Valve unit and toilet bowl device

Abstract

To provide a technology that prevents freezing of cleaning water remaining in a valve device.SOLUTION: A valve unit may be disposed in a toilet bowl device and, in a cleaning water flow channel in which cleaning water used in the toilet bowl device flows, may include: a valve device including a housing that defines a valve flow channel communicating the cleaning water flow channel; and a heater device including a valve side heating source disposed in the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a valve unit arranged in a toilet device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet apparatus in which a heating element is disposed on the rear side of a toilet pool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-026972 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above technology prevents the water pool in the toilet bowl from freezing. In a configuration in which a valve device is disposed in a flow path through which flush water of a toilet device flows, flush water remains in the valve device. If the flush water in the valve device freezes, the valve device will not operate normally and flush water cannot be supplied to the toilet device.

[0005] This specification provides a technique for suppressing freezing of flush water remaining in a valve device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a valve unit. The valve unit may include a valve device that is disposed in a toilet apparatus and includes a housing that defines a valve flow path in communication with a flush water flow path through which flush water used in the toilet apparatus flows, and a heater device that includes a valve-side heat source that is disposed in the housing.

[0007] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a valve unit including a toilet body, a flush water flow path through which flush water used in the toilet body flows, a valve device including a housing that defines a valve flow path in the flush water flow path that communicates with the flush water flow path, and a heater device including a valve-side heat source disposed in the housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a toilet device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet body and toilet seat taken at the center in the left-right direction and perpendicular to the left-right direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a discharge unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl and the upper rim portion taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the discharge portion of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a discharge portion of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the switching valve according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a switching valve according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the heater device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Configuration of toilet device 10) As shown in Fig. 1, the toilet apparatus 10 is a flush toilet. The toilet apparatus 10 is fixed to a floor surface when in use. The toilet apparatus 10 may be, for example, a so-called wall-hung flush toilet that is fixed to a wall.

[0010] The toilet device 10 comprises a toilet portion 12, a toilet seat 14, a functional portion 16, a reservoir 18 (see FIG. 2), an on-off valve 19, a water discharge portion 40 (see FIG. 3), a control portion 100, and a seating sensor 90. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the left-right direction of a toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet portion 12 comprises a toilet body 20 and an upper end rim portion 30. The toilet body 20 is made of ceramic. The toilet body 20 comprises a toilet bowl 22 that receives waste. The toilet body 20 accommodates a reservoir 18 at the lower end of the toilet body 20. The reservoir 18 stores flushing water for flushing the toilet bowl 22. Water is supplied to the reservoir 18 from a clean water pipe (not shown). The on-off valve 19 switches between communication and blocking between the clean water pipe and the reservoir 18. The toilet device 10 is equipped with a flush button (not shown) that is electrically connected to the water discharger 40. When the flush button is operated by a user, a flushing process is executed in which flush water is discharged from the reservoir 18 via the water discharger 40 into the toilet bowl 22. The functional unit 16 may have functions such as an opening and closing function that automatically opens and closes the toilet lid (not shown) in accordance with the user's actions, a local cleaning function, a hot air drying function, a deodorizing function, etc.

[0011] In the toilet apparatus 10, the flushing process may be performed by operating a lever arranged on the toilet apparatus 10, in addition to operating the flush button. The flush button may be arranged on a remote controller that is electrically connected to the water discharger 40 either wired or wirelessly. Flush water in the reservoir 18 may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 without any operation by the user. For example, when the user is not detected by the sensor, flush water in the reservoir 18 may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22. In the toilet apparatus 10, either of two types of flushing processes, a large flushing process and a small flushing process, is performed according to at least one of the user's operation and settings. For example, the flush button has a plurality of buttons that can select either a large flush or a small flush, and either of the two types of flushing processes, a large flushing process and a small flushing process, is performed according to the button selected by the user.

[0012] The toilet seat 14 is attached to the toilet bowl body 20 so as to be openable and closable. A user sits on the toilet seat 14. The toilet seat 14 has an opening 14a. A seating sensor 90 is disposed on the toilet seat 14. When a user sits on the toilet seat 14, the toilet seat 14 moves downward. The seating sensor 90 detects the up and down movement of the toilet seat 14, thereby detecting the user sitting and leaving the seat. In a modified example, the seating sensor 90 may be a contact sensor, an infrared sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like, that directly detects the user. Instead of the seating sensor 90, a human presence sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor, a camera, etc.) that detects the user may also be used.

