Sanitary washing device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sanitary washing device capable of suppressing height. Provided is a sanitary washing device characterized by being provided with: a case; a nozzle unit which has a cleaning nozzle that is bent so as to protrude upward and which moves forward and backward between the housing and the toilet; a rack which is connected to the nozzle unit and has flexibility; the gear is meshed with the rack; a drive motor that moves the rack by means of the gear so as to advance and retreat the nozzle unit; and a rack guide that guides the rack, the rack guide including a curved portion including a portion curved in a direction intersecting a front-rear direction as the rack guide approaches rearward, the gear being located rearward of the nozzle unit in a side view, and the curved portion being located rearward of the gear in a side view.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] A sanitary washing device having a nozzle that advances and retreats with respect to a toilet bowl is known. The sanitary washing device performs local washing of a human body part by discharging washing water from the nozzle that has advanced into the toilet bowl. It is desirable to suppress the height of the sanitary washing device.

[0003] PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6686382 SUMMARY

[0004] The present application has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sanitary washing device capable of suppressing the height.

[0005] A first application is a sanitary washing device characterized by comprising: a housing; a nozzle unit having a washing nozzle curved in a manner that protrudes upward and advancing and retreating between the housing and a toilet bowl; a rack connected to the nozzle unit and having flexibility; a pinion engaging with the rack; a drive motor moving the rack via the pinion, thereby advancing and retreating the nozzle unit; and a rack guide member guiding the rack, the rack guide member including a curved portion extending by turning back in a front-rear direction, the pinion being located behind the nozzle unit when viewed from the side, and the curved portion being located behind the pinion when viewed from the side.

[0006] According to the sanitary washing device, the nozzle unit, the pinion, and the curved portion are suppressed from being arranged so as to overlap each other in the up-down direction, and the height of the sanitary washing device can be suppressed.

[0007] A second application is a sanitary washing device according to the first application, characterized in that the pinion is located closer to the lower side than an upper end of a member provided with the rack guide member.

[0008] According to the sanitary washing device, the height of the sanitary washing device can be suppressed from becoming higher due to the position of the pinion in the up-down direction.

[0009] A third application is a sanitary washing device according to the first application, characterized in that, in the housed state, the washing nozzle is located closer to the lower side than an upper end of a member provided with the rack guide member.

[0010] According to the sanitary washing device, the height of the sanitary washing device can be suppressed from becoming higher due to the position of the washing nozzle in the housed state.

[0011] The fourth invention is a sanitary washing device characterized in that, in any one of the first to third inventions, the end portion of the rack on the rear side is located at a position further toward the rear than a position at which the gear and the rack are engaged.

[0012] According to the sanitary washing device, even in a case where the rack is turned back by the turning-back portion, the rear side of the rack and the gear can be inhibited from overlapping in the vertical direction, and the height of the sanitary washing device can be inhibited.

[0013] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sanitary washing device in which the height can be inhibited. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device provided with the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a main part structure of the sanitary washing device. Figure 3 is a mode perspective view illustrating a partial washing device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a mode view illustrating the partial washing device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a mode perspective view illustrating a nozzle unit according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a mode perspective view illustrating a support portion according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a mode perspective view illustrating a body portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a mode plan view illustrating the body portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a mode perspective view illustrating a cover portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. Figure 10 is a mode view illustrating the partial washing device according to the embodiment. SYMBOL EXPLANATION 10 - shell; 11 - shell plate; 12 - shell cover; 12a - opening and closing cover; 20 - toilet seat; 25 - toilet cover; 30 - local cleaning device; 40 - support portion; 41 - body portion; 42 - nozzle arrangement portion; 42t - upper surface; 43 - longitudinal portion; 44 - nozzle cleaning portion; 44a - water discharge port; 45 - groove portion; 46 - guide rail portion; 47a - motor arrangement portion; 47b - gear arrangement portion; 48 - cover portion; 48a - first convex portion; 48b - second convex portion; 48s - side surface; 50 - drive motor; 52 - gear; 53 - rack; 53r - rear end portion; 53t - top end portion; 54 - rack guide; 54e - engagement position; 54g - passage; 60 - nozzle unit; 70 - flow path switching valve; 71 - flow rate adjusting portion; 72 - flow path switching portion; 72a - valve body; 73 - cartridge; 73a - protrusion portion; 73b - recess portion; 73c - engagement portion; 75 - main body cleaning flow path; 76 - discharge flow path; 77 - discharge portion; 79 - water supply flow path; 80 - nozzle body; 80a - buttocks cleaning flow path; 80b - gentle cleaning flow path; 80c - lower body cleaning flow path; 83a - buttocks cleaning water discharge port; 83b - gentle cleaning water discharge port; 83c - lower body cleaning water discharge port; 85 - cleaning nozzle; 90 - nozzle cover; 100 - sanitary cleaning device; 110 - pipe; 120 - electromagnetic valve; 121 - pressure regulating valve; 122 - check valve; 123 - heat exchanger unit; 124 - flow rate sensor; 125 - vacuum breaker; 126 - electrolytic cell unit; 127 - pressure adjusting portion; 130 - control portion; 135 - power supply circuit; 140 - operation portion; 150 - seating detection sensor; 200 - toilet bowl; 200t - upper surface; 300 - flush toilet device; 500 - water supply source; 541 - first curved portion; 542 - second curved portion; 543, 544 - straight portions; Al, A2 - arrows; L40 - position; L54 - position; PI, P2 - portions; P53r, P54e - positions; Pal - front portion; Pa2 - rear portion; Pbl - front portion; Pb2 - rear portion; T40, T54 - positions; gl - first guide surface; g2 - second guide surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Also, in each drawing, like components are denoted by like reference numerals and detailed description will be appropriately omitted. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flush toilet device provided with a sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. As Figure 1As shown, the toilet flushing device 300 according to the embodiment includes the sanitary washing device 100 and a western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter, simply referred to as "toilet bowl") 200. The sanitary washing device 100 is provided above the toilet bowl 200. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a local washing device 30 for washing a user's local part seated on a toilet seat 20.

