Sanitary cleaning equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a sanitary cleaning device that can effectively remove dirt using fine bubbles in the cleaning water, while also suppressing a decrease in the heating efficiency of the heat exchange unit. [Solution] A sanitary cleaning device comprising: a nozzle for discharging cleaning water; a pipeline for supplying the cleaning water from a water source to the nozzle; a heat exchanger unit provided in the pipeline for heating the cleaning water by instantaneous heating; and a bubble generator provided in the pipeline for generating fine bubbles in the cleaning water with a diameter of less than 1 μm equivalent to the volume, wherein the bubble generator is located downstream of the heat exchanger unit.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a sanitary cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a cleaning device provided with a nozzle that extends into a toilet bowl when performing local cleaning. As such a cleaning device, there is known a device provided with a fine bubble generator that includes fine bubbles in the water passing through a water supply path to generate fine bubble water (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is a risk that the fine bubbles generated from the bubble generator adhere to the heat source in the heat exchanger unit and the heating efficiency decreases.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sanitary cleaning device capable of effectively removing dirt with fine bubbles in the cleaning water and suppressing a decrease in the heating efficiency of the heat exchange unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first invention is a sanitary cleaning device including a nozzle that discharges cleaning water, a pipe that supplies the cleaning water from a water supply source to the nozzle, a heat exchanger unit that is provided in the pipe and heats the cleaning water by an instant heating method, and a bubble generator that is provided in the pipe and generates fine bubbles having a diameter less than 1 μm in terms of volume in the cleaning water, wherein the bubble generator is disposed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger unit.

[0007] In this sanitary cleaning system, the bubble generator is positioned downstream of the heat exchanger unit. This prevents the fine bubbles generated by the bubble generator from adhering to the heat source within the heat exchanger unit. As a result, the reduction in the heating efficiency of the cleaning water by the heat exchanger unit can be suppressed. Furthermore, the heat exchanger unit uses an instantaneous heating system. This makes it less prone to running out of hot water compared to storage-type heat exchanger units, thus further suppressing the effects of water temperature fluctuations due to ambient temperature.

[0008] The second invention is a sanitary cleaning device that further comprises a vacuum breaker provided in the pipeline and positioned between the heat exchanger unit and the bubble generator, in addition to the first invention.

[0009] With this sanitary cleaning device, the water pressure of the cleaning water flowing into the bubble generator is stabilized by the vacuum breaker, which allows for a stable amount of fine bubbles to be generated by the bubble generator.

[0010] The third invention is a sanitary cleaning device that, in the first invention, further comprises an electrolytic cell unit provided in the pipeline for generating disinfectant water from the cleaning water.

[0011] This sanitary cleaning device allows for the physical removal of dirt from the toilet bowl and nozzle using microbubbles, as well as chemical removal of dirt using disinfectant water generated by the electrolytic cell unit.

[0012] The fourth invention is a sanitary cleaning device located upstream of the bubble generator, in the third invention, wherein the electrolytic cell unit is located upstream of the bubble generator.

[0013] In some cases, the electrolytic cell unit generates disinfectant water through electrolysis, and electrodes are used in this electrolysis. Therefore, with this sanitary cleaning device, because the electrolytic cell unit is positioned upstream of the bubble generator, the fine bubbles generated by the bubble generator do not adhere to the electrodes, thus suppressing a decrease in the efficiency of disinfectant water generation by the electrolytic cell unit.

[0014] The fifth invention is a sanitary cleaning device in which, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the bubble generator generates the fine bubbles by a venturi type.

[0015] This sanitary cleaning device allows the bubble generator to be installed in a narrow space and generates fine bubbles at a low cost by using a venturi-type structure for the bubble generator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sanitary cleaning device that can effectively remove dirt using fine bubbles in the cleaning water and suppress a decrease in the heating efficiency of the heat exchange unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a toilet system equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the local cleaning device inside the casing, seen from the side. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the main components of a sanitary cleaning device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a Venturi-type bubble generator. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative diagram showing how toilet bowl stains are cleaned using microbubbles. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device provided with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the local washing device inside the casing as viewed from the side. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the sanitary washing device. In FIG. 3, the main configurations of the water passage system and the electrical system of the sanitary washing device 100 are shown together.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a toilet device 300 according to an embodiment includes a sanitary washing device 100 and a Western-style toilet seat (hereinafter, simply referred to as "toilet" for convenience of explanation) 200. The sanitary washing device 100 is provided above the toilet 200. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a local washing device 30 for washing the local part of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0020] The casing 10 has a case plate 11 and a case cover 12. The case plate 11 constitutes the bottom of the casing 10. The case plate 11 is placed on the rear part of the toilet 200. The case cover 12 is provided on the case plate 11 and covers the upper part of the case plate 11. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 25 are rotatably supported by the case cover 12. Further, the case cover 12 has an openable and closable lid portion 12a in front of a nozzle 60 described later.

