Sanitary cleaning equipment

Abstract

To provide a sanitary washing device that selectively ejects multiple states of water flows from a single nozzle.SOLUTION: A sanitary washing device 100 comprises a nozzle 110. The nozzle 110 comprises: a first cylinder part 113 with a first bottom part 112 having a first inflow hole 111 for inflow of first water 301; a second cylinder part 123 arranged to surround an outer periphery of the first cylinder part 113; a second bottom part 122 sealing one end of the second cylinder part 123; and a cover part 124 protruding inwardly from the other end of the second cylinder part 122. The second cylindrical part 122 is provided with a second inflow hole 125 for inflow of second water and an air supply hole 114 for supply of air. The cover part 124 comprises a water passage 126 with a passage hole 151 at a tip part, through which the first water 301 discharged from the first inflow hole 111 passes and the second water 302 that fills the second cylinder part 123 is discharged together with the first water 301. A flow rate ratio flowing into the first inflow hole 111 and the second inflow hole 125 can be switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary cleaning device for cleaning a local part of the human body.

Background Art

[0002] In a sanitary cleaning device for cleaning a local part of the human body, it is known that a so-called cleaning feeling that can firmly clean the human body with a relatively small amount of warm water can be imparted to the human body by intermittently injecting warm water rather than continuously injecting it onto the local part of the human body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a pump for pressurizing and discharging water is provided in a sanitary cleaning device, and intermittent warm water is injected by the pump.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in order to achieve intermittent injection by a pump, it is necessary to repeat a pressurizing operation for discharging water and a decompressing operation for stopping the discharge of water. Therefore, even when the amount of washing water is reduced, the water is intermittently injected, and the strength of the impact force of the water flow, which is a characteristic of pulsation, cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, it was not suitable for users who prefer a weak and gentle washing with a jet load.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary cleaning device that can switch the state of the water flow in space without using a pump.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one of the present inventions is a sanitary washing device equipped with a nozzle that discharges a stream of water toward a part of a seated human body, wherein the nozzle comprises a first cylindrical portion having a first bottom at its lower end, a second cylindrical portion having a second bottom at its lower end, and a lid portion provided at the upper end of the second cylindrical portion, the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion having the same axis, the first bottom portion being provided with a first inlet hole consisting of a through hole, and the second cylindrical portion having the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion The lid is surrounded, and the lid is provided with a through hole, a first gap is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, a second gap is provided between the upper end of the first cylindrical portion and the back surface of the lid, the upper end of the first cylindrical portion faces the back surface of the lid, at least one selected from the group consisting of the second bottom and the second cylindrical portion is provided with an air intake hole consisting of a through hole, and the second cylindrical portion is provided with a through A second inlet hole consisting of a hole is provided, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet hole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cylindrical portion, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet hole is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole, the upper end of the first cylindrical portion is located higher than the second inlet hole, and the sanitary cleaning device is configured to switch the water flow between at least two states selected from the group consisting of a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state by changing the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate and the second flow rate during operation, where the first flow rate is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole, the second flow rate is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole, in the first state a continuous water flow is discharged from the nozzle, in the second state a continuous water flow mixed with air bubbles is discharged from the nozzle, in the third state a continuous water flow is discharged from the nozzle and then changes into an intermittent water flow in space, and in the fourth state a continuous water flow narrower than the first state is discharged from the nozzle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the state of the water flow discharged from the nozzle can be switched without using a pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a sanitary cleaning device attached to a toilet bowl. [Figure 2] This is a circuit diagram showing the water circuit of a sanitary cleaning device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the nozzle according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the nozzle according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after cutting along line AA. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an enlarged cross-section of the nozzle according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This figure shows an enlarged view of the cross-section of a nozzle according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the switching device. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the switching device in a disassembled state. [Figure 12] This is a plan view showing the fixed plate from the rotating plate side. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing the first example of the position of the rotating plate relative to the fixed plate. [Figure 14] This is a plan view showing a second example of the position of the rotating plate relative to the fixed plate. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the water flow in the first state. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing a third example of the position of the rotating plate relative to the fixed plate. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing the water flow in the second state. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing a fourth example of the position of the rotating plate relative to the fixed plate. [Figure 19]It is a cross-sectional view showing operation 1 in which a water flow in the third state is discharged by a nozzle. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view showing operation 2 in which a water flow in the third state is discharged by a nozzle. [Figure 21] It is a cross-sectional view showing operation 3 in which a water flow in the third state is discharged by a nozzle. [Figure 22] It is a cross-sectional view showing operation 4 in which a water flow in the third state is discharged by a nozzle. [Figure 23] It is a cross-sectional view showing operation 5 in which a water flow in the third state is discharged by a nozzle. [Figure 24] It is a cross-sectional view showing operation 6 in which a water flow in the third state is discharged by a nozzle. [Figure 25] It is a view showing state 1 of the water flow in the space discharged from the nozzle. [Figure 26] It is a view showing state 2 of the water flow in the space discharged from the nozzle. [Figure 27] It is a plan view showing the fifth example of the position of the rotating plate with respect to the fixed plate. [Figure 28] [[ID=2‎7]]It is a cross-sectional view showing a water flow in the fourth state. [Figure 29] It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first hole, the second hole, and the adjustment hole. [Figure 30] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the nozzle according to the modified example of Embodiment 1 is virtually cut. [Figure 31] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the nozzle according to the modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 32] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the nozzle according to another modified example of Embodiment 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the sanitary cleaning device, nozzle, and intermittent water flow generation method according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are provided as examples to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit it. For example, the shapes, structures, materials, components, relative positional relationships, connection states, numerical values, mathematical formulas, the content of each step in the method, and the order of each step shown in the following embodiments are examples and may include content not described below. Geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal may be used, but these expressions do not indicate mathematical rigor and include substantially acceptable errors and deviations. Similarly, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include substantially acceptable ranges.

