Private part washing device, toilet seat device, and toilet device

Abstract

To appropriately wash a washing nozzle while suppressing the scattering of washing water and dirt.SOLUTION: In the private part cleaning device that cleans the private part by the cylindrical cleaning nozzle 32, the nozzle cleaner 40 includes the annular inner peripheral wall part 52 that forms the opening 41 through which the cleaning nozzle 32 can be inserted, and the annular outer peripheral wall part 61 that forms the annular flow path 42 of the cleaning water supplied via the supply port 54 between the inner peripheral wall part 52 and the outer peripheral wall part 61, and the nozzle cleaner 40 is controlled to clean the cleaning nozzle 32 while moving the cleaning nozzle 32. The inner peripheral wall part 52 is formed with a discharge port 53 penetrating in the radial direction so as to discharge the washing water flowing through the annular flow passage 42 into the opening 41, and the outer peripheral wall part 61 is provided with an annular rib 65 extending forward so as to cover the inner peripheral wall part 52 and extending inward in the radial direction so as to reduce a gap with the washing nozzle 32 on the front end side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a private parts washing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a type of local cleansing device of this type, a cleansing nozzle that discharges cleansing water from a discharge port has been proposed, which moves from a standby position to a local cleansing position to cleanse human local areas, and which cleanses the cleansing nozzle. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a device provided with a nozzle cleaning means, which moves (rotates) above the cleansing nozzle in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the cleansing nozzle, on the front side of a case (cover) that houses the cleansing nozzle, and a shutter that opens and closes the opening of the case in conjunction with the rotation of the nozzle cleaning means. When the cleansing nozzle advances, cleansing water is discharged from the nozzle cleaning means that has moved above the cleansing nozzle to clean the cleansing nozzle, and the shutter prevents the cleansing water from splashing off the cleansing nozzle. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a device provided with a cover that covers the entire circumference of the nozzle when the cleansing nozzle is in the standby position. Cleansing water discharged from the cleansing nozzle's discharge port flows through an annular gap between the cleansing nozzle and the cover, cleaning the area around the nozzle's discharge port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5605579 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5665014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 only discharges wash water from above the washing nozzle, which may prevent the entire circumference of the washing nozzle from being cleaned reliably. Furthermore, while the open shutter prevents wash water from splashing upward from the washing nozzle, it does not sufficiently prevent splashing anywhere other than above. Therefore, increasing the water pressure to improve the cleaning effect can result in the water and dirt being splashed around. On the other hand, the configuration of Patent Document 2 directs wash water into the annular gap between the washing nozzle and the cover. While this allows for the entire circumference of the washing nozzle to be cleaned, it only cleans the tip where the nozzle outlet is located, which is insufficient to remove dirt from areas other than the tip. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in order to properly clean the washing nozzle.

[0005] The main object of the present invention is to properly clean a cleaning nozzle while suppressing scattering of cleaning water and dirt. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned main object, the present invention employs the following means.

[0007] The local cleansing device of the present invention is A local cleaning device that cleans local areas using a cylindrical cleaning nozzle, a drive unit that moves the cleaning nozzle forward and backward from a standby position to a front local cleaning position; a water supply unit that supplies cleaning water; a nozzle cleaner having an opening through which the cleaning nozzle can be inserted and capable of discharging cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit into the opening to clean the cleaning nozzle; a control device that controls the drive unit and the water supply unit so that the nozzle cleaner cleans the cleaning nozzle while moving the cleaning nozzle; Equipped with the nozzle cleaner has an annular inner circumferential wall portion that forms the opening, and an annular outer circumferential wall portion that forms an annular flow path between the inner circumferential wall portion and the outer circumferential wall portion, through which cleaning water supplied from the water supply portion flows, the inner circumferential wall portion is formed with a discharge port that penetrates in a radial direction so as to discharge the wash water flowing through the annular flow path into the opening, The outer peripheral wall portion extends forward to cover the inner peripheral wall portion, and an annular rib is provided on the front end side thereof so as to extend radially inward to reduce the gap between the outer peripheral wall portion and the washing nozzle. The gist of the project is to provide the following:

[0008] In the personal cleaning device of the present invention, the nozzle cleaner has an annular inner wall portion and an annular outer wall portion that forms an annular flow path between the inner wall portion and the nozzle cleaner. The inner wall portion has a radially penetrating outlet formed therein so that cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path is discharged into the opening. Therefore, cleaning water is discharged from the outlet to the cleaning nozzle in the opening, thereby enabling proper removal of dirt from the cleaning nozzle. Furthermore, the outer wall portion has an annular rib that extends forward to cover the inner wall portion and extends radially inward to reduce the gap with the cleaning nozzle at its front end, thereby preventing cleaning water and dirt from splashing forward. Furthermore, the nozzle cleaner cleans the cleaning nozzle while moving it, allowing the entire length of the cleaning nozzle to be cleaned. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle can be properly cleaned while preventing cleaning water and dirt from splashing.

[0009] In the personal washing device of the present invention, the nozzle washer may have the discharge ports formed at a plurality of locations on the inner circumferential wall at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, so that the wash water can be discharged evenly around the entire circumference of the washing nozzle within the opening, thereby properly cleaning the entire circumference of the washing nozzle.