[0021] The casing 10 houses the local washing device 30 inside the space surrounded by the case plate 11 and the case cover 12. Further, inside the casing 10, functional parts such as an opening and closing unit for controlling the opening and closing operations of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 25, a toilet seat heating unit for controlling the temperature of the toilet seat 20, and a communication unit capable of communicating with an operation unit 140 are housed.

[0022] In this specification, "up," "down," "front," "back," "right," and "left" refer to directions as viewed from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the toilet lid 25, as shown in Figure 1.

[0023] The local cleaning device 30 cleans the user's private parts by discharging cleaning water towards the user's private parts while the user is seated on the toilet seat 20. In this example, the local cleaning device 30 also has the function of discharging cleaning water or functional water (disinfectant water) into the toilet bowl 200 to suppress the adhesion of dirt to the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200 and to remove dirt that has adhered to the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200. This function may be provided as needed. The cleaning water and functional water contain fine bubbles generated by a bubble generator 128, which will be described later. In this embodiment, by including fine bubbles in the cleaning water and functional water, the cleanability of the user's private parts and the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200 is improved. The functional water is generated by an electrolytic cell unit 127, which will be described later. The local cleaning device 30 has a support part 40 provided on the case plate 11 of the casing 10 and a nozzle 60 that is slidably supported on the support part 40.

[0024] The nozzle cleaning unit 44 covers the outer circumference of the nozzle 60. The nozzle cleaning unit 44 cleans the outer surface (body) of the nozzle 60 by, for example, spraying functional water or cleaning water from the water discharge unit.

[0025] The nozzle motor 50 is located behind the nozzle 60. The nozzle motor 50 is the drive unit that moves the nozzle 60 forward and backward. When the nozzle 60 moves forward and backward, the openable and closable cover 12a is pressed open. The nozzle motor 50 is connected to the control unit 130, which will be described later. The nozzle motor 50 operates based on the operation instructions when the operation unit 140, which will be described later, is operated.

[0026] The nozzle 60 has, for example, a posterior wash outlet 61, a soft wash outlet 62, a bidet wash outlet 63, a first nozzle 64, and a second nozzle 65. The posterior wash outlet 61, the soft wash outlet 62, and the bidet wash outlet 63 are arranged side by side on the upper side of the nozzle 60.

[0027] The nozzle 60 can wash the buttocks of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 by discharging warm water (washing water) from the posterior wash nozzle 61 or the soft wash nozzle 62. The soft wash nozzle 62 discharges water with a softer flow than the posterior wash nozzle 61. In addition, the nozzle 60 can wash the female genitals of a woman sitting on the toilet seat 20 by discharging warm water from the bidet wash nozzle 63.

[0028] The first nozzle 64 and the second nozzle 65 are, for example, located side by side on the front of the nozzle 60. The first nozzle 64 and the second nozzle 65 discharge flushing water or functional water into the toilet bowl 200. The first nozzle 64 and the second nozzle 65 discharge flushing water and functional water in different directions in the front-to-back direction. The flushing water or functional water discharged into the toilet bowl 200 from the first nozzle 64 and the second nozzle 65 suppresses the adhesion of dirt to the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200, or removes dirt that has adhered to the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200.

[0029] The nozzle 60 is equipped with a posterior cleansing channel 60a, a soft cleansing channel 60b, a bidet cleansing channel 60c, a first bowl discharge channel 60d, and a second bowl discharge channel 60e. Cleansing water supplied from the water source 500 flows through these channels. The posterior cleansing outlet 61 is connected to the posterior cleansing channel 60a. The soft cleansing outlet 62 is connected to the soft cleansing channel 60b. The bidet cleansing outlet 63 is connected to the bidet cleansing channel 60c. The first outlet 64 is connected to the first bowl discharge channel 60d. The second outlet 65 is connected to the second bowl discharge channel 60e.

