Toilet equipment

Abstract

To improve design and ease of maintenance.SOLUTION: A toilet device according to an embodiment comprises: a toilet seat; a casing that supports the toilet seat so that it can be opened and closed, and in which a part of the toilet seat is placed on a front surface in the closed state; an operation port that is provided on the casing; an operation port cover that covers the operation port; a valve unit that is housed in the casing; and a water drain plug that is removably attached to the valve unit and is approachable from the operation port. The operation port is provided on the front surface of the casing so as to open toward the front, and is arranged vertically below the toilet seat in the closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in a sanitary washing device for washing human body parts, a water supply valve unit housed in a casing is fitted with a removable drain plug for preventing freezing and for strainer maintenance.

[0003] It is known that an operating port is provided in a position on the casing opposite the drain plug (for example, on the side of the casing) so that such a sanitary cleaning device can approach the drain plug when installed in the toilet, and that an operating port cover is provided to cover the operating port so that the drain plug is not exposed externally from the operating port, thereby detracting from the design (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-232402 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for better design in sanitary washing devices and toilet equipment equipped with sanitary washing devices. For example, there is a demand for so-called noiseless designs, which minimize the boundaries between components that can be seen on the exterior (which are treated as noise on the exterior).

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, although the operation port cover can prevent the drain plug from being exposed to the outside, the boundary between the operation port and the operation port cover on the outer surface of the casing is visible from the outside, so the requirement for a noiseless design cannot be met and there is room for improvement in terms of design.

[0007] Furthermore, because toilet rooms are generally small, toilets are often installed so that the side of the casing is close to the wall of the toilet room. For example, if the operation port is placed on the side of the casing to make it less noticeable, the visibility and accessibility of the drain plug will be reduced. In other words, there is also room for improvement in terms of ease of maintenance.

[0008] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a toilet apparatus that can improve design and maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a toilet seat, a casing that supports the toilet seat so that it can be opened and closed, with a portion of the toilet seat in a closed state positioned on its front surface, an operation port provided in the casing, an operation port cover that covers the operation port, a valve unit housed in the casing, and a drain plug that is detachably attached to the valve unit and accessible from the operation port, wherein the operation port is provided on the front surface of the casing so as to open forward and is positioned vertically below the toilet seat in a closed state.

[0010] With this configuration, the operating port and the operating port cover are concealed by the closed toilet seat, so the boundary between the operating port and the operating port cover is not exposed externally. This improves the design. Also, because the operating port is provided on the front surface of the casing so that it opens forward, it is easier to access the drain plug than, for example, when the operating port is provided on the side of the casing. This improves maintainability.

[0011] The toilet device described above is characterized in that a gap is provided between the toilet seat and the operation port cover in a closed state.

[0012] With this configuration, even if the operating port and operating port cover are positioned below the toilet seat when it is closed, contact between the toilet seat and the operating port cover can be reduced when the user sits on the toilet seat, thereby preventing damage to the operating port or operating port cover.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned toilet device is characterized in that a drainage path is provided on the bottom surface of the casing, positioned at least vertically below the drain plug, and directing water to a bowl portion formed in the toilet.

[0014] With this configuration, when the drain plug is removed from the valve unit, the wastewater discharged from the valve unit into the casing can be discharged into the bowl portion.

[0015] In addition, the toilet device described above is characterized in that the operation port is disposed outside a bowl portion formed in the toilet.

[0016] This configuration can prevent urine, sewage, etc. from splashing and entering the gap between the operation port and the operation port cover.

[0017] The toilet device described above is characterized in that a vertically extending wall is provided inside the casing between the drain plug and the inner surface of the casing.

[0018] With this configuration, even if dirty water seeps in through the operation port, the dirty water can be prevented from seeping deeper into the casing than the drain plug.

[0019] In addition, the above-mentioned toilet device has an inlet passage that allows water to flow into the drain plug, an internal passage through which water flows within the drain plug, and an outlet passage that directs water that flows out of the drain plug downstream, and is further characterized by having a strainer that is located between the internal passage and the outlet passage and is detachable from the valve unit together with the drain plug.

[0020] With this configuration, foreign matter is collected in the internal passage by the strainer, and the strainer can be removed from the valve unit along with the drain plug to remove the foreign matter, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the outlet passage.

[0021] The toilet device described above is characterized in that a drain hole for discharging water to the outside of the casing is provided below the operation port in the casing.

[0022] With this configuration, even if water seeps into the casing from the joint between the operation port and the operation port cover, the seeping water can be discharged to the outside of the casing.

[0023] In the toilet device described above, the operation port cover is rotatably supported on the casing.

[0024] With this configuration, the operation port cover can be easily opened and closed.

