TOILET DEODORIZING METHOD, TOILET, AND TOILET DEODORIZING DEVICE

This toilet deodorizing method includes forming a lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along an inner surface of a toilet main body and a traversal flow of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body, by discharging air into the toilet main body of a toilet through a discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through a suction port; and deodorizing an odor in the toilet main body by using a deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device) for eliminating an odorous component of air which flows due to the lateral swirl flow and the traversal flow and is suctioned through the suction port.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toilet deodorizing method, a toilet, and a toilet deodorizing device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of deodorizing an air including odor in a toilet main body of a toilet, a toilet including a deodorizing device which deodorizes an air in a toilet main body, a toilet deodorizing device including a deodorizing cartridge which is provided in a deodorizing flow channel of the toilet and adsorbs an air in air flowing in the deodorizing flow channel, a toilet including a deodorizing device which deodorizes an air generated in a toilet bowl, a toilet having a deodorizing device, a toilet deodorizing device being attached to a toilet main body, and a toilet in which the deodorizing device is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the related art, there are toilets including a private part washing device for washing a private part after defecation or a deodorizing device for suctioning and deodorizing odors during defecation and after defecation.

For example, a private part washing device (private part washing unit) includes a private part washing nozzle which moves forward/rearward, protrudes, and retracts between the inner side of a toilet main body, and a cover case and a nozzle cover through a nozzle opening portion in response to an operation or the like conducted by means of a remote controller. The private part washing device is configured to wash a private part as follows. The private part washing nozzle advances while pressing and tilting a shutter which opens and closes the nozzle opening portion such that the shutter is opened. Then, washing water is discharged from a tip end portion of the private part washing nozzle which has advanced to the inner side of the toilet main body.

For example, a deodorizing device (deodorizing unit) is provided as a unit integrated with the private part washing device on an upper surface of a rear portion of the toilet main body. The deodorizing device is configured to suction stagnant air in the toilet main body through a suction port open toward the toilet main body, to perform deodorization by eliminating and decomposing odorous components by using an adsorption-type or decomposition-type deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device), and to expel the air to the outside (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Meanwhile, due to a positional relationship with the nozzle opening portion or the like for causing the private part washing nozzle of the private part washing device to protrude and retract, there is a certain degree of restriction on the size of the suction port of the deodorizing device provided in the rear portion of the toilet main body. Accordingly, there is a disadvantage, for example, a high-power fan is required in order to suction stagnant air in the toilet main body.

On the other hand, the inventors of this application have invented a deodorizing method and a deodorizing device, which are already in progress of patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-086359). According to the invention, a discharge port and a suction port of air are provided in a rear portion of a toilet main body. Air is discharged through the discharge port such that the air laterally swirls along an inner side surface of a rim portion of the toilet main body. The air which has swirled and returned is suctioned through the suction port such that the air circulates. Then, deodorization is performed in a circulation process.

According to the deodorizing method and the deodorizing device, an air flow is generated above the toilet main body due to lateral swirling, so that stagnant air can be taken into the suction port in a manner of being attracted. Therefore, in the deodorizing method and the deodorizing device, deodorization can be efficiently performed without using a high-power fan. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an odor from rising upward from the toilet main body and being diffused.

In the deodorizing method and the deodorizing device of the inventors of this application, air is discharged onto the inner side surface of the toilet main body through the discharge port, and a circulation flow laterally swirling along the rim portion is formed. Therefore, in the deodorizing method and the deodorizing device, for example, it is assumed that air on the inner side of a circulation flow is taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and an odor is diffused.

Next, in the related art, flushing-type toilets installed with a deodorizing device which suctions and deodorizes an odor during defecation are known. As disclosed in Patent Document 2, most of such toilet deodorizing devices are each provided as a unit integrated with a private part washing device on an upper surface of a rear portion of a toilet bowl, following the low silhouette trend of toilet. Such a deodorizing device has a suction port open toward the toilet bowl, suctions stagnant air above the toilet bowl, deodorizes an odor, and then expels the air to the outside through a discharge port.

In the deodorizing device, the suction port and the discharge port open in the toilet bowl are interlinked with each other through a deodorizing flow channel such as a deodorizing duct. A deodorizing cartridge including a deodorizing catalyst and a deodorizing fan are installed in the deodorizing flow channel.

When an odor is generated in the toilet bowl, the deodorizing device efficiently deodorizes the odor by operating the deodorizing fan such that air in the toilet bowl flows through the deodorizing flow channel through the suction port and circulates while the deodorizing cartridge adsorbs the odor.

Incidentally, in recent years, miniaturization of private part washing devices has been in progress, and miniaturization of deodorizing cartridges provided in a deodorizing flow channel of a deodorizing device has also been in progress. Accordingly, due to the dense mesh size of a deodorizing catalyst, resistance of an air flow passing through the deodorizing catalyst increases and the air flow speed deteriorates, leading to a flaw of deterioration of deodorizing efficiency.

In addition, in the deodorizing device, a suction port open in a toilet bowl and a discharge port open toward the outside of the toilet bowl are interlinked with each other through the deodorizing flow channel such as a deodorizing duct. The deodorizing cartridge including the deodorizing catalyst and a deodorizing fan are installed in the deodorizing flow channel.

When an odor is generated in the toilet bowl, the deodorizing device efficiently deodorizes the odor by operating the deodorizing fan such that air in the toilet bowl flows through the deodorizing flow channel through the suction port and circulates while the deodorizing cartridge adsorbs the odor.

However, the suction port and the discharge port of the deodorizing device are installed on an upper side of an opening of the toilet bowl. Therefore, both a discharging air flow from the discharge port and a suctioning air flow to the suction port have significantly inclined angles, and it is not possible to mention that a smooth circulation flow channel can be formed between an air flow in the toilet bowl and the deodorizing device.

Next, in the related art, a toilet provided with a deodorizing device deodorizing the inside of a toilet bowl is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4). In addition, a toilet provided with a deodorizing device deodorizing a water closet space is known.

For example, in the deodorizing device, an odor generated in the toilet bowl is deodorized by using a deodorant, sterilizing ions are generated in the deodorized air, the deodorized air having generated sterilizing ions is released in the toilet bowl or the water closet space, and then the inside of the toilet bowl or the water closet space is deodorized.

When both the deodorizing device deodorizing the inside of a toilet bowl and the deodorizing device deodorizing a water closet space are provided in the toilet, there is concern that an installation space for the devices increases and the structure of the toilet becomes complicated. Therefore, it is desirable to deodorize the inside of the toilet bowl and to deodorize the water closet space by using the same deodorizing device.

However, in a case of deodorizing the water closet space by using the deodorizing device deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl, since the deodorizing device deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl is configured to discharge air for deodorization downward to the inside of the toilet bowl, it is difficult to deodorize a position where a user sits or a position where the user stands, above the toilet bowl.

Next, in the related art, in a duct (deodorizing flow channel) of a deodorizing device for deodorizing an odor generated in a toilet bowl of a toilet main body, a dust collection filter for collecting dust in air suctioned to the duct is provided on a suction port side (for example, refer to Patent Document 5). Such a dust collection filter is configured to be attachable and detachable with respect to the duct, so that the dust collection filter can be taken out from the duct and can be cleaned.

In a case where the dust collection filter is attached and detached through the inside of the toilet bowl, an attaching and detaching port of the dust collection filter is provided open in the toilet bowl. Therefore, there are cases where a spray in the toilet bowl enters a dust collection filter installation part through the attaching and detaching port of the dust collection filter and the dust collection filter becomes unclean due to the spray.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model (Registered) Publication No. 2559914

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In consideration of the foregoing circumstances, a first object of the present invention is to provide a toilet deodorizing method and a toilet in which an odor is captured more efficiently and effectively such that odors during defecation and after defecation can be deodorized.

In addition, a second object of the present invention is to provide a toilet deodorizing device in which deterioration of an air flow passing through a deodorizer is suppressed such that deodorization can be efficiently performed.

In addition, a third object of the present invention is to provide a toilet including a deodorizing device in which an air flow is smoothed such that an odor in a toilet bowl can be efficiently deodorized.

In addition, a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a toilet which can deodorize the inside of a toilet bowl and deodorize a water closet space by using the same deodorizing device.

In addition, a fifth object of the present invention is to provide a toilet deodorizing device and a toilet in which a dust collection filter can be prevented from being unclean due to a spray in a toilet bowl.

In order to achieve the objects described above, the present invention provides the following means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a toilet deodorizing method includes forming a lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along an inner surface of a toilet main body and a traversal flow of air traversing an inside of the toilet main body, by discharging air into the toilet main body of a toilet through a discharge port and by suctioning air in the toilet main body through a suction port; and deodorizing the air including an odor in the toilet main body by using a deodorizing device for eliminating an odorous component of air which flows due to the lateral swirl flow and the traversal flow and which is suctioned through the suction port.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, a lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along the inner surface of a rim portion or the like of the toilet main body is formed by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port. Accordingly, it is possible to attract an odor in the toilet main body, to suction the odor through the suction port, and to deodorize the odor suctioned through the suction port by using the deodorizing device.

Moreover, according to the toilet deodorizing method, in addition to a lateral swirl flow of air, a traversal flow of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body is formed. Accordingly, it is possible to attract an odor staying in a middle portion of the toilet main body, that is, on an inner side of the lateral swirl flow of air along with the traversal flow, to suction the odor through the suction port, and to deodorize the odor suctioned through the suction port by using the deodorizing device.

As a result, it is possible to capture an odor more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation. For example, it is possible to prevent air in the middle portion of the toilet main body from being taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and to prevent an odor from being diffused.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the toilet deodorizing method according to the first aspect may further include forming at least a plurality of the lateral swirl flows and a plurality of the traversal flows in the toilet main body by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and by suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, a plurality of lateral swirl flows of air and/or a plurality of traversal flows of air are formed in the toilet main body. Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively capture an odor staying in the middle portion of the toilet main body and all odors in the toilet main body and to deodorize the odors.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the toilet deodorizing method according to the first or second aspect may further include forming a vertical swirl flow of air vertically swirling along the inner surface of the toilet main body by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and by suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, a vertical swirl flow of air vertically swirling along the inner surface of the toilet main body is formed by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port. Accordingly, it is possible to attract an odor in the toilet main body, to suction the odor through the suction port, and to deodorize the odor suctioned through the suction port by using the deodorizing device.

Due to a vertical swirl (swirl having a swirl axis directed in a transverse direction) of air, an odor rising upward from the toilet main body can be efficiently captured. Accordingly, it is possible to capture an odor more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation. For example, it is possible to prevent air in the middle portion of the toilet main body from being taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and to prevent an odor from being diffused.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the first to third aspects may further include forming at least the lateral swirl flow and the traversal flow of air by discharging air through the discharge port such that at least a part of air becomes a vortex flow.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, at least a part of a lateral swirl flow and/or a traversal flow of air formed in the toilet main body is a vortex flow. Accordingly, while an ambient odor in a wide range is dragged in due to the vortex flow, it is possible to send the odor to the suction port along flows of the lateral swirl flow and/or the traversal flow of air and to suction the air.

Accordingly, it is possible to capture an odor in the toilet main body more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation. For example, it is possible to more effectively prevent air in the middle portion of the toilet main body from being taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and to more effectively prevent an odor from being diffused.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects may further include discharging air treated by the deodorizing device into the toilet main body through the discharge port and causing the treated air to circulate.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, air treated by using the deodorizing device is discharged into the toilet main body through the discharge port and is caused to circulate. As a result, it is possible to cause air to circulate using a drive device such as one air blower by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and suctioning the air in the toilet main body through the suction port. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform deodorizing treatment.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the lateral swirl flow may be caused to be an air flow stronger than the traversal flow.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, when a lateral swirl flow is caused to be an air flow stronger than the traversal flow, it is possible to prevent a traversal flow from flowing out of the toilet main body. As a result, it is possible to prevent an odor from being diffused and to effectively perform deodorizing treatment.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the traversal flow may be caused to join the lateral swirl flow and to be suctioned through the suction port.

According to the toilet deodorizing method, when a traversal flow is caused to join a lateral swirl flow and to be suctioned through the suction port, even if a traversal flow for capturing an odor in the middle portion of the toilet main body is formed in addition to the lateral swirl flow, it is possible to send an odor dragged in by the traversal flow to the suction port together with the lateral swirl flow and to perform deodorizing treatment effectively and efficiently.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet further includes a deodorizing device which deodorizes an air in a toilet main body. The deodorizing device includes a discharge port that discharges air into the toilet main body, a suction port that sucks air in the toilet main body, and a deodorizing device that eliminates an odorous component of air suctioned through the suction port. The deodorizing device is configured to form a lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along an inner surface of the toilet main body and a traversal flow of air traversing an inside of the toilet main body, by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and by suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port and to suction air, which flows due to the lateral swirl flow and the traversal flow, through the suction port.

According to the toilet, a lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along the inner surface of a rim portion or the like of the toilet main body is formed by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port. Accordingly, it is possible to attract an odor in the toilet main body, to suction the odor through the suction port, and to deodorize the odor suctioned through the suction port by using the deodorizing device.

Moreover, according to the toilet, in addition to a lateral swirl flow of air, a traversal flow of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body is formed. Accordingly, it is possible to attract an odor staying in a middle portion of the toilet main body, that is, on an inner side of the lateral swirl flow of air along with the traversal flow, to suction the odor through the suction port, and to deodorize the odor suctioned through the suction port by using the deodorizing device.

As a result, it is possible to capture an odor more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation. For example, it is possible to prevent air in the middle portion of the toilet main body from being taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and to prevent an odor from being diffused.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the eighth aspect, an air direction adjusting member may be provided in the discharge port. Air to be discharged through the discharge port flows through the air direction adjusting member, the air direction adjusting member may include a lateral swirl flow forming portion discharging air toward the inner surface of the toilet main body and forming the lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along the inner surface of the toilet main body, and a traversal flow forming portion discharging air toward an inner side of the toilet main body and forming the traversal flow of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body.

According to the toilet, when the air direction adjusting member including the lateral swirl flow forming portion and the traversal flow forming portion is provided in the discharge port, it is possible to discharge air through one discharge port and to form a lateral swirl flow of air laterally swirling along the inner surface of the toilet main body and a traversal flow of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body at the same time.

In addition, when the sizes (area ratio or the like) of the lateral swirl flow forming portion and the traversal flow forming portion are adjusted, it is possible to freely and easily adjust the flow ratio of the lateral swirl flow and the traversal flow of air such that an odor in the toilet main body can be preferably captured and deodorized.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the deodorizing device may be configured to form a vertical swirl flow of air vertically swirling along the inner surface of the toilet main body by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and by suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port.

According to the toilet, a vertical swirl flow of air vertically swirling along the inner surface of the toilet main body is formed by discharging air into the toilet main body through the discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through the suction port. Accordingly, it is possible to attract an odor in the toilet main body, to suction the odor through the suction port, and to deodorize the odor suctioned through the suction port by using the deodorizing device.

Due to a vertical swirl (swirl having a swirl axis directed in a transverse direction) of air, an odor rising upward from the toilet main body can be efficiently captured. Accordingly, it is possible to capture an odor more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation. For example, it is possible to prevent air in the middle portion of the toilet main body from being taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and to prevent an odor from being diffused.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the eighth to tenth aspects, the deodorizing device may include a vortex flow generating device at least the discharge port and the suction port. The deodorizing device may be configured to form at least the lateral swirl flow and the traversal flow of air such that at least a part of the air becomes a vortex flow by the vortex flow generating device.

According to the toilet, at least a part of the lateral swirl flow and/or the traversal flow of air formed in the toilet main body is a vortex flow. As a result, while an ambient odor in a wide range is dragged in due to the vortex flow, it is possible to send the odor to the suction port along flows of the lateral swirl flow and/or the traversal flow of air and to suction the air.

