Sanitary cleaning equipment

Abstract

To provide a sanitary washing device allowing a nozzle unit to stably move forward and backward.SOLUTION: A sanitary washing device has a nozzle unit moving forward and backward between a toilet bowl and a casing, and a support part to slidably support the nozzle unit. The nozzle unit is curved so as to be convex upward and has a nozzle cover moving forward and backward along an arcuate trajectory. The support part has a groove part extending in advance / retreat direction of the nozzle unit, and a rail part extending in the advance / retreat direction of the nozzle unit at a position different from the groove part. The nozzle unit has a projection that is held so as to be nipped from above and below by the groove part and line-contacts with the groove part, and a concave part held so as to nip the rail part from above and below.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a sanitary cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a sanitary cleaning device provided with a nozzle that advances into a toilet bowl when performing local cleaning (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The nozzle advances into the toilet bowl by sliding with respect to a support portion that supports the nozzle. If the nozzle or the support portion wears due to the forward and backward movement of the nozzle, there is a risk that the nozzle cannot move forward and backward stably.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a sanitary cleaning device capable of stably moving the nozzle forward and backward.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention is a sanitary cleaning device comprising: a nozzle unit that moves back and forth between a toilet bowl and a casing; and a support portion that slidably supports the nozzle unit, wherein the nozzle unit is curved to be convex upward and has a nozzle cover that moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory; the support portion has a groove portion extending in the direction of the movement of the nozzle unit and a rail portion extending in the direction of the movement of the nozzle unit at a position different from the groove portion; and the nozzle unit has a protruding portion that is held so as to be sandwiched in the groove portion from above and below and makes line contact with the groove portion, and a recess portion that holds the rail portion so as to be sandwiched in the rail portion from above and below.

[0007] In this sanitary cleaning device, the nozzle unit is curved so as to be convex upwards and has a nozzle cover that moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory. This allows the height dimension of the casing to be kept as low as possible, thereby improving the design of the sanitary cleaning device. Furthermore, the rail portion and the recess, and the groove portion and the protrusion portion are engaged by being sandwiched in the vertical direction. In this case, the protrusion portion makes line contact with the groove portion, thereby minimizing the contact area with the groove portion. As a result, even when the support portion and the nozzle unit are repeatedly slid, the occurrence of rattling due to wear and the displacement of the water discharge point can be suppressed. Therefore, stable forward and backward movement of the nozzle unit is possible while ensuring the strength of the support portion and the nozzle unit.

[0008] The second invention is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that, in the first invention, the protrusion is provided on one side of the nozzle unit in the left-right direction, and the recess is provided on the other side of the nozzle unit in the left-right direction.

[0009] This sanitary cleaning device allows the protruding and recessed parts of the nozzle unit to be efficiently engaged with the grooved and railed parts of the support unit. As a result, the nozzle unit can be moved forward and backward stably.

[0010] The third invention is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the protrusion is provided above the recess.

[0011] This sanitary cleaning device prevents excessive load from being placed on the protruding part due to the weight of the nozzle unit itself or the load from the nozzle unit moving forward and backward.

[0012] The fourth invention is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the recess has a protrusion that contacts the rail portion.

[0013] This sanitary cleaning device prevents wear caused by the recesses contacting multiple points on the rail section. Therefore, it can suppress rattling of the nozzle unit and misalignment of the water discharge point.

[0014] The fifth invention is a sanitary cleaning device characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the protrusion has an upper protrusion facing the upper surface of the rail portion and a lower protrusion facing the lower surface of the rail portion, and the protrusion dimension of the upper protrusion is larger than the protrusion dimension of the lower protrusion.