[0010] In the personal washing device of the present invention, the nozzle washer may have a ring member as the inner circumferential wall portion, the ring member having a plurality of receiving portions protruding from the outer circumferential surface into the annular flow path and the discharge port formed therein, and the ring member is rotatable by receiving the wash water flowing through the annular flow path. In this way, the ring member can be rotated to evenly discharge wash water around the entire circumference of the washing nozzle in the opening, thereby properly cleaning the entire circumference of the washing nozzle.

[0011] In the personal washing device of the present invention, the nozzle washer may have, as the inner peripheral wall portion, a ring member formed with a plurality of receiving portions for receiving wash water flowing through the annular flow path and the plurality of discharge ports, the ring member being rotatable by receiving the wash water flowing through the annular flow path in the receiving portions, the ring member being configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the axial center of the washing nozzle. In this way, the inner peripheral surface of the ring member rotates while making rubbing contact with the entire circumference (outer peripheral surface) of the washing nozzle, thereby scraping off dirt from the outer peripheral surface of the washing nozzle and properly removing dirt from the entire circumference of the washing nozzle.

[0012] In the personal cleansing device of the present invention, the ring member may be formed in a C-ring shape with a portion missing in the circumferential direction, thereby achieving a simple configuration in which the ring member rotates eccentrically.

[0013] In the personal cleansing device of the present invention, the nozzle washer may have a water guide plate formed in a curved shape so as to receive cleansing water supplied from the water supply unit and guide it to the annular flow path, and the outer wall portion may be formed so as to cover the water guide plate and have a mating surface with the water guide plate at the tip side of the water guide plate. This makes it possible to prevent cleansing water from leaking from the mating surface, making it possible to omit a welding process or the like for preventing leakage.

[0014] In the personal washing device of the present invention, the nozzle washer may be configured to mix air drawn in by an ejector effect into the wash water supplied from the water supply unit. In this way, by mixing air into the wash water to make it foamy, it is possible to prevent the wash water from splashing and to make it easier to remove dirt.

[0015] In the personal washing device of the present invention, the nozzle washer may be configured so that the annular rib is located forward of the front end face of the washing nozzle when the nozzle is in the standby position. In this way, the washing water that hits the annular rib can be caused to flow onto the front end face of the washing nozzle to clean the front end face. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toilet 1 to which a cleaning toilet seat device 10 is attached. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing the outline of the configuration of a toilet seat cleaning device 10. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a nozzle unit 30. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a nozzle unit 30. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the nozzle cleaner 40. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a base member 51. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a cover member 61. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a nozzle cleaning process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how nozzle cleaning is performed when the posterior cleaning nozzle 32 is in the extended state. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how nozzle cleaning is performed when the posterior cleaning nozzle 32 is stored. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a nozzle cleaner 140 of a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a base member 151 and a ring member 71. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a ring member 71. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the nozzle cleaner 140. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle cleaner 240 according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a nozzle cleaner 340 of a modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of a base member 351 and a ring member 371. [Figure 20]FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a ring member 371. [Figure 21] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the ring member 371. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the ring member 371. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a toilet bowl 1 to which a cleaning toilet seat device 10 is attached, FIG. 2 is a structural diagram showing the outline of the structure of the cleaning toilet seat device 10, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are external perspective views of a nozzle unit 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning toilet seat device 10 is attached to the top surface of the toilet bowl 1 and comprises a toilet seat device main body 12, a toilet seat 14 and a toilet lid 16 supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the toilet seat device main body 12, and an operation panel 18 that allows the user to perform various operations. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat device main body 12 comprises a water supply channel 20 that supplies cleaning water, a nozzle unit 30 that has a cleaning nozzle for private parts cleaning and a nozzle washer 40 for cleaning the cleaning nozzle, and a control device 19 that controls the entire cleaning toilet seat device 10. In this embodiment, the left-right, front-rear, and up-down directions are as shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] The water supply passage 20 is provided with a pressure reducing valve 23 that reduces the pressure of flush water supplied from the water supply source via a solenoid shut-off valve 22 to a predetermined level, a heat exchanger unit 24 that heats the flush water, a water temperature sensor 25 that detects the temperature of the flush water, a flow rate sensor 26 that detects the flow rate of the flush water, a pulsating pump 27 that adjusts the flush strength, a vacuum breaker 28, and a flow path switching valve 29 that adjusts the flow rate of flush water and switches the supply destination. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 24 incorporates a ceramic heater or the like with a rated output of approximately 1200 W, and is configured as an instantaneous heat exchanger unit that can instantaneously heat the flush water. The flow path switching valve 29 is configured as a rotary disc valve driven by, for example, a stepping motor, and is able to switch the supply destination while adjusting the flow rate of flush water supplied via the water supply port.