[0011] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic diagrams that have been appropriately emphasized, omitted, or had their proportions adjusted to illustrate the present invention, and therefore do not represent the actual shape, positional relationships, or proportions.

[0012] Furthermore, in the following, multiple inventions may be described comprehensively as a single embodiment. Also, some of the content described below is described as an optional component relating to the present invention.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a sanitary washing device 100 attached to a toilet bowl 200. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a water circuit 180 provided by the sanitary washing device 100. The sanitary washing device 100 is attached to the toilet bowl 200 and discharges water generated by a heating device 140 from a nozzle 110 onto the private parts of a person seated on the toilet seat 190. In this embodiment 1, the sanitary washing device 100 is equipped with a toilet seat 190 that can be opened and closed relative to the toilet bowl 200. The nozzle 110 is provided at the tip of a nozzle body 500 and can extend and retract together with the nozzle body 500. The sanitary washing device 100 may also be equipped with a toilet lid that can be opened and closed relative to the toilet bowl 200. Furthermore, in this specification and in the claims, "water" includes hot water.

[0014] The configuration of the water circuit 180 provided by the sanitary cleaning device 100 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment 1, it has the following configuration. The water circuit 180 is equipped with, in order from upstream, a water supply connection port 181, a strainer 182, a water shut-off solenoid valve 183, a pressure reducing valve 184, a vacuum breaker 185, a heating device 140, a flow control valve 186, and a switching device 210.

[0015] The water supply connection port 181 is a component that connects to the water pipe via an adapter or the like, and has a strainer 182 integrated inside to prevent debris contained in the tap water from entering.

[0016] The water shut-off solenoid valve 183 is a valve that can open and close the flow of water from the water pipe under control from the control device 109. By opening the water shut-off solenoid valve 183, water can be discharged from the nozzle 110, and by closing the water shut-off solenoid valve 183, the discharge of water from the nozzle 110 can be stopped.

[0017] The pressure reducing valve 184 is a valve that reduces the water pressure of the water supplied from the water pipe and keeps it constant.

[0018] The vacuum breaker 185 prevents water inside the water circuit 180 from flowing back into the water pipe when the water pipe connected to the water supply connection port 181 becomes negatively pressurized due to a water outage or other reasons. The vacuum breaker 185 is connected to the vent pipe 188. The vent pipe 188 is installed up to the toilet bowl 200. The vent pipe 188 is a supply passage for outside air that is supplied when the vacuum breaker 185 is activated. The vent pipe 188 also has the function of a discharge passage that discharges the water instantaneously released when it is activated into the toilet bowl 200.

[0019] The heating device 140 is a device that heats tap water supplied from a water pipe to produce hot water. The type of heating device 140 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment 1, the heating device 140 is a heat exchanger that instantly heats tap water supplied from a water pipe. The heating device 140 is equipped with an integrated buffer tank 141 that makes the temperature of the water heated by the heating device 140 uniform.

[0020] The flow control valve 186 is a valve that controls the amount of water supplied to the nozzle 110 by the control device 109.