[0015] Due to the arc-shaped trajectory of the nozzle unit, the upper protrusion is more prone to wear than the lower protrusion. With this sanitary cleaning device, the lifespan of the recess can be improved by making the protrusion dimension H1 of the upper protrusion larger than the protrusion dimension H2 of the lower protrusion. In addition, rattling of the nozzle unit and misalignment of the water discharge point can be suppressed over a long period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, a sanitary cleaning device is provided that can stably operate a nozzle unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a toilet system equipped with a sanitary washing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of the sanitary cleaning device. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the local cleaning device inside the casing as seen from the side. [Figure 4] It is a side view showing the state where the cover part is removed from the main body part of the support part. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing the state where the gears and the belt are removed from the support part in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the local cleaning device in FIG. 5 as seen from the direction of arrow A - A. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the local cleaning device as seen from the obliquely rearward direction. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the support part as seen from the obliquely rearward direction. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing the nozzle unit alone. [Figure 10] It is a rear view of the nozzle unit as seen from the rear. [Figure 11] It is a side view showing an enlarged view of the protruding part and the holding part in FIG. 9.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device provided with the sanitary cleaning device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 300 according to the embodiment includes a sanitary cleaning device 100 and a Western-style sitting toilet (hereinafter, simply referred to as "toilet" for convenience of explanation) 200. The sanitary cleaning device 100 is provided on the toilet 200. The sanitary cleaning device 100 includes a local cleaning device 30 for cleaning the local part of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0019] The casing 10 includes a case plate 11 and a case cover 12. The case plate 11 constitutes 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 the toilet lid 25 are rotatably pivoted on the case cover 12. The case cover 12 also has an openable and closable lid portion 12a in front of the nozzle unit 60, which will be described later. The lid portion 12a is pressed open when the nozzle unit 60 moves into the toilet bowl 200.

[0020] The casing 10 houses the local cleaning device 30 within a space enclosed by the case plate 11 and the case cover 12. The casing 10 also houses functional units 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 140, etc.

[0021] In this specification, "up," "down," "front," "back," "right," and "left" refer to directions as viewed from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the toilet lid 25, as shown in Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main components of a sanitary cleaning device. Figure 2 shows the main components of the waterway system and electrical system of the sanitary cleaning device 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the sanitary cleaning device 100 has a pipeline 110. The pipeline 110 extends from a water source 500, such as a water supply or a water storage tank, to a nozzle unit 60. The pipeline 110 guides the water supplied from the water source 500 to the nozzle unit 60.

[0024] A solenoid valve 120 is installed on the upstream side of the pipeline 110. The solenoid valve 120 is an openable and closable electromagnetic valve that controls the water supply based on commands from a control unit 130 located 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 source 500 flows into the pipeline 110.

[0025] A pressure regulating valve 121 is provided downstream of the solenoid valve 120. The pressure regulating valve 121 adjusts the pressure in the pipeline 110 to a predetermined pressure range when the water supply pressure is high. A check valve 122 is provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve 121. The check valve 122 suppresses the backflow of water upstream of the check valve 122 when the pressure in the pipeline 110 drops.

[0026] Downstream of the check valve 122, a heat exchanger unit 123 (heating section) is provided. The heat exchanger unit 123 has a heater and heats the water supplied from the water source 500 to a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger unit 123 generates hot water.

[0027] The heat exchanger unit 123 is an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, for example, using a ceramic heater. Compared to a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger, an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can raise the water temperature to a specified temperature in a shorter time. 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 microwave heating.

[0028] 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 user's operation of the control unit 140, thereby raising the temperature of the water to the temperature set on the control unit 140.

[0029] A flow sensor 124 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit 123. The flow sensor 124 detects the flow rate of water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 123. In other words, the flow sensor 124 detects the flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline 110. The flow sensor 124 is connected to the control unit 130. The flow sensor 124 inputs the flow rate detection result to the control unit 130.

[0030] Downstream of the flow sensor 124, a vacuum breaker (VB) 125 is provided. The vacuum breaker 125 has, for example, a flow path for water, an air intake for taking air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the air intake. The valve mechanism, for example, closes the air intake when water is flowing in the flow path, and opens the air intake 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 for the valve mechanism.

[0031] The vacuum breaker 125 promotes the draining of water downstream of the vacuum breaker 125 by drawing air into the pipeline 110. The vacuum breaker 125 promotes the draining of water from, for example, the nozzle unit 60. In this way, the vacuum breaker 125 prevents backflow of, for example, the cleaning water inside the nozzle unit 60 to the water supply source 500 (water supply) side by draining the water from the nozzle unit 60 and drawing air into the nozzle unit 60.