[0025] In addition, in the above-mentioned toilet device, the operation port cover rotates in the same direction as the opening and closing direction of the toilet seat, and when the toilet seat is closed with the operation port cover in the open position, the tip of the operation port cover on the side that is not pivotally supported by the casing is pushed against the toilet seat, causing the operation port cover to close.

[0026] If the operation port cover does not rotate in the same direction as the toilet seat, there is a risk that the operation port cover will be pushed by the toilet seat and damaged when the toilet seat is closed while the operation port cover is in the open position. However, with the above configuration, even if the toilet seat is closed while the operation port cover is in the open position, the operation port cover will be pushed by the toilet seat and rotate, thereby preventing damage to the operation port cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to improve design and maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a toilet device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sanitary washing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the valve unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the operation port. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the operation port and the operation port cover. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the strainer. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the drainage path. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the drainage path. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic side cross-sectional view (part 1) showing an operation port cover in a toilet device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic side cross-sectional view (part 2) showing the operation port cover in the toilet device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the drain plug removal operation. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the closing operation of the operation port cover accompanying the closing operation of the toilet seat. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the closing operation of the operation port cover accompanying the closing operation of the toilet seat. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic perspective view showing the operation port cover in the closed state. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of a case plate according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the toilet device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0030] First Embodiment <Overall configuration of the toilet device> First, the overall configuration of the toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Note that each figure, including Figure 1, shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z-axis whose positive direction is vertically upward (upward). For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as the left, the negative direction of the X-axis as the right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as the forward direction, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as the backward direction. For this reason, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 1 includes a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter referred to as the toilet bowl) 2 and a sanitary washing device 3. The toilet bowl 2 is a so-called floor-standing type that is installed on the floor of a toilet room. However, the toilet bowl 2 may also be a so-called wall-mounted type that is installed on the wall of a toilet room. The toilet bowl 2 may be, for example, a wash-down type, a siphon type, or another type. The toilet bowl 2 is made of, for example, ceramic. However, the toilet bowl 2 is not limited to being made of ceramic, and may also be made of resin, etc.

[0033] The toilet 2 comprises a bowl portion 21 and a rim portion 22. The bowl portion 21 is formed in a bowl shape, and the bowl surface receives waste. The rim portion 22 is provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion 21. The rim portion 22 is formed in an overhanging shape toward the inside of the bowl portion 21 to prevent flushing water from splashing out outside the bowl portion 21.

[0034] The toilet 2 includes a water discharge section, a water storage section, and a discharge section (not shown) in addition to the bowl section 21 and rim section 22. The water discharge section discharges flush water supplied from a water supply source 10 (see FIG. 2) from a water discharge port (not shown) into the bowl section 21.

[0035] The water reservoir holds some of the flush water at the bottom of bowl portion 21 (the accumulated water is called "reserved water"), and the stored water functions as a seal, preventing odors and other contaminants from flowing back into bowl portion 21 from the discharge portion, which will be described later. The discharge portion has a trap pipe and is connected to a drain pipe. Toilet 2 discharges flush water from the water discharge portion into bowl portion 21, and discharges waste from the discharge portion into the drain pipe.

[0036] The sanitary washing device 3 comprises a casing 31, a toilet seat 32, and a toilet lid 33. The toilet seat 32 and the toilet lid 33 are each supported (pivoted) on the casing 31 so that they can be opened and closed. The casing 31 comprises a case plate 311 and a case cover 312. The case plate 311 forms the bottom surface of the casing 31. The case cover 312 covers the case plate 311 from above. The casing 31 houses functional parts such as a nozzle 34 that can extend outside the casing 31 in its internal space.

[0037] The casing 31 houses a private parts washing function unit that washes the private parts of the human body, such as the buttocks, of a user seated on the toilet seat 32. The private parts washing function unit includes, for example, a nozzle 34. The sanitary washing device 3 is also provided with a seating detection sensor 202 (see FIG. 2) that detects whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 32.

[0038] When the seating detection sensor 202 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 32, the user can operate the operation unit 160 (see Figure 2), such as a remote control, to advance the nozzle 34 into the bowl portion 21 or retract it from within the bowl portion 21.

[0039] Nozzle 34 ejects water (cleansing water) toward the human private parts to cleanse them. Nozzle 34 has, at its tip, for example, a posterior cleansing water outlet 341, a soft cleansing water outlet 342, and a bidet cleansing water outlet 343. Nozzle 34 can spray water from posterior cleansing water outlet 341 or soft cleansing water outlet 342 provided at its tip to clean the buttocks of a user seated on toilet seat 32.

