Sanitary cleaning equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a sanitary cleaning device that can electrically insulate two power transmission cables while suppressing the propagation of noise in those cables. [Solution] The sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment comprises a first cable, a second cable, and a magnetic material. The first cable transmits a primary voltage supplied from a power source. The second cable transmits a secondary voltage, converted from the primary voltage by a transformer, to the functional unit. The magnetic material is attached to at least one of the first cable and the second cable. Furthermore, the first cable and the second cable are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic material at locations where the first cable and the second cable are adjacent to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a sanitary cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a sanitary cleaning device that sprays warm water from a nozzle to clean a user's private part is known. In a sanitary cleaning device, for example, when operating a motor that drives a nozzle, a motor that automatically opens and closes a toilet lid or seat, etc., noise may occur from a control board or the motor itself. In such a case, the generated noise may propagate outside the sanitary cleaning device through the power supply cable and affect the operation of other electrical devices.

[0003] Therefore, for example, a technique for suppressing noise propagation in a power supply cable using a capacitor has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a technique for suppressing noise propagation by attaching a ferrite core having a magnetic body to the above-mentioned cable is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, a sanitary cleaning device includes a cable that transmits a primary voltage from a power supply and a cable that transmits a secondary voltage converted by a transformer. When these two cables are arranged adjacent to each other at the same location in, for example, a case part, it is necessary to electrically insulate between the two cables.

[0006] However, conventional technology had room for improvement in terms of suppressing noise propagation in power transmission cables while electrically isolating two cables from each other.

[0007] One embodiment aims to provide a sanitary cleaning device that can electrically insulate two cables while suppressing the propagation of noise in power transmission cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A sanitary cleaning device according to one embodiment comprises a first cable that transmits a primary voltage supplied from a power source, a second cable that transmits a secondary voltage converted from the primary voltage by a transformer to a functional unit, and a magnetic body attached to at least one of the first cable and the second cable, wherein the first cable and the second cable are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic body at a location where the first cable and the second cable are adjacent to each other.

[0009] Thus, a magnetic material is attached to at least one of the first and second cables, and adjacent first and second cables are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic material. As a result, the magnetic material can suppress the propagation of noise in the power transmission cables (first and second cables). Furthermore, since adjacent first and second cables are separated by the amount of the magnetic material, the first and second cables can be electrically insulated from each other, or in other words, enhanced insulation can be achieved.

[0010] Thus, in the sanitary cleaning device according to this embodiment, the magnetic material attached to the power transmission cables (first and second cables) has both a noise suppression function and an insulating function. Furthermore, if the device is configured to include, for example, a dedicated unit for insulating the first and second cables, the sanitary cleaning device may become larger due to the size of such a dedicated unit. In the sanitary cleaning device according to this embodiment, since the magnetic material also has an insulating function, the above-mentioned dedicated unit can be made unnecessary, and as a result, the size of the sanitary cleaning device can be suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, the magnetic material has a thickness such that the distance between the first cable and the second cable is equal to or greater than a predetermined insulation distance.

[0012] This makes it possible to separate the adjacent first and second cables by more than the insulation distance, thereby ensuring reliable insulation between the first and second cables.

[0013] Furthermore, the magnetic material is covered with an insulating material.

[0014] In this way, by covering the magnetic material with an insulating material, the adjacent first and second cables can be more reliably insulated from each other.

[0015] Furthermore, the magnetic material is attached to both the first cable and the second cable.

