Hygienic washing device

Abstract

The present application provides a sanitary washing device, in the instantaneous heat exchanger, even if the insulation between the water flowing through the inside and the heater is broken, the safety of the leakage from the heater can be improved, and the heating of the heater can be stopped more appropriately. The sanitary washing device is characterized by comprising: a connection part having a first power terminal and a second power terminal; a heat exchanger having a grounding electrode for grounding the water flowing through the inside and a heater part, the heater part having a heater insulated from the water flowing through the inside; a spray nozzle for spraying washing water; a switching element provided on the power supply path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal; a control part for controlling the supply of alternating current power to the heater; a first temperature fuse provided on the power supply path between one end of the heater and the first power terminal; and a second temperature fuse provided on the power supply path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a hygienic cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Hygiene cleaning devices that clean specific areas of the human body by spraying clean water are well known. These devices include a heat exchanger that heats the clean water, allowing for the spraying of warm water onto specific areas of the body.

[0003] As is well known, so-called instantaneous heat exchangers, used in sanitary cleaning devices, do not store water in a tank or similar container; instead, water is heated as it flows through the exchanger. Instantaneous heat exchangers include a heater. The heater heats the water flowing through the exchanger. Additionally, the sanitary cleaning device includes a temperature fuse. When abnormal heat occurs due to dry burning or other reasons, the temperature fuse disconnects the power supply based on the temperature, stopping the power to the heater in the heat exchanger and thus suppressing abnormal heating.

[0004] The instantaneous heat exchanger electrically insulates the water flowing through it from the heater. Furthermore, a technique for grounding the water flowing through the instantaneous heat exchanger has been proposed. Therefore, even if the insulation between the water and the heater breaks, it is assumed that the leakage current from the heater to the water can be prevented from affecting the human body. In other words, safety against leakage current from the heater is improved.

[0005] However, in situations like this, where the water flowing through the heat exchanger is grounded, and an insulation failure occurs between the water and the heater, causing the thermal fuse to trip due to abnormal heating, current may flow from the heater to the grounded side via the water, depending on the location of the insulation failure. In this case, even after the thermal fuse trips the power path, current may continue to flow to the heater, failing to properly stop the heater from heating up.

[0006] Therefore, in sanitary cleaning devices, even in the event of an insulation failure between the water flowing through the device and the heater, it is required that the safety against leakage current from the heater be improved, and that the heating of the heater be stopped more appropriately.

[0007] Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-31201 Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention is based on the understanding of the problem, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide a hygienic cleaning device that, in an instantaneous heat exchanger, can improve safety against leakage current from the heater even when insulation breaks between the water flowing inside and the heater, and can more appropriately stop the heater from heating.

[0009] The first invention is a sanitary washing device, characterized by comprising: a connecting portion having a first power terminal and a second power terminal, electrically connected to an AC power supply via the first power terminal and the second power terminal; a heat exchanger having a grounding electrode for grounding water flowing through it and a heater portion having a heater electrically insulated from the water flowing through it, wherein one end of the heater is electrically connected to the first power terminal and the other end of the heater is electrically connected to the second power terminal, thereby using AC power supplied from the power supply to the heater via the connecting portion to heat the washing water supplied from a water source; a spray nozzle for spraying the washing water supplied by the heat exchanger; and a switching element disposed at the other end of the heater connected to the second power terminal. On the power path between the source terminals, the state of supplying AC power to the heater is switched to a state of stopping the supply of AC power to the heater; the control unit controls the supply of AC power to the heater by controlling the opening and closing of the switching element; a first temperature fuse is provided on the power path between one end of the heater and the first power terminal, and disconnects the power path between one end of the heater and the first power terminal when the temperature of the heat exchanger reaches a predetermined temperature or above; and a second temperature fuse is provided on the power path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal, and disconnects the power path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal when the temperature of the heat exchanger reaches a predetermined temperature or above.

[0010] According to this sanitary cleaning device, the heat exchanger has a grounding electrode for grounding the water flowing through it. Therefore, even if insulation fails between the water flowing through it and the heater, the leakage current from the heater to the water can be suppressed, preventing it from affecting the human body and improving safety against leakage current from the heater. Furthermore, the sanitary cleaning device includes: a first temperature fuse installed on the power path between one end of the heater and a first power terminal; and a second temperature fuse installed on the power path between the other end of the heater and a second power terminal. Thus, when abnormal heating occurs due to insulation failure between the water flowing through it and the heater, the power path is disconnected by the first and second temperature fuses, thereby appropriately stopping the heater from heating regardless of where the insulation failure occurs. By disconnecting the power paths at both ends of the heater, the continued flow of current to the heater even after the temperature fuses have disconnected the power path can be prevented. Therefore, a hygienic cleaning device can be provided that, in an instantaneous heat exchanger, improves safety against leakage current from the heater even in the event of insulation failure between the water flowing through the interior and the heater, while also allowing for more appropriate cessation of heater heating.

[0011] The second invention is a sanitary cleaning device, characterized in that, in the first invention, the heater is disposed between the first temperature fuse and the second temperature fuse.

