Hygienic cleaning device

Abstract

The present application provides a sanitary cleaning device capable of reducing sliding resistance when a nozzle is advanced and retracted. Specifically, the sanitary cleaning device is provided with a housing, a nozzle, and a nozzle drive unit that advances and retracts the nozzle between a storage position and an extended position, characterized in that the nozzle drive unit has a support portion that supports the nozzle and has a guide rail for sliding movement of the nozzle, a gear that imparts a driving force for advancing and retracting the nozzle, and a rack rope that is connected to the nozzle and engages with the gear, the rack rope having a nozzle connection portion that is connected to the nozzle, and in a state in which the nozzle is in the storage position, an engagement portion of the gear that engages with the rack rope is located at the same position as the nozzle connection portion or further forward than the nozzle connection portion in the front-rear direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sanitary washing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a body part washing device provided with a nozzle for washing a body part, it is known to advance and retract the nozzle by means of a rack and pinion (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a body part washing device, if the sliding resistance when the nozzle is advanced and retracted is large, there is a problem in that the advancing and retracting movement of the nozzle becomes unstable.

[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6191226 SUMMARY

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide a sanitary washing device capable of reducing the sliding resistance when a nozzle is advanced and retracted.

[0006] The first application is a sanitary washing device, comprising: a housing; a nozzle for washing a body part; and a nozzle drive unit for advancing and retracting the nozzle between a housed position in which the nozzle is housed in the housing and an extended position in which the nozzle is extended from the housing, characterized in that the nozzle drive unit comprises: a support portion for supporting the nozzle and having a guide rail for slidingly moving the nozzle; a pinion for imparting a driving force for advancing and retracting the nozzle; and a rack cable connected to the nozzle and engaged with the pinion, the rack cable having a nozzle connection portion connected to the nozzle, and in a state in which the nozzle is in the housed position, an engagement portion of the pinion engaged with the rack cable is located at the same position as the nozzle connection portion or further forward than the nozzle connection portion in a front-rear direction.

[0007] According to the sanitary washing device, since the engagement portion is located at the same position as the nozzle connection portion or further forward than the nozzle connection portion in the front-rear direction in a state in which the nozzle is in the housed position, the length of the portion of the rack cable located further forward than the engagement portion can be shortened compared to a case in which the engagement portion is located further rearward than the nozzle connection portion. Thus, the sliding resistance due to the contact between the rack cable and the support portion can be reduced when the nozzle is advanced and retracted, and thus the advancing and retracting movement of the nozzle can be stabilized. Further, since the sliding resistance can be reduced, the motor for advancing and retracting the nozzle can be downsized. Further, since the overall length of the rack cable is shortened, the nozzle drive unit can be downsized.

[0008] The second invention is a sanitary washing device characterized in that, in the first invention, the engaging portion is located further rearward than the front end of the rack cable in a state where the nozzle is in the housed position.

[0009] According to the sanitary washing device, since the engaging portion is located further rearward than the front end of the rack cable in a state where the nozzle is in the housed position, the gear and the rack cable can be more positively engaged.

[0010] The third invention is a sanitary washing device characterized in that, in the second invention, the engaging portion is located within 4 teeth from the front end of the rack cable in a state where the nozzle is in the housed position.

[0011] According to the sanitary washing device, since the engaging portion is located within 4 teeth from the front end of the rack cable in a state where the nozzle is in the housed position, the gear and the rack cable can be more positively engaged, and, even in a state where the nozzle is in the extended position, the rack cable can be suppressed from being exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0012] The fourth invention is a sanitary washing device characterized in that, in any one of the first to third inventions, the center axis of the gear is located further downward than the engaging portion.

[0013] According to the sanitary washing device, since the center axis of the gear is located further downward than the engaging portion, the height of the nozzle drive unit can be reduced as compared with a case where the center axis of the gear is located further upward than the engaging portion.

[0014] The fifth invention is a sanitary washing device characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the nozzle connecting portion is connected to the side surface of the nozzle.

[0015] According to the sanitary washing device, since the nozzle connecting portion is connected to the side surface of the nozzle, the space below the nozzle can be effectively utilized. Further, the distance between the motor and the nozzle can be made close. Thus, the height of the sanitary washing device can be reduced.

[0016] According to the aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a sanitary washing device capable of reducing the sliding resistance when the nozzle is advanced and retracted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device provided with the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the main part configuration of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3is a perspective view around a nozzle to which the embodiment is applied.

