Toilet device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of suppressing a decrease in air suction performance of an opening for sucking air inside a toilet bowl, caused by an opening for sucking moisture inside a case provided in a deodorizing device.SOLUTION: A toilet device comprises a case and a deodorizing device provided inside the case, wherein the deodorizing device includes a first opening capable of sucking air outside the case, a second opening capable of sucking air inside the case, a third opening capable of exhausting air sucked through the first opening and the second opening to the outside of the case, a suction fan for sucking air from outside and inside the case through the first opening and the second opening, a first deodorizing passage connecting the first opening and the second opening to the suction fan, and a second deodorizing passage connecting the suction fan to the third opening, wherein the second opening has a smaller aperture area than the first opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Aspects of the present invention relate generally to toilet systems. [Background technology]

[0002] When the electronic components inside the toilet device case corrode, the toilet device may operate unintentionally or may not operate at all. One of the causes of corrosion is thought to be condensation caused by moisture. To prevent condensation caused by moisture, a toilet device is known in which an opening is provided in a deodorizing device that sucks in air from inside the toilet bowl to suck in the air from inside the case, and the moisture inside the case is sucked in through this opening (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-266406 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-092396 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the toilet device described above, the opening in the deodorizing device for sucking in the air in the case may reduce the air suction performance of the opening for sucking in the air in the toilet bowl. If the suction performance is reduced, it may be impossible to obtain sufficient deodorizing performance.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a toilet device that can suppress a decrease in air suction performance at the opening that sucks in air from inside the toilet bowl by using an opening that sucks in moisture inside a case provided in a deodorizing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A toilet device according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is a toilet device comprising a case and a deodorizing device provided inside the case, the deodorizing device having a first opening capable of sucking in air outside the case, a second opening capable of sucking in air inside the case, a third opening capable of exhausting air sucked in through the first opening and the second opening to the outside of the case, a suction fan that sucks in air outside and inside the case through the first opening and the second opening, a first deodorizing path portion that connects the first opening and the second opening to the suction fan, and a second deodorizing path portion that connects the suction fan to the third opening, the second opening having a smaller opening area than the first opening.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device has an opening area smaller than that of the first opening. Therefore, the amount of air drawn from the second opening when the suction fan is driven can be made smaller than the amount of air drawn from the first opening. Therefore, by providing the second opening in the deodorizing device, it is possible to prevent a decrease in suction performance at the first opening.

[0008] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device further includes a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, and the suction fan is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state in which it detects a human body to a state in which it does not detect a human body, and is rotated at a rotation speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed from the elapse of the first time until a second time has elapsed.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device rotates the suction fan at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state where a human body is detected to a state where a human body is not detected, and rotates at a rotation speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed from the first time to a second time. This makes it possible to make the driving noise of the suction fan during the second time smaller than the driving noise of the suction fan during the first time. Therefore, even if a user is present in the toilet room in which the toilet device is installed during the second time when moisture is being sucked in, or even if another user enters the toilet room after the user has used the toilet, it is possible to suppress condensation inside the case while suppressing discomfort caused by the driving noise of the suction fan.

[0010] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device further includes a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, and the suction fan is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state in which it detects a human body to a state in which it does not detect a human body, rotates at a rotation speed greater than the predetermined rotation speed until a second time has elapsed since the first time has elapsed, and rotates at a rotation speed less than the predetermined rotation speed until a third time has elapsed since the second time has elapsed.

[0011] When someone is still in the toilet room after the toilet flush has finished, or when someone enters the toilet room to replace someone else who has used the toilet, there is a concern that the driving noise of the suction fan may cause discomfort. On the other hand, since the rotation speed of the intake fan while seated is kept low enough that the seated person does not feel uncomfortable, it is preferable to suck in as much odor and moisture as possible while there is no one in the toilet room after leaving the seat. Therefore, according to a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, condensation inside the case can be further suppressed by improving the suction performance of the suction fan while suppressing the discomfort felt by people due to the driving noise of the suction fan.

[0012] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device has a second period of time that is shorter than the third period of time.

[0013] According to a toilet device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, the period when the rotation speed is greater than the specified rotation speed is made shorter than the period when the rotation speed is less than the specified rotation speed, thereby preventing the suction fan from operating at a rotation speed greater than the specified rotation speed for a long period of time, thereby further reducing discomfort to people caused by the driving noise.

[0014] In the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the case further includes a fourth opening through which air can flow between an outside of the case and an inside of the case.

[0015] According to a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the case further includes a fourth opening through which air can flow between the outside of the case and the inside of the case. This allows air inside the case to flow out easily and air outside the case to flow in easily, thereby reducing the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the case. For example, if the case has a gap communicating the inside and outside of the case and the inside of the case becomes negative pressure by sucking air from the second opening, there is a concern that moisture will easily flow into the case through the gap. However, by reducing the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the case, the inflow of moisture into the case can be suppressed.