[0032] Downstream of the vacuum breaker 125, an electrolytic cell unit 126 is provided. The electrolytic cell unit 126 generates a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing inside it. The electrolytic cell unit 126 is connected to the control unit 130. The electrolytic cell unit 126 generates functional water based on control from the control unit 130.

[0033] 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 electrolyzed chlorine or ozone. Alternatively, the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 126 may be acidic water or alkaline water.

[0034] 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 water flow in the pipeline 110, causing pulsation to the water discharged from the posterior wash outlet 81a, the soft wash outlet 82a, and the bidet wash outlet 83a of the nozzle body 80, as well as from the discharge outlet of the nozzle washing unit 44. In other words, the pressure modulation unit 127 changes 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 changes the flow state of the water based on the control by the control unit 130. The pressure modulation unit 127 changes the pressure of the water in the pipeline 110.

[0035] A flow control unit 70 is provided downstream of the pressure modulation unit 127. The flow control unit 70 includes a flow rate adjustment unit 71 and a flow path switching unit 72. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 adjusts the water pressure (flow rate). A flow path switching unit 72 is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment unit 71. The flow path switching unit 72 opens, closes, and switches the water supply to the nozzle body 80 and the nozzle cleaning unit 44. The flow rate adjustment unit 71 and the flow path switching unit 72 may be provided separately. 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.

[0036] The flow control unit 70 constitutes a part of the nozzle unit 60. The flow control unit 70 is connected to the rear surface of the nozzle body 80. The flow control unit 70 has a case 73 that houses the flow rate adjustment section 71 and the flow path switching section 72. The case 73 is also provided with a protrusion 73a and a recess 73b that are slidably held by a support section 40, which will be described later. The protrusion 73a and recess 73b will be described later.

[0037] Downstream of the flow path switching section 72, there are a rear-view washing flow path 81, a soft washing flow path 82, a bidet washing flow path 83, a first bowl ejection flow path 84, a second bowl ejection flow path 85, and a surface washing flow path 75. The rear-view washing flow path 81, the soft washing flow path 82, the bidet washing flow path 83, the first bowl ejection flow path 84, and the second bowl ejection flow path 85 are located inside the nozzle body 80. The surface washing flow path 75 is a conduit (not shown) connecting the flow path switching section 72 and the nozzle washing section 44.

[0038] The rear-facing washing channel 81 flows water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 from the channel switching section 72 towards the rear-facing washing outlet 81a. The soft washing channel 82 flows water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 from the channel switching section 72 towards the soft washing outlet 82a. The bidet washing channel 83 flows water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 from the channel switching section 72 towards the bidet washing outlet 83a. The first bowl discharge channel 84 flows water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 from the channel switching section 72 towards the first discharge outlet 84a. The second bowl discharge channel 85 flows water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 from the channel switching section 72 towards the second discharge outlet 85a. In addition, the surface washing channel 75 flows water or functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 126 from the channel switching section 72 towards the nozzle washing section 44.

[0039] The control unit 130 controls the flow path switching unit 72 to switch the opening and closing of each of the flow paths: the posterior cleansing flow path 81, the soft cleansing flow path 82, the bidet cleansing flow path 83, the first bowl discharge flow path 84, the second bowl discharge flow path 85, and the surface cleansing flow path 75. In this way, the flow path switching unit 72 switches between a state in which each of the multiple discharge outlets, such as the posterior cleansing discharge outlet 81a, the soft cleansing discharge outlet 82a, the bidet cleansing discharge outlet 83a, the nozzle cleaning unit 44, and the first and second discharge outlets 84a and 85a, is connected to the pipeline 110 and a state in which it is not connected to the pipeline 110.

[0040] The control unit 130 is powered by the power supply circuit 135 and controls the operation of the solenoid valve 120, heat exchanger unit 123, electrolytic cell unit 126, pressure modulation unit 127, flow rate adjustment unit 71, flow path switching unit 72, nozzle motor 50, etc., based on signals from the seat detection sensor 150, flow sensor 124, operation unit 140, etc. In this way, the control unit 130 controls the operation of the nozzle unit 60.