[0021] The switching device 210 splits the water heated by the heating device 140 into first water 301 and second water 302 and supplies them to the nozzle 110. The switching device 210 switches the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate of the first water 301 and the second flow rate of the second water 302. Details of the switching device 210 will be described later.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the nozzle 110. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 4, although it is a cross-sectional view, hatching has been omitted for ease of understanding, and dashed lines have been added to distinguish each part and facilitate understanding. The nozzle 110 is a nozzle that discharges hot water heated by a heating device 140 toward the local area of ​​a person seated on a toilet seat 190, and comprises a first inlet hole 111, a first cylindrical portion 113, a first bottom portion 112, a second cylindrical portion 123, a second bottom portion 122, a lid portion 124, a second inlet hole 125, an air supply hole 114, and a water channel 126. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the nozzle 110 comprises a first connecting portion 117 and a second connecting portion 127. It is desirable that the first bottom portion 112 and the second bottom portion 122 are formed integrally.

[0023] The first cylindrical portion 113 has a first bottom portion 112 at its lower end 113b. The first cylindrical portion 113 is a bottomed cylindrical part with the first bottom portion 112. The first bottom portion 112 is provided with a first inlet hole 111 that penetrates in the direction of the pipe axis (the Z axis in the figure). In other words, the first bottom portion 112 is provided with a first inlet hole 111 which is a through hole. The first water 301, which is one of the waters generated by the heating device 140 and branched by the switching device 210, flows into the inside of the first cylindrical portion 113 through the first inlet hole 111. The relationship between the cross-sectional area S1 of the first inlet hole 111 and the cross-sectional area S2 of the first cylindrical portion 113 is such that the first water 301 flowing in from the first inlet hole 111 can be ejected from the open end of the first cylindrical portion 113 without contacting the inner surface of the first cylindrical portion 113, as shown in Figure 19 which will be described later. Specifically, S2 > S1. The shape of the first cylindrical portion 113 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, a cylindrical shape is adopted. The shape of the first inlet hole 111 is not particularly limited, but it is circular and is located in the center of the first bottom portion 112. The cross-sectional area refers to the area enclosed by the inner circumferential surface when the cylinder is cut by a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis.

[0024] The second cylindrical portion 123 has a second bottom portion 122 at its lower end portion 123b. The second cylindrical portion 123 is a cylindrical part that surrounds the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 113 at a predetermined interval (i.e., the first gap 161). In this embodiment 1, the length G1 of the first gap 161, which is the gap between the first cylindrical portion 113 and the second cylindrical portion 123, is narrower than the inner diameter L1 of the first inlet hole 111. The second cylindrical portion 123 is positioned to protrude from the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113 in the inflow direction of the first water 301 (Z+ direction in the figure). As a result, the second water 302 flowing into the first gap 161 between the first cylindrical portion 113 and the second cylindrical portion 123 flows into the first cylindrical portion 113 beyond the upper end portion 113t. The shape of the second cylindrical portion 123 is not particularly limited, such as being a rectangular tube, but in this embodiment, a cylindrical shape similar to that of the first cylindrical portion 113 is adopted, and the second cylindrical portion 123 is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical portion 113. The first cylindrical portion 113 and the second cylindrical portion 123 are arranged so that they share the same axis.

[0025] The second bottom portion 122 is a portion that seals the lower end portion 113b of the first cylindrical portion 113 and the lower end portion 123b of the second cylindrical portion 123 on the upstream side (Z- side in the figure) in the direction of inflow of the first water 301. This allows water to be stored in the first gap 161. As a result, the second water 302 accumulated in the first gap 161 can flow over the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113 and into the inside of the first cylindrical portion 113. Thus, the first gap 161 is provided between the outer circumferential surface 113o of the first cylindrical portion 113 and the inner circumferential surface 123i of the second cylindrical portion 123.

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a modified nozzle according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is also a cross-sectional view showing a virtually cut state of the nozzle 110 shown in Figure 3. The modified nozzle further comprises a third cylindrical portion 128 that extends from the front surface 124f of the lid portion 124. The third cylindrical portion 128 is positioned away from the first cylindrical portion 113 on the opposite side of the first inlet hole 111 from the first cylindrical portion 113. The third cylindrical portion 128 is a cylindrical part that is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical portion 113. A water channel 126 is formed inside the third cylindrical portion 128. In other words, the first cylindrical portion 113, the second cylindrical portion 123, and the third cylindrical portion 128 are arranged so that they have the same axis as each other. The shape of the third cylindrical portion 128 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, a cylindrical shape similar to that of the first cylindrical portion 113 is adopted, and the inner diameter L2 of the first cylindrical portion 113 and the inner diameter L3 of the third cylindrical portion 128 are approximately the same. This will be explained in detail later from the perspective of cross-sectional area. The third cylindrical section 128 is shaped such that the first water 301, which flows in in a spray state from the first inlet hole 111 and is ejected from the opening at the upper end of the first cylindrical section 113, can be discharged from the through hole 151 (described later) without coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the third cylindrical section 128.