[0016] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device is provided with a filter having a mesh in the fourth opening.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device includes a filter having a mesh at the fourth opening, so that, for example, even if the inside of the case is under negative pressure, dust and dirt can be prevented from passing through the fourth opening and entering the inside of the case.

[0018] In the toilet apparatus according to one aspect of the embodiment, the deodorizing device further includes a rib that suppresses air from being sucked into the second opening from a predetermined direction.

[0019] According to a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the deodorizing device has a rib that suppresses the suction of air into the second opening from a predetermined direction. As a result, the rib suppresses the suction of air into the second opening from a predetermined direction, and can preferentially suck in air from directions other than the predetermined direction. For example, by suppressing the suction of air from a direction connecting a place in the case where condensation is unlikely to occur and the second opening, it is possible to preferentially suck in moisture in a place in the case where condensation is likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to suppress condensation in the case and to suppress the occurrence of restrictions on the layout of components in the case, such as installing electronic components only in places inside the case where condensation is unlikely to occur. Note that a place in the case where condensation is likely to occur is, for example, a place where there is no heat-generating unit nearby and it is easy to get cold, and a place in the case where condensation is unlikely to occur is, for example, a place where a heat-generating unit is nearby.

[0020] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device further includes a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, and when the human body detection sensor detects a human body, the suction fan is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed, and when the human body detection sensor no longer detects a human body, the suction fan is rotated at a rotation speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor no longer detects the human body.

[0021] According to a toilet device relating to one aspect of the embodiment, even if a user uses the toilet and then another user more frequently enters the toilet room to take his or her place, it is possible to suppress condensation inside the case while reducing discomfort caused by the driving noise of the suction fan. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet device can be provided that can suppress a decrease in air suction performance by an opening that sucks in air from within the toilet bowl, by using an opening that sucks in moisture from within the case. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]1 is a side view showing a toilet unit equipped with a toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the appearance of the toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the inside of a case of a toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the case omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow AA in FIG. 3 without removing the case. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction of the arrow BB in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the arrow B1 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken from the direction of arrow CC in FIG. 3 without omitting the case. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow DD in FIG. 3 without removing the case. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the air flow inside the case. [Figure 10] 6 is a time chart showing a detection state of a human body detection sensor and a drive state of a suction fan. [Figure 11] 13 is a time chart showing the detection state of a human body detection sensor and the drive state of a suction fan in a toilet device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a toilet unit equipped with a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet unit 1 is provided in a toilet room and includes a toilet bowl 2 and a toilet device 10 attached to the upper surface of the toilet bowl 2. The toilet device 10 includes a toilet seat 12, a toilet lid 14, and a case 20. The toilet seat 12 and the toilet lid 14 are each pivotally supported on the case 20 so as to be freely opened and closed. In this specification, the upper, lower, front, rear, right, and left directions as viewed from a user sitting on the toilet seat 12 with their back to the open toilet lid 14 are referred to as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "right," and "left," respectively.

[0026] The toilet device 10 is attached to the upper surface of the rear side of the toilet bowl 2. The toilet device 10 may be attached integrally to the toilet bowl 2, or may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 2. The toilet device 10 has a case 20 formed in a hollow box shape, and a deodorizing device 40 provided inside the case 20 and equipped with a function of reducing odors.

[0027] Additionally, an opening / closing unit (not shown) that controls the opening and closing of the toilet lid 14 and toilet seat 12, a cleaning unit (not shown) that cleans the private parts of the human body, and a communication unit (not shown) that can communicate with an operating unit such as a remote control are built into the case 20 as necessary. The case 20 supports the toilet seat 12 and the toilet lid 14 on the rear side so that they can rotate. The toilet lid 14 may be provided in the toilet device 10 as necessary, but may not be provided.