[0041] Next, we will describe the local cleaning device 30 installed inside the casing 10. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the local cleaning device inside the casing, seen from the side. Figure 4 is a side view showing the support unit with the cover removed from the main body. Figure 5 is a side view showing the gear and belt removed from the support section in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the local cleaning device shown in Figure 5, taken from the direction indicated by arrow AA. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the local cleaning device from a diagonal rearward angle. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support section from the rear at an oblique angle. Figure 9 is a side view showing the nozzle unit on its own. Figure 10 is a rear view of the nozzle unit, seen from the rear. Figure 11 is a magnified side view of the protruding part and the retaining part in Figure 9.

[0042] The local cleaning device 30 cleans the private parts of the user while they are seated on the toilet seat 20. In this example, the local cleaning device 30 also has a function to spray water or functional water into the toilet bowl 200 to prevent dirt from adhering to the inside of the toilet bowl 200. This function may be provided as needed. The local cleaning device 30 has a support part 40 provided on the case plate 11 of the casing 10 and a nozzle unit 60 that is slidably supported on the support part 40.

[0043] The support portion 40 is located below the nozzle unit 60 and supports the nozzle unit 60 from below. The support portion 40 has a main body portion 41 and a cover portion 48 that covers the sides of the main body portion 41. As shown in Figure 8, the main body portion 41 has a bottom portion 42 that extends in the front-rear direction, a vertical portion 43 that extends upward from the bottom portion 42, and a nozzle cleaning portion 44 located on the front end side of the bottom portion 42 and the vertical portion 43. The bottom portion 42 and the vertical portion 43 are inclined downward from rear to front. Also, the bottom portion 42 and the vertical portion 43 are curved to be convex upward in accordance with the shape of the nozzle cover 90.

[0044] The nozzle cleaning unit 44 covers the outer circumference of the nozzle cover 90. The nozzle cleaning unit 44 cleans the outer surface (body) of the nozzle cover 90 by, for example, spraying functional water or water from the water discharge unit.

[0045] The support portion 40 has a groove portion 45 extending in the direction of the nozzle unit 60's movement, and a rail portion 46 extending in the direction of the nozzle unit 60's movement at a different position from the groove portion 45. The groove portion 45 and the rail portion 46 are parts that guide the nozzle unit 60 when it moves back and forth between the casing 10 and the toilet bowl 200.

[0046] The groove 45 penetrates the vertical portion 43 in the thickness direction (left-right direction). The groove 45 has a lower surface portion 45a that is continuous with the bottom portion 42, and an upper surface portion 45b that faces the lower surface portion 45a in the vertical direction. The groove 45 is curved upward and convex in the front-rear direction, corresponding to the shape of the nozzle cover 90. The protruding portion 73a of the nozzle unit 60, which will be described later, is held in the groove 45.

[0047] The rail section 46 is provided projecting from the bottom section 42 in the left-right direction. The rail section 46 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction. Corresponding to the shape of the nozzle cover 90, the rail section 46 is curved in the front-rear direction so that the upper surface 46a and lower surface 46b are convex upward. The recess 73b of the nozzle unit 60, which will be described later, is held in the rail section 46. The nozzle unit 60 moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory because the groove section 45 and the rail section 46 are curved in the front-rear direction.

[0048] The nozzle motor 50 is located below the bottom portion 42. The nozzle motor 50 is the drive unit that moves the nozzle unit 60 forward and backward. The nozzle motor 50 is connected to the control unit 130. The nozzle motor 50 operates based on the operation instructions when the operation unit 140 is operated.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the gear 52 is located on the side of the main body 41 and is attached to the rotating shaft 50a of the nozzle motor 50. The gear 52 rotates due to the operation of the nozzle motor 50. The cable rack 53 is located around the gear 52 and meshes with the gear 52. The cable rack 53 is a rack gear that converts the rotational motion of the gear 52 into linear motion. The cable rack 53 engages with an engaging portion 73c provided on the case 73 of the flow control unit 70.