[0020] The nozzle unit 30 includes a posterior washing nozzle 32 and a drive unit 33, a bidet washing nozzle 36 and a drive unit 37, and a nozzle washer 40. The posterior washing nozzle 32 and the bidet washing nozzle 36 can be housed in a housing case 31. The posterior washing nozzle 32 is a cylindrical member having a flow path for cleansing water formed therein and a discharge port 32a (see FIG. 11) formed on the top surface at the tip end. The drive unit 33 includes, for example, a motor 34 and a gear mechanism 35. The forward or reverse rotation of the motor 34 moves the posterior washing nozzle 32 forward or backward from a standby position (housed position) in the housing case 31 to a front private parts cleansing position. The bidet washing nozzle 36 and the drive unit 37 have the same configuration as the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the drive unit 33, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the bidet washing nozzle 36 may be simply referred to as the "cleaning nozzle."

[0021] The nozzle cleaner 40 is attached to the front end of the storage case 31, and has two openings 41 through which the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the bidet washing nozzle 36 can be inserted (moved), respectively. The nozzle cleaner 40 cleans the outer surface of the washing nozzle by discharging, into the openings 41, wash water supplied from the water supply passage 20 via the flow path switching valve 29.

[0022] The operation panel 18 is provided with a rear wash switch 18a for instructing rear wash, a bidet wash switch 18b for instructing bidet wash, a stop switch 18c for instructing the cessation of wash, a temperature adjustment switch 18d for adjusting the temperature of the wash water, a water pressure adjustment switch 18e for adjusting the wash strength (force) of the wash water, and a nozzle wash switch 18f for instructing nozzle wash.

[0023] The control device 19 is configured as a microprocessor equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). The control device 19 receives inputs such as operation signals from the seating sensor 17, which detects whether a user is sitting on the toilet seat 14, and the operation panel 18, the detected water temperature from the water temperature sensor 25, and the detected flow rate from the flow rate sensor 26. The control device 19 also outputs a drive signal to the solenoid shut-off valve 22, a control signal to the heat exchange unit 24, a drive signal to the pulsating pump 27, a drive signal to the flow path switching valve 29, a drive signal to the drive unit 33 (motor 34) of the posterior washing nozzle 32, and a drive signal to the drive unit 37 (motor 38) of the bidet washing nozzle 36.

[0024] The configuration of the nozzle cleaner 40 will be described in detail below. Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional perspective views of the nozzle cleaner 40, Figure 7 is an external perspective view of the nozzle cleaner 40, Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the base member 51, and Figure 9 is an external perspective view of the cover member 61. The nozzle cleaner 40 of this embodiment is made up of two members (two components): the base member 51 and the cover member 61, and forms an annular flow path (annular water channel) 42 through which cleaning water discharged into the opening 41 flows. Note that Figure 4 above shows the nozzle cleaner 40 with the cover member 61 removed.

[0025] The base member 51 is provided with an annular inner circumferential wall portion (annular circumferential wall portion) 52 that forms the opening 41, a plurality of discharge ports 53 that penetrate the inner circumferential wall portion 52 in the radial direction, a supply port 54 that is connected to the flow path switching valve 29 via a water supply hose (not shown), a water guide plate 56 that guides the flushing water supplied via the supply port 54, and an arc-shaped wall portion 58 that is formed in an arc shape with a predetermined gap from the inner circumferential wall portion 52. The base member 51 is provided with two each of the inner circumferential wall portion 52, supply port 54, water guide plate 56, and arc-shaped wall portion 58, symmetrically arranged to correspond to the two openings 41.

[0026] The cover member 61 is provided with an outer peripheral wall portion (annular peripheral wall portion) 62 that, together with the arc-shaped wall portion 58, forms the annular flow path 42 between itself and the inner peripheral wall portion 52 of the base member 51, an engagement hook 67 that engages with the base member 51, and an engagement hook 69 that engages with the accommodating case 31. The cover member 61 is provided with two outer peripheral wall portions 62, two engagement hooks 67, and two engagement hooks 69 (two engagement hooks 67 on the top and two on the bottom), which are symmetrical on the left and right. The cover member 61 is attached to the base member 51 so 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, and the engagement hooks 67 engage with the base member 51, thereby integrating the cover member 61 with the base member 51. In this state, the engagement hooks 69 are engaged with engagement claws 31a formed on the side surfaces of the front end of the accommodating case 31, thereby attaching the nozzle cleaner 40 to the accommodating case 31.

[0027] In the nozzle cleaner 40, the supply port 54 is provided so that cleaning water is supplied in a direction along the axial direction of the cleaning nozzle (see FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The water guide plate 56 is erected from the front surface of the base member 51 so as to be continuous with the supply port 54 and is formed in a curved shape so as to receive 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 discharge ports 53 formed in the inner circumferential wall portion 52 are formed in four locations, for example, at 90-degree intervals, around the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential wall portion 52, as slit-like openings that restrict the flow rate of cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path 42 and discharge the water. Since the cleaning water that passes through the discharge ports 53 is discharged while spreading out beyond the width (slit width) of the discharge ports 53, providing four outlets in the circumferential direction allows the cleaning water to be discharged evenly around approximately the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the discharge ports 53 are formed in four locations, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be formed in multiple locations that divide the inner circumferential wall portion 52 at equal intervals around the circumferential direction. For example, the discharge ports 53 may be formed in three, six, eight, or other locations so that the cleaning water can be discharged evenly based on the outer diameter of the cleaning nozzle (the inner diameter of the opening 41) and the width (slit width) of the discharge ports 53. Furthermore, the discharge ports 53 are formed to penetrate with a cross-sectional area smaller than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular flow path 42, but are not limited to this and may be formed with a cross-sectional area larger than such a cross-sectional area.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall 62 of the cover member 61 is provided with a cover portion 63 whose inner surface is recessed to accommodate the water guide plate 56 and which extends to cover the base end side of the water guide plate 56. In this embodiment, the mating surface mf (see FIGS. 5 and 6) between this cover portion 63 (outer peripheral wall 62) and the water guide plate 56 is configured to be on the tip side of the water guide plate 56. That is, the mating surface mf is located after the water guide plate 56 receives flush water supplied through the supply port 54 and guides it toward the annular flow path 42 side (radially inward), so that intrusion of flush water into the mating surface mf can be suppressed and leakage can be prevented. Furthermore, because the cover portion 63 covers the base end side of the water guide plate 56, leakage is less likely even if flush water intrudes from the mating surface mf.