[0028] The toilet seat 12 is provided with a seating detection sensor 13, which is a human body detection sensor that detects whether or not a user is seated. The seating detection sensor 13 detects a state in which a human body is detected, i.e., a state in which the user is seated. The seating detection sensor 13 may also detect a state in which a human body is not detected, i.e., a state in which the user is not seated (a state in which the user has left the seat). The seating detection sensor may not be provided on the toilet seat, and may be provided on the case, for example. Also, instead of a seating detection sensor, the human body detection sensor may be, for example, an entry detection sensor that detects entry into the toilet room or an approach detection sensor that detects approach to the toilet device.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the appearance of the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the inside of the case of the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the case omitted. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of arrow AA in FIG. 3 without removing the case. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction of the arrow BB in FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the arrow B1 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view seen from the direction of arrow CC in FIG. 3 without omitting the case. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow DD in FIG. 3 without omitting the case.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the case 20 has a side portion 21, a lower portion 26 closing the lower end of the side portion 21, and an upper portion 27 closing the upper end of the side portion 21. The side portion 21 has a left side plate 22 and a right side plate 23 facing each other in the left-right direction, and a rear side plate 24 connecting the rear ends of the left side plate 22 and the right side plate 23. The lower side plate 26 also has a lower side plate 25 connecting the left side plate 22, the right side plate 23, and the rear side plate 24. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the lower side plate 25 has a first opening 28 and a fourth opening 32 that communicate between the inside and the outside of the case 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the rear side plate 24 has a third opening 29 that communicates between the inside and the outside of the case 20. Here, first opening 28 is an opening capable of sucking in air outside case 20, and communicates with first deodorizing path 41 of deodorizing device 40 inside case 20, so that deodorizing device 40 can suck in odors from toilet 2. Third opening 29 is an opening capable of exhausting sucked-in air to the outside of case 20, and communicates with second deodorizing path 43 of deodorizing device 40 inside case 20, so that deodorizing device 40 can exhaust odor-reduced air F. Fourth opening 32 is an opening capable of allowing air to flow between the outside of case 20 and the inside of case 20, so that air pressure inside case 20 can be adjusted.

[0031] 3, in this embodiment, the first opening 28 is formed on the left front side of the toilet device 10 and above the bowl surface of the toilet bowl 2. Note that the first opening 28 may be formed in a different position, such as on the right side of the toilet device 10, as necessary, as long as it is possible to suck air from within the toilet bowl 2.

[0032] 2, in this embodiment, the third opening 29 is formed on the left side of the rear side plate 24. Note that the third opening 29 may be formed in the left side plate 22, the right side plate 23, etc., as necessary.

[0033] 6, in this embodiment, the fourth opening 32 is formed on the left side of the toilet device 10, and connects the outside of the toilet bowl 2 with the inside of the case 20. Note that the fourth opening 32 may be formed on the right side of the toilet device 10 or outside the toilet bowl 2 at the rear, if necessary.

[0034] A plurality of louvers 30 are provided in the third opening 29. As shown in Fig. 2, each louver 30 is made of a plate extending in the left-right direction inside the third opening 29, and is formed at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, each louver 30 is inclined downward from the inside to the outside of the case 20.

[0035] 2 and 4, the third opening 29 has a plurality of louver openings 29a formed by partitioning the third opening 29 by each louver 30. In this embodiment, the third opening 29 has eight louver openings 29a. The number of louver openings 29a is not limited to eight. As shown in FIG. 4, the air F in which the odor has been reduced by the deodorizing device 40 is discharged obliquely downward from each louver opening 29a along each louver 30.

[0036] Furthermore, when cleaning case 20, a person may wipe it with a wet rag or splash water on it with a shower, etc. In such a case, water may enter through louver opening 29a. However, since louver 30 is inclined upward from the outside to the inside of case 20, water is less likely to enter the inside of case 20.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 4, the deodorizing device 40 is provided inside the case 20. The deodorizing device 40 has a first suction opening 33 for sucking in air inside the toilet bowl 2 and a second exhaust opening 34 for discharging the sucked air, and when assembled inside the case 20, the first suction opening 33 is connected to the first opening 28, and the second exhaust opening 34 is connected to the third opening 29. In this connection, for example, packing is sandwiched between the first suction opening 33 and the first opening 28, and between the second exhaust opening 34 and the third opening 29, respectively, to prevent air leakage. Also, the first suction opening 33 and the first opening 28 may be formed integrally, or the first suction opening may be formed to extend to the lower side plate of the case and function as the first opening. In this way, the first suction opening functions to be able to suck in air outside the case either integrally with the first opening or by the first suction opening. Similarly, the second exhaust opening 34 and the third opening 29 may be formed integrally, or the second exhaust opening may be formed to extend to the rear side panel of the case and function as the third opening. In this way, the second exhaust opening functions integrally with the third opening or by the second exhaust opening to exhaust air sucked in through the first and second openings to the outside of the case.

