Patent Publication Number: US-2021164211-A1

Title: Sanitary washing device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-217489, filed on Nov. 29, 2019; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sanitary washing device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     JP-A 2013-83141 (Kokai) discusses a sanitary washing device including a private part washing nozzle. To remove dirt adhered to the private part washing nozzle in the sanitary washing device, sterilizing water (bacteria removing water) is squirted toward the private part washing nozzle, and sterilizing light (ultraviolet light) that has a sterilizing action is irradiated toward the private part washing nozzle. 
     The sterilizing water that is squirted toward the private part washing nozzle spreads in a nozzle storage part in which the private part washing nozzle is stored. The concentration of the sterilizing component of the squirted sterilizing water decreases over time. There is a risk that bacteria and/or mold may easily occur due to the effects of moisture at locations where the sterilizing water having a reduced sterilizing effect remains. 
     Accordingly, when sterilizing water remains in the nozzle storage part, it is desirable to suppress the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold by irradiating sterilizing light also toward such locations. 
     However, because the sterilizing light basically travels straight, it is difficult to irradiate the sterilizing light toward a wide area inside the nozzle storage part. Because it is necessary to provide many light sources and/or reflective materials to irradiate the sterilizing light toward a wide area inside the nozzle storage part, there is a risk that the casing may become large or the cost may increase. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the embodiment, a sanitary washing device includes a private part washing nozzle, a casing, a sterilizing water generator, and an illuminator. The private part washing nozzle discharges water toward a private part of a user in a state of the private part washing nozzle is advanced into a toilet. The casing includes a nozzle storage part configured to store an entirety of the private part washing nozzle in a state of the private part washing nozzle is retracted. The sterilizing water generator generates sterilizing water supplied to the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part. The illuminator irradiates sterilizing light into the nozzle storage part. The sterilizing light has a sterilizing action. The illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light toward a residual water occurrence portion at which the sterilizing water supplied into the nozzle storage part remains. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device including a sanitary washing device according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the relevant components of the sanitary washing device. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the private part washing nozzle is retracted into the casing. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the private part washing nozzle is advanced from the interior of the casing. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end side of the private part washing nozzle of  FIG. 3  illustrating the inner tube of the private part washing nozzle. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view illustrating the private part washing nozzle periphery. 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  are explanatory drawings illustrating the areas of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part sterilized by the sterilizing water. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are explanatory drawings illustrating an example of the residual water occurrence portion of the sterilizing water remaining in the nozzle storage part and the sterilizing light irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are explanatory drawings illustrating an example of the residual water occurrence portion of the sterilizing water remaining at the nozzle lid of the nozzle storage part and the sterilizing light irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion according to the first modification. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are explanatory drawings illustrating an illuminator according to a second modification that is provided above the nozzle. 
         FIGS. 11A to 11C  are explanatory drawings of an illuminator according to a third modification in which a reflective material that reflects the sterilizing light is provided at the opposite side in the lateral direction. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are cross-sectional views showing a private part washing nozzle according to a fourth modification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to one embodiment, a sanitary washing device including a private part washing nozzle discharging water toward a private part of a user in a state of the private part washing nozzle being advanced into a toilet, a casing including a nozzle storage part configured to store an entirety of the private part washing nozzle in a state of the private part washing nozzle being retracted, a sterilizing water generator generating sterilizing water supplied to the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part, and an illuminator irradiating sterilizing light into the nozzle storage part, such that the sterilizing light has a sterilizing action, and the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light toward a residual water occurrence portion at which the sterilizing water supplied into the nozzle storage part remains. 
     According to the sanitary washing device, washing and sterilizing the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be performed by the sterilizing water. In other words, the sterilizing water can sterilize a wide area of the private part washing nozzle and the interior of the nozzle storage part. The illuminator sterilizes by irradiating sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion at which the sterilizing water remains inside the nozzle storage part. In other words, the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion at which bacteria and/or mold easily occurs. Accordingly, even without providing multiple light sources, reflective materials, etc., the clean state of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be efficiently maintained using the sterilizing water and the sterilizing light, and the enlargement of the casing can be suppressed. 
     Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Similar components in the drawings are marked with the same reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device including a sanitary washing device according to the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the toilet device includes a sit-down flush toilet (for convenience of description hereinbelow, called simply the “toilet”)  800  and a sanitary washing device  100  provided at the upper part of the toilet  800 . The sanitary washing device  100  includes a casing  400 , a toilet seat  200 , and a toilet lid  300 . The toilet seat  200  and the toilet lid  300  each are pivotally supported to be openable and closable with respect to the casing  400 . 
     A private part washing functional unit that realizes the washing of a private part such as the “bottom” or the like of a user sitting on the toilet seat  200  and the like are provided inside the casing  400 . For example, a seating detection sensor  404  that detects the user being seated on the toilet seat  200  is provided in the casing  400 . When the seating detection sensor  404  detects the user sitting on the toilet seat  200 , a private part washing nozzle (for convenience of description hereinbelow, called simply the “nozzle”)  473  can be caused to advance into the toilet  800  (into a bowl  801 ) or retract from the interior of the bowl  801  when the user operates an operation part  500  such as, for example, a remote control, etc. (referring to  FIG. 2 ). A state in which the nozzle  473  is advanced into the bowl  801  is illustrated in the sanitary washing device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The nozzle  473  washes the human body private part by discharging water toward the human body private part. The nozzle  473  includes an outer tube  473   a  that is slidable in the longitudinal direction, and an inner tube  473   b  that is provided inside the outer tube  473   a  and is slidable in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the nozzle  473  is a two-stage nozzle in which the outer tube  473   a  and the inner tube  473   b  advance and retract in the longitudinal direction. A bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  and a bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  are provided in the tip portion of the inner tube  473   b  of the nozzle  473 . The nozzle  473  can wash a female private part of a female sitting on the toilet seat  200  by squirting water from the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  provided in the tip of the nozzle  473 . The nozzle  473  also can wash the “bottom” of the user sitting on the toilet seat  200  by squirting water from the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  provided in the tip of the nozzle  473 . In this specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also warm water that is heated. 