[0030] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the waterway system and electrical system of the sanitary cleaning device 100 will be explained.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the sanitary cleaning device 100 has a pipeline 110. The pipeline 110 extends from a water source 500, such as a water tap or water storage tank, to a nozzle 60. The pipeline 110 guides the cleaning water, which is water supplied from the water source 500, to the nozzle 60. The pipeline 110 is equipped with a solenoid valve 120, a pressure regulating valve 121, a safety valve 122, a check valve 123, a heat exchanger unit 124, a flow sensor 125, a vacuum breaker 126, an electrolytic cell unit 127, a bubble generator 128, a pressure modulation unit 129, and a flow control unit 70.

[0032] A solenoid valve 120 is provided on the upstream side of the pipeline 110. The solenoid valve 120 is an openable and closable electromagnetic valve that controls the supply of cleaning water based on commands from a control unit 130 located inside the casing 10. In other words, the solenoid valve 120 opens and closes the pipeline 110. By opening the solenoid valve 120, cleaning water flows into the pipeline 110.

[0033] A pressure regulating valve 121 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 120. The pressure regulating valve 121 adjusts the pressure in the pipeline 110 to a predetermined pressure range when the water supply pressure is high. A safety valve 122 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 121. The safety valve 122 operates, for example, when the pressure regulating valve 121 malfunctions and the secondary pressure rises. A check valve 123 is also provided downstream of the safety valve 122. The check valve 123 suppresses the backflow of cleaning water upstream of the check valve 123 when the pressure in the pipeline 110 drops.

[0034] Downstream of the check valve 123, a heat exchanger unit 124 is provided. The heat exchanger unit 124 has a heater, which is a heat source, and heats the washing water to a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger unit 124 generates hot water.

[0035] The heat exchanger unit 124 is an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, for example, using a ceramic heater, and heats the washing water therein. Compared to a storage-type heat exchanger that uses a hot water storage tank, an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can raise the washing water to the specified temperature in a shorter time. In addition, the instantaneous heating type heat exchanger unit 124 is less prone to running out of hot water than a storage-type heat exchanger unit, and is therefore less affected by water temperature fluctuations due to ambient temperature. Note that the heating section is not limited to a heat exchanger; other heating methods, such as microwave heating, may also be used.

[0036] The heat exchanger unit 124 is connected to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 controls the heat exchanger unit 124, for example, in response to the user's operation of the control unit 140, thereby raising the temperature of the washing water to the temperature set on the control unit 140.

[0037] A flow sensor 125 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 124. The flow sensor 125 detects the flow rate of the cleaning water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 124. In other words, the flow sensor 125 detects the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the pipeline 110. The flow sensor 125 is connected to the control unit 130. The flow sensor 125 inputs the flow rate detection result to the control unit 130.

[0038] Downstream of the flow sensor 125, a vacuum breaker (VB) 126 is provided. The vacuum breaker 126 has, for example, a flow path for flowing cleaning water, an air intake for taking air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the air intake. The valve mechanism, for example, closes the air intake when cleaning water is flowing in the flow path, and opens the air intake when the flow of cleaning water stops, taking air into the flow path. In other words, the vacuum breaker 126 takes air into the pipeline 110 when cleaning water is not flowing in the pipeline 110. For example, a float valve is used for the valve mechanism.

[0039] The vacuum breaker 126 promotes the draining of water downstream of the vacuum breaker 126 by drawing air into the pipeline 110. The vacuum breaker 126 promotes the draining of water from, for example, the nozzle 60. In this way, the vacuum breaker 126 prevents backflow of, for example, the cleaning water in the nozzle 60 to the water supply source 500 (water supply) side by draining the cleaning water from the nozzle 60 and drawing air into the nozzle 60.

[0040] An electrolytic cell unit 127 is located downstream of the vacuum breaker 126. In other words, the electrolytic cell unit 127 is located downstream of the heat exchanger unit 124. The electrolytic cell unit 127 generates a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing through it. Functional water is disinfectant water. The electrolytic cell unit 127 is connected to the control unit 130. The electrolytic cell unit 127 generates functional water based on control from the control unit 130.

