Sanitary washing device

Abstract

To provide a sanitary washing device capable of suppressing a height.SOLUTION: A nozzle unit that has a casing and a washing nozzle curved so as to be convex upward and moves forward and backward between the casing and a toilet bowl, a rack that is connected to the nozzle unit and has flexibility, a gear that engages with the rack, a drive motor that moves the rack via the gear to move the nozzle unit forward and backward, and a rack guide that guides the rack, the gear is located behind the nozzle unit in a side view, and the curved portion is located behind the gear in a side view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention generally relate to sanitary washing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Sanitary washing devices equipped with a nozzle that advances and retreats relative to a toilet bowl are known. Sanitary washing devices perform private parts washing by discharging wash water from a nozzle that advances into the toilet bowl. It is desirable to reduce the height of the sanitary washing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6686382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and aims to provide a sanitary washing device whose height can be reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first invention is a sanitary washing device comprising: a casing; a nozzle unit having a washing nozzle that is curved so as to be convex upward and that moves back and forth between the casing and a toilet bowl; a flexible rack connected to the nozzle unit; a gear that engages with the rack; a drive motor that moves the rack via the gear, thereby moving the nozzle unit back and forth; and a rack guide that guides the rack, wherein the rack guide includes a curved portion that extends in a folded manner in the front-to-back direction, the gear is located behind the nozzle unit in a side view, and the curved portion is located behind the gear in a side view.

[0006] According to this sanitary washing device, the nozzle unit, the gear, and the curved portion are prevented from being arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction, and the height of the sanitary washing device can be reduced.

[0007] A second invention is the sanitary washing device according to the first invention, characterized in that the gear is located below an upper end of a member on which the rack guide is provided.

[0008] According to this sanitary washing device, the height of the sanitary washing device can be prevented from increasing due to the vertical position of the gear.

[0009] A third invention is a sanitary washing device according to the first invention, characterized in that the washing nozzle, when stored, is positioned below the upper end of the member on which the rack guide is provided.

[0010] With this sanitary washing device, the height of the sanitary washing device can be prevented from increasing depending on the position of the washing nozzle in the stored state.

[0011] A fourth invention is a sanitary washing device according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that the rear end of the rack is located rearward of the position where the gear and the rack engage.

[0012] With this sanitary washing device, even when the rack is folded back at the folding portion, vertical overlap between the rear side of the rack and the gear can be reduced, and the height of the sanitary washing device can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, a sanitary washing device that can be reduced in height is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet apparatus equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the sanitary washing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the local cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the local cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the nozzle unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a support portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a main body portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view illustrating the main body of the support according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a cover portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a local cleaning device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet apparatus equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, a toilet device 300 according to an embodiment includes a sanitary washing device 100 and a Western-style seated toilet bowl (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, simply referred to as "toilet bowl") 200. The sanitary washing device 100 is provided on top of the toilet bowl 200. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a genital washing device 30 for washing the genitals of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0016] The casing 10 has a case plate 11 and a case cover 12. The case plate 11 forms the bottom of the casing 10. The case plate 11 is placed on the rear of the toilet bowl 200. The case cover 12 is provided on top of the case plate 11 and covers the upper part of the case plate 11. The toilet seat 20 and toilet lid 25 are rotatably supported on the case cover 12.

[0017] The casing 10 houses the private parts cleansing device 30 inside the space surrounded by the case plate 11 and the case cover 12. The casing 10 also houses functional parts such as an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 25, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20, and a communication unit that can communicate with the operating unit, etc.

[0018] In this specification, "up," "down," "front," "back," "right," and "left" refer to directions as seen by a user sitting on toilet seat 20 with their back to toilet lid 25, as shown in Figure 1.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the sanitary washing device. FIG. 2 shows the main components of the water channel system and electrical system of the sanitary washing device 100. 2, the sanitary washing device 100 has a pipe 110. The pipe 110 extends from a water supply source 500, such as a tap or a water tank, to the nozzle unit 60. The pipe 110 guides water supplied from the water supply source 500 to the nozzle unit 60.

[0020] A solenoid valve 120 is provided upstream of the pipeline 110. The solenoid valve 120 is an openable and closable electromagnetic valve, and controls the supply of water based on commands from a control unit 130 provided inside the casing 10. In other words, the solenoid valve 120 opens and closes the pipeline 110. By opening the solenoid valve 120, water supplied from the water supply source 500 flows into the pipeline 110.

[0021] A pressure regulating valve 121 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 120. When the water supply pressure is high, the pressure regulating valve 121 adjusts the pressure inside the pipeline 110 to within a predetermined pressure range. A check valve 122 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 121. The check valve 122 prevents water from flowing back upstream of the check valve 122 when, for example, the pressure inside the pipeline 110 drops.