[0029] Furthermore, in the nozzle cleaner 40, the outer peripheral wall 62 of the cover member 61 is formed so as to extend further forward than the inner peripheral wall 52 of the base member 51, and an annular rib 65 is formed on the front end of the outer peripheral wall 62, protruding radially inward to reduce the gap between the cleaning nozzle and the opening 41. The inner diameter of this annular rib 65 is slightly larger than the inner peripheral wall 52 of the base member 51. Therefore, regarding the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle in the opening 41, the gap tf between the annular rib 65 on the front side is larger than the gap tb between the annular rib 65 on the rear side. This makes it possible to encourage the cleaning water used to clean the cleaning nozzle to be discharged forward, thereby preventing the cleaning water and removed dirt from remaining.

[0030] Next, the operation of the thus configured washing toilet seat device 10, particularly the operation of washing the washing nozzle, will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the nozzle washing process. The control device 19 executes this process with the power on. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how nozzle washing is performed when the posterior washing nozzle 32 is in the extended state, and Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing how nozzle washing is performed when the posterior washing nozzle 32 is in the retracted state. Although Figs. 11 and 12 show the posterior washing nozzle 32 as an example, the same applies to the bidet washing nozzle 36.

[0031] 10, the control device 19 determines whether or not an operation to start local area cleaning (rear cleansing or bidet cleansing) has been performed (S100) and whether or not an operation to start nozzle cleaning has been performed (S110) based on an operation signal from the operation panel 18. The determination in S100 is made based on whether or not either the rear cleansing switch 18a or the bidet cleansing switch 18b has been operated, and the determination in S110 is made based on whether or not the nozzle cleansing switch 18f has been operated.

[0032] When the control device 19 determines in S100 that a local washing start operation has been performed, it performs nozzle washing while advancing the washing nozzle that will perform this local washing (S120). The process of S120 is performed by opening the solenoid shutoff valve 22, switching the supply destination of the flow path switching valve 29 to the supply port 54 of the nozzle cleaner 40 that is the supply port 54 for the washing nozzle to be advanced, and controlling the washing nozzle drive unit (drive unit 33 or drive unit 37) to advance the washing nozzle to the local washing position. As a result, while the nozzle cleaner 40 is discharging washing water from the discharge port 53, the washing nozzle is inserted through the opening 41 and moves to the forward washing position (see FIG. 11). Therefore, the entire outer periphery of the washing nozzle can be washed over its entire length before the local washing begins. The control device 19 then determines whether the washing nozzle has reached the local washing position (S130), and ends nozzle washing if it determines that the washing nozzle has reached the local washing position (S140). The process of S140 is performed by switching the supply destination of the flow path switching valve 29 from the nozzle cleaner 40 to the cleaning nozzle that performs local cleaning, and stopping the supply of cleaning water to the nozzle cleaner 40. This process also causes cleaning water to be discharged from the cleaning nozzle, starting local cleaning.

[0033] Next, the control device 19 determines whether a stop operation for the local cleaning has been performed based on an operation signal from the stop switch 18c on the operation panel 18 (S150). If it determines that a stop operation has been performed, the control device 19 performs nozzle cleaning while retracting the cleaning nozzle (S160). The process of S160 is performed by controlling the cleaning nozzle drive unit to retract the cleaning nozzle to the standby position while switching the supply destination of the flow path switching valve 29 to the supply port 54 of the nozzle cleaner 40 that is the retracted side of the cleaning nozzle and supplying cleaning water. Therefore, after the local cleaning is completed, the entire outer periphery of the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned over its entire length. The control device 19 then determines whether the cleaning nozzle has reached the standby position (S170). If it determines that the cleaning nozzle has reached the standby position, the control device 19 performs nozzle cleaning for a predetermined period of time, such as several seconds, before ending the nozzle cleaning (S180) and returning to S100. The process of ending the nozzle cleaning in S180 is performed by closing the electromagnetic shutoff valve 22 and stopping the supply of cleaning water to the nozzle cleaner 40 (supply port 54).