[0050] From the state shown in Figure 4, when the gear 52 rotates counterclockwise, the cable rack 53 moves forward. The nozzle unit 60 advances into the toilet bowl 200 as the cable rack 53 presses the engaging portion 73c forward. On the other hand, when the gear 52 rotates clockwise, the cable rack 53 moves backward. The nozzle unit 60 retracts into the casing 10 as the cable rack 53 presses the engaging portion 73c backward.

[0051] The nozzle unit 60 includes a flow control unit 70, a nozzle body 80 located in front of the flow control unit 70, and a nozzle cover 90 that covers the outer circumference of the nozzle body 80. The flow control unit 70 includes a flow rate adjustment section 71, a flow path switching section 72, and a case 73 that houses the flow rate adjustment section 71 and the flow path switching section 72.

[0052] The case 73 of the flow control unit 70 is attached to the nozzle body 80. The nozzle cover 90 is attached to both the case 73 and the nozzle body 80. As a result, the nozzle unit 60, consisting of the flow control unit 70, the nozzle body 80, and the nozzle cover 90, slides together in the front-rear direction relative to the support portion 40.

[0053] The case 73 has a cylindrical projection 73a that is held by being sandwiched from above and below in the groove 45 of the support portion 40, and a recess 73b that is held by being sandwiched from above and below in the rail portion 46 of the support portion 40. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, the projection 73a is provided at a position corresponding to the groove 45 of the support portion 40. The recess 73b is provided at a position corresponding to the rail portion 46 of the support portion 40.

[0054] The protrusion 73a is held by being sandwiched between the lower surface 45a and the upper surface 45b of the groove 45. This allows the protrusion 73a to slide stably within the groove 45. The protrusion 73a is also formed in a cylindrical shape. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the protrusion 73a makes line contact with the lower surface 45a and the upper surface 45b of the groove 45 in the left-right direction. In other words, by forming the protrusion 73a in a cylindrical shape, the contact area with the groove 45 is minimized. This reduces wear on the protrusion 73a and the groove 45, allowing the protrusion 73a to slide stably within the groove 45. The protrusion 73a may also be formed in a rectangular prism shape. In this case, the corners of the rectangular prism of the protrusion 73a make line contact with the lower surface 45a and the upper surface 45b of the groove 45 in the left-right direction.

[0055] The recess 73b opens toward the left side (towards the rail section 46). The recess 73b has an upper surface 73b1, a lower surface 73b2 that faces the upper surface 73b1 in the vertical direction, and a back surface 73b3 that connects the upper surface 73b1 and the lower surface 73b2. The recess 73b holds the rail section 46 by sandwiching it in the vertical direction.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, the protrusion 73a is provided on one side (left side) of the nozzle unit 60 in the left-right direction. That is, the protrusion 73a is provided on the left side surface of the nozzle unit 60. On the other hand, the recess 73b is provided on the other side (right side) of the nozzle unit 60 in the left-right direction. The recess 73b is provided on the right side surface of the nozzle unit 60. In this example, the left side of the center of the nozzle body 80 (the dashed line in Figure 10) is considered one side, and the right side is considered the other side. Note that the local cleaning device 30 may have the protrusion 73a and groove 45 provided on the other side (right side) in the left-right direction, and the recess 73b and rail 46 provided on one side (left side) in the left-right direction.

[0057] The nozzle unit 60 has protruding portions 73a and recessed portions 73b spaced apart on both the left and right sides, which stabilizes the engagement between the protruding portion 73a and the groove portion 45, and between the recessed portion 73b and the rail portion 46. As a result, the nozzle unit 60 can move stably forward and backward relative to the support portion 40.

[0058] Due to its shape, the protrusion 73a has lower rigidity than the recess 73b. Therefore, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the protrusion 73a is positioned above the recess 73b. This prevents excessive load from being placed on the protrusion 73a due to the weight of the nozzle unit 60 or the load when the nozzle unit 60 moves forward and backward.