     The modes of washing the “bottom” include, for example, a “bottom wash” and a “gentle wash” that gently washes using a water stream that is softer than that of the “bottom wash”. For example, the nozzle  473  can perform the “bidet wash”, the “bottom wash”, and the “gentle wash”. 
     Although the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  is provided further toward the tip side of the nozzle  473  than the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  in the nozzle  473  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the mounting positions of the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  and the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  are not limited to the example. The bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  may be provided further toward the back end side of the nozzle  473  than the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b . Although two water discharge ports are provided in the nozzle  473  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , three or more water discharge ports may be provided. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the relevant components of the sanitary washing device. 
     The relevant components of the water channel system and the electrical system are illustrated together in  FIG. 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the sanitary washing device  100  includes a water transfer part  20 . The water transfer part  20  includes a pipe line  20   a  that reaches the nozzle  473  from a water supply source  10  such as a service water line, a water storage tank, etc. The water transfer part  20  guides the water supplied from the water supply source  10  to the nozzle  473  via the pipe line  20   a . For example, the pipe line  20   a  is formed of components such as an electromagnetic valve  431 , a heat exchanger unit  440 , a flow path switcher  472 , etc., which are described below, and multiple piping that connects these components. 
     The electromagnetic valve  431  is provided at the upstream side of the water transfer part  20 . The electromagnetic valve  431  is an openable and closeable electromagnetic valve and controls the supply of the water based on a command from a controller  405  provided inside the casing  400 . In other words, the electromagnetic valve  431  opens and closes the pipe line  20   a . The water that is supplied from the water supply source  10  is caused to flow in the pipe line  20   a  by setting the electromagnetic valve  431  to the open state. 
     A pressure regulator valve  432  is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve  431 . The pressure regulator valve  432  regulates the pressure inside the pipe line  20   a  to be in a prescribed pressure range when the water supply pressure is high. A check valve  433  is provided downstream of the pressure regulator valve  432 . The check valve  433  suppresses the backflow of water toward the upstream side of the check valve  433  when the pressure inside the pipe line  20   a  decreases, etc. 
     The heat exchanger unit  440  (the heater) is provided downstream of the check valve  433 . The heat exchanger unit  440  includes a heater and heats the water supplied from the water supply source  10  to, for example, a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger unit  440  produces warm water. 
     The heat exchanger unit  440  is, for example, an instant heating-type (instantaneous-type) heat exchanger that uses a ceramic heater, etc. Compared to a warm water storage heating-type heat exchanger that uses a warm water storage tank, the instant heating-type heat exchanger can heat the water to the specified temperature in a short period of time. The heat exchanger unit  440  is not limited to an instant heating-type heat exchanger and may be a warm water storage heating-type heat exchanger. The heater is not limited to a heat exchanger; for example, another heating technique such as one that utilizes microwave heating, etc., may be used. 
     The heat exchanger unit  440  is connected to the controller  405 . For example, the controller  405  heats the water to the temperature set by the operation part  500  by controlling the heat exchanger unit  440  according to an operation of the operation part  500  by the user. 
     A flow rate sensor  442  is provided downstream of the heat exchanger unit  440 . The flow rate sensor  442  detects the flow rate of the water discharged from the heat exchanger unit  440 . In other words, the flow rate sensor  442  detects the flow rate of the water flowing through the pipe line  20   a . The flow rate sensor  442  is connected to the controller  405 . The flow rate sensor  442  inputs the detection result of the flow rate to the controller  405 . 
     An electrolytic cell unit  450  is provided downstream of the flow rate sensor  442 . The electrolytic cell unit  450  generates a liquid (functional water) including hypochlorous acid from the service water by electrolyzing the service water flowing through the interior of the electrolytic cell unit  450 . The electrolytic cell unit  450  is connected to the controller  405 . The electrolytic cell unit  450  is included in the sterilizing water generator of the invention and generates the sterilizing water (the functional water) based on a control by the controller  405 . The functional water that is generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  may be, for example, a solution including metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, etc. Or, the functional water that is generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  may be a solution including electrolytic chlorine, ozone, etc. Or, the functional water that is generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  may be acidic water or alkaline water. The electrolytic cell unit  450  supplies the sterilizing water (the functional water) to the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  of the nozzle  473  and/or the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  and a water discharger  478   a  of a nozzle washer  478 . 
     A vacuum breaker (VB)  452  is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell unit  450 . The vacuum breaker  452  includes, for example, a flow channel for allowing the water to flow, an intake port for intaking air into the flow channel, and a valve mechanism that opens and closes the intake port. For example, the valve mechanism blocks the intake port when water is flowing in the flow channel and intakes air into the flow channel by opening the intake port when the flow of the water stops. In other words, the vacuum breaker  452  intakes air into the pipe line  20   a  when the water does not flow in the water transfer part  20 . The valve mechanism includes, for example, a float valve. 