[0016] In this way, by attaching magnetic material to both the first and second cables, the propagation of noise in the first cable and the propagation of noise in the second cable can be suppressed. In addition, noise may occur that propagates from one of the first or second cables to the other cable without passing through the other cable (for example, common-mode noise). Common-mode noise includes noise that propagates from the power supply to the first cable, and noise that propagates from the power supply to the second cable via conductive parts of a toilet seat, control circuit, etc. Even if such common-mode noise occurs, the propagation of such noise can be suppressed by attaching magnetic material to both the first and second cables. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one embodiment, it is possible to electrically isolate two cables while suppressing the propagation of noise in a power transmission cable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toilet system equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sanitary cleaning device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the first cable, second cable, and ferrite core. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The embodiments of the sanitary cleaning apparatus disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet device including a sanitary cleaning device according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, for easy understanding of the description, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system defining an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction orthogonal to each other and having the positive Z-axis direction as the vertically upward direction is illustrated. Such an orthogonal coordinate system may also be shown in other drawings used in the following description. Note that FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 and later described below are all schematic diagrams.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 1 includes a flush toilet (hereinafter referred to as “toilet bowl”) 10 and a sanitary cleaning device 20. The toilet bowl 10 includes a bowl portion 11 capable of receiving dirt on a dirt receiving surface 11a. The bowl portion 11 is cleaned by discharging cleaning water, and the cleaning water that has cleaned the bowl portion 11 is discharged through a drainage pipe (not shown). The toilet bowl 10 is made of, for example, pottery. Note that the toilet bowl 10 is not limited to being made of pottery, and may be made of, for example, resin, or a combination of pottery and resin.

[0022] The sanitary cleaning device 20 is provided above the toilet bowl 10. Note that the sanitary cleaning device 20 may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 10, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 10.

[0023] The sanitary cleaning device 20 includes a main body portion 30, a toilet seat 100, and a toilet lid 200. Both the toilet seat 100 and the toilet lid 200 are attached to the main body portion 30 so as to be openable and closable. The toilet seat 100 and the toilet lid 200 may each be connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown), and may be configured to be automatically opened and closed by the drive of the drive source. Note that the sanitary cleaning device 20 may be configured not to include the toilet lid 200.

[0024] The main body portion 30 includes a nozzle unit 40 and a case portion 41. The nozzle unit 40 includes a cleaning nozzle 40a that sprays cleaning water onto the user's body. The cleaning nozzle 40a is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the case portion 41.

[0025] More specifically, for example, a drive source such as a motor (not shown) is connected to the cleaning nozzle 40a. Driven by the drive source, the cleaning nozzle 40a is moved back and forth between a position extended into the bowl portion 11 of the toilet bowl 10 and a position retracted and stored in the case portion 41. In Figure 1, the cleaning nozzle 40a is shown in the extended position. In the extended position, the cleaning nozzle 40a sprays cleaning water onto the user's body to clean the private parts. This cleaning water may be heated to an appropriate temperature by a heater (not shown).

[0026] The case section 41 houses various components. For example, the case section 41 houses components such as a nozzle unit 40 including a motor that drives the washing nozzle 40a, a motor that opens and closes the toilet seat 100, a heater that warms the washing water sprayed onto the user's body, and a control board (described later) equipped with a power supply circuit.

[0027] In the sanitary cleaning device 20 configured as described above, noise may be generated from the control board or the motor itself when operating, for example, the motor that drives the cleaning nozzle 40a or the motor that automatically opens and closes the toilet seat 100. The generated noise may propagate to the outside of the sanitary cleaning device 20 through the power transmission cable and affect the operation of other electrical equipment, so it is necessary to suppress the propagation of noise. Furthermore, as described later, the power transmission cable includes a first cable 51 that transmits the primary voltage from power source A and a second cable 52 that transmits the secondary voltage converted by the transformer 73 (see Figure 2). When these first and second cables 51 and 52 are arranged adjacent to each other in the same location within the case 41, it is necessary to electrically insulate the first and second cables 51 and 52 from each other.

[0028] Therefore, the sanitary cleaning device 20 according to this embodiment is designed to suppress the propagation of noise in the power transmission cable while electrically insulating the first and second cables 51 and 52. The configuration of the sanitary cleaning device 20 will be described in detail below.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the sanitary cleaning device 20. As shown in Figure 2, the sanitary cleaning device 20 is connected to power supply A via power cable A1, and a primary voltage is supplied. Power supply A is a commercial AC power supply. Therefore, the sanitary cleaning device 20 is supplied with an AC voltage as the primary voltage from power supply A.

[0030] The sanitary cleaning device 20 comprises a first cable 51, a second cable 52, a control board 60, a primary load 81, a secondary load 82, and a magnetic member 90. The control board 60 is equipped with a primary power supply circuit 71, a secondary power supply circuit 72, and a transformer 73.