[0041] The functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 127 may be a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions or copper ions. Alternatively, the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 127 may be a solution containing electrolyzed chlorine or ozone. Alternatively, the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 127 may be acidic water or alkaline water. The cleaning water flowing downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 127 will also be described in part when it is functional water (disinfectant water).

[0042] A bubble generator 128 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 127. The bubble generator 128 generates fine bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm in the washing water. Bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 100 μm are called fine bubbles (registered trademark). Fine bubbles are classified into microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles (registered trademark). Microbubbles are fine bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm. Ultrafine bubbles are fine bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm. The definition of a bubble is as specified in JIS B 8741-1:2019.

[0043] In this embodiment, ultrafine bubbles, which are bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm, are described as "microbubbles," while bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of 1 μm or more are simply described as "bubbles." The bubble generator 128 provided in the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment generates microbubbles, i.e., ultrafine bubbles, with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm, as described above. The specific configuration of the bubble generator 128 and the effects of microbubbles will be described in detail later.

[0044] A pressure modulation unit 129 is provided downstream of the bubble generator 128. The pressure modulation unit 129 imparts pulsation or acceleration to the flow of cleaning water in the pipeline 110, causing pulsation to the cleaning water discharged from the posterior cleansing outlet 61, the soft cleansing outlet 62, the bidet cleansing outlet 63 of the nozzle 60, and the outlet of the nozzle cleaning unit 44. In other words, the pressure modulation unit 129 changes the flow state of the cleaning water flowing in the pipeline 110. The pressure modulation unit 129 is connected to the control unit 130. Based on the control by the control unit 130, the pressure modulation unit 129 changes the flow state of the cleaning water. The pressure modulation unit 129 changes the pressure of the cleaning water in the pipeline 110.

[0045] A flow control unit 70 is provided downstream of the pressure modulation unit 129. The flow control unit 70 includes a flow rate adjustment unit 71 and a flow path switching unit 72. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 adjusts the water pressure (flow rate). A flow path switching unit 72 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment unit 71. The flow path switching unit 72 opens, closes, and switches the water supply to the nozzle 60 and the nozzle cleaning unit 44. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 and the flow path switching unit 72 may be provided separately. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 and the flow path switching unit 72 are connected to the control unit 130. The operation of the flow rate adjustment unit 71 and the flow path switching unit 72 is controlled by the control unit 130. The flow control unit 70 is connected, for example, to the rear surface of the nozzle 60.

[0046] Downstream of the flow path switching section 72, there are a rear-view washing flow path 60a, a soft washing flow path 60b, a bidet washing flow path 60c, a first bowl ejection flow path 60d, a second bowl ejection flow path 60e, and a surface washing flow path 75. The rear-view washing flow path 60a, soft washing flow path 60b, bidet washing flow path 60c, the first bowl ejection flow path 60d, and the second bowl ejection flow path 60e are located inside the nozzle 60. The surface washing flow path 75 is a conduit connecting the flow path switching section 72 and the nozzle washing section 44.

[0047] The washing water flowing into the flow control unit 70 flows through the rear washing channel 60a, the gentle washing channel 60b, the bidet washing channel 60c, the first bowl spray channel 60d, the second bowl spray channel 60e, and the surface washing channel 75, as a result of the operation of the flow channel switching unit 72.

[0048] In the posterior cleansing channel 60a, cleansing water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 127 flows from the channel switching section 72 towards the posterior cleansing outlet 61. In the soft cleansing channel 60b, cleansing water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 127 flows from the channel switching section 72 towards the soft cleansing outlet 62. In the bidet cleansing channel 60c, cleansing water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 127 flows from the channel switching section 72 towards the bidet cleansing outlet 63. In the first bowl discharge channel 60d, cleansing water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 127 flows from the channel switching section 72 towards the first outlet 64. In the second bowl discharge channel 60e, cleansing water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 127 flows from the channel switching section 72 towards the second outlet 65. Furthermore, cleaning water and functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 127 flow from the flow path switching section 72 to the nozzle cleaning section 44 through the surface cleaning channel 75.