[0013] Hereinafter, the direction in which the toilet seat 14 and the functional part 16 are arranged is referred to as the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the side on which the toilet seat 14 is arranged with respect to the functional part 16 is referred to as the front side of the front-rear direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear side. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the rear side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the right side, and the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left side. The left and right directions correspond to the left and right as seen by a user facing the toilet device 10. The vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is referred to as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the side on which the reservoir 18 is arranged with respect to the toilet body 20 is referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side is referred to as the lower side.

[0014] The toilet bowl 22 has a shape that is generally recessed downward. As shown in Figure 2, the toilet bowl 22 has a water-retaining section 24 that is located at the lower end of the toilet bowl 22. The toilet body 20 has a drain pipe 36 that communicates with the water-retaining section 24, and a drain outlet 34 that opens into the water-retaining section 24. Water is retained in the water-retaining section 24 up to the water level WS. The water level WS coincides with the curved position 36a of the drain pipe 36. In other words, when flush water is not being supplied to the toilet bowl 22, the area below the water level WS is referred to as the water-retaining section 24.

[0015] The water collecting section 24 is connected to a drain pipe 36 through a drain outlet 34. The drain pipe 36 extends upward from the drain outlet 34. The drain pipe 36 bends downward at a curved position 36a and extends downward. The drain pipe 36 extends to the outside of the toilet bowl section 12.

[0016] An upper rim portion 30 is disposed at the upper end of the toilet bowl 22, going around the upper edge 22a of the toilet bowl 22. The upper rim portion 30 is disposed at the upper end of the toilet body 20. The upper rim portion 30 protrudes inward from the upper edge 22a so as to face the surface of the toilet bowl 22. The underside 30a of the upper rim portion 30 is disposed vertically in the up-down direction.

[0017] The toilet bowl 22 has a front surface 23, a side surface 26, and a rear surface 25 in an area above the water collecting portion 24. The front surface 23 is a surface located in front of the front edge WS1 of the water surface WS. The side surface 26 is a surface that extends rearward from the rear end of the front surface 23 along both the left and right ends of the water surface WS. The side surface 26 extends in the rear direction to a position lined up with the rear edge of the water surface WS. The rear surface 25 is a region that connects the rear ends of the side surfaces 26 on both the left and right sides along the rear edge WS2 of the water surface WS.

[0018] The front surface 23 has a linear shape 23a that slopes backward, i.e., toward the water surface WS, as it proceeds downward from the upper edge 22a, and a curved shape 23b that curves downward from the lower end of the linear shape 23a to the water surface WS. In the "curved shape that curves downward", in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, a line segment representing a surface located between any two points of the curved shape is located below the line connecting the any two points. The linear shape 23a extends in the tangential direction of the curved shape 23b. The boundary between the linear shape 23a and the curved shape 23b is smooth and continuous without any step. The front surface 23 has a curved shape 23b that has a curved shape that curves downward in a cross section perpendicular to the front-back direction at any position in the front-back direction. The front surface 23 is similar in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at any position in the left-right direction of the toilet bowl 22. The front surface 23 does not have a shape that bulges upward.

[0019] In a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the left-right center of toilet bowl 22, the portion of water collecting section 24 located below front surface 23 has a linear shape that slopes backward as it extends downward.

[0020] The linear shape 23a has a plane that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the water surface WS in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction at any position in the front-rear direction. The curved shape 23b curves downward from the lower end of the linear shape 23a to the water surface WS in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction at any position in the front-rear direction.

[0021] The side surface 26 has different shapes in the front and rear portions in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The front portion of the side surface 26 has a curved shape that continues from the front surface 23 and curves downward. The curved shape extends beyond the water surface WS to the water pool 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the side surface 26 has a straight line shape 26a that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the water surface WS, a curved shape 26b that curves downward at an intermediate position between the lower end of the straight line shape 26a and the water surface WS, and a curved shape 26c that curves upward from the lower end of the curved shape 26b to the water surface WS. The curved shape 26c extends beyond the water surface WS to the water pool 24. The portion that has the curved shape 26c is the rear portion, and the portion that does not have the curved shape 26c is the front portion. The boundary between the front portion and the rear portion may be the position of the drain outlet 34 in the front-rear direction.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the left-right direction of the toilet bowl 22, the rear surface 25 has a straight line shape 25a that slopes forward, i.e., toward the water surface WS, as it proceeds downward from the upper end edge 22a, a curved shape 25b that curves downward at an intermediate position between the bottom end of the straight line shape 25a and the water surface WF, and a curved shape 25c that curves upward from the bottom end of the curved shape 25b to the water surface WS. The straight line shape 25a may be parallel to the up-down direction. The rear surface 25 is located behind the rear end edge of the opening 14a of the toilet seat 14. This makes it difficult for the user to see the rear surface 25.