[0016] The housing 10 has a housing plate 11 and a housing cover 12. The housing plate 11 constitutes a bottom portion of the housing 10. The housing plate 11 is placed above a rear portion of the toilet bowl 200. The housing cover 12 is provided on the housing plate 11 so as to cover an upper portion of the housing plate 11. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 25 are rotatably supported on the housing cover 12.

[0017] Inside a space surrounded by the housing plate 11 and the housing cover 12, the housing 10 accommodates the local washing device 30. In addition, the housing 10 accommodates, for example, an opening and closing unit that controls opening and closing operations of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 25, a toilet seat heating unit that controls a temperature of the toilet seat 20, a communication unit that can communicate with an operation unit or the like, and the like.

[0018] In the present application specification, as shown in Figure 1 "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "right" and "left" are directions viewed from a user seated on the toilet seat 20 with the back facing the toilet lid 25.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a main portion structure of the sanitary washing device. Figure 2 In the meantime, a main portion structure of a water system and an electric system of the sanitary washing device 100 is shown. As shown in Figure 2 The sanitary washing device 100 has a pipe 110. The pipe 110 extends from a water supply source 500 such as a water supply pipe or a water storage tank to the nozzle unit 60. The pipe 110 guides water supplied from the water supply source 500 to the nozzle unit 60.

[0020] An electromagnetic valve 120 is provided on an upstream side of the pipe 110. The electromagnetic valve 120 is an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed, and controls supply of water in accordance with an instruction from a control unit 130 provided inside the housing 10. In other words, the electromagnetic valve 120 opens and closes the pipe 110. By bringing the electromagnetic valve 120 to an open state, water supplied from the water supply source 500 flows in the pipe 110.

[0021] A pressure regulating valve 121 is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve 120. When the supply water pressure is high, the pressure regulating valve 121 regulates the pressure in the pipe 110 to a prescribed pressure range. A check valve 122 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 121. The check valve 122 inhibits backflow of water to the upstream side of the check valve 122 when the pressure in the pipe 110 decreases, and the like.

[0022] A heat exchanger unit 123 (heating section) is provided downstream of the check valve 122. The heat exchanger unit 123 has a heater that heats water supplied from the supply water source 500 to a prescribed temperature. That is, the heat exchanger unit 123 generates warm water.

[0023] The heat exchanger unit 123 is, for example, an instantaneous heat type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger that uses a ceramic heater or the like. The instantaneous heat type heat exchanger can heat water to a prescribed temperature in a shorter time than a storage hot water heating type heat exchanger that uses a storage hot water tank. Also, the heat exchanger unit 123 is not limited to the instantaneous heat type heat exchanger, but can also be a storage hot water heating type heat exchanger. In addition, the heating section is not limited to the heat exchanger, but can also be a heating section that uses another heating method, such as a heating section that uses microwave heating, and the like.

[0024] The heat exchanger unit 123 is connected to a control section 130. The control section 130 controls the heat exchanger unit 123, for example, in accordance with an operation of an operation section 140 by a user, thereby heating water to a temperature set by the operation section 140.

[0025] A flow rate sensor 124 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 123. The flow rate sensor 124 detects the flow rate of water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 123. That is, the flow rate sensor 124 detects the flow rate of water flowing in the pipe 110. The flow rate sensor 124 is connected to the control section 130. The flow rate sensor 124 inputs the detection result of the flow rate to the control section 130.

[0026] A vacuum breaker (VB) 125 is provided downstream of the flow rate sensor 124. The vacuum breaker 125 has, for example, a flow path for flowing water, a suction port for introducing air into the flow path, and a valve structure that opens and closes the suction port. For example, when water is flowing in the flow path, the valve structure blocks the suction port, and opens the suction port to introduce air into the flow path while the water flow is stopped. That is, when there is no water flow in the pipe 110, the vacuum breaker 125 introduces air into the pipe 110. The valve structure uses, for example, a float valve.

[0027] The vacuum breaker 125 introduces air into the pipe 110, thereby facilitating drainage of a portion further downstream than the vacuum breaker 125, for example. The vacuum breaker 125 facilitates drainage of the nozzle unit 60, for example. In this way, the vacuum breaker 125 discharges water in the nozzle unit 60 and introduces air into the nozzle unit 60, thereby suppressing backflow of the cleaning water and the like in the nozzle unit 60 to the water supply source 500 (upstream), for example.

[0028] The electrolytic cell unit 126 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 125. The electrolytic cell unit 126 electrolyzes tap water flowing inside, thereby generating a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from the tap water. The electrolytic cell unit 126 is connected to the control section 130. The electrolytic cell unit 126 generates the functional water in accordance with control by the control section 130.

