cold, and the human body The initial temperature of the water sprayed locally becomes lower.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the auxiliary flow path 12 capable of discharging the water flowing out from the heating chamber 449 is connected between the heating chamber 449 and the hot water thermistor 443. Has been. Further, a sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 capable of opening / closing the sub-channel 12 is provided between the heating chamber 449 and the hot water thermistor 443. That is, the control unit 405 can control and open the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 so that water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 can be passed through the sub-channel 12 and discharged.

  More specifically, when opening the electromagnetic valve 431 for discharging water from the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471, the control unit 405 flows out of the heating chamber 449 by opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442. The drained water can be passed through the sub-flow channel 12 and discharged. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops discharging the water flowing out from the heating chamber 449 to the sub-channel 12 by closing the sub-channel on-off valve 442, and discharges the cleaning nozzle 471. It can be led to the water outlet 473.

  According to this, even when the water in the heating chamber 449 is heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature by “post-boiling”, the water heated to the high temperature flows to the hot water thermistor 443 side and the limiter thermistor 445 side. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter thermistor 445 from detecting the temperature of water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature in the initial stage of the start of water flow to the heating chamber 449. Thereby, it can prevent that the control part 405 misidentifies that it is heating abnormality and prohibits the water discharge from the washing nozzle 471. That is, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user cannot use the local cleaning function.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to prevent “post-boiling”, that is, the control unit 405 needs to flow the cold water supplied from the water supply source to the heating chamber 449 for a while after stopping energization of the heater 441. Therefore, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are not cooled too much. Therefore, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are kept warm. Accordingly, even when a heater having relatively poor thermal responsiveness is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, the heater 441 is longer because the heater 441 heats water to a desired temperature after the start of the next water flow. It can prevent taking time. That is, it is possible to prevent the initial temperature of the water sprayed to the human body part from becoming lower after the next water flow starts. In other words, even when a heater having a relatively poor thermal response is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle 471.

  In the heat exchanger 440 of the present embodiment, the float switch 444 is provided at a position lower than the vacuum breaker 446 as shown in FIG. Therefore, even when the control unit 405 opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 so that the water flowing out from the heating chamber 449 passes through the sub-channel 12 and is discharged, the water in the float switch 444 does not escape. . In other words, the float switch 444 can detect the water level even while the controller 405 opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 and passes water discharged from the heating chamber 449 to the sub-channel 12 and discharges it. it can. In this case, the heat exchanger 440 is appropriately designed so that the water in the float switch 444 does not flow back to the sub-flow path 12.

  According to this, the controller 405 continues energizing the heater 441 even when the water flowing out from the heating chamber 449 is passed through the sub-channel 12 and discharged by opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442. The heater 441 can be kept warm. Therefore, even when a heater with relatively poor thermal responsiveness is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle 471.

Next, operation | movement of the sanitary washing apparatus 100 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the outline of the operation of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.

  First, when the user presses a “wet washing switch” (not shown), the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431 and sets the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440 to “ON”, that is, starts energizing the heater 441. (Timing t1). Further, at the same timing, the control unit 405 opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 (timing t1). Thereby, the water that has flowed out of the heating chamber 449 is passed through the sub-flow path 12 and discharged. As shown in FIG. 3, the water passed through the sub-flow channel 12 is supplied to, for example, the nozzle cleaning chamber 472, sprayed toward the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle 471, and then discharged to the bowl 801 of the toilet bowl 800. Is done. Therefore, the water that has flowed out of the heating chamber 449 can be used effectively after being passed through the sub-flow channel 12.

  Subsequently, the control unit 405 closes the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 (timing t2). Thereby, discharge of the water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 is completed. Further, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “bypass” to “SC (self-cleaning)”, for example, for “wet cleaning”, “soft cleaning”, and “bidet cleaning”. Water discharge from all the water discharge ports 473 is enabled (timing t2). Thereby, the “pre-cleaning” of the cleaning nozzle 471 is performed.

  More specifically, the cleaning nozzle 471 cleans the portion of the water outlet 473 by discharging water from the water outlet 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471 itself in a state where the cleaning nozzle 471 is housed in the casing 400. Can do. Further, in the state where the cleaning nozzle 471 is housed in the casing 400, the portion of the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471 is almost housed in the nozzle cleaning chamber 472, so that water was discharged from the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471. Water is reflected by the inner wall of the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 and is applied to the water outlet 473. Therefore, the portion of the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471 is also cleaned by the water reflected by the inner wall of the nozzle cleaning chamber 472.

  Subsequently, when the “pre-cleaning” is completed, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “SC” to “bypass”, and draws water from a water discharge unit (not shown) provided in the nozzle cleaning chamber 472. Injection is possible (timing t3). Subsequently, the control unit 405 advances the cleaning nozzle 471 housed in the casing 400 to the position of “wet cleaning” (timing t4 to t5). At this time, since the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431, the body of the cleaning nozzle 471 is cleaned with water sprayed from the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning chamber 472. Subsequently, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “bypass” to “cleaning position” (timing t5), and starts “wet cleaning” (timing t6).