[0040] Furthermore, nozzle 34 can spray water from a bidet cleansing outlet 343 provided at its tip to clean the private parts of a woman seated on toilet seat 32. Note that "water" here includes not only cold water but also hot water. The modes for cleaning the buttocks include, for example, a "buttocks cleansing" and a "soft cleansing" that gently cleanses with a softer water flow than the "buttocks cleansing" mode. Nozzle 34 can perform, for example, a "buttocks cleansing," a "soft cleansing," and a "bidet cleansing."

[0041] In the illustrated example, the bidet cleansing water outlet 343 is formed closer to the tip of the nozzle 34 than the soft cleansing water outlet 342, and the soft cleansing water outlet 342 is formed closer to the tip of the nozzle 34 than the posterior cleansing water outlet 341, but the positions of these water outlets 341 to 343 are not limited to this. Also, in the illustrated example, the nozzle 34 has three water outlets 341 to 343, but for example, the soft cleansing water outlet 342 may be omitted, or four or more water outlets may be provided.

[0042] <Configuration of sanitary cleaning device> Next, the configuration of the sanitary washing device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sanitary washing device 3. Note that Fig. 2 also shows the configuration of the water channel system and the electrical system.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, the sanitary washing device 3 includes a water conveying section 35. The water conveying section 35 includes a conduit 351 that runs from a water supply source 10, such as a tap or a water tank, to the nozzle 34. The water conveying section 35 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 to the nozzle 34 via a conduit 35a. The conduit 35a includes various components, such as a water supply hose 11, a water supply connection section 352, a valve unit 36, a heat exchanger unit 37, and a flow path switching section 43, which will be described later, as well as a plurality of pipes that connect these various components.

[0044] Water supply hose 11 supplies water from water supply source 10 into casing 31 (see FIG. 1). Water supply hose 11 is a flexible hose. Water supply connection 352 connects water supply hose 11 to valve unit 36. Water supply connection 352 may be configured integrally with valve unit 36 ​​or may be configured separately from valve unit 36.

[0045] The valve unit 36 ​​is disposed on the pipeline 351 downstream of the water supply hose 11. The valve unit 36 ​​has at least a solenoid valve 362. In the illustrated example, the valve unit 36 ​​includes a strainer 361, the solenoid valve 362, an adjusting valve 363, and a check valve 364. The adjusting valve 363 is disposed downstream of the solenoid valve 362. The check valve 364 is disposed downstream of the adjusting valve.

[0046] The valve unit 36 ​​is disposed, for example, on the pipeline 351 between the downstream of the water supply hose 11 and the upstream of the heat exchanger unit 37, which will be described later. The valve unit 36 ​​may also include a water supply connection portion 352.

[0047] The strainer 361 filters out foreign matter and the like contained in the water supplied from the water supply source 10. The strainer 361 is provided in a drain plug 45 (see FIG. 3) described later. The arrangement of the strainer 361 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0048] The solenoid valve 362 is an openable and closable electromagnetic valve, and controls the supply of water based on commands from the control unit 100 disposed inside the casing 31. In other words, the solenoid valve 362 opens and closes the pipe 351. By opening the solenoid valve 362, water supplied from the water supply source 10 flows into the pipe 351.

[0049] Regulating valve 363 adjusts the pressure and water flow rate inside pipe 351. Regulating valve 363 is, for example, a pressure regulating valve that adjusts the pressure inside pipe 351 to within a predetermined range. Regulating valve 363 may be, for example, a constant flow valve that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing inside pipe 351 to within a predetermined range.

[0050] The check valve 364 prevents water from flowing back upstream of the check valve 364 when, for example, the pressure inside the pipe 351 drops. The check valve 364 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0051] A heat exchanger unit 37, which is a heating section, is disposed downstream of the valve unit 36. The heat exchanger unit 37 has a heater and heats the water supplied from the water supply source 10, for example, to a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger unit 37 generates hot water.

[0052] The heat exchanger unit 37 is, for example, an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger that uses a ceramic heater or the like. An instantaneous heating type heat exchanger can heat water to a specified temperature in a shorter time than a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger that uses a hot water storage tank. Note that the heat exchanger unit 37 is not limited to an instantaneous heating type heat exchanger, and may also be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger. Furthermore, the heating section is not limited to a heat exchanger, and may use other heating methods, such as microwave heating.

[0053] Heat exchanger unit 37 is connected to control unit 100. Control unit 100 controls heat exchanger unit 37 in response to operation of operation unit 160 by a user, for example, to raise the temperature of water to the temperature set by operation unit 160.

[0054] A flow rate sensor 38 is disposed downstream of the heat exchanger unit 37. The flow rate sensor 38 detects the flow rate of water discharged from the heat exchanger unit 37. That is, the flow rate sensor 38 detects the flow rate of water flowing through the pipe 351. The flow rate sensor 38 is connected to the control unit 100. The flow rate sensor 38 inputs the detection result of the flow rate to the control unit 100. The flow rate sensor 38 may also be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger unit 37.