     As described above, the vacuum breaker  452  intakes air into the pipe line  20   a , thereby promoting, for example, water drainage of the portion of the pipe line  20   a  downstream of the vacuum breaker  452 . For example, the vacuum breaker  452  promotes the water drainage of the nozzle  473 . Thus, the vacuum breaker  452  drains the water inside the nozzle  473  and intakes air into the nozzle  473 , thereby suppressing, for example, the undesirable backflow toward the water supply source  10  (the fresh water) side of the wash water inside the nozzle  473 , the liquid waste collected inside the bowl  801 , etc. 
     A pressure modulator  454  is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker  452 . The pressure modulator  454  applies a pulsatory motion to the water discharged from the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  and the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  of the nozzle  473  and/or the water discharger  478   a  of the nozzle washer  478  by applying a pulsatory motion or an acceleration to the flow of the water inside the pipe line  20   a  of the water transfer part  20 . In other words, the pressure modulator  454  causes the fluidic state of the water flowing through the pipe line  20   a  to fluctuate. The pressure modulator  454  is connected to the controller  405 . The pressure modulator  454  causes the fluidic state of the water to fluctuate based on a control by the controller  405 . The pressure modulator  454  causes the pressure of the water inside the pipe line  20   a  to fluctuate. 
     A flow regulator  471  is provided downstream of the pressure modulator  454 . The flow regulator  471  regulates the water force (the flow rate). The flow path switcher  472  is provided downstream of the flow regulator  471 . The flow path switcher  472  performs opening and closing and switching of the water supply to the nozzle  473  and/or the nozzle washer  478 . The flow regulator  471  and the flow path switcher  472  may be provided as one unit. The flow regulator  471  and the flow path switcher  472  are connected to the controller  405 . The operations of the flow regulator  471  and the flow path switcher  472  are controlled by the controller  405 . 
     The nozzle  473 , the nozzle washer  478 , and a spray nozzle  479  are provided downstream of the flow path switcher  472 . The nozzle  473  receives a drive force from a nozzle motor  476 , advances into the bowl  801  of the toilet  800 , and retracts from the interior of the bowl  801 . That is, the nozzle motor  476  is a drive device that causes the nozzle  473  to advance and retract based on a command from the controller  405 . 
     The nozzle washer  478  washes and sterilizes the outer circumferential surface (the central body) of the inner tube  473   b  of the nozzle  473  by squirting sterilizing water (functional water) from the water discharger  478   a . The nozzle washer  478  may wash the outer circumferential surface (the central body) of the inner tube  473   b  of the nozzle  473  by squirting water from the water discharger  478   a . The nozzle washer  478  also may wash and sterilize the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube  473   a  of the nozzle  473 . The spray nozzle  479  sprays the water or the functional water into the bowl  801  in a mist form. In the example, the spray nozzle  479  is provided separately from the nozzle  473  for washing the human body. The spraying is not limited thereto; a water discharge port for spraying a mist-like liquid into the bowl  801  may be provided in the nozzle  473 . 
     A bottom wash channel  21 , a gentle wash channel  22 , and a bidet wash channel  23  also are provided downstream of the flow path switcher  472 . The bottom wash channel  21  and the gentle wash channel  22  guide, toward the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b , the water supplied from the water supply source  10  or the functional water generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  via the water transfer part  20 . The bidet wash channel  23  guides, toward the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a , the water supplied from the water supply source  10  or the functional water generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  via the water transfer part  20 . 
     A surface wash channel  24  and a spray channel  25  also are provided downstream of the flow path switcher  472 . The surface wash channel  24  guides, toward the water discharger  478   a  of the nozzle washer  478 , the water supplied from the water supply source  10  or the functional water generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  via the water transfer part  20 . The spray channel  25  guides, toward the spray nozzle  479 , the water supplied from the water supply source  10  or the functional water generated by the electrolytic cell unit  450  via the water transfer part  20 . 
     By controlling the flow path switcher  472 , the controller  405  switches the opening and closing of the flow channels of the bottom wash channel  21 , the gentle wash channel  22 , the bidet wash channel  23 , the surface wash channel  24 , and the spray channel  25 . Thus, the flow path switcher  472  switches between the state of communicating with the pipe line  20   a  and the state of not communicating with the pipe line  20   a  for each of the multiple water discharge ports of the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a , the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b , the nozzle washer  478 , the spray nozzle  479 , etc. 
     The controller  405  is supplied with electrical power from a power supply circuit  401  and controls the operations of the electromagnetic valve  431 , the heat exchanger unit  440 , the electrolytic cell unit  450 , the pressure modulator  454 , the flow regulator  471 , the flow path switcher  472 , the nozzle motor  476 , etc., based on signals from a human body detection sensor  403 , the seating detection sensor  404 , the flow rate sensor  442 , the operation part  500 , etc. 
     For example, the controller  405  also controls an illuminator  600  based on detection information of the human body detection sensor  403  and/or the seating detection sensor  404 . The illuminator  600  irradiates sterilizing light, which is light having a sterilizing action, on the periphery of the nozzle  473  (a nozzle storage part  480  described below, etc.). The illuminator  600  is described below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the human body detection sensor  403  is sunk into a recessed portion  409  formed in the upper surface of the casing  400  and detects the user (the human body) approaching the toilet seat  200 . In other words, the human body detection sensor  403  detects the user at the vicinity of the sanitary washing device  100 . A transmissive window  310  is provided at the back part of the toilet lid  300 . Therefore, the human body detection sensor  403  can detect the existence of the user via the transmissive window  310  in the state in which the toilet lid  300  is closed. For example, the controller  405  responds to the detection of the user by the human body detection sensor  403  by automatically opening the toilet lid  300 . 