[0020] Figure 4 is a side view around a nozzle to which the embodiment is applied.

[0021] Figure 5 is a side view around a nozzle to which the embodiment is applied.

[0022] Figure 6 is a side view of a part of a nozzle drive unit to which the embodiment is applied.

[0023] Figure 7 is a side view of an engaging portion to which the embodiment is applied.

[0024] Figure 8 is a side view of a part of a nozzle drive unit to which a modification of the embodiment is applied.

[0025] Figure 9 is a sectional view around a nozzle to which the embodiment is applied.

[0026] Figure 10 is a side view around a nozzle to which the embodiment is applied.

[0027] Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b) is a side view of a part of a nozzle drive unit to which the embodiment is applied.

[0028] Symbol Explanation

[0029] 10 - water supply source; 20 - water guide portion; 20a - pipe; 21 - buttocks cleaning flow path; 22 - gentle cleaning flow path; 23 - lower body cleaning flow path; 24 - surface cleaning flow path; 100 - sanitary cleaning device; 200 - toilet seat; 300 - toilet cover; 400 - housing; 401 - power supply circuit; 404 - seating detection sensor; 405 - control portion; 431 - electromagnetic valve; 432 - pressure regulating valve; 433 - check valve; 440 - heat exchanger unit; 442 - flow rate sensor; 450 - electrolytic cell unit; 450a - mounting member; 452 - vacuum regulating valve; 471 - flow rate adjusting portion; 472 - flow path switching portion; 473 - nozzle; 473a - protruding portion; 473b - first holding portion; 473c - second holding portion; 473d - first held portion; 473e - second held portion; 474a - buttocks cleaning water discharge port; 474b - gentle cleaning water discharge port; 474c - lower body cleaning water discharge port; 476 - nozzle drive unit; 478 - nozzle cleaning portion; 500 - operation portion; 610 - support portion; 611 - body portion; 612 - cover portion; 613 - guide rail; 613a - base portion; 613b - first protruding portion; 613c - second protruding portion; 613d - first recessed portion; 613e - second recessed portion; 614a - lower portion; 614b - side portion; 615 - first rack receiving portion; 616 - second rack receiving portion; 616a - extension portion; 616b - guide portion; 620 - gear; 620a - central axis; 621h - hole portion; 622 - engagement portion; 623 - tooth; 630 - rack cord; 630a - front end; 631 - nozzle connecting portion; 631h - hole portion; 632 - engagement portion; 633 - tooth; 633a to 633e - first to fifth teeth; 634 - front face; 635 - rear face; 640 - meshing portion; 800 - toilet bowl; 801 - basin; 900 - flush toilet device; P - pitch circle; S1, S2 - face. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same symbols and detailed description is appropriately omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flush toilet device provided with a sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 , the flush toilet device 900 is provided with a toilet bowl (toilet) 800 and a sanitary cleaning device 100 provided thereon. The sanitary cleaning device 100 has a housing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet cover 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet cover 300 are respectively pivotally supported to the housing 400. The toilet bowl 800 has a basin 801.

[0033] Although "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "right side" and "left side" are used in the following description of embodiments, these directions are as viewed from a user seated on the toilet seat 200 facing away from the open state of the lid 300 as shown in Figure 1

[0034] In the interior of the housing 400, a partial cleaning function section and the like are built in, enabling cleaning of a user's "hips" and the like seated on the toilet seat 200. The partial cleaning function section includes a nozzle 473. The nozzle 473 is capable of advancing and retreating between a housed position housed in the housing 400 and an extended position extended from the housing 400. The nozzle 473 is extended on a linear track toward the center of the bowl 801 located in the lower front of the housing 400, and is retracted on the linear track toward the interior of the housing 400 located in the upper rear of the bowl 801. In addition, on the sanitary cleaning device 100 shown in Figure 1

[0035] On the sanitary cleaning device 100, a seating detection sensor 404 (refer to Figure 2 ) that detects a user's seating on the toilet seat 200 is provided. When the user operates an operation section 500 (refer to Figure 2 ) such as a remote controller while the seating detection sensor 404 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200, the nozzle 473 is capable of being extended to the extended position or retracted to the housed position.

