Local cleaning device, toilet device and toilet bowl device

Abstract

A local cleaning device, a toilet device, and a toilet bowl device that suppresses scattering of cleaning water and dirt and appropriately cleans a local cleaning nozzle. A nozzle cleaner (40) of a local cleaning device that performs local cleaning by a cylindrical cleaning nozzle (32) has: an annular inner peripheral wall portion (52) that forms an opening (41) through which the cleaning nozzle can be inserted; an annular outer peripheral wall portion (61) that forms an annular flow path (42) of cleaning water supplied via a water supply portion (54) between the inner peripheral wall portion, and that is controlled to clean the cleaning nozzle while moving the cleaning nozzle. The inner peripheral wall portion is formed with a jet outlet (53) that penetrates in the radial direction to jet the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path into the opening. The outer peripheral wall portion extends forward in a manner to cover the inner peripheral wall portion and is provided at the front end side with an annular rib (65) that extends to the inner side in the radial direction in a manner to narrow the gap with the cleaning nozzle.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following patent application:

[0002] Application Number: 202111581607.X

[0003] Application date: December 22, 2021

[0004] Invention title: Local cleaning device. Technical Field

[0005] This invention relates to a local cleaning device. Background Technology

[0006] Conventionally, as such local cleaning devices, a local cleaning device for cleaning the nozzle has been proposed, which moves a cleaning nozzle that sprays cleaning water from a spray outlet from a standby position to a local cleaning position to clean a specific area of ​​the human body. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which a nozzle cleaning unit that moves (rotates) upward toward the cleaning nozzle in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the cleaning nozzle is provided on the front side of a housing (cover) housing the cleaning nozzle, and an opening / closing device that opens and closes the opening of the housing in conjunction with the rotation of the nozzle cleaning unit. Furthermore, when the cleaning nozzle moves in or out, cleaning water is sprayed from the nozzle cleaning unit, which has moved upward toward the cleaning nozzle, to clean the cleaning nozzle, and the opening / closing device suppresses the scattering of cleaning water that bounces off the cleaning nozzle. Patent Document 2 describes a structure in which a cover covering the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle is provided at the spray outlet position of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position. Furthermore, the cleaning water sprayed from the spray outlet of the cleaning nozzle flows through the annular gap between the cleaning nozzle and the cover to clean the periphery of the spray outlet of the cleaning nozzle.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5605579

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5665014

[0011] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, since cleaning water is sprayed only from above the cleaning nozzle, there is a possibility that the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle cannot be reliably cleaned. Furthermore, although the open / closed mechanism suppresses the scattering of cleaning water upwards from the cleaning nozzle, it is insufficient to suppress scattering beyond upwards. Therefore, when the water pressure of the cleaning water is increased to improve the cleaning effect, cleaning water and dirt scatter around the nozzle. On the other hand, in the structure of Patent Document 2, since the cleaning water flows through the annular gap between the cleaning nozzle and the cover, although the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned, only the tip of the nozzle outlet is cleaned, and dirt outside the tip cannot be sufficiently removed. Therefore, there is room for improvement in properly cleaning the cleaning nozzle. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The main purpose of this invention is to suppress the scattering of cleaning water and dirt and to properly clean the cleaning nozzles.

[0014] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0015] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, the present invention employs the following means.

[0016] The local cleaning device of the present invention,

[0017] This local cleaning device performs localized cleaning using a cylindrical cleaning nozzle and includes:

[0018] The drive unit moves the cleaning nozzle forward and backward from the standby position to the front partial cleaning position;

[0019] The water supply department supplies cleaning water;

[0020] A nozzle cleaner having an opening through which the cleaning nozzle can be inserted, and capable of spraying cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit into the opening to clean the cleaning nozzle; and

[0021] A control device that controls the drive unit and the water supply unit to move the cleaning nozzle while simultaneously cleaning the cleaning nozzle with the nozzle cleaner.

[0022] The nozzle cleaner has: an annular inner peripheral wall portion forming the opening; and an annular outer peripheral wall portion forming an annular flow path between the outer peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral wall portion for the flow of cleaning water supplied from the water supply portion.

[0023] The inner peripheral wall portion is formed with a radially penetrating nozzle to spray cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path into the opening.

[0024] The outer peripheral wall extends forward to cover the inner peripheral wall, and an annular rib extending radially inward is provided on the front end side of the outer peripheral wall to reduce the gap with the cleaning nozzle.

[0025] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner has an annular inner peripheral wall and an annular outer peripheral wall, forming an annular flow path between the outer and inner peripheral walls. The inner peripheral wall has a radially penetrating nozzle outlet for spraying cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path into the opening. Therefore, by spraying cleaning water from the nozzle outlet into the cleaning nozzle within the opening, dirt on the cleaning nozzle can be appropriately removed. Furthermore, since the outer peripheral wall extends forward to cover the inner peripheral wall, and an annular rib extending radially inward to reduce the gap with the cleaning nozzle is provided at the front end of the outer peripheral wall, the forward dispersion of cleaning water and dirt can be suppressed. Moreover, since the nozzle cleaner cleans the cleaning nozzle while moving it, the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned along its entire length. Therefore, the dispersion of cleaning water and dirt can be suppressed, and the cleaning nozzle can be properly cleaned.