[0055] An electrolytic cell unit 39 is disposed downstream of the flow rate sensor 38. The electrolytic cell unit 39 electrolyzes tap water flowing therein to produce a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (functional water) from the tap water. The electrolytic cell unit 39 is connected to the control unit 100. The electrolytic cell unit 39 produces functional water under the control of the control unit 100. The electrolytic cell unit 39 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0056] Furthermore, the functional water produced in the electrolytic cell unit 39 may be, for example, a solution containing metal ions such as silver ions or copper ions, a solution containing electrolytic chlorine or ozone, or acidic water or alkaline water.

[0057] A vacuum breaker (VB) 40 is disposed downstream of the electrolytic cell unit 39. The vacuum breaker 40 has, for example, a flow path for flowing water, an air intake port for taking air into the flow path, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing the air intake port.

[0058] The valve mechanism, for example, closes the air intake port when water is flowing through the flow path, and opens the air intake port when the water flow stops to take air into the flow path. That is, the vacuum breaker 40 takes air into the pipeline 351 when there is no water flow in the water conveying section 35. For example, a float valve is used as the valve mechanism. The vacuum breaker 40 may be disposed upstream of the electrolytic cell unit 39.

[0059] Vacuum breaker 40 takes in air into pipe 351, thereby promoting drainage of water in the portion of pipe 351 downstream of vacuum breaker 40. Vacuum breaker 40 promotes drainage of water from nozzle 34, for example. In this way, vacuum breaker 40 drains water from nozzle 34 and takes in air into nozzle 34, thereby preventing, for example, flushing water in nozzle 34 or dirty water accumulated in bowl portion 21 (see FIG. 1) from flowing back toward water supply source 10 (clean water).

[0060] A pressure modulation unit 41 is disposed downstream of the vacuum breaker 40. The pressure modulation unit 41 imparts pulsation or acceleration to the flow of water in the pipe 351 of the water conveyance unit 35, and imparts pulsation to the water discharged from the rear cleansing water outlet 341, the soft cleansing water outlet 342, and the bidet cleansing water outlet 343 of the nozzle 34 (see FIG. 1 for all of these) and the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning unit 344.

[0061] That is, the pressure modulation unit 41 varies the flow state of the water flowing inside the pipe 351. The pressure modulation unit 41 is connected to the control unit 100. The pressure modulation unit 41 varies the flow state of the water based on the control by the control unit 100. The pressure modulation unit 41 varies the pressure of the water inside the pipe 351. Note that the pressure modulation unit 41 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0062] A flow rate adjustment unit 42 is arranged downstream of the pressure modulation unit 41. The flow rate adjustment unit 42 adjusts the water pressure (flow rate). A flow path switching unit 43 is arranged downstream of the flow rate adjustment unit 42. The flow path switching unit 43 switches between opening and closing the water supply to the nozzle 34 and the nozzle cleaning unit 344. The flow rate adjustment unit 42 and the flow path switching unit 43 may be provided as a single unit. The flow rate adjustment unit 42 and the flow path switching unit 43 are connected to the control unit 100. The operations of the flow rate adjustment unit 42 and the flow path switching unit 43 are controlled by the control unit 100.

[0063] Nozzle 34, nozzle cleaning unit 344, and spray nozzle 345 are arranged downstream of flow path switching unit 43. Nozzle 34 receives a driving force from nozzle driving unit 346 and advances into and retreats from bowl portion 21 (see FIG. 1).

[0064] Nozzle cleaning unit 344, for example, sprays functional water or water from its water discharge unit to clean the outer peripheral surface (body) of nozzle 34. Spray nozzle 345 sprays the cleaning water or functional water in mist form into bowl portion 21. In the illustrated example, spray nozzle 345 is provided separately from nozzle 34 for washing the human body, but this is not limited to this, and nozzle 34 may be provided with a water discharge port for spraying mist-like liquid into bowl portion 21.

[0065] In addition, downstream of the flow path switching unit 43, there are provided a buttocks cleaning flow path 441, a soft cleaning flow path 442, and a bidet cleaning flow path 443 which supply water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water conveying unit 35 and functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 39 to the nozzle 34.

[0066] The posterior cleansing flow path 441 connects the flow path switching unit 43 and the posterior cleansing water outlet 341 (see FIG. 1). The soft cleansing flow path 442 connects the flow path switching unit 43 and the soft cleansing water outlet 342 (see FIG. 1). The bidet cleansing flow path 443 connects the flow path switching unit 43 and the bidet cleansing water outlet 343 (see FIG. 1).