     Various mechanisms such as a “deodorizing unit”, a “room heating unit”, a “warm air drying function” that dries the “bottom” or the like of the user sitting on the toilet seat  200  by blowing warm air toward the “bottom” or the like, etc., also may be provided as appropriate in the casing  400 . In such a case, an exhaust port  407  from the deodorizing unit and a vent  408  from the room heating unit are provided as appropriate in the side surface of the casing  400 . However, in the invention, the sanitary washing functional units or the other additional functional units may not always be provided. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the private part washing nozzle is retracted into the casing. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the private part washing nozzle is advanced from the interior of the casing. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end side of the private part washing nozzle of  FIG. 3  illustrating the inner tube of the private part washing nozzle. 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view illustrating the private part washing nozzle periphery. 
       FIGS. 7A to 7C  are explanatory drawings illustrating the areas of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part sterilized by the sterilizing water.  FIG. 7A  is a front view of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the front. The nozzle lid is not illustrated in  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the side.  FIG. 7C  is a back view illustrating the inner surface side of the nozzle lid. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are explanatory drawings illustrating an example of the residual water occurrence portion of the sterilizing water remaining in the nozzle storage part and the sterilizing light irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion.  FIG. 8A  is a front view of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the front. The nozzle lid is not illustrated in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the side. The tip side of the water discharger  478   a  is not illustrated for convenience of description in  FIG. 8B . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the casing  400  includes the nozzle storage part  480  that is configured to store the entire nozzle  473  in the state in which the nozzle  473  is retracted. In other words, the nozzle storage part  480  is the portion of the interior of the casing  400  in which the nozzle  473  is stored. 
     The nozzle storage part  480  includes a nozzle lid  483  that is configured to open and close an opening  482  provided at the front end of the nozzle storage part  480 , and a bottom portion  481  of a case plate  400   a , which forms the bottom surface of the casing  400 , positioned below the nozzle  473 . The nozzle lid  483  may not be provided. The nozzle storage part  480  is covered with a case cover  400   b  from above. A nozzle supporter  484  that supports the nozzle  473  to be advanceable and retractable is provided in the nozzle storage part  480 . 
     The nozzle storage part  480  is sterilized by the sterilizing water discharged from the water discharger  478   a  of the nozzle washer  478  and the sterilizing light irradiated from the illuminator  600  described below. The interior of the nozzle storage part  480  is washed and sterilized by the sterilizing water being supplied (flowing) into the nozzle storage part  480 . As in the lattice-like hatching shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7C , a sterilizing water area S 1  is a wide area of the bottom portion  481  of the nozzle storage part  480 , an inner surface  483   a  of the nozzle lid  483 , etc., in addition to the outer circumferential surface (the central body) of the nozzle  473 . 
     The bottom portion  481  is tilted into the bowl  801  of the toilet  800 . Thereby, the sterilizing water flows down from a front end  481   a  of the bottom portion  481  into the bowl  801  of the toilet  800 . In such a case, the sterilizing water may remain inside the nozzle storage part  480  due to, for example, the materials and the configuration of the nozzle storage part  480 , the surface tension of the sterilizing water, etc. 
     For example, due to surface tension, the sterilizing water easily remains at the front end  481   a  side of the bottom portion  481  without dropping into the toilet  800 . Concentration decay of the sterilizing water remaining in the nozzle storage part  480  progresses over time. Accordingly, the residual water occurrence portion at which the sterilizing water remains becomes an environment in which bacteria and/or mold easily occur. In such a case, the residual water occurrence portion can be designated by, for example, designating the area (the flow channel) through which the sterilizing water flows and by confirming the occurrence degree of bacteria and/or mold when left idle for a prescribed period. In the embodiment, the front end  481   a  side of the bottom portion  481  of the nozzle storage part  480  is taken as a residual water occurrence portion S 2  in which the sterilizing water easily remains. Although the entire front end  481   a  side of the bottom portion  481  is taken as the residual water occurrence portion S 2  in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a part of the front end  481   a  side of the bottom portion  481  may be taken as the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . The sterilizing light is irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion S 2  from the illuminator  600  described below. 
     The nozzle supporter  484  supports the nozzle  473  below the nozzle  473 . The nozzle supporter  484  is tilted downward along a direction from the back toward the front. The nozzle  473  advances and retracts while sliding with respect to the nozzle supporter  484 . For example, a tubular member that stores the nozzle  473  may be provided in the nozzle storage part  480 . 
     The nozzle washer  478  is mounted to the front end of the nozzle supporter  484 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the nozzle washer  478  includes the water discharger  478   a , in which a water discharge hole that discharges sterilizing water and/or water is formed, and a support body  478   b  of the water discharger  478   a . The opening  482  is provided in the front end of the nozzle storage part  480 . The opening  482  is provided in the lower side of the front surface of the casing  400 . The nozzle washer  478  is positioned backward of the opening  482 . For example, the nozzle washer  478  washes the outer circumferential surface (the central body) of the nozzle  473  by squirting sterilizing water and/or water from the water discharger  478   a  when the nozzle  473  advances and retracts. 
