Toilet equipment

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of improving deodorization performance.SOLUTION: A toilet device comprises a casing and a deodorization unit provided inside the casing for deodorizing air in a toilet room. The deodorization unit includes a duct and a fan for sucking air into the duct, and the duct has a first extension part extending from the casing, a second extension part extending from the casing at a position different from the first extension part, and a connection part connecting the first extension part and the second extension part. The first extension part, the second extension part, and the connection part are integrally formed with the casing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A toilet apparatus is known that has a deodorizing unit inside the casing that can deodorize the inside of the toilet bowl (Patent Document 1). This deodorizing unit has a fan that draws air into the toilet bowl and a duct through which the drawn air circulates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-148188 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The duct described in Patent Document 1 is constructed by combining two parts that are divided vertically, so there is a risk that air leakage will occur through the gap at the joint between the parts, reducing deodorizing performance.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and has an object to provide a toilet apparatus that can improve deodorizing performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is a toilet device comprising a casing and a deodorizing unit provided inside the casing for deodorizing the air in the toilet room, wherein the deodorizing unit has a duct and a fan for drawing air into the duct, wherein the duct has a first extension portion extending from the casing, a second extension portion extending from the casing at a position different from the first extension portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and wherein the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed with the casing.

[0007] With this toilet device, the entire duct is integrated into the casing, improving the airtightness of the duct. This prevents air from leaking from the duct, improving noise reduction and deodorizing performance. Furthermore, since there is no need to assemble the duct, the number of assembly steps can be reduced.

[0008] The second invention is a toilet device according to the first invention, characterized in that the duct has an intake port through which air is drawn in, an exhaust port through which deodorized air is exhausted, and a passage portion formed by the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and a connecting portion, which connects the intake port and the exhaust port, and the passage portion is formed integrally with the casing from the intake port to the exhaust port.

[0009] According to this toilet apparatus, the entire passage is formed integrally with the casing, which further improves the airtightness of the duct, thereby improving the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit.

[0010] The third invention is a toilet device according to the second invention, characterized in that the fan has a rotation axis extending upward relative to the bottom surface of the casing and discharges air in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0011] In this toilet device, the fan's rotation axis extends upward relative to the bottom of the casing, and air is discharged perpendicular to the rotation axis, so even if the fan blades are enlarged, the height of the casing can be kept small, resulting in a toilet device with an overall compact design.

[0012] A fourth invention is the toilet device according to the second or third invention, characterized in that the passage portion has a first passage portion located on the intake port side and a second passage portion located on the exhaust port side, and the fan is disposed between the first passage portion and the second passage portion.

[0013] In this toilet apparatus, by placing the fan between the first and second passages of the duct, it is possible to position the fan while taking into consideration the effects of pressure loss due to the shape of the duct. Furthermore, by placing the fan between the first and second passages, it is possible to place the fan in the duct without compromising the airtightness of the duct, which is integrated with the casing. This improves the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit.

[0014] A fifth invention is the toilet apparatus according to the fourth invention, characterized in that the second passage portion is bent at an obtuse angle in the air flow direction.

[0015] This toilet apparatus can reduce pressure loss when air flows through the second passage, thereby improving the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit.

[0016] A sixth invention is the toilet apparatus according to the first invention, characterized in that the casing has a fixing portion for fixing the fan with screws.

[0017] According to this toilet device, the fan is fixed to the casing's fixed portion with screws, which prevents the fan from shifting due to vibrations or other factors. This improves the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit. Furthermore, by using screws to fix the fixed portion, durability is increased compared to when the fixed portion is fixed with hooks or other devices. This reduces damage to the fixed portion, reducing the need to replace the entire casing due to damage to the fixed portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, a toilet apparatus capable of improving deodorizing performance is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet equipped with a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a case cover is removed from a case plate. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the deodorizing unit as viewed from above. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the direction AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the direction BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the CC direction in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the direction DD in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the fan is removed from the case plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet equipped with a toilet device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the toilet 1 comprises a Western-style seated toilet bowl (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, simply referred to as the "toilet bowl") 2 and a toilet device 10 attached to the top surface of the toilet bowl 2. The toilet bowl 2 has a bowl portion 2a that receives excrement. The toilet device 10 comprises a toilet seat 12, a toilet lid 14, and a casing 20. The toilet seat 12 and the toilet lid 14 are each pivotally supported on the casing 20 so that they can be opened and closed freely. In this specification, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "right," and "left" are used when viewed from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 12 with their back to the open toilet lid 14.