[0036] The nozzle 473 sprays water (cleaning water) toward a human body part in the state of being extended from the housing 400 to clean the human body part. On the tip end of the nozzle 473, a hip cleaning water outlet 474a, a gentle cleaning water outlet 474b and a lower body cleaning water outlet 474c are provided. The nozzle 473 is capable of spraying water from the hip cleaning water outlet 474a or the gentle cleaning water outlet 474b provided on the tip end thereof to clean a user's "hips" seated on the toilet seat 200. Alternatively, the nozzle 473 is capable of spraying water from the lower body cleaning water outlet 474c provided on the tip end thereof to clean a female's female body part seated on the toilet seat 200. In addition, in the present specification, the "water" includes not only cold water but also hot water heated.

[0037] In the cleaning mode of "hips", for example, "hip cleaning" and "gentle cleaning" are included, the "gentle cleaning" being gentle cleaning using a softer water flow than the "hip cleaning". The nozzle 473 is capable of performing, for example, "hip cleaning", "gentle cleaning" and "lower body cleaning".

[0038] In addition, although the sanitary cleaning device 100 is shown in Figure 1 ​​The lower body cleaning water discharge port 474c is provided on the tip end side of the nozzle 473 more than the gentle cleaning water discharge port 474b, and the gentle cleaning water discharge port 474b is provided on the tip end side of the nozzle 473 more than the hip cleaning water discharge port 474a, but the hip cleaning water discharge port 474a, the gentle cleaning water discharge port 474b, and the lower body cleaning water discharge port 474c are not limited to this. In addition, although three water discharge ports are provided on the nozzle 473 as illustrated, for example, the gentle cleaning water discharge port 474b can be omitted, and four or more water discharge ports can be provided. Figure 1 The nozzle 473 is provided with three water discharge ports as illustrated, but for example, the gentle cleaning water discharge port 474b can be omitted, and four or more water discharge ports can be provided.

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the main part configuration of the sanitary cleaning device to which the embodiment is applied. In Figure 2 , the main part configuration of the waterway system and the electrical system is shown simultaneously.

[0040] As Figure 2 illustrated, the sanitary cleaning device 100 has a water guide portion 20. The water guide portion 20 has a pipe 20a from a water supply source 10 such as a tap or a water storage tank to the nozzle 473. The water guide portion 20 guides the water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 473 by the pipe 20a. The pipe 20a is formed by, for example, each of the solenoid valve 431, the heat exchanger unit 440, the flow path switching portion 472, and the like described below, and a plurality of pipes connecting these.

[0041] The solenoid valve 431 is provided on the upstream side of the water guide portion 20. The solenoid valve 431 is an on-off solenoid valve, and can control the water supply based on an instruction from a control portion 405 provided in the inside of a housing 400. In other words, the solenoid valve 431 opens and closes the pipe 20a. By making the solenoid valve 431 an open state, the water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows into the pipe 20a.

[0042] A pressure regulating valve 432 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 431. The pressure regulating valve 432 can adjust the pressure in the pipe 20a to a prescribed pressure range when the water supply pressure is high. A check valve 433 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 432. The check valve 433 can inhibit the water from flowing backward on the upstream side more than the check valve 433 when the pressure in the pipe 20a drops, and the like.

[0043] A heat exchanger unit 440 (heating portion) is provided downstream of the check valve 433. The heat exchanger unit 440 has a heater, and can heat the water supplied from the water supply source 10, for example, to a prescribed temperature. That is, the heat exchanger unit 440 generates hot water.

[0044] The heat exchanger unit 440 is, for example, an instantaneous heating type (i.e., a heat exchanger using a ceramic heater or the like). If compared with a storage water heating type heat exchanger using a storage water tank, the instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can raise the temperature of water to a prescribed temperature in a short time. In addition, the heat exchanger unit 440 is not limited to the instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and can also be a storage water heating type heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heating section is not limited to the heat exchanger, and other heating methods, such as heating using microwaves or the like, can also be used.

[0045] The heat exchanger unit 440 is connected to the control section 405. The control section 405, for example, raises the temperature of water to a temperature set on the operation section 500 by controlling the heat exchanger unit 440 in accordance with an operation of the operation section 500.

[0046] A flow rate sensor 442 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 440. The flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 440. That is, the flow rate sensor 442 detects the flow rate of water flowing in the pipe 20a. The flow rate sensor 442 is connected to the control section 405. The flow rate sensor 442 inputs the detection result of the flow rate to the control section 405.