[0029] The functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 can be a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions or copper ions, for example. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 can be a solution containing electrolytic chlorine or ozone, for example. Alternatively, the functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 can be acidic water or alkaline water.

[0030] The pressure modulation section 127 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 126. The pressure modulation section 127 imparts a pulse or acceleration to the water flow in the pipe 110, and imparts a pulse to water discharged from the water discharge port of the cleaning nozzle 85 or the water discharge port of the nozzle cleaning section 44. That is, the pressure modulation section 127 changes the flow state of water flowing in the pipe 110. The pressure modulation section 127 is connected to the control section 130. The pressure modulation section 127 changes the flow state of water in accordance with control by the control section 130. The pressure modulation section 127 changes the pressure of water in the pipe 110.

[0031] The flow rate adjustment section 71 and the flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching device) are provided downstream of the pressure modulation section 127. The flow rate adjustment section 71 (flow rate adjustment valve) adjusts the water potential (flow rate). The flow path switching valve 70 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment section 71. The flow path switching valve 70 is connected to the water supply flow path 79. Water is supplied to the flow path switching valve 70 from the upstream side via the water supply flow path 79.

[0032] The flow path switching valve 70 is a unit having a flow path switching section 72. The flow path switching section 72 performs opening and closing and switching of water supply to the nozzle body 80 of the cleaning nozzle 85 and the nozzle cleaning section 44. The flow rate adjustment section 71 and the flow path switching section 72 are connected to the control section 130. The operation of the flow rate adjustment section 71 and the flow path switching section 72 is controlled by the control section 130.

[0033] A plurality of flow paths (hip washing flow path 80a, gentle washing flow path 80b, lower body washing flow path 80c, body cleaning flow path 75, and spouting flow path 76) are connected downstream of the flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching section 72). The hip washing flow path 80a, gentle washing flow path 80b, and lower body washing flow path 80c are provided inside the nozzle body 80. The hip washing flow path 80a, gentle washing flow path 80b, and lower body washing flow path 80c are flow paths that supply water to a water spouting port that spouts water to a part of the human body. That is, the washing nozzle 85 spouts water supplied from the flow path switching section 72 through the hip washing flow path 80a, gentle washing flow path 80b, and lower body washing flow path 80c.

[0034] The body cleaning flow path 75 is a pipe that connects the flow path switching valve 70 and the nozzle cleaning section 44. The nozzle cleaning section 44 spouts water supplied from the flow path switching section 72 through the body cleaning flow path 75 to the outer peripheral surface (body) of the washing nozzle 85. Thus, the nozzle cleaning section 44 cleans the washing nozzle 85.

[0035] The spouting flow path 76 is a pipe that connects the flow path switching valve 70 and the spouting section 77. The spouting section 77 is, for example, a nozzle that spouts water supplied from the flow path switching section 72 through the spouting flow path 76 as mist into the bowl of the toilet 200. By spouting water into the bowl, it is possible to suppress the attachment of dirt in the toilet 200.

[0036] The flow path switching section 72 switches the opening and closing of each of the hip washing flow path 80a, gentle washing flow path 80b, lower body washing flow path 80c, body cleaning flow path 75, and spouting flow path 76. By the opening of each flow path, a water passing state in which water is supplied and flows is established. By the closing of each flow path, a water stopping state (for example, a state in which water does not flow) in which the supply of water is stopped is established.

[0037] The flow path switching section 72 switches between a state in which each water spouting port provided on the washing nozzle 85 and the water spouting port provided on the nozzle cleaning section 44, and the like are connected to the pipe 110, and a state in which each water spouting port is not connected to the pipe 110. Among the plurality of flow paths connected downstream of the flow path switching valve 70, the flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching section 72) switches the flow path through which water passes. In other words, among the plurality of flow paths connected downstream of the flow path switching valve 70, the flow path switching valve 70 selects a flow path through which water is supplied to the downstream side.

[0038] The control unit 130 is, for example, a control circuit that includes electrical circuitry such as a CPU (central processing unit). Power is supplied to the control unit 130 from the power supply circuit 135. The control unit 130 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 120, heat exchanger unit 123, electrolytic cell unit 126, pressure modulation unit 127, flow regulation unit 71, flow path switching unit 72, drive motor 50, etc., based on signals from the seating detection sensor 150, flow sensor 124, operation unit 140, etc. Thus, the control unit 130 controls the operation of the nozzle unit 60.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the local cleaning apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic representation of the local cleaning device 30 of the sanitary cleaning device 100 as viewed from the left side. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the local cleaning device 30 includes a nozzle unit 60, a rack 53, a gear 52 (gear), a drive motor 50, and a rack guide 54.

[0040] The nozzle unit 60 is bent in an upward convex manner. The nozzle unit 60 has a cleaning nozzle 85 and a flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching part 72) located behind the cleaning nozzle 85. The flow path switching valve 70 is connected to the rear end of the cleaning nozzle 85, which is bent in an upward convex manner.

