Sanitary cleaning equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a sanitary cleaning device that can effectively remove dirt using fine bubbles in the cleaning water, and can also suppress the decrease in heating efficiency caused by bubbles in tap water adhering to the heat source in the heat exchanger 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 upstream of the heat exchanger unit.

Description

Technical Field

[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 advances 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 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, tap water supplied from a water supply source and used as washing water contains bubbles, and there is a risk that these bubbles adhere to a heat source in a heat exchanger unit and reduce the heating efficiency.

[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 by fine bubbles in washing water and suppressing a decrease in heating efficiency caused by bubbles contained in tap water adhering to a heat source in a heat exchanger unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention is 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 upstream of the heat exchanger unit.

[0007] In this sanitary cleaning system, the bubble generator is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger unit. This allows the microbubbles generated by the bubble generator to remove bubbles that may adhere to the heat source within the heat exchanger unit even if bubbles in the tap water do so. 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, in the first invention, further comprises a pressure regulating valve provided in the pipeline and positioned upstream of the bubble generator.

[0009] To maintain a constant water supply pressure for the cleaning water supplied to the heat exchanger unit, it is preferable to place a pressure regulating valve upstream of the heat exchanger unit. However, bubbles in the cleaning water may accumulate in the pressure regulating valve and grow into large bubbles. In such cases, if large bubbles are supplied to and accumulate in the heat exchanger unit, the heating performance of the heat exchanger unit may decrease. With this sanitary cleaning device, large bubbles that have grown in the pressure regulating valve are crushed when fine bubbles are generated in the bubble generator. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a constant water supply pressure to the heat exchanger unit while avoiding the supply of large bubbles to the heat exchanger unit.

[0010] The third invention is a sanitary cleaning device that further comprises a vacuum breaker provided in the pipeline and positioned upstream of the bubble generator, as in the first invention.

[0011] To facilitate draining water from the pipeline, it is preferable to place a vacuum breaker upstream of the bubble generator in the pipeline. However, bubbles in the cleaning water may accumulate in the vacuum breaker and grow into large bubbles. In such cases, if large bubbles are supplied to and accumulate in the heat exchanger unit, the heating performance of the heat exchanger unit may decrease. With this sanitary cleaning device, large bubbles that have grown in the vacuum breaker are crushed when fine bubbles are generated in the bubble generator. Therefore, it is possible to avoid supplying large bubbles to the heat exchanger unit while keeping the water supply pressure to the heat exchanger unit constant.

[0012] The fourth 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.

[0013] 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.

[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 with fine bubbles in the cleaning water, and can suppress the decrease in heating efficiency caused by bubbles contained in tap water adhering to the heat source in the heat exchanger unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a toilet device equipped with a sanitary cleaning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the local cleaning device in the casing seen from the side. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of the sanitary cleaning device. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing the structure of a Venturi type bubble generator. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part A in FIG. 5. <0​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The casing 10 comprises 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 of the toilet bowl 200. The case cover 12 is provided on top of 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 pivoted on the case cover 12. The case cover 12 also has an openable and closable lid portion 12a in front of the nozzle 60, which will be described later.

[0021] The casing 10 houses the local cleaning device 30 within a space enclosed by the case plate 11 and the case cover 12. The casing 10 also houses functional units such as an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 20 and toilet lid 25, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20, and a communication unit that can communicate with the operating unit 140, etc.

[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 126, 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 128, 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 vacuum breaker 124, a flow sensor 125, a bubble generator 126, a heat exchanger unit 127, an electrolytic cell unit 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 vacuum breaker (VB) 124 is provided. The vacuum breaker 124 has, for example, a flow path for 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 through 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 124 takes air into the pipeline 110 when cleaning water is not flowing through the pipeline 110. For example, a float valve is used for the valve mechanism.

[0035] The vacuum breaker 124 promotes the draining of water downstream of the vacuum breaker 124 by drawing air into the pipeline 110. The vacuum breaker 124 promotes the draining of water from, for example, the nozzle 60. In this way, the vacuum breaker 124 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.

[0036] A flow sensor 125 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 124. The flow sensor 125 detects the flow rate of the cleaning water discharged from the vacuum breaker 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.

[0037] A bubble generator 126 is provided downstream of the flow sensor 125. In other words, the bubble generator 126 is located upstream of the heat exchanger unit 127, which will be described later. The bubble generator 126 generates fine bubbles with a volume-equivalent diameter of less than 1 μm in the washing water. Here, 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 in JIS B 8741-1:2019.

[0038] 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 126 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 126 and the effects of microbubbles will be described in detail later.

[0039] Downstream of the bubble generator 126, a heat exchanger unit 127 is provided. The heat exchanger unit 127 has a heater (ceramic heater 127m), which is a heat source described later, and heats the washing water to a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger unit 127 generates hot water.

[0040] The heat exchanger unit 127 is an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, for example, using a ceramic heater, and heats the washing water therefor. 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 127 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.

[0041] The heat exchanger unit 127 is connected to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 controls the heat exchanger unit 127, 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.