[0026] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner may have the spray outlets formed at multiple locations that equally divide the inner peripheral wall portion along the circumference. This allows for the uniform spraying of cleaning water throughout the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle within the opening, thus providing appropriate cleaning of the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle.

[0027] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner may also have a ring member as the inner peripheral wall portion. This ring member has a plurality of receiving portions and the spray outlet protruding from the outer peripheral surface into the annular flow path. By receiving the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path through the receiving portions, the ring member can rotate. Thus, cleaning water can be sprayed evenly throughout the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle within the opening, thereby properly cleaning the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle.

[0028] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner may also have a ring member as the inner peripheral wall portion. This ring member has multiple receiving portions that receive the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path and the nozzle outlet. By receiving the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path through the receiving portions, the ring member can rotate. The ring member is configured to rotate eccentrically relative to the axial center of the cleaning nozzle. As a result, since the inner peripheral surface of the ring member rotates while in frictional contact with the entire circumference (outer peripheral surface) of the cleaning nozzle, dirt on the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle can be scraped off, and dirt on the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle can be appropriately removed.

[0029] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the ring member may also be formed as a C-shaped ring with a portion missing in the circumferential direction. This allows for a structure in which the ring member rotates eccentrically with a simple design.

[0030] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner may also have a water guide plate formed in a curved shape to receive cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit and guide the cleaning water to the annular flow path. The outer peripheral wall portion is formed to cover the water guide plate, and the mating surface between the outer peripheral wall portion and the water guide plate is located at the top end of the water guide plate. Therefore, since leakage of cleaning water from the mating surface can be suppressed, welding processes and other leak-prevention procedures can be omitted.

[0031] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner may be configured to mix the air drawn in by the jet effect with the cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit. This causes the cleaning water to become foamy by mixing air with it, thus suppressing the dispersion of the cleaning water and facilitating the removal of dirt.

[0032] In the local cleaning apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner may be configured such that the annular rib is located in front of the front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position. This allows cleaning water in contact with the annular rib to flow towards the front end face of the cleaning nozzle, thereby cleaning the front end face. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the toilet 1 equipped with a toilet cleaning device 10.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the toilet cleaning device 10.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the nozzle unit 30.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the nozzle unit 30.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the base component 51.

[0041] Figure 9This is a perspective view of the cover component 61.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of nozzle cleaning treatment.

[0043] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the situation where nozzle cleaning is performed with the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 in the in-and-out state.

[0044] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the situation where nozzle cleaning is performed with the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 in its contained state.

[0045] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 140, a modified example.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the base component 151 and the ring component 71.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the ring component 71.

[0048] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the nozzle cleaner 140.

[0049] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the modified nozzle cleaner 240.

[0050] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 340, a modified example.

[0051] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the base component 351 and the ring component 371.

[0052] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the ring component 371.

[0053] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the ring component 371.

[0054] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the ring component 371.

[0055] Symbol Explanation

[0056] 1…Toilet bowl; 10…Toilet bidet device; 12…Toilet bowl body; 14 Toilet seat; 16…Toilet lid; 17…Seat sensor; 18…Control panel; 18a…Buttocks cleaning switch; 18b…Vaginal cleaning switch; 18c…Stop switch; 18d…Temperature adjustment switch; 18e…Water pressure adjustment switch; 18f…Nozzle cleaning switch; 19…Control device; 20…Water supply circuit; 22…Stop water solenoid valve; 23…Pressure reducing valve; 24…Heat exchange unit; 25…Water temperature sensor; 26…Flow sensor; 27…Pulse pump; 28…Vacuum circuit breaker; 29…Flow path switching valve; 30…Nozzle unit; 31…Housing housing; 31a…Clamping claw; 32…Buttocks cleaning nozzle; 32a…Spray outlet; 33, 37…Drive unit; 34, 38…Motor; 35…Gear mechanism; 36…Vaginal cleaning nozzle; 40 140, 240, 340... Nozzle cleaner; 41, 141, 341... Opening; 42, 142, 342... Annular flow path; 51, 151, 351... Base component; 52... Inner peripheral wall; 53... Spray outlet; 54, 354... Supply port; 56... Water guide plate; 58... Arc-shaped wall; 61, 161, 361... Cover component; 62, 162... Outer peripheral wall; 63... Cover; 6 5... Annular rib; 67, 69... Engaging hooks; 71, 371... Ring components; 72... Annular peripheral wall; 73, 373... Spray outlet; 74, 374... Supporting part; 157, 357... Annular support; 158, 358... Annular peripheral wall; 259... Cleaning water inlet; 259a... Inlet; 259b... Suction inlet; 372... Ring body; mf... Mating surface; tb, tf... Gap. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Next, the method for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the toilet 1 equipped with a toilet washer 10. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the toilet cleaning device 10. Figure 3 , Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the nozzle unit 30. (See image below.) Figure 1 As shown, the toilet cleaning device 10 is disposed on the upper surface of the toilet bowl 1, and includes a toilet bowl body 12, a toilet seat 14 and a toilet lid 16 that are freely opened and closed and supported on the toilet bowl body 12, and an operation panel 18 that can be operated by the user. Additionally, as... Figure 2As shown, the toilet body 12 includes: a water supply line 20 for supplying cleaning water; a nozzle unit 30, which has a cleaning nozzle for local cleaning, a nozzle cleaner 40 for cleaning the cleaning nozzle, etc.; and a control device 19 for controlling the entire toilet cleaning device 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction are as follows... Figure 1 As shown.