[0041] Nozzle unit 60 in relation to Figure 1 The shell 10, as described, moves forward and backward between the toilet bowl 200. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (Except for the double-dotted line) indicates the retracted state of the nozzle unit 60. In the retracted state, the top of the nozzle unit 60 is located further rearward than the front of the housing 12, and is located below the housing 12. For example, in the retracted state, the nozzle unit 60 is located behind the opening / closing cover 12a of the housing 12, and is housed within the housing 12 and the housing plate 11 (see reference). Figure 1 Between ), the retracted position is, for example, the furthest rearward position within the movable range of the nozzle unit 60. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the side, the rear portion of the cleaning nozzle 85 is tilted forward, and the front portion of the cleaning nozzle 85 is tilted forward and downward. That is, for example, in the folded state, the upper end (apex) of the cleaning nozzle 85 or the nozzle unit 60 is located in the middle of the front-rear direction of the nozzle unit 60.

[0042] Figure 4In the entry state, the tip end of the nozzle unit 60 is positioned in a position closer to the front than the front end of the cover 12. For example, the tip end of the nozzle unit 60 in the entry state is positioned in a position closer to the front than the cover 12a and has entered a position closer to the front in the toilet 200 than the case 10. When the nozzle unit 60 enters the toilet 200, the cover 12a is opened by the tip end of the nozzle unit 60. The entry position is, for example, a position closest to the front in the movable range of the nozzle unit 60. The tip end of the nozzle unit 60 in the entry state is positioned in a position closer to the front and lower than the tip end of the nozzle unit 60 in the storage state.

[0043] The rack 53 is a flexible rack (linear rack) having flexibility. The rack 53 has flexibility to be movable in the curved rack guide 54 (passage 54g). The rack 53 can use, for example, resin. The rack 53 has a tip end 53t on the front side and a rear end 53r on the opposite side of the tip end 53t in the direction of extension of the rack guide 54. The tip end 53t of the rack 53 is connected to the engagement portion 73c of the nozzle unit 60.

[0044] The gear 52 is a gear in a substantially circular shape in a side view. The teeth of the gear 52 are engaged with the teeth of the rack 53. On the gear 52 side of the rack 53, a plurality of teeth engaged with the gear 52 are arranged in the direction of extension of the rack 53. The rack 53 is a rack gear that converts the rotational motion of the gear 52 into linear motion.

[0045] The drive motor 50 is engaged with the gear 52. The gear 52 is mounted to the rotational shaft of the drive motor 50. The driving force of the drive motor 50 is transmitted to the rack 53 via the gear 52, and the rack 53 is moved. The drive motor 50 moves the rack 53, and thus the nozzle unit 60 is advanced and retracted.

[0046] The rack guide 54 guides the rack 53 moved by the driving force of the drive motor 50. The rack guide 54 is a portion that houses the rack 53 and slidably holds the rack 53. The rack guide 54 defines a passage 54g (track of the rack 53) in which the rack 53 moves.

[0047] More specifically, the rack guide 54 has a first guide surface g1 and a second guide surface g2 that guide the rack 53. The passage 54g is formed between the first guide surface g1 and the second guide surface g2. The rack 53 abuts against the first guide surface g1 and the second guide surface g2, and thus slides along the first guide surface g1 and the second guide surface g2.

[0048] For example, from the entry position, the nozzle unit 60 is moved to the storage position. In the entry position, the tip end of the nozzle unit 60 is positioned in a position closer to the front than the front end of the cover 12. For example, the tip end of the nozzle unit 60 in the entry state is positioned in a position closer to the front than the cover 12a and has entered a position closer to the front in the toilet 200 than the case 10. When the nozzle unit 60 enters the toilet 200, the cover 12a is opened by the tip end of the nozzle unit 60. The entry position is, for example, a position closest to the front in the movable range of the nozzle unit 60. The tip end of the nozzle unit 60 in the entry state is positioned in a position closer to the front and lower than the tip end of the nozzle unit 60 in the storage state. Figure 4In the illustrated housed state, when the gear 52 rotates in the clockwise direction by the driving motor 50, the rack 53 moves forward in the curved rack guide 54. That is, the tip end portion 53t of the rack 53 moves forward along the arrow Al on the circular arc-shaped track in the first curved portion 541 of the rack guide 54. The rear end portion 53r of the rack 53 moves from the linear portion 544 of the rack guide 54 through the second curved portion 542 to the linear portion 543 along the arrow A2. The rack 53 presses the engagement portion 73c forward, and thus the nozzle unit 60 enters the toilet 200. Figure 4 In the illustrated position, the rack 53 moves forward in the curved rack guide 54. That is, the tip end portion 53t of the rack 53 moves forward along the arrow Al on the circular arc-shaped track in the first curved portion 541 of the rack guide 54. The rear end portion 53r of the rack 53 moves from the linear portion 544 of the rack guide 54 through the second curved portion 542 to the linear portion 543 along the arrow A2. The rack 53 presses the engagement portion 73c forward, and thus the nozzle unit 60 enters the toilet 200.

[0049] On the other hand, for example, from the state in which the rack 53 moves forward and the nozzle unit 60 is in the entering state, when the gear 52 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the rack 53 moves backward. The rack 53 moves backward in the curved rack guide 54 to return to the Figure 4 illustrated position. That is, the tip end portion 53t of the rack 53 moves backward along the opposite direction of the arrow Al on the circular arc-shaped track in the first curved portion 541 of the rack guide 54. The rear end portion 53r of the rack 53 moves from the linear portion 543 of the rack guide 54 through the second curved portion 542 to the linear portion 544 along the opposite direction of the arrow A2. The rack 53 presses the engagement portion 73c backward, and thus the nozzle unit 60 retreats into the case 10.

