TWI753249B - Toilet seat cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, with regard to the toilet seat washing device, it is possible to suppress contamination in an area that can be visually recognized by a user when the nozzle cover is opened. The toilet seat washing device includes: a partial washing nozzle, which is lowered and inclined toward the front side, and has a spouting hole for discharging washing water locally toward the user; a driving device for extending and retreating the partial washing nozzle; and a housing having A nozzle accommodating portion capable of accommodating the entire local cleaning nozzle in a state in which the local cleaning nozzle is retracted; and a light emitting portion for irradiating germ-removing light, that is, germ-removing light, wherein the toilet seat cleaning device is characterized in that The said illuminating part irradiates the said sterilizing light to the front surface of the said partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom surface part of the said nozzle accommodating part located below the said front surface at least.

Description

Toilet seat cleaning device

An aspect of the present invention generally relates to a toilet seat washing device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet seat washing device including a local washing nozzle. In this toilet seat washing apparatus, in order to remove the dirt adhering to the local washing nozzle, washing water is sprayed to the local washing nozzle and UV light having a sterilizing effect is irradiated. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-83141

According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress contamination of the local cleaning nozzle. In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses a point at which UV light is irradiated from above the partial cleaning nozzle, not only to the partial cleaning nozzle but also to the surrounding portion. However, since the partial cleaning nozzles are arranged at an inclination, even if UV light is irradiated from above the partial cleaning nozzles, the upper part of the partial cleaning nozzles becomes a backlight, and the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzles is not located in the partial cleaning nozzle. The nozzle housing part below the nozzle is irradiated with UV light. Therefore, in the technique of Patent Document 1, contamination of the nozzle housing portion cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

The dirt on the nozzle housing part includes the dirt caused by the adhesion of feces and urine; and the bacteria and mold floating in the toilet space are adhered to the nozzle housing part by local washing, self-cleaning of the nozzle, etc. Visible fouling from water and proliferation. When the user opens the nozzle cover during cleaning of the toilet seat washing apparatus, or when the nozzle is extended during nozzle cleaning, the nozzle cover is opened and the nozzle housing portion can be visually observed. If the user recognizes that bacteria and mold are attached to the nozzle housing portion, even if the local cleaning nozzle itself is clean, the user may feel uneasy about the cleanability of the local cleaning nozzle. As a result, there is a fear that the partial cleaning nozzle will no longer be used by users who are highly conscious of cleaning.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet seat washing device capable of suppressing contamination in an area that a user can visually recognize when a nozzle cover is opened.

The first invention is a toilet seat washing device, comprising: a partial washing nozzle, which is inclined downwardly toward the front side and has a spouting hole for discharging washing water toward the user's part; and a driving device for causing the partial washing The nozzle is extended and retracted; the housing has a nozzle housing part that can accommodate the entire local cleaning nozzle in a state where the local cleaning nozzle has been retracted; the light emitting part irradiates light having a sterilizing effect, that is, sterilizing light, The said illuminating part irradiates the said sterilizing light to the front surface of the said partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom surface part of the said nozzle accommodating part at least to the part located below the said front surface.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, the sterilizing light is irradiated by the illuminating portion to the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom surface portion of the nozzle housing portion, which is positioned below the front surface. These areas are visually recognizable areas that can be visually observed by the user, and the local cleaning nozzles and the visually recognizable areas in the nozzle housing portion can be inhibited from adhering to dirt by irradiation of the sterilizing light. Thereby, the user can recognize that the partial cleaning nozzle is clean and that the nozzle housing portion in which it is housed is also clean. Therefore, even users who are highly conscious of cleaning can use the local cleaning nozzle with peace of mind.

A second invention is the toilet seat washing device according to the first invention, wherein the illuminating section is configured such that the sterilizing light is formed so that the sterilizing light is located on the front side of the front surface and the nozzle accommodating section. The average illuminance is higher than the average illuminance of the sterilizing light with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the local cleaning nozzle.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, the sterilizing light is irradiated with emphasis on the visible region of the local cleaning nozzle and the nozzle housing portion. Therefore, it is more difficult for the dirt to adhere to the visually identifiable area where cleanability is highly demanded. In addition, in recent years, in order to improve the designability of a toilet seat washing apparatus, miniaturization is desired. By making the average illuminance with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle smaller than the visible region of the nozzle accommodating portion, unnecessary irradiation of germicidal light can be suppressed, and the electric power applied to the illuminating portion can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generation of the light-emitting portion becomes smaller. Thereby, the heat sink etc. which dissipate the heat of the illumination part can be reduced, and the illumination part can be miniaturized. As a result, the toilet seat washing apparatus can be downsized.

A third invention is the toilet seat washing device according to the first or second invention, wherein the sterilizing light is configured such that the front surface and the nozzle housing portion are located on the front side of the front surface. The irradiation range is wider than the irradiation range of the sterilizing light on the outer peripheral surface of the local cleaning nozzle.

According to this toilet seat washing apparatus, the sterilizing light is irradiated to the visible area of the nozzle accommodating portion in a focused manner. Therefore, it is more difficult for the dirt to adhere to the visually identifiable area where cleanability is highly demanded. In addition, in recent years, in order to improve the designability of a toilet seat washing apparatus, miniaturization is desired. By making the average illuminance with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the partial cleaning nozzle smaller than the visible region of the nozzle accommodating portion, unnecessary irradiation of germicidal light can be suppressed, and the electric power applied to the illuminating portion can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generation of the light-emitting portion becomes smaller. Thereby, the heat sink etc. which dissipate the heat of the illumination part can be reduced, and the illumination part can be miniaturized. As a result, the toilet seat washing apparatus can be downsized.

A fourth invention is the toilet seat washing device according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a nozzle cover provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to an opening provided at a front end of the nozzle housing portion , and is arranged to open the inside of the nozzle accommodating portion when the partial cleaning nozzle is extended, and to close the inside of the nozzle accommodating portion when the partial cleaning nozzle is entirely accommodated in the accommodating portion, and the nozzle cover located in the At least a part of the back surface of the said nozzle accommodating part side is formed of a reflective material, and the said illuminating part directly irradiates at least a part of the said sterilizing light to the said back surface of the said nozzle cover with the said nozzle cover closed.

According to this toilet seat washing apparatus, since the sterilizing light is directly irradiated to the back surface of the nozzle cover, adhesion of dirt on the back surface of the nozzle cover can be suppressed. In addition, the back surface of the nozzle cover faces a wide range of the visible area of the partial cleaning nozzle and the nozzle housing portion. By forming the back surface with a reflective material, the sterilizing light reflected by the back surface is irradiated to a wide range of the visually recognized area. Thereby, even if an illumination part is miniaturized, it is possible to irradiate the sterilizing light to a wide range of the area that can be visually recognized.

The fifth invention is the toilet seat washing device of the fourth invention, wherein the irradiation range of the germicidal light directly irradiated to the back surface of the nozzle cover is higher than the irradiation range of the germicidal light that is directly irradiated to the portion other than the back surface of the nozzle cover. The irradiation range of germicidal light is wide.

According to this toilet seat washing apparatus, the irradiation range of the germicidal light directly irradiated to the back surface of the nozzle cover can be increased. Thereby, the sterilizing light reflected by the back surface of a nozzle cap can be irradiated to the wider range of the area|region which can be visually recognized.

A sixth invention is the toilet seat cleaning device according to the fourth or fifth invention, wherein the sterilizing light includes reflected light reflected by the nozzle cover and direct light that is not reflected by the nozzle cover, and the illuminating portion is disposed A position where the direct light is irradiated to the front end portion of the bottom surface portion of the nozzle housing portion.

