Sanitary cleaning equipment
The sanitary cleaning device addresses communication failures in portable toilets by using timing functions in both main bodies to ensure reliable operation of the pump and valve, even without synchronization, enhancing efficiency and stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC HOUSING SOLUTIONS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing portable toilets with wireless communication between the control board and pump control board face communication failures, leading to synchronization issues between the water supply pump and solenoid valve, making reliable operation challenging.
A sanitary cleaning device with a first and second main body, utilizing wireless signals for communication, incorporates timing functions in both main bodies to ensure the pump and valve operate reliably, even in the absence of synchronization, by setting predetermined times for starting and stopping operations.
Ensures the pump and valve can be reliably stopped and operated independently, preventing prolonged valve opening and reducing the load on the pump, even with unstable wireless communication, thus maintaining efficient operation.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sanitary cleaning device, and more particularly to a sanitary cleaning device provided with a nozzle that discharges water toward a part of a seated human body.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a portable toilet equipped with a local cleaning device has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The portable toilet includes a toilet body, an armrest, a local cleaning device, a water supply pump, a water tank, a defecation container, a lid, a seat, a backrest, and a pump control board. The water supply pump supplies the water in the water tank to the local cleaning device.
[0003] The local cleaning device includes a toilet seat portion and a functional portion having a cleaning nozzle for local cleaning and a deodorizing function. Inside the functional portion, at least a solenoid valve, a heat exchange tank, a flow rate adjustment valve, a control board, and a cleaning nozzle are incorporated. A solenoid valve control connector is provided on the control board.
[0004] The pump control board includes a relay board and a power supply board. The relay board has an electromagnetic relay circuit that turns on a switch when a signal output occurs at the solenoid valve control connector. When a signal output occurs at the solenoid valve control connector, the switch turns on, and the DC voltage generated by the power supply board is applied to the water supply pump, and water supply is started. Thereby, it becomes possible to operate the water supply pump by operating the operation switch of the local cleaning device.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] In the portable toilet described above, wired communication is used for communication between the control board and the pump control board. In contrast, if wireless communication is used for communication between the control board and the pump control board, there is a risk of communication failure between them, and if this communication fails, it becomes difficult to synchronize the operation of the water supply pump and the solenoid valve.
[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a sanitary cleaning device that can reliably stop a pump and a valve even if synchronization between the pump and the valve cannot be achieved through wireless signal communication. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] To solve the above problems, a sanitary cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first main body and a second main body. The first main body comprises an operating unit, a pump, a transmitting unit, and a first electrical and electronic circuit. The operating unit is operated by a person. The pump transports water to a nozzle that discharges water toward a local part of the person. The transmitting unit transmits a wireless signal toward the second main body. The first electrical and electronic circuit has a timing function. The second main body comprises the nozzle, a valve, a receiving unit, and a second electrical and electronic circuit. The valve is positioned in the flow path from the pump to the nozzle. The receiving unit receives the wireless signal. The second electrical and electronic circuit has a timing function. The first electrical and electronic circuit performs a first main body cleaning start step and a first main body cleaning stop step when in operation. The first main body cleaning start step includes a water supply start step and a start instruction transmission step. In the water supply start step, when the operating unit is operated, the first electrical and electronic circuit causes the pump to start transporting water. In the start instruction transmission step, when the operation unit is operated, the first electrical and electronic circuit causes the transmitter to transmit the wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning. The first main unit cleaning stop step includes a water supply stop step and a stop instruction transmission step. In the water supply stop step, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit was operated, the pump stops transporting water. In the stop instruction transmission step, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit was operated, the transmitter transmits the wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning. The second electrical and electronic circuit executes a second main unit cleaning start step and a second main unit cleaning stop step when in operation. The second main unit cleaning start step includes a valve opening step. In the valve opening step, when the receiver receives the wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, it causes the valve to open. In the second main unit cleaning stop step, when the receiving unit receives the wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, it closes the valve. If the receiving unit has not received the wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning even after a second predetermined time has elapsed since it received the wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, it closes the valve. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] In one embodiment of the sanitary cleaning apparatus relating to this disclosure, even if synchronization between the pump and valve cannot be achieved through wireless signal communication, the pump and valve can be reliably stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portable toilet equipped with a sanitary washing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the sanitary cleaning device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the sanitary cleaning of the first main body side of the sanitary cleaning device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the sanitary cleaning of the second main body side of the sanitary cleaning device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the sanitary cleaning of the second main body side of the sanitary cleaning device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] (1) First Embodiment The first embodiment of the sanitary cleaning device 1 will be described based on the attached drawings. The sanitary cleaning device 1 is equipped with a nozzle 33 for local cleaning. The sanitary cleaning device 1 is installed in a portable toilet 10.