[0050] As such, the nozzle unit 60 is able to move between the entering position and the retreating position along the circular arc-shaped track by the driving force of the driving motor 50 transmitted by the gear 52 and the rack 53.

[0051] The partial cleaning device 30 further has a support portion 40. The support portion 40 is fixed to the case 10, for example (see Figure 1 ). The support portion 40 slidably supports the nozzle unit 60. The support portion 40 is positioned below the nozzle unit 60 and supports the nozzle unit 60 from below.

[0052] The support portion 40 is provided at a position higher than the upper face 200t (inner edge face, see Figure 1 ) of the toilet 200, for example. For example, in the housed state, the nozzle unit 60 is positioned at a position closer to the upper side than the upper face 200t. Thus, the invasion of sewage into the partial cleaning device 30 is suppressed, and the support portion 40 and the nozzle unit 60 can be prevented from getting dirty.

[0053] Figure 5 is a mode diagram of the nozzle unit according to the embodiment. The cleaning nozzle 85 has a curved (or bent) cylindrical nozzle body 80 and a curved cylindrical nozzle cover 90 that covers the outer periphery of the nozzle body 80.

[0054] At the tip portion of the washing nozzle 85, there are provided water discharge ports (hip washing water discharge port 83a, gentle washing water discharge port 83b, lower body washing water discharge port 83c) that discharge water to the upper body part in the entering state of the nozzle unit 60. Figure 2 The hip washing flow path 80a, the gentle washing flow path 80b, and the lower body washing flow path 80c, which are represented in a middle mode, are provided in the nozzle body 80.

[0055] The hip washing flow path 80a causes water to flow from the flow path switching portion 72 to the hip washing water discharge port 83a. The hip washing water discharge port 83a discharges water supplied from the hip washing flow path 80a from the flow path switching portion 72. The gentle washing flow path 80b causes water to flow from the flow path switching portion 72 to the gentle washing water discharge port 83b. The gentle washing water discharge port 83b discharges water supplied from the gentle washing flow path 80b from the flow path switching portion 72. The lower body washing flow path 80c causes water to flow from the flow path switching portion 72 to the lower body washing water discharge port 83c. The lower body washing water discharge port 83c discharges water supplied from the lower body washing flow path 80c from the flow path switching portion 72.

[0056] The flow path switching valve 70 is, for example, continuous to the rear end of the nozzle body 80. The flow path switching valve 70 has a case 73 that houses the flow path switching portion 72. The flow path switching portion 72 has a valve body 72a. As the valve body 72a, for example, a rotor and a stator can be used. The stator is, for example, disc-shaped, and has a port (opening) connected to each flow path. The rotor is disc-shaped, and is disposed on the upstream side of the stator in opposition to the stator. A driving mechanism having a motor or an electromagnetic valve or the like causes the rotor to rotate. The rotor rotates while contacting the stator, and thus can switch between a state in which the rotor closes the port and a state in which the rotor opens the port. By closing the port, the flow path connected to the port is in a water-stopping state. By opening the port, the flow path connected to the port is in a water-passing state. This is not limiting, and the flow path switching portion 72 can also adopt any structure that can switch the flow of water through the flow path.

[0057] The case 73 is, for example, attached to the nozzle body 80. A part of the case 73 can also be formed integrally with a part of the nozzle body 80. The nozzle cover 90 is attached to the case 73 and the nozzle body 80. Thus, the flow path switching valve 70, the nozzle body 80, and the nozzle cover 90 are integrated, and the nozzle unit 60 is caused to slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the support portion 40.

[0058] As such, the washing nozzle 85 is curved in a manner that protrudes upward, and thus the height (width in the up-down direction) is suppressed in the housed state, and in the entering state, the washing nozzle can be caused to enter a position further close to the lower side. That is, a nozzle unit that is high in washing performance while the height is suppressed can be provided.

[0059] The box 73 has a protruding portion 73a and a recessed portion 73b. The protruding portion 73a and the recessed portion 73b are engaging portions that engage with a portion of the support portion 40 (a groove portion 45, a guide rail portion 46, which will be described later). The protruding portion 73a protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the box 73. The recessed portion 73b is provided to the outer periphery of the box 73.

[0060] In this example, the engaging portion 73c, which connects the nozzle unit 60 to the rack 53 (refer to Figure 4 ), is provided to the box 73. The engaging portion 73c is a protruding portion that protrudes sideways from the outer periphery of the box 73.

[0061] Figure 6 is a mode diagram of the support portion according to the embodiment. The support portion 40 has a body portion 41 and a cover portion 48 that covers the side of the body portion 41. Figure 7 is a mode diagram of the body portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a mode plan view of the body portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 6 , the body portion 41 has a nozzle arrangement portion 42, a longitudinal portion 43, and a nozzle cleaning portion 44. The nozzle arrangement portion 42 is, for example, the bottom portion of the body portion 41 and extends in the front-rear direction. The nozzle arrangement portion 42 is a portion on which the nozzle unit 60 in the housed state is arranged above. The upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement portion 42 is curved in a manner that protrudes upward, in correspondence with the shape of the nozzle cover 90. In the housed state, the nozzle unit 60 is curved along the upper surface 42t. That is, the nozzle unit 60 is housed above the upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement portion 42, along the upper surface 42t. The upper surface 42t may, for example, also be curved in a smooth manner, curved with a certain curvature.