     The nozzle lid  483  is provided frontward of the nozzle  473 . The nozzle lid  483  is pivotally supported by the case cover  400   b  of the casing  400  and is configured to open and close the opening  482  of the front surface of the case cover  400   b  provided at the front end of the nozzle storage part  480 . The nozzle lid  483  is in an open state in which the opening  482  is open when the nozzle  473  is advanced as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and the nozzle lid  483  is in a closed state in which the opening  482  is closed when the entire nozzle  473  is stored in the nozzle storage part  480  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . For example, the opening  482  is blocked by the nozzle lid  483  when the nozzle lid  483  is in the closed state. 
     The nozzle lid  483  includes the inner surface  483   a  and an outer surface  483   b . The inner surface  483   a  is positioned inside the nozzle storage part  480  (at the nozzle  473  side) in the closed state. The outer surface  483   b  is positioned at the side opposite to the inner surface  483   a  (the interior side of the toilet  800 ). In other words, the inner surface  483   a  is positioned backward in the closed state, and the outer surface  483   b  is positioned frontward in the closed state. 
     When the nozzle  473  is not used, the nozzle  473  is stored in the nozzle storage part  480  in a state in which the inner tube  473   b  is positioned inside the outer tube  473   a  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . When the private part wash is performed by the nozzle  473 , the nozzle  473  slides frontward and downward with respect to the nozzle storage part  480 . When the nozzle  473  slides frontward and downward, the nozzle  473  contacts the nozzle washer  478 , and the nozzle lid  483  and the water discharger  478   a  of the nozzle washer  478  are pushed upward. For example, the nozzle  473  is washed by discharging water from the water discharger  478   a  until the nozzle  473  reaches a prescribed position. 
     When the nozzle  473  reaches a prescribed position as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the inner tube  473   b  protrudes from the outer tube  473   a . Then, water is discharged from the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  or the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  of the inner tube  473   b  toward the private part of the user, and washing is performed. When the private part wash is completed, the nozzle  473  slides backward and upward toward the nozzle storage part  480 . For example, the nozzle  473  is washed and sterilized by the sterilizing water discharged from the water discharger  478   a  until the nozzle  473  is stored in the nozzle storage part  480 . In such a case, the sterilizing water that is discharged from the water discharger  478   a  contacts the bottom portion  481  of the nozzle storage part  480  and the inner surface  483   a  of the nozzle lid  483  and flows down into the toilet  800  (into the bowl  801 ). Accordingly, the sterilizing water also sterilizes the interior of the nozzle storage part  480 . 
     The illuminator  600  irradiates sterilizing light, which has a sterilizing action, into the nozzle storage part  480 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , for example, the illuminator  600  is positioned inside the casing  400  and is located above the bottom portion  481 . In the example as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the illuminator  600  is located at one lateral-direction side (the left side) below the nozzle supporter  484  and irradiates sterilizing light toward the other lateral-direction side (the right side). The illuminator  600  may be located at the right side and may irradiate the sterilizing light toward the left side. 
     Here, as a first condition, at least a part of the illuminator  600  is located further frontward than a front surface  473   c  of the nozzle  473  in the state in which the nozzle  473  is retracted. In other words, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , because the front surface  473   c  of the nozzle  473  is tilted backward from an upper end  473   d  toward a lower end  473   e , the at least a part of the illuminator  600  is located further frontward than a virtual line A-A extending in the vertical direction and passing through the lower end  473   e  of the front surface  473   c.    
     As a second condition, at least a part of the illuminator  600  is located lower than a center O of the front surface  473   c  of the nozzle  473  in the state in which the nozzle  473  is retracted. In other words, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the at least a part of the illuminator  600  is located lower than a virtual line B-B extending in the longitudinal direction and passing through the center O of the front surface  473   c.    
     As a third condition, at least a part of the illuminator  600  is located higher than the lower end  473   e  of the front surface  473   c  of the nozzle  473  in the state in which the nozzle  473  is retracted. In other words, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the at least a part of the illuminator  600  is located higher than a virtual line C-C extending in the longitudinal direction and passing through the lower end  473   e  of the front surface  473   c.    
     By satisfying one of the first to third conditions, the illuminator  600  can be proximate to the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . Accordingly, the irradiation intensity of the illuminator  600  on the residual water occurrence portion (e.g., the residual water occurrence portion S 2 ) can be increased, and the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold in the residual water occurrence portion S 2  can be suppressed. In the embodiment, the illuminator  600  is located at a position that satisfies all of the first to third conditions. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the illuminator  600  irradiates sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 , at which the sterilizing water that flows through the nozzle storage part  480  remains. At least a portion of the bacteria adhered to the residual water occurrence portion S 2  is sterilized by being annihilated or deactivated by the irradiation of the sterilizing light. In such a case, for example, the illuminator  600  directs the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . The direction in which the sterilizing light is directed can be considered to be the direction in which the intensity of the sterilizing light is a maximum. Thus, the illuminator  600  can effectively sterilize the residual water occurrence portion by directing, toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 , an optical axis L 1  of the maximum intensity of the sterilizing light having an irradiation area S 3  shown by the double dot-dash lines in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     For example, the optical axis L 1  at which the intensity is greatest is the center of the irradiation width of the sterilizing light (the central axis of the divergence angle). There may be multiple optical axes at which the intensity is greatest when a lens or the like is provided frontward of the illuminator  600 . In such a case, it is sufficient for at least one optical axis of the multiple optical axes to be directed toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . 