[0012] (1.1) Portable toilet As shown in Figure 1, the portable toilet 10 comprises a toilet body 11, a toilet bowl 14, a toilet seat 15, and a sanitary washing device 1. The toilet body 11 includes a housing 12 capable of supporting a human body and a backrest 13 attached to the housing 12. The vertical and horizontal directions used in the following description are defined as shown in Figure 1. The vertical and horizontal directions are orthogonal to each other.
[0013] The toilet bowl 14 includes an annular upper end portion 141 and a recess 142 for water storage. The recess 142 is surrounded by the annular upper end portion 141 in a plan view. The plan view means when viewed from above. The toilet bowl 14 is housed in the housing 12.
[0014] The toilet seat 15 has an annular shape along the annular upper end portion 141 of the toilet bowl 14. The toilet seat 15 is connected to the housing 12 so as to be swingable. The toilet seat 15 is placed on the upper end portion 141 of the toilet bowl 14. A person sits on the toilet seat 15.
[0015] (1.2) Overall configuration of the toilet cleaning device The toilet cleaning device 1 is installed at the rear part of the upper end portion 141 of the toilet bowl 14. In other words, in a state where the toilet cleaning device 1 is installed on the toilet bowl 14, the recess 142 of the toilet bowl 14 is located in front of the toilet cleaning device 1. The toilet cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment includes a first main body 2 and a second main body 3.
[0016] (1.3) First main body As shown in FIG. 2, the first main body 2 includes a first case 20, a first electric and electronic circuit 21, an operation unit 22, a water supply tank 23, a first flow path 24, a pump 25, a transmission unit 26, and a first seating sensor 27. The first case 20 houses the first electric and electronic circuit 21, the operation unit 22, the water supply tank 23, the first flow path 24, the pump 25, the transmission unit 26, and the first seating sensor 27.
[0017] (1.3.1) First electric and electronic circuit The first electric and electronic circuit 21 is composed of a microcomputer having a processor and a memory. Specifically, the first electric and electronic circuit 21 is composed of semiconductor elements. By the processor executing the program stored in the memory, various functions are exhibited. The first electric and electronic circuit 21 has a timing function.
[0018] The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 is electrically connected to the operation unit 22, the pump 25, the transmission unit 26, and the first seating sensor 27 by AC power lines respectively. The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 transmits signals for controlling each component such as the pump 25 to each component through the AC power lines.
[0019] (1.3.2) Operation Unit The operation unit 22 is operated by a human body. A plurality of operation buttons are arranged on the operation unit 22. The user of the sanitary cleaning device 1 can cause the sanitary cleaning device 1 to execute a desired function by selecting and pressing one of the plurality of operation buttons. Examples of functions that can be executed on the sanitary cleaning device 1 are a local cleaning function, a deodorizing function, or a water temperature setting function for local cleaning.
[0020] An operation signal is sent from the operation unit 22 to the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 through the AC power line that electrically connects the operation unit 22 and the first electrical and electronic circuit 21. Examples of operation signals sent from the operation unit 22 are an operation signal to start local cleaning, an operation signal to stop local cleaning, an operation signal to start deodorizing operation, an operation signal to stop deodorizing operation, an operation signal to change the water temperature for local cleaning, or an operation signal to change the temperature of the toilet seat 1583.
[0021] (1.3.3) Water Supply Tank, Flow Path The water supply tank 23 is a tank for storing water for local cleaning. The water supply tank 23 is detachable from the first case 20 and is housed in the first case 20. Water such as tap water is stored in the water supply tank 23.
[0022] The first flow path 24 is connected to the water supply tank 23. The first flow path 24 is a flow path housed in the first case 20 and is a flow path for conveying the water in the water supply tank 23 from the water supply tank 23 toward the outside of the first case 20. The upstream end of the first flow path 24 is located inside the water supply tank 23, and the downstream end of the first flow path 24 is located on the surface of the first case 20.
[0023] (1.3.4) Pump Pump 25 transports water from the water supply tank 23 to the nozzle 33 for local cleaning. Pump 25 is located in the middle of the first flow path 24. Pump 25 is controlled by the first electrical and electronic circuit 21. Signals including an instruction to start driving pump 25 and a signal including an instruction to stop driving pump 25 are transmitted from the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 to pump 25 via an AC wire that electrically connects pump 25 and the first electrical and electronic circuit 21.