[0067] Further, a surface cleaning flow path 444 and a spray flow path 445 are provided downstream of the flow path switching unit 43. The surface cleaning flow path 444 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide unit 35 and functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 39 to the water discharge unit of the nozzle cleaning unit 344. The spray flow path 445 guides water supplied from the water supply source 10 via the water guide unit 35 and functional water generated in the electrolytic cell unit 39 to the spray nozzle 345.

[0068] The control unit 100 controls the flow path switching unit 43 to switch between opening and closing the posterior cleansing flow path 441, the soft cleansing flow path 442, the bidet cleansing flow path 443, the surface cleansing flow path 444, and the spray flow path 445. In this way, the flow path switching unit 43 switches between a state in which each of the multiple water outlets, such as the posterior cleansing outlet 341, the soft cleansing outlet 432, the bidet cleansing outlet 343, the nozzle cleansing unit 344, and the spray nozzle 345, is connected to the conduit 351 and a state in which it is not connected to the conduit 351.

[0069] The control unit 100 receives power from the power supply circuit 150 and controls the operation of the solenoid valve 362, heat exchanger unit 37, electrolytic cell unit 39, pressure modulation unit 41, flow rate adjustment unit 42, flow path switching unit 43, nozzle drive unit 346, etc. based on signals from the human body detection sensor 201, seating detection sensor 202, flow rate sensor 28, operation unit 160, etc. In this way, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the nozzle 34, valve unit 36, etc. The control unit 100 also controls the operation of the heater 170 for heating the toilet seat 32 (see FIG. 1).

[0070] The control unit 100 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) using a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area. The storage unit (not shown) is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0071] <Operation port placement> Next, the arrangement of the operation port 51 of the casing 31 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the valve unit 36. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the operation port 51. Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 5.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 3, the valve unit 36 ​​is disposed at a predetermined position (in the illustrated example, at the front and right end of the case plate 311) on the case plate 311 inside the casing 31 of the sanitary washing device 3 (see Fig. 1). A detachable drain plug 45 is attached to the valve unit 36 ​​to prevent the water in the valve unit 36 ​​from freezing and for maintenance of the strainer 361 (see Fig. 2).

[0073] The drain plug 45 is attached to the valve unit 36 ​​so that it can be pulled out forward from the valve unit 36. The drain plug 45 can be removed from the valve unit 36 ​​by engaging an engagement portion 451 provided on the end face (front end face) of the drain plug 45 with a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver and turning the tool.

[0074] 4, an operation port 51 for the drain plug 45, which is accessible to the drain plug 45, is provided at a position opposite the drain plug 45 on the front surface 31a of the casing 31. The operation port 51 is a maintenance opening used for purposes such as operating (removing) the drain plug 45 to drain water accumulated in the valve unit 36, and is provided so as to open toward the front of the casing 31.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the operation port 51 is located at the right end of the front surface 31a of the casing 31. The operation port 51 is attached to the valve unit 36 ​​by, for example, screwing, and a tool can be inserted through the operation port 51 and engaged with the engagement portion 451 of the drain plug 45.

[0076] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, an operation port cover 52 is attached to operation port 51 so as to cover operation port 51. Operation port cover 52 is detachably attached to operation port 51. Operation port cover 52 is attached to operation port 51, for example, by fitting into operation port 51. Attaching operation port cover 52 to operation port 51 prevents drain plug 45 (see Figure 4) from being exposed externally, and reduces a loss of design appeal.

[0077] Here, in the closed state, toilet seat 32 is disposed on front surface 31a of casing 31. Therefore, operation port 51 and operation port cover 52 are disposed vertically below toilet seat 32 in the closed state. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, operation port 51 and operation port cover 52 are disposed outside bowl portion 21 of toilet 2 in a plan view. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a gap S of a predetermined distance is formed between operation port cover 52 and toilet seat 32 in the closed state.

[0078] 6, a vertical wall 313 is provided inside the casing 31 between the drain plug 45 and the inner surface of the casing 31. The vertical wall 313 extends in the vertical direction. The tip of the vertical wall 313 is positioned slightly higher than the drain plug 45 so as not to interfere with the drain plug 45 when the drain plug 45 is removed.

[0079] <Strainer placement> Next, the arrangement of the strainer 361 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the strainer 361, and is a schematic plan cross-sectional view of the drain plug 45 and the strainer 361. As described above, the strainer 361 is a member that filters out foreign matter and the like contained in the water supplied from the water supply source 10 (see Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 7, the valve unit 36 ​​is provided with a water inlet channel 365 and a water outlet channel 366.