[0027] The lid portion 124 is provided on the upper end portion 123t of the second cylindrical portion 123. The lid portion 124 connects the upper end portion 123t of the second cylindrical portion 123 and the lower end portion 128b of the third cylindrical portion 128 in the direction of inflow of the first water 301, and seals the gap between the second cylindrical portion 123 and the third cylindrical portion 128. The lid portion 124 is provided with a through hole 151 that penetrates the lid portion 124 and communicates with the water channel 126. The through hole 151 is a through-hole. A second gap 162 is formed between the back side 124b of the lid portion 124 and the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113. Thus, the second gap 162 is provided between the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113 and the back side surface 124b of the lid portion 124. Therefore, the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113 faces the back side surface 124b of the lid portion 124.

[0028] The second cylindrical portion 123 is provided with a second inlet hole 125, which is a through-hole. The second inlet hole 125, which is provided through the peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 123, is a through-hole that allows the second water 302, which is the other water branched by the switching device 210, to flow into the first gap 161. The second inlet hole 125 may be provided in either the portion of the second cylindrical portion 123 that overlaps with the first cylindrical portion 113, or in the second bottom portion 122, but in this embodiment, it penetrates the peripheral wall of the second cylindrical portion 123 that overlaps with the first cylindrical portion 113. In other words, the second inlet hole 125 is located lower than the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113, and is positioned so that the second water 302 flowing in from the second inlet hole 125 strikes the outer peripheral surface 113o between the lower end portion 113b and the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113. In this way, the outer peripheral surface 113o of the first cylindrical portion 113 is surrounded by the second cylindrical portion 123. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 123i of the second cylindrical portion 123 faces the outer circumferential surface 113o of the first cylindrical portion 113.

[0029] The air intake hole 114 is a through-hole that supplies air from outside the second cylindrical portion 123 to the first gap 161. The air intake hole 114 may be provided in either the second cylindrical portion 123 or the second bottom portion 122, but in this embodiment 1, it is provided in the second bottom portion 122. The number of air intake holes 114 may be one, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, multiple air intake holes 114 are provided. Needless to say, the air intake hole 114 is a through-hole.

[0030] The positional relationship between the air supply hole 114 and the second inlet hole 125 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, in the inflow direction of the first water 301, the second inlet hole 125 is located on the through hole 151 side of the air supply hole 114, that is, downstream of the flow of the first water 301, and is positioned on the upper end 113t side of the first cylindrical section 113. Furthermore, the inflow direction of the second water 302 and the inflow direction of air from the air supply hole 114 are arranged to intersect.

[0031] The water channel 126 is a portion that has a through hole 151 at its tip through which the first water 301 flowing in from the first inlet hole 111 passes, and through which the second water 302 filling the inside of the second cylindrical portion 123 is discharged together with the first water 301. The water channel 126 is arranged coaxially with the first cylindrical portion 113, and the through hole 151 is arranged coaxially with the first inlet hole 111. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint that the first water 301 flowing in from the first inlet hole 111 can pass without contact when the second water 302 does not flow into the inside of the first cylindrical portion 113 (i.e., when the inside of the first cylindrical portion 113 is filled with air), the cross-sectional area S3 of the through hole 151 (i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the water channel 126) is larger than the cross-sectional area S1 of the first inlet hole 111. In other words, S3 > S1 is satisfied. Regarding the relationship between S2 and S3, as shown in Figure 5, S3 ≥ S2 may also be the case. Alternatively, S2 > S3 may be the case, as long as it does not affect the above considerations. Also, the amount of water stored in the waterway 126 may be set to be greater than or equal to the internal volume of the first cylindrical section 113.

[0032] As described above, in the modified example shown in Figure 5, the third cylindrical portion 128 is provided such that its lower end portion 128b is located on the front surface 124f of the lid portion 124. In this modified example, the through hole 151 communicates with the inside of the third cylindrical portion 128. Furthermore, a discharge port 121 is formed at the upper end portion 128t of the third cylindrical portion 128.

[0033] (Embodiment 2) Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the nozzle according to Embodiment 2. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when cut along line AA shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the cross-section of the nozzle 110 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is an enlarged view showing the cross-section of the nozzle 110 according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. Similar to the difference between Figures 4 and 5, the difference between Figures 8 and 9 is the third cylindrical portion 128. In other words, the nozzle 110 shown in Figure 8 does not have a third cylindrical portion 128. On the other hand, the nozzle 110 shown in Figure 9 has a third cylindrical portion 128. In the modified example shown in Figure 9, as described in Figure 5, the third cylindrical portion 128 is provided such that its lower end portion 128b is located on the front surface 124f of the lid portion 124. In this modified example, the through hole 151 communicates with the inside of the third cylindrical portion 128. Furthermore, a discharge port 121 is formed at the upper end portion 128t of the third cylindrical portion 128. In Embodiment 2, parts (or components) having the same function, shape, mechanism, or structure as those in Embodiment 1 may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. Furthermore, the following description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1, and descriptions of the same aspects may be omitted.