The inventors of the present invention found that residual water in the nozzle accommodating portion is likely to be generated in the front end portion of the bottom surface portion of the nozzle accommodating portion, and this front end portion is most likely to be contaminated. According to this toilet seat washing device, direct light with strong sterilization power can be irradiated to the front end portion where dirt is most likely to be generated in the visually recognized area, and the generation of bacteria and mold in the front end portion can be suppressed.

A seventh invention is the toilet seat washing device of the sixth invention, wherein the illuminating unit is arranged so as to irradiate the direct light and the reflected light to the front end portion of the bottom surface portion.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, both direct light and reflected light are irradiated to the front end portion of the bottom surface portion where dirt is most likely to occur. Therefore, the generation of bacteria and molds can be further suppressed also in the portion where the residual water is likely to be generated in the visually recognized area.

According to an eighth invention, in the toilet seat washing device of any one of the fourth to seventh inventions, the back surface of the nozzle cover is formed in a curved shape so as to diffuse the reflected light.

According to this toilet seat washing apparatus, compared with the case where the back surface of the nozzle cover is flat, the sterilizing light reflected by the back surface can be further diffused, and the sterilizing light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area.

A ninth invention is the toilet seat cleaning device according to any one of the fourth to eighth inventions, wherein a nozzle cleaning portion is provided at a front end portion of the local cleaning nozzle, the nozzle cleaning portion having a direction toward the above-mentioned The outer surface of the partial cleaning nozzle is a nozzle cleaning hole through which cleaning water is discharged, and the nozzle cleaning portion is formed of a transmissive material that transmits the germicidal light.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, the sterilizing light L transmitted through the nozzle cleaning unit is irradiated to the gap between the partial cleaning nozzle and the nozzle cleaning unit, and to the area that can be visually recognized at the backlight with respect to the illuminating unit. Thereby, the sterilizing light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area.

A tenth invention is the toilet seat cleaning device of the ninth invention, wherein the nozzle cleaning portion is configured so that the germicidal light is diffused when transmitted, and at least a part of the nozzle cleaning portion is accommodated in the entire local cleaning nozzle. It is arrange|positioned at the front side rather than the said front surface of the said partial cleaning nozzle in the state inside the said housing part.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, by arranging the nozzle cleaning portion having a light diffusing function at a position forward of the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle, the sterilizing light can be caused by the light diffusing action of the nozzle cleaning portion. Reach a wider range of visually identifiable areas.

An eleventh invention is the toilet seat washing device of the tenth invention, wherein the nozzle washing part is moved in a state where the illumination part is activated.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, by moving the nozzle cleaning portion in a state in which the illumination portion is activated, the diffusion direction of the light by the nozzle cleaning portion can be changed. Thereby, the sterilizing light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area.

A twelfth invention is the toilet seat washing device of the eleventh invention, wherein the nozzle washing part is moved without opening the nozzle cover in a state in which the lighting part is activated.

According to this toilet seat cleaning device, the nozzle cleaning portion is moved so that the nozzle cover is not opened. By not opening the nozzle cover during the operation of the illuminating unit, it is possible to suppress leakage of the germicidal light to the outside of the housing. Thereby, the sterilizing light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area while improving the safety of the user. [Effect of invention]

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet seat washing device that can suppress contamination in an area that a user can visually recognize when the nozzle cover is opened.

[Form for carrying out the invention]

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each drawing, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same component, and a detailed description is abbreviate|omitted suitably. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet bowl provided with a toilet seat washing device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , the toilet includes a toilet seat (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “toilet” for convenience of description) 800 and a toilet seat washing device 100 provided thereon. The toilet seat washing apparatus 100 includes a housing 400 , a toilet seat 200 and a toilet cover 300 . The toilet seat 200 and the toilet cover 300 are pivotally supported with respect to the casing 400 so as to be freely openable and closable, respectively.

Inside the casing 400, a body washing function part and the like for washing the "buttocks" and the like of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 are built. In addition, for example, the housing 400 is provided with a seating sensor 404 , and the seating sensor 404 detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat 200 . When the seat occupancy sensor 404 detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, if the user operates the operation unit 500 (see FIG. 2) such as a remote control, for example, the local cleaning nozzle (hereinafter, for convenience of description) can be activated. And abbreviated as "nozzle") 473 protrudes into the bowl 801 of the toilet 800 or retreats from the bowl 801. However, in the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the state which the nozzle 473 protrudes into the bowl 801 is shown.

The nozzle 473 discharges water (washing water) toward the human body part to wash the human body part. The front end portion of the nozzle 473 is provided with a washing spouting port 474a for women and a washing spouting port 474b for buttocks. The nozzle 473 can wash the female part of the female seated on the toilet seat 200 by jetting water from the female washing water discharge port 474a provided at the front end thereof. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 can wash the "buttocks" of the user seated on the toilet seat 200 by jetting water from the buttocks washing jetting port 474b provided at the front end thereof. Here, when referring to "water" in the specification of the present application, not only cold water but also heated hot water are included.

The mode of washing "buttocks" includes, for example, "buttocks washing" and "gentle washing" in which the water flow is gentler than that of "buttocks washing". The nozzles 473 can perform, for example, "Women's Wash", "Rump Wash", and "Gentle Wash".

In addition, in the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1, the washing spouting port 474a for women is provided on the front end side of the nozzle 473 rather than the washing spouting port 474b for the buttocks, but the washing spouting port 474a for women and the washing spouting port 474b for the buttocks are provided. The setting position is not limited to this. The washing spouting port 474a for women may be provided on the rear end side of the nozzle 473 rather than the buttock washing spouting port 474b. In addition, although the nozzle 473 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with two water discharge ports, three or more water discharge ports may be provided.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the main part structure of a water system and an electric system is shown together. As shown in FIG. 2 , the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 has a water guide portion 20 . The water guide part 20 has a pipeline 20 a from the water supply source 10 such as a water pipe and a water tank to the nozzle 473 . The water guide 20 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 473 through the pipe 20a. The pipeline 20a is formed by, for example, various parts such as the solenoid valve 431, the heat exchanger unit 440, and the flow-path switching part 472 described below, and a plurality of pipes connecting these parts.

A solenoid valve 431 is provided on the upstream side of the water guide portion 20 . The solenoid valve 431 is an openable and closable solenoid valve, and controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 405 provided inside the casing 400 . In other words, the solenoid valve 431 opens and closes the conduit 20a. By opening the solenoid valve 431, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows through the pipe 20a.

A pressure regulating valve 432 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 431 . When the water supply pressure is high, the pressure regulating valve 432 adjusts the pressure in the pipeline 20a to a predetermined pressure range. A check valve 433 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 432 . The check valve 433 suppresses the reverse flow of water to the upstream side of the check valve 433 when the pressure in the pipeline 20 a has decreased, for example.

A heat exchanger unit 440 (heating part) is provided downstream of the check valve 433 . The heat exchanger unit 440 has a heater, and heats the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to, for example, raise the temperature to a predetermined temperature. That is, the heat exchanger unit 440 generates warm water.

The heat exchanger unit 440 is, for example, an instantaneous heating type (instant type) heat exchanger using a ceramic heater or the like. Compared with a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank, the instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can raise the temperature of water to a predetermined temperature in a shorter time. In addition, the heat exchanger unit 440 is not limited to the instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger. In addition, the heating unit is not limited to the heat exchanger, and may be a structure using other heating methods, such as a structure heated by microwaves, for example.

The heat exchanger unit 440 is connected to the control unit 405 . For example, the control unit 405 controls the heat exchanger unit 440 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 500 by the user, thereby raising the temperature of the water to the temperature set by the operation unit 500 .

A flow sensor 442 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440 . The flow sensor 442 detects the flow of water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 440 . That is, the flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of the water which flows in the piping 20a. The flow sensor 442 is connected to the control unit 405 . The flow rate sensor 442 inputs the detection result of the flow rate to the control unit 405 .