[0034] Here, the nozzle cleaner 40 is configured so that the annular rib 65 on the outer peripheral wall 62 of the cover member 61 is located further forward than the front end face of the washing nozzle in the standby position. Therefore, the washing water that is discharged from the discharge port 53, bounces off the washing nozzle, and hits the annular rib 65 is allowed to flow onto the front end face of the washing nozzle, thereby properly cleaning the front end face (see FIG. 12). Note that if the washing toilet seat device 10 is configured with an open / close shutter that covers the tip of the washing nozzle in the closed state and opens when the washing nozzle advances, the shutter in the closed state can also prevent washing water and the like from splashing during the flushing shown in FIG. 12.

[0035] Furthermore, when the control device 19 determines in S110 that the nozzle cleaning start operation has been performed, it performs nozzle cleaning by sequentially moving the cleaning nozzle forward and backward (advancing and retreating) (S190). The process of S190 is performed by opening the solenoid shutoff valve 22 and sequentially switching the supply destination of the flow path switching valve 29 to the two supply ports 54 of the nozzle cleaner 40 to supply cleaning water, while controlling the drive unit of the cleaning nozzle on the supply port 54 side to which the cleaning water is supplied to move the cleaning nozzle forward and backward. Here, in at least one of the nozzle cleanings in S120, S160, S180, and S190, cleaning water with stronger water pressure (larger volume) than that used for local cleaning may be used to enhance the cleaning effect. In this case, the flow path switching valve 29 may be configured to supply cleaning water with a water pressure stronger than the strongest water pressure that can be set by the water pressure adjustment switch 18e to the nozzle cleaner 40. As described above, the nozzle cleaner 40 is provided with the annular rib 65 for preventing the washing water from scattering, so that scattering of the washing water can be suppressed even if the water pressure is increased.

[0036] The control device 19 then determines whether it is time to stop nozzle cleaning (S200). The determination in S200 may be made based on whether an operation to stop nozzle cleaning has been performed in response to an operation signal from the stop switch 18c on the operation panel 18, or based on whether a predetermined nozzle cleaning time has elapsed. When the control device 19 determines that it is time to stop nozzle cleaning, it returns each cleaning nozzle to its standby position, ends nozzle cleaning (S210), and returns to S100. The end of nozzle cleaning in S210 is performed in the same manner as in S180, and the front end surfaces of the cleaning nozzles are also cleaned.

[0037] In the washing toilet seat device 10 described above, the inner peripheral wall 52 of the nozzle cleaner 40 is formed with a discharge port 53 that throttles the washing water flowing through the annular flow path 42 and discharges it into the opening 41, so that the water pressure (discharge pressure) of the washing water can be maintained even at the discharge port 53 located far from the supply port 54 (for example, at the lowest position), thereby making it possible to properly wash the entire circumference of the washing nozzle. Also, the outer peripheral wall 62 of the nozzle cleaner 40 is provided with an annular rib 65 that extends radially inward to reduce the gap with the washing nozzle at the front end, making it possible to prevent washing water and dirt from splashing forward. And, because the nozzle cleaner 40 cleans the washing nozzle while moving the washing nozzle, the entire length of the washing nozzle can be cleaned.

[0038] Furthermore, the nozzle cleaner 40 has discharge ports 53 formed at multiple locations by dividing the inner wall portion 52 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, so that cleaning water can be discharged evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle within the opening 41, thereby properly cleaning the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle.

[0039] The nozzle cleaner 40 also has a water guide plate 56 that is bent so as to receive cleaning water supplied to the supply port 54 and guide it to the annular flow path 42, and a cover portion 63 (outer peripheral wall portion 62) that covers the water guide plate 56 is formed so that the mating surface mf with the water guide plate 56 is on the tip side of the water guide plate 56. This makes it possible to prevent cleaning water from leaking from the mating surface mf, making it possible to omit welding processes and the like to prevent leakage.

[0040] Furthermore, in the nozzle cleaner 40, the annular rib 65 is located further forward than the front end face of the cleaning nozzle when it is in the standby position, so the cleaning water that hits the annular rib 65 can be made to flow onto the front end face of the cleaning nozzle to clean the front end face. Furthermore, the nozzle cleaner 40 is formed so that the front gap tf between it and the cleaning nozzle in the opening 41 is larger than the rear gap tb, so cleaning water can be easily discharged forward, preventing dirt from accumulating inside.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, the annular rib 65 is positioned forward of the front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position, but this is not limited to this, and the front end face of the cleaning nozzle in the standby position and the annular rib 65 may be positioned at approximately the same position in the front-to-back direction.

[0042] In the embodiment, the mating surface mf between the water guide plate 56 and the cover portion 63 is configured to be at the tip side of the water guide plate 56, and welding is omitted, but this is not limited to this, and the mating surface mf may be located at any position and the mating surface mf may be welded.

[0043] In the embodiment, the discharge ports 53 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential wall portion 52, but this is not limiting, and the discharge ports 53 may be provided at different intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be biased to one side. For example, since the upper surface side of the cleaning nozzle is prone to adhesion of dirt, the discharge ports 53 may be provided at closer intervals on the upper side (upper half) of the inner circumferential wall portion 52 than on the lower side (lower half), i.e., more discharge ports 53 may be provided on the upper side.