[0023] (Configuration of the water outlet) Water discharger 40 discharges flush water in reservoir 18 into toilet bowl 22. In addition, water discharger 40 discharges foam generated by mixing a surfactant and water into toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 3, water discharger 40 includes a pump 42, a connecting pipe 44, a check valve 45, a switching valve unit 46, branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, water discharge nozzles 50 and 52, a water discharge opening 54, and a foam discharger 61.

[0024] The pump 42 draws in the wash water in the reservoir 18 and pressurizes it. The pump 42 sends the pressurized wash water to the communicating pipe 44. The communicating pipe 44 is in communication with the pump 42. The communicating pipe 44 defines a flow path through which the wash water flows. The communicating pipe 44 is in communication with the switching valve unit 46 via a check valve 45. The check valve 45 allows the wash water to flow from the pump 42 toward the switching valve unit 46. The check valve 45 restricts the wash water from flowing from the switching valve unit 46 toward the pump 42. This makes it possible to prevent the wash water from flowing back to the pump 42 via the communicating pipe 44. By arranging the check valve 45 closer to the pump 42 than the switching valve unit 46, the number of check valves 45 can be reduced.

[0025] The switching valve unit 46 includes a switching valve device 47 and a heater device 200. The switching valve device 47 connects the communication pipe 44 to at least one of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. The communication pipe 44 and the branch pipes 48a, 48b, and 48c are each made of a resin such as a synthetic resin. The branch pipes 48a and 48b use synthetic rubber in at least one of the connection parts between the pump 42 and the water discharge nozzles 50 and 52 to improve liquid tightness. The branch pipe 48d has an upstream portion 48e extending from the pump 42 made of the same resin as the branch pipe 48a. Meanwhile, downstream of the upstream portion 48e of the branch pipe 48d, a downstream portion 48f arranged in the toilet body 20 is arranged. The downstream portion 48f is made of ceramic.

[0026] A water discharge nozzle 50 is connected to the branch pipe 48a. When the communication pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48a via the switching valve device 47, flush water is discharged from the water discharge nozzle 50 into the toilet bowl 22. A spreader 60 of the foam discharge section 61 is connected to the branch pipe 48b. When the communication pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48b via the switching valve device 47, flush water is discharged from the spreader 60 into the toilet bowl 22. A water discharge nozzle 52 is connected to the branch pipe 48c. When the communication pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48c via the switching valve device 47, flush water is discharged from the water discharge nozzle 52 into the toilet bowl 22. A water discharge opening 54 is connected to the branch pipe 48d. When the communication pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48d via the switching valve device 47, flush water is discharged from the water discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The water-spouting nozzle 50 is arranged near the upper end of the toilet bowl 22. The water-spouting nozzle 50 has an opening 50a that is long in the vertical direction. The water-spouting nozzle 52 is arranged symmetrically with the water-spouting nozzle 50. The water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 are arranged behind the front end WS1 of the water surface WS. The water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 are arranged behind the rear end WS2 of the water surface WS. The water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 each have an opening that extends in the vertical direction. The flushing water discharged from the water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 flows into the toilet bowl 22 that is located below the upper end rim portion 30. The upper end rim portion 30 is formed of a single flat plate, and flushing water does not flow inside.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the water discharge opening 54 opens into the water storage section 24. The water discharge opening 54 opens from the front side towards the drain outlet 34 on the rear side. When flush water is discharged from the water discharge opening 54, the flush water from the water discharge opening 54 is discharged towards the drain outlet 34. The flush water in the water storage section 24 is drained into the drain pipe 36 together with the flush water from the water discharge opening 54. Waste in the water storage section 24 and any objects floating in the water in the water storage section 24 are also discharged from the drain pipe 36 to the outside of the toilet body 20.

[0029] Flush water discharged from the water discharge nozzle 50 flows near the top of the toilet bowl 22 along the upper rim portion 30. The flow path of flush water defined by the water discharge nozzle 50 from the branch pipe 48a is called the first rim flow path. Flush water discharged from the water discharge nozzle 52 flows near the top of the toilet bowl 22 along the upper rim portion 30. The flow path of flush water defined by the water discharge nozzle 52 from the branch pipe 48c is called the second rim flow path. Flush water discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 flows downward from near the upper end. Flush water discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 flows over a wide area of ​​the toilet bowl 22 from the upper end to the bottom. Flush water discharged from the spreader 60 collides with the spreader 60 from the branch pipe 48b, spreads out in the up, down, left and right directions, and is discharged into the toilet bowl 22. The flow path of flush water defined by the spreader 60 from the branch pipe 48b is called the spreader flow path. The flush water discharged from the water discharge opening 54 functions as a so-called jet water discharge that drains dirt and the like from the water pooling section 24. The flush water flow path defined by the water discharge opening 54 from the branch pipe 48d is called a jet flow path.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, the foam discharge unit 61 includes a switching valve device 62, an ejector 64, supply pipes 65 and 66, a spreader 60, and a storage reservoir 68. The ejector 64 is connected to the pump 42 via a supply pipe 65. A switching valve device 62 is disposed in the supply pipe 65. The switching valve device 62 switches between a state in which the pump 42 and the ejector 64 are connected to each other via the supply pipe 65, and a state in which the supply pipe 65 is cut off to cut off the pump 42 and the ejector 64. The supply pipes 65 and 66 are made of the same resin as the communication pipe 44.