An electrolytic cell unit 450 is provided downstream of the flow sensor 442 . The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates a liquid (functional water) containing hypochlorous acid from the tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing therein. The electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to the control unit 405 . The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates functional water under the control of the control unit 405 .

The functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be, for example, a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions and copper ions. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be a solution containing electrolytic chlorine, ozone, or the like. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 may be acidic water or alkaline water.

A vacuum interrupter (VB) 452 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 450 . The vacuum interrupter 452 has, for example, a flow path for water supply to flow, a suction port for taking in air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the suction port. For example, the valve mechanism closes the intake port when water flows in the flow path, opens the intake port together with the stop of the flow of water, and takes in air into the flow path. That is, when there is no flow of water in the water guide 20, the vacuum interrupter 452 takes in air into the piping 20a. As the valve mechanism, a float valve can be used, for example.

The vacuum interrupter 452 promotes, for example, the drainage of the downstream portion of the pipeline 20a from the vacuum interrupter 452 by taking in air into the pipeline 20a as described above. The vacuum interrupter 452 facilitates the drainage of the nozzle 473, for example. In this way, the vacuum interrupter 452 removes the water in the nozzle 473 and takes in air into the nozzle 473, thereby suppressing, for example, the washing water in the nozzle 473 and the sewage remaining in the bowl 801 from being sent to the water supply source 10 (water supply). side flow.

A pressure modulation part 454 is provided downstream of the vacuum interrupter 452 . The pressure modulation unit 454 imparts pulsation or acceleration to the flow of the water in the conduit 20a of the water guide unit 20, and the water jetting portion of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is discharged from the female washing jetting port 474a and the buttocks washing jetting port 474b from the nozzle 473. The spit water imparts pulsation. That is, the pressure modulation part 454 changes the flow state of the water which flows in the piping 20a. The pressure modulation unit 454 is connected to the control unit 405 . The pressure modulation unit 454 changes the flow state of water based on the control of the control unit 405 . The pressure modulation part 454 fluctuates the pressure of the water in the pipeline 20a.

A flow rate adjustment unit 471 is provided downstream of the pressure modulation unit 454 . The flow rate adjustment unit 471 adjusts the water potential (flow rate). A flow path switching portion 472 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment portion 471 . The flow path switching unit 472 opens, closes, and switches the water supply to the nozzles 473 and the nozzle cleaning unit 478 . The flow rate adjustment unit 471 and the flow channel switching unit 472 may be provided as one unit. The flow rate adjustment unit 471 and the flow path switching unit 472 are connected to the control unit 405 . The operations of the flow rate adjusting unit 471 and the flow path switching unit 472 are controlled by the control unit 405 .

A nozzle 473 , a nozzle cleaning portion 478 , and a spray nozzle 479 are provided downstream of the flow path switching portion 472 . The nozzle 473 receives the driving force from the nozzle motor 476 and protrudes into the bowl 801 of the toilet 800 or retreats from the bowl 801 . That is, the nozzle motor 476 is a drive device that advances and retreats the nozzle 473 based on a command from the control unit 405 .

The nozzle cleaning unit 478 cleans the outer surface (main body) of the nozzle 473 by jetting functional water or water from the water jetting unit, for example. The outer surface of the nozzle 473 includes, for example, the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 473 . The spray nozzle 479 sprays the washing water and the functional water into the basin 801 in the form of a mist. In this example, a spray nozzle 479 is provided separately from the nozzle 473 for washing the human body. Not limited to this, the nozzle 473 may be provided with a water discharge port for spraying the liquid in the form of a mist to the bowl 801 .

In addition, the buttock washing flow path 21 , the gentle washing flow path 22 , and the female washing flow path 23 are provided downstream of the flow path switching portion 472 . The buttock washing flow path 21 and the gentle washing flow path 22 guide the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the buttock washing jetting port 474b. The women's washing flow path 23 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide 20 and the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the women's washing spouting port 474a.

In addition, the surface cleaning channel 24 and the spray channel 25 are provided downstream of the channel switching section 472 . The surface cleaning flow path 24 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide portion 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the water discharge portion of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 . The spray flow path 25 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide 20 and the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 450 to the spray nozzle 479 .

The control unit 405 controls the channel switching unit 472 to switch between the buttock washing channel 21 , the gentle washing channel 22 , the female washing channel 23 , the surface washing channel 24 , and the spray channel 25 . opening and closing. In this way, the flow path switching unit 472 switches between the state of being in communication with the pipe 20a and the state of not being connected to the pipe 20a for the plurality of water jetting ports such as the female washing jetting port 474a, the buttocks washing jetting port 474b, the nozzle washing unit 478, and the spray nozzle 479, respectively. The state in which the path 20a is connected.

The control unit 405 is supplied with electric power from the power supply circuit 401, and controls the solenoid valve 431 and the heat exchanger unit based on signals sent from the human body sensor 403, the seating sensor 404, the flow sensor 442, the operation unit 500, and the like 440, the electrolytic cell unit 450, the pressure modulation part 454, the flow rate adjustment part 471, the flow path switching part 472, the operation of the nozzle motor 476, etc.

Moreover, the control part 405 controls the illumination part 700 based on the detection information of the human body sensor 403 and the seating sensor 404, for example. The illuminating part 700 irradiates the sterilizing light which is the light which has a sterilizing effect to the periphery of the nozzle 473 (the nozzle housing part mentioned later). The illumination unit 700 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the human body sensor 403 is provided so as to be embedded in a recessed portion 409 formed on the upper surface of the casing 400 , and detects a user (human body) approaching the toilet seat 200 . In other words, the human body sensor 403 detects the user who is located in the vicinity of the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 . In addition, a transmission window 310 is provided in the rear portion of the toilet cover 300 . Therefore, when the toilet lid 300 is closed, the human body sensor 403 can detect the presence of the user through the transmission window 310 . The control unit 405 automatically opens the toilet lid 300 in response to the detection of the user by the human body sensor 403, for example.

In addition, the casing 400 may be appropriately provided with a "warm air drying function", "deodorizing means", and "room heating means" for blowing warm air toward the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 200 and drying them. and other institutions. At this time, the exhaust port 407 from the deodorizing unit and the exhaust port 408 from the indoor heating unit are appropriately provided on the side surface of the casing 400 . However, in the present invention, it is not always necessary to provide the sanitary washing function portion and other additional function portions.

Fig. 3(a), Fig. 3(b), Fig. 6, Fig. 7(a), and Fig. 7(b) show the periphery of the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment sectional view. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a nozzle housing portion of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b) are front views showing the vicinity of the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 4, the structure other than the nozzle 473 of the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 is abbreviate|omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3( a ) and FIG. 4 , the housing 400 has a nozzle housing portion 480 capable of housing the entire nozzle 473 in a state in which the nozzle 473 is retracted. The nozzle housing portion 480 is a member for housing the nozzle 473 , and is adjacent to the nozzle 473 in a state where the entire nozzle 473 is housed. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5 , as the nozzle housing portion 480 , a nozzle support portion 482 and a nozzle cleaning portion 478 are provided.

The nozzle support portion 482 supports the nozzle 473 below the nozzle 473 . The nozzle support portion 482 is inclined downward in the direction from the rear to the front. The nozzle 473 extends and retracts while sliding with respect to the nozzle support portion 482 . For example, a cylindrical member that accommodates the nozzle 473 may be provided in the nozzle housing portion 480 .

