JP2013221245A - Private part washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a private part washing device capable of removing scales precipitated by electrolysis without reversing the polarity of applied voltage and of sustaining the effects of the electrolysis over a long period.SOLUTION: The private part washing device includes an electrolytic cell for generating alkaline water and acidic water with the electrolysis, and delivering the alkaline water into a main flow path and the acidic water into a branch flow path branching from the main flow path, a tank provided in the middle of the branch flow path for storing the acidic water, an acidic water delivery pump provided in the middle of the branch flow path on the further downstream side than the tank for delivering the acidic water stored in the tank, through the branch flow path connected to the upstream side of the electrolytic cell into the electrolytic cell, and a control part for executing the control of the acidic water delivery pump to deliver the acidic water stored in the tank into the electrolytic cell when stopping the energization of the electrolytic cell.

Description

  An aspect of the present invention generally relates to a local cleaning apparatus having a function of cleaning a local part such as an anus.

  In general, it is desired to keep the local area such as the anus clean, and conventionally, the local area is washed using wash water obtained by warming tap water. In addition, in a nozzle that discharges cleaning water toward a local area, the nozzle itself may be contaminated with dirt or the like that bounces off due to local cleaning. Therefore, the local cleaning device includes a mechanism for cleaning the nozzle.

As this type of local cleaning device, there is a local cleaning device that generates acidic water and alkaline water by electrolysis of water and uses them for local cleaning and cleaning of a local cleaning nozzle in order to improve cleaning performance (patent) Reference 1). The local cleaning device described in Patent Document 1 can reverse the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell in order to prevent degradation of the electrolytic cell's electrolysis performance due to the scale (calcium carbonate) deposited on the cathode surface by electrolysis It is characterized by that.
However, reversing the polarity of the applied voltage has a problem of promoting deterioration of the electrodes constituting the electrolytic cell.

JP 2005-155097 A

  The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of such a problem, and it is possible to remove scales deposited by electrolysis without reversing the polarity of the applied voltage, and the local cleaning that can maintain the effect of electrolysis over a long period of time. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  1st invention produces | generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, sends out the alkaline water to the main flow path, and sends out the acidic water to the branch flow path branched from the main flow path, A tank provided in the middle of the branch flow path and capable of storing the acidic water, and the branch flow provided in the middle of the branch flow path and downstream of the tank and connected to the upstream side of the electrolytic cell An acidic water delivery pump for delivering acidic water stored in the tank to the electrolytic cell through a passage; and when the energization to the electrolytic cell is stopped, the acidic water delivery pump is controlled and stored in the tank. And a control unit that executes control for sending the acid water to the electrolytic cell.

  According to this local cleaning device, at a timing when the electrolytic cell is not performing electrolysis, the control unit allows acid water stored in the tank to flow through the electrolytic cell, thereby preventing a scale that hinders electrolysis performance. Precipitation on the surface of the electrode of the electrolytic cell can be removed without reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell. Thereby, deterioration of the electrode of an electrolytic cell can be suppressed and the sanitary effect by electrolysis can be maintained over a long period of time.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the local washing | cleaning apparatus which can remove the scale which precipitated by electrolysis without reversing the polarity of an applied voltage, and can maintain the effect by electrolysis over a long period of time is provided.

It is a typical perspective view which illustrates the toilet apparatus provided with the local cleaning apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function part of the local cleaning apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a typical perspective view which illustrates the example of the nozzle unit of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram explaining the flow of water when electrolysis is performed. It is a schematic diagram explaining the flow of water when electrolysis is not performed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a toilet device including a local cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention.

  The toilet device shown in FIG. 1 includes a western-style seat toilet 500 and a local cleaning device 100 provided above the toilet seat. The local cleaning device 100 includes a casing 200, a toilet seat 300, and a toilet lid 400.