[0059] The recess 73b has a protrusion 74 that contacts the rail portion 46. The protrusion 74 suppresses rattling between the recess 73b and the rail portion 46. The recess 73b allows the rail portion 46 to slide stably because the protrusion 74 contacts the rail portion 46. In addition, the extension position of the nozzle unit 60 can be stabilized, so the water discharge point of the water discharged from the nozzle body 80 can be stabilized.

[0060] As shown in Figure 11, the protrusion 74 has an upper protrusion 74a facing the upper surface 46a of the rail portion 46 and a lower protrusion 74b facing the lower surface 46b of the rail portion 46. The upper protrusion 74a has a downwardly convex curved surface and protrudes from the upper surface 73b1 to the lower surface 73b2 of the recess 73b. The lower protrusion 74b has an upwardly convex curved surface and protrudes from the lower surface 73b2 to the upper surface 73b1 of the recess 73b. The rail portion 46 is sandwiched between the upper protrusion 74a and the lower protrusion 74b of the recess 73b.

[0061] When the nozzle unit 60 moves forward and backward, the weight of the nozzle unit 60 causes the upper protrusion 74a to slide against the rail portion 46 more than the lower protrusion 74b. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the protrusion dimension H1 of the upper protrusion 74a is larger than the protrusion dimension H2 of the lower protrusion 74b. This improves the lifespan of the recess 73b. In other words, even if the upper protrusion 74a wears down, rattling of the nozzle unit 60 can be suppressed, and the water discharge point can be stabilized. The recess 73b may have at least one of the upper protrusion 74a and the lower protrusion 74b.

[0062] The engaging portion 73c is located above the protruding portion 73a. As shown in Figure 4, the cable rack 53 engages with the engaging portion 73c. ​​The rotational force of the nozzle motor 50 is transmitted from the gear 52 to the engaging portion 73c via the cable rack 53. The nozzle unit 60 moves back and forth between the casing 10 and the toilet bowl 200 as the cable rack 53 moves the engaging portion 73c in the front-back direction.

[0063] The nozzle body 80 is located in front of the flow control unit 70. With the nozzle unit 60 housed in the casing 10, the tip of the nozzle body 80 is located inside the nozzle cleaning section 44. Inside the nozzle body 80 are a rear wash channel 81, a soft wash channel 82, a bidet wash channel 83, a first bowl ejection channel 84, and a second bowl ejection channel 85. Water and functional water flowing into the flow control unit 70 flows to the rear wash channel 81, soft wash channel 82, bidet wash channel 83, first bowl ejection channel 84, second bowl ejection channel 85, and surface wash channel 75 through the operation of the flow channel switching section 72.

[0064] The tip of the posterior cleansing channel 81 is provided with a posterior cleansing outlet 81a. The tip of the soft cleansing channel 82 is provided with a soft cleansing outlet 82a. The tip of the bidet cleansing channel 83 is provided with a bidet cleansing outlet 83a.

[0065] The nozzle body 80 can wash the buttocks of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 by spraying hot water from the posterior wash nozzle 81a or the soft wash nozzle 82a located at its tip. The soft wash nozzle 82a sprays water with a softer flow than the posterior wash nozzle 81a. In addition, the nozzle body 80 can wash the female genitals of a woman sitting on the toilet seat 20 by spraying hot water from the bidet wash nozzle 83a located at its tip.

[0066] A first nozzle 84a is provided at the tip of the first bowl discharge channel 84. A second nozzle 85a is provided at the tip of the second bowl discharge channel 85. The first nozzle 84a and the second nozzle 85a are provided, for example, on the front surface of the nozzle body 80. The first nozzle 84a and the second nozzle 85a discharge water or functional water into the toilet bowl 200. The first nozzle 84a and the second nozzle 85a discharge water and functional water in different directions in the front-to-back direction. The water or functional water discharged into the toilet bowl 200 from the first nozzle 84a and the second nozzle 85a suppresses the adhesion of dirt inside the toilet bowl 200.