[0031] A storage reservoir 68 is connected to the ejector 64. A surfactant such as detergent is stored in the storage reservoir 68. A communication pipe 68a extending from the storage reservoir 68 communicates with the ejector 64. An air pipe 69 (see FIG. 6) communicates with the ejector 64. The air pipe 69 communicates with the atmosphere. The ejector 64 generates negative pressure in the ejector 64 by reducing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flushing water supplied from the supply pipe 65. The negative pressure generated in the ejector 64 draws the surfactant and air into the ejector 64. As a result, the flushing water, the surfactant, and the air are mixed, and foam is generated. A supply pipe 66 that communicates the ejector 64 with the spreader 60 is connected to the downstream side of the ejector 64. The foam generated in the ejector 64 passes through the supply pipe 66 and is discharged from the spreader 60 to the toilet bowl 22. The supply pipe 66 merges with the branch pipe 48b downstream of the ejector 64. A check valve is disposed at the downstream end of the ejector 64 to prevent wash water from flowing back from the branch pipe 48b to the ejector 64. The supply pipe 66 downstream from the position where the branch pipe 48b merges defines a spreader flow path.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 show the configuration of each part of the water discharger 40. All parts of the water discharger 40, except for the branch pipe 48d and the water discharge opening 54, are housed in the toilet body 20 at the rear side of the toilet bowl 22. In the toilet body 20, each part of the water discharger 40 is housed in a small space. In each of Figures 5 and 6, some of the configuration has been simplified to prioritize ease of viewing.

[0033] The spreader 60 is attached to the rear surface 25 at the rear side of the toilet bowl 22. The spreader 60 is inserted into a through hole penetrating the toilet body 20 and fixed to the toilet body 20. The spreader 60 protrudes from the rear surface 25 to the inside of the toilet bowl 22. The spreader 60 has one or more outlets in each of the up, down, left and right directions. The flush water and foam flowing into the spreader 60 from the supply pipe 66 collide with the front part of the spreader 60 and spread in the up, down and left and right directions. The collided flush water and foam are discharged from the multiple outlets of the spreader 60 into the toilet bowl 22. This allows the flush water and foam discharged from the spreader 60 to be discharged from the multiple outlets in multiple directions, upward, downward, left and right. This makes it easier to spread the flush water and foam over the surface of the toilet bowl 22.

[0034] The reservoir 18 extends to the right side of the toilet body 20, close to the upper end of the toilet body 20. A water level sensor 17 is disposed at the upper end of the reservoir 18. The water level sensor 17 is equipped with a float that rises above the water surface when the water level in the reservoir 18 reaches a predetermined position, and a sensor unit that detects whether the float is floating or not. An opening / closing valve 19 is disposed at the upper end of the reservoir 18. The opening / closing valve 19 switches between communication and cut-off between the reservoir 18 and the clean water pipe.

[0035] (Configuration of switching valve device) 7 to 10, the configuration of the switching valve device 47 will be described. The switching valve device 47 includes one inflow pipe 70, a housing 71, four switching valves 72, 74, 76, and 78, and four outflow pipes 80, 82, 84, and 86. The inflow pipe 70 has a cylindrical shape extending upward from the lower end of the switching valve device 47. The inflow pipe 70 is connected to the communication pipe 44 at the upstream end downstream of the check valve 45. The inflow pipe 70 is connected to the housing 71 at the downstream side. The four switching valves 72, 74, 76, and 78 are arranged in the housing 71.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, an inlet pipe 70 is branched into four parts in a housing 71 so as to be connected to four switching valves 72, 74, 76, and 78, respectively.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 10, the switching valve 72 includes a primary flow path 72a, a secondary flow path 72b, a diaphragm valve 72d, a spring 72e, an electromagnetic valve 91, and communication flow paths 72h, 72j, and 72k. The primary flow path 72a is connected to a branch path 70b that branches off from an inflow flow path 70a in the inflow pipe 70. The primary flow path 72a has a circular ring-shaped flow path. A secondary flow path 72b is disposed on the inner periphery side of the primary flow path 72a. The secondary flow path 72b passes through the inner periphery of the primary flow path 72a and is connected to a discharge flow path 80a in the outflow pipe 80. The outflow pipe 80 extends upward and is connected to a branch pipe 48b.