[0059] The water supply line 20 is equipped with: a pressure reducing valve 23, which reduces the pressure of the cleaning water supplied from the water source via the water-stop solenoid valve 22 to a specified pressure; a heat exchange unit 24, which heats the cleaning water; a water temperature sensor 25, which detects the temperature of the cleaning water; a flow sensor 26, which detects the flow rate of the cleaning water; a pulse pump 27, which adjusts the cleaning intensity; a vacuum circuit breaker 28; and a flow path switching valve 29, which regulates the flow rate of the cleaning water and switches the supply target. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat exchange unit 24 incorporates, for example, a ceramic heater with a rated output of approximately 1200W, and is configured as an instantaneous heat exchange unit capable of instantly heating the cleaning water. Additionally, the flow path switching valve 29 is configured, for example, as a rotary valve driven by a stepper motor, capable of adjusting the flow rate of the cleaning water supplied via the water supply port while switching the supply target.

[0060] The nozzle unit 30 includes: a buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and a drive unit 33, a genital cleaning nozzle 36 and a drive unit 37, and a nozzle cleaner 40, and can house the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the genital cleaning nozzle 36 within a housing 31. The buttock cleaning nozzle 32 has a flow path for cleaning water formed internally and a spray outlet 32a formed on its upper surface at the top end (see reference). Figure 11 The buttock cleaning nozzle 32 is a cylindrical component. The drive unit 33 includes, for example, a motor 34 and a gear mechanism 35, and the motor 34 rotates forward or backward to move the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 from its standby position (receiving position) within the housing 31 to its forward partial cleaning position. Since the lower body cleaning nozzle 36 and drive unit 37 have the same structure as the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and drive unit 33, their description is omitted. Hereinafter, the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and lower body cleaning nozzle 36 will be simply referred to as "cleaning nozzles".

[0061] The nozzle cleaner 40 is installed at the front end of the housing 31 and has two openings 41 through which the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the lower body cleaning nozzle 36 can be inserted (moved). The nozzle cleaner 40 cleans the outer surface of the cleaning nozzles by spraying cleaning water supplied from the water supply line 20 through the flow path switching valve 29 into the openings 41.

[0062] The control panel 18 is equipped with a buttock cleaning switch 18a for indicating buttock cleaning, a lower body cleaning switch 18b for indicating lower body cleaning, a stop switch 18c for indicating the end of cleaning, a temperature adjustment switch 18d for adjusting the temperature of the cleaning water, a water pressure adjustment switch 18e for adjusting the cleaning intensity (force) of the cleaning water, and a nozzle cleaning switch 18f for indicating nozzle cleaning.

[0063] The control device 19 is configured with a microprocessor including a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). Detection signals from the seating sensor 17 (detecting the user's seating position on the toilet seat 14), operation signals from the control panel 18, water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 25, and flow rate detected by the flow sensor 26 are input to the control device 19. Additionally, the control device 19 outputs drive signals to the water-stop solenoid valve 22, control signals to the heat exchange unit 24, drive signals to the pulse pump 27, drive signals to the flow path switching valve 29, drive signals to the drive unit 33 (motor 34) of the buttock-washing nozzle 32, and drive signals to the drive unit 37 (motor 38) of the lower body-washing nozzle 36.

[0064] The structure of the nozzle cleaner 40 will be described in detail below. Figure 5 , Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40. Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the nozzle cleaner 40. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the base component 51. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the cover component 61. The nozzle cleaner 40 of this embodiment consists of two components (two parts): a base component 51 and a cover component 61, forming an annular flow path (annular water path) 42 for the flow of cleaning water sprayed into the opening 41. Furthermore, in the above-described… Figure 4 The image shows the nozzle cleaner 40 with the cover component 61 removed.

[0065] The base component 51 is provided with an annular inner peripheral wall portion (annular peripheral wall portion) 52 forming an opening 41, a plurality of spray outlets 53 extending radially through the inner peripheral wall portion 52, a supply port 54 connected to a flow path switching valve 29 via a water supply hose (not shown), a water guide plate 56 guiding the cleaning water supplied through the supply port 54, and an arc-shaped wall portion 58 separated from the inner peripheral wall portion 52 by a predetermined gap and formed in an arc shape. Two inner peripheral wall portions 52, a supply port 54, a water guide plate 56, and an arc-shaped wall portion 58 are symmetrically provided on the left and right sides of the base component 51, corresponding to the two openings 41.