[0034] In Embodiment 2, the first bottom portion 112 is located at a higher position than the second bottom portion 122. In Embodiment 2, the upper end portion 123t of the second cylindrical portion 123 is located at a higher position than the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113, and the lower end portion 123b of the second cylindrical portion 123 is located at a lower position than the lower end portion 113b of the first cylindrical portion 113.

[0035] The second bottom portion 122, which seals the lower end 113b of the first cylindrical portion 113 and the lower end 123b of the second cylindrical portion 123, is provided with an inlet passage 152 that penetrates the second bottom portion 122 and communicates with the first inlet hole 111. The pipe axis of the inlet passage 152 and the pipe axis of the first inlet hole 111 are the same.

[0036] The air intake hole 114 is provided in a through-hole in the lower end portion 123b of the second cylindrical portion 123, so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the second bottom portion 122. The second inlet hole 125 and the air intake hole 114 are positioned so that the direction of inflow of the second water 302 and the direction of inflow of air from the air intake hole 114 are parallel. The air intake hole 114 and the second inlet hole 125 are positioned at a 180-degree angle with respect to the pipe axis of the second cylindrical portion 123.

[0037] The first connection part 117 is the part to which a tube that guides the first water 301, which is water branched off by the switching device 210, is connected, and it has a bamboo shoot-shaped retaining structure. The second connection part 127 is the part to which a tube that guides the second water 302, which is water branched off by the switching device 210, is connected, and it has a bamboo shoot-shaped retaining structure.

[0038] The switching device 210 is a device that switches the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole 111 of the nozzle 110, and the second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole 125 of the nozzle 110. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the switching device 210. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the switching device 210 in an exploded state. Figure 12 is a plan view showing the fixed plate 221 from the rotating plate 222 side. Note that the hatching in Figure 12 does not show a cross-section, but is applied to the surfaces of the rotating plate 222 and the fixed plate 221 to make it easier to distinguish between the holes in the fixed plate 221 and the holes in the rotating plate 222. As shown in these figures, the switching device 210 comprises a fixed plate 221 and a rotating plate 222. Note that the switching device 210 can be provided in either the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to Embodiment 1 or the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to Embodiment 2.

[0039] The fixing plate 221 is a disc-shaped member connected to the upstream ends of the first inlet hole 111 and the second inlet hole 125 of the nozzle 110, and includes a first hole 223, which is a through-hole communicating with the first inlet hole 111, and a second hole 224, which is a through-hole communicating with the second inlet hole 125. The first hole 223 and the second hole 224 are arranged so as to be aligned circumferentially in the same plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft 202. Both the first hole 223 and the second hole 224 are sector-shaped and formed to the same size in the same plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft 202.

[0040] The first hole 223 is connected to the first inlet hole 111 via the first outlet pipe 241, and the water that passes through the first hole 223 is supplied only to the first inlet hole 111 and flows into the nozzle 110.

[0041] The second hole 224 is connected to the second inlet hole 125 via the second outlet pipe 242, and the water that passes through the second hole 224 is supplied only to the second inlet hole 125 and flows into the nozzle 110.

[0042] The rotating plate 222 is a disc-shaped member having an adjustment hole 230 which consists of a through hole that communicates simultaneously with at least a portion of the first hole 223 and at least a portion of the second hole 224 of the fixed plate 221 that it is in close contact with. The rotating plate 222 can simultaneously close the first hole 223 and the second hole 224. The rotating plate 222 is in close contact with the surface of the fixed plate 221 and rotates with the driving force of a motor 231 (see Figure 2) which is connected to a rotating shaft 202 along the normal to the surface of the fixed plate 221, thereby moving the adjustment hole 230 in the circumferential direction.

[0043] The shape of the adjustment hole 230 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, it is a fan-shaped through-hole centered on the rotating shaft 202. The length of the adjustment hole 230 in the circumferential direction is set to a length that allows simultaneous communication with the entirety of the first hole 223 and the entirety of the second hole 224. The position of the adjustment hole 230 relative to the first hole 223 and the second hole 224 can be used to switch the ratio between the amount of water passing through the first hole 223 and the amount of water passing through the second hole 224. In other words, the switching device 210 not only branches the water flowing in from the inlet pipe 243, but also has the function of switching the ratio between the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole 111 and the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole 125.