[0038] The deodorizing device 40 also deodorizes the sucked air and discharges it from the third opening 29. Specifically, the deodorizing device 40 sucks in air F1 in the toilet bowl 2 and air F2 in the case 20. The deodorizing device 40 then reduces odorous components such as feces and urine contained in the sucked air and discharges the deodorized air F to the outside from the third opening 29 (louver opening 29a) of the case 20. Similarly, moisture contained in the sucked air in the toilet device 10 is also discharged to the outside from the third opening 29 (louver opening 29a) of the case 20. The deodorizing device 40 has a first deodorizing path section 41, a fan 42, a second deodorizing path section 43, and a deodorizing catalyst 48.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 15 is provided inside the case 20. When the seating detection sensor 13 detects that a user is seated, the control unit 15 can issue commands to each unit built into the case 20 to operate, such as sending a command to a toilet seat heating unit (not shown) that controls the temperature of the toilet seat surface of the toilet seat 12 to increase the temperature of the toilet seat surface of the toilet seat 12.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the fan 42 is located inside the case 20 and is provided downstream of the first deodorizing path section 41 and upstream of the second deodorizing path section 43. The fan 42 is a suction fan for sucking air inside the toilet bowl 2, and is a sirocco fan in this embodiment. The fan 42 is provided on the upper surface of the downstream side of the first deodorizing path section 41, and communicates with a second suction opening 52 formed on the upper surface of the downstream side of the first deodorizing path section 41 to suck air from below to above. The fan 42 is also provided in front of the upstream end of the second deodorizing path section 43, and communicates with a first exhaust opening 53 formed on the front surface of the upstream side of the second deodorizing path section 43 to exhaust the sucked air backward. An axial fan may be used as the fan 42. By driving the fan 42, the odorous air F1 inside the toilet bowl 2 and the humid air F2 inside the toilet device 10 are sucked from the first deodorizing path section 41 to the second deodorizing path section 43.

[0041] The control unit 15 can also send a command to the fan 42 to operate at a predetermined timing and a predetermined number of revolutions. For example, the control unit 15 can send a command to the fan 42 to rotate at a predetermined number of revolutions for a first time after the user leaves the toilet seat 12, and to rotate at a number of revolutions lower than the predetermined number of revolutions from the first time to a second time. The first time is, for example, 2 minutes, and the second time is, for example, 30 minutes, which is longer than the first time. The predetermined number of revolutions during the first time is, for example, 3700 rpm, and the number of revolutions lower than the predetermined number of revolutions during the second time is, for example, 1900 rpm. The drive control of the fan 42 executed by the control unit 15 will be described in detail later.

[0042] The first deodorizing path section 41, the fan 42, and the second deodorizing path section 43 communicate between the first opening 28 and the third opening 29. The first deodorizing path section 41 is a duct that flows the air F1 sucked in by the fan 42 from the first opening 28 toward the fan 42. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the upper surface of the first deodorizing path section 41 has a second opening 31 and a rib 50 that communicate the inside of the case 20 with the inside of the first deodorizing path section 41. Therefore, the first deodorizing path section 41 can suck in air not only from the first opening 28 but also from the second opening 31. The second deodorizing path section 43 is a duct that flows the air discharged from the fan 42 toward the third opening 29. The odorous components of the air F1 containing odorous components in the toilet bowl 2 sucked in by the fan 42 are reduced by the deodorizing catalyst 48 provided in the middle of the second deodorizing path section 43, and the deodorized air F is discharged from the third opening 29. Similarly, the humid air F2 inside the toilet apparatus 10 sucked in by the fan 42 is also discharged from the third opening 29.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the second opening 31 is formed on the top surface of the first deodorization path portion 41. The second opening 31 may be formed on the side surface of the first deodorization path portion 41 as necessary. The opening area S1 of the second opening 31 is smaller than the opening area S2 of the first opening 28. The opening area S1 is preferably about 1 / 20 of the opening area S2. For example, the opening area S1 is 60 mm 2 (square millimeters), opening area S2 is 1200mm 2 (square millimeters)

[0044] 6, the fourth opening 32 allows air to flow between the inside and outside of the case 20. In this embodiment, the fourth opening 32 is formed on the left side of the lower side panel 25. When the air pressure inside the case 20 fluctuates, air F3 outside the case 20 flows in or air inside the toilet device 10 flows out through the fourth opening 32, thereby preventing the air pressure inside the case 20 from becoming constant.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, a gap 44 is formed on the inner side of the case 20 on the toilet bowl 2 side, which communicates between the inside and outside of the case 20. If the case 20 has a gap 44 or the like, there is a concern that moisture may easily flow into the case 20 through the gap 44 or the like when the inside of the case 20 becomes negative pressure. The fourth opening 32 can suppress the inflow of moisture into the case 20 by reducing the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the case 20. Since a water seal is formed inside the toilet bowl 2, particularly if there is a gap on the inner side of the toilet bowl 2, moisture may easily flow into the case 20 through the gap 44 or the like when the inside of the case 20 becomes negative pressure.