[0066] The cover component 61 is provided with an outer peripheral wall (annular peripheral wall) 62 forming an arc-shaped wall 58 and an annular flow path 42 between the inner peripheral wall 52 of the base component 51, a locking hook 67 that engages with the base component 51, and a locking hook 69 that engages with the receiving housing 31. Two outer peripheral wall portions 62, two locking hooks 67, and two locking hooks 69 are symmetrically provided on the left and right sides of the cover component 61 (two locking hooks 67 on the top and two on the bottom). The cover component 61 is mounted to the base component 51 such that the outer peripheral wall portion 62 covers the inner peripheral wall portion 52, the water guide plate 56, and the arc-shaped wall portion 58. The locking hooks 67 are integrated with the base component 51 by engaging with it. In this state, the nozzle cleaner 40 is mounted on the receiving housing 31 by engaging the locking claw 31a formed on the side of the front end of the receiving housing 31 with the locking hooks 69.

[0067] In the nozzle cleaner 40, the supply port 54 is configured along the axial direction of the cleaning nozzle (see reference). Figure 11 , Figure 12 The cleaning water is supplied in the direction of the supply port 54. The water guide plate 56 is erected from the front surface of the base member 51 in a continuous manner with the supply port 54, and is formed in a curved shape to receive the cleaning water supplied through the supply port 54 and guide it radially toward the annular flow path 42. In addition, in the nozzle cleaner 40, the nozzle outlet 53 formed in the inner peripheral wall portion 52 is formed as a slit in four locations at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral wall portion 52, so as to throttle the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path 42 and spray the cleaning water out. Since the cleaning water passing through the nozzle outlet 53 is sprayed out wider than the width of the nozzle outlet 53 (slit width), by providing it in four locations in the circumferential direction, cleaning water can be sprayed out evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, although the structure in this embodiment in which the nozzle outlet 53 is formed in four locations is illustrated, it is not limited to this, and it can be formed in multiple locations that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral wall portion 52. For example, based on the outer diameter of the cleaning nozzle (inner diameter of the opening 41) and the width of the spray outlet 53 (slit width), the spray outlet 53 can be formed in three, six, or eight locations to ensure uniform spraying of cleaning water. Furthermore, while the spray outlet 53 is formed with a cross-sectional area smaller than or equal to that of the annular flow path 42, it is not limited to this and can also be formed with a cross-sectional area larger than such.

[0068] Furthermore, a covering portion 63 is formed on the outer peripheral wall portion 62 of the cover member 61. The inner surface of the covering portion 63 is recessed to accommodate the water guide plate 56, and extends to cover the base end side of the water guide plate 56. In this embodiment, the mating surface mf (refer to) between the covering portion 63 (outer peripheral wall portion 62) and the water guide plate 56 is configured as follows. Figure 5 , Figure 6The water guide plate 56 is located at its top end. That is, after the water guide plate 56 receives the cleaning water supplied via the supply port 54 and guides the cleaning water towards the annular flow path 42 (radially inward), the presence of the mating surface mf prevents the cleaning water from seeping into the mating surface mf and thus prevents leakage. Furthermore, by covering the base end of the water guide plate 56 with the cover portion 63, even if cleaning water seeps in from the mating surface mf, leakage is difficult to prevent.

[0069] Furthermore, in the nozzle cleaner 40, the outer peripheral wall 62 of the cover member 61 extends forward compared to the inner peripheral wall 52 of the base member 51. An annular rib 65 protruding radially inward is formed on the front end of the outer peripheral wall 62 to reduce the gap between the outer peripheral wall 62 and the cleaning nozzle within the opening 41. The inner diameter of this annular rib 65 is slightly larger than that of the inner peripheral wall 52 of the base member 51. Therefore, in the opening 41, since the gap tf between the front annular rib 65 and the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle is larger than the gap tb between the rear inner peripheral wall 52 and the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle, it is possible to promote the forward discharge of cleaning water that has cleaned the cleaning nozzle, thereby suppressing the residue of cleaning water, removed dirt, etc.

[0070] Next, the operation of the toilet cleaning device 10 thus constructed will be explained, especially the operation of cleaning the cleaning nozzle. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of nozzle cleaning processing. The control device 19 performs this process when the power is on. Additionally, Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process of cleaning the buttocks with the buttocks cleaning nozzle 32 in the in-and-out position. Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the buttock-cleaning nozzle 32 being cleaned in its concealed state. Figure 11 , Figure 12 In the example shown, although the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 is illustrated, the lower body cleaning nozzle 36 is also the same.

[0071] exist Figure 10 During the nozzle cleaning process, the control device 19 determines whether a partial cleaning (buttock cleaning, lower body cleaning) start operation has been performed (S100) and whether a nozzle cleaning start operation has been performed (S110) based on the operation signal from the operation panel 18. The determination of S100 is based on whether either the buttock cleaning switch 18a or the lower body cleaning switch 18b is operated, and the determination of S110 is based on whether the nozzle cleaning switch 18f is operated.