[0012] According to this hygienic cleaning device, even if there is uneven temperature on the surface of the heater section, abnormal high temperature can be easily detected, and the heater can be stopped from heating earlier when an abnormality occurs.

[0013] The third invention is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the first temperature fuse and the second temperature fuse are positioned at different heights for the heater section.

[0014] According to this hygienic cleaning device, even if there is uneven temperature on the surface in the height direction of the heater section, abnormal high temperature can be easily detected, and the heater can be stopped from heating earlier when an abnormality occurs.

[0015] The fourth invention is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that, in the third invention, with the central axis of the heater section as the center, at least a portion of the second temperature fuse is arranged at a position that is point-symmetrical to at least a portion of the first temperature fuse.

[0016] According to this hygienic cleaning device, even if there is uneven temperature on the surface of the heater section, abnormal high temperature can be easily detected, and the heater can be stopped from heating earlier when an abnormality occurs.

[0017] According to the present invention, a hygienic cleaning device is provided that, in an instantaneous heat exchanger, improves safety against leakage current from the heater even in the event of insulation failure between the water flowing through the interior and the heater, while also enabling more appropriate cessation of heater heating. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the hygienic cleaning apparatus involved in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger involved in the schematic representation of the implementation method. Figure 3 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger involved in the schematic representation of the implementation method. Figure 4 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger involved in the schematic representation of the implementation method. Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram showing a part of the sanitary cleaning device involved in the embodiment. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view representing a portion of the sanitary cleaning apparatus involved in the schematic representation of the embodiment. Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram representing a part of a sanitary cleaning device for reference. Symbol Explanation 10-Sanitary cleaning device; 12-Flow path; 14-Solenoid valve; 20-Heat exchanger; 21-First heater; 22-Second heater; 30-Spray nozzle; 32-Spray outlet; 33-Flow switching valve; 34-Flow path switching valve; 36-Nozzle cleaning chamber; 38-Nozzle motor; 40-Control unit; 42-Power circuit; 50-Operating unit; 60-Connection unit; 61-First power terminal; 62-Second power terminal; 71-Then 1. Switching element; 72. Second switching element; 74. Current fuse; 81. First temperature fuse; 82. Second temperature fuse; 112. Heater section; 114. Housing; 116. Shaft core component; 118. Helical spring; 120. Housing body; 122. Cover; 124. Helical spring; 130. Outer flow path; 132. Inner flow path; 134. Grounding electrode; 140. Water supply component; PS. Power supply; WS. Water supply. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the main structural components of the hygienic cleaning apparatus involved in the embodiment. like Figure 1 As shown, the sanitary cleaning device 10 includes a heat exchanger 20, a spray nozzle 30, and a control unit 40. Furthermore, Figure 1 The diagram also shows the main structure of the water system and the main structure of the electrical system of the sanitary cleaning device 10.

[0020] The heat exchanger 20 has a first heater 21 and a second heater 22. The resistance value of the second heater 22 is, for example, higher than that of the first heater 21. The heat exchanger 20 heats the wash water supplied from the water source WS through the first heater 21 and the second heater 22. However, the number of heaters provided in the heat exchanger 20 is not limited to two, but can be one or more.

[0021] The nozzle 30 has an outlet 32 ​​located at its top. The nozzle 30 sprays washing water supplied by the heat exchanger 20 from the outlet 32, thereby washing, for example, the body (e.g., "buttocks") of a user sitting on a toilet seat (not shown).

[0022] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, the sanitary cleaning device 10 according to this embodiment has a flow path 12 that guides water supplied from a water source WS, such as a tap water pipe or a water storage tank, to the nozzle 32 of the spray nozzle 30. A solenoid valve 14 is provided upstream of the flow path 12. The solenoid valve 14 is an openable and closable solenoid valve that controls the water supply according to instructions from the control unit 40. That is, the solenoid valve 14 switches between supplying and stopping water from the water source WS to the spray nozzle 30.

[0023] A heat exchanger 20 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 14. The heat exchanger 20 heats the water supplied from the water source WS through a first heater 21 and a second heater 22, for example, raising the water temperature to a predetermined temperature. The heat exchanger 20 changes the water supplied from the water source WS into warm water at a set temperature.

[0024] The heat exchanger 20 in this embodiment is, for example, an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger using a cylindrical ceramic heater or the like. The first heater 21 and the second heater 22 are, for example, heater patterns provided on the ceramic heater. The instantaneous heat exchanger 20 does not store water in a tank or the like, but heats water while it flows through its interior. The user can operate the control unit 50 to set the water temperature. The control unit 50 is, for example, a remote control installed on the wall of a bathroom. The control unit 50 can also be, for example, a control panel integrally installed on the housing of the sanitary device 10.