Accordingly, it is possible to capture an odor in the toilet main body more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation. For example, it is possible to more efficiently prevent air in the middle portion of the toilet main body from being taken upward when a user stands up from a toilet seat and to more efficiently prevent an odor from being diffused.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a toilet deodorizing device includes a deodorizing flow channel through which a suction port and a discharge port are connected to each other and through which air including an odor flows; a deodorizer which includes a deodorizing portion that is provided in the deodorizing flow channel and that deodorizes an odor from air flowing through; and a bypass passage which is provided in the deodorizing flow channel and through which air not passing through the deodorizing portion of the deodorizer passes.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, most of air to be flowing into the deodorizing flow channel through the suction port is deodorized via the deodorizing portion of the deodorizer, and the remaining part of the air passes through the bypass passage away from the deodorizing portion, so that air resistance is reduced. Consequently, the flow speed and the flow rate of air flowing in through the suction port and passing through the deodorizing flow channel increase. Therefore, it is possible to improve deodorizing efficiency.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to the twelfth aspect, the bypass passage may be formed on an outer surface of the deodorizer or inside thereof.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, when the bypass passage is formed on the outer surface of the deodorizer or inside thereof, a bypass passage can be easily installed without widening the deodorizing flow channel. Therefore, it is possible to increase the flow speed and the flow rate of air flowing in through the suction port and to perform efficient deodorizing by using the deodorizer.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to the twelfth aspect, the bypass passage may be formed outside being isolated from the deodorizer.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, when the bypass passage is installed outside being isolated from the deodorizer, it is possible to increase the flow speed and the flow rate of air flowing in through the suction port and to perform efficient deodorizing by using the deodorizer, without deteriorating deodorizing efficiency of the deodorizer used for deodorizing air.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the deodorizer may include the deodorizing portion and a cover member covering the deodorizing portion. A part of the cover member may be cut out such that the part serves as the bypass passage.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, the bypass passage is provided by cutting out the cover member of the deodorizing portion adsorbing an odor included in air. Therefore, it is possible to form the bypass passage by using a cutout portion without damaging the deodorizing portion.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to the fifteenth aspect, the cover member may be an elastic member with waterproof.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, due to the waterproof cover member covering the deodorizing portion, it is possible to prevent moisture from infiltrating into the deodorizing portion or the cover member. In addition, no water leak occurs between a case such as a deodorizing duct protecting the deodorizer, and the cover member.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to any one of the twelfth to sixteenth aspects, the suction port and the discharge port may be open in a toilet bowl.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, the suction port and the discharge port of the deodorizing flow channel are open in the toilet bowl. Therefore, a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl is caused to flow in at a high speed together with air through the suction port and is adsorbed by the deodorizer, and the air is discharged into the toilet bowl at a high speed, so that a swirl flow channel is formed in the toilet bowl. As a result, a high-speed circulation flow channel is formed between the swirl flow channel and the deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing device, and it is possible to efficiently collect an odor and to carry out ventilation.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a toilet includes a deodorizing device which deodorizes an odor in a toilet bowl having an opening of a toilet main body. The deodorizing device includes a suction port, a discharge port, a deodorizing flow channel through which air including an odor flows by suctioning through the suction port, a deodorizer which is provided in the deodorizing flow channel and deodorizes the odor from air flowing through, and an air blower which is provided in the deodorizing flow channel. While having an upper surface of the toilet main body as a reference plane, the suction port and the discharge port are open in the toilet bowl of the toilet main body, and at least a part of the suction port and the discharge port are installed on a side lower than the reference plane.

According to the toilet, while having the upper surface of the toilet bowl as the reference plane, at least a part of the suction port and the discharge port is installed on a side lower than the reference plane. Therefore, the suction port and the discharge port are installed in the opening of the toilet bowl. As a result, it is possible to cause an air flow to efficiently circulate between the deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing device and the inside of the opening of the toilet bowl via the suction port and the discharge port, and it is possible to efficiently deodorize and collect an odor included in an air flow by using the deodorizing device.

The discharge port may be the discharge port of the deodorizing flow channel and, for example, may be a discharge port or the like of a different member such as a warm air drying unit.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the eighteenth aspect, the deodorizing device may be configured to discharge air such that the air flows into the opening of the toilet main body through the discharge port in a substantially horizontal manner.

According to the toilet, when at least a part of the suction port and the discharge port of air in the deodorizing device is set to a level equal to or lower the reference plane, it is possible to regulate discharging air discharged into the toilet bowl through the discharge port such that the discharging air flows in the opening of the toilet bowl in a substantially horizontal manner. Accordingly, an air flow flowing in the toilet bowl is introduced while its vertical movement is suppressed when flowing into the suction port.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, a concave portion which is positioned in a part facing the opening of the toilet main body on a side lower than the reference plane may be formed in the toilet main body. The deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing device may be installed in the concave portion and may be positioned on a side lower than the reference plane, and the discharge port may be installed on a side lower than the reference plane.

According to the toilet, when the deodorizing flow channel is installed in the concave portion of the toilet bowl, the deodorizing flow channel can be positioned on a side lower than the reference plane. Therefore, since an air flow flowing in the deodorizing flow channel on a side lower than the reference plane does not vertically move, it is possible to reduce a pressure loss.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the twentieth aspect, a nozzle unit that washes a private part may be installed on an upper side of the deodorizing flow channel.

According to the toilet, when the deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing device is installed on a lower side and the nozzle unit is arranged above thereof, it is possible to shorten the deodorizing flow channel and to reduce a pressure loss.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-first aspects, the suction port may be installed on a side lower than the reference plane.

According to the toilet, when the suction port is installed on a side lower than the reference plane, an air flow which is discharged through the discharge port and swirls in the toilet bowl can entangle a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl and can be guided to the suction port. As a result, it is possible to improve circulation efficiency of an air flow and deodorizing efficiency of an odor.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the toilet according to the twentieth aspect may further include a base in which a convex portion protruding downward is formed and a concave recess portion is formed on an upper surface of the convex portion. The deodorizing device may be installed in the concave recess portion. The convex portion may be fitted in the concave portion formed in the toilet bowl.

According to the toilet, when the deodorizing device is installed in the concave recess portion of the convex portion of the base protruding downward and the convex portion is fitted in the concave portion formed in a circumferential edge portion of the opening of the toilet bowl, it is possible to install the deodorizing device on a side lower than the reference plane in the toilet bowl.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a toilet includes a deodorizing device which is attached to a toilet main body, includes a suction port that sucks air into a deodorizing flow channel formed inside and a discharge port that discharges air out of the deodorizing flow channel from the deodorizing flow channel, and is capable of deodorizing an inside of a toilet bowl of the toilet main body; and a guide portion which is capable of guiding air above the toilet bowl such that the air is suctioned through the suction port.

According to the toilet, when the guide portion is provided, air above the toilet bowl can be suctioned to the deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing device. Therefore, it is possible to deodorize a space (water closet space) above the toilet bowl. Accordingly, it is possible to deodorize the inside of the toilet bowl and to deodorize the water closet space by using the same deodorizing device.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the guide portion may be a shutter which is capable of opening and closing the suction port. The shutter may be capable of guiding the air above the toilet bowl such that the air is headed for the suction port in a state where the suction port is open.

According to the toilet, even though a mechanism for causing the suction port of the deodorizing device to be directed upward or a dedicated component for introducing air above the toilet bowl into the suction port is not provided, it is possible to suction air above the toilet bowl to the deodorizing flow channel.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the toilet according to the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect may further include a seating sensor which detects that a user sits on a toilet seat attached to the toilet main body. The deodorizing device may stop being driven when the seating sensor detects that the user sits on the toilet seat.

According to the toilet, it is possible to prevent the deodorizing device from being driven when a user is sitting on the toilet seat. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a user sitting on the toilet seat from being in contact with air coming out through the discharge port.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the toilet according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-sixth aspects may further include an illumination device which illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl of the toilet main body. The illumination device may illuminate the inside of the toilet bowl for a time period during which the deodorizing device is driven.

According to the toilet, it is possible to check whether or not the deodorizing device is driven by visually recognizing whether or not the inside of the toilet bowl is illuminated.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-seventh aspects, the deodorizing device may have an ion generating device releasing ions and air which includes ions generated by the ion generating device is discharged through the discharge port.

According to the toilet, it is possible to not only deodorize but also to efficiently sterilize the water closet space by utilizing ions.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the toilet according to the twenty-eighth aspect may further include a toilet lid which is pivotably attached to the toilet main body. Air discharged through the discharge port may flow out through a gap which has a predetermined size and is formed between the toilet main body and the toilet lid in a state where the toilet lid is closed.

According to the toilet, the inside of the toilet bowl can be efficiently sterilized and deodorized. Furthermore, air for sterilizing and deodorizing can be released to the water closet space through the gap which has a predetermined size and is formed between the toilet main body and the toilet lid. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently sterilize and deodorize a side surface of the toilet, the floor on which the toilet is installed, and the like.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, the toilet according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-eighth aspects may further include a toilet lid which is pivotably attached to the toilet main body. Air discharged through the discharge port may be directed upward from in a state where the toilet lid is opened.

According to the toilet, it is possible to release air discharged through the discharge port to a space above the toilet bowl (water closet space) in a wider range without bringing the air into contact with the toilet lid.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-eighth aspects, the toilet may be configured to cause air discharged through the discharge port to be capable of being directed toward a region in which air suctioned through the suction port stays.

According to the toilet, it is possible to deodorize air staying in a desired region.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet deodorizing device which is attached to a toilet main body and deodorizes air in a toilet bowl of the toilet main body. The deodorizing device includes a deodorizing flow channel which is formed such that the air of an inside of the toilet bowl is suctioned through a suction port that is open toward the inside of the toilet bowl, the suctioned air is deodorized, and the deodorized air is discharged into the toilet bowl or to an outside; and a dust collection filter which is installed on the suction port side of the deodorizing flow channel. The dust collection filter is attachable and detachable with respect to the deodorizing flow channel via a dust collection filter attaching and detaching port that is open toward the inside of the toilet bowl. The dust collection filter attaching and detaching port is capable of being opened and closed by a shutter.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port is able to be opened and closed by the shutter. Accordingly, a spray in the toilet can be prevented from entering a dust collection filter installation part via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port by causing the shutter to be in a closed state when a user is using the toilet. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dust collection filter from being unclean due to a spray in the toilet bowl.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to the thirty-second aspect, the dust collection filter may have a handgrip which is gripped by a user when the dust collection filter is attached and detached with respect to the deodorizing flow channel. The handgrip may have a shape for being accommodated in a gap formed between the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port and the shutter closing the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, a user can easily attach and detach the dust collection filter with respect to the deodorizing flow channel by causing the shutter to lie open and gripping the handgrip of the dust collection filter. In addition, since the handgrip has a shape for being accommodated in the gap formed between the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port and the shutter closing the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port, it is possible to configure the handgrip not to interfere with the shutter.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to the thirty-second or thirty-third aspect, the deodorizing flow channel may have an engagement target portion which is capable of engaging with an engagement portion formed in the dust collection filter.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, when the engagement target portion engages with the engagement portion, it is possible to install the dust collection filter in a dust collection filter attachment part of the deodorizing flow channel.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to any one of the thirty-second to thirty-fourth aspects, an attachment direction with respect to the deodorizing flow channel may be set for the dust collection filter. The dust collection filter may have a reverse attachment prevention mechanism that is prevented from being attached in a reverse direction of the set attachment direction.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, it is possible to attach the dust collection filter to the dust collection filter attachment part of the deodorizing flow channel in a correct direction.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the toilet deodorizing device according to any one of the thirty-second to thirty-fifth aspects may further include an operation member which maintains the shutter in an open state. When the shutter is maintained in the open state by the operation member, the dust collection filter may be attachable and detachable with respect to the deodorizing flow channel via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, since the shutter is maintained in an open state by the operation member, there is no need for a user to hold the shutter to be in the open state. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach and detach the dust collection filter with respect to the dust collection filter attachment part of the deodorizing flow channel.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the toilet deodorizing device according to any one of the thirty-second to thirty-sixth aspects, the shutter may be configured to be capable of being open such that an upper side is open. The dust collection filter may be configured to be attachable and detachable with respect to the deodorizing flow channel via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port in a state where the shutter is open such that the upper side is open.

According to the toilet deodorizing device, since the dust collection filter can be attached and detached through the upper side of the shutter, it is possible to easily attach and detach the dust collection filter with respect to the dust collection filter attachment part of the deodorizing flow channel.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet in which the toilet deodorizing device according to any one of the thirty-second to thirty-seventh aspects is provided.

According to the toilet, the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port is able to be opened and closed by the shutter. Accordingly, a spray in the toilet stool can be prevented from entering the dust collection filter installation part via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port by causing the shutter to be in a closed state when a user is using the toilet stool. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dust collection filter from being unclean due to a spray in the toilet bowl.

According to each of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention described above, in the toilet deodorizing method, it is possible to capture an odor more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation.

According to each of the eighth to eleventh aspects of the present invention described above, in the toilet, it is possible to capture an odor more efficiently and effectively and to deodorize odors during defecation and after defecation.

According to each of the twelfth to seventeenth aspects of the present invention described above, in the toilet deodorizing device, since the bypass passage is provided in the deodorizer, a part air including an odor expected to pass through the deodorizer can flow in the bypass passage, so that air resistance is reduced. The air flow and the air quantity flowing in the deodorizing flow channel through the suction port can increase. As a result, it is possible for the deodorizer to efficiently deodorize an odor.

Therefore, even if the deodorizer is miniaturized, it is possible to improve deodorizing efficiency by causing air including an odor to circulate at a higher speed.

According to each of the eighteenth to twenty-third aspects of the present invention described above, in the toilet, at least a part of the suction port and the discharge port of the deodorizing device is on a side lower than the reference plane. Therefore, it is possible to cause an air flow to efficiently circulate between the deodorizing flow channel from the suction port to the discharge port of the deodorizing device and the inside of the opening of the toilet bowl, and it is possible to efficiently deodorize and collect an odor included in air by using the deodorizing device.

According to each of the twenty-fourth to thirty-first aspects of the present invention described above, in the toilet, it is possible to deodorize the inside of the toilet bowl and to deodorize the water closet space by using the same deodorizing device.

According to each of the thirty-second to thirty-seventh aspects of the present invention described above, in the toilet deodorizing device, it is possible to prevent the dust collection filter from being unclean due to a spray in the toilet bowl.

According to the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention described above, in the toilet, it is possible to prevent the dust collection filter from being unclean due to a spray in the toilet bowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8, a toilet deodorizing method and a toilet according to an embodiment A1 of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment A1, a flush toilet will be described as the toilet according to the present invention, but the toilet according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the flush toilet.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a flush toilet (toilet)1A of the present embodiment A1 is configured to include a toilet main body11, a washing mechanism section12, and a toilet seat portion13.

The washing mechanism section12is provided on a rear portion side of the toilet main body11. For example, the washing mechanism section12detects an operation of a user conducted by means of a remote controller and causes washing water to discharge in the toilet main body11. The toilet seat portion13is configured by a toilet seat13aand a toilet lid13b.

Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the flush toilet1A includes a private part washing device14for washing a private part after defecation.

The toilet main body11is formed to include a bowl portion11a(toilet bowl) and a rim portion11b.

The rim portion11bis provided in an upper portion of the bowl portion11a, protrudes to an inner side of the toilet main body11, and forms an outer circumferential edge.

The washing mechanism section12is integrally provided on the rear portion side of the toilet main body11in an attachable/detachable manner and is provided to be accommodated in a cover case16. In addition, the washing mechanism section12includes a control valve which controls opening and closing of a washing water flow channel, for example, by means of a remote controller, and an opening-closing valve such as a magnetic valve. The washing mechanism section12is configured to be capable of switching between rim water-discharging in which washing water flows in the rim portion11bof the toilet main body11and jet water-discharging in which washing water flows in a water sealing portion11dof the toilet main body11, and controlling the discharging water flow rate, by using the opening-closing valve.

The cover case16is configured to include a base (base plate)16aand a cover (outer shell body)16b.

The base16ais installed on the upper surface of the rear portion of the toilet main body11. The cover16bis assembled in the base16aand forms an accommodation space.

The toilet seat portion13configured by the toilet seat13aand the toilet lid13bis connected to the cover case16in an attachable/detachable manner. The toilet seat portion13is provided so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis O1(upward/downward direction) extending in a transverse direction T1.