[0072] When the start of a local cleaning operation is determined in S100, the control device 19 performs nozzle cleaning (S120) while advancing the cleaning nozzle for this local cleaning. The process in S120 is performed as follows: while opening the water-stop solenoid valve 22 and switching the supply target of the flow path switching valve 29 to the supply port 54 of the nozzle cleaner 40 on the side of the advancing cleaning nozzle, cleaning water is supplied. Simultaneously, the drive unit (drive unit 33 or drive unit 37) of the cleaning nozzle is controlled to advance the cleaning nozzle to the local cleaning position. Thus, while the nozzle cleaner 40 sprays cleaning water from the nozzle outlet 53, the cleaning nozzle is inserted into the opening 41 and moves to the forward cleaning position (see reference). Figure 11 Therefore, the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned before local cleaning begins. Then, the control device 19 determines whether the cleaning nozzle has reached the local cleaning position (S130), and when it is determined that the local cleaning position has been reached, the nozzle cleaning ends (S140). The process in S140 is performed as follows: the supply target of the flow path switching valve 29 is switched from the nozzle cleaner 40 to the cleaning nozzle for local cleaning, and the supply of cleaning water to the nozzle cleaner 40 is stopped. In addition, through this process, cleaning water is ejected from the cleaning nozzle to start local cleaning.

[0073] Next, the control device 19 determines whether a partial cleaning stop operation has been performed via an operation signal from the stop switch 18c on the operation panel 18 (S150). When a stop operation is determined to have been performed, the control device 19 performs nozzle cleaning while retracting the cleaning nozzle (S160). The process in S160 is performed as follows: while switching the supply target of the flow path switching valve 29 to the supply port 54 of the nozzle cleaner 40 on the retracted cleaning nozzle side and supplying cleaning water, the drive unit of the cleaning nozzle is controlled to retract the cleaning nozzle to the standby position. Therefore, after the partial cleaning is completed, the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned along its entire length. Then, the control device 19 determines whether the cleaning nozzle has reached the standby position (S170). If it determines that the standby position has been reached, nozzle cleaning is performed for a predetermined time of about a few seconds before ending the nozzle cleaning (S180), and the process returns to S100. The nozzle cleaning process of S180 is completed as follows: the water-stop solenoid valve 22 is closed and the supply of cleaning water to the nozzle cleaner 40 (supply port 54) is stopped.

[0074] Here, the nozzle cleaner 40 is configured such that the annular rib 65 of the outer peripheral wall portion 62 of the cover member 61 is located in front of the front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position. Therefore, the cleaning water ejected from the nozzle outlet 53, which bounces off the cleaning nozzle and contacts the annular rib 65, can flow towards the front end face of the cleaning nozzle and properly clean the front end face (see reference). Figure 12Furthermore, when the toilet cleaning device 10 has a structure that includes an openable / closed type of opening and closing device that covers the top of the cleaning nozzle in the closed state and becomes open when the cleaning nozzle moves in and out, in Figure 12 During the cleaning process shown, the opening and closing mechanism in the closed state can also prevent the scattering of cleaning water and other substances.

[0075] Furthermore, when the start of nozzle cleaning is determined in S110, the control device 19 performs nozzle cleaning (S190) while sequentially advancing and retracting the cleaning nozzles. The process in S190 is performed as follows: while opening the water-stop solenoid valve 22 and sequentially switching the supply target of the flow path switching valve 29 to the two supply ports 54 of the nozzle cleaner 40 to supply cleaning water, the drive unit of the cleaning nozzle on the supply port 54 side supplies cleaning water is controlled to advance and retract the cleaning nozzles. Here, in at least one of the nozzle cleaning processes in S120, S160, S180, and S190, the cleaning effect can be improved by using cleaning water with a stronger water pressure (larger water volume) than during partial cleaning. In this case, the configuration can supply cleaning water with a stronger water pressure than the strongest water pressure that can be set by the water pressure regulating switch 18e from the flow path switching valve 29 to the nozzle cleaner 40. Furthermore, as described above, since the nozzle cleaner 40 is provided with annular ribs 65 to prevent the scattering of cleaning water, the scattering of cleaning water and the like can be suppressed even when the water pressure is increased.

[0076] Then, the control device 19 determines whether the nozzle cleaning stop time has been reached (S200). The determination of S200 can be made by whether a nozzle cleaning stop operation was performed based on the operation signal from the stop switch 18c on the operation panel 18, or by whether a predetermined nozzle cleaning time has elapsed. When it is determined that the nozzle cleaning stop time has been reached, the control device 19 returns each cleaning nozzle to the standby position and ends the nozzle cleaning (S210), then returns to S100. The end of nozzle cleaning in S210 is performed in the same way as in S180, and the tip surface of the cleaning nozzle is also cleaned.

[0077] In the toilet cleaning device 10 described above, since a nozzle outlet 53 is formed on the inner peripheral wall 52 of the nozzle cleaner 40 to throttle the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path 42 and spray it into the opening 41, the water pressure (spray pressure) of the cleaning water can be maintained even at the nozzle outlet 53, which is far from the supply port 54 (e.g., the lowest position), and the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned appropriately. Furthermore, since annular ribs 65 extending radially inward are provided on the outer peripheral wall 62 of the nozzle cleaner 40 to reduce the gap with the cleaning nozzle at the front end, the forward scattering of cleaning water and dirt can be prevented. Moreover, since the nozzle cleaner 40 cleans the cleaning nozzle while moving it, the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned along its entire length.

[0078] In addition, since the nozzle cleaner 40 has spray outlets 53 formed at multiple locations that divide the inner peripheral wall portion 52 at equal intervals along the circumference, it can spray cleaning water evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle in the opening 41 and properly clean the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle.