[0044] In the embodiment, the inner peripheral wall portion 52 is provided on the base member 51, but this is not limited to this. Fig. 13 is an external perspective view of a nozzle cleaner 140 of a modified example, Fig. 14 is an external perspective view of the base member 151 and the ring member 71, Fig. 15 is an external perspective view of the ring member 71, and Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the nozzle cleaner 140. The nozzle cleaner 140 is made up of three members (three components): the base member 151, a cover member 161, and the ring member 71. Note that in the modified example, the same components as in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The base member 151 of the modified example is provided with an annular support portion 157 formed with a diameter slightly larger than that of the ring member 71 so as to rotatably house and support the ring member 71, and an annular circumferential wall portion 158 erected (extending forward) from the outer periphery of the annular support portion 157, but is not provided with an inner circumferential wall portion 52. The ring member 71 is formed with an annular circumferential wall portion 72, a plurality of (e.g., eight) discharge ports 73 formed to penetrate the annular circumferential wall portion 72 in the radial direction, and a plurality of (e.g., eight) receiving portions 74 formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the annular circumferential wall portion 72. In the nozzle cleaner 140 of the modified example, the annular circumferential wall portion 72 of the ring member 71, the annular circumferential wall portion 158 (annular support portion 157) of the base member 151, and the outer circumferential wall portion 162 of the cover member 161 form an annular flow path 142. Therefore, the ring member 71 has a receiving portion 74 that protrudes into the annular flow path 142, and is rotatable by receiving the cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path 42 at the receiving portion 74. Also, the discharge port 73 of the ring member 71 has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the annular flow path 142, and is formed so as to penetrate the annular peripheral wall portion 72 in the radial direction, as in the embodiment.

[0046] In this modified nozzle cleaner 140, cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path 42 is received by the receiver 74, and while the ring member 71 is rotating, cleaning water can be discharged from the discharge ports 73 of the ring member 71 to the cleaning nozzle in the opening 141. Therefore, cleaning water can be discharged evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle in the opening 141, thereby properly cleaning the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle. Note that, although the ring member 71 is described as having multiple discharge ports 73, this is not limited thereto, and the number of discharge ports 73 may be one. Note that the required number of discharge ports 73 may be determined based on the moving speed of the cleaning nozzle and the rotational speed of the ring member (flow rate of cleaning water), etc., so that cleaning water is discharged around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle. Alternatively, the moving speed of the cleaning nozzle and the rotational speed of the ring member (flow rate of cleaning water) may be determined based on the number of discharge ports 73 so that cleaning water is discharged around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle.

[0047] The nozzle cleaner 40 may also be configured as follows. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle cleaner 240 of the modified example. The nozzle cleaner 240 of the modified example is configured so that cleaning water is supplied to the supply port 54 via a cleaning water introduction section 259. The cleaning water introduction section 259 has an introduction port 259a that introduces cleaning water supplied from a water supply hose and an intake port 259b that communicates with the introduction port 259a and intakes air. The cleaning water introduction section 259 introduces a foamy flow (foamy cleaning water) into the supply port 54, in which air is sucked in through the intake port 259b by the ejector effect into the cleaning water introduced (supplied) through the introduction port 259a. This allows the nozzle cleaner 240 to clean the nozzles with a foamy flow of cleaning water mixed with air, thereby making it easier to remove dirt while suppressing splashing of cleaning water. The function of the cleaning water introduction section 259 may also be provided to the supply port 54.

[0048] 18 is an external perspective view of a nozzle cleaner 340 of a modified example, FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of a base member 351 and a ring member 371, and FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the ring member 371. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the ring member 371, and FIG. 22 is an external perspective view of the posterior washing nozzle 32 and the ring member 371. The nozzle cleaner 340, like the modified examples of FIGS. 13 to 16, is made up of three members (three components): a base member 351, a cover member 361, and a ring member 371. The nozzle cleaner 340 has supply ports 354 located on both outer sides of the nozzle cleaner 340, which are located in different positions from the supply ports 54 of the nozzle cleaners 40 and 140, but this is not part of the gist of the modified example and will not be described here. The supply port 354 may be located at the same position as the supply port 54, or the supply port 354 may be provided with the function of the cleaning water introduction section 259.

[0049] Similar to the base member 151 of the above-described modified example, the base member 351 of the modified example is provided with an annular support portion 357 that rotatably houses and supports a ring member 371, and an annular peripheral wall portion 358 that stands (extends forward) from the outer periphery of the annular support portion 157. The ring member 371 has a ring body 372 formed in a C-ring shape with a portion of the circumference missing, a plurality of receiving portions 374 that extend from the ring body 372 in the axial direction of the cleaning nozzle, and a plurality of discharge ports 373 that are formed as grooves between the receiving portions 374 and penetrate radially. The receiving portions 374 of the ring member 371 are located within the annular flow path 342 (see FIG. 19 ), and the ring member 371 becomes rotatable when the receiving portions 374 receive the cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path 342.