[0022] The toilet device 10 is attached to the upper surface behind the toilet bowl 2. The toilet device 10 may be attached integrally to the toilet bowl 2, or may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 2. The toilet device 10 has a casing 20 formed in the shape of a hollow box, and a deodorizing unit 30 provided inside the casing 20 to reduce odorous components.

[0023] Additionally, functional units such as an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 12 and toilet lid 14, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 12, a private parts washing unit that washes the private parts of the human body, and a communication unit that can communicate with an operating unit such as a remote control are built into the casing 20 as needed. The toilet lid 14 is provided in the toilet device 10 as needed and can be omitted.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a case cover is removed from a case plate. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the deodorizing unit as seen from above. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the direction AA in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the direction BB in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the CC direction in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and the deodorizing unit as viewed from the direction DD in FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the fan is removed from the case plate.

[0025] The casing 20 has a case plate 21 and a case cover 28 attached to the case plate 21. Functional parts such as a deodorizing unit 30 and a toilet seat heating unit are mounted on the case plate 21. For ease of explanation, functional parts other than the deodorizing unit 30 are omitted from each drawing. The case cover 28 is formed in a box shape that is open at the bottom. The case cover 28 covers the functional parts provided on the case plate 21.

[0026] Case plate 21 has a bottom surface portion 22 and a side surface portion 24 extending upward from bottom surface portion 22. Bottom surface portion 22 is provided with an air intake port 41 for deodorizing unit 30, which will be described later. Side surface portion 24 is provided with an exhaust port 43 for deodorizing unit 30. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, a removable lid portion 25 is attached to exhaust port 43. Lid portion 25 is formed with an opening 25a for discharging air F from exhaust port 43.

[0027] Next, the deodorizing unit 30 will be described.

[0028] The deodorizing unit 30 is provided inside the casing 20 and deodorizes the air in the toilet room. Specifically, the deodorizing unit 30 deodorizes the air drawn in through an air intake 41 and discharges the deodorized air into the toilet room through an air exhaust 43. The deodorizing unit 30 is provided on the case plate 21. The deodorizing unit 30 has a duct 40 and a fan 60.

[0029] The duct 40 is provided integrally with the case plate 21 of the casing 20. The duct 40 forms a flow path through which the drawn air F flows. The duct 40 has a first extending portion 40a extending from the bottom surface 22 of the case plate 21, a second extending portion 40b extending from the bottom surface 22 of the case plate 21 at a position different from that of the first extending portion 40a, and a connecting portion 40c connecting the first extending portion 40a and the second extending portion 40b.

[0030] The lower end of the first extending portion 40a is integrally connected to the bottom surface 22 of the case plate 21 and extends upward. The first extending portion 40a constitutes, for example, the left side surface of the duct 40. The lower end of the second extending portion 40b is integrally connected to the bottom surface 22 of the case plate 21 and extends upward. The second extending portion 40b constitutes, for example, the right side surface of the duct 40. In other words, the second extending portion 40b faces the first extending portion 40a.

[0031] The connecting portion 40c connects the upper end of the first extending portion 40a and the upper end of the second extending portion 40b. The connecting portion 40c is integrally connected to the first extending portion 40a and the second extending portion 40b. The connecting portion 40c constitutes, for example, the upper surface portion of the duct 40. The first extending portion 40a, the second extending portion 40b, and the connecting portion 40c are integrally formed with the case plate 21 of the casing 20. In other words, the duct 40 cannot be removed from the case plate 21.