[0049] The control unit 130 controls the flow path switching unit 72 to switch the opening and closing of each of the flow paths: the posterior cleansing flow path 60a, the soft cleansing flow path 60b, the bidet cleansing flow path 60c, the first bowl spray flow path 60d, the second bowl spray flow path 60e, and the surface cleansing flow path 75. In this way, the flow path switching unit 72 switches between a state in which each of the multiple outlets, such as the posterior cleansing outlet 61, the soft cleansing outlet 62, the bidet cleansing outlet 63, the nozzle cleaning unit 44, and the first and second spray outlets 64 and 65, is connected to the pipeline 110 and a state in which it is not connected to the pipeline 110.

[0050] The control unit 130 is powered by the power supply circuit 135 and controls the operation of the solenoid valve 120, heat exchanger unit 124, electrolytic cell unit 127, pressure modulation unit 129, flow rate adjustment unit 71, flow path switching unit 72, nozzle motor 50, etc., based on signals from the seat detection sensor 150, flow sensor 125, operation unit 140, etc.

[0051] The sanitary cleaning device 100 has the configuration described above, and next, the specific structure and operation of the bubble generator 128 will be explained.

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a Venturi-type bubble generator. In Figure 4, the lower side of the paper is the upstream side in the direction of the wash water flow, and the upper side of the paper is the downstream side in the direction of the wash water flow. The venturi-type bubble generator 128 is, for example, tubular in shape. The bubble generator 128 has a flow channel section 128a through which washing water flows, and a throat section 128b provided in the flow channel section 128a. The throat section 128b is a part in which the diameter of the holes in the flow channel section 128a is reduced. In other words, the throat section 128b is a constricted section in which the diameter of the holes in the flow channel section 128a is reduced.

[0053] The Venturi-type bubble generator 128 generates ultrafine bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm, corresponding to the volume of air components contained in the washing water, when the water supply pressure is applied to the throat section 128b, creating a near-vacuum pressure. The bubble generator 128 generates these ultrafine bubbles by causing cavitation in the throat section 128b.

[0054] The bubble generator 128 provided in the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to the Venturi type. As a method for generating fine bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm, for example, in addition to the Venturi type, other examples include the swirling flow type, ejector type, micropore type, and static mixer type, which generate bubbles by crushing them due to liquid shear. The swirling flow type generates fine bubbles by crushing bubbles with a high-speed liquid swirling flow. The ejector type, similar to the Venturi type, generates fine bubbles by crushing bubbles due to a rapid pressure change in the gas-liquid flow path. The micropore type generates fine bubbles by miniaturizing bubbles with fine gas dispersion holes. The static mixer type generates fine bubbles by shearing bubbles due to obstacles in the gas-liquid flow path.

[0055] Other methods include, for example, the pressurized dissolution and deposition method and the heated deposition method, which generate microbubbles by the precipitation of dissolved gases in the liquid. The pressurized dissolution and deposition method generates microbubbles by the precipitation of bubbles due to the rapid pressure of a saturated solution under pressure. The heated deposition method generates microbubbles by the precipitation of bubbles due to the rapid heating of a saturated solution at room temperature. Furthermore, other methods include, for example, the direct vapor contact condensation method, which generates microbubbles by the rapid condensation of vapor bubbles. The direct vapor contact condensation method generates microbubbles by the refinement of mixed gas bubbles through direct contact condensation of vapor.

[0056] Here, for example, if fine bubbles adhere to the heat source (heater section) of the heat exchanger unit 124, the contact area between the cleaning water and the heat source will decrease, which may prevent the cleaning water from being heated efficiently. Therefore, in the sanitary cleaning device 100, the bubble generator 128 is positioned downstream of the heat exchanger unit 124. As a result, cleaning water containing fine bubbles generated by the bubble generator 128 does not flow into the heat exchanger unit 124. Thus, the heat exchanger unit 124 can efficiently and stably heat the cleaning water. Furthermore, in the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment, even if the water temperature changes due to the ambient temperature, the heat exchanger unit 124 can supply cleaning water at a stable temperature to the bubble generator 128. Consequently, the bubble generator 128 can generate stable fine bubbles.

[0057] Furthermore, the vacuum breaker 126 is positioned between the heat exchanger unit 124 and the bubble generator 128. In other words, the vacuum breaker 126 is positioned upstream of the bubble generator 128. This stabilizes the water pressure of the cleaning water flowing into the bubble generator 128 by the vacuum breaker 126, thereby stabilizing the amount of fine bubbles generated by the bubble generator 128.