[0046] 6, filter 45 has a face plate 47 that is sized to be fitted into fourth opening 32 and has a thickness that allows air to flow through fourth opening 32, and mesh 46 that is provided on face plate 47 and captures dust and dirt in the air. By fitting this filter 45 into fourth opening 32, dust and dirt contained in air F3 flowing through fourth opening 32 can be prevented from entering inside case 20.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the rib 50 serves as a standing wall that prevents suction from areas inside the case 20 where condensation is less likely to occur (for example, near units that heat the air inside the case 20, such as the control unit 15) toward the second opening 31.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating the air flow inside the case. As shown in Figs. 3, 7 and 9, in this embodiment, the rib 50 is formed on the upper surface of the first deodorizing path section 41. The rib 50 is provided between the control section 15 side and the second opening 31 in the left-right direction in a top view so as to suppress the suction of air into the second opening 31 from a direction connecting the center of the control section 15 and the center of the second opening 31. As shown in Fig. 9, the rib 50 is provided on the right side of the second opening 31. The rib 50 is formed in an L-shape in a plan view protruding at a height that does not contact the upper surface section 27 of the case 20. As a result, the opening 60 between the fan 42 and the right side of the second opening 31 is made smaller by the rib 50.

[0049] The rib 50 suppresses the suction of air into the second opening 31 from a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is, for example, the outlet 57 of the nozzle 55 for washing the private parts and the gap 44. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 9, the rib 50 is designed to easily suck air from the left rear side inside the case 20 when the second opening 31 sucks in the air F2 inside the case 20. As a result, the rib 50 suppresses, for example, humid air inside the toilet bowl 2 from entering the case 20 through the outlet 57 of the nozzle 55 for washing the private parts and the gap 44. The rib 50 may be formed in a place other than the duct of the first deodorizing path portion 41 as long as it is inside the toilet device 10. The rib 50 may also be formed in another shape, such as a U-shape in a plan view, as necessary.

[0050] The rib 50 is formed to suppress the suction of air from, for example, a place inside the case 20 where condensation is unlikely to occur, and to preferentially suction air from a place where condensation is likely to occur compared to a place where condensation is unlikely to occur. The place where condensation is unlikely to occur is, for example, the control unit 15 and the cleaning unit (not shown), which are units that generate heat during operation, and the places where these units are located. The place where condensation is likely to occur is, for example, the remote control light receiving unit 51 (see FIG. 8) that is provided on the left rear side inside the case 20 and receives signals from a remote control, and is a place where no heat-generating units are adjacent. The rib 50 can effectively generate air flow in the place where condensation is likely to occur. This allows the toilet device 10 to suppress the occurrence of condensation on electronic components such as the remote control light receiving unit 51.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the detection state of the human body detection sensor and the drive state of the suction fan. The drive control process of the fan 42 shown in FIG.

[0052] At time t0, the seating detection sensor 13 (human body detection sensor) is turned ON (seated). When the control unit 15 receives the seating signal transmitted from the seating detection sensor 13, it transmits a first drive signal to the fan 42. When the fan 42 receives the first drive signal, it starts driving at a rotation speed N1 (e.g., 3700 rpm).

[0053] This allows the deodorizing device 40 to reduce odorous components resulting from feces and urine produced by the user. Also, when a user sits on the toilet seat 12, the humidity inside the toilet bowl 2 increases. By starting to drive the fan 42 when the user sits on the toilet seat 12, the toilet device 10 allows the air inside the case 20 to circulate smoothly, thereby preventing the humidity inside the case 20 from increasing.

[0054] At time t1, the seating detection sensor 13 (human body detection sensor) is turned OFF (abandoned). When the control unit 15 receives the seating absence signal transmitted from the seating detection sensor 13, it measures (counts) a first time. The first time is a few seconds to a few minutes (for example, 2 minutes), and is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit 15.

[0055] At time t2, when a first time has elapsed since time t1, the fan 42 is driven at the rotation speed N2 (e.g., 1900 rpm). That is, the control unit 15 transmits a second drive signal to the fan 42 when a first time has elapsed since the user left the toilet seat 12. Upon receiving the second drive signal, the fan 42 reduces the rotation speed from the rotation speed N1 to the rotation speed N2. The control unit 15 also measures (counts) a second time from time t2. The second time is set to a time longer than the first time, and is stored in advance in the memory unit of the control unit 15. The second time is several minutes to several tens of minutes (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0056] The time from time t1 to t2 is from 0 minutes to several minutes, and the rotation speed may be reduced from rotation speed N1 to rotation speed N2 at the same time when the user leaves the toilet seat 12. That is, the first time may not be set. When the seating detection sensor 13 (human body detection sensor) detects a human body (time t0), the control unit 15 rotates the fan 42 at a predetermined rotation speed (rotation speed N1). Then, when the seating detection sensor 13 no longer detects a human body (time t1), the control unit 15 rotates the fan 42 at the rotation speed N2, which is lower than the predetermined rotation speed, until a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating detection sensor 13 no longer detects a human body (from time t1 to time t3). The predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes.