     The illuminator  600  includes, for example, a light-emitting element  620  (a light-emitting body). The light-emitting element  620  is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting element  620  is not limited to an LED and may be, for example, a LD (Laser Diode), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), etc. The light-emitting element  620  may be, for example, a cold cathode fluorescent tube or a hot cathode fluorescent tube. The wavelength of the sterilizing light radiated by the light-emitting element  620  is, for example, 250 nm to 480 nm. 
     The light-emitting element  620  is connected to the controller  405  via a substrate and is lit and unlit based on a control of the controller  405 . The controller  405  controls the operation of the illuminator  600  by controlling the light-emitting element  620  to be lit or unlit. The controller  405  also may control the radiant intensity of the light-emitting element  620  by adjusting the voltage applied to the light-emitting element  620 . 
     The sanitary washing device  100  according to the embodiment has a configuration such as that described above; the sterilization of the nozzle  473  and the nozzle storage part  480  by the sterilizing water and the sterilizing light will now be described. 
     For example, when the user that is seated on the toilet seat  200  operates the operation part  500  (the remote control), the nozzle  473  reaches the prescribed position. Subsequently, the private part wash is performed by discharging water from the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  or the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  toward the private part of the user. When the private part wash is completed, the nozzle  473  slides backward and upward toward the nozzle storage part  480 . 
     Then, the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle  473  is washed and sterilized by the sterilizing water discharged from the water discharger  478   a  being supplied to the nozzle  473  until the nozzle  473  is stored in the nozzle storage part  480 . After the nozzle  473  has retracted, the bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  and the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  are washed and sterilized (self-cleaned) by discharging sterilizing water and water from a bidet wash water discharge port  474   a  and/or the bottom wash water discharge port  474   b  of the nozzle  473 . In such a case, the sterilizing water flows through the nozzle storage part  480  and flows down into the toilet  800  (into the bowl  801 ) from the opening  482 . Accordingly, in addition to the nozzle  473 , the sterilizing water also sterilizes the inner surface of the nozzle storage part  480 , the bottom portion  481 , and the inner surface  483   a  of the nozzle lid  483 . In other words, as illustrated in the sterilizing water area S 1  in  FIGS. 7A to 7C , the sterilizing water can sterilize a wide area of the nozzle  473  and the interior of the nozzle storage part  480 . 
     Nearly all of the sterilizing water supplied into the nozzle storage part  480  flows down into the bowl  801  of the toilet  800  from the opening  482 . However, as illustrated in the residual water occurrence portion S 2  in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , for example, the sterilizing water easily remains at the front end  481   a  side of the bottom portion  481  of the nozzle storage part  480  due to the surface tension of the sterilizing water, etc. In the residual water occurrence portion S 2 , concentration decay progresses over time. Thereby, the residual water occurrence portion S 2  undesirably becomes an environment in which bacteria and/or mold easily occur. 
     Therefore, in the embodiment, the illuminator  600  irradiates the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . The illuminator  600  irradiates the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2  in the prescribed irradiation area S 3 . Favorably, the illuminator  600  irradiates with the optical axis L 1  at which the intensity is greatest (the maximum beam direction) directed toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . The optical axis L 1  at which the intensity is greatest is, for example, the center of the irradiation width of the sterilizing light (the central axis of the divergence angle). The occurrence of bacteria and/or mold at the residual water occurrence portion S 2  can be suppressed thereby because the illuminator  600  can irradiate the sterilizing light with a high intensity toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . The illuminator  600  may not direct the maximum beam direction toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 ; it is sufficient for a portion of the sterilizing light to be irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . 
     Thus, the sterilizing water can sterilize a wide area interior of the nozzle storage part  480 . On the other hand, the sterilizing light is irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion S 2  of the sterilizing water. In other words, the sterilizing light sterilizes a narrower area than the area sterilized by the sterilizing water. In other words, the sterilizing light suppresses the propagation of bacteria and/or mold having a risk of occurring due to the residual water of the sterilizing water. Accordingly, even when many illuminators  600 , reflective materials, etc., are not provided, the clean state of the nozzle  473  and the nozzle storage part  480  can be efficiently maintained using the sterilizing water and the sterilizing light, and the enlargement of the casing  400  can be suppressed because the number of components can be as low as much as possible. 
     The illuminator  600  is positioned at the side of the opening  482  of the nozzle storage part  480  and irradiates the sterilizing light across the opening  482 . Accordingly, the illuminator  600  can efficiently irradiate the sterilizing light toward the residual water extending in the lateral direction. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are explanatory drawings illustrating an example of the residual water occurrence portion of the sterilizing water remaining at the nozzle lid of the nozzle storage part and the sterilizing light irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion according to the first modification.  FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the side.  FIG. 9B  is a back view illustrating the inner surface side of the nozzle lid. 
     An example is described in the embodiment described above in which the residual water occurrence portion S 2  is the front end side of the bottom portion  481  of the nozzle storage part  480 , and the sterilizing light is irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . However, the invention is not limited thereto; the illuminator  600  may irradiate the sterilizing light on another residual water occurrence portion. For example, the sterilizing light may be irradiated on the nozzle washer  478  inside the nozzle storage part  480 . The residual water occurrence portion can be determined by performing experiments and simulations using the materials and the configurations of the nozzle storage part  480  and the components inside the nozzle storage part  480 , the flow rate of the sterilizing water, etc. 
     For example, as in the first modification illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the lower end side of the inner surface  483   a  of the nozzle lid  483  may be taken as a residual water occurrence portion S 4  (the lattice-like hatching in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). Although the entire lower end side of the inner surface  483   a  of the nozzle lid  483  is taken as the residual water occurrence portion S 4  in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a part of the lower end side of the inner surface  483   a  of the nozzle lid  483  may be taken as the residual water occurrence portion. 