The private part washing device14is provided to be accommodated in the cover case16together with the washing mechanism section12. The private part washing device14includes private part washing nozzles17and18and a shutter110.

For example, the private part washing nozzles17and18advance into the toilet main body11in response to an operation conducted by means of the remote controller. The shutter110opens and closes a nozzle opening portion19provided in the cover case16. The shutter110is configured to open the nozzle opening portion19in response to a motion of the private part washing nozzles17and18advancing into the toilet main body11at the time of washing a private part and to close the nozzle opening portion19when the private part washing nozzles17and18retreat into the cover case16. The shutter110is provided in order to prevent a spray or the like of filth and washing water from splashing over the private part washing nozzles17and18or entering the inside.

According to the present embodiment A1, in the private part washing device14at the time of washing a private part, when the private part washing nozzles17and18advance to the inner side of the toilet main body11in response to an operation or the like conducted by means of the remote controller, tip end portions of the private part washing nozzles17and18press the rear surface side of the shutter110, and the shutter110pivots and is then opened. The private part washing device14has a configuration in which washing water discharges from the tip end portions of the private part washing nozzles17and18which have advanced to the inner side of the toilet main body11, so that private parts are washed. The private part washing device14has a configuration in which when the private part washing nozzles17and18retreat after private parts are washed, the pressed state of the shutter110is canceled, the shutter110pivots automatically, and the nozzle opening portion19is closed.

Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 2 to 5, the private part washing device14of the present embodiment A1 is configured to include a nozzle unit111, a warm water supply unit, and a warm air drying unit (warm air drying device)112.

The nozzle unit111is provided in the middle of the base16aof the cover case16. The warm water supply unit supplies warm water for washing a private part to the nozzle unit111. The warm air drying unit112is provided to dry private parts after washing by means of warm air.

In addition, in the present embodiment A1, the private part washing device14includes a deodorizing unit (deodorizing device)113which suctions and deodorizes air during defecation and after defecation.

The nozzle unit111includes a pair of private part washing nozzles (twin nozzles)17and18, that is, an anus washing nozzle and a bidet nozzle, and a nozzle cover internally including the pair of private part washing nozzles17and18. The pair of private part washing nozzles17and18of the present embodiment A1 is gradually inclined downward to the front and is arranged while having axial directions directed in the same direction and being in parallel to each other. Each of the private part washing nozzles17and18includes a discharging hole116which is provided in the tip end portion positioned downward and discharges washing water. Each of the private part washing nozzles17and18is configured to cause washing water which has been supplied from the rear end side and has flowed through the inside to be discharged through the discharging hole116in a predetermined direction.

In addition, the pair of private part washing nozzles17and18is individually formed in a substantially cylindrical rod shape. The pair of private part washing nozzles17and18is provided in the middle of a front surface of the base16aso as to freely move forward and rearward in the axial direction (forward/rearward direction T2) with respect to the nozzle opening portion19. The pair of private part washing nozzles17and18individually advances forward from the nozzle opening portion19at the time of washing, protrudes to the inner side of the toilet main body11, and retreats into the nozzle cover and the cover case16through the nozzle opening portion19after washing, thereby being held therein.

In description of the present embodiment A1, the forward/rearward direction T2includes substantially frontward and rearward directions.

The warm water supply unit is connected to each of the private part washing nozzles17and18of the nozzle unit111via piping. The warm water supply unit is configured to be driven based on a motion command from a control board and to supply warm water as washing water, which has been adjusted to a predetermined temperature, to the private part washing nozzles17and18.

The warm air drying unit112includes a warm air generating device112aand a warm air duct112b. The warm air drying unit112is provided to be connected to a discharge port117through which the warm air duct112bis open alongside the nozzle opening portion19.

The warm air generating device112aincludes a fan and a heater112c. The fan is provided in the middle of the warm air duct112b. The heater112cis provided close to the discharge port117side of the fan of the warm air duct112b. The warm air generating device112ahas a configuration in which air (outside air) suctioned by driving the fan flows through the warm air duct112b, the outside air is heated to a predetermined temperature by means of the heater112c, and the heated air is discharged forward in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined position through the discharge port117.

Meanwhile, the deodorizing unit113of the present embodiment A1 is configured to include a deodorizing duct113a, a fan (air blower)113b, a deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device)113c, and a sterilizing unit.

The fan113bis provided in the middle of the deodorizing duct113a. The deodorizing cartridge113cis arranged inside the deodorizing duct113aand is arranged closer to the upstream side of the deodorizing duct113athan the fan113b. The sterilizing unit is arranged closer to a downstream side than the fan113b.

The deodorizing duct113ais provided such that one end on the upstream side is connected to a suction port118which is open alongside the nozzle opening portion19and the other end on the downstream side is connected to the downstream side of the heater112cof the warm air duct112b. That is, in the present embodiment A1, the downstream side of the warm air duct112band the downstream side of the deodorizing duct113aserve as a common passage, and the warm air duct112band the deodorizing duct113aare configured to share the discharge port117.

In addition, a damper119for switching passages and regulating air volume is provided in a connection portion between the deodorizing duct113aand the warm air duct112b. The opening ratios of the warm air duct112band the deodorizing duct113aare configured to be capable of being regulated in accordance with a control angle of the damper119.

For example, the deodorizing cartridge113cincludes an adsorption-type deodorant such as activated carbon and eliminates an odor included in air passing through by means of the deodorant. There is no need to particularly limit the deodorant as long as the deodorant is capable of deodorization. For example, the deodorant may be a catalyst or a decomposition-type deodorant such as a photocatalyst which decomposes a substance by emitting a ray of light such as an ultraviolet ray.

For example, it is preferable that the sterilizing unit generates sterilizing ions, suppresses propagation of floating fungi, performs sterilization, generates positive ions and negative ions by ionizing air, and inactivating floating fungi by surrounding the floating fungi due to the positive ions and the negative ions.

In addition, in the present embodiment A1, as shown inFIG. 4, an air direction adjusting member120is attached to the discharge port117for discharging air which has passed through the deodorizing duct113a. The air direction adjusting member120divides the discharge port117into an upper portion and a lower portion having a border in a substantial middle in the upward/downward direction. Furthermore, the air direction adjusting member120is formed to include air direction plates in the upper portion and the lower portion having directions different from each other such that air passing through the upper portion and the lower portion blows in directions different from each other.

In the air direction adjusting member120of the present embodiment A1, a lateral swirl flow forming portion121is provided in the upper portion and a traversal flow forming portion122is provided in the lower portion.

The lateral swirl flow forming portion121is provided to cause air discharged through the discharge port117to flow through, to discharge air toward the inner surface of the toilet main body11, and to form a lateral swirl flow R1of air laterally swirling along an inner surface of the toilet main body11. The traversal flow forming portion122is provided to discharge air toward the inner side of the toilet main body11and to form a traversal flow R2of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body11.

Next, description will be given regarding a deodorizing method during defecation and after defecation, in the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1 having the configuration described above. Operational effects of the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1 will be described.

First, when a user sits on a toilet seat, it is detected by a sensor (detecting device), and a detection signal is sent to a control device (control means). The control device controls driving of the fan113bof the deodorizing unit113and controls such that air in the toilet main body11is suctioned through the suction port118, odorous components are eliminated and decomposed by the deodorizing cartridge113cwhile the air suctioned through the suction port118flows through the deodorizing duct113a, and the treated air is discharged through the discharge port117.

As shown inFIG. 4, in the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1, the air direction adjusting member120is provided in the discharge port117. In the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1, the air direction adjusting member120is configured to discharge air passing through the lateral swirl flow forming portion121on the upper portion side, toward the rim portion11bof the toilet main body11and to discharge air passing through the traversal flow forming portion122on the lower portion side, toward a substantial center of the toilet main body on the inner side above the water sealing portion11dof the toilet main body11.

The rim portion11bincludes an overhanging portion which is formed on the upper portion thereof, protrudes to the inner side of the toilet main body11, and continuously leads from the rear portion side of the toilet main body11to a front portion side in an annular state. Therefore, air discharged toward the rim portion11bof the toilet main body11first flows through from the rear portion side to the front portion side of the toilet main body11along one of the right and left sides of the rim portion11b. The air flows through from the front portion side to the rear portion side along the other of the right and left sides and is suctioned through the suction port118. Then, the air is treated by the deodorizing cartridge113cin the deodorizing duct113aand is discharged again through the discharge port117.

In this manner, when the lateral swirl flow R1of a lateral swirl flowing along the rim portion11bin an annular state is formed, an odor generated in the toilet main body11is dragged into the lateral swirl flow R1and is sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge113c. In addition, since the lateral swirl flow R1is formed, an odor can be inhibited from flowing out of the toilet main body11.

In addition, in the present embodiment A1, air passing through the traversal flow forming portion122on the lower portion side of the air direction adjusting member120is discharged toward the inner side of the toilet main body11. This air flows so as to traverse the inside surrounded by the lateral swirl flow R1, that is, the inside of the toilet main body11in a substantially linear manner. Accordingly, the traversal flow R2joins the lateral swirl flow R1while attracting an odor of the inside surrounded by the lateral swirl flow R1, that is, in a middle part of the toilet main body11.

The lateral swirl flow R1is formed by air discharged through the discharge port117. Accordingly, an odor generated in the toilet main body11is dragged in the lateral swirl flow R1and is sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment. Moreover, an odor staying in the middle part of the toilet main body11, in which dragging force of the lateral swirl flow R1is weakened, is dragged into the traversal flow R2, is transferred, is caused to join and ride on the lateral swirl flow R1, and is able to be sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment.

Thus, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1, the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2can be formed due to air discharged through the discharge port117, and an odor in a center part of the lateral swirl flow R1of air, that is, in a middle part of the toilet main body11can be transferred by the traversal flow R2and can ride on the lateral swirl flow R1. As a result, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1, it is possible to restrain an odor from staying and stagnating in a middle part of the toilet main body11and to efficiently perform deodorization.

In this manner, since deodorization is performed using both the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2and an odor can be restrained from staying and stagnating in a middle part of the toilet main body11, it is possible to prevent an odor in the toilet main body11from rising upward from the toilet main body11and being diffused not only during defecation but also when a user stands up after defecation.

In addition, since the traversal flow R2is formed on the inner side of the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2acts as a lid, so that an odor in a middle part of the toilet main body11can be restrained from rising upward.

Consequently, according to the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A1, it is possible to efficiently and effectively capture an odor and to effectively deodorize an air during defecation and after defecation compared to those in the related art.

In addition, air discharged through the discharge port117is suctioned through the suction port118, is subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge113c, and is discharged through the discharge port117again, thereby circulating. Therefore, when treatment is performed using the deodorizing cartridge113c, circulating air can be subjected to deodorizing treatment multiple times. Therefore, odorous components are not necessarily subjected to deodorizing treatment by using a high-performance deodorant with high efficiency close to 100%. The odorous components can be suitably treated through multiple times of circulation using a low-performance deodorant. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve cost reduction in the deodorizing unit113.

In addition, the air direction adjusting member120, in which air passing through the lower portion side is discharged toward the rim portion11bof the toilet main body11and air passing through the upper portion side is discharged toward the inner side of the toilet main body11such that the air traverses the inner side thereof, is provided in one discharge port117. As a result, the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2of air can be formed.

That is, since air is discharged through one discharge port117, the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2of air can be formed at the same time.

Furthermore, for example, it is possible to easily adjust the flow rate of air discharged through each of the parts in the upper portion and the lower portion of the air direction adjusting member120by replacing the air direction adjusting member120with an air direction adjusting member120in which the sizes (area ratio or the like) of the lateral swirl flow forming portion121in the upper portion and the traversal flow forming portion122in the lower portion are different from each other. Accordingly, the flow rates of the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2can be easily adjusted. Due to this adjustment, deodorization can be performed by efficiently forming the lateral swirl flow R1and causing the traversal flow R2to attract an odor in the toilet main body11and to join the lateral swirl flow R1.

In addition, the air direction adjusting member120may be a variable-type member in which the direction of an adjustment portion (vane portion) can be changed. In this case, the direction of discharging air can be suitably changed, so that the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2can be formed such that deodorizing treatment can be effectively performed.

In addition, in a case of a configuration in which a motion of a user standing up from the toilet seat is detected, driving of the fan113bof the deodorizing unit113is controlled by the control device which has received the detection result, and the output of the fan113bis raised as soon as the motion of the user standing up from the toilet seat is detected, so that stronger discharging and suctioning of air are performed, it is possible to more effectively prevent an odor from rising upward from the inside of the toilet main body11and being diffused following the standing-up motion of a user.

Furthermore, when an air flow of the lateral swirl flow R1is caused to be stronger than an air flow of the traversal flow R2, it is possible to prevent the traversal flow R2from flowing out of the toilet main body11. As a result, it is possible to prevent an odor from being diffused and to effectively perform deodorizing treatment.

In addition, when the traversal flow R2is caused to join the lateral swirl flow R1and to be suctioned through the suction port118, even if the traversal flow R2for capturing an odor in the middle portion of the toilet main body11is formed in addition to the lateral swirl flow R1, it is possible to send an odor dragged in by the traversal flow R2to the suction port118together with the lateral swirl flow R1and to perform deodorizing treatment effectively and efficiently.

Hereinabove, the embodiment A1 for the toilet deodorizing method and the toilet according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment A1 and can be suitably changed within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the present embodiment A1, the lateral swirl flow R1and the traversal flow R2can be formed through one discharge port117at the same time. However, as shown inFIG. 5, another discharge port117for discharging air and forming the traversal flow R2may be separately provided from the discharge port117forming the lateral swirl flow R1.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 6, the suction port118suctioning the traversal flow R2may be provided separately from the suction port118for the lateral swirl flow R1.

Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of discharge ports117and/or a plurality of suction ports118may be provided. In addition, a plurality of lateral swirl flows R1of air may be formed on the inner side of the toilet main body11by discharging and suctioning air through the plurality of discharge ports117and/or the plurality of suction ports118.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, due to one air flow (continuous dotted line in the drawing, an air flow indicated with arrows) formed by discharging and suctioning air through the plurality of discharge ports117and/or the plurality of suction ports118, the lateral swirl flow R1flowing along the inner surface of the toilet main body11and the traversal flow R2traversing the inner side of the toilet main body11may be sequentially formed. In other words, the present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which one air flow formed by discharging and suctioning air through the plurality of discharge ports117and/or the plurality of suction ports118changes from the lateral swirl flow R1to the traversal flow R2and from the traversal flow R2to the lateral swirl flow R1.

Furthermore, positions for providing the discharge port117and the suction port118are not particularly limited as long as air in the toilet main body11can be suctioned and deodorizing treatment can be performed. For example, the discharge port117and the suction port118may be formed in the toilet main body11, may be formed on the front portion side of the toilet main body11, or may be formed in the toilet seat13aor the toilet lid13b.

In addition, the inside of the hollow toilet main body11, or the inner side of the toilet seat13aor the toilet lid13bmay serve as a flow channel for air, and the deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device)113cmay be provided inside the hollow toilet main body11or on the inner side of the toilet seat13aor the toilet lid13b.

In addition, the present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which the plurality of discharge ports117or the plurality of suction ports118are provided at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the hollow toilet main body11, the toilet seat13a, or the toilet lid13b, such that deodorization is performed by discharging air to the inner side of the toilet main body11in multiple directions (radial directions or the like) and suctioning air in multiple directions.

Furthermore, he present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which an air flow of the lateral swirl flow R1or the traversal flow R2is formed due to suctioning force of suctioning air through the suction port118, instead of forming an air flow of the lateral swirl flow R1or the traversal flow R2due to discharging force of discharging air through the discharge port117. In addition, as a matter of course, an air flow may be formed by using both discharging force and suctioning force.

Even in a case of such a configuration, an odor in the middle portion of the toilet main body11can be efficiently deodorized, so that it is possible to achieve operational effects similar to those of the present embodiment A1.

In addition, a plurality of lateral swirl flows R1or a plurality of traversal flows R2may be formed in an upward/downward direction T3.

For example, when a plurality of traversal flows R2are formed vertically, an upper traversal flow R2can capture an odor which rising upward without being captured by the traversal flow R2. Accordingly, it is possible to more efficiently prevent an odor from being diffused. In addition, due to an upper traversal flow R2acting as a lid, an odor can be efficiently captured by a lower traversal flow R2and can be deodorized.