  Inside the casing 200, a functional unit as a local cleaning device is provided. Examples of the functional unit include an electrolytic cell that generates alkaline water and acidic water, a nozzle for local cleaning, and a nozzle cleaning mechanism. These will be described in detail later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional unit of the local cleaning device according to the present embodiment.
Inside the casing 200 are a valve unit 101, a heat exchanger 102, a three-way valve 606, an electrolytic cell 601, a tank 602, an acidic water delivery pump 603, a pulsation pump 103, a flow rate adjustment unit 104, A local cleaning nozzle 700, a local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800, and a control unit 900 are provided. In addition, a main flow path 151 that guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water supply or a water storage tank to the local cleaning nozzle 700 or the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 is provided inside the casing 200.
However, the pulsation pump 106 is not necessarily provided.

  A valve unit 101 is provided on the upstream side of the main channel 151. The valve unit 101 receives water from the water supply and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 900. A heat exchanger 102 is provided downstream of the valve unit 101. The heat exchanger 102 can heat the water that has passed through the valve unit 101. A three-way valve 606 is provided downstream of the valve unit 101. The three-way valve 606 switches between the main flow path 151 from the heat exchanger 102 and the branch flow path 153 that sends out acidic water. An electrolytic cell 601 is provided downstream of the three-way valve 606.

  The electrolytic cell 601 has an alkaline water generating electrode 604 (see FIG. 4) as a cathode and an acidic water generating electrode 605 (see FIG. 4) as an anode. The electrolytic cell 601 can electrolyze water based on a command from the control unit 900 to generate acidic water and alkaline water. As will be described in detail later, the electrolytic cell 601 can supply the generated acidic water to the branch channel 153 on the tank 602 side and the main channel 151 on the pulsation pump 103 side. Further, the electrolytic cell 601 can supply the generated alkaline water to the main flow channel 151 on the pulsation pump 103 side.

  A tank 602 is provided in the branch flow path 153 downstream of the electrolytic cell 601. The tank 602 stores the acidic water generated in the electrolytic cell 601. An acidic water delivery pump 603 is provided in the branch flow path 153 downstream of the tank 602. Then, the acidic water delivery pump 603 sends the acidic water stored in the tank 602 to the three-way valve 606.

  A pulsation pump 103 is provided in the main channel 151 downstream of the electrolytic cell 601. The pulsation pump 103 can add pulsation to water discharged when performing local cleaning. A flow rate adjustment unit 104 is provided downstream of the pulsation pump 103. The flow rate adjustment unit 104 switches each of the buttocks cleaning channel, the bidet cleaning channel, and the nozzle cleaning channel to adjust the flow rate.

  A local cleaning nozzle 700 is provided downstream of the buttocks cleaning channel and the bidet cleaning channel. One or a plurality of water outlets 704 (see FIG. 3) are provided at the tip of the local cleaning nozzle 700. And the local washing nozzle 700 can inject | pour water from the spout 704 provided in the front-end | tip part, and can wash | clean local parts, such as the user's anus sitting on the toilet seat 300. FIG. A local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 is provided downstream of the nozzle cleaning flow path. The local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 can clean the local cleaning nozzle 700.

  Here, while the electrolytic cell 601 is performing electrolysis, a scale (calcium carbonate) that inhibits electrolysis performance is deposited on the surface of the alkaline water generating electrode 604. The scale deposited on the surface of the alkaline water generating electrode 604 can be removed by reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 601. However, when polarity inversion is repeated, there is a problem that deterioration of the electrodes (the alkaline water generating electrode 604 and the acidic water generating electrode 605) of the electrolytic cell 601 proceeds.

  On the other hand, the control unit 900 of the present embodiment controls the timing for performing electrolysis. Specifically, the control unit 900 of the present embodiment controls the drive of the acidic water delivery pump 603 while the electrolyzer 601 is not energized, and the acidic water stored in the tank 602 is upstream of the electrolyzer 601. From the electrolytic cell 601 and the main flow channel 151 on the pulsation pump 103 side.

  According to this, at the timing when the electrolytic cell 601 is not performing electrolysis, the control unit 900 allows the acidic water stored in the tank 602 to flow through the electrolytic cell 601, thereby inhibiting the electrolysis performance. Can be removed from the surface of the alkaline water generating electrode 604 without reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 601. Thereby, deterioration of the electrode of the electrolytic cell 601 can be suppressed, and the sanitary effect by electrolysis can be maintained for a long time.