[0022] A heat exchanger unit 123 (heating section) is provided downstream of the check valve 122. The heat exchanger unit 123 has a heater and heats the water supplied from the water supply source 500 to a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger unit 123 generates hot water.

[0023] The heat exchanger unit 123 is an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger that uses, for example, a ceramic heater. An instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can heat water to a specified temperature in a shorter time than a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger that uses a hot water storage tank. Note that the heat exchanger unit 123 is not limited to an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may also be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heating section is not limited to a heat exchanger, and may use other heating methods, such as one that uses microwave heating.

[0024] The heat exchanger unit 123 is connected to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 controls the heat exchanger unit 123 in response to, for example, the operation of the operation unit 140 by the user, thereby raising the temperature of the water to the temperature set by the operation unit 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. In other words, the flow rate sensor 124 detects the flow rate of water flowing through the pipe 110. The flow rate sensor 124 is connected to the control unit 130. The flow rate sensor 124 inputs the flow rate detection result to the control unit 130.

[0026] A vacuum breaker (VB) 125 is provided downstream of the flow sensor 124. The vacuum breaker 125 has, for example, a flow path for flowing water, an intake port for taking air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the intake port. For example, the valve mechanism closes the intake port when water is flowing through the flow path, and opens the intake port when the water flow stops, taking air into the flow path. In other words, the vacuum breaker 125 takes air into the pipeline 110 when there is no water flow in the pipeline 110. For example, a float valve is used as the valve mechanism.

[0027] The vacuum breaker 125 takes in air into the pipeline 110, thereby promoting drainage of water in the portion downstream of the vacuum breaker 125, for example. The vacuum breaker 125 promotes drainage of water from, for example, the nozzle unit 60. In this way, the vacuum breaker 125 drains water from the nozzle unit 60 and takes in air into the nozzle unit 60, thereby preventing, for example, flush water in the nozzle unit 60 from flowing back toward the water supply source 500 (tap water).

[0028] An electrolytic cell unit 126 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 125. The electrolytic cell unit 126 generates a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing therein. The electrolytic cell unit 126 is connected to a control unit 130. The electrolytic cell unit 126 generates functional water under the control of the control unit 130.

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

[0030] A pressure modulation unit 127 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 126. The pressure modulation unit 127 imparts pulsation or acceleration to the flow of water in the pipeline 110, and imparts pulsation to the water discharged from the water outlet of the cleaning nozzle 85 and the water outlet of the nozzle cleaning unit 44. In other words, the pressure modulation unit 127 varies the flow state of the water flowing in the pipeline 110. The pressure modulation unit 127 is connected to the control unit 130. The pressure modulation unit 127 varies the flow state of the water based on the control of the control unit 130. The pressure modulation unit 127 varies the pressure of the water in the pipeline 110.

[0031] A flow rate adjustment unit 71 and a flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching device) are provided downstream of the pressure modulation unit 127. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 (flow rate adjustment valve) adjusts the water pressure (flow rate). The flow path switching valve 70 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment unit 71. The flow path switching valve 70 is connected to a 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 that has a flow path switching unit 72. The flow path switching unit 72 opens, closes, or switches the water supply to the nozzle body 80 of the cleaning nozzle 85 and the nozzle cleaning unit 44. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 and the flow path switching unit 72 are connected to the control unit 130. The operation of the flow rate adjustment unit 71 and the flow path switching unit 72 is controlled by the control unit 130.

[0033] A plurality of flow paths (a posterior cleansing flow path 80a, a soft cleansing flow path 80b, a bidet cleansing flow path 80c, a body cleansing flow path 75, and a jetting flow path 76) are connected downstream of the flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching unit 72). The posterior cleansing flow path 80a, the soft cleansing flow path 80b, and the bidet cleansing flow path 80c are provided inside the nozzle body body. The posterior cleansing flow path 80a, the soft cleansing flow path 80b, and the bidet cleansing flow path 80c are flow paths that supply water to a water outlet that discharges water toward the human private parts. That is, the cleansing nozzle 85 discharges water supplied from the flow path switching unit 72 via the posterior cleansing flow path 80a, the soft cleansing flow path 80b, and the bidet cleansing flow path 80c.

[0034] The body cleaning flow path 75 is a conduit that connects the flow path switching valve 70 and the nozzle cleaning unit 44. The nozzle cleaning unit 44 discharges water supplied from the flow path switching unit 72 via the body cleaning flow path 75 onto the outer peripheral surface (body) of the cleaning nozzle 85. In this way, the nozzle cleaning unit 44 cleans the cleaning nozzle 85.