[0038] The primary flow passage 72a and the secondary flow passage 72b are blocked by a diaphragm valve 72d. The diaphragm valve 72d has a disk shape that simultaneously blocks the downstream end of the primary flow passage 72a and the upstream end of the secondary flow passage 72b. The spring 72e is a coil spring disposed between the diaphragm valve 72d and a wall surface 72f that faces the diaphragm valve 72d. The spring 72e is compressed between the diaphragm valve 72d and the wall surface 72f. The spring 72e biases the diaphragm valve 72d toward the downstream end of the primary flow passage 72a and the upstream end of the secondary flow passage 72b.

[0039] A back pressure chamber 72s is defined between the diaphragm valve 72d and the wall surface 72f. The back pressure chamber 72s is located on the opposite side of the diaphragm valve 72d to the primary side flow path 72a and the secondary side flow path 72b. The back pressure chamber 72s is connected to the discharge flow path 80a via the communication flow paths 72h, 72j, and 72k. An electromagnetic valve 91 is disposed between the communication flow paths 72h and 72j. The electromagnetic valve 91 is switched between an open state in which the communication flow paths 72h and 72j communicate with each other, and a closed state in which the back pressure chamber 72s and the communication flow path 72h are blocked. The electromagnetic valve 91 includes a valve body 92, a solenoid portion 94, and a spring (not shown). The valve body 92 is biased upward by the spring to close the communication flow path 72j. The solenoid unit 94 includes a yoke, a coil, etc. When power is supplied to the coil of the solenoid unit 94, it moves the valve body 92 downward. This causes the solenoid valve 91 to transition from a closed state to an open state. While power is not supplied to the coil, the solenoid valve 91 is maintained in the closed state.

[0040] When the solenoid valve 91 is maintained in the closed state, water is sealed in the back pressure chamber 72s. The diaphragm valve 72d is pressed against the downstream end of the primary side flow passage 72a and the upstream end of the secondary side flow passage 72b by the pressure of the back pressure chamber 72s. Wash water sent from the pump 42 flows through the primary side flow passage 72a. When the solenoid valve 91 is maintained in the closed state, even if the pump 42 is driven and the water pressure of the wash water in the primary side flow passage 72a increases, the diaphragm valve 72d contacts the downstream end of the primary side flow passage 72a and the upstream end of the secondary side flow passage 72b to continue blocking the primary side flow passage 72a and the secondary side flow passage 72b. When the solenoid valve 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the communication flow passage 72h communicates with the communication flow passage 72j. The back pressure chamber 72s communicates with the discharge flow passage 80a via the communication flow passages 72h, 72j, and 72k. As a result, the back pressure chamber 72s is depressurized, the diaphragm valve 72d separates from the downstream end of the primary flow path 72a and the upstream end of the secondary flow path 72b, and the primary flow path 72a and the secondary flow path 72b communicate with each other. Flush water delivered from the pump 42 flows from the primary flow path 72a to the secondary flow path 72b. The flush water passes from the secondary flow path 72b through the discharge flow path 80a and flows inside the branch pipe 48b. The flush water passes through the branch pipe 48b and is discharged from the spreader 60 into the toilet bowl 22. The changeover valve 72 can be said to be a pilot valve device.

[0041] The switching valves 74, 76, and 78 each have the same configuration as the switching valve 72. When power is not supplied to the solenoid valve of the switching valve 74, the switching valve 74 is maintained in a closed state, and the communication pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48a are maintained in a blocked state in which they are blocked. When power is supplied to the solenoid valve of the switching valve 74, the switching valve 74 opens and is in a communicating state in which the communication pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48a are in communication with each other via the outflow pipe 82. Similarly, the switching valve 76 is switched between an open state and a closed state by power supply to the solenoid valve, and is switched between a blocked state between the communication pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48d and a communicating state via the outflow pipe 84. When power is supplied to the solenoid valve of the switching valve 78, the switching valve 78 is switched between an open state and a closed state by power supply to the solenoid valve, and is switched between a blocked state between the communication pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48c and a communicating state via the outflow pipe 86.