The nozzle cleaning portion 478 is attached to the front end of the nozzle support portion 482 . As shown in FIG. 3( a ), the nozzle cleaning portion 478 includes a water jetting portion 478a in which a jetting hole for jetting washing water is formed, and a support body 478b. As shown in FIG.3(a) and FIG.8, the opening 481 is provided in the lower part of the front-end|tip of the housing 400. As shown in FIG. The nozzle cleaning portion 478 is located behind the opening 481 . The nozzle cleaning portion 478 cleans the outer peripheral surface (main body) of the nozzle 473 (self-cleaning), for example, by jetting functional water or water from the jetting portion 478a when the nozzle 473 advances and retreats.

A nozzle cover 600 is provided in front of the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning portion 478 . The nozzle cover 600 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the opening 481 . As shown in FIG. 3( b ), the nozzle cover 600 is in the open state to open the opening 481 when the nozzle 473 is extended, and as shown in FIG. 3( a ), the entire nozzle 473 is accommodated in the nozzle housing In the state of the opening 480, the nozzle cover 600 is in a closed state in which the opening 481 is closed. For example, when the nozzle cover 600 is in the closed state, the opening 481 provided at the front end of the nozzle housing portion 480 is blocked by the nozzle cover 600 .

The nozzle 473 is accommodated in the nozzle accommodating part 480, as shown in FIG.3(a), when it is not in use. When performing partial cleaning by the nozzle 473 , the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward with respect to the nozzle housing portion 480 . When the nozzle 473 slides forward and downward, the nozzle 473 comes into contact with the nozzle cleaning portion 478, and the water jetting portion 478a of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 and the nozzle cover 600 are pushed upward. For example, until the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, the nozzle 473 is washed by the spouting water from the spouting part 478a.

As shown in FIG. 3( b ), when the nozzle 473 reaches a predetermined position, water is discharged from the female washing jetting port 474a or the buttocks washing jetting port 474b toward the part of the user to perform washing. When the partial cleaning is completed, the nozzle 473 slides rearward and upward toward the nozzle housing portion 480 . For example, until the nozzle 473 is accommodated in the nozzle accommodating part 480, the nozzle 473 is washed by the spouting water from the spouting part 478a. The nozzle 473 retreats to a predetermined position, and is accommodated in the nozzle accommodating portion 480 as in the state shown in FIG. 3( a ).

As shown in FIG.3(a), FIG.3(b), FIG.4, and FIG.6, the toilet seat cleaning apparatus 100 is provided with the illumination part 700 which irradiates the light which has a microbe elimination effect, ie, the microbe elimination light. At least a part of the bacteria adhering to the object is killed or inactivated by the irradiation of the sterilizing light, and the bacteria are sterilized. The wavelength of the germicidal light is 250nm to 480nm. As a result of research by the present inventors, at wavelengths around 250 nm to 300 nm, bacteria, molds, etc. are sterilized by rewriting DNA in such a way that they cannot proliferate, and at wavelengths around 300 to 480 nm, bacteria, molds, etc. The water contained in the body generates free radicals, and the free radicals are used to kill or inactivate bacteria for sterilization. Further, the inventors confirmed that hydrogen peroxide is generated in tap water by irradiating tap water with a wavelength of 300 nm to 480 nm. This means that in the process of generating free radicals, hydrogen peroxide is formed in the water. In addition, it was confirmed that the bacteria in the water can be sterilized by irradiating the bacteria in the water with light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 480 nm. The lighting unit 700 is provided inside the casing 400 , for example. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , in this example, the illumination unit 700 includes two light-emitting units 710 . The two light-emitting units 710 are provided on the left and right side portions below the nozzle support portion 482 , respectively.

The lighting unit 700 has, for example, a light-emitting element 720 (light-emitting body). The light-emitting element 720 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting element 720 is not limited to an LED, and may be, for example, an LD (Laser Diode), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), or the like. In addition, a cold cathode tube or a hot cathode tube may be used instead of the light emitting element. The light-emitting element 720 is connected to the control unit 405 shown in FIG. 2 via a substrate, for example, and is turned on and off under the control of the control unit 405 . The control unit 405 controls the operation of the lighting unit 700 by controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting element 720 . In addition, the control unit 405 can control all the light beams of the light-emitting element 720 by, for example, adjusting the voltage applied to the light-emitting element 720 . The light-emitting element 720 is provided in, for example, the light-emitting portion 710 .

The light emitting part 710 irradiates the sterilizing light toward the front side (the opening 481 side) of each of the nozzle 473 and the nozzle housing part 480 . The visible area including the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 located below the nozzle 473 is sterilized by the sterilizing light.

The visual confirmation area will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. 7( a ), FIG. 7( b ), FIG. 8( a ), and FIG. 8( b ). (a) of FIG. 7 has shown the state which the nozzle 473 whole was accommodated in the nozzle accommodating part 480. (b) of FIG. 7 shows a state in which the user fully opens the nozzle cover 600 . The area that can be visually confirmed refers to the front surface of the nozzle 473 that the user cannot visually confirm in the state shown in FIG. 7( a ) but can be visually confirmed by the user in the state shown in FIG. and the portion of the nozzle accommodating portion 480 below the nozzle 473 . For example, when the user looks at the toilet seat cleaning device 100 from the direction indicated by the arrow A1 in the state shown in FIG. 7( b ), the region R1 and the nozzle housing portion 480 of the front surface of the nozzle 473 that can be visually recognized The area R2 is the area that can be visually confirmed.

By providing the illuminating part 700 which irradiates the sterilizing light to the area which can be visually confirmed, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt on the part that can be visually observed when the user opens the nozzle cover 600 . In particular, according to the toilet seat cleaning device 100 according to the present invention, the front surface of the nozzle 473, the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 located below the nozzle 473, etc., such as the regions R1 and R2 shown in FIG. 7(b) Sterilizing light is also irradiated. These parts are easily seen by the user when the nozzle cover 600 is opened, but on the other hand, it is difficult to sufficiently irradiate the sterilizing light with the normal sterilizing light irradiation with respect to the nozzle 473 . According to the present invention, since germicidal light can be irradiated also to such a portion to suppress adhesion of dirt, the user can be made to recognize that the nozzle 473 is stored in a clean place. Therefore, even a user who is highly conscious of cleaning can use the nozzle 473 with peace of mind.

It is preferable that the illuminating part 700 irradiates the sterilizing light with respect to the whole area|region which can be visually confirmed. However, in the specification of the present application, "irradiating the entire area that can be visually confirmed with germicidal light" means that 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 90% or more of the area that can be visually recognized is irradiated with germicidal light so that the 99% reduction of bacteria in 24 hours. The entire visible area is actually sterilized by the illumination unit 700 .

The area that can be visually checked may further include an area that can be visually checked when a user uses a handheld mirror or the like in the state shown in FIG. 7( b ). For example, in a state where the nozzle cover 600 is fully opened as shown in FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 8(b) , except for the regions R1 and R2 that can be directly viewed with the naked eye from the direction of the arrow A1, using The area R3 of the back surface 600a of the nozzle cap 600 that can be visually confirmed by a hand mirror or the like is also included in the area that can be visually confirmed. That is, the illumination part 700 irradiates the germicidal light L to the back surface 600a in addition to irradiating the germicidal light L to the regions R1 and R2.

This is because, when cleaning the toilet seat cleaning apparatus 100, some users who are highly conscious of cleaning may perform cleaning while checking an area that cannot be seen with the naked eye using a hand mirror or the like. By irradiating the sterilizing light L to the back surface 600a as well, adhesion of the dirt on the back surface 600a can be suppressed. Therefore, the user who observes the back surface 600a can also recognize that the nozzle 473 is stored in a clean place, and the user can use the nozzle 473 with peace of mind.