[0035] The ejection flow path 76 is a conduit that connects the flow path switching valve 70 and the ejection unit 77. The ejection unit 77 is, for example, a nozzle that sprays water supplied from the flow path switching unit 72 via the ejection flow path 76 in the form of mist into the bowl of the toilet 200. By spraying water into the bowl, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the inside of the toilet 200.

[0036] The flow path switching unit 72 switches between opening and closing the bottom cleansing flow path 80a, the soft cleansing flow path 80b, the bidet cleansing flow path 80c, the body cleansing flow path 75, and the jetting flow path 76. When each flow path is opened, water is supplied and a water-passing state is established in which water flows. When each flow path is closed, a water-stopped state is established in which water supply is stopped (for example, a state in which water does not flow).

[0037] The flow path switching unit 72 switches between a state in which each of a plurality of water outlets, such as the water outlet provided in the cleaning nozzle 85 and the water outlet provided in the nozzle cleaning unit 44, is connected to the pipeline 110 and a state in which it is not connected to the pipeline 110. The flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching unit 72) switches the flow path through which water flows among the plurality of flow paths connected downstream of the flow path switching valve 70. In other words, the flow path switching valve 70 selects a flow path that supplies water to the downstream side from the plurality of flow paths connected downstream of the flow path switching valve 70.

[0038] The control unit 130 is a control circuit including an electric circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 130 receives power from a power supply circuit 135 and controls the operation of the solenoid valve 120, the heat exchanger unit 123, the electrolytic cell unit 126, the pressure modulation unit 127, the flow rate adjustment unit 71, the flow path switching unit 72, the drive motor 50, etc. based on signals from the seating detection sensor 150, the flow rate sensor 124, the operation unit 140, etc. In this way, the control unit 130 controls the operation of the nozzle unit 60.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the local cleaning device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the left side view of the local washing device 30 included in the sanitary washing device 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the local washing device 30 includes a nozzle unit 60, a rack 53, a gear 52, a drive motor 50, and a rack guide 54.

[0040] The nozzle unit 60 is curved so as to be convex upward. The nozzle unit 60 has a cleaning nozzle 85 and a flow path switching valve 70 (flow path switching section 72) located on the rear side of the cleaning nozzle 85. The flow path switching valve 70 is connected to the rear end of the cleaning nozzle 85, which is curved so as to be convex upward.

[0041] The nozzle unit 60 moves back and forth between the casing 10 and the toilet bowl 200 described with reference to FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 (excluding the two-dot chain line) show the stored state in which the nozzle unit 60 is in the retracted position. In the stored state, the tip of the nozzle unit 60 is located rearward of the front end of the case cover 12 and is located below the case cover 12. For example, the nozzle unit 60 in the stored state is located rearward of the opening / closing lid 12a provided on the case cover 12 and is stored between the case cover 12 and the case plate 11 (see FIG. 1). The retracted position is, for example, the rearmost position within the movable range of the nozzle unit 60. As shown in FIG. 4, in a side view, the rear portion of the cleaning nozzle 85 is inclined upward toward the front, and the front portion of the cleaning nozzle 85 is inclined downward toward the front. In other words, for example, in the stored state, the upper end (vertex) of the cleaning nozzle 85 or the nozzle unit 60 is located midway in the front-to-rear direction of the nozzle unit 60.

[0042] In Figure 4, the washing nozzle 85 and the opening / closing lid 12a are shown by two-dot chain lines in the extended state where the nozzle unit 60 has moved to the extended position. In the extended state, the tip of the nozzle unit 60 is located forward of the front end of the case cover 12. For example, the tip of the nozzle unit 60 in the extended state is located forward of the opening / closing lid 12a, and is advanced to a position inside the toilet bowl 200 forward of the casing 10. When the nozzle unit 60 advances into the toilet bowl 200, the opening / closing lid 12a is pressed against it and opens. The extended position is, for example, the forwardmost position within the movable range of the nozzle unit 60. The tip of the nozzle unit 60 in the extended state is forward and lower than the tip of the nozzle unit 60 in the stored state.

[0043] The rack 53 is a flexible rack (cable rack). The rack 53 has flexibility that allows it to move within the curved rack guide 54 (passage 54g). The rack 53 can be made of, for example, resin. The rack 53 has a tip portion 53t that is the front end, and a rear end portion 53r that is the end opposite the tip portion 53t in the extension direction along the rack guide 54. The tip portion 53t of the rack 53 is connected to the engagement portion 73c of the nozzle unit 60.