[0025] Downstream of heat exchanger 20 are provided: a flow switching valve 33 for adjusting the flow rate; and a flow path switching valve 34 for switching the opening and closing of water supply to the spray nozzle 30 and nozzle cleaning chamber 36, and switching the water supply destination. The flow switching valve 33 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing to the spray nozzle 30. The flow path switching valve 34 can switch the water supply destination (the connection destination of the flow path) to either the spray nozzle 30 or the nozzle cleaning chamber 36. The flow switching valve 33 and the flow path switching valve 34 can also be provided as a single unit.

[0026] A spray nozzle 30 is provided downstream of the flow switching valve 33 and the flow path switching valve 34. The spray nozzle 30 is driven by the nozzle motor 38 and can enter the bowl of the toilet or retract into the housing. In other words, the nozzle motor 38 can cause the spray nozzle 30 to move forward and backward according to the command from the control unit 40.

[0027] The nozzle cleaning chamber 36 sprays sterilizing water or water from a discharge section (not shown) located inside it, thereby sterilizing or cleaning the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle 30. Alternatively, the nozzle cleaning chamber 36 can sterilize or clean the part of the nozzle outlet 32 ​​of the nozzle 30 when it is in a stored state.

[0028] The control unit 40 is powered by the power supply PS via the power circuit 42, and controls the operation of the solenoid valve 14, heat exchanger 20, flow switching valve 33, flow path switching valve 34, and nozzle motor 38 based on signals from the operation unit 50, etc. For example, the control unit 40 controls the power supplied from the power supply PS to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 of the heat exchanger 20.

[0029] The power supply PS is, for example, an AC power supply. The power supply PS is, for example, an industrial power supply of AC 100V (RMS). The power supply circuit 42 converts the AC power supplied by the power supply PS into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the control unit 40. On the other hand, the power supply circuit 42 supplies AC power to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 of the heat exchanger 20.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger involved in the schematic representation of the implementation method. like Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 20 includes a heater section 112, a shell 114, a shaft core component 116, and a helical spring 118.

[0031] The heater section 112 is cylindrical with a hollow portion 112a. In other words, the heater section 112 is a cylindrical heater. The first heater 21 and the second heater 22 of the heat exchanger 20 are provided in the heater section 112. Furthermore, the heater section 112 does not need to be a complete cylinder, but may have portions with varying thickness, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the heater section 112 does not need to be a complete circle, but may have elliptical or polygonal portions, etc. The heater section 112 only needs to have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0032] The heater section 112 is, for example, a cylindrical ceramic heater. The heater section 112 includes, for example, an outer portion forming an outer peripheral surface 112b; an inner portion forming an inner peripheral surface 112c; and a heating element disposed between the inner and outer portions. The inner and outer portions are formed of ceramic. The heating element is, for example, a thin film consisting of a strip-shaped first heater 21 and a second heater 22 (heater pattern) made of tungsten or the like, separated by an insulating thin film. Thus, water in contact with the outer peripheral surface 112b and the inner peripheral surface 112c can be heated in the heater section 112.

[0033] Furthermore, the inner and outer portions, formed of ceramic, are insulators. The outer peripheral surface 112b and the inner peripheral surface 112c are electrically insulating. Thus, the heat exchanger 20 achieves electrical insulation between the water flowing through the outer peripheral surface 112b and the inner peripheral surface 112c and the first heater 21 and the second heater 22. The heater section 112 has a first heater 21 and a second heater 22 that are electrically insulated from the water flowing through it. The inner and outer portions, for example, have high electrical insulation and high heat transfer properties.

[0034] The shell 114 covers the outer periphery of the heater section 112. The shell 114, for example, has a shell body 120 and a cover 122. The shell body 120 covers the outer periphery of the heater section 112. The shell body 120, for example, is cylindrical with a diameter larger than that of the heater section 112. The shell body 120 has a hollow portion 120a for housing the heater section 112. The heater section 112 is arranged substantially coaxially within the hollow portion 120a of the cylindrical shell body 120.

[0035] However, the shape of the shell body 120 can be any shape that can cover the outer periphery of the heater section 112. For example, the shell body 120 can also be in the shape of a cuboid having a cylindrical hollow section 120a that can accommodate the heater section 112.

[0036] One end of the heater section 112 is located closer to the inside than one end of the shell body 120. In other words, one end of the heater section 112 is located inside the hollow section 120a. On the other hand, the other end of the heater section 112 is located closer to the outside than the other end of the shell body 120. However, the other end of the heater section 112 may also be located closer to the inside than the other end of the shell body 120.

[0037] A cover 122 is provided at one end of the shell body 120 on the side of the heater section 112 that does not protrude, blocking one end of the cylindrical shell body 120. The cover 122 may, for example, be integrally formed with the shell body 120. The hollow portion 120a may, for example, be shaped like a bottomed hole with one end blocked. The shell 114 may also have a structure that utilizes the bottomed hollow portion 120a to house the heater section 112.

[0038] A core member 116 is provided in the hollow portion 112a of the heater section 112. The core member 116 is formed separately from the shell 114 and is not fixed to the shell 114. The core member 116 is, for example, a generally cylindrical shape extending axially in the heater section 112, and is arranged generally coaxially within the hollow portion 112a of the cylindrical heater section 112.