[0032] Duct 40 has an air intake port 41, an exhaust port 43, and a passage 45 that connects air intake port 41 and exhaust port 43. As shown in FIG. 4, air intake port 41 is formed in bottom surface 22 of case plate 21. Air intake port 41 is located above bowl portion 2a of toilet 2. As a result, air in the toilet room is drawn into passage 45 from air intake port 41 through bowl portion 2a.

[0033] 4 and 6, first filter 50 is provided in passage 45 and covers air intake port 41. First filter 50 is, for example, a dust-collecting filter, and prevents dust from entering passage 45. First filter 50 also prevents excrement splashed from bowl portion 2a from entering passage 45.

[0034] The exhaust port 43 is formed in the side surface 24 of the case plate 21. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a removable lid 25 is attached to the exhaust port 43. The second filter 55 is provided in the passage 45 and can be removed from the exhaust port 43. That is, the user can remove the lid 25 and replace the second filter 55. The second filter 55 contains a deodorizing catalyst that removes odorous components from the odor-containing air F flowing through the passage 45.

[0035] Passage 45 is formed by first extension 40a, second extension 40b, and connection 40c, and provides communication between intake port 41 and exhaust port 43. Passage 45 is formed integrally with case plate 21 of casing 20, spanning from intake port 41 to exhaust port 43. Air F drawn in through intake port 41 flows through the interior surrounded by bottom surface 22 of case plate 21, first extension 40a, second extension 40b, and connection 40c, toward exhaust port 43.

[0036] The passage portion 45 has a first passage portion 45a located on the intake port 41 side and a second passage portion 45b located on the exhaust port 43 side. An attachment portion 45c for attaching a fan 60 is provided between the first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b. As shown in FIG. 8, the attachment portion 45c is open at the top and does not have a connection portion 40c. The first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b are connected by the fan 60.

[0037] The first passage portion 45a extends from the intake port 41 toward the attachment portion 45c. A front end opening of the first passage portion 45a is covered by the case cover 28 via a seal member 47. The second passage portion 45b extends from the attachment portion 45c toward the exhaust port 43. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the connection portion 40c of the second passage portion 45b is located higher than the connection portion 40c of the first passage portion 45a. The attachment portion 45c has an inlet 45c1 through which air F flows from the first passage portion 45a into the fan 60, and an outlet 45c2 through which air F flows from the fan 60 to the second passage portion 45b.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 7, the outlet 45c2 faces diagonally rearward and to the left. As a result, the second passage portion 45b is bent at an obtuse angle in the flow direction of the air F. That is, the main flow of the air F flowing out from the outlet 45c2 is bent at an angle α (90°<α<180°) before being discharged from the exhaust port 43. This reduces pressure loss when the air F flows through the second passage portion 45b. Therefore, the deodorizing unit 30 can smooth the flow of the air F from the second passage portion 45b toward the exhaust port 43, thereby improving deodorizing performance.

[0039] Fan 60 is located inside casing 20, and is arranged at mounting portion 45c between first passage portion 45a and second passage portion 45b. Fan 60 is a suction fan that draws air into bowl portion 2a and the toilet room, and may be, for example, a fan that blows air in the centrifugal direction of rotation, such as a sirocco fan or centrifugal fan, or a fan that blows air in the axial direction of rotation, such as an axial flow fan.

[0040] 5, the fan 60 is, for example, a sirocco fan, and has a rotation shaft 61 and blades 62 provided around the rotation shaft 61, with an outlet perpendicular to the rotation shaft 61. That is, the rotation shaft 61 of the fan 60 extends upward relative to the bottom surface 22 of the casing 20 (case plate 21), and the fan 60 discharges air F in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 61. The fan 60 draws air F from below upward and discharges the air F laterally. As a result, when the fan 60 is operated, the air F flows upward from the inlet 45c1 (first passage portion 45a) and flows diagonally rearward and leftward from the outlet 45c2 (second passage portion 45b).

[0041] Here, the fan 60 is fixed to the casing 20 with screws 65. The case plate 21 has fixing portions 21a for fixing the fan 60 with the screws. That is, the fixing portions 21a are screw seats with internal threads into which the screws 65 are threaded. For example, two fixing portions 21a are provided side by side on the mounting portion 45c. The fan 60 is positioned on the mounting portion 45c and attached to the case plate 21 with the screws 65.