[0031] The first cable 51 transmits the primary voltage supplied from power source A. More specifically, the first cable 51 is a cable that electrically connects power source A (more precisely, power cable A1) and the primary load 81. The first cable 51 transmits the primary voltage supplied from power source A to the primary load 81 via the primary power supply circuit 71. The primary load 81 is a load that operates on AC voltage. The primary load 81 includes, but is not limited to, a heater that warms the washing water sprayed onto the user's body, or a heater that warms the seating surface of the toilet seat 100 (see Figure 1).

[0032] A transformer 73 is electrically connected to the primary power supply circuit 71. The transformer 73 converts the primary voltage input from the first cable 51 through the primary power supply circuit 71 into a secondary voltage. More specifically, the transformer 73 includes an AC / DC converter and converts the alternating current voltage (primary voltage) input from power supply A through the first cable 51 and the primary power supply circuit 71 into a secondary voltage which is a direct current voltage.

[0033] The secondary power supply circuit 72 is electrically connected to the transformer 73. The second cable 52 is electrically connected to the secondary power supply circuit 72. The secondary power supply circuit 72 outputs the secondary voltage converted by the transformer 73 to the second cable 52.

[0034] The second cable 52 transmits the secondary voltage. More specifically, the second cable 52 is a cable that electrically connects the secondary power supply circuit 72 and the secondary load 82. The second cable 52 transmits the secondary voltage converted by the transformer 73 to the secondary load 82. The secondary load 82 is a load that operates on DC voltage. The secondary load 82 includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle unit 40 (see Figure 1) which includes a motor that drives the washing nozzle 40a, a motor that opens and closes the toilet seat 100 (see Figure 1), etc. Note that the secondary load 82 is an example of a functional part. Furthermore, the functional part is not limited to the secondary load 82 and may also include the primary load 81.

[0035] The magnetic member 90 is a member that contains a magnetic material. Here, we will explain using the case where the magnetic material is ferrite as an example, and below, the magnetic member 90 may be referred to as "ferrite core 90".

[0036] The ferrite core 90 is attached to both the first cable 51 and the second cable 52. In the following, the ferrite core 90 attached to the first cable 51 will be referred to as "first ferrite core 91," and the ferrite core 90 attached to the second cable 52 will be referred to as "second ferrite core 92." Furthermore, when the first ferrite core 91 and the second ferrite core 92 are not specifically distinguished, they will be referred to simply as "ferrite core 90."

[0037] In the above example, the ferrite core 90 is shown attached to both the first and second cables 51 and 52, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may be attached to only one of the first or second cables 51 and 52. In other words, the ferrite core 90 having a magnetic material may be attached to at least one of the first cable 51 and the second cable 52.

[0038] Thus, in the sanitary cleaning device 20 according to this embodiment, by attaching the ferrite core 90 having a magnetic material to the power transmission cables (first and second cables 51 and 52), the propagation of noise in the power transmission cables can be suppressed by the magnetic material. Specifically, by attaching the ferrite core 90 having a magnetic material to a power transmission cable through which a noise-containing current is flowing, the impedance of the cable increases in accordance with the magnetization of the ferrite core 90, thereby suppressing the propagation of noise.

[0039] Next, referring to Figure 3, the first cable 51, the second cable 52, and the ferrite core 90 The arrangement within the case section 41 will now be explained. Figure 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the first cable 51, the second cable 52, and the ferrite core 90. Note that Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the case section 41, showing the inside of the case section 41. Also, the locations where each component is placed in Figure 3 are merely examples and are not limited to those locations.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the case 41 houses the first cable 51, the second cable 52, the control board 60, the primary load 81, the secondary load 82, the ferrite core 90, and the like.

[0041] The first cable 51 is positioned within the case 41 to connect the power cable A1 and the primary load 81. The second cable 52 is positioned to connect the secondary power supply circuit 72 of the control board 60 to the secondary load 82 (in this case, the nozzle unit 40). Specifically, one end of the second cable 52 is connected to the secondary power supply circuit 72 of the control board 60, and the other end is connected to the connector 53. The connector 53 is connected to the secondary load 82, as shown by the dashed line.

[0042] Here, the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 are arranged within the case portion 41 to pass through locations that avoid other components (not shown), in other words, locations that do not interfere with other components. As a result, there are locations within the case portion 41 where the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 are arranged adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 are arranged to contact each other via a ferrite core 90 having a magnetic material in such adjacent locations.