  According to this specific example, when opening the electromagnetic valve 431 to start the “wet washing”, the control unit 405 opens the auxiliary flow path opening / closing valve 442 so that the water flowing out of the heating chamber 449 is discharged. Water is passed through the channel 12 and discharged. Therefore, even when the water in the heating chamber 449 is heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature by “post-boiling”, the water heated to the high temperature is prevented from flowing to the hot water thermistor 443 side and the limiter thermistor 445 side. be able to. Thereby, it can prevent that the control part 405 prohibits the water discharge from the washing nozzle 471, and the situation where a user cannot use a local washing | cleaning function can be avoided. Moreover, it is possible to prevent water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature from being sprayed on the human body part, and to ensure safety.

  Further, since it is not necessary to prevent “post-boiling”, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are not cooled too much. Therefore, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are kept warm. Thereby, even when a heater having relatively poor thermal responsiveness is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle 471.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the sanitary washing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a specific example of the operation of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.

  First, when the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431, sets the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440 to “ON”, that is, energizes the heater 441. Start (timing t1). Further, at the same timing, the control unit 405 opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 (timing t1). Thereby, the water that has flowed out of the heating chamber 449 is passed through the sub-flow path 12 and discharged. At this time, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “bypass (nozzle body cleaning)” to “SC (self-cleaning)” (timing t1).

  Subsequently, the control unit 405 closes the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 (timing t2). Thereby, discharge of the water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 is completed. Subsequently, the control unit 405 closes the electromagnetic valve 431 and changes the setting of the heater 411 from “ON” to “warming” (timing t3). At timings t2 to t3, the auxiliary flow path opening / closing valve 442 is closed and the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 is set to “SC”, so that the cold water in the main flow path 11 and the nozzle flow path 14 is The water is discharged from the water outlet 473. Thereby, preparation of warm water is performed. When the hot water preparation is completed, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “SC” to “bypass” (timing t3).

  Subsequently, when the user presses a “wet washing switch” (not shown), the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431 and changes the setting of the heater 441 from “warming” to “ON” (timing t4). Further, at the same timing, the control unit 405 opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 (timing t4). Here, at the timing t3, the control unit 405 simultaneously closes the solenoid valve 431 and changes the setting of the heater 411 from “ON” to “warming”, so that “post-boiling” may occur. is there. On the other hand, in this specific example, at timing t4, the control unit 405 opens and discharges the water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 to the sub-channel 12 in order to open the sub-channel on-off valve 442. can do.

  Subsequently, the control unit 405 closes the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 when a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 (timing t5). Thereby, discharge of the water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 is completed. In addition, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “bypass” to “SC”, and from all the spouts 473 for “wet washing”, “soft washing”, and “bidet washing”. Can be discharged (timing t5). Thereby, the “pre-cleaning” of the cleaning nozzle 471 is performed. This “pre-cleaning” is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, when the “pre-cleaning” is completed, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “SC” to “bypass”, and draws water from a water discharge unit (not shown) provided in the nozzle cleaning chamber 472. Injection is possible (timing t6). Subsequently, the control unit 405 advances the cleaning nozzle 471 housed in the casing 400 to the “wet cleaning” position (timing t7 to t8). At this time, since the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431, the body of the cleaning nozzle 471 is cleaned with water sprayed from the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 (timing t7 to t8).

  Subsequently, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching and flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “bypass” to “wet washing” (timing t8), and executes “wet washing” (timing t9 to t10). Subsequently, when the user presses a “stop switch” (not shown), the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “wet washing” to “bypass”, and is shown in the nozzle cleaning chamber 472. Water can be ejected from the water discharger that does not (timing t10). Subsequently, the control unit 405 stores the cleaning nozzle 471 that has advanced to the position of “wet cleaning” in the casing 400 (timing t11 to t12). At this time, since the control unit 405 opens the electromagnetic valve 431, the body of the cleaning nozzle 471 is cleaned with water sprayed from the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning chamber 472 (timing t7 to t8).

  Subsequently, in a state where the cleaning nozzle 471 is housed in the casing 400, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching and flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “bypass” to “SC”, and performs “wet cleaning”, “soft cleaning”, And "post-cleaning" is performed by discharging water from all the water outlets 473 for "bidet cleaning" (timing t13 to t14). The “post-cleaning” operation is the same as the “pre-cleaning” operation. When the “post-cleaning” is completed, the control unit 405 simultaneously closes the solenoid valve 431 and changes the setting of the heater 411 from “ON” to “warming” (timing t14). Further, the control unit 405 switches the flow path switching / flow rate adjusting valve 450 from “SC” to “bypass” (timing t14).

  At this time, “post-boiling” may occur. However, after the start of the next water flow, as described with respect to the operations at timings t1 to t2 and timings t4 to t5, the control unit 405 includes the sub-channel opening / closing valve. By opening 442, the water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 can be passed through the sub-flow path 12 and discharged. Subsequently, when the seating detection sensor 404 does not detect the user seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 405 changes the setting of the heater 411 from “warming” to “OFF” (timing t15).