[0047] A vacuum regulating valve (VB) 452 is provided downstream of the flow rate sensor 442. The vacuum regulating valve 452, for example, has a flow path for flowing water, a suction port for introducing air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism that opens and closes the suction port. The valve mechanism, for example, closes the suction port when water is flowing in the flow path, and opens the suction port when the flow of water is stopped, thereby introducing air into the flow path. That is, when no water is flowing in the water guide section 20, the vacuum regulating valve 452 introduces air into the pipe 20a. A float valve is used on the valve mechanism, for example.

[0048] The vacuum regulating valve 452, by introducing air into the pipe 20a as described above, for example, can promote drainage of a portion of the pipe 20a that is more downstream than the vacuum regulating valve 452. The vacuum regulating valve 452, for example, promotes drainage of the nozzle 473. In this way, the vacuum regulating valve 452, by draining water from the nozzle 473 and introducing air into the nozzle 473, for example, can suppress backflow of cleaning water in the nozzle 473 or sewage accumulated in the basin 801 to the water supply source 10 (headwater) side.

[0049] An electrolytic cell unit 450 is provided downstream of the vacuum regulating valve 452. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing through the inside. The electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to the control section 405. The electrolytic cell unit 450 generates functional water based on control by the control section 405.

[0050] The functional water generated in the electrolysis cell unit 450 can also be, for example, a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions or copper ions. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolysis cell unit 450 can also be a solution containing electrolytic chlorine or ozone, or the like. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolysis cell unit 450 can also be acidic water or alkaline water. Downstream of the electrolysis cell unit 450, there is provided a flow rate adjustment section 471. The flow rate adjustment section 471 performs adjustment of the water potential (flow rate). Downstream of the flow rate adjustment section 471, there is provided a flow path switching section 472. The flow path switching section 472 performs opening and closing and switching of the supply of water to the nozzle 473 or the nozzle cleaning section 478. The flow rate adjustment section 471 and the flow path switching section 472 can also be provided as one unit. The flow rate adjustment section 471 and the flow path switching section 472 are connected to the control section 405. The operation of the flow rate adjustment section 471 and the flow path switching section 472 is controlled by the control section 405.

[0051] Downstream of the flow path switching section 472, there are provided the nozzle 473 and the nozzle cleaning section 478. The nozzle cleaning section 478 can clean the outer peripheral surface (housing) of the nozzle 473, for example, by ejecting functional water or water from a water ejection section.

[0052] The nozzle 473 is extended into the basin 801 of the toilet 800 or is retracted from the basin 801 by a driving force from a nozzle driving unit 476. The nozzle driving unit 476 causes the nozzle 473 to advance and retract between a housing position (i.e., a position of maximum retraction) and an extended position (i.e., a position of maximum extension). The nozzle driving unit 476 will be described later.

[0053] Further, downstream of the flow path switching section 472, there are provided the hip cleaning flow path 21, the gentle cleaning flow path 22, and the lower body cleaning flow path 23, which supply water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water guide section 20 or functional water generated in the electrolysis cell unit 450 to the nozzle 473. The hip cleaning flow path 21 connects the flow path switching section 472 to the hip cleaning water ejection opening 474a. The gentle cleaning flow path 22 connects the flow path switching section 472 to the gentle cleaning water ejection opening 474b. The lower body cleaning flow path 23 connects the flow path switching section 472 to the lower body cleaning water ejection opening 474c.

[0054] Further, downstream of the flow path switching section 472, there is provided the surface cleaning flow path 24. The surface cleaning flow path 24 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 through the water guide section 20 or functional water generated in the electrolysis cell unit 450 to the water ejection section of the nozzle cleaning section 478.

[0055] The control section 405 switches the opening and closing of each flow path of the buttocks cleaning flow path 21, the gentle cleaning flow path 22, the lower body cleaning flow path 23, and the surface cleaning flow path 24 by controlling the flow path switching section 472. Thus, the flow path switching section 472 can switch a plurality of water discharge ports, such as the buttocks cleaning water discharge port 474a, the gentle cleaning water discharge port 474b, the lower body cleaning water discharge port 474c, and the nozzle cleaning section 478, to a state of communicating with the pipe 20a and a state of not communicating with the pipe 20a, respectively.

[0056] The control section 405 is supplied with power from the power supply circuit 401 and controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 431, the heat exchanger unit 440, the electrolytic bath unit 450, the flow rate adjusting section 471, the flow path switching section 472, the nozzle driving unit 476, and the like, on the basis of a signal from the seating detection sensor 404 or the flow rate sensor 442 or the operation section 500 or the like. Thus, the control section 405 controls the operation of the nozzle 473.