In addition, the present embodiment A1 has presented an example in which air circulates such that air discharged through the discharge port117of the deodorizing unit113is caused to swirl, is suctioned through the suction port118, is subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge113c, and is then discharged through the discharge port117again. Moreover, the present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which air discharged through the discharge port117of the deodorizing unit113is caused to swirl, the lateral swirl flow R1which has captured an odor is suctioned through the suction port118, the air is subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge113c, and the air is then discharged to the outside. That is, air does not necessarily have to circulate.

Next, with reference toFIG. 9, a toilet deodorizing method and a toilet according to an embodiment A2 of the present invention will be described. Similar to the embodiment A1, the present embodiment A2 relates to means and a method in which deodorization is performed by discharging air into a toilet main body through a discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through a suction port. Thus, in the present embodiment A2, the same reference signs are applied to configurations similar to those of the embodiment A1, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the embodiment A1, air is discharged through the discharge port117of the deodorizing unit113, the air is caused to laterally swirl along the rim portion11bof the toilet main body11, and the air is suctioned through the suction port118, thereby circulating. On the other hand, in the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A2, as shown inFIG. 9, air circulates due to a vertical swirl from the rim portion11bside to the water sealing portion11dside and from the water sealing portion11dside to the rim portion11bside.

Specifically, in the present embodiment A2, the discharge port117and the suction port118are arranged on the rear portion side of the toilet main body11. In the present embodiment A2, air is discharged toward the inner surface of the toilet main body11on the front portion side through the discharge port117, and a traversal flow of air headed for the front portion side from the rear portion side is formed on the upper portion side in the toilet main body11.

In addition, for example, an air inducing surface11c, which is gradually inclined to the front side toward the lower side from above and is inclined to the rear side toward the further lower side in a smoothly connected manner, is formed in an upper portion on the inner surface of the toilet main body11on the front portion side.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment A2, a linear flow of air discharged through the discharge port117comes into contact with the upper portion side of the air inducing surface11cand flows downward along the air inducing surface11c, and air flows on the lower side in the toilet main body11from the front portion side toward the rear portion side. As soon as the air arrives at the rear portion side of the toilet main body11, the air rises upward and is suctioned through the suction port118.

Thus, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A2, a vertical swirl flow R3can be formed by discharging air to the inner side of the toilet main body11through the discharge port117and suctioning air in the toilet main body11through the suction port118. It is possible to deodorize an odor in the toilet main body11by forming the vertical swirl flow R3of air in this manner. Therefore, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the present embodiment A2, it is possible to achieve operational effects similar to those of the deodorizing method of the flush toilet1A, and the flush toilet1A of the embodiment A1.

In addition, in the present embodiment A2, the vertical swirl flow R3of air is formed and a linear flow of air is formed in an upper side of the toilet main body11. Accordingly, a linear flow of the air acts as a lid, so that it is possible to prevent an odor from rising upward and being diffused from the inside of the toilet main body11. In addition, since an odor rising upward from the inside of the toilet main body11can be effectively captured by a linear flow of air, it is possible to effectively and efficiently perform deodorization.

Hereinabove, the embodiment A2 for the toilet deodorizing method and the toilet according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment A2 and can be suitably changed within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

The vertical swirl flow R3of the present embodiment A2 may be formed in combination with the configuration disclosed in the embodiment A1, or by suitably and selectively applying the configuration of the embodiment A1 and the configuration of a modification example.

For example, the number of vertical swirl flows R3, the air flow direction of the vertical swirl flow R3, the forming position of the vertical swirl flow R3, and the like are not necessarily have to be limited to those of the present embodiment A2.

Next, with reference toFIG. 10, a toilet deodorizing method and a toilet according to an embodiment A3 of the present invention will be described.

Similar to the embodiments A1 and A2, the present embodiment A3 relates to means and a method in which deodorization is performed by discharging air into a toilet main body through a discharge port and suctioning air in the toilet main body through a suction port. Thus, in the present embodiment A3, the same reference signs are applied to configurations similar to those of the embodiments A1 and A2, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the present embodiment A3, disposition and the like of the discharge port117for discharging air and the suction port118for suctioning air in the deodorizing unit113are similar to those of the configuration of the embodiment A1, the configuration of the embodiment A2, and the configurations of modification examples thereof. In the present embodiment A3, the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2, and a plurality of lateral swirl flows R1and traversal flows R2of the embodiment A1, and the vertical swirl flow R3of the embodiment A2 are formed by discharging air through the discharge port117and suctioning air into the suction port118.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment A3, as shown inFIG. 10, when the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2, the vertical swirl flow R3, and the like are formed, at least a part there of includes a vortex flow R4.

For example, vortex flow generating means such as a tube including a spiral passage on an inner side is provided in the discharge port117and/or the suction port118of the deodorizing unit113. That is, when air passes through the vortex flow generating means, swirling force acts on the air. A lateral vortex flow R4having a vortex axis directed in the flow direction (transverse direction) is formed on the front side in the air flow direction (discharging direction) through the discharge port117and/or is formed on the rear side in the air flow direction (suctioning direction) through the suction port118.

Accordingly, while the lateral vortex flow R4having the vortex axis directed in the transverse direction is formed in the toilet main body11, air flows as the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2, or the vertical swirl flow R3of the embodiment A1 or the embodiment A2. Since the lateral vortex flow R4is formed in at least a part of the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2, or the vertical swirl flow R3, an odor in the toilet main body11is efficiently is dragged into the lateral vortex flow R4, as well as the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2, and the vertical swirl flow R3. Accordingly, an odor in the toilet main body11is suctioned through the suction port118and is sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment.

Thus, in this case, since an air flow including the lateral vortex flow R4flows in the toilet main body11, many ambient odors are dragged therein compared to a linear flow, and an odor in the toilet main body11can be efficiently captured. Then, the air flow is suctioned through the suction port118and is treated by the deodorizing cartridge113c. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient deodorization.

In addition, for example, an obstacle (vortex flow generating device) such as a columnar rod is installed in the discharge port117while its axial direction is directed in the upward/downward direction or the transverse direction (horizontal direction). When air to be discharged through the discharge port117is brought into contact with the obstacle and is discharged into the toilet main body11, a Karman vortex (vortex flow R4) is formed on the downstream side of the obstacle in the air flow direction. If an obstacle such as a cylindrical rod is formed in the discharge port while its axial direction is directed in the upward/downward direction, a Karman vortex of which the vortex axis is directed in the upward/downward direction is formed. If an obstacle such as a cylindrical rod is formed in the discharge port while its axial direction is directed in the transverse direction (horizontal direction), a Karman vortex of which the vortex axis is directed in the transverse direction is formed.

Since an air flow including such a vortex flow R4(Karman vortex) flows in the toilet main body11, many ambient odors are dragged therein compared to a linear flow, and an odor in the toilet main body11is efficiently captured. Accordingly, the air flow is suctioned through the suction port118and is treated by the deodorizing cartridge113c. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient deodorization.

Hereinabove, the embodiment A3 for the toilet deodorizing method and the toilet according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment A3 and can be suitably changed within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

The vortex flow R4of the present embodiment A3 may be formed in combination with the configurations disclosed in the embodiments A1 and A2, or by suitably and selectively applying the configurations of the embodiments A1 and A2 and the configuration of the modification example.

In addition, the present embodiment may employ a configuration in which an odor is captured by forming the vortex flow R4in a part on a side of the discharge port117or the suction port118.

Next, a toilet deodorizing device according to an embodiment B1 of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 11 to 18illustrate a deodorizing unit (deodorizing device)213of a toilet21according to the embodiment B1 of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate the flushing-type toilet21including a private part washing device23of the embodiment B1. The toilet21includes the private part washing device23in the rear portion on the upper surface of a toilet main body22. The private part washing device23is included in a case25housing various functional components for private part washing, warm air drying, and deodorizing. A toilet seat27and a toilet lid28installed on the toilet main body22are attached to a cover26provided in the case25so as to be capable of being individually opened and closed.

InFIG. 12, the toilet main body22has a toilet bowl210receiving filth, and a drain pipe portion (not shown). The drain pipe portion extends downward from a bottom portion of the toilet bowl210. A rim water passage225, a drop flow channel, and the like are formed in an upper inner wall in the toilet bowl210. The rim water passage225is formed in order to generate a swirl flow of washing water. The drop flow channel is formed in order to form a flow for dropping a swirl flow toward the drain pipe portion.

The private part washing device23is installed on a base211arranged at the rear portion on an upper surface210bforming an opening210aof the toilet bowl210. The private part washing device23includes a nozzle unit212, the deodorizing unit213, a warm air drying unit214, and the like. The nozzle unit212includes a private part washing nozzle (described below). The deodorizing unit213is provided in order to deodorize an odor generated in the toilet bowl210. The warm air drying unit214is provided in order to dry a private part after washing with warm air. Furthermore, the private part washing device23includes a warm water supply unit215, a control unit, a power supply board, and the like. The warm water supply unit215is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit212. The control unit is provided in order to control driving of each of the units.

In the private part washing device23shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the nozzle unit212is installed in the middle of the base211on a tip end side facing the opening210aof the toilet bowl210. In the nozzle unit212, as a pair of private part washing nozzles, a first washing nozzle216and a second washing nozzle217are arranged in parallel and are installed obliquely downward. The first washing nozzle216is a nozzle for anus washing. The second washing nozzle217is a washing nozzle for bidet. Each of the first and second washing nozzles216and217has a discharging hole for discharging washing water, in the tip end portion positioned below.

The first and second washing nozzles216and217are interlinked with the warm water supply unit215installed in the base211, via piping. The warm water supply unit215selectively supplies warm water, which has been adjusted to a set temperature, to the first and second washing nozzles216and217upon a command of the control unit (not shown).

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 13, 15A, 15B, and 15C, a wide-width portion221extending downward and having a wide width is provided in the middle of the base211on the front surface facing the opening210aof the toilet bowl210. A pair of opening portions218is provided in the middle of the wide-width portion221. The first and second washing nozzles216and217can respectively protrude forward through the opening portions218of the wide-width portion221. A suction port219for sucking air including an odor and a discharge port220for discharging deodorized air are formed on both sides of the opening portions218in the wide-width portion221.

In addition, a shutter222that operates an opening-closing operation over the pair of opening portions218, and the suction port219and the discharge port220on the right and left sides of the pair of opening portions218is provided on the front surface side of the wide-width portion221. The shutter222exhibits a substantially rectangular plate shape. The shutter222is held such that its rear surface is pulled to the wide-width portion221side by a spring housed in a tube portion (not shown). The shutter222is configured to be pivotable upward and downward by the first washing nozzle216and the second washing nozzle217.

That is, in a case where the first washing nozzle216protrudes downward, one projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter222is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter222pivots upward, so that the shutter222is in an upwardly open state. In a case where the second washing nozzle217protrudes downward, the other projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter222is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter222pivots downward, so that the shutter222is in a downwardly open state.

At the time of washing by the first washing nozzle216, the second washing nozzle217protrudes downward and the shutter222is in a downwardly open state. Then, in a state where the first washing nozzle216has moved forward beyond the shutter222, washing is performed by the first washing nozzle216. In addition, in a case where washing is performed by the second washing nozzle217, the second washing nozzle217protrudes downward and the shutter222is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, in a state where the second washing nozzle217has moved forward beyond the shutter222, washing is performed.

In addition, the base211for mounting the private part washing device23has a substantially flat plate shape. However, a convex portion223which has a convex curve shape forming a convexity downward throughout a part from the wide-width portion221to the tip end side of the base211is formed in the middle of its tip end side.

Meanwhile, in the toilet main body22shown inFIG. 14, the upper surface210bof the toilet bowl210has a flat surface shape. On the upper surface210bof the toilet bowl210, an edge part of a mount portion210cfor mounting the base211facing the opening210aforms a concave portion224which is recessed downward by a predetermined range. When the base211is installed on the mount portion210cof the toilet bowl210, the convex portion223including the wide-width portion221of the base211sits on and is fitted in the concave portion224.

InFIGS. 15A to 15C, the mount portion210cof the toilet main body22is included in the upper surface210band forms the same plane. This plane is indicated as a reference plane2L called “ceramic zero surface”. In the wide-width portion221of the base211, the pair of opening portions218through which the first and second washing nozzles216and217penetrate and move forward and rearward, and the suction port219and the discharge port220on both sides thereof are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane2L in their entirety or a part of height portions.

In addition, in the opening210aof the toilet bowl210, the rim water passage225is formed along a lower circumferential surface of the circumferential edge portion of the upper surface210b. The rim water passage225is a grooved rim-shaped passage formed to circle around along an inner side surface of the toilet bowl210. The rim water passage225generates a swirl flow of washing water for washing the toilet bowl210.

InFIGS. 15B and 15C, for example, in the discharge port220, openings are formed vertically in two rows (or may be formed in the right/left direction) as an upper discharge port220aand a lower discharge port220b. Ribs230are formed in each of the upper discharge port220aand the lower discharge port220b, having directions different from each other.

Air discharged through the upper discharge port220aforms a swirl flow as a rim-shaped passage along the inner side surface in the opening210aof the toilet bowl210. Air discharged through the lower discharge port220bis discharged in a direction obliquely intersecting the inside of the opening210aof the toilet bowl210, thereby forming a traversal flow. Air discharged through the lower discharge port220bjoins a swirl flow from the upper discharge port220aon the inner side surface of the toilet bowl210facing the discharge port220. Air directions of a swirl flow and a traversal flow can be regulated by using the ribs230installed in the upper discharge port220aand the lower discharge port220b. Therefore, the directions of the upper discharge port220aand the lower discharge port220bmay be reversely set.

As shown inFIG. 13, on the convex portion223in the middle of the base211on the tip end side, the deodorizing unit213is installed on a side lower than the nozzle unit212. As shown inFIG. 16, the deodorizing unit213includes a deodorizing duct226, a fan227, a deodorizing cartridge228, and a sterilizing unit229.

The suction port219and the discharge port220formed in the wide-width portion221are interlinked with each other through the deodorizing duct226. For example, the deodorizing duct226is formed to be a deodorizing duct226having a substantially U-shape or a substantially laid U-shape. The fan227is provided in the middle of the deodorizing duct226as an air blower. The deodorizing cartridge228is installed on the upstream side of the fan227. The sterilizing unit229is installed on the downstream side of the fan227.

The deodorizing duct226is a passage of an air flow configuring a deodorizing flow channel. The suction port219provided at an upstream end of the deodorizing duct226faces the opening210aof the toilet bowl210and suctions air including an odor.

InFIG. 16, as a deodorizer, for example, the deodorizing cartridge228is installed in the middle part of a flow channel of the deodorizing duct226of the deodorizing unit213. The deodorizing cartridge228is internally equipped with a deodorizing catalyst and includes a deodorizing portion231which eliminates an odor included in passing air. In the present embodiment B1, as shown inFIG. 17, the deodorizing cartridge228includes the deodorizing portion231and a cover member232.

The deodorizing portion231is configured by an adsorption-type deodorant having activated carbon or the like as a catalyst. The cover member232covers an outer circumferential surface of the deodorizing portion231and is formed to be a thin layer configured by an elastic member, for example, a sponge having waterproof property and elastic property.

A suitable shape can be employed for the deodorizing portion231. For example, the deodorizing portion231has a pentagonal prism shape formed by obliquely cutting off one corner portion of a quadrangular prism shape and internally houses a deodorant such as activated carbon. Otherwise, the deodorizing portion231may employ a decomposition-type deodorant as a deodorant of a different type such as a photocatalyst having a function of decomposing a substance by emitting an ultraviolet ray. The deodorizing portion231has the outer circumferential surface or the inner surface formed in a meshed state in order to ensure ventilation. For example, the sponge of the cover member232is a closed-cell-type belt-like member having high waterproof property. The sponge of the cover member232is wound around the side surface of the deodorizing portion231.