[0042] The switching valve device 47 switches between communication and cutoff of the flow paths using switching valves 72, 74, 76, and 78, which are pilot valve devices. With this configuration, the diaphragm valve 72d can be operated using a smaller actuator than when a direct acting valve device having an actuator that directly operates a valve body that switches between communication and cutoff of the primary side flow path 72a and the secondary side flow path 72b is used. This allows the switching valve device 47 to be made smaller and more energy efficient.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, in the switching valve device 47, among the multiple switching valves 72, 74, 76, and 78, the switching valves 72 and 76 are arranged at a lower position than the switching valves 74 and 78. This allows the multiple switching valves 72, 74, 76, and 78 to communicate with one inflow pipe 70. The switching valve device 47 can be used without being limited to the number of branches by changing the number of switching valves arranged in the switching valve device 47. For example, by not arranging the switching valve 78 and blocking the branch of the inflow pipe 70, the switching valve device 47 can be used to switch a flow path that branches into three. For example, by providing one or more branches to the inflow pipe 70 and connecting the switching valves, it can be used to switch a flow path that branches into five or more branches.

[0044] (Configuration of heater device) As shown in FIG. 11, the heater device 200 includes a valve-side heat source 202, a toilet-side heat source 212, wiring 208, 228, and a control unit 250. The valve-side heat source 202 includes a heating cord 204, a sheet 206, and a thermistor 210. The heating cord 204 has a cylindrical shape in which a heating wire is wound around a metal wire around a core material such as glass or polyester, and the core material is coated with vinyl, silicone, or the like. In FIG. 11, it is depicted by a two-dot chain line. In reality, it has a cylindrical shape. The sheet 206 has a thin aluminum foil. The heating cord 204 is fixed to the sheet 206 by, for example, welding.

[0045] The thermistor 210 is attached to the sheet 206. The thermistor 210 has a resistor whose electrical resistance changes when the temperature of the thermistor 210 changes in response to the ambient temperature.

[0046] The heating cord 204 and the thermistor 210 are each connected to the control unit 250 via a wire 208. The wire 208 has connectors 220, 230 at an intermediate position. The valve-side heat source 202 can be switched between a state where it is connected to the control unit 250 and a state where it is disconnected from the control unit 250 by the connectors 220, 230.

[0047] The toilet-side heat source 212 includes heating cords 214, 224 and sheets 216, 226. The heating cords 214, 224 have a similar configuration to the heating cord 204. The sheets 216, 226 have thin aluminum foil, similar to the sheet 206. The heating cord 214 is fixed to the sheet 216, for example, by welding. The heating cord 224 is fixed to the sheet 226, for example, by welding. The heating cords 214, 224 are each connected to the control unit 250 via wiring 228.

[0048] Each of the sheets 206, 216, 226 has a shape that matches the surface shape of the object to which it is attached.

[0049] The valve-side heat source 202 is attached to the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The valve-side heat source 202 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 71 of the switching valve device 47. The valve-side heat source 202 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 71 that faces the outside of the toilet device 10. The valve-side heat source 202 covers the area 71a of the housing 71 that is located outside the primary-side flow path 72a and the secondary-side flow path 72b. This makes it possible to prevent the flush water from freezing in the primary-side flow path 72a and the secondary-side flow path 72b when flush water remains in at least one of the primary-side flow path 72a and the secondary-side flow path 72b. The valve-side heat source 202 covers the surface 71b facing the left side and the surface 71c facing the back side of the housing 71. This makes it possible to efficiently heat the switching valve device 47 by covering multiple surfaces facing multiple directions of the switching valve device 47 with the valve-side heat source 202. The valve-side heat source 202 covers a part of the rear side of the surface 71d facing the right side of the housing 71. The valve-side heat source 202 covers an area of ​​the housing 71 that is outside the back pressure chamber 72s. This allows the valve-side heat source 202 to be disposed near the back pressure chamber 72s. This makes it possible to prevent the cleaning water remaining in the back pressure chamber 72s from freezing.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, in the toilet-side heat source 212, the heating cord 214 and the sheet 216 are arranged on the toilet body 20, from the water-retaining portion 24 of the toilet bowl 22 to the bottom surface of the drain pipe 36. As shown in Figure 6, in the toilet-side heat source 212, the heating cord 224 and the sheet 226 are arranged on the surface of the toilet body 20 that is along the branch pipe 48d. This makes it possible to prevent the flush water in the toilet body 20 from freezing.

[0051] The control unit 250 includes a plug that is inserted into a power source, a CPU, and a memory. The wires 208 and 228 are connected to the control unit 250. The plugs are connected to the wires 208 and 228. Power is supplied to the heating cord 204 via the plug and the wire 208. Power is supplied to the heating cords 214 and 224 via the plug and the wire 228. The CPU controls the supply and stop of power to the heating cords 214 and 224 according to a computer program stored in the memory. The CPU identifies the temperature of thermistor 210 from the resistance value of the thermistor 210.