[0039] Furthermore, one end of the heater section 112 and the shaft member 116 is configured to exit the housing 114. More specifically, one end of the heater section 112 and the shaft member 116 is configured to exit the cover portion 122 of the housing 114. The space between one end of the heater section 112 and the shaft member 116 and the cover portion 122 forms a path for water to flow between the inner and outer sides of the heater section 112.

[0040] A helical spring 118 is disposed between the shaft core member 116 and the inner circumferential surface 112c of the heater section 112. The helical spring 118 is made of, for example, metal or resin. In its natural length state, the outer diameter of the helical spring 118 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 112c of the heater section 112. By twisting, the diameter of the helical spring 118 is slightly reduced, and in this state, it is disposed within the hollow portion 112a of the heater section 112. Thus, the helical spring 118 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 112c of the heater section 112 and is held within the hollow portion 112a of the heater section 112 by its own elastic force that restores its diameter.

[0041] Figure 3 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger involved in the schematic representation of the implementation method. like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the shell body 120 of the shell 114 forms an outer flow path 130 between itself and the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112. The shell body 120 has a protrusion 120b. The protrusion 120b protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the shell body 120 and extends spirally along the axial direction of the shell body 120.

[0042] The heat exchanger 20 also includes a helical spring 124. The helical spring 124 is disposed between the shell body 120 and the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112. The helical spring 124 is made of, for example, metal or resin. In its natural length state, the inner diameter of the helical spring 124 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112. By twisting, the diameter of the helical spring 124 is slightly increased, and it is disposed on the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112 in this state. Thus, the helical spring 124 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112 and is held in place on the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112 by its own elastic force that allows its diameter to return to its original position.

[0043] At the top end of the protrusion 120b of the shell body 120, the inner diameter of the shell body 120 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112. Therefore, a small gap is formed between the shell body 120 and the heater section 112.

[0044] The thickness (diameter) of the wire of the helical spring 124 is greater than the distance of the gap formed between the housing body 120 and the heater section 112. Furthermore, the pitch of the helical spring 124 is approximately the same as the pitch of the helical protrusion 120b. Thus, the helical spring 124 blocks the gap between the housing body 120 and the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112.

[0045] The heater section 112 is supported, for example, on the shell body 120 (shell 114), and is arranged substantially coaxially within the hollow portion 120a of the cylindrical shell body 120.

[0046] Thus, a spiral-shaped outer flow path 130 is formed by the protrusion 120b of the shell body 120 and the helical spring 124. By making the outer flow path 130 spiral-shaped, the heat exchange rate between the water flowing through the outer flow path 130 and the heater section 112 can be improved. Furthermore, by using the helical spring 124 to form the spiral-shaped outer flow path 130, the effects of assembly errors or dimensional errors can be suppressed by the helical spring 124, making it easier to form the spiral-shaped outer flow path 130.

[0047] Figure 4 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the heat exchanger involved in the schematic representation of the implementation method. like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the core member 116 forms an inner flow path 132 between itself and the inner peripheral surface 112c of the heater portion 112. The core member 116 has a protrusion 116a. The protrusion 116a protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the core member 116 and extends spirally along the axial direction of the core member 116.

[0048] At the top end of the protrusion 116a of the core member 116, the outer diameter of the core member 116 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 112c of the heater section 112. Therefore, a small gap is formed between the core member 116 and the heater section 112.

[0049] The thickness (diameter) of the wire in the helical spring 118 is greater than the distance of the gap formed between the shaft core member 116 and the heater section 112. Furthermore, the pitch of the helical spring 118 is approximately the same as the pitch of the helical protrusion 116a. Thus, the helical spring 118 blocks the gap between the shaft core member 116 and the inner circumferential surface 112c of the heater section 112.

[0050] The core member 116 is not directly supported by the heater section 112 and the housing body 120 (shell 114), but is supported by a helical spring 118 in the heater section 112. The helical spring 118 is arranged substantially coaxially within the hollow portion 112a of the cylindrical heater section 112. That is, the core member 116 is not positioned by the shell 114, but by the helical spring 118. In this way, the gap between the core member 116 and the inner circumferential surface 112c of the heater section 112 is filled by the helical spring 118, and the core member 116 is positioned in the heater section 112 by the helical spring 118.

[0051] Thus, a spiral-shaped inner flow path 132 is formed by the protrusion 116a of the shaft core member 116 and the helical spring 118. By making the inner flow path 132 spiral-shaped, the heat exchange rate between the water flowing through the inner flow path 132 and the heater section 112 can be improved. Furthermore, by using the helical spring 118 to form the spiral-shaped inner flow path 132, the effects of assembly errors or dimensional errors can be suppressed by the helical spring 118, making it easier to form a spiral-shaped inner flow path 132.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, at the other end of the heater section 112, which protrudes further outward than the other end of the shell body 120, a water-passing member 140 is connected for allowing water to flow through the hollow portion 112a of the heater section 112. Additionally, a water inlet 120c is provided on the shell body 120 for allowing water to flow through the hollow portion 120a of the shell body 120. The water inlet 120c is located on the same side of the shell body 120 as the end on which the water-passing member 140 is connected.