[0044] The gear 52 is a gear wheel that is substantially circular in side view. The teeth of the gear 52 engage with the teeth of the rack 53. A plurality of teeth that engage with the gear 52 are arranged on the surface of the rack 53 facing the gear 52 in the extension direction 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 engages with a gear 52. The gear 52 is attached to the rotation shaft of the drive motor 50. The driving force of the drive motor 50 is transmitted to the rack 53 via the gear 52, causing the rack 53 to move. The drive motor 50 moves the rack 53, thereby moving the nozzle unit 60 forward and backward.

[0046] The rack 53, which is moved by the driving force of the drive motor 50, is guided by a rack guide 54. The rack guide 54 is a portion that houses the rack 53 and slidably holds the rack 53. The rack guide 54 defines a path 54g (the track of the rack 53) along 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. A passage 54g is formed between the first guide surface g1 and the second guide surface g2. The rack 53 slides along the first guide surface g1 and the second guide surface g2 by contacting the first guide surface g1 and the second guide surface g2.

[0048] For example, when the gear 52 is rotated clockwise by the drive motor 50 from the stored state shown in Fig. 4, the rack 53 moves forward within the curved rack guide 54 from the position shown in Fig. 4. That is, the tip end 53t of the rack 53 moves forward along an arc-shaped path within the first curved portion 541 of the rack guide 54, along arrow A1. The rear end 53r of the rack 53 moves along arrow A2 from the straight portion 544 of the rack guide 54, through the second curved portion 542, to the straight portion 543. The nozzle unit 60 advances into the toilet bowl 200 as the rack 53 presses the engagement portion 73c forward.

[0049] On the other hand, for example, when the gear 52 rotates counterclockwise from a state in which the rack 53 moves forward and the nozzle unit 60 is in the advanced state, the rack 53 moves rearward. The rack 53 moves rearward within the curved rack guide 54 and returns to the position shown in FIG. 4. That is, the tip end 53t of the rack 53 moves rearward along an arc-shaped path within the first curved portion 541 of the rack guide 54 in the opposite direction of arrow A1. The rear end 53r of the rack 53 moves from the straight portion 543 of the rack guide 54 through the second curved portion 542 to the straight portion 544 in the opposite direction of arrow A2. The rack 53 presses the engagement portion 73c rearward, causing the nozzle unit 60 to retreat into the casing 10.

[0050] In this way, the nozzle unit 60 can move between the advanced position and the retracted position along an arc-shaped trajectory by the driving force of the drive motor 50 transmitted via the gear 52 and the rack 53.

[0051] The local cleansing device 30 further includes a support part 40. The support part 40 is fixed to, for example, the casing 10 (see FIG. 1). The support part 40 slidably supports the nozzle unit 60. The support part 40 is positioned below the nozzle unit 60 and supports the nozzle unit 60 from below.

[0052] The support part 40 is provided so as to be located, for example, above the top surface 200t (rim surface, see FIG. 1) of the toilet bowl 200. For example, in the stored state, the nozzle unit 60 is above the top surface 200t. This prevents dirty water from entering the private parts cleansing device 30, and prevents the support part 40 and the nozzle unit 60 from becoming soiled.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating 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] The tip of the cleaning nozzle 85 is provided with water outlets (posterior cleansing water outlet 83a, soft cleansing water outlet 83b, bidet cleansing water outlet 83c) that discharge water toward the upper human body parts when the nozzle unit 60 is in the extended state. The posterior cleansing flow path 80a, soft cleansing flow path 80b, and bidet cleansing flow path 80c, which are schematically shown in Figure 2, are provided inside the nozzle body 80.

[0055] The posterior cleansing flow path 80a causes water to flow from the flow path switching unit 72 to the posterior cleansing water discharge port 83a. The posterior cleansing water discharge port 83a discharges water supplied from the flow path switching unit 72 via the posterior cleansing flow path 80a. The soft wash flow path 80b causes water to flow from the flow path switching unit 72 to the soft wash water discharge port 83b. The soft wash water discharge port 83b discharges the water supplied from the flow path switching unit 72 via the soft wash flow path 80b. The bidet flush flow path 80c allows water to flow from the flow path switching unit 72 to the bidet flush water spout 83c. The bidet flush water spout 83c spouts the water supplied from the flow path switching unit 72 via the bidet flush flow path 80c.