[0052] When the temperature determined from the resistance value of the thermistor 210 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (e.g., 0°C), the control unit 250 supplies power to both the heat generating code 204 of the valve-side heat source 202 and the heat generating codes 214, 224 of the toilet-side heat source 212. This allows both the switching valve device 47 and the toilet body 20 to be heated. By adjusting the temperatures of the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212 using the detection result of the thermistor 210, the switching valve device 47 and the toilet body 20 can be heated at an appropriate timing to prevent freezing. The control unit 250 continuously acquires the detection result of the thermistor 210 while supplying power to the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212. The control unit 250 stops the supply of power according to the detection result of the thermistor 210. For example, the control unit 250 stops the supply of power when the temperature indicated by the detection result of the thermistor 210 exceeds a predetermined temperature. In a modified embodiment, power may be supplied to the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212 for a predetermined period of time, and then the power supply may be stopped.

[0053] The control unit 250 supplies power to both the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212 using the detection result of one thermistor 210. With this configuration, it is not necessary to arrange multiple thermistors. Of the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212, the thermistor 210 is arranged in the valve-side heat source 202, which is located closer to the outside of the toilet apparatus 10. This allows the thermistor 210 to be arranged on the surface of the switching valve device 47, which is greatly affected by the outside air temperature. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately prevent the switching valve device 47 from freezing. In a modified example, the thermistor 210 may be arranged in the toilet-side heat source 212. In a modified example, the thermistor may be arranged in a position other than the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212.

[0054] (Correspondence) The primary side flow path 72a, the secondary side flow path 72b, and the communicating flow paths 72h, 72j, and 72k are an example of a "valve flow path." The switching valve device 47 is an example of a "valve device." The diaphragm valve 72d is an example of a "diaphragm valve" and a "valve body." The surface 71b is an example of a "first wall surface." The leftward direction is an example of a "first direction." The surface 71c is an example of a "second wall surface." The rearward direction is an example of a "second direction." The water discharge nozzle 50 is an example of a "first water discharge port." The water discharge nozzle 52 is an example of a "second water discharge port." The water discharge opening 54 is an example of a "third water discharge port."

[0055] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0056] The first aspect relates to a valve unit. The valve unit may include a valve device that is disposed in a toilet apparatus and includes a housing that defines a valve flow path in communication with a flush water flow path through which flush water used in the toilet apparatus flows, and a heater device that includes a valve-side heat source that is disposed in the housing.

[0057] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the valve device may further include a pilot valve device including a diaphragm valve arranged in the valve flow path and a solenoid valve that controls pressure on a back pressure side of the diaphragm valve.

[0058] A third aspect is any one of the first and second aspects, wherein the valve-side heat source may be disposed near the back pressure side.

[0059] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the valve device comprises a valve body arranged in the valve flow path, the valve flow path comprises a primary side flow path between an upstream end of the valve flow path and the valve body, and a secondary side flow path between a downstream end of the valve flow path and the valve body, and the valve-side heat source may be arranged outside both the primary side flow path and the secondary side flow path.

[0060] A fifth aspect is any one of the first and fourth aspects, wherein the valve-side heat source may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the housing.

[0061] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first and fifth aspects, the heater device may further include a thermistor arranged in the valve device, and a control unit that adjusts the temperature of the valve-side heat source using a detection result of the thermistor.

[0062] A seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects above, wherein the toilet device comprises a toilet body having a toilet bowl through which flush water is discharged from the flush water flow path, and the heater device further comprises a thermistor arranged in either the valve device or the toilet body, and a control unit that adjusts the temperature of the valve-side heat source using a detection result of the thermistor, and the control unit may control the toilet-side heat source arranged in the toilet body using the detection result of the thermistor.

[0063] An eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the housing has a first wall surface and a second wall surface surrounding the valve flow path, the first wall surface facing a first direction and the second wall surface facing a second direction different from the first direction, and the valve-side heat source may be arranged on both the first wall surface and the second wall surface.

[0064] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects above, wherein the toilet apparatus comprises a toilet body having a toilet bowl from which flushing water is discharged from the flushing water flow path, and the flushing water flow path may comprise a first water outlet and a second water outlet that discharge flushing water flowing from an upper end of the toilet bowl into the toilet bowl, and a third water outlet at least a portion of which is submerged in the water storage section.

[0065] The ninth aspect relates to a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a valve unit including a toilet body, a flush water flow path through which flush water used in the toilet body flows, a valve device including a housing that defines a valve flow path in the flush water flow path that communicates with the flush water flow path, and a heater device including a valve-side heat source disposed in the housing.

[0066] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described above in detail. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

[0067] (1) The heater device 200 may include the valve-side heat source 202, but may not include the toilet-side heat source 212. In this case, the toilet-side heat source 212 may be configured separately from the heater device 200.