[0050] Furthermore, because the ring member 371 (ring body 372) is shaped like a C-ring with a missing portion around its circumference, centrifugal force does not act evenly around the circumference, causing it to rotate eccentrically with respect to the axial center of the cleaning nozzle. For example, FIG. 21 shows a state in which the centrifugal force acting on the ring member 371 causes the center Rc of the ring member 371 to be eccentric to the left side of the figure with respect to the axial center Nc of the cleaning nozzle. Because the ring member 371 rotates eccentrically with respect to the cleaning nozzle, a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 371 rubs against the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle as it rotates. That is, the inner circumferential surfaces of both ends of the missing portion of the ring member 371, i.e., the inner circumferential surfaces of the receiving portions 374 at both ends, come into contact with the cleaning nozzle (areas circled with solid lines in FIG. 21). This allows the inner circumferential surface of the rotating ring member 371 to scrape off dirt from the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle, ensuring proper removal of the dirt. The opening angle θ (angle θ of the notched portion) of the ring member 371 (ring main body 372) can be any angle less than 180 degrees, for example, about 120 degrees, so that the ring member 371 can rotate without coming off the cleaning nozzle and part of its inner circumferential surface (the inner surfaces of both ends) can come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle. Note that the ring member 371 in the nozzle cleaner 340 will not actually come off the cleaning nozzle because its outer periphery is supported by the annular circumferential wall portion 358.

[0051] In the nozzle cleaner 340 of this modification, the cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path 342 is received by the receiver 374, and while the ring member 371 is rotating, the cleaning water can be discharged from the discharge port 373 of the ring member 371 to the cleaning nozzle inside the opening 341. Therefore, cleaning water can be discharged evenly around the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle, allowing the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle to be properly cleaned. Also, as described above, the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 371 can scrape off dirt from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle. Therefore, by rotating the ring member 371 while the cleaning nozzle (such as the rear washing nozzle 32) is moving back and forth (see FIG. 22), dirt from the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle can be scraped off over the entire length. In this way, in this modification, dirt can be removed not only by the water flow of cleaning water but also by physical contact, allowing the entire circumference of the cleaning nozzle to be more properly cleaned.

[0052] In the ring member 371 of the nozzle cleaner 340 of the modified example, the multiple receiving portions 374 (discharge ports 373) are formed at equal intervals and of the same size over the entire circumferential length of the C-ring-shaped ring body 372, but this is not limited thereto, and the multiple receiving portions 374 (discharge ports 373) may be formed in different sizes or at different intervals, and no discharge ports 373 may be formed in some parts of the circumferential direction. Also, in the ring member 371, the discharge ports 373, i.e., the grooves between the receiving portions 374, are formed linearly in the radial direction, but this is not limited thereto, and the grooves may be formed obliquely relative to the radial direction.

[0053] In the nozzle cleaner 340 of the modified example, the ring member 371 is configured to rotate eccentrically by being formed in a C-ring shape with a portion missing in the circumferential direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, the ring member 371 may be formed in an annular shape without any missing portion, like the ring member 71 of FIG. 15, and a weight may be provided in a portion thereof or a thickness may be changed to allow the ring member 371 to rotate eccentrically. Alternatively, the ring member 71 of FIG. 15 may be configured to rotate eccentrically by providing a weight in a portion thereof or by changing the thickness. Alternatively, the ring member may be configured to partially contact the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle as it rotates. For example, the ring member may have one or more protrusions protruding from its inner circumferential surface and rubbing against the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning nozzle. Such protrusions may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 71 of FIG. 15.

[0054] In the embodiment, nozzle cleaning is performed before and after the start of local genital washing and when the nozzle cleaning start operation is performed, but this is not limited to this. For example, nozzle cleaning may be performed either before the start of local genital washing or after the end of local genital washing, but not the other time. Furthermore, nozzle cleaning may not be performed before or after the start of local genital washing, but may be performed when the nozzle cleaning start operation is performed. Furthermore, nozzle cleaning may be performed when a user's entry or exit is detected based on a detection signal from an entry detection sensor that detects the user's entry into the room, or when a user's departure from the seat is detected based on a detection signal from the seat sensor 17. Alternatively, nozzle cleaning may be performed when a certain time has passed since the user left the room after local genital washing is completed.

[0055] In the embodiment, the front gap tf is larger than the rear gap tb as the gap between the cleaning nozzle and the opening 41 of the nozzle cleaner 40, but this is not limiting. For example, the rear gap tb and the front gap tf may be the same, or the rear gap tb may be larger than the front gap tf.

[0056] In the embodiment, two washing nozzles, a rear washing nozzle 32 and a bidet washing nozzle 36, are provided, but this is not limited to this, and three or more washing nozzles may be provided, or a single washing nozzle may be provided.

[0057] The correspondence between the main elements of this embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problems" section will now be described. In this embodiment, the toilet seat device main body 12 of the cleaning toilet seat device 10 corresponds to the "private cleansing device," the rear cleansing nozzle 32 and the bidet cleansing nozzle 36 correspond to the "cleaning nozzle," the drive units 33 and 37 correspond to the "drive unit," the water supply passage 20 and the flow path switching valve 29 correspond to the "water supply unit," the nozzle washer 40 corresponds to the "nozzle washer," the control device 19 corresponds to the "control device," the inner circumferential wall 52 corresponds to the "inner circumferential wall," the outer circumferential wall 62 corresponds to the "outer circumferential wall," the annular flow path 42 corresponds to the "annular flow path," the outlet 53 corresponds to the "outlet," and the annular rib 65 corresponds to the "annular rib." Furthermore, the water guide plate 56 corresponds to the "water guide plate." The modified ring member 71 corresponds to the "ring member," the annular circumferential wall portion 72 corresponds to the "inner circumferential wall portion," the discharge port 73 corresponds to the "discharge port," the receiving portion 74 corresponds to the "receiving portion," and the annular circumferential wall portion 158 and the outer circumferential wall portion 162 correspond to the "outer circumferential wall portion." Also, the modified ring member 371 corresponds to the "ring member" that rotates eccentrically with respect to the axial center of the cleaning nozzle, the discharge port 373 corresponds to the "discharge port," and the receiving portion 374 corresponds to the "receiving portion."