[0056] The flow path switching valve 70 is connected to, for example, the rear end of the nozzle body 80. The flow path switching valve 70 has a case 73 that houses a flow path switching unit 72. The flow path switching unit 72 has a valve body 72a. The valve body 72a can be, for example, a rotor and a stator. For example, the stator is disk-shaped and has ports (openings) connected to each flow path. The rotor is disk-shaped and is arranged upstream of the stator so as to face the stator. A drive mechanism having an electric motor such as a motor or solenoid rotates the rotor. As the rotor rotates while in contact with the stator, the rotor switches between a state in which it closes and a state in which it opens the port. When a port is closed, the flow path connected to that port is stopped from flowing. When a port is opened, the flow path connected to that port is allowed to flow. However, the flow path switching unit 72 can be configured in any way that can switch the flow path through which water flows.

[0057] The case 73 is attached to, for example, the nozzle body 80. A portion of the case 73 may be formed integrally with a portion of the nozzle body 80. The nozzle cover 90 is attached to the case 73 and the nozzle body 80. As a result, the nozzle unit 60, the flow path switching valve 70, the nozzle body 80, and the nozzle cover 90, slide in the front-to-rear direction relative to the support part 40 as a single unit.

[0058] By curving the cleaning nozzle 85 so that it is convex upward in this way, the height (vertical width) can be reduced in the stored state, and the cleaning nozzle can be advanced to a lower position in the advanced state. In other words, a nozzle unit with high cleaning performance can be provided while keeping the height low.

[0059] The case 73 has a protrusion 73a and a recess 73b. The protrusion 73a and the recess 73b are engaging portions that engage with parts of the support part 40 (groove parts 45 and rail parts 46 described below). The protrusion 73a protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the case 73. The recess 73b is provided on the outer periphery of the case 73.

[0060] In this example, an engagement portion 73c at which the nozzle unit 60 is connected to the rack 53 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the case 73. The engagement portion 73c is a protrusion that protrudes laterally from the outer periphery of the case 73.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a support portion according to the embodiment. The support part 40 has a main body part 41 and a cover part 48 that covers the side of the main body part 41 . FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a main body portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view illustrating the main body of the support according to the embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the main body 41 has a nozzle arrangement section 42, a vertical section 43, and a nozzle cleaning section 44. The nozzle arrangement section 42 is, for example, the bottom of the main body 41 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The nozzle arrangement section 42 is a portion above which the nozzle unit 60 in the stored state is disposed. The upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement section 42 has a curved shape that is convex upward corresponding to the shape of the nozzle cover 90. The nozzle unit 60 is curved to fit along the upper surface 42t in the stored state. That is, the nozzle unit 60 is stored above the upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement section 42 so as to fit along the upper surface 42t. The upper surface 42t may have, for example, a smoothly curved shape, or may be curved at a constant curvature.

[0062] The vertical portion 43 is a plate-like member extending upward from the nozzle arrangement portion 42. The vertical portion 43 is curved to be convex upward in accordance with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0063] 7, the support part 40 has a groove part 45 that extends in the direction of advancement and retreat of the nozzle unit 60. In this example, the groove part 45 is a slit-shaped opening that penetrates the vertical part 43 in the thickness direction (left and right direction) and extends in the front and rear direction. The groove part 45 is curved so as to be convex upward in accordance with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0064] 6 or 8, the support part 40 has a rail part 46 that extends in the direction of advancement and retreat of the nozzle unit 60. The rail part 46 is a plate-like part that protrudes in the left-right direction from the nozzle arrangement part 42 and extends in the front-rear direction. The rail part 46 is curved so as to be convex upward in accordance with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0065] These groove portion 45 and rail portion 46 become engaged portions with which a part of the nozzle unit 60 engages. The groove portion 45 and rail portion 46 serve as portions that guide the nozzle unit 60 when the nozzle unit 60 is moved back and forth between the inside of the casing 10 and the inside of the toilet bowl 200.

[0066] That is, the protrusion 73a (see FIG. 5) of the nozzle unit 60 engages with the groove 45 by being inserted into the groove 45. The protrusion 73a is held slidably along the groove 45. The recess 73b (see FIG. 5) of the nozzle unit 60 engages with the rail 46 by sandwiching the rail 46. The recess 73b is held slidably along the rail 46. In this way, the nozzle unit 60 is held slidably relative to the support part 40 by the groove 45 and the rail 46. Because the groove 45 and the rail 46 are curved in the front-rear direction, the nozzle unit 60 advances and retreats along an arc-shaped trajectory.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the nozzle cleaning unit 44 is provided on the front end side of the nozzle arrangement unit 42 and the vertical unit 43. In this example, the nozzle cleaning unit 44 is provided as part of the main body unit 41. The nozzle cleaning unit 44 covers the outer periphery of the nozzle cover 90. A water outlet 44a (see FIG. 7) is provided on the inner periphery of the nozzle cleaning unit 44. Water from the flow path switching unit 72 is supplied to the nozzle cleaning unit 44 by the body cleaning flow path 75. The nozzle cleaning unit 44 discharges the water supplied by the body cleaning flow path 75 from the water outlet 44a toward the nozzle cover 90 of the cleaning nozzle 85. In this way, the nozzle cleaning unit 44 cleans the outer periphery surface (body) of the nozzle cover 90.