Moreover, the deodorizing cartridge228has a cutout portion233formed by cutting off a part of the cover member232, for example, a part of the deodorizing portion231on the upper surface side. Otherwise, the cutout portion233may be formed on the side surface or the bottom surface of the cover member232. The cutout portion233configures a bypass passage in which inflow air bypasses the deodorizing portion231and flows to the downstream side. In the present embodiment B1, the cutout portion233is formed by cutting off the cover member232such as a sponge along the air flow direction as much as a predetermined range of the thickness.

Therefore, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct226passes through the deodorizing portion231and is deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge228. Then, a part thereof passes the cover member232, and another part thereof passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion233and flows to the downstream side. Since a part of air flowing in the deodorizing duct226passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion233, ventilation property of the deodorizing cartridge228is improved. As a result, it is possible to increase the air speed and the air volume of air flowing in through the suction port219and flowing in the deodorizing duct226.

In addition, the sterilizing unit229generates sterilizing ions, suppresses propagation of floating fungi, and performs sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit229ionizes air, generates positive ions and negative ions, takes in floating fungi by means of the positive ions and the negative ions, and inactivates the floating fungi.

In addition, in the deodorizing duct226shown inFIG. 16, a filter234capable of moving forward and rearward is installed on the upstream side of the deodorizing cartridge228. The filter234is configured to be capable of collecting dust such as foreign substances, that is, fine particles and the like flowing in together with air through the suction port219. The filter234is attachable and detachable through the wide-width portion221in a state where the shutter222is removed.

The deodorizing unit213having the deodorizing duct226configuring the deodorizing flow channel and the deodorizing cartridge228are installed in the convex portion223of the base211and is installed on a side lower than the reference plane2L. The wide-width portion221includes the suction port219and the discharge port220. The wide-width portion221protrudes from the convex portion223in the middle of the base211on the tip end side and faces the inside of the opening210aof the toilet bowl210. In addition, the fan227and the sterilizing unit229are installed on a side upper than a reference plane2L.

In addition, the suction port219formed in the wide-width portion221of the base211is open to a side lower than the upper surface210bof the toilet bowl210, that is, a side lower than the reference plane2L. A part of the discharge port220formed in the wide-width portion221of the base211is open to a side lower than the reference plane. It is preferable that at least a part of the upper discharge port220ais positioned on a side lower than the reference plane2L in the discharge port220.

In regard to suctioning of air through the suction port219in the deodorizing unit213, deodorization is performed by suctioning stagnant air including an odor in the lower portion of the toilet bowl210into the deodorizing duct226. Air to be discharged through the discharge port220after deodorization is discharged in a substantially horizontal direction, swirls along the rim water passage225in the toilet bowl210and is guided to the suction port219again.

Therefore, the deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing duct226and the swirl flow channel of air in the toilet bowl210form a circulation flow channel in which air circulates repetitively. In the private part washing device23shown inFIG. 13, the nozzle unit212is installed in the upper portions of the deodorizing duct226and the deodorizing cartridge228in the deodorizing unit213in an oblique direction.

In addition, the warm air drying unit214is installed at a position adjacent to the deodorizing unit213.

The warm air drying unit214includes a warm air generating device235and a warm air duct238. The warm air generating device235includes an air blowing fan236and a heater237. The air blowing fan236is provided on the upstream side of the warm air duct238. The heater237is arranged in the warm air duct238. The warm air duct238communicates with a warm air blowing port formed in the upper portion of the suction port219for air formed in the wide-width portion221.

The warm air drying unit214has a configuration in which warm air of the warm air generating device235warmed by the heater237flows through the warm air duct238and is discharged through a warm air blowing port241. Accordingly, a private part is dried. The warm air drying unit214may be configured to communicate with the discharge port220of the wide-width portion221such that generated warm air is discharged through thereof.

The deodorizing unit213of the toilet21according to the present embodiment B1 has a configuration as described above. Next, a deodorizing method performed by the deodorizing unit213will be described.

At the time of deodorizing the toilet21, the shutter222is in a downwardly open state by causing the second washing nozzle217to protrude downward. Thereafter, the first washing nozzle216is driven to protrude obliquely downward via the opening portions218of the wide-width portion221so that the first washing nozzle216protrudes beyond the shutter222, and the fan227of the deodorizing unit213is driven. In this case, since the shutter222is in a downwardly open state in which the inner surface is directed downward, an air flow including an odor is regulated to flow in through the suction port219without going upward.

The deodorizing duct226and the deodorizing cartridge228of the deodorizing unit213are installed in the convex portion223directed downward from the base211and are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane2L together with the suction port219. A part of the discharge port220is positioned on a side lower than the reference plane2L. In addition, air discharged through the discharge port220due to the driven fan227is set such that the air is discharged in the horizontal direction toward the rim water passage225formed in the upper portion on the inner surface.

As shown inFIG. 18, air discharged through the upper discharge port220aof the discharge port220at the time of deodorization laterally swirls as a swirl flow along the rim water passage225in the toilet bowl210and returns to the private part washing device23side. That is, a swirl flow channel is formed in the toilet bowl210as indicated with the dotted line. Meanwhile, air discharged through the lower discharge port220bof the discharge port220is discharged as a traversal flow traversing toward the middle part in the opening210aof the toilet bowl210, joins a swirl flow from the upper discharge port220aon the inner side surface of the toilet bowl210facing the discharge port220, forms a swirl flow, and is then headed for the suction port219. Accordingly, an odor in the toilet bowl210can be thoroughly collected.

The suction port219is positioned in the lower portion of the reference plane2L. Therefore, air swirling in the toilet bowl210entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl210and is directly guided to the suction port219. An air flow including an odor flows in the deodorizing duct226due to sucking force of the fan227in the deodorizing unit213.

As shown inFIG. 16, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct226and including an odor flows in the deodorizing portion231covered with the cover member232in the deodorizing cartridge228, so that the odor is adsorbed and the air receives flow resistance. In addition, a part of the air flows in the bypass passage configured by the cutout portion233of the deodorizing cartridge228, so that the part of the air flows to the downstream side at a high speed without receiving flow resistance by the deodorizing cartridge228.

Accordingly, it is possible to increase the air speed of the entire air flow flowing into the deodorizing duct226through the suction port219. Therefore, it is possible to increase the circulation speed of air which can be deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge228in the deodorizing duct226, and it is also possible to increase the discharge flow rate of air through the discharge port220. As a result, a swirl flow in the rim water passage225of the toilet bowl210can also be increased in speed.

In this manner, the circulation flow speed of air in the deodorizing duct226in the deodorizing unit213and the swirl flow speed in the rim water passage225of the toilet bowl210can be increased, an odor can be deodorized faster by the deodorizing cartridge228, and the ventilation rate of odors in the toilet21and the water closet space around thereof can be improved.

In a case of deodorizing the entire water closet space, it is possible to perform deodorization around the toilet21by causing the toilet lid28to be in an open state and causing the shutter222to be in an upward open state such that its inner surface is directed upward.

As described above, in the deodorizing unit213of the toilet21according to the present embodiment B1, since the bypass passage configured by the cutout portion233is formed in a part of the deodorizing cartridge228, the flow rate of air flowing in the suction port219and the discharge port220increases so that the air circulates at a high speed. Therefore, it is possible to improve adsorption efficiency of an odor in the deodorizing cartridge228.

In addition, the air flow speed and the air volume in the deodorizing duct226can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ventilation efficiency not only in the toilet bowl210but also in the water closet space around the toilet bowl210.

Furthermore, air resistance of the deodorizing cartridge228in the deodorizing unit213is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform deodorization even if the mesh size of the deodorizing portion231is reduced or the deodorizing cartridge228is miniaturized.

In addition, the suction port219, the discharge port220, and the deodorizing duct226of the deodorizing unit213are positioned in the concave portion224of the toilet bowl210. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently collect an odor and to carry out ventilation by causing a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl210to flow in together with air at a high speed through the suction port219and adsorbing the odor by the deodorizing cartridge228.

The deodorizing unit213of the toilet21according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment B1 described above, and suitable changes, replacements, and the like can be made within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, modification examples and the like of the present invention will be described. However, the same reference signs are used for components, members, and the like which are the same as or similar to those described in the embodiment B1, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

For example, in the deodorizing unit213described above, the bypass passage is realized by forming the cutout portion233made by cutting off a part of the cover member232which covers the deodorizing portion231of the deodorizing cartridge228. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in place of the cutout portion233formed in the cover member232of the deodorizing cartridge228, a tubular or hollow passage may be formed in the deodorizing portion231or the cover member232. Otherwise, without cutting off the deodorizing cartridge228, a bypass passage for an air flow may be formed outside the deodorizing cartridge228in a manner of being bifurcated from the deodorizing duct226in front of or behind the deodorizing cartridge228and being isolated.

Even in these cases, the air speed of an air flow in front of or behind the deodorizing cartridge228increases, and the air flow speed and the flow rate passing through the suction port219and the discharge port220increase. Therefore, the air flow speed and the flow rate passing through the inside of the deodorizing cartridge228increase, and efficiency of deodorizing and adsorbing an odor is improved.

In the embodiment B1 described above, in the deodorizing unit213, the wide-width portion221widened downward in width and the convex portion223protruding downward are formed in a middle portion of the base211on the tip end side. The deodorizing duct226and the deodorizing cartridge228are installed in the convex portion223and are arranged in the concave portion224at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane2L. On the other hand, the deodorizing duct226, and the suction port219and the discharge port220interlinked therewith are not necessarily installed at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane2L.

For example, the embodiment B1 may employ a configuration in which a part of each of the suction port219, the discharge port220, the deodorizing duct226, and the deodorizing cartridge228is installed at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane2L. Otherwise, the base211may be formed to have a flat plate shape in its entirety, and the deodorizing unit213may be installed on this base211, that is, above the reference plane2L.

In addition, in the embodiment B1, the deodorizing cartridge228is formed with the deodorizing portion231and the cover member232. However, the cover member232does not have to be provided in the deodorizing cartridge228, and the deodorizing portion231may be directly installed in the deodorizing duct226with no gap.

In the embodiment B1, the discharge port220is divided into the upper discharge port220aand the lower discharge port220b, so that the discharging direction of air is split into two. However, any one discharge port may be employed. In this case, it is preferable that air flows along the rim water passage225.

The deodorizer is not limited to the deodorizing cartridge228. It is not necessary to mention that various types of deodorizers can be installed as a deodorizer such as a non-cartridge-type deodorizer and a mount-type deodorizer with respect to the deodorizing duct226. In addition, the deodorizing unit213configures the deodorizing device.

In addition, the embodiment B1 may be combined with the configuration disclosed in at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3, or the configuration of at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3 and the configuration of a modification example may be applied suitably and selectively.

Next, a deodorizing device of a flushing-type toilet (toilet) according to an embodiment C1 of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 19 to 26illustrate a deodorizing unit313as a deodorizing device of a flushing-type toilet31according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19 and 20illustrate the flushing-type toilet31including a private part washing device33of the embodiment. The toilet31includes the private part washing device33in the rear portion on the upper surface of a toilet main body32. The private part washing device33is included in a case35housing various functional components for private part washing, warm air drying, and deodorizing. A toilet seat37and a valve lid38installed on the toilet main body32are attached to a cover36provided in the case35so as to be capable of being individually opened and closed.

InFIG. 20, the toilet main body32has a toilet bowl310receiving filth, and a drain pipe portion (not shown). The drain pipe portion extends downward from a bottom portion of the toilet bowl310. A rim water passage325, a drop flow channel, and the like are formed in an upper inner wall in the toilet bowl310. The rim water passage325is formed in order to generate a swirl flow of washing water. The drop flow channel is formed in order to form a flow for dropping a swirl flow toward the drain pipe portion.

The private part washing device33is installed on a base311arranged in the rear portion on an upper surface310bforming an opening310aof the toilet bowl310. The private part washing device33includes a nozzle unit312, the deodorizing unit313, a warm air drying unit314, and the like. The nozzle unit312includes a private part washing nozzle (described below). The deodorizing unit313is provided in order to deodorize an odor generated in the toilet bowl310. The warm air drying unit314is provided in order to dry a private part after washing with warm air. Furthermore, the private part washing device33includes a warm water supply unit315, a control unit, a power supply board, and the like. The warm water supply unit315is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit312. The control unit is provided in order to control driving of each of the units.

In the private part washing device33shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the nozzle unit312is installed in the middle of the base311on a tip end side facing the opening310aof the toilet bowl310in the toilet main body32. In the nozzle unit312, as a pair of private part washing nozzles, a first washing nozzle316and a second washing nozzle317are arranged in parallel and are installed obliquely downward. The first washing nozzle316is a nozzle for anus washing, and the second washing nozzle317is a washing nozzle for bidet. Each of the first and second washing nozzles316and317has a discharging hole for discharging washing water, in the tip end portion positioned below.

The first and second washing nozzles316and317are interlinked with the warm water supply unit315installed in the base311, via piping. The warm water supply unit315selectively supplies warm water, which has been adjusted to a set temperature, to the first and second washing nozzles316and317upon a command of the control unit (not shown).

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 21, 23A, and 23B, a wide-width portion321extending downward and having a wide width is provided in the middle of the base311on the front surface facing the opening310aof the toilet bowl310. A pair of opening portions318is provided in the middle of the wide-width portion321. The first and second washing nozzles316and317can respectively protrude forward through the opening portions318of the wide-width portion321. A suction port319for sucking air including an odor and a discharge port320for discharging deodorized air are formed on both sides of the pair of opening portions318in the wide-width portion321.

In addition, a shutter322for conducting an opening-closing operation over the pair of opening portions318, and the suction port319and the discharge port320on the right and left sides of the pair of opening portions318is provided on the front surface side of the wide-width portion321(refer toFIG. 21). The shutter322exhibits a substantially rectangular plate shape. The shutter322is held such that its rear surface is pulled to the wide-width portion321side by a spring housed in a tube portion (not shown). The shutter322is configured to be pivotable upward and downward by the first washing nozzle316and the second washing nozzle317.

That is, in a case where the first washing nozzle316protrudes downward, one projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter322is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter322pivots upward, so that the shutter322is in an upwardly open state. In a case where the second washing nozzle317protrudes downward, the other projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter322is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter322pivots downward, so that the shutter322is in a downwardly open state.

At the time of washing by the first washing nozzle316, the second washing nozzle317protrudes downward and the shutter322is in a downwardly open state. Then, in a state where the first washing nozzle316has moved forward beyond the shutter322, washing is performed by the first washing nozzle316. In addition, in a case where washing is performed by the second washing nozzle317, the second washing nozzle317protrudes downward and the shutter322is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, in a state where the second washing nozzle317has moved forward beyond the shutter322, washing is performed.

In addition, the base311for mounting the private part washing device33has a substantially flat plate shape. However, a convex portion323which has a predetermined range and a convex curve shape forming a convexity downward throughout a part from the wide-width portion321to the tip end side of the base311is formed in the middle of its tip end side. Therefore, a concave recess portion323ais formed on the upper surface side of the convex portion323.

Meanwhile, in the toilet main body32shown inFIG. 22, the upper surface310bof the toilet bowl310has a flat surface shape. On the upper surface310bof the toilet bowl310, a concave portion324, which is recessed downward by a predetermined range, is formed in a circumferential edge portion of a mount portion310cfor mounting the base311facing the opening310a. When the base311is installed on the mount portion310cof the toilet bowl310, the convex portion323of the base311sits on the concave portion324, and the concave portion324and the convex portion323are fitted together.

InFIGS. 23A and 23B, the mount portion310cof the toilet main body32is included in the upper surface310band forms the same plane. This plane is indicated as a reference plane3L called “ceramic zero surface”. Moreover, in the wide-width portion321of the base311, the pair of opening portions318through which the first and second washing nozzles316and317penetrate and move forward and rearward, and the suction port319and the discharge port320on both sides thereof are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane3L in their entirety or a part of height portions.

FIG. 23Ashows the wide-width portion321excluding a frame portion which has the pair of opening portions318.FIG. 23Bshows a state where the frame portion of the opening portions318is installed in the wide-width portion321. In the example shown inFIGS. 23A and 23B, the suction port319is at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane3L in its entirety, and the discharge port320is at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane3L except for a part.