  According to this specific example, when opening the electromagnetic valve 431 to perform the “warm water preparation”, the control unit 405 opens the secondary flow path opening / closing valve 442 so that the water flowing out of the heating chamber 449 flows as a secondary flow. Water is discharged to the road 12 and discharged. Therefore, even when the water in the heating chamber 449 is heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature by “post-boiling”, the water heated to the high temperature is prevented from flowing to the hot water thermistor 443 side and the limiter thermistor 445 side. be able to. Thereby, it can prevent that the control part 405 prohibits the water discharge from the washing nozzle 471, and the situation where a user cannot use a local washing | cleaning function can be avoided.

  Further, in the operation of “warm water preparation”, it is possible to prevent water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature from passing through the nozzle flow path 14 and to prevent the water from staying in the nozzle flow path 14. According to this, it is possible to more reliably prevent water heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature from being discharged from the water outlet 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471.

  In addition, when opening the electromagnetic valve 431 to start “wet washing”, the control unit 405 opens the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 so that the water flowing out of the heating chamber 449 is passed to the sub-channel 12. Drain and drain. Then, the control unit 405 closes the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve 442, and allows water to flow into the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471. That is, the control unit 405 controls the discharge of the water heated by the heater 441 in the heating chamber 449 with time, and switches from discharging to the sub-flow channel 12 to supplying water to the cleaning nozzle 471. According to this, the control unit 405 can execute the initial heating operation of the heat exchanger 440 without performing complicated or special operations. Therefore, even when a heater with relatively poor thermal responsiveness is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle 471. As for other effects, the effects described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the auxiliary flow path 12 that can discharge the water flowing out of the heating chamber 449 is connected between the heating chamber 449 and the hot water thermistor 443. Further, a sub-channel opening / closing valve 442 capable of opening / closing the sub-channel 12 is provided between the heating chamber 449 and the hot water thermistor 443. Then, when opening the electromagnetic valve 431 in order to discharge water from the water discharge port 473 of the cleaning nozzle 471, the control unit 405 opens the auxiliary flow path opening / closing valve 442 so that the water flowing out of the heating chamber 449 is sub-charged. Water can be passed through the flow path 12 and discharged. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops discharging the water flowing out from the heating chamber 449 to the sub-channel 12 by closing the sub-channel on-off valve 442, and discharges the cleaning nozzle 471. It can be led to the water outlet 473.

  According to this, even when the water in the heating chamber 449 is heated to a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature by “post-boiling”, the water heated to the high temperature flows to the hot water thermistor 443 side and the limiter thermistor 445 side. Can be prevented. Thereby, it can prevent that the control part 405 prohibits the water discharge from the washing nozzle 471, and the situation where a user cannot use a local washing | cleaning function can be avoided.

  Further, since it is not necessary to prevent “post-boiling”, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are not cooled too much. Therefore, the flow paths in the heater 441, the heating chamber 449, and the heat exchanger 440 are kept warm. Thereby, even when a heater having relatively poor thermal responsiveness is used as the heater 441 of the heat exchanger 440, water having a desired temperature can be obtained immediately after the start of water flow to the cleaning nozzle 471.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the heat exchanger 440 and the installation form of the hot water thermistor 443 and the limiter thermistor 445 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. .
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Water supply piping, 11 Main flow path, 12 Sub flow path, 14 Nozzle flow path, 15 Waste water flow path, 100 Sanitary washing device, 200 Toilet seat, 300 Toilet lid, 400 Casing, 404 Seating detection sensor, 405 Control part, 410 Branch metal fitting , 411 Heater, 420 Connecting hose, 430 Valve unit, 431 Water supply valve (solenoid valve), 432 Water thermistor, 433 Water stopper, 434 Pressure regulating valve, 435 Check valve, 440 Heat exchanger, 441 Heater, 442 Valve, 443 Hot water thermistor, 444 Float switch, 445 Limiter thermistor, 446 Vacuum breaker, 449 Heating chamber, 450 Flow path switching and flow control valve, 460 Pressure modulator, 470 Nozzle device, 471 Cleaning nozzle, 472 Nozzle cleaning chamber, 473 Water discharge Mouth, 475 flow path switching valve, 800 toilet bowl, 801 bowl

Claims (2)

A heat exchanger provided with a heating chamber having a heater for instantaneously heating water;
A water supply valve for controlling the supply of water to the heating chamber;
A cleaning nozzle that has a water discharge port and sprays water from the water discharge port to clean the human body part;
A main flow path for supplying water heated in the heating chamber to the cleaning nozzle;
A water temperature detecting means disposed in the main flow path for detecting the temperature of the water heated by the heater;
A sub-flow path connected between the heating chamber and the water temperature detecting means and capable of discharging water flowing out of the heating chamber;
A sub-channel opening / closing valve capable of opening and closing the sub-channel;
When opening the water supply valve, a control unit that performs control for opening the sub-channel opening / closing valve and passing water discharged from the heating chamber to the sub-channel and discharging it,
A sanitary washing device characterized by comprising:   When the controller starts heating water in the heating chamber, the controller opens the sub-channel on-off valve for a predetermined time and then closes the sub-channel on-off valve to start supplying water to the water temperature detecting means. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, wherein

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