[0062] The longitudinal portion 43 is plate-shaped and extends upward from the nozzle arrangement portion 42. The longitudinal portion 43 is curved in a manner that protrudes upward, in correspondence with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0063] For example, as shown in Figure 7 , the support portion 40 has a groove portion 45 that extends in the direction in which the nozzle unit 60 advances and retreats. In this example, the groove portion 45 is a slit-like opening that extends in the front-rear direction, through the longitudinal portion 43 in the thickness direction (left-right direction). The groove portion 45 is curved in a manner that protrudes upward, in correspondence with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8As shown, the support section 40 has a guide rail section 46 extending in the direction of advance and retreat of the nozzle unit 60. The guide rail section 46 protrudes in the left and right directions from the nozzle arrangement section 42, and is in the shape of a plate extending in the front and back directions. The guide rail section 46 is curved in a manner protruding upward, in correspondence with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0065] These groove sections 45 and guide rail section 46 become engaged sections that engage with a portion of the nozzle unit 60. When the nozzle unit 60 is caused to advance and retreat between inside the case 10 and inside the toilet bowl 200, the groove sections 45 and guide rail section 46 become portions that guide the nozzle unit 60.

[0066] That is, a protruding section 73a (see Figure 5 ) of the nozzle unit 60 is inserted into the groove section 45 and engages with the groove section 45. The protruding section 73a is held so as to be slidable along the groove section 45. A recessed section 73b (see Figure 5 ) of the nozzle unit 60 engages with the guide rail section 46 in a manner sandwiching the guide rail section 46. The recessed section 73b is held so as to be slidable along the guide rail section 46. In this way, in the groove section 45 and guide rail section 46, the nozzle unit 60 is held so as to be slidable with respect to the support section 40. Since the groove section 45 and guide rail section 46 are curved in the front and back directions, the nozzle unit 60 advances and retreats along a circular arc-shaped track.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6-8 , a nozzle cleaning section 44 is provided on the front end side of the nozzle arrangement section 42 and the longitudinal section 43. In this example, the nozzle cleaning section 44 is provided as a portion of the body section 41. The nozzle cleaning section 44 covers the outer periphery of the nozzle cover 90. A water discharge port 44a (see Figure 7 ) is provided on the inner periphery side of the nozzle cleaning section 44. The nozzle cleaning section 44 is supplied with water from the flow path switching section 72 through the body cleaning flow path 75. The nozzle cleaning section 44 discharges the water supplied through the body cleaning flow path 75 from the water discharge port 44a toward the nozzle cover 90 of the cleaning nozzle 85. In this way, the nozzle cleaning section 44 cleans the outer peripheral surface (body) of the nozzle cover 90.

[0068] For example, as shown in Figure 8 , in this example, the support section 40 has a motor arrangement section 47a. The motor arrangement section 47a is provided on the rear side of the nozzle arrangement section 42 of the body section 41, and covers the drive motor 50. That is, the drive motor 50 is housed inside the motor arrangement section 47a of the support section 40.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7 , the support section 40 has a gear arrangement section 47b. The gear arrangement section 47b is provided so as to be adjacent to the side of the motor arrangement section 47a. The gear 52 is arranged in the gear arrangement section 47b. That is, the gear 52 is housed inside the support section 40, on the side surface of the body section 41.

[0070] Figure 9 is a mode perspective view of a cover portion of a support portion according to an example embodiment. In this example, the rack guide 54 is provided as one body with the support portion 40. In other words, the rack guide 54 is included in the support portion 40. The support portion 40 of the nozzle unit 60 functions as a support portion of the rack guide 54.

[0071] For example, a passage 54g of the rack guide 54 is formed between the cover portion 48 (see Figure 9 ) and the body portion 41 (see Figure 7 ). At least a portion of the rack guide 54 is provided as one body with the cover portion 48, and is included in the cover portion 48 formed as one member.

[0072] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9 , the first protruding portion 48a and the second protruding portion 48b are provided on the support portion 40. The passage 54g of the rack guide 54 is formed between the first protruding portion 48a and the second protruding portion 48b. The first protruding portion 48a and the second protruding portion 48b protrude in the left-right direction from the side surface of the support portion 40 (in this example, the side surface 48s of the cover portion 48) and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0073] The first protruding portion 48a has a front portion Pa1 and a rear portion Pa2. The front portion Pa1 curves in a manner that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side. The rear portion Pa2 is located rearward of the front portion Pa1 and includes a portion that curves in a manner that extends upward as it approaches the rear. Figure 4 The first guide surface g1 explained above is a side surface of the first protruding portion 48a.

[0074] The second protruding portion 48b curves in the same manner as the first protruding portion 48a and extends along the first protruding portion 48a in a manner that encloses the outside of the first protruding portion 48a. The second protruding portion 48b has a front portion Pb1 that is adjacent to the front portion Pa1 of the first protruding portion 48a, and a rear portion Pb2 that is adjacent to the rear portion Pa2 of the first protruding portion 48a. The second protruding portion 48b is in the form of a parallel curve that is a prescribed distance from the first protruding portion 48a. Figure 4 The second guide surface g2 explained above is a side surface of the second protruding portion 48b.