[0042] By fixing the fan 60 to the fixing portion 21a of the casing 20 with screws, it is possible to prevent the fan 60 from shifting due to vibrations or the like. This improves the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit 30. Furthermore, by using a screw-fixing structure for the fixing portion 21a, it is possible to increase durability compared to fixing with, for example, a hook. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the fixing portion 21a, and to prevent situations where the entire casing 20 needs to be replaced due to damage to the fixing portion 21a.

[0043] The toilet apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and the operation of the deodorizing unit 30 will now be described.

[0044] A control device (not shown) provided inside casing 20 operates fan 60 for a predetermined time, for example, when it detects that the user has left toilet seat 12, or at predetermined time intervals, to draw air F containing odorous components into duct 40 from intake port 41. In this case, dust in air F is captured by first filter 50 provided in intake port 41. This not only purifies air F, but also reduces dust adhesion to rotating shaft 61 and blades 62 of fan 60.

[0045] Air F that flows into first passage portion 45a from intake port 41 flows from first passage portion 45a to second passage portion 45b via fan 60 due to operation of fan 60. Air F that flows into second passage portion 45b passes through second filter 55, where odorous components are removed. Air F from which odorous components have been removed flows out through exhaust port 43 and opening 25a of lid portion 25 into the toilet room.

[0046] For example, if the duct is separate from the casing, a joint will be formed between the casing and the duct. This can cause air drawn into the duct to leak from this joint. Air leakage from the duct can reduce deodorizing performance and can cause whistling noises when air leaks from the joint. Furthermore, if the casing vibrates due to the operation of the functional components housed inside the casing, rattling noises can occur at the joint between the casing and the duct.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first extension portion 40a, the second extension portion 40b, and the connection portion 40c that constitute the duct 40 are integrally formed with the case plate 21 of the casing 20. This improves the airtightness of the duct 40 in the deodorizing unit 30. Therefore, the deodorizing unit 30 can suppress leakage of air F from inside the duct 40, thereby improving quietness and deodorizing performance. Furthermore, since the duct 40 vibrates together with the case plate 21, rattle noise can be suppressed. Furthermore, since there is no need to assemble the duct 40, the assembly man-hours can be reduced. Furthermore, by integrating the duct 40 with the case plate 21, the strength of the case plate 21 can be increased.

[0048] In this case, the passage 45 is formed integrally with the case plate 21 of the casing 20 from the intake port 41 to the exhaust port 43. This allows the entire passage 45 to be formed integrally with the casing 20, further improving the airtightness of the duct 40. Therefore, the toilet apparatus 10 can improve the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit 30.

[0049] Moreover, the fan 60 is disposed between the first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b. By disposing the fan 60 between the first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b of the duct 40, it is possible to dispose the fan 60 in consideration of the influence of pressure loss due to the shape of the duct 40. Furthermore, by disposing the fan 60 between the first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b, it is possible to dispose the fan 60 in the duct 40 without compromising the airtightness of the duct 40, which is integrated with the casing 20. This allows the toilet apparatus 10 to improve the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit 30.

[0050] The fan 60 is a sirocco fan. The rotation axis 61 of this sirocco fan extends upward relative to the bottom surface 22 of the casing 20. This prevents the height of the casing 20 from increasing even if the blades 62 of the fan 60 are enlarged. This allows the toilet apparatus 10 to be compact overall and have a high level of design.

[0051] Additionally, the second passage portion 45b is bent at an obtuse angle in the flow direction of the air F. This reduces pressure loss when the air F flows through the second passage portion 45b. Therefore, the toilet apparatus 10 can improve the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit 30.