The illuminating unit 700 irradiates the sterilizing light to the area that can be visually confirmed with more emphasis than the area other than the area that can be visually confirmed in the nozzle housing section 480 , that is, the area that is not visually confirmed. For example, the illuminating part 700 is comprised so that the average illuminance of the sterilizing light in the area|region which can be visually confirmed is larger than the average illuminance of the sterilizing light in the area|region which cannot be visually recognized. Alternatively, the illumination unit 700 is configured so that the irradiation range of the sterilizing light in the area that can be visually confirmed is wider than the irradiation range of the sterilizing light in the area that is not visually recognized. In this way, it is possible to improve the dirt removal performance of the visually identifiable region where cleanability is highly demanded. In addition, in recent years, in order to improve the designability of the toilet seat washing apparatus 100, it is desired to be reduced in size. By irradiating the sterilizing light to the area that can be visually confirmed more strongly than the area that cannot be visually recognized, unnecessary irradiation of the sterilizing light can be suppressed, and the electric power applied to the illumination unit 700 can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generation of the illumination unit 700 becomes smaller. Thereby, the heat sink etc. which dissipate the heat of the illuminating part 700 can be reduced, and the illuminating part 700 can be miniaturized. As a result, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 can be miniaturized.

The average illuminance of the sterilization light in the visually identifiable region was calculated by averaging the illuminance of the sterilization light at each point of the visually identifiable region. The average illuminance of the sterilization light in the non-visually confirmed area was calculated by averaging the illuminance of the sterilization light at each point of the non-visually confirmed area. The irradiation range of the germicidal light in the visible region is represented by the area of the portion irradiated with the germicidal light at a predetermined illuminance or higher in the visible region. The irradiation range of the germicidal light in the non-visually confirmed area is represented by the area of the part irradiated with the germicidal light at a predetermined illuminance or higher in the non-visually confirmed area. The predetermined illuminance is, for example, 5 mW/cm ² .

In addition, the non-visible area of the nozzle housing portion 480 is preferably formed so that water in the non-visible area caused by partial washing, self-cleaning of the nozzle 473, etc. is guided to the visually-visible area of the nozzle housing portion 480. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the nozzle support portion 482 constituting the nozzle housing portion 480 is inclined downward in the direction from the rear to the front. That is, the water is formed so that the water is guided from the rear side of the nozzle support portion 482 , which is a non-visible region, to the front side of the nozzle support portion 482 , which is a region that can be visually recognized. According to this structure, generation|occurrence|production of the residual water which becomes an important factor of the proliferation of bacteria and mold can be suppressed in a non-visually confirmed area|region, and it can suppress that a dirt adheres to a non-visually confirmed area|region. In addition, as a result, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria and mold in the visually recognized area due to release of spores into the nozzle housing portion from mold generated in the non-visible area.

For example, the light-emitting portion 710 is provided on the side portion below the nozzle support portion 482 as described above. The light-emitting portion 710 may be provided inside the nozzle housing portion 480 , but is preferably provided outside the nozzle housing portion 480 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 . When the nozzle 473 is cleaned and the cleaned nozzle 473 is accommodated, water splashes in the nozzle accommodating portion 480 . Therefore, when the light-emitting portion 710 is provided in the nozzle housing portion 480 , water adheres to the light-emitting portion 710 , which causes a malfunction of the light-emitting portion 710 . Since the light-emitting portion 710 is provided outside the nozzle housing portion 480 , water does not adhere to the light-emitting portion 710 and the power supply portion that supplies power to the light-emitting portion 710 , thereby preventing the light-emitting portion 710 from malfunctioning.

When the light-emitting portion 710 is provided outside the nozzle housing portion 480 , it is preferable that the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 to be irradiated with germicidal light has translucency. That is, it is preferable that the nozzle accommodating part 480 has the transmissive part 480a (as shown in FIG. 6) for guiding the sterilizing light emitted from the light-emitting part 710 into the nozzle accommodating part 480. By providing the transmissive portion 480a, the illuminance of the sterilizing light irradiated to the visible region in the nozzle housing portion 480 can be increased, and the sterilizing effect can be improved.

FIGS. 9( a ) to 9 ( c ) are cross-sectional views showing an example around the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to the embodiment. In FIGS. 9( a ) to 9 ( c ), dots are attached to the visually recognized regions irradiated with the sterilizing light. For example, as shown in FIG.9(a), the illumination part 700 has the reflection part 740 for irradiating the sterilization light L to the whole area which can be visually confirmed. The reflection part 740 reflects the sterilization light L radiated from the light emitting part 710 toward the area that can be visually recognized. For example, in order to improve reflectivity, the reflection part 740 is formed of a metal material. In addition, it is preferable that the surface of the reflection part 740 (surface facing the light emitting part 710 ) is mirror-finished. Alternatively, the reflection portion 740 may be formed of a resin material having a high reflectivity. As such a resin material, for example, a fluorine-based compound or a polyester-based compound can be used. The whole of the reflection part 740 may be made of a material with a high reflectivity as described above, or only a part of the reflection part 740 may be made of a material with a high reflectivity.

Alternatively, the lighting unit 700 may include a light guide member 750 . For example, as shown in FIG. 9( b ), the light guide member 750 is a nozzle cleaning portion 478 formed of a light guide material. When the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is made of a light guide material, the sterilizing light L irradiated to the nozzle cleaning portion 478 passes through the inside of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 and is radiated from the nozzle cleaning portion 478 . As shown in FIG. 9( c ), the light guide member 750 may be a nozzle cover 600 formed of a light guide material. Since the nozzle cover 600 is made of a light guide material, the sterilizing light L irradiated to the nozzle cover 600 passes through the inside of the nozzle cover 600 and is radiated from the nozzle cover 600 . As the light guide material constituting the nozzle cleaning portion 478 or the nozzle cover 600 , for example, an acrylic resin member, a silicone resin, or glass can be used.

By having the reflection part 740 or the light guide member 750 in the light emitting part 700 , it is possible to efficiently irradiate the sterilizing light from the light emitting part 710 to the front end surface of the nozzle 473 serving as a backlight and the like. Thereby, it becomes possible to efficiently irradiate the whole visually-confirmable area with the sterilizing light by the smaller (or less) light-emitting part 710 , and it is possible to reduce the size of the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 .

In addition, the specific structure of the illumination part 700 can be changed suitably. FIGS. 10( a ) to 10 ( c ) are cross-sectional views showing another example around the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to the embodiment. In FIGS. 10( a ) to 10 ( c ), dots are attached to the regions where the sterilizing light is irradiated and can be visually confirmed. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a modification of the illumination unit of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10( a ), the light-emitting portion 710 may be provided above the tip of the nozzle 473 . In the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 , there is a margin of space above the nozzle 473 compared to the side or below of the nozzle 473 . Therefore, by providing the light emitting unit 710 above the tip of the nozzle 473 , the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 can be reduced in size compared to the case where the light emitting unit 710 is provided below or to the side of the nozzle 473 .

When the light emitting part 710 is provided in the upper position rather than the front-end|tip of the nozzle 473, the light emitting part 710 irradiates the sterilizing light L toward the downward direction. Also in this case, as shown in FIGS. 10( a ) to 10 ( c ), it is preferable that the light illuminating portion 700 includes a reflection portion 740 or a light guide member 750 . By providing the reflection part 740 or the light guide member 750 , the sterilizing light L can be efficiently irradiated from the light emitting part 710 to the front end surface of the nozzle 473 serving as the backlight, the nozzle housing part 480 positioned below the nozzle 473 , and the like.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 , the light-emitting element 720 may be provided at a position away from the nozzle housing portion 480 . In this example, two light-emitting elements 720 are provided at positions far away from the nozzle housing portion 480 to the left and right, and the two light-emitting elements 720 are provided via the optical fibers 730 and the two light-emitting portions provided on the left and right sides of the nozzle housing portion 480 , respectively. 710 connection.