[0024] (1.3.5) Transmitter The transmitting unit 26 transmits a wireless signal toward the second main unit 3. In the first embodiment, the wireless signal is an infrared signal, and the transmitting unit 26 is an infrared transmitting unit. The transmitting unit 26 is controlled by the first electrical and electronic circuit 21. A signal including an instruction to transmit the wireless signal toward the second main unit 3 is transmitted from the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 to the transmitting unit 26 via an AC wire that electrically connects the transmitting unit 26 and the first electrical and electronic circuit 21.
[0025] (1.3.6) First seat sensor The first seating sensor 27 is a sensor for detecting when a person sits on the toilet seat 15. A signal indicating that a person has sat down is transmitted from the first seating sensor 27 to the first electrical circuit 21 via an AC wire that electrically connects the first seating sensor 27 and the first electrical circuit 21.
[0026] (1.4) Second body The second main body 3 comprises a second case 30, a second electrical and electronic circuit 31, a second flow path 32, a nozzle 33, a valve 34, a receiving unit 35, a heat exchanger 36, a deodorizing device 37, and a second seating sensor 38. The second case 30 houses the second electrical and electronic circuit 31, the second flow path 32, the nozzle 33, the valve 34, the receiving unit 35, the heat exchanger 36, the deodorizing device 37, and the second seating sensor 38.
[0027] (1.4.1) Second Electrical and Electronic Circuit The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 consists of a microcomputer having a processor and memory. Specifically, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 is composed of semiconductor elements. Various functions are performed by the processor executing a program stored in memory. The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 has a timing function.
[0028] The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 is electrically connected to the valve 34, the receiving unit 35, the heat exchanger 36, the deodorizing device 37, and the second seating sensor 38, respectively, by AC power lines. The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits signals to each component, such as the valve 34, via the AC power lines to control each component.
[0029] (1.4.2) The second channel 32 is a channel housed in the second case 30 and is a channel for transporting water supplied from outside the second case 30 to the nozzle 33. The upstream end of the second channel 32 is located on the surface of the second case 30, and the downstream end of the second channel 32 is connected to the nozzle 33.
[0030] In addition, in the first embodiment, a third channel 16 is connected between the downstream end of the first channel 24 and the upstream end of the second channel 32.
[0031] (1.4.3) Nozzle The nozzle 33 is configured to discharge water towards the genital area of a person seated on the toilet seat 15. The temperature of the water discharged by the nozzle 33 is arbitrary. That is, the term "water" as used herein includes not only cold water but also hot water. As shown in Figure 1, the nozzle 33 is tilted as a whole, with the front part of the nozzle 33 being positioned lower. The nozzle 33 is configured to extend diagonally downward and forward. Multiple water discharge holes (not shown) are provided at the front end of the nozzle 33. The nozzle 33 for local washing is a posterior washing nozzle and a bidet washing nozzle. The nozzle 33 for local washing is located outside the second case 30, at least when discharging water towards the genital area of the person.
[0032] (1.4.4) Valve Valve 34 is positioned in the flow path from pump 25 to nozzle 33. Specifically, valve 34 is positioned in the middle of the second flow path 32. In the first embodiment, valve 34 is configured as a solenoid valve. Valve 34 is controlled by a second electrical and electronic circuit 31. Signals including an instruction to open valve 34 and a signal including an instruction to close valve 34 are transmitted from the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 to valve 34 via an AC wire that electrically connects valve 34 and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31.
[0033] (1.4.5) Receiver The receiving unit 35 receives the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 26. In the first embodiment, the receiving unit 35 is an infrared receiving unit. A signal is transmitted from the receiving unit 35 to the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 via an AC wire that electrically connects the receiving unit 35 and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31, conveying the received wireless signal.
[0034] The first main unit 2 and the second main unit 3 communicate only by wireless signals.
[0035] (1.4.6) Heat exchanger The heat exchanger 36 includes a hot water tank and a heater configured to heat the water in the hot water tank. The heater is controlled by a second electrical and electronic circuit 31. Signals including an instruction to start heating by the heater and a signal including an instruction to stop heating by the heater are transmitted from the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 to the heater via an AC wire that electrically connects the heater and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31.
[0036] (1.4.7) Deodorizing device The deodorizing device 37 includes a fan, a motor that drives the fan, and a filter. The deodorizing device 37 is controlled by a second electrical and electronic circuit 31. Signals including an instruction to start deodorization by the deodorizing device 37 and a signal including an instruction to stop deodorization by the deodorizing device 37 are transmitted from the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 to the deodorizing device 37 via an AC wire that electrically connects the deodorizing device 37 and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31.