In addition, in the opening310aof the toilet bowl310shown inFIG. 22, the rim water passage325is formed along a lower circumferential surface of the circumferential edge portion of the upper surface310b. The rim water passage325is a grooved rim-shaped passage formed to circle around along an inner side surface of the toilet bowl310. The rim water passage325generates a swirl flow of washing water for washing the toilet bowl310.

As shown inFIGS. 21 and 25, in the concave recess portion323aon the upper surface of the convex portion323in the middle of the base311on the tip end side, the deodorizing unit313is installed on a side lower than the nozzle unit312. As shown inFIG. 24, the deodorizing unit313includes a deodorizing duct326, a fan327, a deodorizing cartridge328, and a sterilizing unit329. The suction port319and the discharge port320formed in the wide-width portion321are interlinked with each other through the deodorizing duct326. For example, the deodorizing duct326is formed to have a substantially U-shape or a substantially laid U-shape. The fan327is provided in the middle of the deodorizing duct326as an air blower. The deodorizing cartridge328is a deodorizer and is installed on the upstream side of the fan327. The sterilizing unit329is installed on the downstream side of the fan327.

The deodorizing duct326is a passage of an air flow configuring a deodorizing flow channel. In the deodorizing duct326, the suction port319provided at its upstream end faces the opening310aof the toilet bowl310and suctions air including an odor.

InFIG. 24, the deodorizing cartridge328is installed in the middle part of the flow channel of the deodorizing duct326of the deodorizing unit313. The deodorizing cartridge328is internally equipped with the deodorizing catalyst and includes a deodorizing portion331which eliminates an odor included in passing air. In the present embodiment, the deodorizing cartridge328includes the deodorizing portion331and a cover member332. The deodorizing portion331is an adsorption-type deodorant having activated carbon or the like as a catalyst. The cover member332covers an outer circumferential surface of the deodorizing portion331and is formed to be a thin layer constituted of a sponge, for example, having waterproof property and elastic property.

The deodorizing portion331internally houses a deodorant such as activated carbon. Otherwise, a decomposition-type deodorant may be employed as a deodorant of a different type such as a photocatalyst having a function of decomposing a substance by emitting an ultraviolet ray. The deodorizing portion331has the outer circumferential surface or the inner surface formed in a meshed state in order to ensure ventilation. For example, the sponge of the cover member332is a closed-cell-type belt-like member having high waterproof property and is wound around the side surface of the deodorizing portion331.

Moreover, the deodorizing cartridge328has a cutout portion333formed by cutting off a part of the cover member332, for example, a part of the deodorizing portion331on the upper surface side. Otherwise, the cutout portion333may be formed on the side surface or the bottom surface of the cover member332. The cutout portion333configures a bypass passage in which inflow air bypasses the deodorizing portion331and flows to the downstream side. The cutout portion333is formed by cutting off the cover member332along the air flow direction as much as a predetermined range of the thickness.

Therefore, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct326passes through the deodorizing portion331and is deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge328. Then, a part thereof passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion333and flows to the downstream side. Since a part of air flowing in the deodorizing cartridge328passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion333, ventilation property of the deodorizing cartridge328is improved. As a result, it is possible to increase the air speed and the air volume of air flowing in through the suction port319and flowing in the deodorizing duct326.

Otherwise, the entire quantity of an air flow may pass through the deodorizing portion331or the cover member332of the deodorizing cartridge328without providing a bypass passage such as the cutout portion333in the deodorizing cartridge328.

In addition, the sterilizing unit329generates sterilizing ions, suppresses propagation of floating fungi, and performs sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit329ionizes air, generates positive ions and negative ions, takes in floating fungi by means of the positive ions and the negative ions, and inactivates the floating fungi.

In addition, in the deodorizing duct326shown inFIG. 24, an attachable/detachable filter334is installed on the upstream side of the deodorizing cartridge328. The filter334is configured to be capable of collecting dust such as foreign substances, that is, fine particles and the like flowing in together with air through the suction port319. The filter334is attachable and detachable through the wide-width portion321in a state where the shutter322is removed.

The deodorizing unit313having the deodorizing duct326configuring the deodorizing flow channel and the deodorizing cartridge328are installed in the concave recess portion323aon the upper surface of the convex portion323of the base311and is installed on a side lower than the reference plane3L. The fan327and the sterilizing unit329are installed on a side upper than the reference plane3L.

In regard to suctioning of air through the suction port319in the deodorizing unit313, deodorization is performed by suctioning stagnant air including an odor in the lower portion of the toilet bowl310into the deodorizing duct326. Air to be discharged through the discharge port320is discharged in a substantially horizontal direction, swirls in a substantially horizontal direction along the rim water passage325in the toilet bowl310, and is guided to the suction port319again.

Therefore, the deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing duct326and the swirl flow channel of air in the toilet bowl310form a circulation flow channel in which air circulates repetitively. In the private part washing device33shown inFIGS. 21 and 25, the nozzle unit312is installed in the upper portions of the deodorizing duct326and the deodorizing cartridge328in the deodorizing unit313.

InFIG. 21, the warm air drying unit314is installed at a position adjacent to the deodorizing unit313. The warm air drying unit314includes a warm air generating device335and the warm air duct338. The warm air generating device335includes an air blowing fan336and a heater337. The air blowing fan336is provided on the upstream side of the warm air duct338. The heater337is arranged in the warm air duct338. The warm air duct338communicates with a warm air blowing port341formed in the upper portion of the suction port319for air formed in the wide-width portion321(refer toFIG. 23B).

The warm air drying unit314has a configuration in which warm air of the warm air generating device335warmed by the heater337flows through the warm air duct338and is discharged through the warm air blowing port341. Accordingly, a private part is dried. The warm air drying unit314may communicate with the discharge port320such that generated warm air is discharged via the warm air duct338. Otherwise, the discharge port320may be formed as a discharge port of the warm air duct338.

The deodorizing unit313of the toilet21according to the present embodiment C1 has a configuration as described above. Next, a deodorizing method performed by the deodorizing unit313will be described.

At the time of deodorizing the toilet31, the shutter322is in a downwardly open state by causing the second washing nozzle317to protrude downward. Thereafter, the first washing nozzle316is driven to protrude obliquely downward via the opening portions318of the wide-width portion321so that the first washing nozzle316protrudes beyond the shutter322, and the fan327of the deodorizing unit313is driven. In this case, since the shutter322is in a downwardly open state in which the inner surface is directed downward, an air flow including an odor is regulated to flow in through the suction port319without going upward.

The deodorizing duct326and the deodorizing cartridge328of the deodorizing unit313are installed in the concave recess portion323aon the upper surface of the convex portion323of the base311and are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane3L together with the suction port319. A part of the discharge port320is positioned on a side lower than the reference plane3L. Air discharged through the discharge port320due to the driven fan327is set such that the air is discharged in the horizontal direction toward the rim water passage325formed in the upper portion on the inner surface.

Therefore, as shown inFIG. 26, air discharged through the discharge port320in the horizontal direction at the time of deodorization laterally swirls along the rim water passage325in the toilet bowl310and returns to the private part washing device33side. That is, a swirl flow channel is formed in the toilet bowl310as indicated with the dotted line. The suction port319is positioned in the lower portion of the reference plane3L. Therefore, air horizontally swirling in the toilet bowl310entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl310and is directly guided to the suction port319without being displaced in the upward/downward direction. An air flow including an odor flows in the deodorizing duct326due to sucking force of the fan327in the deodorizing unit313.

As shown inFIG. 24, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct326and including an odor flows in the deodorizing portion331covered with the cover member332in the deodorizing cartridge328, so that the odor is adsorbed. In addition, a part of the air flows in the bypass passage constituted of the cutout portion333of the deodorizing cartridge328, so that the part of the air flows to the downstream side at a high speed without receiving flow resistance by the deodorizing cartridge328.

Accordingly, it is possible to increase the air speed of the entire air flow flowing into the deodorizing duct326through the suction port319. Therefore, it is possible to increase the circulation speed of air which can be deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge328in the deodorizing duct326, and it is also possible to increase the discharge flow rate of air through the discharge port320. As a result, a swirl flow in the rim water passage325in the toilet bowl310can also be increased in speed.

In a case where the bypass passage of the cutout portion333is not provided in the deodorizing cartridge328, the entire quantity of an air flow passes through the deodorizing portion331or the cover member332, thereby being deodorized.

In this manner, the circulation flow speed of air in the deodorizing duct326in the deodorizing unit313and the swirl flow speed along the rim water passage325in the toilet bowl310can be increased, an odor can be deodorized faster by the deodorizing cartridge328, and the ventilation rate of odors in the toilet31and the water closet space around thereof can be improved.

As described above, in the deodorizing unit313of the toilet31according to the present embodiment C1, the deodorizing duct326and the deodorizing cartridge328are installed in the concave recess portion323aof the convex portion323protruding downward from the base311and are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane3L. The suction port319and a part of the discharge port320are also positioned on a side lower than the reference plane3L. Therefore, an air flow discharged through the discharge port320flows out in the horizontal direction and swirls along the rim water passage325in the opening310aof the toilet bowl310. Thus, it is possible to improve the circulation speed and efficiency of an air flow.

Moreover, an air flow discharged through the discharge port320entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl310and is directly guided to the suction port319without being displaced in the upward/downward direction. Accordingly, a pressure loss of the air flow can be reduced and performance of suctioning an odor can be improved.

An air flow swirling in the toilet bowl310along the rim water passage325in the opening310aefficiently entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl310and flows into the suction port319of the deodorizing unit313, thereby circulating. Therefore, an odor in the toilet bowl310can be efficiently collected by the deodorizing cartridge328, and leakage of an odor can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment C1, since the deodorizing duct326and the deodorizing cartridge328configuring the deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing unit313is installed in the concave recess portion323aof the base311and the convex portion323protruding downward is installed in the concave portion324on the upper surface310bof the toilet bowl310, the deodorizing flow channel can be shortened. Moreover, since the nozzle unit312is installed on the upper portion of the deodorizing duct326, the private part washing device33can be miniature, thereby contributing to space saving.

In addition, since the bypass passage of the cutout portion333is provided in the deodorizing cartridge328of the deodorizing unit313, the air speed and the air volume in the deodorizing duct326can be increased. In this regard as well, deodorizing efficiency can be improved.

The flushing-type toilet31including the deodorizing unit313according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment C1 described above, and suitable changes, replacements, and the like can be made within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, modification examples and the like of the present invention will be described. However, the same reference signs are used for components, members, and the like which are the same as or similar to those described in the embodiment C1, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

For example, in the embodiment C1 described above, a part of the discharge port320provided in the wide-width portion321is installed on a side lower than the reference plane3L. However, similar to the suction port319, its entirety may be positioned on a side lower than the reference plane3L. In this case, it is possible to further horizontally discharge air on the rim water passage325in the toilet bowl310through the discharge port320. Therefore, discharging air flowing in the circulation flow channel can more smoothly circulate to the suction port319.

Otherwise, a part of each of the deodorizing duct326, the deodorizing cartridge328, and the suction port319may be installed on a side lower than the reference plane3L. In this case as well, a part of a discharging air flow of air at the discharge port320or a suctioning air flow of air including an odor at the suction port319is horizontal and the inclined angle of the remaining part is small. Therefore, it is possible to improve circulation efficiency of an air flow in the toilet bowl310and to improve suctioning of an odor and deodorizing efficiency, compared to technologies in the related art.

In addition, in the embodiment C1 described above, the discharge port320is configured to be a discharge port formed in the deodorizing flow channel. However, in place thereof, for example, the discharge port320may be configured to be a discharge port for a different member such as a discharge port of the warm air duct338of the warm air drying unit314.

In addition, the embodiment C1 may be combined with the configuration disclosed in at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3 and B1, or the configuration of at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3 and B1 and the configuration of a modification example may be applied suitably and selectively.

Next, a toilet stool according to an embodiment D1 of the present invention will be described based onFIGS. 27 to 34.

As shown inFIG. 27, a toilet stool (toilet)41according to the present embodiment D1 is a flushing-type toilet. The toilet stool41includes a toilet main body42, a functional section43, a toilet seat44, and a toilet lid45. The toilet main body42is connected to drain piping (not shown) which is installed on a floor surface412of a water closet space411and extends downward. The functional section43is attached to the toilet main body42. The toilet seat44and the toilet lid45are pivotably attached to the toilet main body42via the functional section43.

As shown inFIG. 28, the functional section43indicates various function devices and various functional components such as a private part washing device46, a sterilizing/deodorizing device (deodorizing device)47, and an illumination device48illuminating the inside of a toilet bowl421of the toilet main body42; a control unit (not shown) controlling driving of the various function devices and the various functional components; an electric power unit (not shown) supplying electric power to the various function devices, the various functional components, and the control unit; and a case49accommodating thereof.

A side on which the functional section43of the toilet stool41is provided will be referred to as a rear side in a forward/rearward direction, and a side on which the toilet seat44is provided will be referred to as a front side in the forward/rearward direction. In addition, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the forward/rearward direction will be referred to as a width direction.

As shown inFIGS. 27 and 29, the toilet seat44has a body portion441and four protruding portions442,442, and so on (refer toFIG. 29). The body portion441has a predetermined thickness in a height direction and is formed to have an annular shape in a plane view in a laid posture when a user sits on (hereinafter, will be referred to as a laid posture). The four protruding portions442protrude downward from a lower surface441aof the body portion441. As shown inFIG. 27, in the toilet seat44, a part in the vicinity of a rear end portion441bin a laid posture is attached to the toilet main body42via the functional section43. The toilet seat44is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis443extending in the width direction in the vicinity of the rear end portion441b.

As shown inFIG. 29, the four protruding portions442are arranged in a manner of two each at an interval in the width direction and two each at an interval in the forward/rearward direction in a laid posture. As shown inFIG. 27, when the toilet seat44is in a laid posture, the four protruding portions442,442, and so on (refer toFIG. 29) abuts on an upper surface42aof the toilet main body42, and a gap d1having a predetermined size is formed between the lower surface441aof the body portion441and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42.

In addition, in the body portion441, an inclination portion444is formed entirely in the width direction on the entire lower surface441ain the vicinity of the rear end portion441bin a laid posture. The inclination portion444is formed on an inclination surface gradually headed for the upper side toward the rear side. A horizontal portion445(substantially horizontal surface) is formed on the front side of the inclination portion444of the body portion441in a laid posture. The inclination portion444and the horizontal portion445are connected to each other at a corner portion446.

As shown inFIG. 27, the toilet lid45is formed to have a shape covering an upper surface441cand side surfaces441dof the body portion441of the toilet seat44in a laid posture. The state where the toilet lid45covers the toilet seat44will be referred to as a state where the toilet lid45is closed, and a state where the toilet seat44is exposed will be referred to as a state where the toilet lid45is opened.

In the toilet lid45, a part in the vicinity of a lower end portion45ain an opened state (rear end portion in a closed state) is attached to the rear portion side of the toilet main body42via the functional section43. The toilet lid45is configured to pivotable about a pivot axis451extending in the width direction in the vicinity of the lower end portion45a.

In a state where the toilet lid45is closed, the lower end portion of the toilet lid45and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42are separated from each other.

In the present embodiment D1, the toilet lid45is configured to be capable of being manually opened and closed by a user and to be capable of being automatically opened and closed in accordance with control of the control unit.

As shown inFIG. 30, the private part washing device46has a nozzle unit461, a warm water supply unit462, and a warm air drying unit463. The nozzle unit461has a pair of private part washing nozzles4611and4612. The warm water supply unit462is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit461. The warm air drying unit463is driven at the time of warm air drying.

The nozzle unit461is arranged in a substantial middle portion of the functional section43in the width direction. In the pair of private part washing nozzles4611and4612, one is configured to serve as a first nozzle4611for anus washing and the other is configured to serve as a second nozzle4612for bidet. The first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612are adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first nozzle4611is arranged on one side in the width direction and the second nozzle4612is arranged on the other side in the width direction.