In the embodiment, the sterilizing light can be guided from the light emitting element 720 to the light emitting unit 710 using an optical fiber or the like, and the sterilizing light can be irradiated to the nozzle accommodating unit 480 from the light emitting unit 710 provided near the nozzle accommodating unit 480 .

12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the nozzle cleaning portion of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the nozzle cleaning portion of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. 14 is a front view showing a modification of the nozzle cleaning portion of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment.

The structure of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . For example, the nozzle cleaning portion 478 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be provided. In this example, the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is a cylindrical member attached to the front end of the nozzle support portion 482 . When the nozzle 473 is completely retracted, the tip of the nozzle 473 is surrounded by the nozzle cleaning portion 478 . The inner wall of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is formed with a water discharge hole for discharging the cleaning water toward the outer periphery of the nozzle 473 . For example, the nozzle housing portion 480 is constituted by the nozzle cleaning portion 478 and the nozzle support portion 482 .

Even when the nozzle cleaning portion 478 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is provided, the toilet seat cleaning device 100 has an area that can be visually checked when the nozzle cover 600 is fully opened. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the region R1 of the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the region R2 of the nozzle housing portion 480 located below the nozzle 473 are visually recognized regions. The illuminating unit 700 irradiates the sterilizing light with respect to the area that can be visually confirmed.

In this way, the structure in the vicinity of the nozzle housing portion 480 can be appropriately changed. In any structure, by irradiating the sterilizing light to the front surface of the nozzle 473 and the visible region of the nozzle housing portion 480 located below the nozzle 473, the adhesion of dirt in the region can be suppressed.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of the wavelength distribution of the germicidal light of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15 , in this example, the sterilizing light includes light having a wavelength of about 360 nm to about 420 nm, and the peak wavelength is about 385 nm. By setting the peak wavelength of the sterilizing light in the vicinity of the boundary between the visible light range and the ultraviolet light range in this way, it is possible to irradiate, for example, the UV-A component (315 nm or more and 400 nm or less) and the violet-blue visible light component (400 nm or less) as the ultraviolet light component. sterilizing light above 480 nm or less). With such germicidal light, both the germicidal effect of the germicidal light on the nozzle housing portion 480 and the visual confirmation effect of the user can be achieved.

In addition, the light source of the germicidal light is not limited to one. For example, as the sterilizing light, light including an ultraviolet light component and not including a visible light component may be irradiated from one light source, and light including a visible light component but not including an ultraviolet light component may be irradiated from the other light source. In other words, the ultraviolet light component and the visible light component included in the sterilizing light can be simultaneously irradiated from different light sources.

In addition, the sterilizing light is not limited to light including an ultraviolet light component and a visible light component. For example, in the case where the nozzle cover 600 contains a wavelength conversion material, the sterilizing light may be light including an ultraviolet light component and not including a visible light component.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 16 is a timing chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16 , in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user, the lighting unit 700 does not operate (time t0 ). More specifically, the light emitting element 720 (eg, LED) of the lighting unit 700 is turned off (turned off).

When the human body sensor 403 detects a user approaching the toilet seat washing apparatus 100, the control unit 405 activates the lighting unit 700 (time t1). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on (turns on) the light emitting element 720 of the lighting unit 700 .

In this way, by activating the lighting unit 700 at the time when the proximity of the user to the toilet seat cleaning device 100 is detected, the user can be made aware that the nozzle housing unit 480 is being sterilized by the sterilizing light before the user sits on the toilet seat 200 . .

The lighting unit 700 continues to operate, for example, until the seating sensor 404 detects that the user is seated. In other words, the control unit 405 continuously operates the lighting unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 detects the user and the seating sensor 404 does not detect the seating.

When the seating sensor 404 detects that the user is seated, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the lighting unit 700 (time t2). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off (turns off) the light-emitting element 720 of the lighting unit 700 .

After the user sits on the toilet seat 200 , when the germicidal light leaks from the opening 481 to the outside of the casing 400 , the user is easily irradiated with a part of the germicidal light. By stopping the operation of the lighting unit 700 when the user sits on the toilet seat 200 , it is possible to suppress irradiation of the germicidal light to the user, thereby further improving the safety of the user.

The illumination unit 700 continues to stop, for example, until the seating sensor 404 detects that the user has left the seat. In other words, when the seating sensor 404 detects seating, the control unit 405 continuously stops the operation of the lighting unit 700 .

When the seating sensor 404 detects that the user has left the seat (if the seating sensor 404 has changed from a state of detecting seating to a state of not detecting seating), the control unit 405 activates the lighting unit 700 ( time t3). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on (turns on) the light emitting element 720 of the lighting unit 700 . Thereby, the user who leaves the seat can be made to recognize that the sterilization of the nozzle accommodating part 480 is restarted.

The illumination unit 700 continues to operate until the predetermined time TM1 elapses. In other words, even if the human body sensor 403 changes from the state of detecting the user to the state of not detecting the user (time t4 ), the control unit 405 continues the operation of the lighting unit 700 until the predetermined time TM1 elapses.

When the predetermined time TM1 has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (time t5). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off (turns off) the light-emitting element 720 of the lighting unit 700 .

When the predetermined time TM2 elapses while the toilet is not in use, the lighting unit 700 operates. In other words, when the predetermined time TM2 has elapsed in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user and the seating sensor 404 does not detect sitting, the control unit 405 operates the lighting unit 700 (time t6 ). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns on (turns on) the light emitting element 720 of the lighting unit 700 . In this way, the control unit 405 can operate the lighting unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user.

Even in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user, by sterilizing the nozzle housing portion 480 with the sterilizing light, the irradiation time of the sterilizing light can be increased. Thereby, the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing light on the nozzle accommodating part 480 can be improved. In addition, by increasing the irradiation time of the sterilizing light, even when irradiating the sterilizing light with a relatively long peak wavelength, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing light on the nozzle housing portion 480 . Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the user while suppressing the decrease in the sterilization effect.

When the predetermined time TM3 has elapsed, the control unit 405 stops the operation of the illumination unit 700 (time t7). More specifically, the control unit 405 turns off (turns off) the light-emitting element 720 of the lighting unit 700 .

The predetermined times TM1 to TM3 may be arbitrary times. The predetermined times TM1 to TM3 are set, for example, so that the operating time of the lighting unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user is longer than the operating time of the lighting unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 detects the user . In other words, the control unit 405 controls, for example, the lighting unit 700 so that the operating time of the lighting unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 does not detect the user is longer than the operating time of the lighting unit 700 in a state where the human body sensor 403 detects the user Long work time. Accordingly, the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing light on the nozzle housing portion 480 can be further enhanced.

(Other Embodiments) 17 to 19 are cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. In the toilet seat washing apparatus 100a of another embodiment, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 18, the nozzle accommodating part 480 has the bottom surface part 480b. The bottom surface part 480b is a part of the inner surface of the casing 400, and is a part located in front of the nozzle support part 482. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19( a ), the light emitting unit 710 irradiates the sterilizing light L downward. Thereby, the sterilizing light L is irradiated to the back surface 600a of the nozzle cover 600, a part of the bottom surface part 480b, the upper surface of the nozzle 473, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 18, the nozzle 473 has a front surface 473a. The front surface 473a is a surface located in front of the nozzle 473 when the extending direction of the nozzle 473 is taken as the front. The front surface 473a is substantially perpendicular to the protruding direction of the nozzle 473, for example. The bottom surface portion 480b has a portion 480c located below the front surface 473a. For example, the front surface 473a of the nozzle 473 is located between at least a part of the portion 480c and the light emitting part 710 . That is, at least a part of the part 480c cannot be directly irradiated with the germicidal light irradiated from the light emitting part 710 .