[0052] The casing 20 also has a fixing portion 21a for fixing the fan 60 with screws. Fixing the fan 60 to the fixing portion 21a of the casing 20 with screws can prevent the fan 60 from shifting due to vibrations or the like. This improves the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing unit 30. Furthermore, by using a screw-fixing structure for the fixing portion 21a, durability can be increased compared to when fixing with hooks or the like. This can prevent damage to the fixing portion 21a, reducing the need to replace the entire casing due to damage to the fixing portion 21a.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the duct 40 is integrally provided with the case plate 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the duct may be integrally provided with the case cover 28 of the casing 20, for example.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the exhaust port 43 is provided on the left side surface of the casing 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the exhaust port may be provided on the rear surface or right side surface of the casing 20, for example.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the air intake 41 is provided above the bowl portion 2a and draws in air from within the bowl portion 2a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air intakes may be provided on the front, rear, and right side of the casing 20 and draw in air from within the toilet room.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which both the first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b are integrated with the case plate 21 of the casing 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and, for example, only one of the first passage portion 45a and the second passage portion 45b may be integrated with the casing 20. In addition, for example, the first passage portion 45a may be integrated with the case plate 21 and the second passage portion 45b may be integrated with the case cover 28, or the first passage portion 45a may be integrated with the case cover 28 and the second passage portion 45b may be integrated with the case plate 21.

[0057] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) A casing; a deodorizing unit provided inside the casing for deodorizing the air in the toilet room; Equipped with The deodorizing unit comprises: Duct and a fan that draws air into the duct; and The duct is a first extension portion extending from the casing; a second extension portion extending from the casing at a position different from that of the first extension portion; a connection portion that connects the first extension portion and the second extension portion; and The toilet device, wherein the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed with the casing. (Configuration 2) The duct is an intake port through which air is drawn; an exhaust port through which the deodorized air is exhausted; a passage portion formed by the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and a connection portion, which communicates between the intake port and the exhaust port; and 2. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the passage is integrally formed with the casing from the intake port to the exhaust port. (Configuration 3) The toilet device according to configuration 2, wherein the fan has a rotation axis that extends upward relative to the bottom surface of the casing, and discharges air in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. (Configuration 4) The passage portion is a first passage portion located on the intake port side; a second passage portion located on the exhaust port side; and 4. The toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fan is disposed between the first passage portion and the second passage portion. (Configuration 5) 5. The toilet apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the second passage portion is bent at an obtuse angle in the air flow direction. (Configuration 6) The toilet apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the casing has a fixing portion for fixing the fan with screws.

[0058] The above describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the toilet device are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Toilet 2 toilets 2a Bowl section 10 Toilet equipment 12 toilet seats 14 Toilet lid 20 Casing 21 Case Plate 21a Fixed part 22 Bottom part 24 Side part 25 Lid 25a opening 28 Case Cover 30 Deodorizing unit 40 Duct 40a 1st extension part 40b 2nd extension 40c connection 41 Air intake 43 Exhaust port 45 Passage section 45a 1st passage section 45b 2nd passage section 45c mounting part 45c1 Inlet 45c2 Outlet 47 Sealing material 50 First filter 55 Second filter 60 fans 61 Rotation axis 62 Wings 65 screws F Air

Claims

1. A casing; a deodorizing unit provided inside the casing for deodorizing the air in the toilet room; Equipped with The deodorizing unit comprises: Duct and a fan that draws air into the duct; and The duct is a first extension portion extending from a bottom surface portion of the casing; a second extension portion extending from the bottom surface portion at a position different from that of the first extension portion; a connecting portion that connects the first extending portion and the second extending portion and forms an upper surface portion; and The toilet device, wherein the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and the connecting portion are integrally formed with the casing.

2. The duct is an intake port through which air is drawn; an exhaust port through which the deodorized air is exhausted; a passage portion formed by the first extension portion, the second extension portion, and the connection portion, which provides communication between the intake port and the exhaust port; 2. The toilet device of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the fan has a rotation axis that extends upward relative to the bottom surface of the casing, and the fan discharges air in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

4. The passage portion is a first passage portion located on the intake port side; a second passage portion located on the exhaust port side; and 4. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the fan is disposed between the first passage portion and the second passage portion.

5. The toilet device according to claim 4, wherein the second passage portion is bent at an obtuse angle in the air flow direction.

6. 2. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a fixing portion for fixing the fan with screws.

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