[0053] In the heat exchanger 20, water is supplied, for example, from the water supply member 140 to the hollow portion 112a of the heater section 112. The water supplied to the hollow portion 112a flows through the inner flow path 132 and towards the opposite end of the heater section 112. At this time, the water flowing through the inner flow path 132 contacts the inner peripheral surface 12c of the heater section 112, thereby being heated by the heater section 112. The water flowing through the inner flow path 132 enters the outer flow path 130 through the space between the end of the heater section 112 and the cover portion 122 in the hollow portion 120a of the shell body 120 and flows through the outer flow path 130. The water flowing through the outer flow path 130 again flows towards the opposite end of the heater section 112. At this time, the water flowing through the outer flow path 130 contacts the outer peripheral surface 112b of the heater section 112, thereby being heated by the heater section 112. Afterwards, the water flowing through the outer flow path 130 is discharged to the outside of the shell body 120 (heat exchanger 20) through the water inlet 120c.

[0054] Thus, the water supplied to the heat exchanger 20 via the water passage member 140 is heated by the heater section 112 and becomes warm water, which is then discharged from the heat exchanger 20. Conversely, water can also be supplied from the water outlet 120c to discharge the generated warm water to the water passage member 140.

[0055] At the other end of the heater section 112, which protrudes further outward than the other end of the housing body 120, a power supply terminal 112d is provided for supplying power to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 of the heater section 112. In this way, the power supply terminal 112d is located at the end opposite to the end that is in contact with water. This prevents the power supply terminal 112d from contacting water.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 20 has a grounding electrode 134. The grounding electrode 134 is positioned to contact the water flowing through the interior of the heat exchanger 20 (shell 114) and grounds the water flowing through the interior of the heat exchanger 20.

[0057] The potential of the grounding electrode 134 is set as a reference potential. In other words, the potential of the water flowing through the heat exchanger 20 is set as the reference potential. The reference potential is, for example, the potential of the neutral line of an AC power supply PS. The reference potential is, for example, the potential of the earth. The reference potential could also be, for example, the potential of the frame grounding. The grounding electrode 134 is set as a reference potential, for example, by an electrode connected to the outside of the housing 114 via wiring or the like. However, the method of setting the potential of the grounding electrode 134 is not limited to the above, and can be any method.

[0058] In this way, a grounding electrode 134 is provided in the heat exchanger 20 to ground the water flowing through it. Therefore, even if an insulation failure occurs between the water flowing through it and the heater section 112 (first heater 21 and second heater 22), the current leaking from the heater section 112 into the water can be directed to the grounding electrode 134. This prevents the current leaking from the heater section 112 from affecting the person sitting on the toilet seat. In other words, safety against leakage current from the heater section 112 is improved.

[0059] The grounding electrode 134 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the cover 122. Thus, water flowing through the inner flow path 132 enters the outer flow path 130 through the space between the end of the heater section 112 in the hollow portion 120a of the shell body 120 and the cover 122, during which time the water can come into contact with the grounding electrode 134. However, the arrangement of the grounding electrode 134 is not limited to the above, but can be any position that allows it to come into contact with the water flowing through the interior of the heat exchanger 20.

[0060] Figure 5This is a circuit diagram showing a part of the sanitary cleaning device involved in the embodiment. like Figure 5 As shown, the sanitary cleaning device 10 includes a connection part 60, a first switching element 71, a second switching element 72, a current fuse 74, a first temperature fuse 81, and a second temperature fuse 82.

[0061] The connection portion 60 has a first power terminal 61 and a second power terminal 62. The first power terminal 61 is, for example, a power terminal electrically connected to the power line (non-grounded side) of an AC power supply PS. The second power terminal 62 is, for example, a power terminal electrically connected to the neutral line (grounded side) of the AC power supply PS. The first power terminal 61 is, for example, a power terminal on the live wire side (L-side power terminal), and the second power terminal 62 is, for example, a power terminal on the neutral wire side (N-side power terminal). However, contrary to the above, the first power terminal 61 can also be used as the grounded side, and the second power terminal 62 as the non-grounded side.

[0062] The connecting part 60 is, for example, a socket plug. The first power terminal 61 is, for example, one terminal of the socket plug, and the second power terminal 62 is, for example, the other terminal of the socket plug. However, the connecting part 60 is not limited to a socket plug, but may also be, for example, a pair of wires directly connected to a distribution panel or the like.

[0063] Since the heat exchanger 20 electrically connects one end of the first heater 21 and one end of the second heater 22 to the first power terminal 61, and electrically connects the other end of the first heater 21 and the other end of the second heater 22 to the second power terminal 62, the washing water supplied from the water supply source WS is heated by at least one of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 using the alternating current supplied from the power supply PS via the connection part 60.