[0068] 8, in this example, the support part 40 has a motor arrangement part 47a. The motor arrangement part 47a is provided behind the nozzle arrangement part 42 of the main body part 41 and covers the drive motor 50. In other words, the drive motor 50 is housed in the motor arrangement part 47a of the support part 40.

[0069] 7, the support part 40 further includes a gear arrangement part 47b. The gear arrangement part 47b is provided adjacent to the side of the motor arrangement part 47a. The gear 52 is arranged in the gear arrangement part 47b. That is, the gear 52 is housed in the support part 40 and is located on the side surface of the main body part 41.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a cover portion of the support portion according to the embodiment. In this example, the rack guide 54 is provided integrally 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 also serves as a support portion for the rack guide 54.

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

[0072] 9, the support part 40 is provided with a first convex part 48a and a second convex part 48b. A passage 54g of the rack guide 54 is formed between the first convex part 48a and the second convex part 48b. The first convex part 48a and the second convex part 48b protrude in the left-right direction from a side surface of the support part 40 (in this example, the side surface 48s of the cover part 48) and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0073] The first convex portion 48a has a front portion Pa1 and a rear portion Pa2. The front portion Pa1 extends in the front-to-rear direction and curves upward in a convex shape in a side view. The rear portion Pa2 is located rearward of the front portion Pa1 and includes a curved portion that extends upward toward the rear. The first guide surface g1 described in FIG. 4 is a side surface of the first convex portion 48a.

[0074] The second convex portion 48b is curved in the same manner as the first convex portion 48a and extends along the first convex portion 48a so as to surround the outside of the first convex portion 48a. The second convex portion 48b has a front portion Pb1 adjacent to the front portion Pa1 of the first convex portion 48a and a rear portion Pb2 adjacent to the rear portion Pa2 of the first convex portion 48a. The second convex portion 48b is a parallel curved line separated by a predetermined distance from the first convex portion 48a. The second guide surface g2 described in FIG. 4 is a side surface of the second convex portion 48b.

[0075] Therefore, the rack guide 54 (passage 54g) has a first curved portion 541 and a second curved portion 542. The first curved portion 541 is curved so as to be convex upward in accordance with the shape of the cleaning nozzle 85. The first curved portion 541 corresponds to the passage between the front portion Pa1 and the front portion Pb1. The first curved portion 541 is curved with, for example, a constant curvature. For example, the first curved portion 541 is curved along the upper surface 42t (see FIG. 6) of the nozzle arrangement portion 42 and is a parallel curved line separated by a predetermined distance from the upper surface 42t. In a side view, the curvature of the first curved portion 541 may be substantially the same as the curvature of the upper surface 42t. The first curved portion 541 has an upwardly inclined portion extending rearward and a downwardly inclined portion continuing rearward from the rear end of the upwardly inclined portion.

[0076] The second curved portion 542 is located further rearward than the first curved portion 541. The second curved portion 542 includes a portion that curves in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction as it extends rearward. The second curved portion 542 corresponds to the passage between the rear portion Pa2 and the rear portion Pb2. In this example, the second curved portion 542 has a shape that convex rearward in a side view and is a folded portion that extends back and back in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the second curved portion 542 includes a portion P1 that curves upward as it extends rearward. The second curved portion 542 includes a portion P2 that is continuous from the upper end of portion P1 and curves forward as it extends upward. The second curved portion 542 is curved, for example, with a constant curvature.

[0077] For example, in a side view, at least a part of the first curved portion 541 and at least a part of the second curved portion 542 are aligned on a straight line extending in the front-rear direction. In this example, the first curved portion 541 is located between the upper and lower ends of the second curved portion 542 (folded portion) in the up-down direction.

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

[0079] 9, the first convex portion 48a and the second convex portion 48b are provided on the cover portion 48, but at least a portion of the first convex portion 48a and the second convex portion 48b may be provided on the main body portion 41 side. At least a portion of the rack guide 54 may be integral with the main body portion 41, or may be included in the main body portion 41 formed as a single member. Furthermore, at least a portion of the passage 54g of the rack guide 54 may be formed as a groove (recess) provided on the side surface of the support portion 40.