[0044] Next, the operation of the switching device 210 will be explained. When the sanitary cleaning device 100 is not in use, as shown in Figure 13, the adjustment holes 230 of the rotating plate 222 are positioned so as not to overlap with the first holes 223 and the second holes 224 provided in the fixed plate 221, and the rotating plate 222 is in a state where the first holes 223 and the second holes 224 are closed.

[0045] Next, when the bidet button on the control device 109 is operated, the rotating plate 222 rotates to a position predetermined by the control device 109, for example, as shown in Figure 14, where the adjustment hole 230 simultaneously overlaps the entirety of the first hole 223 and the entirety of the second hole 224. As a result, the switching device 210 causes the same amount of water to flow simultaneously into the first inlet hole 111 and the second inlet hole 125 of the nozzle 110. In other words, the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole 111, and the second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole 125, becomes 1:1, and a jet of water, which is a continuous flow of water as shown in Figure 15 (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"), is discharged from the discharge port 121 of the nozzle 110.

[0046] Furthermore, when the nozzle rotates to a predetermined position, for example as shown in Figure 16, where the adjustment hole 230 simultaneously overlaps the entirety of the first hole 223 and approximately 40% of the second hole 224, approximately 40% of the water from the first inlet hole 111 flows into the second inlet hole 125 of the nozzle 110. In other words, the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole 111, and the second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole 125, becomes 2.5:1. Due to this flow rate ratio, a continuous stream of water mixed with air bubbles (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"), as shown in Figure 17, is discharged from the discharge port 121 of the nozzle 110.

[0047] Furthermore, when the nozzle 110 rotates to a predetermined position where, for example as shown in Figure 18, the adjustment hole 230 simultaneously overlaps with the entirety of the first hole 223 and approximately 25% of the second hole 224, approximately 25% of the water from the first inlet hole 111 flows into the second inlet hole 125 of the nozzle 110. In other words, the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole 111, and the second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole 125, becomes 4:1. Due to this flow rate ratio, the discharge port 121 of the nozzle 110 discharges a water flow that changes from a continuous water flow to an intermittent water flow in space (hereinafter referred to as the "third state").

[0048] The following describes how intermittent water flow is generated in space. Roughly speaking, the operation involves a repetition of a first discharge state and a second discharge state. In the first discharge state, the first water 301 that flows in from the first inlet hole 111 passes through the through hole 151 and is discharged from the through hole 151, but the second water 302 that flows in from the second inlet hole 125 is not discharged from the through hole 151. In the second discharge state, the first water 301 that flows in from the first inlet hole 111 passes through the through hole 151, and the second water 302 that flows in from the second inlet hole 125 passes through the first gap 161, the second gap 162, and the through hole 151, so that the first water 301 and the second water 302 are discharged together from the through hole 151.

[0049] The details will be explained step by step using Figures 19 to 24. As shown in Figure 19, the flow rate of the first water 301 is greater than that of the second water 302, and the first water 301 flows in from the first inlet hole 111 in an injectable state. The incoming first water 301 passes through the air and is discharged from the through hole 151 without contacting the first cylindrical section 113, the inner circumferential surface 124i, or the third cylindrical section 128. This state is the first discharge state. In the first discharge state, the second water 302 flows in from the second inlet hole 125 and accumulates in the gap between the first cylindrical section 113 and the second cylindrical section 123 (i.e., the first gap 161). The second water 302 does not flow out from the air supply hole 114 due to the surface tension of the water. Thus, in the first discharge state, the first water 301 that flows in from the first inlet hole 111 passes through the through hole 151 and is discharged as water from the through hole 151, but the second water 302 that flows in from the second inlet hole 125 is not discharged from the through hole 151. In the first discharge state, the second water that flows in from the second inlet hole 125 fills the first gap 161 and the second gap 162 is filled with air. Then, the second water that has filled the first gap 161 fills the second gap 162, and then the second water that has filled the second gap 162 flows into the interior of the first cylindrical portion 113 along the surface of the inner circumferential surface 113i of the first cylindrical portion 113.