[0064] In this example, a power supply circuit 42 is provided between the heat exchanger 20 and the connection portion 60. The power supply circuit 42 can, for example, directly output AC power supplied from the power source PS to the heat exchanger 20. However, the power supply circuit 42 can also convert the AC power supplied from the power source PS into other types of AC power and output the converted AC power to the heat exchanger 20. Thus, the AC power supplied from the power source PS to the heat exchanger 20 can be either the original AC power from the power source PS or AC power converted by the power supply circuit 42, etc. The AC power supplied to the heat exchanger 20 can be any AC power based on the AC power from the power source PS.

[0065] The first switching element 71 is disposed on the power path between the other end of the first heater 21 and the second power terminal 62, switching between the state of supplying AC power to the first heater 21 and the state of stopping the supply of AC power to the first heater 21.

[0066] The second switching element 72 is disposed on the power path between the other end of the second heater 22 and the second power terminal 62, switching between the state of supplying AC power to the second heater 22 and the state of stopping the supply of AC power to the second heater 22.

[0067] The first switching element 71 is disposed, for example, between the other end of the first heater 21 and an AC output terminal of the power supply circuit 42. Similarly, the second switching element 72 is disposed, for example, between the other end of the second heater 22 and an AC output terminal of the power supply circuit 42. However, the configuration of the first switching element 71 is not limited to this, and can be located anywhere on the power path between the other end of the first heater 21 and the second power terminal 62. The configuration of the second switching element 72 is not limited to this, and can be located anywhere on the power path between the other end of the second heater 22 and the second power terminal 62.

[0068] The first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72, for example, have a pair of main terminals and a control terminal. By inputting a signal to the control terminal, they switch the current flowing between the pair of main terminals to be on or off. The first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72, for example, are three-terminal bidirectional switches. The first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72 can be any element capable of controlling the on / off state of current and enabling bidirectional current flow. The first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72 can be, for example, a mechanical relay, or a combination of multiple semiconductor switches.

[0069] The first heater 21 and the second heater 22 generate heat, for example, due to the flow of current between a pair of terminals. The first heater 21 and the second heater 22 are, for example, resistors.

[0070] The control unit 40 controls the supply of AC power to the first heater 21 by controlling the opening and closing of the first switching element 71, and controls the supply of AC power to the second heater 22 by controlling the opening and closing of the second switching element 72. The control unit 40 is electrically connected, for example, to the respective control terminals of the first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72 respectively.

[0071] A current fuse 74 is disposed on the power path between one end of the first heater 21 and one end of the second heater 22 and the first power terminal 61. When a current exceeding the rated current flows, the current fuse 74 disconnects the power path between the connection 60 and the first heater 21 and the connection 60 and the second heater 22, thereby cutting off the power supply to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22. Thus, the current fuse 74 suppresses the flow of current exceeding the rated current into the heat exchanger 20. Furthermore, it is preferable that the current fuse 74 is disposed on the non-grounded side of the power terminal of the first power terminal 61 and the second power terminal 62.

[0072] For example, when a current exceeding the rated current flows, the current fuse 74 breaks the power path by melting. The current fuse 74 can also be a resettable fuse, that is, when a current exceeding the rated current flows, the power path is broken by opening the contacts, and when the current is less than the rated current, the power path is reconnected by closing the contacts.

[0073] A first temperature fuse 81 is disposed on the power path between one end of the first heater 21 and one end of the second heater 22 and the first power terminal 61. A second temperature fuse 82 is disposed on the power path between the other ends of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 and the second power terminal 62. One end of the first heater 21 and one end of the second heater 22 are electrically connected to the first power terminal 61 via the first temperature fuse 81. The other ends of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 are electrically connected to the second power terminal 62 via the second temperature fuse 82.

[0074] When the temperature of heat exchanger 20 reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the first temperature fuse 81 disconnects the power path between one end of the first heater 21 and one end of the second heater 22 and the first power terminal 61, cutting off the power supply to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22. When the temperature of heat exchanger 20 reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the second temperature fuse 82 disconnects the power path between the other end of the first heater 21 and the other end of the second heater 22 and the second power terminal 62, cutting off the power supply to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22. Thus, the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 prevent the heat exchanger 20 from heating up to or exceeding the predetermined temperature. For example, the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 prevent the heat exchanger 20 from burning dry.

[0075] For example, when the temperature of heat exchanger 20 reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the first temperature fuse 81 melts, disconnecting the power path between one end of the first heater 21 and one end of the second heater 22 and the first power terminal 61. The first temperature fuse 81 can also be a resettable fuse, meaning that when the temperature of heat exchanger 20 reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature, the power path is disconnected by opening the contact, and when the temperature of heat exchanger 20 falls below the predetermined temperature, the power path is reconnected by closing the contact. The second temperature fuse 82 behaves similarly.

[0076] The second temperature fuse 82 is provided, for example, in the power path between the first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72 and the second power supply terminal 62. The second temperature fuse 82 is also provided, for example, in the power path between the first switching element 71 and the second switching element 72 and one AC output terminal of the power supply circuit 42. Thus, even when the heat exchanger 20 has multiple heaters, the power path between multiple heaters and the second power supply terminal 62 can be appropriately disconnected using only one second temperature fuse 82.