[0057] This makes it possible to suppress condensation inside the case 20 while reducing discomfort caused by the driving noise of the fan 42, even if another user more frequently enters the toilet room after use by the previous user.

[0058] When a user uses the toilet device 10, the humidity inside the toilet bowl 2 increases due to excrement, the user's body temperature, etc. Furthermore, there is a risk that the nozzle 55 (see FIG. 9) for genital washing, which ejects hot water toward the user's genitals, may become damp, and therefore when this nozzle 55 is stored inside the case 20, there is a risk that the humidity inside the case 20 may become high.

[0059] Therefore, the fan 42 continues to be driven even after the user leaves the toilet seat 12. In the first hour after the user leaves the toilet seat 12, the rotation speed of the fan 42 is increased to efficiently perform deodorization. In the second hour after the first hour has elapsed, the fan 42 is driven at the rotation speed N2 which is lower than the predetermined rotation speed (rotation speed N1) in the first hour.

[0060] This allows the driving noise of fan 42 during the second time period to be smaller than the driving noise of fan 42 during the first time period. Therefore, even if a user is present in the toilet room in which toilet device 10 is installed while moisture is being sucked in during the second time period, or if another user enters the toilet room after the previous user has used the toilet, it is possible to suppress condensation inside case 20 while suppressing discomfort caused by the driving noise of fan 42.

[0061] Then, at time t3 when a second time has elapsed since time t2, the control unit 15 stops driving the fan 42. This allows the toilet device 10 to efficiently perform deodorization and suppress condensation inside the case 20. If the human body detection sensor (seating detection sensor 13) detects a user between time t2 and time t3 (second time), the rotation speed N2 of the fan 42 is changed to the rotation speed N1, and the control process is resumed from time t0.

[0062] In the toilet device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second opening 31 has a smaller opening area than the first opening 28. Therefore, the amount of air drawn in from the second opening 31 when the fan 42 is driven can be made smaller than the amount of air drawn in from the first opening 28. Therefore, by providing the deodorizing device 40 with the second opening 31, it is possible to suppress condensation due to moisture inside the case 20 while suppressing a decrease in suction performance at the first opening 28.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the toilet device 10 of one embodiment of the present invention, the fan 42 rotates at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the user left the toilet seat 12, and rotates at a rotation speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed from the first time to a second time. This makes it possible to make the driving noise of the fan 42 smaller during the second time than the driving noise of the fan 42 during the first time. Therefore, even if a user is present in the toilet room in which the toilet device 10 is installed while moisture is being sucked in during the second time, or if another user enters the toilet room after the user has used the toilet, it is possible to suppress condensation inside the case 20 while suppressing discomfort caused by the driving noise of the fan 42.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, if the fan 42 that is being driven is stopped as a measure against condensation using a remote control or the like, the possibility of condensation occurring inside the case 20 increases. Here, by reducing the discomfort described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the fan 42 that is being driven will be stopped using a remote control or the like.

[0065] According to the toilet device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the case 20 further includes a fourth opening 32 through which air can flow between the outside of the case 20 and the inside of the case 20. This allows air inside the case 20 to flow out easily and air outside the case 20 to flow in easily, thereby reducing the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the case 20. Since the case 20 has a gap 44 that communicates the inside and outside of the case 20, there is a concern that when the inside of the case 20 becomes negative pressure by sucking air from the second opening 31, for example, moisture will easily flow into the case 20 from the gap 44. However, by reducing the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the case 20, the inflow of moisture into the case 20 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the fourth opening 32 communicates the outside of the toilet bowl 2 with the inside of the case 20, the inflow of moisture from the inside of the toilet bowl 2 into the inside of the case 20 through the fourth opening 32 can be suppressed compared to when the inside of the toilet bowl 2 is communicated with the inside of the case 20.

[0066] Moreover, according to the toilet device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the filter 45 having the mesh 46 is provided. Therefore, even if the inside of the case 20 becomes negative pressure by sucking air from the second opening 31, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from passing through the fourth opening 32 and entering the inside of the case 20.

[0067] Moreover, according to the toilet device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the deodorizing device 40 has a rib 50 that suppresses the suction of air into the second opening 31 from a predetermined direction. As a result, the rib 50 suppresses the suction of air into the second opening 31 from the predetermined direction, and can preferentially suck in air from directions other than the predetermined direction. By suppressing the suction of air from the direction connecting the second opening 31 and the place in the case 20 where condensation is unlikely to occur, it is possible to preferentially suck in moisture in the place in the case 20 where condensation is likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to suppress condensation in the case 20 and to suppress restrictions on the layout of components in the case 20, such as placing electronic components only in places inside the case where condensation is unlikely to occur and potting the electronic components.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the detection state of the human body detection sensor and the drive state of the suction fan in a toilet device according to a modified example. In the above-described embodiment, the rotation speed (output) of the fan 42 is changed in two stages, the first time and the second time, as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the driving of the fan 42 may be controlled in three stages, as in the modified example shown in FIG.