In (b) of FIG. 19, the sterilizing light L irradiated from the light-emitting part 710 and reflected by the back surface 600a is shown. When the back surface 600a is irradiated with the germicidal light L, as shown in FIG. 19(b), a part of the germicidal light L is reflected. For example, the sterilizing light L reflected by the back surface 600a is irradiated to at least the front surface 473a of the nozzle 473 and a portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 located on the front side of the front surface 473a. Specifically, the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 located on the front side of the front surface 473a includes a part of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 and the bottom surface portion 480b.

By irradiating the sterilizing light L to the front surface 473a and the part 480c, the nozzle 473 and the nozzle accommodating part 480 can suppress the adhesion of the dirt in the area|region which a user can observe visually, ie, the area|region which can be visually recognized. Thereby, the user can recognize that the nozzle 473 is clean and that the nozzle accommodating part 480 which accommodates it is also clean. Therefore, even users who are highly conscious of cleaning can use the local cleaning nozzle with peace of mind.

The nozzle 473 has an outer peripheral surface 473b extending in the forward and backward direction of the nozzle 473 . For example, the shape of the nozzle 473 is a cylindrical shape extending in the advancing and retreating direction, and the outer peripheral surface 473b is curved. The illumination unit 700 is preferably configured such that the average illuminance of the sterilizing light L with respect to the front surface 473a and the portion of the nozzle housing section 480 located on the front side of the front surface 473a is greater than the average illuminance of the sterilizing light L with respect to the outer peripheral surface 473b. Alternatively, it is preferable that the illumination unit 700 is configured to irradiate the irradiation range of the germicidal light L to the front surface 473a and the portion of the nozzle housing portion 480 located on the front side of the front face 473a rather than to irradiate the outer peripheral surface 473b with the germicidal light L. Broad range. In this way, the sterilizing light L can be irradiated to the visible regions of the nozzle 473 and the nozzle accommodating portion 480 in a focused manner. Therefore, it is more difficult for the dirt to adhere to the visually identifiable area where cleanability is highly demanded. In addition, in recent years, in order to improve the designability of the toilet seat washing apparatus 100, it is desired to be reduced in size. According to the above-mentioned relationship between the average illuminance and the irradiation range, unnecessary irradiation of the sterilizing light L can be suppressed, and the electric power applied by the contrast light unit 700 can be reduced. When the electric power becomes smaller, the heat generation of the illumination unit 700 becomes smaller. Thereby, the heat sink etc. which dissipate the heat of the illuminating part 700 can be reduced, and the illuminating part 700 can be miniaturized. As a result, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 can be miniaturized. The outer peripheral surface 473b of the nozzle 473 is less likely to be stained by the water discharged from the nozzle cleaning unit 478 and the sterilizing water. Therefore, even if the germicidal light L is irradiated indiscriminately, adhesion of the dirt on the outer peripheral surface 473b can be suppressed.

In order to increase the irradiation intensity of the sterilizing light L or the like to the front surface 473a or the like or to widen the irradiation range, it is preferable that at least a part of the back surface 600a be formed of a reflective material. More preferably, the entire back surface 600a is formed of a reflective material. For example, the reflectivity at the back surface 600a is greater than the reflectivity of the bottom surface portion 480b or the reflectivity of the inner surface of the housing 400 adjacent to the back surface 600a. As the reflective material, a metal material, a resin material with high reflectivity, or the like can be used in the same manner as the material of the above-mentioned reflective portion 740 . For example, the back surface 600a is preferably mirror-finished.

When the sterilizing light L is directly irradiated to the back surface 600a, the adhesion of the dirt on the back surface 600a can be suppressed. Moreover, the back surface 600a faces the front surface 473a of the nozzle 473, the nozzle cleaning part 478, the bottom surface part 480b, etc., and the wide range of the area|region can be visually recognized. By forming the back surface 600a with a reflective material, the sterilizing light L reflected by the back surface 600a is irradiated to a wide range of the visually recognized area. Thereby, even if the illuminating part 700 (light emitting part 710) is miniaturized, the sterilizing light L can be irradiated to a wide range of the visually recognized area.

In addition to the back surface 600a, the bottom surface part 480b and the inner surface of the casing 400 adjacent to the back surface 600a may be configured to reflect the sterilizing light L. According to this structure, the sterilizing light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area.

The illumination unit 700 is preferably configured so that the irradiation range of the germicidal light L directly irradiated to the back surface 600 a is wider than the irradiation range of the germicidal light L directly irradiated to the portion other than the back face 600 a in the interior of the casing 400 . By enlarging the irradiation range in which the sterilizing light L is directly irradiated to the back surface 600a, the sterilizing light L reflected by the back surface 600a can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area.

The sterilizing light L irradiated to each part in the housing 400 includes reflected light and direct light. The reflected light is the sterilizing light L reflected by the back surface 600 a after being irradiated from the light-emitting portion 710 . The direct light is sterilizing light L directly irradiated from the light-emitting portion 710 without being reflected by the back surface 600a or other members. It is preferable that the illumination part 700 is arrange|positioned at the position which irradiates direct light with respect to the front-end|tip part 480d of the bottom surface part 480b. The front end portion 480d includes, for example, a range within 10 mm to the rear side from the front end of the bottom surface portion 480b.

As a result of research by the present inventors, it has been found that residual water in the nozzle housing portion 480 is likely to be generated in the front end portion 480d of the bottom surface portion 480b. In addition, the present inventors have found that the front end portion 480d is most susceptible to contamination. By irradiating direct light with strong sterilization power to the front end portion 480d where dirt is most likely to be generated in the visually recognized area, it is possible to suppress the generation of bacteria and mold in the front end portion 480d. Thereby, the front-end|tip part 480d can be kept clean.

More preferably, the illuminating part 700 is arranged so as to irradiate direct light and reflected light to the front end portion 480d. According to this structure, both direct light and reflected light can be irradiated to the front-end|tip part 480d which is most likely to generate|occur|produce contamination. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the generation of bacteria and mold in the front end portion 480d where residual water is likely to be generated in the visually recognized region.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, it is preferable that the back surface 600a of the nozzle cover 600 is formed in the shape of a curved surface so as to diffuse the reflected light. According to this configuration, the sterilizing light L reflected by the back surface 600a can be further diffused, and the sterilizing light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area than when the back surface 600a is flat.

In addition, the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is preferably formed of a permeable material. That is, as shown in FIG. 21 , it is preferable that the sterilizing light L is transmitted through the nozzle cleaning portion 478 . The nozzle cleaning portion 478 is provided at the front end portion of the nozzle 473 . Therefore, the sterilizing light L that has passed through the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is irradiated to the gap between the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning portion 478 , a region that can be visually recognized with respect to the light emitting portion 710 at the backlight. Thereby, the sterilizing light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area. For example, the transmittance of the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is preferably 5% or more.

More preferably, the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is configured so that the sterilizing light L is diffused when transmitted. For example, the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is formed of a resin to which a scattering agent is added. At least a part of the nozzle cleaning part 478 is located in the front side rather than the front surface 473a in the state which the nozzle 473 whole was accommodated in the nozzle accommodating part 480. Therefore, when the sterilizing light L is diffused by the nozzle cleaning portion 478, the sterilizing light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area. For example, it is possible to increase the illuminance of the sterilizing light L to a visually recognizable area located in the backlight with respect to the lighting unit 700 .

The nozzle cleaning unit 478 may be moved in a state where the illuminating unit 700 is operated and the germicidal light L is irradiated. When the nozzle cleaning unit 478 moves during the operation of the illuminating unit 700 , as shown in FIGS. 22( a ) and 22 ( b ), the irradiation range of the sterilizing light L changes. Thereby, the sterilizing light L can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area. For example, the nozzle cleaning portion 478 is moved by the sliding of the nozzle 473 . A drive portion that drives the nozzle cleaning portion 478 may be provided. The operation of the drive unit causes the nozzle cleaning unit 478 to move.