The local cleaning nozzle 700 and the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 will be further described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a specific example of the nozzle unit of the present embodiment.

The nozzle unit of the present embodiment includes a local cleaning nozzle 700 and a local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800.
Further, the nozzle unit of the present embodiment includes a mounting base 755 as a base and a nozzle motor 756 that moves the local cleaning nozzle 700. The local cleaning nozzle 700 is supported by the mounting base 755, and as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 3, the local cleaning nozzle 700 is applied to the mounting base 755 by a driving force transmitted from the nozzle motor 756 via a transmission member 757 such as a belt. It is slidably provided. That is, the local cleaning nozzle 700 can move straight in the axial direction (advance and retreat direction) of the local cleaning nozzle 700 itself. The local cleaning nozzle 700 can be moved forward and backward from the casing 200 and the mounting base 755.

  Further, the nozzle unit of this embodiment is provided with a local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800. The local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 is fixed to the mounting base 755 and cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the local cleaning nozzle 700 by injecting alkaline water or acidic water from a water discharge unit 809 provided therein. can do.

  More specifically, in the state where the local cleaning nozzle 700 is stored in the casing 200, the portion of the water discharge port 704 of the local cleaning nozzle 700 is substantially stored in the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800. Therefore, the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 cleans the portion of the water discharge port 704 of the housed local cleaning nozzle 700 by injecting alkaline water or acidic water from the water discharge unit 809 provided therein. Can do. Further, the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 sterilizes the outer peripheral surface of not only the water outlet 704 but also other parts by injecting alkaline water or acidic water from the water discharging section 809 when the local cleaning nozzle 700 advances and retreats. Can be washed.

  Further, the local cleaning nozzle 700 according to the present embodiment discharges alkaline water or acidic water from the water outlet 704 of the local cleaning nozzle 700 itself in a state where the local cleaning nozzle 700 is housed in the casing 200. The part can be cleaned. Furthermore, in the state where the local cleaning nozzle 700 is housed in the casing 200, the water discharge port 704 of the local cleaning nozzle 700 is almost housed in the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800. The alkaline water or acidic water discharged from 704 is reflected by the inner wall of the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800 and is applied to the water outlet 704. Therefore, the portion of the water outlet 704 of the local cleaning nozzle 700 is also cleaned with alkaline water or acidic water reflected by the inner wall of the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the local cleaning device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of water when electrolysis is being performed.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of water when electrolysis is not being performed.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrolytic cell 601 of this embodiment has an alkaline water generating electrode 604 as a cathode and an acidic water generating electrode 605 as an anode. The distance between the alkaline water generating electrode 604 and the acidic water generating electrode 605 is kept constant. The electrolyzer 601 can electrolyze tap water flowing in a space (flow path) between the alkaline water generating electrode 604 and the acidic water generating electrode 605 by controlling energization from the control unit 900. At this time, acid (H ⁺ ) is consumed in the alkaline water generating electrode 604, and the pH increases in the vicinity of the alkaline water generating electrode 604. That is, alkaline water is generated in the vicinity of the alkaline water generating electrode 604. On the other hand, alkali (OH ⁻ ) is consumed at the acidic water generating electrode 605, and the pH decreases in the vicinity of the acidic water generating electrode 605. That is, acidic water is generated in the vicinity of the acidic water generating electrode 605.

  The alkaline water generating electrode 604 and the acidic water generating electrode 605 are formed of a metal such as titanium, iridium, platinum, silver, tantalum, or gold. In this embodiment that does not require polarity reversal, since the electrodes play the same role, the alkaline water generating electrode 604 and the acidic water generating electrode 605 may be formed of different materials.

  The control unit 900 according to the present embodiment controls the electrolytic cell 601 and performs electrolysis while performing local cleaning. At this time, the controller 900 controls the three-way valve 606 to open the flow path connecting the heat exchanger 102 and the electrolytic cell 601. As shown in FIG. 4, the alkaline water generated by electrolysis during this period is guided to the main flow path 151 toward the local cleaning nozzle 700. Alkaline water is used for local cleaning.