     The illuminator  600  can suppress the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold in the residual water occurrence portion S 4  by irradiating the sterilizing light having an irradiation area S 5  shown by the double dot-dash lines toward the residual water occurrence portion S 4 . In such a case, it is favorable for the maximum beam direction of the sterilizing light of the illuminator  600  to be directed toward the residual water occurrence portion S 4 . 
     For example, the illuminator  600  may include multiple residual water occurrence portions (e.g., the residual water occurrence portion S 2  and the residual water occurrence portion S 4 ) within the irradiation area of the sterilizing light. In such a case, for example, the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold inside the nozzle storage part  480  can be effectively suppressed by using experiments, simulations, etc., to direct the maximum beam direction of the sterilizing light toward a residual water occurrence portion at which the propagation of bacteria and/or mold is large and by setting the other residual water occurrence portions to be within the irradiation area of the sterilizing light. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are explanatory drawings illustrating an illuminator according to a second modification that is provided above the nozzle.  FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the side.  FIG. 10B  is a plan view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from above. 
     An example is described in the embodiment described above in which the illuminator  600  is located leftward of the nozzle storage part  480 . However, the invention is not limited thereto; for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the illuminator  650  may be located above the nozzle  473 . For example, the illuminator  650  can be provided at the case cover  400   b . It is favorable for at least a part of the illuminator  650  to be located further frontward than the front surface  473   c  of the nozzle  473  in the state in which the nozzle  473  is retracted. Also, it is favorable for at least a part of the illuminator  650  to be located higher than the lower end  473   e  of the front surface  473   c  of the nozzle  473  in the state in which the nozzle  473  is retracted. Thereby, the sterilizing light can be efficiently irradiated toward the residual water occurrence portion. 
       FIGS. 11A to 11C  are explanatory drawings of an illuminator according to a third modification in which a reflective material that reflects the sterilizing light is provided at the opposite side in the lateral direction.  FIG. 11A  is a plan view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from above.  FIG. 11B  is a front view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the front. The nozzle lid is not illustrated in  FIG. 11B .  FIG. 11C  is a back view illustrating the inner surface side of the nozzle lid. 
     An example is described in the embodiment described above in which the sterilizing light is directly irradiated from the illuminator  600  toward the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . However, the invention is not limited thereto; for example, as in the third modification illustrated in  FIGS. 11A to 11C , the nozzle storage part  480  may include a reflective material  700  that is positioned at the side opposite to the illuminator  600  in the lateral direction and reflects the sterilizing light toward the right side (the other side). Thereby, as shown by the double dot-dash lines in  FIGS. 11A to 11C , an irradiation area S 6  of the sterilizing light of the illuminator  600  can be wide, and the intensity of the sterilizing light on the residual water occurrence portion can be increased. 
     For example, the reflective material  700  is formed of a metal material to increase the reflectance. Also, it is desirable to perform mirror finishing of the surface of the reflective material  700  (the surface facing the illuminator  600 ). The reflective material  700  may be formed of a resin material having a high reflectance. For example, a fluoric compound or a polyester compound is used as such a resin material. The entire reflective material  700  may include a material having a high reflectance such as that described above, or only a part of the reflective material  700  may include a material having a high reflectance. For the reflective material  700  that is formed of such a material, it is favorable for the reflectance to be not less than 10%, and more favorably 50%. More favorably, the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold inside the nozzle storage part  480  can be effectively suppressed by using a reflective material  700  having a reflectance not less than 80%. 
     The illuminator  600  may irradiate the sterilizing light on the residual water occurrence portion S 2  by using the reflective material  700  to reflect the sterilizing light. The sterilizing effect can be improved thereby because the sterilizing light can be doubly irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion S 2 . In other words, there is a risk that the intensity of the sterilizing light may be weak in the residual water occurrence portion S 2  at positions separated from the illuminator  600 . However, as illustrated by an optical axis L 2  of  FIG. 11B , the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold can be suppressed because the sterilizing light can be doubly irradiated on positions separated from the illuminator  600  by using the reflective material  700 . Also, by adjusting the angle of the reflected light, the sterilizing light can be irradiated on residual water occurrence portions on which the illuminator  600  cannot directly irradiate. Accordingly, the interior of the nozzle storage part  480  can be effectively sterilized, and the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold can be suppressed. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are cross-sectional views showing a private part washing nozzle according to a fourth modification.  FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from the side.  FIG. 12B  is a plan view of the nozzle and the nozzle storage part when viewed from above. 
     An example is described in the embodiment described above in which the nozzle  473  is a two-stage nozzle that extends and retracts in two stages. However, the invention is not limited thereto; for example, as in the fourth modification illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , a nozzle  485  may be one nozzle that advances into the toilet  800  and then retracts. In such a case, a tubular nozzle washer  486  is provided to be at the tip side of the nozzle  485  when the nozzle  485  is retracted inside the casing  400 . A water discharger that discharges sterilizing water and water toward the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle  485  is formed in the nozzle washer  486 . 
     For example, the following aspects may be considered as sanitary washing devices based on the embodiments described above. 
     A first aspect includes a private part washing nozzle discharging water toward a private part of a user in a state of the private part washing nozzle being advanced into a toilet, a casing including a nozzle storage part configured to store an entirety of the private part washing nozzle in a state of the private part washing nozzle being retracted, a sterilizing water generator generating sterilizing water supplied to the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part, and an illuminator irradiating sterilizing light into the nozzle storage part, such that the sterilizing light has a sterilizing action, and the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light toward a residual water occurrence portion at which the sterilizing water supplied into the nozzle storage part remains. 