[0058] Furthermore, the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment includes an electrolytic cell unit 127. This allows the sanitary cleaning device 100 to physically remove dirt using fine bubbles when cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl 200 and the nozzle 60, as well as to chemically remove dirt using disinfectant water generated by the electrolytic cell unit 127.

[0059] Furthermore, the electrolytic cell unit 127 is positioned upstream of the bubble generator 128. This prevents the fine bubbles generated by the bubble generator 128 from adhering to the electrodes used in electrolysis, thereby suppressing a decrease in the efficiency of disinfectant water production by the electrolytic cell unit 127.

[0060] Furthermore, the electrolytic cell unit 127 is positioned downstream of the heat exchanger unit 124. The electrolytic cell unit 127 generates functional water (disinfectant water) by electrolyzing the cleaning water, and there is a risk of bubbles being generated during this electrolysis. Therefore, by arranging the heat exchanger unit 124 and the electrolytic cell unit 127 in this manner, even if bubbles are generated when the electrolytic cell unit 127 electrolyzes the cleaning water, these bubbles will not adhere to the heat source inside the heat exchanger unit 124. Consequently, a decrease in the heating efficiency of the cleaning water by the heat exchanger unit 124 can be suppressed.

[0061] From the viewpoint of suppressing the increase in size of the device that generates microbubbles and reducing costs, it is preferable that the bubble generator 128 generates microbubbles using a Venturi type. This allows the Venturi type bubble generator 128 to be installed in the narrow space inside the casing 10 and to generate microbubbles at low cost.

[0062] It is known that microbubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm tend to decrease in the washing water over time as the temperature increases. In the hot water storage heating type, the heated washing water is stored in a tank or the like, so there is a problem that the number of microbubbles in the washing water in the tank gradually decreases over time. On the other hand, in the sanitary washing device 100 according to the embodiment, as described above, the heat exchanger unit 124 heats the washing water by instantaneous heating rather than hot water storage heating, and the bubble generator 128 is located downstream of the heat exchanger unit 124 and is positioned close to the nozzle 60 that discharges the washing water, so the above problem does not occur. Therefore, the sanitary washing device 100 according to the embodiment can suppress the decrease of microbubbles.

[0063] The microbubbles in the washing water have both a washing effect and a water purification and sterilization effect. The microbubbles in the washing water can efficiently perform washing effects such as oil removal, adhesion removal, and surfactant removal. Furthermore, the microbubbles in the washing water can efficiently perform water purification and sterilization effects such as organic matter water purification, wastewater treatment microbial activity, ozone decolorization, and ozone sterilization.

[0064] Figure 5 is an illustrative diagram showing how toilet bowl stains are cleaned using microbubbles. The cleaning water and functional water containing microbubbles X are discharged into the toilet bowl 200 from the first nozzle 64 and the second nozzle 65 of the nozzle 60. As shown in Figure 5, the microbubbles X in the cleaning water enter between the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200 and the attached matter Y (dirt), and the microbubbles X combine with each other and become larger, ultimately allowing the attached matter Y to be detached from the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200. Alternatively, the attached matter Y is detached from the inner surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200 by the impact when the combined and enlarged bubbles burst. Therefore, the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment can promote the removal of dirt inside the toilet bowl 200 by the microbubbles X generated by the bubble generator 128.

[0065] Furthermore, the cleaning water containing microbubbles X is discharged from the posterior cleaning outlet 61, the soft cleaning outlet 62, and the bidet cleaning outlet 63 of the nozzle 60 toward the user's private parts. In this case, the bubble generator 128 is located downstream of the heat exchanger unit 124. This prevents the microbubbles generated from the bubble generator 128 from adhering to the heat source inside the heat exchanger unit 124. This suppresses a decrease in the heating efficiency of the cleaning water by the heat exchanger unit 124. As a result, the sanitary cleaning device 100 can effectively clean the user's private parts with cleaning water containing microbubbles X, and can also discharge cleaning water at a set temperature toward the user's private parts.