[0080] The inlet channel 365 is a flow path that allows water W to flow into the drain plug 45. The outlet channel 366 is a flow path that guides the water W that flows out of the drain plug 45 downstream. The drain plug 45 is also provided with an internal channel 367. The internal channel 367 is a flow path through which water flows within the drain plug 45. The internal channel 367 is connected to the inlet channel 365, so that water W flows in from the inlet channel 365, and is connected to the outlet channel 366, so that the water W flows out to the outlet channel 366.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 7, the strainer 361 is disposed between the internal passage 367 and the water outlet passage 366. The strainer 361 is substantially integrated with the drain plug 45 and is detachable from the valve unit 36 ​​together with the drain plug 45. The strainer 361 is removed from the valve unit 36 ​​together with the drain plug 45, and the drain plug 45 is washed with water to remove any foreign matter such as collected dust, and after the foreign matter has been removed, the strainer 361 is attached to the valve unit 36 ​​together with the drain plug 45. The strainer 361 is configured to be detachable from the drain plug 45, and may be removed from the drain plug 45 when removing foreign matter (cleaning), and then reattached to the drain plug 45 after cleaning.

[0082] <Drainage route> Next, drainage path 314 will be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. Figures 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of drainage path 314. Note that Figure 8A is a schematic plan view of case plate 311, and Figure 8B is a schematic perspective view of case plate 311. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, drainage path 314 is provided on case plate 311, which forms the bottom surface inside casing 31.

[0083] Drainage path 314 (see FIG. 8B) is a path that guides water W to bowl portion 21 (see FIG. 1) of toilet 2. Drainage path 314 guides water W to drain outlet 314a formed in case plate 311. Because drain outlet 314a is located directly above bowl portion 21, water W guided to drain outlet 314a is discharged into bowl portion 21. In addition, drainage path 314 is located at least vertically below drain plug 45.

[0084] Drainage path 314 can guide water W to bowl portion 21, for example, by an inclined surface formed on case plate 311. Drainage path 314 can also guide water W to bowl portion 21, for example, by a guide wall provided on the case plate. Drainage path 314 may also guide water W to bowl portion 21 using both an inclined surface and a guide wall.

[0085] As described above, according to the toilet device 1 of the first embodiment, the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52 are concealed by the toilet seat 32 in the closed state, so the boundary line L (see FIG. 5) between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52 is not exposed externally. This improves the design. Furthermore, because the operation port 51 is provided on the front surface 31a of the casing 31 so as to open forward, it is easier to approach the drain plug 45 than when the operation port 51 is provided on the side surface of the casing 31, for example. This improves maintainability.

[0086] Furthermore, by providing a gap S between the toilet seat 32 in the closed state and the operation port cover 52, even if the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52 are positioned below the toilet seat 32 in the closed state, contact between the toilet seat 32 and the operation port cover 52 when sitting on the toilet seat 32 can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52.

[0087] In addition, a drainage path 314 is provided on the case plate 311, which forms the bottom surface of the casing 31, so that when the drain plug 45 is removed from the valve unit 36, the drainage water discharged from the valve unit 36 ​​into the casing 31 can be discharged into the bowl portion 21.

[0088] Furthermore, by positioning the operation port 51 outside the bowl portion 21, it is possible to prevent urine, sewage, etc. from splashing and entering the gap between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52.

[0089] In addition, by providing a vertical wall 313 between the drain plug 45 and the inner surface of the casing 31, even if sewage seeps in through the operation port 51, the sewage can be prevented from seeping deeper into the casing 31 than the drain plug 45.

[0090] In addition, the strainer 361 collects foreign matter such as dirt in the internal passage 367, and the strainer 361 can be removed from the valve unit 36 ​​together with the drain plug 45 to remove the foreign matter, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the water outlet passage 366.

[0091] According to the first embodiment described above, operation port 51 and operation port cover 52 are disposed at the right end of front surface 31a of casing 31, and are preferably disposed at the right end of front surface 31a, but may be disposed at a position other than the right end of front surface 31a. In this case, too, they are preferably disposed outside bowl portion 21 in a plan view.

[0092] Second Embodiment Next, a toilet device 1 (1A) according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 11B. Figures 9A and 9B are schematic side cross-sectional views showing the operation port cover 52 (52A) in the toilet device 1 (1A) according to the second embodiment. Note that Figure 9A shows the operation port cover 52A in a closed state, and Figure 9B shows the operation port cover 52A in an open state. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of removing the drain plug 45.

[0093] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the closing operation of the operation port cover 52A in conjunction with the closing operation of the toilet seat 32. Note that Fig. 11A shows a state in which the toilet seat 32 abuts against the operation port cover 52A during the closing operation, and Fig. 11B shows a state in which the operation port cover 52A is about to close in conjunction with the closing operation of the toilet seat 32.

[0094] Furthermore, the toilet device 1A according to the second embodiment described below differs from the toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the operation port cover 52A, but has the same or equivalent configurations in other parts. Therefore, in the following, parts that are the same or equivalent to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and further, their description may be omitted.