[0069] Specifically, at time t0, the seating detection sensor 13 (human body detection sensor) is turned ON (seated). When the control unit 15 receives a seating signal transmitted from the seating detection sensor 13, it transmits a first drive signal to the fan 42. When the fan 42 receives the first drive signal, it starts driving at a rotation speed N1 (e.g., 3700 rpm).

[0070] This allows the deodorizing device 40 to reduce odorous components resulting from feces and urine produced by the user. Also, when a user sits on the toilet seat 12, the humidity inside the toilet bowl 2 increases. By starting to drive the fan 42 when the user sits on the toilet seat 12, the toilet device 10 allows the air inside the case 20 to circulate smoothly, thereby preventing the humidity inside the case 20 from increasing.

[0071] At time t11, the seating detection sensor 13 (human body detection sensor) is turned OFF (abandoned). When the control unit 15 receives the seating absence signal transmitted from the seating detection sensor 13, it measures (counts) a first time. The first time is several seconds to several minutes (for example, 10 seconds) and is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit 15.

[0072] At time t12, when a first time has elapsed since time t11, the fan 42 is driven at a rotation speed N3 (e.g., 6300 rpm). The rotation speed N3 is, for example, the maximum output value of the fan 42. That is, the control unit 15 transmits a maximum drive signal to the fan 42 when a first time has elapsed since the user left the toilet seat 12. Upon receiving the maximum drive signal, the fan 42 increases the rotation speed from the rotation speed N1 to the rotation speed N3. Note that the rotation speed N3 need only be greater than the rotation speed N1, and does not have to be the maximum output value of the fan 42.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 15 measures (counts) a second time from time t12. The second time is set to a time longer than the first time, and is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit 15. The second time is several tens of seconds to several minutes (for example, 60 seconds). Note that the second time may be set to a time shorter than the first time.

[0074] The second time period is set, for example, assuming a period when a user who has used the toilet device 10 leaves the toilet device 10 and the next user uses the toilet device 10. In other words, the second time period is a user change period. The toilet device 10 increases the output of the fan 42 during the second time period when no user is present in the toilet room, thereby sucking in as much odor and moisture as possible.

[0075] At time t13 when the second time has elapsed from time t12, the fan 42 is driven at the rotation speed N2 (e.g., 1900 rpm). That is, the control unit 15 transmits a second drive signal to the fan 42 when the second time has elapsed. Upon receiving the second drive signal, the fan 42 reduces the rotation speed from the rotation speed N3 to the rotation speed N2. The control unit 15 also measures (counts) a third time from time t13. The third time is set to a time longer than the first time and the second time, and is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit 15. The third time is several minutes to several tens of minutes (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0076] Then, at time t14, which is a third hour after time t13, the control unit 15 stops driving the fan 42. This allows the toilet device 10 to efficiently perform deodorization and suppress condensation inside the case 20. In the modified example, the driving of the fan 42 is controlled based on whether or not a user is present near the toilet device 10. Therefore, the toilet device 10 takes into consideration the deodorizing performance, the suppression of condensation on electronic components inside the case 20, and noise due to the driving sound of the fan 42.

[0077] Furthermore, if the human body detection sensor (seating detection sensor 13) detects a user between time t12 and time t14 (second and third hours), the rotation speeds N3 and N2 of the fan 42 are changed to rotation speed N1, and the control process begins from time t0.

[0078] According to the toilet device 10 of the modified example, the second time period is shorter than the third time period. This allows as much odor and moisture as possible to be sucked in during the second time period when no one is in the toilet room after leaving the seat. In addition, the fan 42 is prevented from rotating at a speed higher than a predetermined speed for a long period of time, which further reduces discomfort to people caused by the driving noise.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the rotation speed of the fan 42 is changed in two or three stages. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotation speed of the fan 42 may be changed in, for example, four or more stages.

[0080] The embodiment may include the following features.