Each of the first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612is formed to have a shape extending in an inclination direction gradually downward to the front. Each of the first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612is supported by a support portion4613provided in the case49. The first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612are supported by the support portion4613so as to be individually movable forward and rearward in the inclination direction gradually downward to the front. For example, the support portion4613is configured to include a rack-and-pinion mechanism and a motor which is connected to a pinion of the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

The inclination direction in which the first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612extend and move forward and rearward will be referred to as a moving direction of the nozzle. In the moving direction of the nozzle, a side to which the first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612move forward to the front and the lower side will be referred to as the front side, and a side to which the first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612move rearward to the rear and the upper side will be referred to as the rear side.

On a front surface49aof the case49, a first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491aand a second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491bare formed in a substantial middle portion in the width direction, while being adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first nozzle4611moving forward and rearward passes through the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491a. The second nozzle4612moving forward and rearward passes through the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491b.

In addition, a discharge port491cand a suction port491dare formed on the front surface49aof the case while being adjacent to one side of the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491ain the width direction. The discharge port491cis configured to discharge warm air from the warm air drying unit463. The suction port491dis provided in order to suction air into the deodorizing flow channel formed in the sterilizing/deodorizing device47. A discharge port491eis formed on the front surface49aof the case while being adjacent to the other side of the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491bin the width direction. The discharge port491eis configured to discharge air for performing sterilization and deodorization by the sterilizing/deodorizing device47. The first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491b, the discharge port491cof the warm air drying unit463, and the suction port491dand the discharge port491eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device47are open obliquely downward from the functional section43side to the inside of the toilet bowl421.

On the front surface49aof the case49, a region in which the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491b, the discharge port491cof the warm air drying unit463, and the suction port491dand the discharge port491eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device47are formed will be referred to as an opening forming portion491.

A shutter492for the opening forming portion491switching between a covered state (refer toFIG. 28) and an exposed state (refer toFIGS. 30 and 31) is provided on the front surface49aof the case49. The shutter492is configured to be capable of opening and closing the opening forming portion491in accordance with any one of the first nozzle4611and the second nozzle4612moving forward and rearward.

The shutter492extends in the width direction and is formed to have a plate shape having a size to the extent that the opening forming portion491of the case49can be blocked. The shutter492is supported by a pair of support tools493and493provided on the front surface49aof the case49. The pair of support tools493and493is attached to a surface (surface on a side facing the opening forming portion491of the case49)492aon the inner side of the shutter492at an interval in the width direction. In the present embodiment D1, the shutter492is attached so as to be attachable and detachable with respect to the pair of support tools493and493. The pair of support tools493and493supports the shutter492so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis494extending in the width direction in an intermediate portion of the shutter492in the height direction.

Two protrusion portions495and496are formed on the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492. One of the two protrusion portions495and496serves as a first protrusion portion495and the other serves as a second protrusion portion496. The first protrusion portion495is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the first nozzle4611in a state where the shutter492covers the opening forming portion491. In the first protrusion portion495, the tip end portion is arranged above a pivot axis494. The second protrusion portion496is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the second nozzle4612in a state where the shutter492covers the opening forming portion491. In the second protrusion portion496, the tip end portion is arranged on a side lower than the pivot axis494.

In a state where the shutter492covers the opening forming portion491, when the first nozzle4611moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the first nozzle4611presses the shutter492to the front side in a state of being abutting on the tip end portion of the first protrusion portion495on a side upper than the pivot axis494. Accordingly, the shutter492pivots about the pivot axis494. As shown inFIG. 30, the shutter492is in a posture in which a surface492aon the inner side is directed in an obliquely upward direction to the upper side and the rear side, and a surface492bon the outer side is directed in an obliquely downward direction to the lower side and the front side. The shutter492in this posture is in an opened state (upwardly lying open state) where the upper side is open.

The shutter492in an upwardly open state is arranged below the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491b, the discharge port491cof the warm air drying unit463, and the suction port491dand the discharge port491eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device47.

On the other hand, in a state where the shutter492covers the opening forming portion491, when the second nozzle4612moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the second nozzle4612presses the shutter492to the front side in a state of abutting on the tip end portion of the second protrusion portion496on a side lower than the pivot axis494. Accordingly, the shutter492pivots about the pivot axis494. As shown inFIG. 31, the shutter492is in a posture in which the surface492aon the inner side is directed in an obliquely downward direction to the lower side and the rear side, and the surface492bon the outer side is directed in an obliquely upward direction to the upper side and the front side. The shutter492in this posture is in an opened state (downwardly open state) where the lower side is open.

The shutter492in a downwardly open state is arranged above the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port491b, the discharge port491cof the warm air drying unit463, and the suction port491dand the discharge port491eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device47.

In a case where washing is performed by the first nozzle4611, the second nozzle4612moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter492is in a downwardly open state, and then the first nozzle4611moves to the front side. At this time, the tip end part of the first nozzle4611moves forward beyond the shutter492from the lower side of the shutter492. When the shutter492is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the first nozzle4611is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter492, washing is performed by the first nozzle4611.

In a case where washing is performed by the second nozzle4612, the second nozzle4612moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter492is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, the second nozzle4612moves forward in the moving direction of the nozzle. When the shutter492is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the second nozzle4612is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter492, washing is performed by the second nozzle4612.

In this manner, washing is performed when the shutter492is in a downwardly open state and the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492is in a state of being directed downward. Therefore, there is a low possibility that a spray generated at the time of washing adheres to the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492. As a result, when the shutter492is closed after washing, it is possible to prevent or suppress a spray from entering the inside of the case49.

As shown inFIG. 30, the sterilizing/deodorizing device47is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit461of the private part washing device46in a substantial middle portion of the functional section43in the width direction. As shown inFIG. 32, the sterilizing/deodorizing device47has a duct471, a sterilizing/deodorizing fan472, a deodorizing cartridge473, and a sterilizing unit474. The duct471is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit461(refer toFIG. 30). The fan472is provided in the middle of the duct471. The deodorizing cartridge473is arranged on the upstream side of the fan472. The sterilizing unit474is provided on the downstream side of the fan472. The duct471configures a deodorizing flow channel of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47.

The duct471is configured to suck air through the suction port491dformed on the front surface49aof the opening forming portion491of the case49and to discharge air, which has passed through the duct471, to the outside through the discharge port491e. In the present embodiment D1, the suction port491dand the discharge port491eare arranged on the upper portion side of the toilet main body42and are open obliquely downward to the inside of the toilet bowl421. The duct471is configured to suction air below the suction port491dand discharge air, which has passed through the duct471, to the front side through the discharge port491ein a substantially horizontal manner.

When the sterilizing/deodorizing device47is driven, if the shutter492is in an upwardly open state as shown inFIG. 30, the shutter492is arranged below the suction port491d. Therefore, air below the shutter492is not suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491d, and air above the shutter492(air above the toilet bowl421) is suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491d.

In addition, if the shutter492is in an upwardly open state, the shutter492is arranged below the discharge port491e. Therefore, air4A2discharged through the discharge port491ecomes into contact with the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492and is guided so as to be headed for the upper side. Accordingly, in a case where the toilet lid45is opened, the air4A2discharged through the discharge port491eis released to a space above the toilet seat44.

In this manner, in an upwardly open state, the shutter492configures a guide portion which guides air above the toilet bowl421such that the air is introduced to the suction port491dand guides air discharged through the discharge port491esuch that the air is directed upward from the toilet bowl421. InFIG. 33, the bowl surface in the toilet bowl421is indicated with the dotted line.

In addition, the shutter492in an upwardly open state is in a posture in which the surface492aon the inner side is directed in an obliquely upward direction to the upper side and the rear side. Therefore, air above the toilet bowl421is likely to be introduced to the suction port491dalong the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492, and air discharged through the discharge port491ecan be efficiently guided so as to be directed upward from the toilet bowl421along the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment D1, the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492is formed into a curved surface on which an intermediate portion in the height direction is recessed to the surface492bside on the outer side from the upper end portion and the lower end. Therefore, in the present embodiment D1, compared to a case where the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492is formed into a flat surface, air above the toilet bowl421is more likely to be introduced to the suction port491dalong the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492, and air discharged through the discharge port491ecan be more efficiently guided so as to be directed upward from the toilet bowl421along the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492.

On the other hand, if the shutter492is in a downwardly open state as shown inFIG. 31, the shutter492is arranged above the suction port491d. Therefore, air in the toilet bowl421below the shutter492is suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491d.

In addition, if the shutter492is in a downwardly open state, the shutter492is arranged above the discharge port491e. Therefore, air discharged through the discharge port491eis released to the inside of the toilet bowl421(refer toFIG. 28) in a substantially horizontal direction to the front side, without coming into contact with the shutter492.

In this manner, when the shutter492is in a downwardly open state, air in the toilet bowl421is suctioned through the suction port491d, and air discharged through the discharge port491eis released to the inside of the toilet bowl421.

In addition, in the present embodiment D1, when the shutter492is in a downwardly open state, air in the toilet bowl421below the shutter492is more likely to be suctioned through the suction port491dthan air above the shutter492, and air discharged through the discharge port491eis more likely to be directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl421below the shutter492than that above the shutter492.

Air in the toilet bowl421may be introduced to the suction port491dalong the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492in a downwardly open state, and air discharged through the discharge port491emay be directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl421along the surface492aon the inner side of the shutter492.

The deodorizing cartridge473is internally equipped with a deodorizing catalyst and has a function of eliminating an odor included in air passing through. As the deodorizing cartridge473, for example, an adsorption-type deodorant which employs activated carbon or the like as a catalyst, or a decomposition-type deodorant such as a photocatalyst which decomposes a substance by emitting a ray of light such as an ultraviolet is used.

The sterilizing unit474has a function of generating sterilizing ions, suppressing propagation of floating fungi, and performing sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit474ionizes air, generates positive ions and negative ions, surrounds floating fungi by means of the positive ions and the negative ions, and inactivates the floating fungi.

Such a sterilizing/deodorizing device47deodorizes air suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491dby causing the air to pass through the deodorizing cartridge473, generates positive ions and negative ions by using the sterilizing unit474, and discharges the air through the discharge port491e.

As shown inFIG. 29, the illumination device48has LEDs481and481serving as a pair of light sources respectively provided on both sides in the width direction of the opening forming portion491on the front surface49aof the case49. The pair of LEDs481and481is arranged at positions such that light can be emitted to the inclination portion444of the body portion441of the toilet seat44in a lying state as shown inFIG. 29, the corner portion446, and the protruding portion442formed on the rear portion side of the toilet seat44.

As shown inFIG. 33, the pair of LEDs481and481is configured to emit light4L such that the light4L comes into contact with each of the inclination portion444of the toilet seat44in a lying state, the corner portion446, and the protruding portion442, is reflected so as to be headed for the inside of the toilet bowl421, and illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl421.

In the present embodiment D1, when the water closet space411is sterilized and deodorized by the sterilizing/deodorizing device47, the illumination device48illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl421. In addition, as shown inFIG. 33, since the gap d1having a predetermined size is formed between the lower surface441aof the body portion441of the toilet seat44in a lying state and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42, light emitted to the inside of the toilet bowl421leaks out through this gap d1. At this time, as shown inFIG. 34, if the toilet lid45is closed, light which has leaked through the gap d1between the toilet seat44and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42leaks out of the toilet stool41through a gap d2having a predetermined size formed between the toilet lid45and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42. Therefore, even in a state where the toilet lid45is closed, a user can visually recognize light illuminating the inside of the toilet bowl421through the gap d2between the toilet lid45and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42.

In addition, first to third sensors (not shown) are provided in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1. The first sensor detects that a user sits on the toilet seat44. The second sensor detects that a user is present in front of the toilet stool41. The third sensor detects that the toilet lid45is in an opened state.

These first to third sensors are each configured to transmit a detection signal to the control unit. In addition, a timer which can set a drive starting time and a driving time period of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47is provided in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1.

Subsequently, a method of sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411by the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1 will be described.

Control of performing sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411will be referred to as control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411, and control of stopping this control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411will be referred to as control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411.

First, when control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411starts, the LEDs481and481of the illumination device48are lit, and the inside of the toilet bowl421is illuminated.

Subsequently, the first nozzle4611moves forward and the shutter492is in an upwardly open state.

Subsequently, the fan472of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47starts to be driven, and the sterilizing unit474starts to be driven. Accordingly, air suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491dpasses through the deodorizing cartridge473and is deodorized, and sterilizing ions generated by the sterilizing unit474are released in the deodorized air. Then, air which is deodorized and in which sterilizing ions are released is discharged through the discharge port491e.

When the shutter492is in an upwardly open state, air above the toilet bowl421is introduced to the suction port491d, and air which is discharged through the discharge port491eand performs sterilization and deodorization comes into contact with the shutter492and is directed upward from the toilet bowl421.

At this time, if the toilet lid45is in an opened state, air of the water closet space411above the toilet seat44is suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491d. Air discharged through the discharge port491eand performs sterilization and deodorization is released to the water closet space411above the toilet seat44through the opening of the body portion441of the toilet seat44.

On the other hand, if the toilet lid45is in a closed state, air below the toilet lid45is suctioned to the duct471through the suction port491d. Air discharged through the discharge port491eand performs sterilization and deodorization is released to the water closet space411through the gap d1having a predetermined size formed between the toilet seat44and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42, and the gap d2having a predetermined size formed between the toilet lid45and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42.

If control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411ends and control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411starts, the fan472of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47stops being driven, the sterilizing unit474stops being driven, and the sterilizing/deodorizing device47stops being driven.

Subsequently, the first nozzle4611moves rearward and the shutter492in an upwardly open state is in a closed state.

Subsequently, the LEDs481and481of the illumination device48are turned off, and the inside of the toilet bowl421is in a state of not being illuminated.

Accordingly, sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411end.

In a case where the inside of the toilet bowl421is sterilized and deodorized, the shutter492is in a downwardly open state. Accordingly, air in the toilet bowl421is introduced to the suction port491d, and air which has passed through the duct471for performing sterilization and deodorization is discharged to the inside of the toilet bowl421through the discharge port491ewithout coming into contact with the shutter492. In the present embodiment D1, in a case where the inside of the toilet bowl421is sterilized and deodorized, the LEDs481and481of the illumination device48are set not to be lit.

In addition, in a case where the water closet space411is sterilized and deodorized, compared to a case where the inside of the toilet bowl421is sterilized and deodorized, an output to the fan472is increased, and the suctioning quantity of air to the duct471and the discharging quantity of air from the duct471are increased. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411which is a space wider than the inside of the toilet bowl421.

Subsequently, control of performing the method of sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411will be described.

In the present embodiment D1, a control unit (not shown) is configured to be capable of controlling sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411in one control mode selected among three control modes, that is, first to third control modes.

In the first control mode, when it is recognized by a signal from a timer that it has become a drive starting time set in advance, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411starts. When it is recognized that by a signal from the timer that a predetermined time period set in advance has elapsed, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411stops. For example, the drive starting time is set to a time zone in which frequency of use of the toilet stool41is low, such as at night.

In the first control mode, when any of the first sensor and the second sensor has detected a user at the drive starting time, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411does not start. At a time point of a state where both the first sensor and the second sensor have detected no user, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411starts. In addition, in the first control mode, at the drive starting time, when a closed state of the toilet lid45is detected by the third sensor, the toilet lid45is automatically in an opened state so that the toilet lid45is in a state of being opened, and then control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411starts.

In the first control mode, during control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411, when any of the first sensor and the second sensor has detected a user, driving of sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411stops. In addition, in the first control mode, during control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411, when a closed state of the toilet lid45is detected by the third sensor, driving of sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411stops.

In the second control mode, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411is performed in a state where the toilet lid45is closed. In the second control mode, control similar to that in the first control mode is performed except for the opened/closed state of the toilet lid45.

Therefore, in the second control mode, at the drive starting time, when a closed state of the toilet lid45cannot be detected by the third sensor, the toilet lid45is automatically in a closed state, and then control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411starts.

In the second control mode, during control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411, in a case of a state where the toilet lid45is in an opened state and a closed state of the toilet lid45cannot be detected by the third sensor, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411may stop or does not have to stop. In addition, in the second control mode, the shutter492may be set to be in a downwardly open state.