[0037] (1.4.8) Second seat sensor The second seating sensor 38 is a sensor for detecting when a person sits on the toilet seat 15. A signal indicating that a person has sat down is transmitted from the second seating sensor 38 to the second electrical circuit 31 via an AC wire that electrically connects the second seating sensor 38 and the second electrical circuit 31.
[0038] (1.5) Operation by sanitary cleaning device The sanitary cleaning operation performed by the sanitary cleaning device 1 will be explained based on Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the operation performed by the first electrical and electronic circuit 21. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the operation performed by the second electrical and electronic circuit 31. In the first embodiment, sanitary cleaning means cleaning a part of the human body with a nozzle 33 for local cleaning. The sanitary cleaning process includes a first main body cleaning start step and a first main body cleaning stop step performed by the first electrical and electronic circuit 21, and a second main body cleaning start step and a second main body cleaning stop step performed by the second electrical and electronic circuit 31.
[0039] First, as shown in Figure 3, the operation of the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 begins, and as shown in Figure 4, the operation of the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 begins. First, we will explain the sanitary cleaning of the first main body 2.
[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the sanitary cleaning of the first main body 2 is initiated when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 22 by a person, thereby instructing the start of sanitary cleaning (step S1). The predetermined operation on the operation unit 22 by a person is to operate a dedicated operation button for starting sanitary cleaning. Next, the process proceeds to step S2.
[0041] In step S2, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 begins sanitary cleaning. Next, the process proceeds to step S3.
[0042] In step S3, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 starts timing, with the start time being the point in time when a predetermined operation is performed by the operation unit 22. Next, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0043] (1.5.1) First main unit cleaning start process The first main unit cleaning start step includes a water supply start step and a start instruction transmission step.
[0044] (1.5.1.1) Water supply start process In the water supply initiation process, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 initiates the transport of water by the pump 25 (step S4). The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 transmits a signal to the pump 25 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to start driving the pump 25. Upon receiving this signal, the pump 25 starts driving. Next, the process proceeds to step S5.
[0045] (1.5.1.2) Start instruction transmission process In the start instruction transmission step, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 causes the transmitting unit 26 to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning (step S5). The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 transmits a signal to the transmitting unit 26 via the AC power line that includes an instruction to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning toward the second main unit 3. Upon receiving this signal, the transmitting unit 26 causes it to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning toward the second main unit 3. Next, the process proceeds to step S6.
[0046] In step S6, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit 22 was operated. If the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 detects that the first predetermined time has elapsed in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7.
[0047] (1.5.2) First main unit cleaning stop process The first main unit cleaning stop step includes a water supply stop step and a stop instruction transmission step.
[0048] (1.5.2.1) Water supply stop process In the water supply stop process, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit 22 was operated, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 stops the water transport by the pump 25 (step S7). The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 transmits a signal to the pump 25 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to stop the pump 25 from driving. When the pump 25 receives this signal, it stops driving. Next, the process proceeds to step S8.
[0049] (1.5.2.2) Stop instruction transmission process In the stop instruction transmission process, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit 22 was operated, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 causes the transmission unit 26 to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning (step S8). The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 transmits a signal to the transmission unit 26 via the AC power line that includes an instruction to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning toward the second main unit 3. Upon receiving this signal, the transmission unit 26 causes the transmission unit 26 to transmit a wireless signal including a stop instruction for cleaning toward the second main unit 3. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.
[0050] In step S9, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 stops sanitary cleaning, and the sanitary cleaning of the first main body 2 is completed. Next, the sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3 will be described.
[0051] As shown in Figure 4, in step S11, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, in step S12, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 starts sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3. Next, the process proceeds to step S13.
[0052] In step S13, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 starts timing, with the point in time being when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning. Next, the process proceeds to step S14.
[0053] (1.5.3) Second main unit cleaning start process The second main unit cleaning initiation step includes a valve opening step.
[0054] (1.5.3.1) Valve opening process In the valve opening process, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 causes the valve 34 to open (step S14). The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits a signal to the valve 34 via an AC power line, which includes an instruction to open the valve 34. Upon receiving this signal, the valve 34 opens. In practice, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 and the valve 34 are connected to each other via a power line carrying a 100-volt AC voltage, and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 switches this AC voltage on and off, causing the valve 34 to open when this AC voltage is supplied. Next, the process proceeds to step S15.
[0055] In step S15, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 determines whether the receiving unit 35 has received a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning. If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 determines in step S15 that it has received a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, the process proceeds to step S16.
[0056] (1.5.4) Second main unit cleaning stop process The second main unit cleaning stop process includes the first stop process and the second stop process.
[0057] (1.5.4.1) First stop process The first stopping process includes the first valve closing process.