[0095] 9A and 9B, in the toilet apparatus 1A, an operation port 51 provided on the front surface 31a of the casing 31 is provided with an operation port cover 52A so as to cover the operation port 51. The operation port cover 52A is axially supported on the casing 31 so as to be rotatable.

[0096] Operation port cover 52A includes main body 521 and arm 523. Main body 521 is a part that closes operation port 51 when operation port cover 52A is in a closed state, and opens operation port 51 when operation port cover 52A is in an open state. Main body 521 is formed in a plate shape that is continuous with the outer surface of case cover 312 without any irregularities when operation port cover 52A is in a closed state.

[0097] Main body 521 also has claw 522 provided at tip 521a, which is the front end. Claw 522 engages with receiving portion 511 provided at the front edge of operation port 51 when operation port cover 52A is in the closed state, thereby holding operation port cover 52A in the closed state.

[0098] The arm portions 523 are provided at the rear of the main body portion 521 so as to protrude downward from the rear surface of the main body portion 521. There are a pair of arm portions 523, one on each side of the main body portion 521, one on each side.

[0099] Arm portion 523 has elongated holes 524 extending along the longitudinal direction of arm portion 523. Elongated hole 524 has large diameter portion 524a and small diameter portion 524b formed on the base end side of arm portion 523 with a diameter smaller than large diameter portion 524a. Left and right rotating shafts 512 protruding from left and right side surfaces of operation port 51 so as to face each other are inserted into left and right elongated holes 524 when operation port cover 52A is attached.

[0100] In this way, the left and right rotation shaft portions 512 are inserted into the left and right elongated holes 524 of the arm portion 523, whereby the operation port cover 52A is rotatably supported by the casing 31.

[0101] Furthermore, in the arm portion 523, the rotation shaft portion 512 is inserted into the small diameter portion 524b of the elongated hole 524, so that the rotation shaft portion 512 is held by the small diameter portion 524b. This restricts the movement of the operation port cover 52A.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 9A, when operation port cover 52A is in the closed state, rotation shaft 512 is located at small diameter portion 524b, which is one end of elongated hole 524. Also, as shown in Fig. 9B, when operation port cover 52A is in the open state, rotation shaft 512 is located at the other end of elongated hole 524. When moving from the closed state to the open state (or from the open state to the closed state), operation port cover 52A can be opened and closed in the same way as toilet seat 32 (see Fig. 1) by rotating in the same direction as the opening and closing direction of toilet seat 32, using elongated hole 524 through which rotation shaft 512 is inserted.

[0103] 10, when operation port cover 52A is in the open state, even if the opening angle (rotation angle) of operation port cover 52A is small, main body 521 slides upward (sliding direction D11 of operation port cover 52A) via arm portion 523, so operation port 51 can be opened widely. Therefore, during maintenance, with operation port cover 52A in the open state, drain plug 45 can be easily pulled out forward (pulling direction D2 of drain plug 45).

[0104] As described above, the operation port cover 52A can be opened and closed in the same way as the toilet seat 32 by rotating in the same direction as the opening and closing direction of the toilet seat 32.

[0105] As shown in Figure 11A, when the operation port cover 52A is in the open state and the toilet seat 32 moves downward (in the movement direction D3 of the toilet seat 32) (when the toilet seat 32 is closed), the back surface of the toilet seat 32 abuts against the tip of the side of the operation port cover 52A that is not pivotally supported on the casing 31, i.e., the tip 521a of the main body 521.

[0106] 11B, when the toilet seat 32 moves further downward (movement direction D3), the tip 521a of the main body 521 is pressed against the rear surface of the toilet seat 32, causing the main body 521 to slide downward (sliding direction D12 of the operation port cover 52A) while rotating. In this way, when the toilet seat 32 is closed in the open state, the operation port cover 52A is closed as the tip 521a of the main body 521 is pressed by the toilet seat 32.

[0107] It should be noted that the operation port cover 52A does not have to be in a completely closed state in order to prevent damage to the operation port cover 52A when the toilet seat 32 is closed while the operation port cover 52A is left open (while forgotten to be closed).

[0108] As described above, according to the toilet device 1A of the second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, the operation port cover 52A is rotatably supported on the casing 31, so that the operation port cover 52A can be easily opened and closed.

[0109] Furthermore, even if the toilet seat 32 is closed with the operation port cover 52A in the open state, the operation port cover 52A is pushed and rotated by the toilet seat 32, thereby preventing damage to the operation port cover 52A. If the operation port cover 52A did not rotate in the same direction as the toilet seat 32, there was a risk that the operation port cover 52A would be pushed by the toilet seat 32 and damaged if the toilet seat 32 was closed with the operation port cover 52A in the open state, but according to the second embodiment described above, damage to the operation port cover 52A can be prevented.