[0067] The nozzle cover 90 covers the outer surface of the nozzle body 80. As shown in Figure 9, the nozzle cover 90 is curved so as to be convex upward and moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory. The nozzle cover 90 has holes 90a that communicate with the posterior wash outlet 81a, the soft wash outlet 82a, and the bidet wash outlet 83a, respectively, and notches 90b that expose the first nozzle 84a and the second nozzle 85a.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the nozzle unit 60 is curved so as to be convex upward and has a nozzle cover 90 that moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory. As a result, the height dimension of the local cleaning device 30 can be made as small as possible. Consequently, the height dimension of the casing 10 can also be made as small as possible, thereby improving the design of the sanitary cleaning device 100.

[0069] If the trajectory of the nozzle unit 60 is made into an arc shape, the effect of wear due to the nozzle unit 60 sliding against the support part 40 will be greater, which may cause the nozzle unit 60 to rattle or the water discharge point to shift.

[0070] Therefore, the support portion 40 has a groove portion 45 extending in the direction of advancement and retraction of the nozzle unit 60, and a rail portion 46 extending in the direction of advancement and retraction of the nozzle unit 60 at a position different from the groove portion 45. The nozzle unit 60 has a cylindrical projection portion 73a that is held by being sandwiched between the groove portion 45 from above and below, and a recess portion 73b that is held by being sandwiched between the rail portion 46 from above and below.

[0071] Here, for example, if both were made into protrusions 73a, the rigidity of the protrusions 73a would have to be increased to support the weight of the nozzle unit 60 and the load during sliding. Therefore, the nozzle unit 60 is held in place by the support part 40 with one side being a cylindrical protrusion 73a and the other side being a recess 73b.

[0072] The rail portion 46 and the recess 73b, and the groove portion 45 and the protrusion portion 73a are engaged by being sandwiched between them in the vertical direction. Furthermore, by making the protrusion portion 73a cylindrical, the contact area with the groove portion 45 is minimized as much as possible. As a result, even when the support portion 40 and the nozzle unit 60 of the local cleaning device 30 are repeatedly slid against each other, rattling due to wear and misalignment of the water discharge point can be suppressed. Therefore, while ensuring the strength of the support portion 40 and the nozzle unit 60, stable forward and backward movement of the nozzle unit 60 is possible.

[0073] Furthermore, the protruding portion 73a is provided on one side of the nozzle unit 60 in the left-right direction, and the recessed portion 73b is provided on the other side of the nozzle unit 60 in the left-right direction. This allows for efficient engagement between the support portion 40 and the nozzle unit 60. As a result, the nozzle unit 60 can be moved forward and backward stably.

[0074] Furthermore, the protruding portion 73a is positioned above the recessed portion 73b. This prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the protruding portion 73a by the weight of the nozzle unit 60 or the load generated when the nozzle unit 60 moves forward and backward.

[0075] Furthermore, the recess 73b has a protrusion 74 that contacts the rail portion 46. This prevents the recess 73b from contacting the rail portion 46 at multiple points and causing wear. Consequently, rattling of the nozzle unit 60 and misalignment of the water discharge point can be suppressed.

[0076] In this case, the protrusion 74 has an upper protrusion 74a facing the upper surface 46a of the rail section 46 and a lower protrusion 74b facing the lower surface 46b of the rail section 46. The protrusion dimension H1 of the upper protrusion 74a is larger than the protrusion dimension H2 of the lower protrusion 74b. Due to the arc-shaped trajectory of the nozzle unit 60, the upper protrusion 74a is more prone to wear than the lower protrusion 74b. The recess 73b can improve its lifespan by making the protrusion dimension H1 of the upper protrusion 74a larger than the protrusion dimension H2 of the lower protrusion 74b. In addition, rattling of the nozzle unit 60 and misalignment of the water discharge point can be suppressed over a long period of time.

[0077] In the embodiments described above, the protrusion 73a and recess 73b were described as being provided on the case 73 of the flow control unit 70. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the protrusion and recess may be provided on the nozzle cover or the nozzle body. The protrusion and recess may be provided at any position on the nozzle unit.