[0058] (1.5.4.1.1) First valve closing process In the first valve closing process, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 causes the valve 34 to close (step S16). The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits a signal to the valve 34 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to close the valve 34. Upon receiving this signal, the valve 34 closes. Next, the process proceeds to step S17.
[0059] In step S17, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops sanitary cleaning, and the sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3 is completed.
[0060] If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 determines in step S15 that it has not received a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, the process proceeds to step S18.
[0061] In step S18, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit 22 was operated. If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 detects that the second predetermined time has elapsed in step S18, the process proceeds to step S19. If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 does not detect that the second predetermined time has elapsed in step S18, the process returns to step S15.
[0062] (1.5.4.2) Second stop process The second stopping process includes the second valve closing process.
[0063] (1.5.4.2.1) Second valve closing process In the second valve closing process, when the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 detects the elapsed of a second predetermined time in step S18, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 causes the valve 34 to close (step S19). The second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. The difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time is 5 seconds or more and 20 seconds or less. The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits a signal to the valve 34 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to close the valve 34. When the valve 34 receives this signal, it closes the valve 34. Next, the process proceeds to step S17, where the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops the sanitary cleaning and finishes the sanitary cleaning on the second main body 3 side.
[0064] (1.6) Summary of the first embodiment In the sanitary cleaning of the second body 3, the second body cleaning stop process includes a first valve closing process and a second valve closing process. When the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning in step S15, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 closes the valve 34 in step S16. This allows the valve 34 to be closed in synchronization with the stopping of water transport by the pump 25 in step S7 of the sanitary cleaning of the first body 2, enabling efficient control of the operation in both the first body 2 and the second body 3.
[0065] Furthermore, even if the reception of a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning fails in step S15, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 closes the valve 34 when the second predetermined time has elapsed in step S18. This prevents the valve 34 from being closed in synchronization with the stopping of the pump 25 in the first main body 2, but it prevents the valve 34 from remaining open.
[0066] Furthermore, the first embodiment is particularly effective because the wireless signal is an infrared signal. That is, communication using infrared signals is more unstable than communication using radio waves due to the influence of external disturbances such as sunlight and obstacles between the transmitting unit 26 and the receiving unit 35. In such cases, there is a problem that the valve 34 tends to remain open for an extended period, but the first embodiment has the effect of preventing the valve 34 from remaining open for an extended period.
[0067] Furthermore, since the first main unit 2 and the second main unit 3 communicate only by wireless signals, this is particularly effective. That is, wireless communication is less stable than wired communication. In such cases, there is a problem that the valve 34 tends to remain open for an extended period, but this method has the effect of preventing the valve 34 from remaining open for an extended period.
[0068] Furthermore, since the second predetermined time is set to be longer than the first predetermined time, the valve 34 closes before the water transport by the pump 25 stops in the first main body 2, thus avoiding excessive load on the pump 25.
[0069] Furthermore, by setting the difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time to 5 seconds or more, excessive precision is not required in the timing functions of the first electrical / electronic circuit 21 and the second electrical / electronic circuit 31. Also, by setting the difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time to 20 seconds or less, the amount of time that the valve 34 remains open unnecessarily can be shortened.
[0070] (2) Second Embodiment Next, the sanitary cleaning device 1 of the second embodiment will be described based on Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the operation performed by the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 of the second embodiment. Since the sanitary cleaning device 1 of the second embodiment is largely the same as the sanitary cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment, the following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment.
[0071] The sanitary cleaning of the first main body 2 is the same as in the first embodiment and is shown in Figure 3, so the explanation will be omitted. The differences from the first embodiment in the sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3 will be explained.
[0072] Steps S21 to S24 are the same as steps S11 to S14 in the first embodiment.
[0073] (2.1) Second main body cleaning start process The second main unit cleaning start step includes a deodorization start step in addition to the valve opening step.
[0074] (2.1.1) Deodorization initiation process In the deodorization initiation process, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 starts driving the deodorizing device 37 (step S25). The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits a signal to the deodorizing device 37 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to start driving the deodorizing device 37. Upon receiving this signal, the deodorizing device 37 starts driving. Next, the process proceeds to step S26.
[0075] Steps S26 to S27 are the same as steps S15 to S16 in the first embodiment. After step S27, proceed to step S28.
[0076] (2.2) First stop process The first stopping process includes a first deodorization stopping process in addition to the first valve closing process.
[0077] (2.2.1) First deodorization stop process In the first deodorization stop process, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning in step S26, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops the operation of the deodorizing device 37 (step S28). The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits a signal to the deodorizing device 37 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to stop the operation of the deodorizing device 37. When the deodorizing device 37 receives this signal, it stops its operation. Next, the process proceeds to step S29.