[0080] 4, when the nozzle unit 60 is in the stored state, the cleaning nozzle 85 is adjacent to the first curved portion 541 in the left-right direction and is located further forward than the second curved portion 542. When the nozzle unit 60 is in the stored state, the cleaning nozzle 85 is curved so as to follow the first curved portion 541. Because the cleaning nozzle 85 can be stored so as to follow the first curved portion 541, the height of the sanitary washing device 100 can be further reduced.

[0081] The curvature of the cleaning nozzle 85 (nozzle cover 90) may be the same as the curvature of the first curved portion 541 in a side view. For example, the first curved portion 541 has a curved shape parallel to the cleaning nozzle 85 (nozzle cover 90) in the housed state.

[0082] When the nozzle unit 60 is in the stored state, the cleaning nozzle 85 is disposed above the upper surface 42t of the nozzle arrangement portion 42 described in FIG. 6 and other figures. In this manner, the curved cleaning nozzle 85 is disposed on the curved upper surface 42t of the support portion 40. This allows the cleaning nozzle 85 to be advanced forward and downward, enabling water to be ejected from below when cleaning private parts. This makes it possible to provide a nozzle unit with high cleaning performance while keeping the height low.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a local cleaning device according to an embodiment. 10 is a schematic left side view of the local cleansing device 30. In FIG. 10, the nozzle unit 60 is in the retracted state.

[0084] 10, the gear 52 is located behind the nozzle unit 60 in a side view. When the nozzle unit 60 is in the stored state, at least a portion of the gear 52 and at least a portion of the nozzle unit 60 (e.g., the cleaning nozzle 85) are aligned on a straight line extending in the front-to-rear direction in a side view. The left-to-right position of the gear 52 may be shifted from the left-to-right position of the nozzle unit 60. In a side view, the nozzle unit 60 in the stored state does not have to be aligned (does not overlap) with the gear 52 and the drive motor 50 in the up-down direction.

[0085] In a side view, the second curved portion 542 is located behind the gear 52. In a side view, at least a part of the second curved portion 542 and at least a part of the gear 52 are aligned on a straight line extending in the front-to-rear direction. In a side view, the second curved portion 542 does not have to be aligned (does not overlap) with the gear 52 and the drive motor 50 in the up-down direction.

[0086] In a side view, part of the gear 52 is between part of the housed nozzle unit 60 and the second curved portion 542. Part of the nozzle unit 60, part of the gear 52, and part of the second curved portion 542 (folded portion) are aligned on a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

[0087] In this way, the gear 52 is located behind the nozzle unit 60, and the second curved portion 542 is located behind the gear 52. This prevents the nozzle unit 60, gear 52, and second curved portion 542 from being arranged so as to overlap one another in the vertical direction, making it possible to reduce the height of the sanitary washing device 100, that is, the vertical length of the part formed by the nozzle unit 60, gear 52, rack 53, and rack guide 54 (support portion 40) in the stored state. For example, even if the nozzle unit 60 is not lower than the rim surface of the toilet bowl when stored, the length from the rim surface to the top end of the sanitary washing device 100 can be shortened, thereby achieving a low height.

[0088] The gear 52 is located below 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 part 40. For example, the gear 52 is located below the position T40 of the upper end of the support part 40 in the vertical direction. The gear 52 may be located above the position L40 of the lower end of the support part 40 in the vertical direction.

[0089] In this example, the position T54 of the upper end of the rack guide 54 in the vertical direction is substantially the same as the position T40 of the support part 40, but may be different, for example, may be lower than the position T40. Furthermore, the position L54 of the lower end of the rack guide 54 in the vertical direction is substantially the same as the position L40 of the support part 40, but may be different, for example, may be higher than the position L40.

[0090] For example, the gear 52 is below position T54 and above position L54. For example, the entire gear 52 is between position T40 (position T54) and position L40 (position L54). The vertical position of the gear 52 can prevent the height of the sanitary washing device 100 from becoming too high.

[0091] In the stored state, the washing nozzle 85 is located below the upper end of the member on which the rack guide 54 is provided. As shown in FIG. 10, the washing nozzle 85 is below position T40 of the upper end of the support part 40 (and position T54 of the upper end of the rack guide 54). In the stored state, the washing nozzle 85 is above position L40 of the lower end of the support part 40 (and position L54 of the lower end of the rack guide 54). For example, in the stored state, the entire washing nozzle 85 is between position T40 (position T54) and position L40 (position L54). The position of the washing nozzle in the stored state prevents the sanitary washing device 100 from becoming too tall.