[0057] Further, various mechanisms, such as a "warm air drying function" that blows warm air toward the "buttocks" of a user seated on the toilet seat 200 to dry the "buttocks", or a "deodorizing unit", or an "indoor heating unit", or the like, can be provided as appropriate on the housing 400. However, in the present application, the sanitary cleaning function section or other additional function sections can not necessarily be provided.

[0058] Next, the nozzle driving unit 476 will be described in detail.

[0059] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the nozzle according to the embodiment.

[0060] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a side view showing the vicinity of the nozzle according to the embodiment.

[0061] Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows a state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position. Figure 5 shows a state in which the nozzle 473 is in the extended position.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3 to 5 , the nozzle driving unit 476 has a support section 610, a gear 620, and a rack cord 630.

[0063] The support section 610 is located below the nozzle 473 and supports the nozzle 473 from below. The support section 610 has a body section 611 that is open to the side and a cover section 612 that closes the opening of the body section 611. Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows a state after the cover section 612 is removed.

[0064] The gear 620 and the rack cord 630 are housed inside the body portion 611. The upper surface of the body portion 611 is inclined downward as it goes forward. The nozzle 473 projects toward the lower front and retreats toward the upper rear along the upper surface of the body portion 611.

[0065] The gear 620 imparts a driving force for advancing and retreating the nozzle 473. The gear 620 has a connecting portion 621 and an engaging portion 622. The connecting portion 621 is a portion including a central shaft 620a of the gear 620. A hole portion 621h is provided on the connecting portion 621 at a position overlapping the central shaft 620a so as to be connected to a motor (not shown) through the hole portion 621h. The motor is housed inside the body portion 611, for example. In addition, one or more other gears can be provided between the motor and the connecting portion 621. The other gears can function as a reduction mechanism, for example.

[0066] The engaging portion 622 is provided along the outer periphery of the connecting portion 621. The engaging portion 622 is a portion that engages with the rack cord 630 and has a plurality of teeth 623 that project toward the rack cord 630.

[0067] The rack cord 630 is connected to the nozzle 473 and engages with the gear 620. The rack cord 630 transmits the driving force of the gear 620 to the nozzle 473. The rack cord 630 is a flexible rack gear. The rack cord 630 has a nozzle connecting portion 631 and an engaging portion 632.

[0068] The nozzle connecting portion 631 is a portion that is connected to the nozzle 473. In this example, the nozzle 473 has a projecting portion 473a that projects to the side. In addition, the nozzle connecting portion 631 has a hole portion 631h that penetrates to the side. The nozzle connecting portion 631 is connected to the nozzle 473 by inserting the projecting portion 473a into the hole portion 631h. That is, in this example, the nozzle connecting portion 631 is connected to the side surface of the nozzle 473.

[0069] By connecting the nozzle connecting portion 631 to the side surface of the nozzle 473, the space below the nozzle 473 can be effectively utilized. In addition, the distance between the motor and the nozzle 473 can be made close. Thus, the height of the sanitary washing device 100 can be reduced.

[0070] The engaging portion 632 is a portion that engages with the gear 620 and has a plurality of teeth 633 that project toward the gear 620.

[0071] The nozzle driving unit 476 advances and retreats the nozzle 473 connected to the rack cord 630 by rotating the gear 620 using a motor and moving the rack cord 630 that engages with the gear 620, for example.

[0072] Figure 6is a side view showing a part of the nozzle driving unit involved in the embodiment.

[0073] Figure 7 is a side view showing the meshing portion involved in the embodiment.

[0074] Figure 6 is Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area R1 shown.

[0075] Figure 7 is Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area R2 shown.

[0076] Figure 6 and Figure 7 respectively show a state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6 , the gear 620 meshes with the rack cord 630 on the meshing portion 640. The meshing portion 640 is a portion in which the engagement portion 622 of the gear 620 and the engagement portion 632 of the rack cord 630 engage.

[0078] In the state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the meshing portion 640 is located, for example, further forward than the nozzle connecting portion 631. More specifically, in the state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the rear end of the meshing portion 640 is located, for example, further forward than the front end of the nozzle connecting portion 631. That is, in the state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the meshing portion 640 does not overlap, for example, the nozzle connecting portion 631 in the up-down direction.