[0079] Furthermore, the nozzle cleaner 40 has a guide plate 56 that is bent to receive cleaning water supplied to the supply port 54 and guide the cleaning water to the annular flow path 42. The cover portion 63 (outer peripheral wall portion 62) covering the guide plate 56 is formed such that the mating surface mf of the cover portion 63 and the guide plate 56 is located on the top side of the guide plate 56. Therefore, since leakage of cleaning water from the mating surface mf can be suppressed, welding processes and other methods for preventing leakage can be omitted.

[0080] Furthermore, the annular rib 65 of the nozzle cleaner 40 is located in front of the front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position, thus allowing the cleaning water in contact with the annular rib 65 to flow towards the front end face of the cleaning nozzle and clean the front end face. Additionally, since the nozzle cleaner 40 is formed within the opening 41 such that the gap tf between it and the front of the cleaning nozzle is larger than the gap tb between it and the rear of the cleaning nozzle, cleaning water can be easily discharged forward, thereby preventing dirt from accumulating inside.

[0081] In the above embodiments, although the annular rib 65 is located in front of the front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position, it is not limited to this. The front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position may be located at approximately the same position as the annular rib 65 in the front-rear direction.

[0082] In the embodiment, although the mating surface mf between the water guide plate 56 and the cover portion 63 is located at the top end of the water guide plate 56 and the welding is omitted, it is not limited to this. The mating surface mf can be set at any position, and the mating surface mf can be used as a welding structure, etc.

[0083] In this embodiment, although the nozzles 53 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral wall portion 52, it is not limited to this. The nozzles 53 may also be provided at different intervals in the circumferential direction, which may be more localized. For example, since dirt tends to adhere to the upper surface of the cleaning nozzle, the nozzles 53 may be provided at narrower intervals on the upper side (upper half) of the inner peripheral wall portion 52 than on the lower side (lower half), that is, a structure in which more nozzles 53 are provided on the upper side.

[0084] In the implementation, although an inner peripheral wall portion 52 is provided in the base component 51, it is not limited to this. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 140, a modified example. Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the base component 151 and the ring component 71. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the ring component 71. Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the nozzle cleaner 140. The nozzle cleaner 140 consists of three parts: a base component 151, a cover component 161, and a ring component 71. Furthermore, in the modified examples, the same symbols are used to denote structural elements as in the embodiment, and descriptions are omitted.

[0085] The modified base component 151 includes: an annular support portion 157, which is formed with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ring component 71 so as to accommodate and support the ring component 71 for rotation; and an annular peripheral wall portion 158, which is erected (extending forward) from the outer periphery of the annular support portion 157, and the base component 151 does not have an inner peripheral wall portion 52. The ring component 71 has an annular peripheral wall portion 72, a plurality of (e.g., eight) nozzles 73 formed to penetrate the annular peripheral wall portion 72 radially, and a plurality of (e.g., eight) bearing portions 74 formed to protrude radially outward from the outer periphery of the annular peripheral wall portion 72. In the modified nozzle cleaner 140, an annular flow path 142 is formed by the annular peripheral wall portion 72 of the ring member 71, the annular peripheral wall portion 158 (annular support portion 157) of the base member 151, and the outer peripheral wall portion 162 of the cover member 161. Therefore, the bearing portion 74 of the ring member 71 protrudes into the annular flow path 142, and the ring member 71 can rotate by bearing the cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path 142. Furthermore, the nozzle outlet 73 of the ring member 71, as in the embodiment, is formed to have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular flow path 142 and radially penetrate the annular peripheral wall portion 72.

[0086] In this modified nozzle cleaner 140, the ring member 71 can be rotated while receiving cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path 142 via the receiving part 74, and cleaning water is sprayed from the nozzle outlet 73 of the ring member 71 into the cleaning nozzle within the opening 141. Therefore, since cleaning water can be sprayed evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle within the opening 141, the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle can be properly cleaned. Furthermore, although the ring member 71 has a structure with multiple nozzle outlets 73, it is not limited to this; there can also be only one nozzle outlet 73. Moreover, the required number of nozzle outlets 73 can be determined based on the moving speed of the cleaning nozzle, the rotational speed of the ring member (the flow rate of the cleaning water), etc., to spray cleaning water around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle. Alternatively, the moving speed of the cleaning nozzle and the rotational speed of the ring member (the flow rate of the cleaning water) can be determined based on the number of nozzle outlets 73 to spray cleaning water around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle.

[0087] Alternatively, the nozzle cleaner 40 can be configured in the following modified form. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified nozzle cleaner 240. The modified nozzle cleaner 240 is structured to supply cleaning water to the supply port 54 via a cleaning water inlet 259. The cleaning water inlet 259 has an inlet 259a for introducing cleaning water supplied from a water supply hose and an intake port 259b communicating with the inlet 259a and drawing in air. The cleaning water inlet 259 introduces a foam stream (foamy cleaning water) of cleaning water supplied from the inlet 259a mixed with air drawn in from the intake port 259b through a jet effect into the supply port 54. Therefore, since the nozzle cleaner 240 can perform nozzle cleaning through a foam stream of cleaning water mixed with air, it can suppress the scattering of cleaning water and easily remove dirt. Furthermore, the function of the cleaning water inlet 259 can also be provided to the supply port 54.