More preferably, the nozzle cleaning unit 478 is moved so that the nozzle cover 600 is not opened during the operation of the illumination unit 700 . Thereby, the leakage of the germicidal light L to the outside of the housing 400 can be suppressed, and the germicidal light can be irradiated to a wider range of the visually recognized area while improving the safety of the user.

Here, the example in which the toilet seat washing apparatus 100a is provided with the nozzle cover 600 is demonstrated. However, the toilet seat washing apparatus 100a may not include the nozzle cover 600 . In this case, the visually recognizable area is an area that the user can visually observe through the opening through which the partial cleaning nozzle extends or retracts. When the toilet seat washing apparatus 100 or 100a is provided with the nozzle cover 600, the visible area is an area that the user can visually observe when the nozzle cover 600 is fully opened. When the nozzle cover 600 is not provided, for example, the illuminating part 700 is provided so as to directly irradiate the sterilizing light L on the front surface 473a and the bottom surface part 480b of the nozzle 473 , the portion 480c located below the front surface 473a.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element included in the toilet seat washing apparatus are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed. In addition, each element included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically feasible, and an embodiment obtained by combining them is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

10‧‧‧Water supply source 20‧‧‧Aqueduct 21‧‧‧Butt wash channel 22‧‧‧Gentle cleaning flow path 23‧‧‧Washing channel for women 24‧‧‧Surface cleaning flow path 25‧‧‧Flow path for spray 100, 100a‧‧‧ toilet seat cleaning device 200‧‧‧ toilet seat 300‧‧‧ toilet cover 310‧‧‧Through the Window 400‧‧‧Case 401‧‧‧Power circuit 403‧‧‧Human Sensor 404‧‧‧Seating Sensor 405‧‧‧Control Department 407‧‧‧Exhaust port 408‧‧‧Outlet 409‧‧‧Recessed part 431‧‧‧Solenoid Valve 432‧‧‧Pressure Regulator 433‧‧‧Check valve 440‧‧‧Heat Exchanger Unit 442‧‧‧Flow Sensor 450‧‧‧electrolyzer unit 452‧‧‧Vacuum circuit breakers 454‧‧‧Pressure Modulation Section 471‧‧‧Flow Control Department 472‧‧‧Flow Switching Section 473‧‧‧Partial cleaning nozzle 473a‧‧‧Front surface 473b‧‧‧Outer surface 474a‧‧‧Washing spout for women 474b‧‧‧Butt wash spout 476‧‧‧Nozzle Motor 478‧‧‧Nozzle cleaning 478a‧‧‧Spit 478b‧‧‧Support 479‧‧‧Spray Nozzles 480‧‧‧Nozzle storage 480a‧‧‧Through Section 480b‧‧‧Bottom face 480c‧‧‧Part 480d‧‧‧Front end 481‧‧‧Opening 482‧‧‧Nozzle support 500‧‧‧Operation Department 600‧‧‧Nozzle cap 600a‧‧‧Back 700‧‧‧Lighting Department 710‧‧‧Light-emitting part 720‧‧‧Light-emitting element 730‧‧‧Fiber 740‧‧‧Reflector 750‧‧‧Light guide components 800‧‧‧Toilet 801‧‧‧Pins A1‧‧‧arrow L‧‧‧Bactericidal light R1~R3‧‧‧area t0~t7‧‧‧time TM1~TM3‧‧‧Specified time

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet bowl provided with a toilet seat washing device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a nozzle housing portion of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a front view showing the vicinity of the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the vicinity of the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example around the partial cleaning nozzle of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a modification of the illumination unit of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the nozzle cleaning portion of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the nozzle cleaning portion of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. 14 is a front view showing a modification of the nozzle cleaning portion of the toilet seat cleaning device according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of the wavelength distribution of the germicidal light of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 16 is a timing chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the toilet seat washing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partial washing nozzle of the toilet seat washing apparatus according to another embodiment.

100‧‧‧Toilet Washing Device

200‧‧‧ toilet seat

300‧‧‧ toilet cover

310‧‧‧Through the Window

400‧‧‧Case

403‧‧‧Human Sensor

404‧‧‧Seating Sensor

407‧‧‧Exhaust port

408‧‧‧Outlet

409‧‧‧Recessed part

473‧‧‧Partial cleaning nozzle

474b‧‧‧Butt wash spout

474a‧‧‧Washing spout for women

800‧‧‧Toilet

801‧‧‧Pins

Claims (12)

A toilet seat washing device, comprising: a partial washing nozzle, which is inclined downward toward the front side, and has a spouting hole for partially discharging washing water toward a user; a driving device for extending the partial washing nozzle; backward; a casing having a nozzle accommodating portion capable of accommodating the whole of the partial cleaning nozzle in a state where the partial cleaning nozzle has been retreated; and irradiate the sterilizing light, and the illuminating part is at least the above-mentioned sterilizing light in order to irradiate the sterilizing light to at least the front surface of the partial cleaning nozzle and the bottom surface part of the nozzle housing part which is located below the front surface. The light-emitting portion is disposed forward of a part of the front surface. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the illuminating portion is configured to have an average illuminance of the sterilizing light on a portion of the front surface and the nozzle housing portion located on the front side of the front surface It is larger than the average illuminance of the said sterilizing light with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the said local cleaning nozzle. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the illuminating part is configured so that the sterilizing light is directed to the front surface and the The irradiation range of the part located on the front side rather than the said front surface in a nozzle accommodating part is wider than the irradiation range of the said sterilization light with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the said local cleaning nozzle. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a nozzle cover provided so as to be openable and closable relative to an opening provided at the front end of the nozzle housing portion, and provided in the local area The inside of the nozzle accommodating portion is opened in a state where the cleaning nozzle is extended, and the inside of the nozzle accommodating portion is closed in a state in which the entire partial cleaning nozzle is accommodated in the accommodating portion, and the rear surface of the nozzle cover on the side of the nozzle accommodating portion is closed. At least a part of the illuminating part is formed of a reflective material, and the illuminating part directly irradiates at least a part of the sterilizing light to the back surface of the nozzle cover when the nozzle cover is closed. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the illuminating portion is configured to directly irradiate the sterilizing light to the back surface of the nozzle cover in an irradiation range rather than directly irradiate the portion other than the back surface of the nozzle cover. The irradiation range of the sterilizing light is wide. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the germicidal light includes reflected light reflected by the nozzle cover and direct light not reflected by the nozzle cover, The said illumination part is arrange|positioned at the position which irradiates the said direct light with respect to the front-end|tip part of the said bottom surface part of the said nozzle accommodating part. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the illuminating portion is arranged to irradiate the direct light and the reflected light to the front end portion of the bottom surface portion. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the back surface of the nozzle cover is formed in a curved shape so as to diffuse the reflected light. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein a nozzle cleaning portion is provided near the front end portion of the partial cleaning nozzle, the nozzle cleaning portion having a function of discharging cleaning fluid to the outer surface of the partial cleaning nozzle. The nozzle cleaning hole for purified water, and the nozzle cleaning portion is formed of a transmissive material that transmits the sterilizing light. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the nozzle cleaning portion is configured so that the germicidal light is diffused when transmitted, and at least a part of the nozzle cleaning portion is accommodated in the local cleaning nozzle as a whole. In the state in the accommodation part, it is arrange|positioned on the front side rather than the said front surface of the said partial cleaning nozzle. The toilet seat cleaning device as described in item 10 of the scope of the application, wherein, The nozzle cleaning unit is moved while the illuminating unit is operated. The toilet seat cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein the nozzle cleaning portion is moved without opening the nozzle cover in a state in which the illumination portion is operated.

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