[0081] (Configuration 1) Case and A toilet apparatus including a deodorizing device provided inside the case, The deodorizing device includes: A first opening capable of sucking air outside the case; A second opening capable of sucking air from inside the case; a third opening capable of discharging the air sucked through the first opening and the second opening to the outside of the case; a suction fan that draws air from the outside and inside of the case through the first opening and the second opening; a first deodorization path portion that communicates the first opening and the second opening with the suction fan; a second deodorizing path portion communicating between the suction fan and the third opening portion, The second opening has a smaller opening area than the first opening. A toilet device characterized by: (Configuration 2) Furthermore, a human body detection sensor is provided to detect a human body, The suction fan, The toilet device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the toilet device rotates at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state in which it detects a human body to a state in which it does not detect a human body, and rotates at a rotation speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed until a second time has elapsed after the first time has elapsed. (Configuration 3) Furthermore, a human body detection sensor is provided to detect a human body, The suction fan, The toilet device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the toilet device rotates at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state in which the human body is detected to a state in which the human body is not detected, rotates at a rotation speed greater than the predetermined rotation speed until a second time has elapsed since the first time has elapsed, and rotates at a rotation speed less than the predetermined rotation speed until a third time has elapsed since the second time has elapsed. (Configuration 4) 4. The toilet device of claim 3, wherein the second period of time is shorter than the third period of time. (Configuration 5) The case is The toilet device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a fourth opening through which air can flow between the outside of the case and the inside of the case. (Configuration 6) 6. The toilet device of claim 5, wherein the fourth opening is provided with a filter having a mesh. (Configuration 7) The deodorizing device includes: 7. The toilet apparatus of any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a rib for suppressing air from being sucked into the second opening from a predetermined direction. (Configuration 8) Furthermore, a human body detection sensor is provided to detect a human body, The suction fan, When the human body detection sensor detects a human body, the human body detection sensor rotates at a predetermined rotation speed. The toilet device according to configuration 1, characterized in that when the human body detection sensor no longer detects a human body, the toilet device rotates at a speed lower than the predetermined speed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor no longer detects a human body.

[0082] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design changes made by a person skilled in the art to the above embodiment are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the toilet device are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, each element of the above-mentioned embodiment can be combined to the extent technically possible, and the combination of these is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Toilet unit 2. Toilet 10 Toilet equipment 12 Toilet seat 13 Sitting detection sensor (human body detection sensor) 14 Toilet lid 15 Control section 20 cases 21 Side part 22 Left side plate 23 Right side plate 24 Rear side plate 25 Lower side plate 26 Bottom part 27 Top part 28 First opening 29 Third opening 29a Louver opening 30 Louver 31 Second opening 32 Fourth opening 33 First suction opening 34 Second exhaust opening 40 Deodorizing device 41 First deodorizing path 42 Fans 43 Second deodorizing path section 44 Gap (case gap) 45 Filters 46 Mesh 47 Face plate 48 Deodorizing catalyst 50 Ribs 51 Remote control receiver 52 Second suction opening 53 First exhaust opening 55 Nozzle 57 Entrance 60 aperture

Claims

1. Case and A toilet apparatus including a deodorizing device provided inside the case, The deodorizing device includes: A first opening capable of sucking air outside the case; A second opening capable of sucking air from inside the case; a third opening capable of discharging the air sucked through the first opening and the second opening to the outside of the case; a suction fan that draws air from the outside and inside of the case through the first opening and the second opening; a first deodorization path portion that communicates the first opening and the second opening with the suction fan; a second deodorizing path portion communicating between the suction fan and the third opening portion, The second opening has a smaller opening area than the first opening. A toilet device characterized in that

2. Furthermore, a human body detection sensor is provided to detect a human body, The suction fan, The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the human body detection sensor rotates at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state in which it detects a human body to a state in which it does not detect a human body, and rotates at a rotation speed lower than the predetermined rotation speed until a second time has elapsed since the first time has elapsed.

3. Furthermore, a human body detection sensor is provided to detect a human body, The suction fan, The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the human body detection sensor rotates at a predetermined rotation speed until a first time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor changes from a state in which the human body is detected to a state in which the human body is not detected, rotates at a rotation speed greater than the predetermined rotation speed until a second time has elapsed since the first time has elapsed, and rotates at a rotation speed less than the predetermined rotation speed until a third time has elapsed since the second time has elapsed.

4. 4. The toilet device of claim 3, wherein the second period of time is less than the third period of time.

5. The case is The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a fourth opening through which air can flow between an outside of the case and an inside of the case.

6. 6. The toilet device according to claim 5, wherein the fourth opening is provided with a filter having a mesh.

7. The deodorizing device includes:

5. The toilet device according to claim 1, further comprising a rib for suppressing the intake of air into the second opening from a predetermined direction.

8. Furthermore, a human body detection sensor is provided to detect a human body, The suction fan, When the human body detection sensor detects a human body, the human body detection sensor rotates at a predetermined rotation speed.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein when the human body detection sensor no longer detects a human body, the toilet device rotates at a speed lower than the predetermined speed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor no longer detects a human body.

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