[0042] Downstream of the heat exchanger unit 127, an electrolytic cell unit 128 is provided. The electrolytic cell unit 128 generates a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing inside it. Functional water is disinfectant water. The electrolytic cell unit 128 is connected to the control unit 130. The electrolytic cell unit 128 generates functional water based on control from the control unit 130.

[0043] The functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 128 may be a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions or copper ions. Alternatively, the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 128 may be a solution containing electrolyzed chlorine or ozone. Alternatively, the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 128 may be acidic water or alkaline water. The cleaning water flowing downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 128 will also be described in part when it is functional water (disinfectant water).

[0044] A pressure modulation unit 129 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 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. The pressure modulation unit 129 changes the flow state of the cleaning water based on the control by the control unit 130. 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 128 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 128 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 128 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 128 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 128 flows from the channel switching section 72 towards the second outlet 65. Furthermore, cleaning water and functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 128 flow through the surface cleaning channel 75 from the channel switching section 72 towards the nozzle cleaning section 44.

[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 127, electrolytic cell unit 128, 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 126 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 126 is, for example, tubular in shape. The bubble generator 126 has a flow channel section 126a through which washing water flows, and a throat section 126b provided in the flow channel section 126a. The throat section 126b is a part in which the diameter of the holes in the flow channel section 126a is reduced. In other words, the throat section 126b is a constricted section in which the diameter of the holes in the flow channel section 126a is reduced.

[0053] The Venturi-type bubble generator 126 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 126b, creating a near-vacuum pressure. The bubble generator 126 generates these ultrafine bubbles by causing cavitation in the throat section 126b.

[0054] The bubble generator 126 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 methods 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] The bubble generator 126 is located upstream of the heat exchanger unit 127. This allows the microbubbles to remove bubbles adhering to the heat exchanger unit 127. The following describes how bubbles adhering to the heat exchanger unit 127 are removed by the microbubbles with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a magnified view of section A in Figure 5.

[0057] The heat exchanger unit 127 includes a case 127a, a heating channel 127b, a water discharge channel 127e, and a temperature sensor 127h. The case 127a forms the outer casing of the heat exchanger unit 127 and is a cylindrical body through which cleaning water flows. The heating channel 127b is the channel through which the cleaning water is heated. The water discharge channel 127e is the channel through which the heated cleaning water is discharged from the heat exchanger unit 127. A cylindrical body 127i is inserted inside the case 127a. A spiral channel 127c is threaded onto the inner circumferential surface of the case 127a.

[0058] A water supply unit 127j is connected to one end of the cylindrical body 127i (the left end in Figure 5). The cleaning water flowing out from the water supply unit 127j flows into the interior of the cylindrical body 127i as shown by the arrow in the figure. The cleaning water flowing inside the cylindrical body 127i is returned to the one end at the other end of the case 127a (the right end in Figure 5) and flows into the spiral flow path 127c.

[0059] The heating channel 127b is formed between the case 127a and the cylindrical body 127i. The heating channel 127b has a spiral channel 127c that extends spirally around the cylindrical body 127i. A ceramic heater 127m is provided in the spiral channel 127c. The cleaning water that flows into the heating channel 127b is heated by the ceramic heater 127m and flows into the discharge channel 127e.

[0060] The temperature sensor 127h detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the water discharge channel 127e. Specifically, the temperature sensor 127h detects the temperature of the cleaning water in the large-diameter section 127g of the water discharge channel 127e, as well as in the small-diameter section 127f. The temperature sensor 127h transmits the detected value to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 changes the output of the ceramic heater 127m based on the value detected by the temperature sensor 127h.

[0061] The heat exchanger unit 127 is an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, which heats the washing water. 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 127 is less prone to running out of hot water compared to a storage-type heat exchanger unit, and is therefore less affected by water temperature fluctuations due to ambient temperature.

[0062] Here, as shown in Figure 6, for example, the cleaning water is heated by the ceramic heater 127m, which is the heat source in the heat exchanger unit 127, generating bubbles Z, and these bubbles Z may adhere to the ceramic heater 127m and the heat transfer coil 127k. If this happens, the contact area between the cleaning water and the heat source and heat transfer body will be reduced, and the cleaning water may not be heated efficiently. Therefore, in the sanitary cleaning device 100, the bubble generator 126 is located upstream of the heat exchanger unit 127. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, even if bubbles Z contained in the cleaning water adhere to the ceramic heater 127m and the coil 127k, the fine bubbles X generated by the bubble generator 126 can remove the bubbles Z that have adhered to the ceramic heater 127m and the coil 127k. Thus, the heat exchanger unit 127 can heat the cleaning water efficiently and stably. Furthermore, the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment can supply cleaning water at a stable temperature by the heat exchanger unit 127, even if the water temperature changes due to the ambient temperature.

[0063] Figure 7 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 7, 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 126.