[0078] In step S29, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops sanitary cleaning and the sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3 is completed.
[0079] If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 determines in step S26 that it has not received a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, the process proceeds to step S30.
[0080] Step S30 is the same as step S18 in the first embodiment, and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the operation unit 22 was operated. If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 detects that the second predetermined time has elapsed in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31. If the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 does not detect that the second predetermined time has elapsed in step S30, the process returns to step S26.
[0081] Step S31 is the same as step S19 in the first embodiment, and is the step in which the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 closes the valve 34. Next, the process proceeds to step S32.
[0082] (2.3) Second stop process The second stopping process includes a second deodorization stopping process in addition to the second valve closing process.
[0083] (2.3.1) Second deodorization stop process In the second deodorization stop step, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops the operation of the deodorizing device 37 (step S32). The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 transmits a signal to the deodorizing device 37 via the AC power line, which includes an instruction to stop the operation of the deodorizing device 37. Upon receiving this signal, the deodorizing device 37 stops its operation. Next, proceeding to step S29, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops the sanitary cleaning and completes the sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3.
[0084] (2.4) Summary of the second embodiment In the second embodiment of the sanitary cleaning device 1, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment of the sanitary cleaning device 1, the following effects are obtained.
[0085] In other words, during the sanitary cleaning of the second main body 3, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning in step S26, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops the operation of the deodorizing device 37 in step S28. This allows the operation of the deodorizing device 37 to be stopped in synchronization with the stopping of water transport by the pump 25 in step S7 during the sanitary cleaning of the first main body 2, enabling efficient control of the operation of both the first main body 2 and the second main body 3.
[0086] Furthermore, even if the wireless signal containing the instruction to stop cleaning fails to be received in step S26, if the second predetermined time elapsed is detected in step S30, the second electrical and electronic circuit 31 stops the operation of the deodorizing device 37. This prevents the operation of the deodorizing device 37 from being stopped in synchronization with the stopping of the pump 25 in the first main unit 2, but it prevents the deodorizing device 37 from remaining in operation.
[0087] (3) Variant The sanitary cleaning device 1 does not necessarily have to be installed in the portable toilet 10.
[0088] The first main body 2 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the first seating sensor 27.
[0089] The first case 20 does not necessarily have to house all of the first electrical and electronic circuit 21, the operating unit 22, the water supply tank 23, the first flow path 24, the pump 25, the transmitting unit 26, and the first seating sensor 27. In other words, some of the operating unit 22, the water supply tank 23, the first flow path 24, the pump 25, the transmitting unit 26, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21, and the first seating sensor 27 may be located outside the first case 20.
[0090] The sanitary cleaning device 1 does not necessarily have a deodorizing function or a water temperature setting function for localized cleaning.
[0091] The operation unit 22 does not have operation buttons operated by the human body, and may have components other than operation buttons, such as a touch panel.
[0092] The water supply tank 23 does not necessarily have to be configured to be detachable from the first case 20. Tap water may be supplied directly to the water supply tank 23.
[0093] Wireless signals may be signals using electromagnetic waves other than infrared rays, such as radio waves, or signals using sound waves, such as ultrasound, and are not particularly limited.
[0094] The first seating sensor 27 can be of any configuration and does not need to be provided in the sanitary cleaning device 1.
[0095] The second main body 3 does not necessarily have to include any or all of the second case 30, heat exchanger 36, deodorizer 37, and second seating sensor 38.
[0096] The second case 30 does not have to house all of the second electrical and electronic circuit 31, the second flow path 32, the nozzle 33, the valve 34, the receiving unit 35, the heat exchanger 36, the deodorizing device 37, and the second seating sensor 38. In other words, some of the second electrical and electronic circuit 31, the second flow path 32, the nozzle 33, the valve 34, the receiving unit 35, the heat exchanger 36, the deodorizing device 37, and the second seating sensor 38 may be located outside the second case 30.
[0097] Although the first channel 24 to the third channel 16 were separate channels in the embodiment described above, any two or all of them may form a single integrated channel.
[0098] The sanitary washing device 1 may be equipped with either a posterior washing nozzle or a bidet washing nozzle as the nozzle 33 for local washing. The sanitary washing device 1 may also be equipped with a nozzle cleaning nozzle for cleaning the nozzle 33 for local washing.
[0099] The nozzle 33 for localized cleaning does not need to be located outside the second case 30 when discharging water towards a localized area of the human body; it may be housed inside the second case 30.
[0100] Valve 34 is not limited to solenoid valves.