[0043] Specifically, the first cable 51 is positioned to contact the second cable 52 via the attached first ferrite core 91. The second cable 52 is also positioned to contact the first cable 51 via the attached second ferrite core 92.

[0044] As a result, the adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52 are separated by the amount of the ferrite core 90 having a magnetic material, thereby electrically insulating the first and second cables 51 and 52 from each other. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to electrically insulate the first and second cables 51 and 52 from each other while suppressing the propagation of noise in the power transmission cables (first and second cables 51 and 52).

[0045] Next, the detailed configuration of the ferrite core 90 will be explained with reference to Figure 4, etc. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Here, we will describe the first ferrite core 91, but since the second ferrite core 92 has a similar configuration to the first ferrite core 91, the following explanation is generally applicable to the second ferrite core 92 as well.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first ferrite core 91 (ferrite core 90) is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. A through hole 93 is formed in the first ferrite core 91 that penetrates along the axial direction. The first ferrite core 91 is attached to the first cable 51 by inserting a power transmission cable (in this case, the first cable 51) through this through hole 93.

[0047] Specifically, the first ferrite core 91 comprises a magnetic material 90a and a coating portion 90b. The magnetic material 90a is formed in a cylindrical shape and has the aforementioned through hole 93.

[0048] Furthermore, the magnetic material 90a is configured to be separable. Specifically, the magnetic material 90a comprises a first magnetic material 90a1 and a second magnetic material 90a2. The first magnetic material 90a1 is one half that constitutes the magnetic material 90a, and the second magnetic material 90a2 is the other half that constitutes the magnetic material 90a. In the case of the first ferrite core 91, the first cable 51 is placed in the through hole 93 with the magnetic material 90a separated into the first magnetic material 90a1 and the second magnetic material 90a2, and then the first magnetic material 90a1 and the second magnetic material 90a2 are assembled to attach it to the first cable 51. Although the above example shows the magnetic material 90a being divided into two parts, it may be configured to be divided into three or more parts. Also, the magnetic material 90a may be configured not to be separable.

[0049] Furthermore, the magnetic material 90a is formed to have a thickness that is sufficient to electrically insulate the first cable 51 and the second cable 52. Specifically, the magnetic material 90a is formed to have a thickness C such that the distance B between the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 is equal to or greater than a predetermined insulation distance. The insulation distance is set, for example, by laws and regulations concerning electrical appliances, but is not limited to this and can be set to any value. The insulation distance is set to, for example, 2 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0050] By setting the thickness C of the magnetic material 90a as described above, it becomes possible to separate adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52 by more than the insulation distance, thereby ensuring reliable insulation between the first and second cables 51 and 52.

[0051] In the above example, the thickness C of the magnetic material 90a is shown to be greater than or equal to the insulation distance, but this is not limited to this example. For example, the magnetic material 90a and the thickness Cx of the coating portion 90b may be configured to be greater than or equal to the insulation distance.

[0052] The covering portion 90b is formed to cover the magnetic material 90a. Specifically, the covering portion 90b is formed to cover the outer surface of the magnetic material 90a in a circular manner. The covering portion 90b is an insulating member formed from an electrically insulating material such as resin. That is, the magnetic material 90a is covered by the insulating member (covering portion 90b). The covering portion 90b is a separate cover from the magnetic material 90a, but is not limited to this, and may be formed to be tightly attached to the magnetic material 90a so as to be an integral part of it.

[0053] Furthermore, the coating portion 90b is configured to be separable. Specifically, the coating portion 90b comprises a first coating portion 90b1 and a second coating portion 90b2. The first coating portion 90b1 is one half that constitutes the coating portion 90b, and the second coating portion 90b2 is the other half that constitutes the coating portion 90b. The first coating portion 90b1 is formed to cover the first magnetic material 90a1, and the second coating portion 90b2 is formed to cover the second magnetic material 90a2. Note that the coating portion 90b may also be configured not to be separable.

[0054] In this way, by covering the magnetic material 90a with an insulating member (covering portion 90b), the adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52 can be more reliably insulated.