[0079] Since the meshing portion 640 is located further forward than the nozzle connecting portion 631 in the state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the length of the portion of the rack cord 630 that is located further forward than the meshing portion 640 can be shortened compared to the case in which the meshing portion 640 is located further rearward than the nozzle connecting portion 631. Thus, the sliding resistance that occurs due to the contact between the rack cord 630 and the support portion 610 can be reduced when the nozzle 473 is advanced and retracted, and thus the advancing and retracting operation of the nozzle 473 can be stabilized. Further, since the sliding resistance can be reduced, the motor for advancing and retracting the nozzle 473 can be downsized. Further, since the overall length of the rack cord 630 is shortened, the nozzle driving unit 476 can be downsized.

[0080] Further, as shown in Figure 7 , in the state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the meshing portion 640 is located, for example, further rearward than the front end 630a of the rack cord 630. Further, in the state in which the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the meshing portion 640 is located, for example, within 4 teeth from the front end 630a of the rack cord 630.

[0081] More specifically, the engaging portion 632 of the rack and pinion rope 630 has, for example, a first tooth 633a, a second tooth 633b, a third tooth 633c, a fourth tooth 633d, and a fifth tooth 633e arranged sequentially from the front end 630a side. The first tooth 633a to the fifth tooth 633e each have a front end 634 and a rear end 635. The front end 634 of the first tooth 633a constitutes the front end 630a of the rack and pinion rope 630. When the nozzle 473 is in the retracted position, the engaging portion 640 is, for example, located further rearward than the front end 634 of the first tooth 633a. Furthermore, when the nozzle 473 is in the retracted position, the engaging portion 640 is, for example, located further rearward than the front end 634 of the first tooth 633a and further forward than the front end 634 of the fifth tooth 633e. That is, when the nozzle 473 is in the retracted position, the engagement portion 640 is formed, for example, by at least any one of the following: the rear end 635 of the first tooth 633a, the front end 634 of the second tooth 633b, the rear end 635 of the second tooth 633b, the front end 634 of the third tooth 633c, the rear end 635 of the third tooth 633c, the front end 634 of the fourth tooth 633d, and the rear end 635 of the fourth tooth 633d.

[0082] Additionally, the meshing portion 640 is, for example, the part of the rack and pinion rope 630 that abuts against the gear 620 on the pitch circle P of the gear 620. In this example, when the nozzle 473 is in the retracted position, the meshing portion 640 is the part where the front end 634 of the second tooth 633b abuts against the gear 620.

[0083] Since the engagement portion 640 is located further back than the front end 630a of the rack and pinion rope 630 when the nozzle 473 is in the retracted position, the gear 620 can engage more reliably with the rack and pinion rope 630.

[0084] Furthermore, since the engagement portion 640 is located within four teeth from the front end 630a of the rack rope 630 when the nozzle 473 is in the retracted position, the gear 620 can engage more reliably with the rack rope 630. At the same time, even when the nozzle 473 is in the extended position, the rack rope 630 can be prevented from protruding outside the housing 400.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, the meshing portion 640 is, for example, positioned above the central shaft 620a of the gear 620. That is, the central shaft 620a of the gear 620 is, for example, positioned below the meshing portion 640.

[0086] Since the central shaft 620a of the gear 620 is located lower than the meshing portion 640, the height of the nozzle drive unit 476 can be reduced compared to the case where the central shaft 620a of the gear 620 is located higher than the meshing portion 640.

[0087] Further, in this example, the engagement portion 640 is provided more forward than the center axis 620a of the gear 620. That is, in this example, the center axis 620a of the gear 620 is located more rearward than the engagement portion 640. The engagement portion 640 can be provided more rearward than the center axis 620a of the gear 620, or can be provided at the same position as the center axis 620a of the gear 620 in the front-rear direction.

[0088] Figure 8 is a side view showing a part of the nozzle driving unit involved in a modification of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 8 In this example, the engagement portion 640 and the nozzle connecting portion 631 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction in a state where the nozzle 473 is in the housed position. That is, in this example, the engagement portion 640 and the nozzle connecting portion 631 overlap in the up-down direction in a state where the nozzle 473 is in the housed position.

[0089] Since the engagement portion 640 and the nozzle connecting portion 631 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction in a state where the nozzle 473 is in the housed position, the length of the portion of the rack cord 630 located more forward than the engagement portion 640 can be shortened compared to the case where the engagement portion 640 is located more rearward than the nozzle connecting portion 631. Thus, the sliding resistance due to the contact of the rack cord 630 with the support portion 610 can be reduced when the nozzle 473 is advanced and retracted, and thus the advancing and retracting operation of the nozzle 473 can be stabilized. Further, since the sliding resistance can be reduced, the motor for advancing and retracting the nozzle 473 can be downsized. Further, since the overall length of the rack cord 630 is shortened, the nozzle driving unit 476 can be downsized.