[0101] The first main unit 2 and the second main unit 3 may communicate via wired connection for communications other than those related to sanitary cleaning.
[0102] The heat exchanger 36 described above is a water storage type heat exchanger 36 that heats and stores water for local cleaning in a hot water tank, but the type of heat exchanger 36 is not limited to this. For example, the heat exchanger 36 may be an instantaneous heat exchanger 36 that instantaneously heats water for local cleaning and supplies it to the nozzle 33.
[0103] The heat exchanger 36 has an arbitrary configuration and does not need to be provided in the sanitary cleaning device 1.
[0104] The deodorizing device 37 has an optional configuration and does not need to be provided in the sanitary cleaning device 1.
[0105] The second seating sensor 38 can be of any configuration and does not need to be provided in the sanitary cleaning device 1.
[0106] If a nozzle cleaning nozzle is provided in the sanitary cleaning device 1, the sanitary cleaning may be the cleaning of the nozzle 33 for localized cleaning using the nozzle cleaning nozzle.
[0107] For the operation of the control unit 22 to instruct sanitary cleaning, the same control buttons used for instructing operations other than sanitary cleaning of the sanitary cleaning device 1 may be used. In this case, the control buttons may be pressed twice to instruct sanitary cleaning, and pressed three times to instruct operations other than sanitary cleaning, thereby distinguishing between the instructions for each operation.
[0108] In the embodiment described above, the water supply start in step S4 is performed after the timing start in step S3, but the timing start and the water supply start may be performed simultaneously.
[0109] The second prescribed time may be the same as the first prescribed time. Alternatively, the second prescribed time may be shorter than the first prescribed time.
[0110] The difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time may be less than 5 seconds or more than 20 seconds.
[0111] In the second embodiment, the heat exchanger 36 may be driven instead of the deodorizer 37, or in addition to the deodorizer 37.
[0112] The sanitary cleaning device 1 may include not only a nozzle 33 for local cleaning, but also a foam nozzle (not shown) for spraying foam onto the surface of the toilet bowl 14. The water supplied to this foam nozzle is also supplied from the pump 25 through the third flow path 16.
[0113] (4) Summary As is clear from the embodiments and their modifications described above, the sanitary cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment comprises a first body 2 and a second body 3. The first body 2 comprises an operating unit 22, a pump 25, a transmitting unit 26, and a first electrical and electronic circuit 21. The operating unit 22 is operated by a person. The pump 25 transports water to a nozzle 33 that discharges water towards a part of the human body. The transmitting unit 26 transmits a wireless signal to the second body 3. The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 has a timing function. The second body 3 comprises a nozzle 33, a valve 34, a receiving unit 35, and a second electrical and electronic circuit 31. The valve 34 is positioned in the flow path from the pump 25 to the nozzle 33. The receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal. The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 has a timing function. The first electrical and electronic circuit 21 performs a first body cleaning start step and a first body cleaning stop step when in operation. The first main unit cleaning start process includes a water supply start process and a start instruction transmission process. In the water supply start process, when the operation unit 22 is operated, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 causes the pump 25 to start transporting water. In the start instruction transmission process, when the operation unit 22 is operated, the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 causes the transmission unit 26 to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning. The first main unit cleaning stop process includes a water supply stop process and a stop instruction transmission process. In the water supply stop process, when the operation unit 22 is detected to have elapsed for a first predetermined time, the transport of water by the pump 25 is stopped. In the stop instruction transmission process, when the operation unit 22 is detected to have elapsed for a first predetermined time, the transmission unit 26 is caused to transmit a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning. The second electrical and electronic circuit 31 executes the second main unit cleaning start process and the second main unit cleaning stop process when in operation. The second main unit cleaning start process includes a valve opening process. In the valve opening process, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, it causes the valve 34 to open. In the second main body cleaning stop process, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, it causes the valve 34 to close. Furthermore, if the receiving unit 35 has not received a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning even after a second predetermined time has elapsed since it received the wireless signal including the instruction to start cleaning, it causes the valve 34 to close.
[0114] According to the first embodiment, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, it can close the valve 34 in synchronization with stopping the water transport by the pump 25 of the first main body 2, and efficient control of the operation can be performed in the first main body 2 and the second main body 3.
[0115] Furthermore, even if the receiving unit 35 fails to receive a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, the valve 34 can be closed after a second predetermined time has elapsed, thus preventing the valve 34 from remaining open.
[0116] A second embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the wireless signal is an infrared signal.
[0117] According to the second embodiment, a remarkable effect can be obtained in which the valve 34 remains open even when communicating with an unstable infrared signal.
[0118] The third embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first or second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.