[0055] As described above, the sanitary cleaning device 20 according to the embodiment comprises a first cable 51, a second cable 52, and a magnetic body 90a. The first cable 51 transmits the primary voltage supplied from the power source A. The second cable 52 transmits the secondary voltage, converted from the primary voltage by the transformer 73, to the functional unit (secondary side load 82). The magnetic body 90a is attached to at least one of the first cable 51 and the second cable 52. Furthermore, the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic body 90a at locations where the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 are adjacent to each other.

[0056] In this configuration, the magnetic material 90a is attached to at least one of the first cable 51 and the second cable 52, and the adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52 are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic material 90a. As a result, the magnetic material 90a can suppress the propagation of noise in the power transmission cables (first and second cables 51 and 52). Furthermore, since the adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52 are separated by the amount of the magnetic material 90a, the first and second cables 51 and 52 can be electrically insulated from each other, or in other words, enhanced insulation can be achieved.

[0057] As described above, in the sanitary cleaning device 20 according to this embodiment, the magnetic material 90a attached to the power transmission cables (first and second cables 51 and 52) has both a noise suppression function and an insulation function. Furthermore, if, for example, a dedicated unit for insulating the first and second cables 51 and 52 were to be provided, the sanitary cleaning device 20 would likely become larger due to the size of such a dedicated unit. In the sanitary cleaning device 20 according to this embodiment, since the magnetic material 90a also has an insulation function, the above-mentioned dedicated unit can be made unnecessary, and as a result, the size of the sanitary cleaning device 20 can be suppressed.

[0058] Furthermore, the magnetic material 90a has a thickness C such that the distance B between the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 is equal to or greater than a predetermined insulation distance. This makes it possible to separate adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52 by more than the insulation distance, thereby ensuring reliable insulation between the first and second cables 51 and 52.

[0059] Furthermore, the magnetic material 90a is covered by an insulating material (covering portion 90b). This allows for more reliable insulation between adjacent first and second cables 51 and 52.

[0060] Furthermore, the magnetic material 90a is attached to both the first cable 51 and the second cable 52. By attaching the magnetic material 90a to both the first and second cables 51 and 52 in this way, the propagation of noise in the first cable 51 and the second cable 52 can be suppressed. In addition, noise may occur that propagates from one of the first and second cables 51 and 52 to the other cable without passing through the other cable (for example, common-mode noise). Common-mode noise includes noise that propagates from power supply A to the first cable 51, and noise that propagates from power supply A to the second cable 52 via, for example, the conductive parts of the toilet seat 100, the control circuit, etc. Even if such common-mode noise occurs, the propagation of such noise can be suppressed by attaching the magnetic material 90a to both the first and second cables 51 and 52.

[0061] In the above example, the magnetic material 90a is ferrite, but it is not limited to this, and other types of magnetic materials such as amorphous alloys may also be used.

[0062] <Note> (1) A first cable that transmits the primary voltage supplied from the power source, A second cable transmits the secondary voltage, which is converted from the primary voltage by a transformer, to the functional unit. A magnetic material attached to at least one of the first cable and the second cable Equipped with, The first cable and the second cable are, In a location where the first cable and the second cable are arranged adjacent to each other, they are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic material. Sanitary cleaning equipment. (2) The magnetic material is The thickness is such that the distance between the first cable and the second cable is greater than or equal to a predetermined insulation distance. (1) The sanitary cleaning device described above. (3) The magnetic material is Covered by an insulating material, A sanitary cleaning device as described in (1) or (2). (4) The magnetic material is Attached to both the first cable and the second cable, A sanitary cleaning device described in any one of (1) to (3).

[0063] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 20. Sanitary cleaning equipment 51 Cable No. 1 52 Second Cable 73 Transformer 90 ferrite core 90a magnetic material 90b Covering

Claims

1. A first cable that transmits the primary voltage supplied from the power source, A second cable transmits the secondary voltage, which is converted from the primary voltage by a transformer, to the functional unit. A magnetic material attached to at least one of the first cable and the second cable Equipped with, The first cable and the second cable are In a location where the first cable and the second cable are arranged adjacent to each other, they are arranged to be in contact via the magnetic material. Sanitary cleaning equipment.

2. The magnetic material is The thickness is such that the distance between the first cable and the second cable is equal to or greater than a predetermined insulation distance. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The magnetic material is Covered by an insulating material, The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The magnetic material is Attached to both the first cable and the second cable, A sanitary cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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