[0050] Next, when the second water 302 fills the first gap 161 between the first cylindrical portion 113 and the second cylindrical portion 123, as shown in Figure 20, the second water 302 that has passed through the second gap 162 flows into the interior of the first cylindrical portion 113 beyond the upper end 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113. In this embodiment, the second water 302 flows inward from at least a portion of the end of the first cylindrical portion 113.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 21, the second water 302 fills the waterway 126 together with the first water 301. The second water 302 also flows into the first gap 161. As shown in Figure 22, the inside of the first cylindrical section 113 is filled with the first water 301 and the second water 302, and the mixed water of the first water 301 and the second water 302 is discharged from the passage hole 151 of the waterway 126, which is filled with the first water 301 and the second water 302. This state is the second discharge state. In the second discharge state, when the mixed water of the first water 301 and the second water 302 is discharged from the passage hole 151, a negative pressure is generated by the ejector effect caused by the first water 301 adhering to the passage hole 151, and air is drawn in from the air intake hole 114. As shown in Figure 23, the drawn-in air enters a part of the gap between the first cylindrical section 113 and the second cylindrical section 123 and is drawn into the flow of the first water 301. Thus, in the second discharge state, the first water flowing in from the first inlet hole 111 passes through the through hole 151, and the second water flowing in from the second inlet hole 125 passes through the first gap 161, the second gap 162, and the through hole 151, so that the first water and the second water are discharged together as water from the through hole 151. In the second discharge state, the second water that has flowed inside the first cylindrical portion 113 is discharged from the through hole 151 together with the first water that has flowed in from the first inlet hole 111. Next, air flows in from the air supply hole 114 through the first gap 161 and the second gap 162, along the surface of the inner circumferential surface 113i of the first cylindrical portion 113, and also flows into the through hole 151 along the surface of the inner circumferential surface 124i of the lid portion 124. In Embodiment 2, the air that has passed through the first gap 161 and the second gap 162 from the air intake hole 114 further flows into the interior of the third cylindrical portion 128 along the surface of the inner circumferential surface 128i of the third cylindrical portion 128.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 24, the incoming air spreads out to surround the first water 301, blocking the inflow of the second water 302. Furthermore, when the air reaches the passage hole 151, the ejector effect is mitigated, the air intake ceases, and the system returns to the first discharge state. More specifically, as shown in Figure 24, the incoming air spreads out to surround the first water 301, blocking the inflow of the second water 302. As a result, the flow, which was a wide jet formed by the merger of the first water 301 and the second water 302, switches to a narrow jet. Because the jet becomes narrow and separates from the passage hole 151 of the first water 301, the ejector effect disappears and the inside becomes slightly positive pressure. As a result, air bubbles are discharged from the first gap 161, the volume decreases, and the second water 302 flows into the first gap 161. The air that has spread into the second gap 162 is held for a while, but as more second water flows into the first gap 161, the system returns to the first discharge state once again. In this way, the first discharge state and the second discharge state are repeated.

[0053] Figure 25 shows state 1 of the water flow in the space discharged from the nozzle. Figure 26 shows state 2 of the water flow in the space discharged from the nozzle. The first flying water 311 shown in these figures is the first state of water, in which only the first water 301 is discharged into the air from the through hole 151. The second flying water 312 is the second state of water, in which both the first water 301 and the second water 302 are discharged from the through hole 151. As shown in Figure 25, the flow velocity of the first flying water 311 is faster than the flow velocity of the second flying water 312, which is the second state of water. As a result, as shown in Figure 26, the first flying water 311 separates from the subsequent second flying water 312 and combines with the preceding second flying water 312 to form a water mass, resulting in an intermittent water flow.

[0054] Furthermore, if the predetermined position is rotated to a position where the adjustment hole 230 overlaps only the entire first hole 223, as shown in Figure 27, water will not flow into the second inlet hole 125 of the nozzle 110. In other words, the flow rate ratio between the first flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet hole 111, and the second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet hole 125, becomes 1:0. Due to this flow rate ratio, a continuous stream of water, which is narrower than the first state as shown in Figure 28 (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth state"), is discharged from the discharge port 121 of the nozzle 110.

[0055] As described in Embodiments 1 and 2, a sanitary cleaning device 100 equipped with such a nozzle 110 and switching device 210 allows for the selective discharge of a continuous water flow (i.e., first state), a continuous water flow mixed with air bubbles (i.e., second state), an intermittent water flow (i.e., third state), and a continuous water flow narrower than the first state (i.e., fourth state) from the discharge port 121 of a single nozzle 110. This makes it possible to precisely accommodate the preferences of the user sitting on the toilet seat 190.

[0056] Furthermore, it can discharge a continuous stream of water, which is difficult to achieve with pump-type models, and the flow rate of the continuous stream can also be switched. In addition, by alternately discharging water at different flow rates without using a pump that repeatedly changes its operation, and forming intermittently flying water droplets in the air, it is possible to intermittently spray water onto specific parts of the human body.