[0090] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the nozzle involved in the embodiment.

[0091] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the A1-A2 line shown in Figure 4

[0092] As shown in Figure 9 On the body portion 611 of the support portion 610, a guide rail 613 for slidingly moving the nozzle 473 is provided.

[0093] The guide rail 613 has a base portion 613a, a first protruding portion 613b, a second protruding portion 613c, a first recessed portion 613d, and a second recessed portion 613e. The base portion 613a has a lower portion 614a located below the nozzle 473 and a side portion 614b located to the side of the nozzle 473.

[0094] ​The first protrusion 613b protrudes toward the right side from the side portion 614b of the base portion 613a. The second protrusion 613c protrudes toward the right side from the lower portion 614a of the base portion 613a. The first recess 613d and the second recess 613e are provided on the lower portion 614a of the base portion 613a and are recessed toward the lower side. The first recess 613d and the second recess 613e are provided between the first protrusion 613b and the second protrusion 613c. The first protrusion 613b and the second protrusion 613c are provided at positions that are not symmetrical with respect to the left and right.

[0095] On the nozzle 473, the first holding portion 473b, the second holding portion 473c, the first held portion 473d, and the second held portion 473e are provided. The first holding portion 473b is recessed toward the right side and slidably holds the first protrusion 613b. The second holding portion 473c is recessed toward the right side and slidably holds the second protrusion 613c. The first held portion 473d protrudes toward the lower side and is slidably held by the first recess 613d. The second held portion 473e protrudes toward the lower side and is slidably held by the second recess 613e. The first held portion 473d and the second held portion 473e are provided between the first holding portion 473b and the second holding portion 473c. The first holding portion 473b and the second holding portion 473c are provided at positions that are not symmetrical with respect to the left and right.

[0096] By providing the first holding portion 473b and the second holding portion 473c (the first protrusion 613b and the second protrusion 613c) at positions that are not symmetrical with respect to the left and right, it is possible to lengthen the distance between the first holding portion 473b and the second holding portion 473c. Thus, it is possible to suppress the shaking when the nozzle 473 is slid, to suppress the noise when the nozzle 473 is slid, and to improve the stability of the operation.

[0097] Figure 10 is a side view showing the vicinity of the nozzle according to the embodiment.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10 , the electrolytic cell unit 450 is mounted on the support portion 610 of the nozzle driving unit 476 by the mounting member 450a on the side of the nozzle driving unit 476. Further, as described above, the electrolytic cell unit 450 is connected to the nozzle 473 not by the vacuum regulating valve 452 but by the flow rate adjusting portion 471 and the flow path switching portion 472.

[0099] By mounting the electrolyzer unit 450 on the nozzle driving unit 476, it is possible to arrange the electrolyzer unit 450 in the vicinity of the nozzle 473. Thus, since the volume of the path from the electrolyzer unit 450 to the nozzle 473 becomes small, it is possible to make the functional water generated in the electrolyzer unit 450 reach the nozzle 473 in a shorter time. Thus, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the effect when the functional water reaches the nozzle 473 from the electrolyzer unit 450. Further, by mounting the electrolyzer unit 450 on the nozzle driving unit 476, it is possible to effectively utilize the space inside the housing 400, as compared with the case where the electrolyzer unit 450 and the nozzle driving unit 476 are arranged separately. Thus, it is possible to miniaturize the sanitary washing device 100 and improve the designability.

[0100] Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b) is a side view showing a part of the nozzle driving unit according to the embodiment.

[0101] Figure 11 (b) is Figure 11 (a) is an enlarged view of the region R3 shown in (a).

[0102] In Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b), the cover portion 612 having the support portion 610 and the rack cord 630 are shown.

[0103] As Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b) show, on the cover portion 612, a first rack receiving portion 615 and a second rack receiving portion 616 that receive the rack cord 630 are provided.

[0104] The first rack receiving portion 615 is provided so as to receive the rack cord 630 when the nozzle 473 is in the receiving position. The first rack receiving portion 615 is a groove provided on the side surface of the cover portion 612. In this example, the first rack receiving portion 615 is provided so as to extend rearward from the position of the nozzle connecting portion 631 when the nozzle 473 is in the receiving position and to bend downward and further bend forward.