[0110] According to the second embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, operation port 51 and operation port cover 52A are disposed at the right end of front surface 31a of casing 31, and preferably at the right end of front surface 31a, but may be disposed at a position other than the right end of front surface 31a. In this case, too, they are preferably disposed outside bowl portion 21 in a plan view.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration may be further provided in which a drainage hole is provided below the operation port 51 in the case plate 311 of the casing 31, thereby more reliably discharging water W that has entered the casing 31 to the outside of the device (outside the casing 31). A modified example of such a case plate 311 (case plate 311A) will be described below.

[0112] <Modified Case Plate> A modified example of case plate 311 (case plate 311A) will be described with reference to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B. Fig. 12A is a schematic perspective view showing operation port cover 52 in a closed state. Fig. 12B is an explanatory diagram of case plate 311A ​​according to the modified example. Fig. 12B is a schematic plan view of case plate 311A ​​according to the modified example.

[0113] As shown in Figure 12A, even when the operation port cover 52 is in a closed state blocking the operation port 51, splashed water W (or urine, sewage, etc.) may enter the casing 31 through the boundary line L between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52, i.e., the joint between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52.

[0114] For this reason, as shown in Figure 12B, the modified case plate 311A ​​has a drainage hole 315 for discharging water W that has entered through the joint between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52 outside the machine (i.e., outside the casing 31).

[0115] 12B, drain hole 315 is provided in case plate 311A ​​below operation opening 51. Drain hole 315 has, for example, a notch shape that is open on the front side.

[0116] Water W seeping in from the joint between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52 falls downward along the edge of the operation port 51 and is directly discharged outside the casing 31 through the drain hole 315.

[0117] In this way, by providing the drainage hole 315 in the case plate 311A, even if water W enters the casing 31 through the joint between the operation port 51 and the operation port cover 52, the entered water W can be discharged outside the casing 31.

[0118] Furthermore, similar to the above-described case plate 311 (see FIG. 8B), case plate 311A ​​is formed with drainage path 314 and drainage opening 314a (both see FIG. 8B). Therefore, water W (shown by the dashed line in FIG. 12B) that penetrates deeper than drainage hole 315 flows along the inclined surface (drainage path 314) on case plate 311A ​​to drainage opening 314a, and is discharged from drainage opening 314a into bowl portion 21 (see FIG. 1). Note that in FIG. 12B, the flow of water W that penetrates deeper than drainage hole 315 is schematically shown by the dashed line.

[0119] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1,1A Toilet equipment 2 toilets 21 Bowl section 31 Casing 31a front 313 Standing Wall 314 Drainage route 315 Drain hole 32 toilet seat 36 Valve unit 361 Strainer 365 Inlet Channel 366 Outlet waterway 367 Internal Path 45 Drain valve 51 Operation port 52,52A Operation port cover 521a Tip S Gap W water

Claims

1. Toilet seat and a casing that supports the toilet seat so that it can be opened and closed, and on whose front surface a portion of the toilet seat in a closed state is disposed; an operation port provided in the casing; an operation port cover that covers the operation port; a valve unit accommodated in the casing; a drain plug that is detachably attached to the valve unit and accessible from the operation port; Equipped with The operation port is The opening is provided on the front surface of the casing so as to face forward, and is disposed vertically below the toilet seat in the closed state so as to be concealed by the toilet seat. A toilet device characterized by:

2. There is a gap between the toilet seat and the operation port cover when the toilet seat is closed.

2. The toilet device of claim 1.

3. A drainage path is provided on the bottom surface of the casing, which is positioned at least vertically below the drain plug and guides water to a bowl portion formed in the toilet.

3. The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operation port is disposed outside a bowl portion formed in the toilet.

4. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

5. A vertically extending wall is provided within the casing between the drain plug and the operation port cover so that the drain plug is partially exposed.

5. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

6. The drain valve has an inlet channel for letting water flow into the drain plug, an internal channel through which water flows within the drain plug, and an outlet channel that guides water that has flowed out of the drain plug to the downstream side, and further includes a strainer that is provided between the internal channel and the outlet channel and is detachable from the valve unit together with the drain plug.

6. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

7. A drain hole for discharging water to the outside of the casing is provided below the operation port in the casing.

7. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

8. The operation port cover is rotatably supported by the casing.

8. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

9. The casing has a protruding rotating shaft portion, the operation port cover has an elongated hole through which the rotation shaft portion is inserted, and is rotatably supported by the casing; The operation port cover rotates in the same direction as the opening and closing direction of the toilet seat, and when the toilet seat is closed with the operation port cover in the open state, the tip of the operation port cover on the side that is not pivotally supported by the casing is pressed by the toilet seat, thereby closing the operation port cover.

9. The toilet device according to claim 8.

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