On the other hand, the acidic water generated by electrolysis is guided to the branch flow path 153 toward the tank 602. Then, the acidic water is sent to the tank 602 and stored in the tank 602. The tank 602 is formed of a material other than a material that is easily affected by acidic water.
Note that the timing at which the control unit 900 controls the electrolytic cell 601 to perform electrolysis may be during the time when the local cleaning nozzle 700 is being cleaned by the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800. In this case, the local cleaning nozzle 700 is cleaned with alkaline water discharged from the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800.

  The tank 602 is provided with a vent hole for releasing air necessary for storing acidic water. Even when the acidic water delivery pump 603 delivers the acidic water, the vent hole can efficiently deliver the acidic water while suppressing the negative pressure in the tank 602.

  Subsequently, after the local cleaning operation is completed, that is, after the local cleaning nozzle 700 finishes cleaning with alkaline water, the controller 900 stops energization of the electrolytic cell 601, and controls the three-way valve 606 to control the tank. 602 and the flow path connecting the acidic water delivery pump 603 and the electrolytic cell 601 are opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 900 controls the driving of the acidic water delivery pump 603 so that the acidic water stored in the tank 602 passes through the electrolytic cell 601 by the acidic water delivery pump 603. Water is discharged from the local cleaning nozzle 700.

  The acidic water is also used for cleaning the local cleaning nozzle 700 by the local cleaning nozzle cleaning mechanism 800. While the acidic water delivery pump 603 delivers acidic water, the control unit 900 does not energize the electrolytic cell 601.

  According to this specific example, the local portion, the local cleaning nozzle 700, and the cleaning water channel can be kept clean by performing the cleaning with alkaline water having a high cleaning capability. Furthermore, cleanliness can be improved by washing again with acidic water having high sterilizing power.

When water is electrolyzed, scale is deposited on the surface of the alkaline water generating electrode 604. As the scale builds up, the electrolysis performance decreases.
On the other hand, in this specific example, the scale deposited on the surface of the alkaline water generating electrode 604 by passing the acidic water is dissolved in the acidic water and discharged through the main channel. Thereby, the scale deposited on the surface of the alkaline water generating electrode 604 can be removed without reversing the polarity of the applied voltage.

  In addition, the scale has a property that the solubility decreases as the water temperature increases. Since the local cleaning apparatus 100 has a system for heating water and a narrow flow path, there is a risk of blockage due to scale. On the other hand, according to the local cleaning device 100 according to the present embodiment, since the scale has a property of being dissolved in acidic water, the risk of clogging due to the scale of the local cleaning device 100 is reduced by passing the acidic water. Can enhance the effect.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, etc. of the elements included in the local cleaning device 100 and the electrolytic cell 601 and the installation form of the tank 602 and the acidic water delivery pump 603 are not limited to those illustrated, but are appropriate. Can be changed.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Local washing | cleaning apparatus, 101 Valve unit, 102 Heat exchanger, 103 Pulsating pump, 104 Flow control unit, 151 Main flow path, 153 Branch flow path, 200 Casing, 300 Toilet seat, 400 Toilet lid, 500 Western-style seat toilet, 601 Electrolyzer , 602 tank, 603 acidic water delivery pump, 604 alkaline water generating electrode, 605 acidic water generating electrode, 606 three-way valve, 700 local cleaning nozzle, 704 spout, 755 mounting base, 756 nozzle motor, 757 transmission member, 800 local cleaning Nozzle cleaning mechanism, 809 water discharge unit, 900 control unit

Claims (1)

An electrolytic cell that generates alkaline water and acidic water by electrolysis, sends the alkaline water to a main flow path, and sends the acidic water to a branch flow path branched from the main flow path;
A tank provided in the middle of the branch flow path and capable of storing the acidic water;
An acid which is provided in the middle of the branch flow path and downstream of the tank and sends acid water stored in the tank through the branch flow path connected to the upstream side of the electrolytic tank to the electrolytic tank. A water delivery pump;
A control unit for controlling the acidic water delivery pump and stopping the acidic water stored in the tank to be sent to the electrolytic cell when energization to the electrolytic cell is stopped;
A local cleaning apparatus comprising:

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