[0075] Thus, the rack guide 54 (channel 54g) has a first bend 541 and a second bend 542. The first bend 541 is bent upwards in a manner corresponding to the shape of the cleaning nozzle 85. The first bend 541 corresponds to the channel between the front portion Pa1 and the front portion Pb1. The first bend 541 is bent with a certain curvature, for example. For example, the first bend 541 is along the upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement portion 42 (see reference). Figure 6 The first bend 541 is curved and forms a parallel curve at a predetermined distance relative to the upper 42t. When viewed from the side, the curvature of the first bend 541 can be substantially the same as the curvature of the upper 42t. The first bend 541 has: an upward slope extending toward the rear; and a downward slope extending from the rear end of the upward slope extending toward the rear.

[0076] The second bend 542 is located further rearward than the first bend 541. The second bend 542 includes a portion that bends in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction as it approaches the rear. The second bend 542 corresponds to the channel between the rear portion Pa2 and the rear portion Pb2. In this example, the second bend 542 has a shape that bulges rearward when viewed from the side, and is a folded portion extending in the front-rear direction. That is, the second bend 542 has a portion P1 that bends upward as it approaches the rear. The second bend 542 includes a portion P2 that continues from the upper end of portion P1 and bends forward as it approaches the upward. The second bend 542 bends, for example, with a certain curvature.

[0077] For example, when viewed from the side, at least a portion of the first bend 541 and at least a portion of the second bend 542 are arranged in a straight line extending in the front-back direction. In this example, the first bend 541 is located between the upper and lower ends of the second bend 542 (foldback portion) in the vertical direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the rack guide 54 may also have a straight portion 543 and a straight portion 544. The straight portion 543 connects the first curved portion 541 and the second curved portion 542 and extends in a straight line in the front-rear direction. The gear 52 located between the first curved portion 541 and the second curved portion 542 meshes with the rack 53 in the straight portion 543. The straight portion 544 extends in a straight line in the forward direction from the upper end of the second curved portion 542.

[0079] Furthermore, in Figure 9In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first protrusion 48a and the second protrusion 48b are provided to the cover portion 48, but at least a part of the first protrusion 48a and the second protrusion 48b can be provided to the body portion 41 side. At least a part of the rack guide 54 can be integrated with the body portion 41, or can be included in the body portion 41 formed as one member. Further, at least a part of the passage 54g of the rack guide 54 can be formed as a groove (recess) provided to the side surface of the support portion 40.

[0080] For example, as described above Figure 4 In the housed state of the nozzle unit 60, the washing nozzle 85 is adjacent to the first curved portion 541 in the left-right direction, and is positioned more forward than the second curved portion 542. In the housed state of the nozzle unit 60, the washing nozzle 85 is curved along the first curved portion 541. Since the washing nozzle 85 can be housed along the first curved portion 541, the height of the sanitary washing device 100 can be further suppressed.

[0081] When viewed from the side, the curvature of the washing nozzle 85 (nozzle cover 90) can be the same as the curvature of the first curved portion 541. For example, the first curved portion 541 can be a parallel curve with respect to the washing nozzle 85 (nozzle cover 90) in the housed state.

[0082] In the housed state of the nozzle unit 60, the washing nozzle 85 is disposed above Figure 6 the upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement portion 42 described in, for example, FIG. 1. In this way, the curved washing nozzle 85 is disposed above the curved upper surface 42t of the support portion 40. Thus, the washing nozzle 85 can be made to enter forward and downward, and water can be sprayed from a position closer to the lower side during partial washing. Therefore, a nozzle unit with a higher washing performance while the height is suppressed can be provided.

[0083] Figure 10 is a mode diagram of a partial washing device according to an embodiment. Figure 10 The mode diagram shows a situation in which the partial washing device 30 is viewed from the left side. Figure 10 In the mode diagram, the nozzle unit 60 is in the housed state.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10As shown, the gear 52 is positioned behind the nozzle unit 60 when viewed from the side. At least a portion of the gear 52 is aligned with at least a portion of the nozzle unit 60 (e.g., the washing nozzle 85) in a straight line extending in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side when the nozzle unit 60 is in the stowed state. Also, the left-right direction position of the gear 52 can be offset from the left-right direction position of the nozzle unit 60. The nozzle unit 60 in the stowed state can also not be aligned (need not overlap) with the gear 52 and the drive motor 50 in the up-down direction when viewed from the side.

[0085] The second bent portion 542 is positioned behind the gear 52 when viewed from the side. At least a portion of the second bent portion 542 is aligned with at least a portion of the gear 52 in a straight line extending in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side. The second bent portion 542 can also not be aligned with the gear 52 and the drive motor 50 in the up-down direction when viewed from the side.

[0086] A portion of the gear 52 is positioned between a portion of the nozzle unit 60 that has been stowed and the second bent portion 542 when viewed from the side. A straight line extending in the front-rear direction on which a portion of the nozzle unit 60, a portion of the gear 52, and a portion of the second bent portion 542 (the turn-back portion) are aligned.