[0068] (2) The valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212 may be controlled by different controllers. In this case, each controller may adjust the temperatures of the valve-side heat source 202 and the toilet-side heat source 212 using the detection results of multiple thermistors arranged in different positions.

[0069] (3) The valve-side heat source 202 may be built into the housing 71.

[0070] (4) In this embodiment, the valve side heat source 202 is disposed near the back pressure side by covering the outer region of the back pressure chamber 72s. However, the manner in which the valve side heat source 202 is disposed near the back pressure side is not limited to this, and the valve side heat source 202 may be disposed inside the housing 71 that defines the back pressure chamber 72s. Alternatively, the valve side heat source 202 may be disposed on the outer surface of the housing 71 located near the back pressure chamber 72s.

[0071] (5) In this embodiment, the control unit 250 adjusts the temperature of the valve-side heat source 202 by determining whether or not to supply power to the valve-side heat source 202 using the detection result of the thermistor 210. However, the control unit 250 may adjust the temperature of the valve-side heat source 202 by adjusting the power supplied to the valve-side heat source 202 in accordance with the detection result of the thermistor 210.

[0072] (6) The toilet apparatus 10 may be provided with at least two of the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60. In addition to the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60, the toilet apparatus 10 may also be provided with a water discharge port that discharges flushing water onto the upper end of the toilet bowl 22.

[0073] (7) The position of the water discharge opening 54 does not have to face the drain outlet 34. For example, the water discharge opening 54 may open into the toilet bowl 22 on one of the left and right sides of the water collection section 24. A portion of the water discharge opening 54 may be located above the water surface WS.

[0074] (8) The position of the switching valve device 47 is not particularly limited. For example, the switching valve device 47 may be disposed inside the reservoir 18. In this case, the reservoir 18 may be disposed above the rear side of the toilet body 20. The pump 42 may also be disposed inside the reservoir 18.

[0075] The technical elements described in the specification and / or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies illustrated in the specification and / or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10: toilet device, 20: toilet body, 22: toilet bowl, 24: water storage section, 42: pump, 46: switching valve unit, 47: switching valve device, 50, 52: water discharge nozzle, 54: water discharge opening, 72a: primary side flow path, 72b: secondary side flow path, 72d: diaphragm valve, 72s: back pressure chamber, 91: solenoid valve, 100: control section, 200: heater device, 202: valve side heat source, 210: thermistor, 212: toilet side heat source, 250: control section

Claims

1. a valve device including a housing that is disposed in a toilet device and that defines a valve flow path in communication with a flush water flow path through which flush water used in the toilet device flows; a heater device including a valve-side heat source disposed in the housing.

2. The valve unit according to claim 1 , wherein the valve device comprises a pilot valve device including a diaphragm valve disposed in the valve flow passage and a solenoid valve for controlling a pressure on a back pressure side of the diaphragm valve.

3. The valve unit of claim 2 , wherein the valve-side heat source is disposed near the back pressure side.

4. The valve device includes a valve body disposed in the valve flow path, The valve flow path includes a primary side flow path between an upstream end of the valve flow path and the valve body, and a secondary side flow path between a downstream end of the valve flow path and the valve body, The valve unit according to claim 1 , wherein the valve-side heat source is disposed outside both the primary flow path and the secondary flow path.

5. The valve unit according to claim 1 , wherein the valve-side heat source is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the housing.

6. The heater device further comprises: a thermistor disposed in the valve device; The valve unit according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit that adjusts a temperature of the valve-side heat source using a detection result of the thermistor.

7. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet body having a toilet bowl through which flush water is discharged from the flush water flow path, The heater device further comprises: a thermistor disposed in either the valve device or the toilet body; A control unit that adjusts the temperature of the valve-side heat source using a detection result of the thermistor, The valve unit according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a toilet-side heat source arranged in the toilet body by using a detection result of the thermistor.

8. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall that surround the valve flow path, The first wall surface faces a first direction, The second wall surface faces a second direction different from the first direction, The valve unit according to claim 1 , wherein the valve-side heat source is disposed on both the first wall surface and the second wall surface.

9. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet body having a toilet bowl through which flush water is discharged from the flush water flow path, 3. A valve unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the flushing water flow path comprises a first water outlet and a second water outlet that eject flushing water flowing from an upper end of the toilet bowl into the toilet bowl, and a third water outlet at least a portion of which is submerged in a water collection portion of the toilet bowl.

10. The toilet bowl body, a flush water flow path through which flush water used for the toilet body flows; A toilet apparatus comprising: a valve unit comprising: a valve device having a housing that defines a valve flow path in communication with the flush water flow path; and a heater device having a valve-side heat source disposed in the housing.

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