[0119] According to the third embodiment, the valve 34 closes before the water transport by the pump 25 is stopped in the first main body 2, thus avoiding excessive load on the pump 25.
[0120] The fourth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time is 5 seconds or more and 20 seconds or less.
[0121] According to the fourth embodiment, by setting the difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time to 5 seconds or more, excessive precision is not required in the timing functions of the first electrical and electronic circuit 21 and the second electrical and electronic circuit 31. Furthermore, by setting the difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time to 20 seconds or less, the amount of time that the valve 34 remains open unnecessarily can be shortened.
[0122] The fifth embodiment can be realized in combination with any of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the first body 2 and the second body 3 communicate only by wireless signals.
[0123] According to the fifth embodiment, even with wireless signal communication, which is less stable than wired signal communication, a remarkable effect can be obtained in which the valve 34 remains open.
[0124] The sixth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the second main body 3 further comprises a deodorizing device 37. The second main body cleaning start step further includes a deodorizing start step. In the deodorizing start step, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, it starts driving the deodorizing device 37. In the second main body cleaning stop step, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, it stops driving the deodorizing device 37, and if a second predetermined time has elapsed since the receiving unit 35 received the wireless signal including the instruction to start cleaning, and the wireless signal including the instruction to stop cleaning has not been received, it stops driving the deodorizing device 37.
[0125] According to the sixth embodiment, when the receiving unit 35 receives a wireless signal including an instruction to stop washing, it can stop the operation of the deodorizing device 37 in synchronization with stopping the water transport by the pump 25 of the first main unit 2, and efficient control of the operation can be performed in the first main unit 2 and the second main unit 3.
[0126] Furthermore, even if the receiving unit 35 fails to receive a wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, the operation of the deodorizing device 37 can be stopped after a second predetermined time has elapsed, thus preventing the deodorizing device 37 from remaining in operation. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0127] 1. Sanitary cleaning device 2. Main body 21 First Electrical and Electronic Circuit 22 Control section 25 pumps 26 Transmitter 3. Second Main Body 31. Second Electrical and Electronic Circuit 33 nozzles 34 valves 35 Receiving section 37 Deodorizing device
Claims
1. A sanitary cleaning device comprising a first body and a second body, The first main body is, A control unit operated by the human body. A pump that transports water to a nozzle that discharges water towards the local part of the human body. A transmitting unit that transmits a wireless signal toward the second main unit. First electrical and electronic circuit with timing function It is equipped with, The aforementioned second main body is, The nozzle, A valve positioned in the flow path from the pump to the nozzle, A receiving unit that receives the aforementioned wireless signal, Second electrical and electronic circuit with timing function It is equipped with, The first electrical and electronic circuit performs a first main body cleaning start step and a first main body cleaning stop step when in operation. The first main unit cleaning start step is: When the control unit is operated, a water supply start process is initiated in which the pump starts transporting water, and When the operation unit is operated, a start instruction transmission process is performed, which causes the transmission unit to transmit the wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning. Includes, The first main unit cleaning stop step is, When the operation unit is operated, a water supply stop process is performed to stop the transport of water by the pump, and A stop instruction transmission process is performed when the elapsed time of a first predetermined period from the time the operation unit was operated is detected, causing the transmission unit to transmit the wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning. Includes, The second electrical and electronic circuit executes a second main body cleaning start step and a second main body cleaning stop step when in operation. The second main unit cleaning start step is: When the receiving unit receives the wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, it performs a valve opening process that causes the valve to open. Includes, In the second main unit cleaning stop step, When the receiving unit receives the wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, it causes the valve to close, If, after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the receiving unit received the wireless signal including the instruction to start cleaning, the wireless signal including the instruction to stop cleaning has not been received, the valve is closed. Sanitary cleaning equipment.
2. The aforementioned wireless signal is an infrared signal. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1.
3. The second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1.
4. The difference between the second predetermined time and the first predetermined time is 5 seconds or more and 20 seconds or less. The sanitary cleaning apparatus according to claim 3.
5. The first unit and the second unit communicate only by the wireless signal. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1.
6. The second main body further comprises a deodorizing device, The second main unit cleaning start step is: When the receiving unit receives the wireless signal including an instruction to start cleaning, the deodorization start process starts the operation of the deodorizing device. It further includes, In the second main unit cleaning stop step, When the receiving unit receives the wireless signal including an instruction to stop cleaning, it stops the operation of the deodorizing device, and If the receiving unit has not received the wireless signal including the instruction to stop cleaning even after the second predetermined time has elapsed since it received the wireless signal including the instruction to start cleaning, the operation of the deodorizing device will be stopped. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1.