[0087] As such, the gear 52 is positioned behind the nozzle unit 60, and the second bent portion 542 is positioned behind the gear 52. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the nozzle unit 60, the gear 52, and the second bent portion 542 from being arranged so as to overlap each other in the up-down direction, and it is possible to inhibit the height of the sanitary washing device 100, i.e., the length in the up-down direction of the portion constituted by the nozzle unit 60, the gear 52, the rack 53, and the rack guide 54 (the support portion 40) in the stowed state. For example, even if the nozzle unit 60 is not made to be lower than the inner edge surface of the toilet bowl at the time of stowage, it is possible to shorten the length from the inner edge surface to the upper end of the sanitary washing device 100, and it is possible to achieve a low height.

[0088] The gear 52 is positioned lower than the upper end of the member on which the rack guide 54 is provided. In this example, the member on which the rack guide 54 is provided is the support portion 40. For example, the gear 52 is positioned lower than the up-down direction position T40 of the upper end of the support portion 40. The gear 52 can also be positioned higher than the up-down direction position L40 of the lower end of the support portion 40.

[0089] Furthermore, in this example, although the vertical position T54 of the upper end of the rack guide 54 is substantially the same as the position T40 of the support portion 40, it can be different; for example, it can be located further downwards than position T40. Additionally, although the vertical position L54 of the lower end of the rack guide 54 is substantially the same as the position L40 of the support portion 40, it can be different; for example, it can be located further upwards than position L40.

[0090] For example, gear 52 is located lower than position T54 and higher than position L54. For example, gear 52 is located entirely between position T40 (position T54) and position L40 (position L54). This prevents the height of the hygienic cleaning device 100 from increasing due to the vertical position of gear 52.

[0091] In the folded state, the cleaning nozzle 85 is positioned further down than the upper end of the component equipped with the rack guide 54. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the cleaning nozzle 85 is located lower than the upper end position T40 of the support 40 (and the upper end position T54 of the rack guide 54). In the retracted state, the cleaning nozzle 85 is located higher than the lower end position L40 of the support 40 (and the lower end position L54 of the rack guide 54). For example, in the retracted state, the cleaning nozzle 85 is located between position T40 (position T54) and position L40 (position L54). This prevents the height of the hygienic cleaning device 100 from increasing due to the position of the cleaning nozzle in the retracted state.

[0092] Gear 52 and rack 53 mesh at the meshing position 54e of rack guide 54. The rear end of rack 53 is located further rearward than the meshing position of gear 52 and rack 53. That is, the front-rear position P53r of the rear end 53r of rack 53 is located further rearward than the front-rear position P54e of meshing position 54e. Position P54e is, for example, the center of gear 52 or the front-rear position of the rotation shaft of drive motor 50.

[0093] Since the rear end portion 53r is located further rearward than the engagement position 54e, even when the rack 53 folds back in the front-rear direction due to the retraction portion (second bending portion 542), the overlap between the rear end of the rack 53 and the gear 52 in the vertical direction can be suppressed, thus controlling the height of the hygienic cleaning device. For example, the rear end portion 53r of the rack 53 does not overlap with the engagement position 54e in the vertical direction, and the overlap range between the rack 53 and the gear 52 is small. Alternatively, the rear end portion 53r of the rack 53 may not overlap with the gear 52 in the vertical direction.

[0094] The embodiments can also include the following configurations. (Configuration 1) A sanitary washing device characterized by comprising: a housing; a nozzle unit having a washing nozzle curved in a manner protruding upward and moving in and out between the housing and a toilet bowl; a rack connected to the nozzle unit and having flexibility; a pinion engaged with the rack; a drive motor moving the rack via the pinion, thereby moving the nozzle unit in and out; and a rack guide guiding the rack, the rack guide including a curved portion extending by turning back in a front-rear direction, the pinion being located behind the nozzle unit when viewed from the side, the curved portion being located behind the pinion when viewed from the side. (Configuration 2) The sanitary washing device according to the configuration 1, characterized in that the pinion is located closer to the lower side than the upper end of a member provided with the rack guide. (Configuration 3) The sanitary washing device according to the configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the housed state, the washing nozzle is located closer to the lower side than the upper end of a member provided with the rack guide. (Configuration 4) The sanitary washing device according to any one of the configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that an end portion of the rear side of the rack is located closer to the rear side than a position at which the pinion and the rack are engaged.

[0095] The above describes the embodiments of the present application. However, the present application is not limited to the above description. As for the foregoing embodiments, as long as the features of the present application are possessed, the application to which appropriate design changes are added by those skilled in the art is also included in the scope of the present application. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element are not limited to the illustrated contents, but can be appropriately changed. In addition, as long as it is technically feasible, each element possessed by each of the foregoing embodiments can be combined, and as long as the technology after the combination includes the features of the present application, it is also included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A sanitary washing device characterized by having: a housing; a nozzle unit having a washing nozzle curved in a manner projecting upward and moving in and out between the housing and a toilet bowl; a rack connected to the nozzle unit and having flexibility; a gear engaging with the rack; a drive motor moving the rack via the gear, thereby moving the nozzle unit in and out; and a rack guide guiding the rack, the rack guide including a curved portion extending in a back-and-forth direction with a turn-back, the gear being located behind the nozzle unit when viewed from the side, the curved portion being located behind the gear when viewed from the side.

2. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gear is located closer to the lower side than the upper end of a member provided with the rack guide.

3. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the housed state, the washing nozzle is located closer to the lower side than the upper end of a member provided with the rack guide.

4. The hygienic washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an end portion of the rear side of the rack is located closer to the rear side than a position at which the gear and the rack engage.

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