[0078] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) A nozzle unit that moves back and forth between the toilet bowl and the casing, A support portion that slidably supports the nozzle unit, Equipped with, The nozzle unit is curved so as to be convex upward and has a nozzle cover that moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory. The aforementioned support portion is The nozzle unit has a groove that extends in the direction of movement, A rail portion extending in the direction of advancement of the nozzle unit at a position different from the groove portion, It has, The nozzle unit described above is A protruding portion is held in the groove so as to be sandwiched from above and below and makes line contact with the groove, The aforementioned rail portion is held by a recess that clamps it from above and below, A sanitary cleaning device characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned protrusion is provided on one side of the nozzle unit in the left-right direction, The sanitary cleaning device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the recess is provided on the other side in the left-right direction of the nozzle unit. (Composition 3) The sanitary cleaning device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the protruding portion is provided above the recessed portion. (Composition 4) The sanitary cleaning device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the recess has a protrusion that contacts the rail portion. (Composition 5) The aforementioned protrusion is, An upper protrusion facing the upper surface of the rail section, A lower protrusion facing the lower surface of the rail section, It has, The sanitary cleaning device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the protruding dimension of the upper convex portion is larger than the protruding dimension of the lower convex portion.

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those 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 features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, and arrangement of each element of a sanitary cleaning device 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 feasible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10 Casing 11 Case Plate 12 Case Covers 12a Lid 20 toilet seats 25 Toilet lid 30 Local cleaning device 40 Support part 41 Main body 42 Bottom 43 Vertical section 44 Nozzle cleaning section 45 Groove 45a Bottom part 45b Top part 46 Rail section 46a Top side 46b Bottom surface 48 Cover section 50 Nozzle Motors 50a Rotating shaft 52 Gears 53 Cable Rack 60 Nozzle Units 70-stroke unit 71 Flow rate adjustment section 72 Flow path switching section 73 cases 73a Protrusion 73b recess 73b1 Top part 73b2 Bottom part 73b3 Back part 73c Engagement part 74 Convex part 74a Upper protrusion 74b Lower protrusion 75 Surface cleaning channel 80 Nozzle Body 81 Buttocks cleansing channel 81a Washlet for posterior cleansing 82 Soft Cleaning Channel 82a Soft-cleaning spout 83 Bidet cleaning channel 83a Bidet washing spout 84. First bowl ejection channel 84a 1st spout 85 Second Bowl Ejection Channel 85a 2nd spout 90 Nozzle Cover 90a hole 90b Notch 100 Sanitary cleaning equipment 110 Pipeline 120 Solenoid valve 121 Pressure Regulating Valve 122 Check valve 123 Heat exchanger unit 124 Flow Sensor 125 Vacuum breaker 126 Electrolytic Cell Unit 127 Pressure Modulation Unit 130 Control Unit 135 Power supply circuit 140 Operation section 150 Seat detection sensors 200 toilets 300 toilet equipment 500 Water source

Claims

1. A nozzle unit that moves back and forth between the toilet bowl and the casing, A support portion that slidably supports the nozzle unit, Equipped with, The nozzle unit is curved so as to be convex upward and has a nozzle cover that moves back and forth along an arc-shaped trajectory. The aforementioned support portion is The nozzle unit has a groove that extends in the direction of movement, A rail portion extending in the direction of advancement of the nozzle unit at a position different from the groove portion, It has, The nozzle unit described above is A protruding portion is held in the groove so as to be sandwiched from above and below and makes line contact with the groove, The aforementioned rail portion is held by a recess that clamps it from above and below, A sanitary cleaning device characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned protrusion is provided on one side of the nozzle unit in the left-right direction, The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess is provided on the other side in the left-right direction of the nozzle unit.

3. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protruding portion is provided above the recessed portion.

4. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess has a protrusion that contacts the rail portion.

5. The aforementioned protrusion is, An upper protrusion facing the upper surface of the rail section, A lower protrusion facing the lower surface of the rail section, It has, The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the protruding dimension of the upper convex portion is larger than the protruding dimension of the lower convex portion.

6. The sanitary cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the protruding portion is in line contact with the groove portion in the left-right direction.

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