[0092] The gear 52 and the rack 53 are engaged at an engagement position 54e of the rack guide 54. The rear end of the rack 53 is located rearward of the position where the gear 52 and the rack 53 engage. In other words, a position P53r in the front-rear direction of the rear end 53r of the rack 53 is rearward of a position P54e in the front-rear direction of the engagement position 54e. The position P54e is, for example, the center of the gear 52 or the position in the front-rear direction of the rotation shaft of the drive motor 50.

[0093] Because the rear end 53r is located behind the engagement position 54e, even when the rack 53 is folded back in the front-to-rear direction at the folded-back portion (second curved portion 542), overlap between the rear side of the rack 53 and the gear 52 in the vertical direction can be reduced, and the height of the sanitary washing device can be reduced. For example, the rear end 53r of the rack 53 does not overlap with the engagement position 54e in the vertical direction, and the overlapping area between the rack 53 and the gear 52 is small. Alternatively, the rear end 53r of the rack 53 does not need to overlap with the gear 52 in the vertical direction.

[0094] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) A casing; a nozzle unit having a flushing nozzle curved so as to be convex upward and moving back and forth between the casing and the toilet bowl; a flexible rack connected to the nozzle unit; a gear engaging with the rack; a drive motor that moves the rack via the gear to move the nozzle unit forward and backward; a rack guide that guides the rack; Equipped with The rack guide includes a curved portion that extends while folding back in the front-rear direction, the gear is located behind the nozzle unit in a side view, The sanitary washing device is characterized in that the curved portion is located behind the gear in a side view. (Configuration 2) The sanitary washing device according to configuration 1, wherein the gear is located below the upper end of the member on which the rack guide is provided. (Configuration 3) The sanitary washing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the washing nozzle is located below the upper end of the member on which the rack guide is provided when in a stored state. (Configuration 4) The sanitary washing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the rear end of the rack is located rearward of the position where the gear and the rack engage with each other.

[0095] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they retain the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10: Casing, 11: Case plate, 12: Case cover, 12a: Opening / closing lid, 20: Toilet seat, 25: Toilet lid, 30: Private part cleaning device, 40: Support part, 41: Main body part, 42: Nozzle arrangement part, 42t: Upper surface, 43: Vertical part, 44: Nozzle cleaning part, 44a: Spout, 45: Groove part, 46: Rail part, 47a: Motor arrangement part, 47b: Gear arrangement part, 48: Cover part, 48a: First convex part, 48b: Second convex part, 48s: Side, 50: Drive motor, 52: Gear, 53: Rack, 53r: Rear end part, 53t: Front end part, 54: Rack guide, 54e: Engagement position, 54g: Passage, 60: Nozzle unit, 70: Flow path switching valve, 71: Flow rate adjusting section, 72: Flow path switching section, 72a: Valve body, 73: Case, 73a: Protrusion, 73b: Recess, 73c: Engagement section, 75: Body cleaning flow path, 76: Spout flow path, 77: Spout section, 79: Water supply flow path, 80: Nozzle body, 80a: Rear cleaning flow path, 80b: Soft cleaning flow path, 80c: Bidet cleaning flow path, 83a: Rear cleaning outlet, 83b: Soft cleaning outlet, 83c: Bidet cleaning outlet, 85: Cleaning nozzle, 90: Nozzle cover, 100: Sanitary cleaning device, 110: Pipe, 120: Solenoid 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 modulation section, 130: Control section, 135: Power supply circuit, 140: Operation section, 150: Sitting detection sensor, 200: Toilet bowl, 200t: Top surface, 300: Toilet device, 500: Water supply source, 541: First curved section, 542: Second curved section, 543, 544: Straight section, A1, A2: Arrow, L40: Position, L54: Position, P1, P2: Part, P53r, P54e: Position, Pa1: Front part, Pa2: Rear part, Pb1: Front part, Pb2: Rear part, T40, T54: Position, g1: First guide surface, g2: Second guide surface

Claims

1. A casing; a nozzle unit having a flushing nozzle curved so as to be convex upward and moving back and forth between the casing and the toilet bowl; a flexible rack connected to the nozzle unit; a gear engaging with the rack; a drive motor that moves the rack via the gear to move the nozzle unit forward and backward; a rack guide that guides the rack; Equipped with The rack guide includes a curved portion that extends while folding back in the front-rear direction, the gear is located behind the nozzle unit in a side view, The sanitary washing device is characterized in that the curved portion is located behind the gear in a side view.

2. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, wherein the gear is positioned below an upper end of a member on which the rack guide is provided.

3. The sanitary washing device according to claim 1, wherein the washing nozzle is located below an upper end of a member on which the rack guide is provided when the washing nozzle is stored.

4. The sanitary washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a rear end of the rack is located rearward of a position where the gear and the rack engage with each other.

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