[0057] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, other embodiments of the present invention may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components described herein, or by excluding some of the components. Furthermore, modifications obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive of without departing from the spirit of the present invention, that is, the meaning indicated by the wording in the claims, are also included in the present invention.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 29, the fixed plate 221 may be provided with sets of a first hole 223 and a second hole 224 that can realize a first state water flow, a first hole 223 and a second hole 224 that can realize a second state water flow, a first hole 223 and a second hole 224 that can realize a third state water flow, and a first hole 223 and a second hole 224 that can realize a fourth state water flow. In this case, the rotating plate 222 is provided with an adjustment hole 230 that communicates only with the entire first hole 223 and the entire second hole 224 that can realize a first state water flow.

[0059] Alternatively, the fixed plate 221 may be provided with an adjustment hole 230, and the rotating plate 222 may be provided with a first hole 223 and a second hole 224.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, the underside 124b of the lid portion 124 may be a tapered surface that moves away from the upper end portion 113t of the first cylindrical portion 113 as it approaches the center. However, it is preferable that the taper angle θ is not large. This is because if the taper angle θ is large, there is a higher possibility that at least a portion of the second water 302 that flows in from the second inlet hole 125 will flow directly into the interior of the first cylindrical portion 113.

[0061] As shown in Figure 31, in embodiments 1 and 2, the outer shape of the nozzle is cylindrical. However, the outer shape of the nozzle is not limited to cylindrical, and as shown in Figure 32, the outer shape of the nozzle may be any of the cylindrical shapes. [Industrial applicability]

[0062] The present invention is applicable not only to sanitary cleaning equipment, but also to devices that switch between multiple states, including a state in which water is discharged intermittently without requiring mechanical movement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100 Sanitary cleaning equipment 109 Control device 110 nozzles 111 First inflow hole 112 First bottom 113 First cylinder part 114 Air intake holes 117 First connection section 121 Discharge port 122 Second bottom 123 Second cylinder part 124 Lid 125 Second inflow hole 126 Waterways 127 Second connection section 128 Third tube part 140 Heating device 141 Buffer Tank 151 Passing hole 152 Inflow channel 161 First gap 162 Second gap 180 Water circuit 181 Water supply connection port 182 Strainer 183 Water shut-off solenoid valve 184 Pressure Reducing Valve 185 Vacuum breaker 186 Flow control valve 188 Vent pipe 190 toilet seat 200 toilets 202 Rotating shaft 210 Switching device 221 Fixed plate 222 Rotating Plate 223 First hole 224 Second hole 230 Adjustment hole 231 Motor 301 Daiichi Water 302 Second water 311 First Flying Water 312 Second Flying Water 500 Nozzle Body

Claims

1. A sanitary cleaning device equipped with a nozzle that discharges a stream of water towards the private parts of a seated human body, The aforementioned nozzle is A first cylindrical portion having a first bottom at its lower end, A second cylindrical portion having a second bottom at its lower end, and A lid portion provided at the upper end of the second cylindrical portion, It is equipped with, The first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion have the same axis as each other. The first bottom portion is provided with a first inlet hole, which is a through-hole. The second cylindrical portion surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion. The lid portion is provided with a through-hole, A first gap is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion. A second gap is provided between the upper end of the first cylindrical portion and the back surface of the lid portion. The upper end of the first cylindrical portion is facing the back surface of the lid portion, At least one selected from the group consisting of the second bottom portion and the second cylindrical portion is provided with an air intake hole consisting of a through-hole, The second cylindrical portion is provided with a second inlet hole, which is a through-hole. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cylindrical portion. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the through hole. The upper end of the first cylindrical portion is located at a higher position than the second inlet hole, and The aforementioned sanitary cleaning device is configured to switch the water flow between at least two states selected from the group consisting of a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state by changing the flow rate ratio between a first flow rate and a second flow rate during operation. Here, The aforementioned first flow rate is the flow rate of water flowing into the first inlet, The aforementioned second flow rate is the flow rate of water flowing into the second inlet, In the first state described above, a continuous stream of water is discharged from the nozzle. In the second state, a continuous stream of water mixed with air bubbles is discharged from the nozzle. In the third state, a continuous stream of water is discharged from the nozzle and then changes into an intermittent stream of water in space, In the fourth state, a narrower, continuous stream of water is discharged from the nozzle than in the first state. Sanitary cleaning equipment.

2. A fixing plate having a first hole consisting of a through-hole communicating with the first inlet hole, and a second hole consisting of a through-hole communicating with the second inlet hole, arranged in the same plane, The system comprises a disc-shaped rotating plate that adheres closely to the surface of the fixing plate and is capable of closing the first hole, The aforementioned rotating plate is The adjustment hole comprises a through-hole that communicates simultaneously with at least a portion of the first hole and a portion of the second hole, The flow rate ratio is changed by rotating the rotating plate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface of the fixed plate, thereby changing the area communicating with the first hole and the area communicating with the second hole. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1.

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