     According to the first aspect, the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be washed and sterilized by the sterilizing water. In other words, a wide area of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be sterilized by the sterilizing water. The illuminator sterilizes the residual water occurrence portion at which the sterilizing water remains inside the nozzle storage part by irradiating the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion. In other words, the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion at which bacteria and/or mold easily occur. Accordingly, even without providing multiple light sources, reflective materials, etc., the clean state of the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be efficiently maintained using the sterilizing water and the sterilizing light, and the enlargement of the casing can be suppressed. 
     A second aspect is the first aspect, wherein the sterilizing water generator supplies the sterilizing water toward a water discharge port of the private part washing nozzle. 
     According to the second aspect, the sterilizing water sterilizes the bidet wash water discharge port and/or the bottom wash water discharge port of the private part washing nozzle and flows in the nozzle storage part. On the other hand, the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light on the residual water occurrence portion of the sterilizing water flowing in the nozzle storage part from the private part washing nozzle. Accordingly, the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be effectively sterilized by the sterilizing water and the sterilizing light. 
     A third aspect is the first or second aspect that further includes a water discharger discharging the sterilizing water toward the private part washing nozzle, and the sterilizing water generator supplies the sterilizing water toward the water discharger. 
     According to the third aspect, the sterilizing water sterilizes the outer circumferential surface (the central body) of the private part washing nozzle and flows in the nozzle storage part. On the other hand, the illuminator irradiates the sterilizing light on the residual water occurrence portion of the sterilizing water flowing in the nozzle storage part from the private part washing nozzle. Accordingly, the private part washing nozzle and the nozzle storage part can be effectively sterilized by the sterilizing water and the sterilizing light. 
     A fourth aspect is one of the first to third aspects, wherein the residual water occurrence portion includes a front end side of a bottom portion of the nozzle storage part. 
     According to the fourth aspect, the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold inside the nozzle storage part can be suppressed by irradiating the sterilizing light on the front end side of the bottom portion of the nozzle storage part at which the residual water of the sterilizing water easily occurs. 
     A fifth aspect is one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the nozzle storage part includes a nozzle lid configured to open and close an opening provided in a front end of the nozzle storage part, and the residual water occurrence portion includes a lower end side of an inner surface of the nozzle lid. 
     According to the fifth aspect, the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold inside the nozzle storage part can be suppressed by irradiating the sterilizing light on the lower end side of the inner surface of the nozzle lid at which the residual water of the sterilizing water easily occurs. 
     A sixth aspect is one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein at least a part of the illuminator is located further frontward than the front surface of the private part washing nozzle in a state of the private part washing nozzle being retracted. 
     According to the sixth aspect, the surface area of a shadow caused by the private part washing nozzle obstructing the sterilizing light irradiated from the illuminator can be reduced. Also, because the illuminator is located proximate to the residual water occurrence portion for the residual water occurrence portions of the second and third aspects, the intensity of the sterilizing light irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion can be increased, and the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold of the residual water occurrence portion can be suppressed. 
     A seventh aspect is the one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein at least a part of the illuminator is located lower than a center of a front surface of the private part washing nozzle in a state of the private part washing nozzle being retracted. 
     According to the seventh aspect, the surface area of a shadow caused by the private part washing nozzle obstructing the sterilizing light irradiated from the illuminator can be reduced. Also, because the illuminator is located proximate to the residual water occurrence portion for the residual water occurrence portions of second and third aspects, the intensity of the sterilizing light irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion can be increased, and the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold of the residual water occurrence portion can be suppressed. 
     An eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein at least a part of the illuminator is located higher than a lower end of a front surface of the private part washing nozzle in a state of the private part washing nozzle being retracted. 
     According to the eighth aspect, the residual water occurrence portion can be effectively located within the irradiation area because the irradiation area of the sterilizing light irradiated from the illuminator can be increased. Also, the enlargement of the casing can be suppressed because the illuminator does not protrude below the casing. 
     A ninth aspect is one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the illuminator is located at one lateral-direction side of the nozzle storage part and irradiates the sterilizing light toward another lateral-direction side. 
     According to the ninth aspect, the illuminator can efficiently irradiate the sterilizing light toward the residual water occurrence portion extending in the lateral direction of the nozzle storage part. 
     A tenth aspect is the ninth aspect, wherein the nozzle storage part includes a reflective material on the other lateral-direction side, the reflective material reflecting sterilizing light, and the illuminator irradiates sterilizing light on the residual water occurrence portion by causing the sterilizing light to be reflected by the reflective material. 
     According to the tenth aspect, the sterilizing effect can be improved because the sterilizing light can be doubly irradiated on the residual water occurrence portion. Also, by adjusting the angle of the reflected light, the sterilizing light can be irradiated on residual water occurrence portions on which the illuminator cannot directly irradiate. Accordingly, the interior of the nozzle storage part can be effectively sterilized, and the occurrence of bacteria and/or mold can be suppressed. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. For example, the shape, the dimension, the material, the disposition, the installation feature or the like of the components included in the sanitary washing device  100  are not limited to the illustration and can be appropriately modified. The components included in the embodiments described above can be combined within the extent of technical feasibility, and any combined components also are included in the scope of the invention to the extent that the feature of the invention is included.