[0077] However, when the heat exchanger 20 has multiple heaters, the sanitary cleaning device 10 may also include multiple second temperature fuses 82 corresponding to the multiple heaters of the heat exchanger 20. In this example, the sanitary cleaning device 10 may also include two second temperature fuses 82 disposed between the first heater 21 and the first switching element 71 and between the second heater 22 and the second switching element 72.

[0078] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view representing a portion of the sanitary cleaning apparatus involved in the schematic representation of the embodiment. Figure 6 Patterned representation Figure 2 The cross section of line A1-A2. like Figure 6 As shown, the heater section 112 of the heat exchanger 20 is positioned between the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82. For example, when viewed from above, the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 are positioned on both sides of the cylindrical heater section 112, separated by the central axis CL of the heater section 112. In other words, the heater section 112 is configured such that the central axis CL of the heater section 112 is located between the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, for example, in the heater section 112, the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 are positioned at different heights. The height of the second temperature fuse 82 relative to the heater section 112 is different from the height of the first temperature fuse 81 relative to the heater section 112. In this example, the first temperature fuse 81 is positioned at a higher position compared to the second temperature fuse 82. The first temperature fuse 81 is, for example, positioned closer to the top than the central axis CL of the heater section 112. The second temperature fuse 82 is, for example, positioned closer to the bottom than the central axis CL of the heater section 112.

[0080] Furthermore, contrary to the above, the second temperature fuse 82 can be positioned higher than the first temperature fuse 81. For example, one of the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 can be positioned higher than the central axis CL of the heater section 112, and the other of the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 can be positioned lower than the central axis CL of the heater section 112.

[0081] For example, with the central axis CL of the heater section 112 as the center, at least a portion of the second temperature fuse 82 is disposed at a position that is point-symmetrical to at least a portion of the first temperature fuse 81. For example, on a plane (section) orthogonal to the central axis CL of the heater section 112, the distance D1 from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 to the first temperature fuse 81 is substantially the same as the distance D2 from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 to the second temperature fuse 82.

[0082] and, Figure 6 In the section, on a plane (section) orthogonal to the central axis CL of the heater section 112, the distance from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 to the center of the first temperature fuse 81 is defined as distance D1, and the distance from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 to the center of the second temperature fuse 82 is defined as distance D2. The distance D1 from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 to the first temperature fuse 81 is not limited to this, and can be any distance to any position of the first temperature fuse 81. Similarly, the distance D2 from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 to the second temperature fuse 82 can also be any distance to any position of the second temperature fuse 82. The first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 are configured such that, in at least a portion of each other, the distance from the central axis CL of the heater section 112 is the same.

[0083] However, the configuration of the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 is not limited to the above. The first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 can be configured at any position where the temperature of the heat exchanger 20 (heater section 112) can be appropriately detected. For example, the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 can also be configured vertically separated from the heater section 112. The first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 do not necessarily need to be configured on both sides of the heater section 112, but can also be configured biased towards one side of the heater section 112. The configuration of the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 can be appropriately set according to the installation orientation of the heat exchanger 20 of the sanitary cleaning device 10 or the flow direction of the water flowing through the heat exchanger 20.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram representing a part of a sanitary cleaning device for reference. Figure 7 The pattern represents a part of a sanitary cleaning device for reference, which omits the second temperature fuse 82 and only has the first temperature fuse 81.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, in the structure of the sanitary cleaning device for reference, when the insulation between the water flowing through the interior and the first heater 21 or the second heater 22 breaks and the first temperature fuse 81 blows due to abnormal heating, depending on the location of the insulation failure, current may flow from the first heater 21 or the second heater 22 to the grounding side via the water inside.

[0086] Figure 7 The illustration depicts a situation where insulation failure occurs between the water flowing through the interior and the second heater 22, at one end near the first power terminal 61 of the second heater 22. In this case, if the connection part 60 is incorrectly connected to the power supply PS and the second power terminal 62 is connected to the power supply line side of the power supply PS, then... Figure 7 As indicated by arrow A1, current flows from the second power terminal 62 through the second switching element 72, the second heater 22, and the damaged insulation portion, via water inside the heat exchanger 20 to the grounding electrode 134. At this time, even after the first temperature fuse 81 has blown, current may continue to flow to the second heater 22, and the heating of the second heater 22 may not be properly stopped.

[0087] In contrast, in the sanitary cleaning apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the heat exchanger 20 has a grounding electrode 134 for grounding the water flowing through it. Therefore, even if insulation breaks between the water flowing through it and the first heater 21 and the second heater 22, the leakage current from the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 can be suppressed from affecting the human body, thus improving safety against leakage current from the first heater 21 and the second heater 22.