[0058] The correspondence between the main elements of this embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" column does not limit the elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" column, since this embodiment is an example for specifically explaining the mode for implementing the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" column. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" column should be based on the description in that column, and this embodiment is merely a specific example of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" column.

[0059] The above describes the forms for implementing the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0060] The present invention can be used in the manufacturing industry of toilet seat cleaning devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 toilet bowl, 10 cleaning toilet seat device, 12 toilet seat device body, 14 toilet seat, 16 toilet lid, 17 seating sensor, 18 operation panel, 18a rear cleaning switch, 18b bidet cleaning switch, 18c stop switch, 18d temperature adjustment switch, 18e water pressure adjustment switch, 18f nozzle cleaning switch, 19 control device, 20 water supply path, 22 water stop electromagnetic valve, 23 pressure reducing valve, 24 heat exchange unit, 25 water temperature sensor, 26 flow sensor, 27 pulsation pump, 28 vacuum breaker, 29 flow path switching valve, 30 nozzle unit, 31 storage case, 31a engagement claw, 32 rear cleaning nozzle, 32a outlet, 33, 37 drive unit, 34, 38 motor, 35 gear mechanism, 36 bidet cleaning nozzle, 40, 140, 240, 340 Nozzle cleaner, 41,141,341 opening, 42,142,342 annular flow path, 51,151,351 base member, 52 inner peripheral wall portion, 53 discharge port, 54,354 supply port, 56 water guide plate, 58 arc-shaped wall portion, 61,161,361 cover member, 62,162 outer peripheral wall portion, 63 covering portion, 65 annular rib, 67,69 engaging hook, 71,371 ring member, 72 annular peripheral wall portion, 73,373 discharge port, 74,374 receiving portion, 157,357 annular support portion, 158,358 annular peripheral wall portion, 259 cleaning water inlet portion, 259a inlet, 259b suction port, 372 ring body, mf mating surface, tb,tf gap.

Claims

1. A local cleaning device that cleans local areas using a cylindrical cleaning nozzle, a drive unit that moves the cleaning nozzle forward and backward from a standby position to a front local cleaning position; a water supply unit that supplies cleaning water; a nozzle cleaner having an opening through which the cleaning nozzle can be inserted and capable of discharging cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit into the opening to clean the cleaning nozzle; a control device that controls the drive unit and the water supply unit so that the nozzle cleaner cleans the cleaning nozzle while moving the cleaning nozzle; Equipped with the nozzle cleaner has an annular inner circumferential wall portion that forms the opening, and an annular outer circumferential wall portion that forms an annular flow path between the inner circumferential wall portion and the outer circumferential wall portion, through which cleaning water supplied from the water supply portion flows, the inner circumferential wall portion is formed with a discharge port that penetrates in a radial direction so as to discharge the wash water flowing through the annular flow path into the opening, The outer peripheral wall portion extends forward to cover the inner peripheral wall portion, and an annular rib is provided on the front end side thereof so as to extend radially inward to reduce the gap between the outer peripheral wall portion and the washing nozzle. Local cleaning device.

2. The private parts cleansing device according to claim 1, The nozzle cleaner has the discharge ports formed at a plurality of locations that divide the inner peripheral wall portion at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Local cleaning device.

3. The private parts cleansing device according to claim 1, The nozzle cleaner has a ring member as the inner peripheral wall portion, on which a plurality of receiving portions protruding from an outer peripheral surface into the annular flow path and the discharge port are formed, and which is rotatable by receiving the cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path with the receiving portions. Local cleaning device.

4. The private parts cleansing device according to claim 1, the nozzle cleaner has, as the inner peripheral wall portion, a ring member formed with a plurality of receiving portions for receiving cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path and the plurality of discharge ports, and the ring member is rotatable by receiving the cleaning water flowing through the annular flow path in the receiving portions; The ring member is configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the axis of the cleaning nozzle. Local cleaning device.

5. The local cleansing device according to claim 4, The ring member is formed in a C-ring shape with a portion missing in the circumferential direction. Local cleaning device.

6. The local cleansing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the nozzle cleaner has a water guide plate formed in a curved shape so as to receive the cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit and guide it to the annular flow path, The outer peripheral wall portion covers the water guide plate and is formed so that the surface that meets the water guide plate is on the tip side of the water guide plate. Local cleaning device.

7. The local cleansing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The nozzle cleaner is configured to mix air sucked in by an ejector effect into the cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit. Local cleaning device.

8. The private parts washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The nozzle cleaner is configured so that the annular rib is located forward of the front end face of the cleaning nozzle when the nozzle cleaner is in the standby position. Local cleaning device.

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