[0066] Furthermore, the cleaning water and functional water containing microbubbles X are discharged from the nozzle cleaning section 44 toward the nozzle 60. The cleaning water and functional water containing microbubbles X are also discharged from the posterior cleaning outlet 61, the soft cleaning outlet 62, the bidet cleaning outlet 63, the first outlet 64, and the second outlet 65 via the posterior cleaning channel 60a, the soft cleaning channel 60b, the bidet cleaning channel 60c, the first bowl discharge channel 60d, and the second bowl discharge channel 60e. As a result, the cleaning water and functional water containing microbubbles X can promote the removal of dirt adhering to the posterior cleansing channel 60a, the soft cleansing channel 60b, the bidet cleansing channel 60c, the first bowl spray channel 60d, the second bowl spray channel 60e, the posterior cleansing outlet 61, the soft cleansing outlet 62, the bidet cleansing outlet 63, the first spray outlet 64, the second spray outlet 65, and the nozzle 60.

[0067] In other words, the pipeline 110 downstream of the bubble generator 128 and the various devices installed downstream of the bubble generator 128 can have their hygiene improved by using cleaning water and functional water containing fine bubbles.

[0068] In the embodiments described above, a nozzle 60 that discharges cleaning water to the user's genitals and into the toilet bowl 200 was used as an example. However, the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to the embodiment may include both a nozzle that discharges cleaning water containing fine bubbles towards the user's genitals and a nozzle that discharges cleaning water containing fine bubbles into the toilet bowl 200. These nozzles are housed side by side inside the casing 10, for example. Furthermore, the sanitary cleaning device 100 may be provided with at least one of the nozzles that discharge cleaning water containing fine bubbles into the toilet bowl 200 or the nozzle that discharges cleaning water containing fine bubbles towards the user's genitals.

[0069] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) A nozzle that discharges cleaning water, A pipeline for supplying the cleaning water from the water source to the nozzle, A heat exchanger unit is provided in the aforementioned pipeline and heats the cleaning water by instantaneous heating, A bubble generator is provided in the aforementioned pipeline and generates fine bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm equivalent to the volume in the washing water, Equipped with, The bubble generator is a sanitary cleaning device located downstream of the heat exchanger unit. (Configuration 2) The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a vacuum breaker provided in the pipeline and positioned between the heat exchanger unit and the bubble generator. (Composition 3) The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising an electrolytic cell unit provided in the pipeline for generating disinfectant water from the cleaning water. (Composition 4) The electrolytic cell unit is located upstream of the bubble generator in the sanitary cleaning apparatus according to configuration 3. (Composition 5) The bubble generator is a sanitary cleaning device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4 that generates the fine bubbles by a venturi type.

[0070] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, and arrangement of each element of a sanitary cleaning device are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically feasible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10 Casing 11 Case Plate 12 Case Covers 12a Lid 20 toilet seats 25 Toilet lid 30 Local cleaning device 40 Support part 44 Nozzle cleaning section 50 Nozzle Motors 60 nozzles 60a Rear wash channel 60b Soft cleaning channel 60c bidet flushing channel 60d First bowl ejection channel 60e Second bowl ejection channel 61 Washlet for posterior cleansing 62 Soft-cleaning spout 63 Bidet washing spout 64 1st spout 65 2nd spout 70-stroke unit 71 Flow rate adjustment section 72 Flow path switching section 75 Surface cleaning channel 100 Sanitary cleaning equipment 110 Pipeline 120 Solenoid valve 121 Pressure regulating valve 122 Safety valve 123 Check valve 124 Heat exchanger unit 125 Flow Sensor 126 Vacuum breaker 127 Electrolytic Cell Unit 128 Bubble Generator 128a Flow channel 128b Throat section 129 Pressure Modulation Unit 130 Control Unit 135 Power supply circuit 140 Operation section 150 Seat detection sensors 200 toilets 200a Inner surface 300 toilet equipment 500 Water source X Microbubbles Y Attached substances

Claims

1. A nozzle that discharges cleaning water, A pipeline for supplying the cleaning water from the water source to the nozzle, A heat exchanger unit is provided in the aforementioned pipeline and heats the cleaning water by instantaneous heating, A bubble generator is provided in the aforementioned pipeline and generates fine bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm equivalent to the volume in the washing water, Equipped with, The bubble generator is a sanitary cleaning device located downstream of the heat exchanger unit.

2. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum breaker provided in the pipeline and positioned between the heat exchanger unit and the bubble generator.

3. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an electrolytic cell unit provided in the pipeline for generating disinfectant water from the cleaning water.

4. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electrolytic cell unit is arranged upstream of the bubble generator.

5. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bubble generator generates the fine bubbles by a venturi type.

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