[0088] Furthermore, the sanitary cleaning device 10 also includes: a first temperature fuse 81, disposed on the power path between one end of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 and the first power terminal 61; and a second temperature fuse 82, disposed on the power path between the other end of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 and the second power terminal 62. Thus, when abnormal heating occurs due to insulation failure between the internal water and the first heater 21 and the second heater 22, the power path is disconnected by the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82, thereby appropriately stopping the heating of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 regardless of where the insulation failure occurs. By disconnecting the power path at both ends of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22, it is possible to prevent current from continuing to flow to the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 even after the power path is disconnected by the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82.

[0089] Thus, a hygienic cleaning device 10 can be provided, which, even in the case of insulation failure between the water flowing through the interior and the first heater 21 and the second heater 22, can improve the safety against leakage current from the first heater 21 and the second heater 22, and can more appropriately stop the heating of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22.

[0090] Furthermore, in the sanitary cleaning device 10, the heater section 112 is positioned between the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82. Therefore, even if uneven temperature occurs on the surface of the heater section 112, abnormally high temperatures can be easily detected in the sanitary cleaning device 10, and the heating of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 can be stopped earlier in case of an abnormality.

[0091] In the instantaneous heat exchanger 20, a heater with a higher output is used. Therefore, in the instantaneous heat exchanger 20, when temperature unevenness occurs, the temperature difference between different parts may become larger. For example, the downstream side of the flow path inside the heat exchanger 20 tends to have a higher temperature compared to the upstream side of the flow path inside the heat exchanger 20. In addition, for example, the higher position of the flow path inside the heat exchanger 20 tends to have a higher temperature compared to the lower position of the flow path inside the heat exchanger 20. Moreover, when multiple heaters are provided in the heater section 112, temperature unevenness may occur depending on the position of each heater or the combination of heaters used. In the sanitary cleaning device 10, by positioning the heater section 112 between the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82, even if such temperature unevenness occurs, abnormal high temperature can be easily detected, and the heating of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 can be stopped earlier when an abnormality occurs.

[0092] Furthermore, in the sanitary cleaning device 10, the first temperature fuse 81 and the second temperature fuse 82 are positioned at different heights for the heater section 112. Therefore, even if uneven surface temperature occurs along the height of the heater section 112, abnormally high temperatures can be easily detected, and heating can be stopped earlier in case of an abnormality.

[0093] Furthermore, in the sanitary cleaning device 10, with the central axis CL of the heater section 112 as the center, at least a portion of the second temperature fuse 82 is positioned at a point symmetrical to at least a portion of the first temperature fuse 81. Therefore, even if temperature unevenness occurs on the surface of the heater section 112, abnormally high temperatures can be easily detected, and the heating of the first heater 21 and the second heater 22 can be stopped more quickly in the event of an abnormality.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a cylindrical heater section 112 is shown. The shape of the heater section 112 is not limited to this, and can also be, for example, rectangular. In this example, water is heated by contacting both the inner and outer surfaces of the cylindrical heater section 112. The heater section 112 has an internal space, and can be configured such that water only contacts the inner surface or only contacts the outer surface. The heater section 112 can also be, for example, a rod-shaped form without an internal space. The shape of the heater section 112 can be any shape capable of appropriately heating water.

[0095] The central axis CL of the heater section 112 can be any axis passing through the center of the heater section 112. For example, when the heater section 112 has an amorphous shape, the axis passing through the intersection of the center in the left-right direction and the center in the up-down direction of the heater section 112 can be used as the central axis CL.

[0096] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above. Any technique that incorporates the features of the present invention and allows for appropriate design modifications to the foregoing embodiments by those skilled in the art is also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, and configuration of the various elements included in the sanitary cleaning device 10 are not limited to the illustrated contents, but can be appropriately modified. Furthermore, as long as it is technically feasible, the elements of the aforementioned embodiments can be combined, and any combination techniques that include the features of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hygienic washing device, characterized in that, It includes: a connecting part having a first power terminal and a second power terminal, which are electrically connected to an AC power supply via the first power terminal and the second power terminal; A heat exchanger has a grounding electrode for grounding water flowing through its interior and a heater section. The heater section has a heater that is electrically insulated from the water flowing through its interior. By electrically connecting one end of the heater to the first power terminal and the other end of the heater to the second power terminal, the heater heats the washing water supplied from the water supply source using AC power supplied from the power source via the connection section. The nozzle sprays out the washing water supplied by the heat exchanger; A switching element is disposed on the power path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal to switch between the state of supplying AC power to the heater and the state of stopping the supply of AC power to the heater; The control unit controls the supply of AC power to the heater by controlling the opening and closing of the switching element; The first temperature fuse is installed on the power path between one end of the heater and the first power terminal. When the temperature of the heat exchanger reaches a specified temperature or above, the power path between one end of the heater and the first power terminal is disconnected. A second temperature fuse is provided on the power path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal. When the temperature of the heat exchanger reaches a predetermined temperature, the power path between the other end of the heater and the second power terminal is disconnected. For the heater section, the first temperature fuse and the second temperature fuse are positioned at different heights. With the central axis of the heater section as the center, at least a portion of the second temperature fuse is arranged at a position that is point-symmetrical to at least a portion of the first temperature fuse.

2. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater section is located between the first temperature fuse and the second temperature fuse.

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