[0105] The second rack receiving portion 616 is provided so as to receive the rack cord 630 when the nozzle 473 is in the extended position. The second rack receiving portion 616 is a groove provided on the side surface of the cover portion 612. In this example, the second rack receiving portion 616 is provided so as to extend straight downward from the position further forward than the front end 630a of the rack cord 630 when the nozzle 473 is in the receiving position.

[0106] The rack cord 630 is engaged with the gear 620 between the first rack receiving portion 615 and the second rack receiving portion 616. That is, the first rack receiving portion 615 is a portion that receives the rack cord 630 before engagement with the gear 620, and the second rack receiving portion 616 is a portion that receives the rack cord 630 after engagement with the gear 620.

[0107] As ​ As shown in (b), the second rack receiving portion 616 has an extension existing portion 616a that extends in a straight line, and a guide portion 616b provided on a rear end of the extension existing portion 616a. The guide portion 616b is provided such that an opening width in the up-down direction gradually increases toward the rear from the rear end of the extension existing portion 616a. More specifically, a face S2 that constitutes a lower end of the guide portion 616b is inclined to a face S1 that constitutes a lower end of the extension existing portion 616a. The angle of the face S2 with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the face S1 with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0108] As described above, in the state where the nozzle 473 is in the receiving position, when the engagement portion 640 is located further forward than the nozzle connecting portion 631, the vicinity of the front end 630a of the rack cord 630 is likely to be warped downward. By providing the guide portion 616b on the second rack receiving portion 616, even if the vicinity of the front end 630a of the rack cord 630 is warped downward, the front end 630a of the rack cord 630 can be guided to the extension existing portion 616a. Thus, it is possible to suppress the sliding failure.

[0109] Further, as described above, the first rack receiving portion 615 is bent. By bending the first rack receiving portion 615, it is possible to downsize the nozzle driving unit 476. On the other hand, when the first rack receiving portion 615 is bent, the sliding resistance between the rack cord 630 and the first rack receiving portion 615 is likely to increase on the bent portion.

[0110] On the contrary, since the engagement portion 640 is located at the same position as the nozzle connecting portion 631 or further forward than the nozzle connecting portion 631 in the front-rear direction in the state where the nozzle 473 is in the receiving position, it is possible to shorten the length of the rack cord 630 passing through the bent portion of the first rack receiving portion 615 compared to the case where the engagement portion 640 is located further rearward than the nozzle connecting portion 631. Thus, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance when the nozzle 473 is advanced and retracted.

[0111] As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a sanitary cleaning device that can reduce the sliding resistance when the nozzle is advanced and retracted.

[0112] The above describes embodiments of the present application. However, the present application is not limited to these descriptions. As for the foregoing embodiments, as long as the features of the present application are possessed, technologies that are appropriately designed and changed by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present application. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, arrangement form, and the like of each element possessed by the sanitary cleaning device and the like are not limited to the exemplified content, and can be appropriately changed.

[0113] Furthermore, as long as it is technically feasible, each element possessed by the foregoing embodiments can be combined, but as long as the features of the present application are included, these combined technologies are also included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A hygienic cleaning device, comprising: shell; The nozzle is used to clean specific areas of the body. and a nozzle drive unit, which causes the nozzle to move forward and backward between a retracted position housed in the housing and an extended position extending from the housing. Its features are, The nozzle driving unit has: The support part supports the nozzle and has a guide rail for sliding the nozzle. Gears provide the driving force for moving the nozzle forward and backward; and a rack and pinion rope, connected to the nozzle and meshing with the gear. The rack and pinion rope has a nozzle connection portion that connects to the nozzle. The support portion includes: a storage portion for guiding the rack rope after it meshes with the gear; and a guide portion disposed at the rear end of the storage portion, the width of which gradually increases rearward in the vertical direction. When the nozzle is in the retracted position, the meshing part of the gear and the rack and pinion is located in the front-rear direction at the same position as the nozzle connection part or further forward than the nozzle connection part.

2. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the nozzle in the retracted position, the engagement portion is located further back than the front end of the rack and pinion.

3. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the nozzle is in the retracted position, the engagement portion is located within four teeth from the front end of the rack and cord.

4. The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The central axis of the gear is located below the meshing portion.

5. The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The nozzle connection is connected to the side of the nozzle.

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