[0088] in addition, Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 340, a modified example. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the base component 351 and the ring component 371. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the ring component 371. Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the ring component 371. Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the ring component 371. Nozzle cleaner 340 and... Figures 13-16Similar to the modified example, it consists of three parts: a base component 351, a cover component 361, and a ring component 371. The supply port 354 of the nozzle cleaner 340 is located on both outer sides of the nozzle cleaner 340, and its position differs from that of the supply port 54 of the nozzle cleaners 40 and 140. However, this is not the focus of the modified example and therefore will not be described further. Alternatively, the supply port 354 may be located in the same position as the supply port 54, or it may function as a cleaning water inlet 259.

[0089] The base component 351 of the modified example, like the base component 151 of the modified example described above, is provided with an annular support portion 357 that houses and supports the ring component 371 so that it can rotate, and an annular peripheral wall portion 358 that is erected (extending forward) from the outer periphery of the annular support portion 357. The ring component 371 has a C-shaped annular body 372 that is partially missing in the circumferential direction, a plurality of bearing portions 374 that extend axially from the ring body 372 toward the cleaning nozzle, and a plurality of spray outlets 373 that are formed as grooves between the bearing portions 374 and pass through in the radial direction. The bearing portions 374 of the ring component 371 are located within the annular flow path 342 (see reference). Figure 19 Furthermore, the ring component 371 is rotatable by the washing water flowing in the annular flow path 342 being supported by the receiving part 374.

[0090] Furthermore, because the ring component 371 (ring body 372) is formed as a C-shaped ring with a partial missing portion in the circumferential direction, centrifugal force acts unevenly in the circumferential direction, and it rotates eccentrically relative to the axial center of the cleaning nozzle. For example Figure 21 This indicates that due to the centrifugal force acting on the ring component 371, the center Rc of the ring component 371 is eccentrically positioned to the left relative to the axial center Nc of the cleaning nozzle. Thus, because the ring component 371 rotates eccentrically relative to the cleaning nozzle, a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the ring component 371 rotates while simultaneously making frictional contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle. That is, the inner circumferential surfaces of the two ends of the partially missing ring component 371, i.e., the inner circumferential sides of the bearing portions 374 at both ends, contact the cleaning nozzle. Figure 21 (The portion circled in solid circle). Therefore, since the inner circumferential surface of the rotating ring member 371 can scrape away dirt from the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle, dirt can be properly removed. The opening angle θ (angle θ of the missing portion) of the ring member 371 (ring body 372) can be any angle less than 180 degrees, for example, approximately 120 degrees, such that the ring member 371 rotates without detaching from the cleaning nozzle and a portion of its inner circumferential surface (the inner surfaces of both ends) contacts the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, since the outer circumference of the ring member 371 within the nozzle cleaner 340 is supported by the annular peripheral wall portion 358, it does not actually detach from the cleaning nozzle.

[0091] In this modified nozzle cleaner 340, the ring member 371 can be rotated while receiving cleaning water flowing in the annular flow path 342 via the receiving part 374, and cleaning water can be sprayed from the nozzle outlet 373 of the ring member 371 into the cleaning nozzle inside the opening 341. Therefore, cleaning water can be sprayed evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle, thus properly cleaning the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, as described above, dirt on the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle can be scraped off by the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 371. Therefore, by rotating the ring member 371 during the forward and backward movement of the cleaning nozzle (such as the buttock cleaning nozzle 32), (see...) Figure 22 This allows for the scraping of dirt from the outer circumference of the cleaning nozzle across its entire length. Thus, in the modified example, since dirt can be removed not only by the flow of cleaning water but also by physical contact, the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle can be properly cleaned.

[0092] In the ring member 371 of the modified nozzle cleaner 340, although multiple receiving portions 374 (spray outlets 373) are formed at equal intervals of the same size along the entire circumferential length of the C-shaped annular body 372, this is not a limitation. The multiple receiving portions 374 (spray outlets 373) may be formed with different sizes and different intervals, or spray outlets 373 may not be formed in a part of the circumferential direction. In addition, although the grooves between the spray outlets 373 and the receiving portions 374 of the ring member 371 are formed in a straight line in the radial direction, this is not a limitation, and they may also be formed at an angle relative to the radial direction.

[0093] In the modified nozzle cleaner 340, although it is configured such that the ring member 371 is formed as a C-shaped ring with a partial missing portion in the circumferential direction, allowing the ring member 371 to rotate eccentrically, it is not limited to this. For example, the ring member 371 may also be formed with... Figure 15 The ring component 71 also has a complete annular shape and is structured to rotate eccentrically by placing a weight on a portion of the ring component 371 or changing the thickness of a portion of the ring component 371. Alternatively, it can be configured such that the ring component 371 partially contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle while rotating. For example, one or more protrusions can be provided that protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the ring component and rub against the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle. Such protrusions can also be provided on Figure 15 The inner circumferential surface of the ring component 71.