[0064] Furthermore, the cleaning water containing microbubbles X is discharged from the posterior cleansing outlet 61, the soft cleansing outlet 62, and the bidet cleansing outlet 63 of the nozzle 60 toward the user's private parts. In this case, the bubble generator 126 is located upstream of the heat exchanger unit 127. This allows the microbubbles generated by the bubble generator 126 to remove bubbles in the cleaning water even if bubbles in the cleaning water adhere to the ceramic heater 127m or coil 127k inside the heat exchanger unit 127. This suppresses a decrease in the heating efficiency of the cleaning water by the heat exchanger unit 127. 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In other words, the pipeline 110 downstream of the bubble generator 126 and the various devices installed downstream of the bubble generator 126 can have their hygiene improved by using cleaning water containing fine bubbles. Furthermore, the pipeline 110 downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 128 and the various devices installed downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 128 can have their hygiene improved by using cleaning water and functional water containing fine bubbles.

[0067] To keep the water supply pressure of the cleaning water supplied to the heat exchanger unit 127 constant, it is preferable to place the pressure regulating valve 121 upstream of the heat exchanger unit 127. However, bubbles in the cleaning water may accumulate in the pressure regulating valve 121 and grow into large bubbles. In such a case, if large bubbles are supplied to and accumulate in the heat exchanger unit 127, the heating performance of the heat exchanger unit 127 may decrease. With this sanitary cleaning device 100, large bubbles that have grown in the pressure regulating valve 121 are crushed when fine bubbles are generated in the bubble generator 126. Therefore, it is possible to keep the water supply pressure to the heat exchanger unit 127 constant while avoiding the supply of large bubbles to the heat exchanger unit 127.

[0068] To facilitate the draining of water from the pipeline 110, it is preferable to place a vacuum breaker 124 upstream of the bubble generator 126 in the pipeline 110. However, bubbles in the cleaning water may accumulate in the vacuum breaker 124 and grow into large bubbles. In such a case, if large bubbles are supplied to and accumulate in the heat exchanger unit 127, the heating performance of the heat exchanger unit 127 may decrease. With this sanitary cleaning device 100, large bubbles that have grown in the vacuum breaker 124 are crushed when fine bubbles are generated in the bubble generator 126. Therefore, it is possible to avoid supplying large bubbles to the heat exchanger unit 127 while keeping the water supply pressure to the heat exchanger unit 127 constant.

[0069] Furthermore, the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with an electrolytic cell unit 128. This provides an effect of physically removing dirt with fine bubbles, as well as chemically removing dirt with the disinfectant water generated by the electrolytic cell unit 128, when cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl 200 and the nozzle 60.

[0070] 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 126 generates microbubbles using a Venturi type. This allows the Venturi type bubble generator 126 to be installed in the narrow space inside the casing 10 and to generate microbubbles at low cost.

[0071] 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 127 heats the washing water by instantaneous heating rather than hot water storage heating, and the bubble generator 126 is located downstream of the heat exchanger unit 127 and 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 in microbubbles and remove bubbles adhering to the heat source in the heat exchanger unit 127, thus suppressing a decrease in heating efficiency.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main components of a modified sanitary cleaning device. The modified sanitary cleaning device 101 differs from the sanitary cleaning device 100 according to the embodiment in the placement of the vacuum breaker 124 and the bubble generator 126. Specifically, the vacuum breaker 124 in the modified sanitary cleaning device 101 is located downstream of the heat exchanger unit 127 and upstream of the electrolytic cell unit 128. The bubble generator 126 in the modified sanitary cleaning device 101 is located downstream of the check valve 123, upstream of the flow sensor 125 and upstream of the heat exchanger unit 127. As a result, the fine bubbles generated by the bubble generator 126 can remove bubbles adhering to the vacuum breaker 124. Therefore, the vacuum breaker 124 can promote the draining of the cleaning water.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 upstream of the heat exchanger unit. (Configuration 2) The sanitary cleaning device according to configuration 1, further comprising a pressure regulating valve provided in the pipeline and positioned upstream of the bubble generator. (Composition 3) The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a vacuum breaker provided in the pipeline and positioned upstream of the bubble generator. (Composition 4) A sanitary cleaning device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising an electrolytic cell unit provided in the pipeline for generating disinfectant water from the cleaning water. (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.

[0076] 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]

[0077] 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, 101 Sanitary cleaning equipment 110 Pipeline 120 Solenoid valve 121 Pressure regulating valve 122 Safety valve 123 Check valve 124 Vacuum breaker 125 Flow Sensor 126 Bubble Generator 126a Flow channel 126b Throat section 127 Heat exchanger unit 127a (Heat exchanger unit) case 127b Heating channel 127c Helical channel 127e Water outlet channel 127f Small diameter section 127g (large diameter section) 127h temperature sensor 127i cylinder 127j Water supply section 127k coil 127m Ceramic Heater 128 Electrolytic Cell Unit 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 Z bubbles

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 upstream of the heat exchanger unit.

2. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure regulating valve provided in the pipeline and positioned upstream of the bubble generator.

3. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum breaker provided in the pipeline and positioned upstream of the bubble generator.

4. 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.

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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