[0094] In this embodiment, nozzle cleaning is performed before and after partial cleaning begins, and when nozzle cleaning begins, but it is not limited to this. For example, nozzle cleaning may be performed on one side before and after partial cleaning begins, while nozzle cleaning is not performed on the other side. Alternatively, nozzle cleaning may be performed when nozzle cleaning begins but not before or after partial cleaning begins. Furthermore, nozzle cleaning may be performed when a user is detected entering or leaving the room based on a detection signal from an entry detection sensor that detects the user's entry into the room, or when a user is detected leaving their seat based on a detection signal from a seating sensor 17. Alternatively, nozzle cleaning may be performed after partial cleaning has ended and a certain period of time has elapsed since the user left the room.

[0095] In this embodiment, the gap between the nozzle and the cleaning nozzle within the opening 41 of the nozzle cleaner 40 is such that the gap tf on the front side is larger than the gap tb on the rear side, but this is not a limitation. For example, the gap tb on the rear side may be the same as the gap tf on the front side, or the gap tb on the rear side may be larger than the gap tf on the front side.

[0096] In this embodiment, although there are two cleaning nozzles, the buttock cleaning nozzle 32 and the lower body cleaning nozzle 36, it is not limited to these. There may be more than three cleaning nozzles, or there may be only one cleaning nozzle.

[0097] The correspondence between the main elements of the invention described in the section on the main elements of this embodiment and the means for solving the technical problem will be explained. In this embodiment, the toilet body 12 of the toilet washing device 10 corresponds to a "partial washing device", the buttock washing nozzle 32 and the lower body washing nozzle 36 correspond to "washing nozzles", the drive units 33 and 37 correspond to "drive units", the water supply path 20 and the flow path switching valve 29 correspond to "water supply units", the nozzle cleaner 40 corresponds to "nozzle cleaner", the control device 19 corresponds to "control device", the inner peripheral wall portion 52 corresponds to "inner peripheral wall portion", the outer peripheral wall portion 62 corresponds to "outer peripheral wall portion", the annular flow path 42 corresponds to "annular flow path", the spray outlet 53 corresponds to "spray outlet", and the annular rib 65 corresponds to "annular rib". In addition, the water guide plate 56 corresponds to "water guide plate". In the modified example, the ring member 71 corresponds to "ring member", the annular peripheral wall portion 72 corresponds to "inner peripheral wall portion", the spray outlet 73 corresponds to "spray outlet", the bearing portion 74 corresponds to "bearing portion", and the annular peripheral wall portion 158 and the outer peripheral wall portion 162 correspond to "outer peripheral wall portion". Furthermore, in the modified example, the ring member 371 corresponds to "ring member" that rotates eccentrically relative to the axis center of the cleaning nozzle, the spray outlet 373 corresponds to "spray outlet", and the bearing portion 374 corresponds to "bearing portion".

[0098] Furthermore, since the correspondence between the main elements and means for solving the technical problem described in the section on the main elements of this embodiment and the main elements of the invention is only one example of the method of implementing the invention described in the section on means for solving the technical problem of this embodiment, the elements of the invention described in the section on means for solving the technical problem are not limited thereto. That is, the explanation of the invention described in the section on means for solving the technical problem should be based on the description in that section, and this embodiment is merely a specific example of the invention described in the section on means for solving the technical problem.

[0099] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is self-evident that various methods can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0100] Industrial utilization potential

[0101] This invention can be applied to industries such as the manufacturing of toilet cleaning devices.

Claims

1. A local cleaning device, comprising performing local cleaning via cleaning nozzles, wherein, have: A nozzle cleaner that cleans the cleaning nozzle by contacting it.

2. The local cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle cleaner makes physical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle to remove dirt from the outer peripheral surface.

3. The local cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It includes a drive unit that moves the cleaning nozzle forward and backward. The nozzle cleaner cleans the cleaning nozzle by contacting the cleaning nozzle as it moves forward and backward.

4. The local cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The nozzle cleaner removes dirt by supplying cleaning water, thereby contacting the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle to remove dirt from the outer peripheral surface.

5. The local cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The nozzle cleaner has a rotating component that can rotate by the supply of cleaning water.

6. The local cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein, The rotating component has a radially penetrating nozzle to spray the supplied cleaning water radially.

7. The local cleaning device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The rotating component is a ring component, which has a receiving portion formed on its inner peripheral wall to receive the supplied cleaning water, and rotates by receiving the supplied cleaning water through the receiving portion.

8. The local cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein, The rotating component has multiple bearing portions.

9. The local cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The rotating component is configured to rotate relative to the axial center of the cleaning nozzle.

10. The local cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The rotating component is configured to rotate eccentrically relative to the axial center of the cleaning nozzle.

11. The local cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein, The rotating component is formed as a C-shaped ring with a portion missing in the circumferential direction.

12. The local cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The nozzle cleaner is configured to spray cleaning water containing foam into the cleaning nozzle.

13. The local cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein, The nozzle cleaner makes physical contact with the outer peripheral surface to remove dirt from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface.

14. The local cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, It includes a drive unit that moves the cleaning nozzle forward and backward from a standby position to a forward partial cleaning position. The nozzle cleaner cleans the cleaning nozzle during either or both of the period when the cleaning nozzle advances to the partial cleaning position and the period when the cleaning nozzle retracts to the standby position.

15. A toilet seat, wherein, have: Toilet seat; and The local cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A toilet device, wherein, have: The toilet device as claimed in claim 15; and A toilet equipped with the aforementioned toilet seat device.

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