In the third control mode, a user arbitrarily starts and stops control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411. For example, a switch (not shown) for starting and stopping control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411is provided in the toilet stool41or the water closet space411. When a user operates this switch, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space411starts or stops.

In the present embodiment D1, control over sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl421for sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl421and control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl421are performed similar to control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411and control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl421in a time period not overlapping the time period in which control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space411is performed.

Next, operations and effects of the toilet stool according to the present embodiment D1 described above will be described by using the drawings.

The toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1 described above is capable of suctioning air in the toilet bowl421to the duct471of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47through the suction port491dand is capable of causing air which has been discharged through the discharge port491efor performing sterilization and deodorization to be directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl421. Accordingly, the inside of the toilet bowl421can be sterilized and deodorized. In addition, the toilet stool41is capable of suctioning air of the water closet space411above the toilet bowl421to the duct471of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47through the suction port491dand is capable of causing air which has been discharged through the discharge port491eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device47for performing sterilization and deodorization to be directed upward from the toilet bowl421. Accordingly, the water closet space411can be sterilized and deodorized.

Accordingly, sterilization and deodorization of the inside of the toilet bowl421, and sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space can be performed by using the same sterilizing/deodorizing device47.

In addition, in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1, the shutter492capable of opening and closing the suction port491dand the discharge port491eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device47is provided. When the shutter492is in an upwardly open state, air above the toilet bowl421is guided so as to be introduced to the suction port491d, and air discharged through the discharge port491eis guided so as to be directed upward from the toilet bowl421. Accordingly, even though a mechanism for causing the suction port491dand the discharge port491eto be directed upward is not provide in the sterilizing/deodorizing device47, or even though a dedicated component for introducing air above the toilet main body42to the suction port491dor a dedicated component for causing air discharged through the discharge port491eto be directed upward is not provided, the water closet space411can be sterilized and deodorized.

In addition, in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1, in a state where the toilet lid45is closed, air discharged through the discharge port491eflows out through the gap d2between the toilet lid45and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42. Accordingly, air for performing sterilization and deodorization can be released to the water closet space411through the gap d2between the toilet lid45and the upper surface42aof the toilet main body42. As a result, the side surface of the toilet stool41or a floor on which the toilet stool41is installed can be sterilized and deodorized.

In addition, in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1, in a state where the toilet lid45is opened, air discharged through the discharge port491eis directed upward from the toilet bowl421. Accordingly, air for performing sterilization and deodorization can be released to a space above the toilet bowl421in a wider range, without coming into contact with the toilet lid45.

In addition, in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1, a seating sensor which detects that a user sits on the toilet seat44is provided. When the seating sensor detects that a user sits on the toilet seat44, the sterilizing/deodorizing device47stops being driven. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a user sitting on the toilet seat44from being in contact with air for performing sterilization and deodorization.

In addition, in the toilet stool41according to the present embodiment D1, the illumination device48which illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl421is provided. In a time period during which the sterilizing/deodorizing device47is driven, the illumination device48illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl421. Accordingly, a user can check for whether or not the sterilizing/deodorizing device47is driven, by visually recognizing whether or not the inside of the toilet bowl421is illuminated.

In addition, the sterilizing/deodorizing device47has an ion generating device for releasing ions and discharges air including ions generated by the ion generating device, through the discharge port491e. Accordingly, the water closet space411can be efficiently sterilized by utilizing ions.

Hereinabove, the embodiment D1for the toilet stool according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment D1 and can be suitably changed within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the embodiment D1, the sterilizing/deodorizing device47which performs sterilization and deodorization is provided. However, in place of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47, a deodorizing device performing only deodorization may be performed.

In addition, in the embodiment D1, the water closet space411can be sterilized and deodorized in both an opened state and a closed state of the toilet lid45. However, the embodiment may be configured to sterilize and deodorize the water closet space411in any one of the states.

In addition, in the embodiment D1, the toilet lid45is provided in the toilet stool41. However, when no toilet lid45is provided and the water closet space411is sterilized and deodorized, the embodiment may be configured to release air to a space above the toilet main body42.

In addition, in the embodiment D1, the shutter492configures the guide portion which guides air above the toilet bowl421such that the air is suctioned through the suction port491d. However, the guide portion may be configured by using a mechanism or a member other than the shutter492. For example, a mechanism for switching the suction port491dto be opened to the upper side, or a member such as a louver for guiding air above the toilet bowl421to be suctioned to the suction port491dmay configure the guide portion. In addition, the form of the shutter492may be a form other than those described above.

In addition, a region in which air suctioned through the suction port491dstays or a direction in which air discharged through the discharge port491eis directed may be suitably set as long as the suction port491dcan suction air above the toilet bowl421.

In addition, in the embodiment D1, the first to third sensors are provided. However, these do not have to be provided, and any one or two thereof may be provided. In addition, without taking detection of these sensors into consideration, the embodiment may be configured to sterilize and deodorize the water closet space411.

In addition, in the embodiment D1, the illumination device48which illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl421is provided. However, the illumination device48does not have to be provided. In addition, when the water closet space411is sterilized and deodorized, the inside of the toilet bowl421does not have to be illuminated by the illumination device48. In addition, the form of the illumination device48may be a form other than those described above.

In addition, in the embodiment D1, the sterilizing/deodorizing device47has the sterilizing unit474which generates ions for performing sterilization, and sterilization is performed by air in which ions are released. However, the embodiment may be configured to perform sterilization by a method other those described above. In addition, the form of the sterilizing/deodorizing device47may be a form other than those described above.

In addition, the embodiment D1 may be combined with the configuration disclosed in at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3, B1, and C1, or the configuration of at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3, B1, and C1 and the configuration of a modification example may be applied suitably and selectively.

Next, a deodorizing device and a toilet stool according to an embodiment E1 of the present invention will be described based onFIGS. 35 to 44.

As shown inFIG. 35, a toilet stool (toilet)51according to the present embodiment E1 is a flushing-type toilet. The toilet stool51has a toilet main body52, a functional section53, a toilet seat54, and a toilet lid55. The toilet main body52is connected to drain piping (not shown) which is installed on a floor surface512of a water closet space511and extends downward. The functional section53is attached to the toilet main body52. The toilet seat54and the toilet lid55are pivotably attached to the toilet main body52via the functional section53.

As shown inFIG. 36, the functional section53indicates various function devices and various functional components such as a private part washing device56, a sterilizing/deodorizing device (deodorizing device)57sterilizing and deodorizing air in a toilet bowl521of the toilet main body52, and an illumination device58illuminating the inside of the toilet bowl521; a control unit (not shown) controlling driving of the various function devices and the various functional components; an electric power unit (not shown) supplying electric power to the various function devices, the various functional components, and the control unit; and a case59accommodating thereof.

A side on which the functional section53of the toilet stool51is provided will be referred to as a rear side in the forward/rearward direction, and a side on which the toilet seat54is provided will be referred to as a front side in the forward/rearward direction. In addition, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the forward/rearward direction will be referred to as the width direction.

As shown inFIG. 37, the private part washing device56has a nozzle unit561, a warm water supply unit562, and a warm air drying unit563. The nozzle unit561has a pair of private part washing nozzles5611and5612. The warm water supply unit562is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit561. The warm air drying unit563is driven at the time of warm air drying.

The nozzle unit561is arranged in a substantial middle portion of the functional section53in the width direction. In the pair of private part washing nozzles5611and5612, one is configured to serve as a first nozzle5611for anus washing and the other is configured to serve as a second nozzle5612for bidet. The first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612are adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first nozzle5611is arranged on one side in the width direction and the second nozzle5612is arranged on the other side in the width direction.

Each of the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612is formed to have a shape extending in the inclination direction gradually downward to the front. Each of the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612is supported by a support portion5613provided in the case59so as to be individually movable forward and rearward in the inclination direction gradually downward. For example, the support portion5613is configured to include a rack-and-pinion mechanism and a motor which is connected to a pinion of the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

The inclination direction in which the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612extend and move forward and rearward will be referred to as the moving direction of the nozzle. In the moving direction of the nozzle, a side to which the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612move forward to the front and the lower side will be referred to as the front side, and a side to which the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612move rearward to the rear and the upper side will be referred to as the rear side.

On a front surface59aof the case59, a first forward/rearward nozzle movement port591aand a second forward/rearward nozzle movement port591bare formed in a substantial middle portion in the width direction, while being adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first forward/rearward nozzle movement port591amoving forward and rearward passes through the first nozzle5611. The second nozzle5612moving forward and rearward passes through the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port591b.

In addition, a dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591ffor attaching and detaching a dust collection filter575of the sterilizing/deodorizing device57is formed on the front surface59aof the case while being adjacent to one side of the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port591ain the width direction. On the front surface59aof the case, a discharge port591cdischarging warm air from the warm air drying unit563while being adjacent to further one side of the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fin the width direction, and a suction port591dfor suctioning air in the toilet bowl521(refer toFIG. 36) to the sterilizing/deodorizing device57are formed. A discharge port591edischarging air for sterilizing/deodorizing from the sterilizing/deodorizing device57is formed on the front surface59aof the case while being adjacent to the other side of the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port591bin the width direction.

The dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f, the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port591a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port591b, the discharge port591cof the warm air drying unit563, and the suction port591dand the discharge port591eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device57are open obliquely downward from the functional section53side to the inside of the toilet bowl521.

On the front surface59aof the case59, a region in which the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f, the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port591a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port591b, the discharge port591cof the warm air drying unit563, and the suction port591dand the discharge port591eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device57are formed will be referred to as an opening forming portion591.

A shutter592for the opening forming portion591switching between a covered state (refer toFIG. 36) and an exposed state (refer toFIGS. 37 and 38) is provided on the front surface59aof the case59. The shutter592is configured to be capable of opening and closing the opening forming portion591in accordance with any one of the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612moving forward and rearward.

The shutter592extends in the width direction and is formed to have a plate shape having a size to the extent that the opening forming portion591of the case59can be blocked. The shutter592is supported by a pair of support tools593and593provided on the front surface59aof the case59. The pair of support tools593and593is attached to a surface (surface on a side facing the opening forming portion591of the case59)592aon the inner side of the shutter592at an interval in the width direction. In the present embodiment E1, the shutter592is attached so as to be attachable and detachable with respect to the pair of support tools593and593. The pair of support tools593and593supports the shutter592so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis594extending in the width direction in an intermediate portion of the shutter592in the height direction.

Two projection portions595and596are formed on the surface592aon the inner side of the shutter592. One of the two projection portions595and596serves as a first protrusion portion595and the other serves as a second protrusion portion596. The first protrusion portion595is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the first nozzle5611in a state where the shutter592covers the opening forming portion591. In the first protrusion portion595, the tip end portion is arranged above a pivot axis594. In addition, the second protrusion portion596is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the second nozzle5612in a state where the shutter592covers the opening forming portion591. In the second protrusion portion596, the tip end portion is arranged on a side lower than the pivot axis594.

In a state where the shutter592covers the opening forming portion591, when the first nozzle5611moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the first nozzle5611presses the shutter592to the front side in a state of abutting on the tip end portion of the first protrusion portion595on a side upper than the pivot axis594. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 37, the shutter592is in an opened state (upwardly open state) in which the shutter592pivots about the pivot axis594and the upper side is open such that the surface592aon the inner side is directed to the upper side and a surface592bon the outer side is directed to the lower side.

On the other hand, in a state where the shutter592covers the opening forming portion591, when the second nozzle5612moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the second nozzle5612presses the shutter592to the front side in a state of abutting on the tip end portion of the second protrusion portion596on a side lower than the pivot axis594. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 38, the shutter592is in an opened state (downwardly lying open state) in which the shutter592pivots about the pivot axis594and the lower side is open such that the surface592aon the inner side is directed to the lower side and the surface592bon the outer side is directed to the upper side.

The first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612have a function of washing a private part and also play a role as an operation member which maintains the shutter592in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state.

In a case where washing is performed by the first nozzle5611, the second nozzle5612moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter592is in a downwardly open state, and then the first nozzle5611moves to the front side. At this time, the tip end part of the first nozzle5611moves forward beyond the shutter592from the lower side of the shutter592. When the shutter592is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the first nozzle5611is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter592, washing is performed by the first nozzle5611.

In a case where washing is performed by the second nozzle5612, the second nozzle5612moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter592is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, the second nozzle5612moves forward in the moving direction of the nozzle. When the shutter592is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the second nozzle5612is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter592, washing is performed by the second nozzle5612.

In this manner, washing is performed when the shutter592is in a downwardly open state and the surface592aon the inner side of the shutter592is in a state of being directed downward. Therefore, there is a low possibility that a spray generated at the time of washing adheres to the surface592aon the inner side of the shutter592. As a result, when the shutter592is closed after washing, it is possible to prevent or suppress a spray from entering the inside of the case59.

As shown inFIG. 37, the sterilizing/deodorizing device57is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit561of the private part washing device56in a substantial middle portion of the functional section53in the width direction. As shown inFIG. 39, the sterilizing/deodorizing device57has a duct571, a sterilizing/deodorizing fan572, a deodorizing cartridge573, a sterilizing unit574, and the dust collection filter575. The duct571is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit561(refer toFIG. 37). The fan572is provided in the middle of the duct571. The deodorizing cartridge573is arranged on the upstream side of the fan572. The sterilizing unit574is provided on the downstream side of the fan572. The dust collection filter575is provided on the upstream side (suction port591dside) of the deodorizing cartridge573.

The duct571is configured to suck air in the toilet bowl521(refer toFIG. 36) through the suction port591dformed on the front surface59aof the opening forming portion591of the case59and to discharge air, which has passed through the duct571, through the discharge port591e. In the present embodiment E1, the suction port591dand the discharge port591eare arranged on the upper portion side of the toilet main body52and are open obliquely downward to the inside of the toilet bowl521. Therefore, the duct571is configured to suction air in the toilet bowl521and discharge air, which has passed through the duct571, to the inside of the toilet bowl521.

In addition, a dust collection filter attachment portion5711for attaching the dust collection filter575is provided in the duct571.

The dust collection filter attachment portion5711communicates with the inside of the toilet bowl521via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fThe dust collection filter575is attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591ffrom the inside of the toilet bowl521. The dust collection filter attachment portion5711will be described below.

The deodorizing cartridge573is internally equipped with a deodorizing catalyst has a function of eliminating an odor included in air pass through. As the deodorizing cartridge573, for example, an adsorption-type deodorant which employs activated carbon or the like as a catalyst, or a decomposition-type deodorant such as a photocatalyst which decomposes a substance by emitting a ray of light such as an ultraviolet is used.

The sterilizing unit574has a function of generating sterilizing ions, suppressing propagation of floating fungi, and performing sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit574ionizes air, generates positive ions and negative ions, surrounds floating fungi by means of the positive ions and the negative ions, and inactivates the floating fungi.

As shown inFIGS. 40A and 40B, the dust collection filter575is formed to have a plate shape. The dust collection filter575has a dust collecting portion5751, a handgrip5752, and an interlink portion5753. A mesh5751ais formed in the dust collecting portion5751. The handgrip5752is configured to be gripped by a user. The dust collecting portion5751and the handgrip5752are interlinked with each other by the interlink portion5753. In the present embodiment E1, when the dust collection filter575is installed in the dust collection filter attachment portion5711of the duct571, a plate surface becomes a substantially vertical surface, thereby taking a posture in which the dust collecting portion5751is arranged on the rear side, the handgrip5752is arranged on the front side, and the interlink portion5753is arranged between the dust collecting portion5751and the handgrip5752. For example, the dust collecting portion5751, the interlink portion5753, and the handgrip5752are integrally formed while having a resin or the like as a material.

The dust collecting portion5751is formed to have a substantially rectangular shape in which the plate surface is elongated in the forward/rearward direction. The dust collecting portion5751is configured to collect wastes or dust in air by causing air suctioned to the duct571to pass through the mesh5751a. On a surface5751bon the downstream side of the duct571of the dust collecting portion5751, a protruding portion5754protruding from the surface5751bis formed in the vicinity of the rear end portion.

A rear edge portion of the interlink portion5753extends in a substantially vertical manner. A front end portion of the interlink portion5753extends in an oblique direction gradually rearward from the upper side to the lower side. An upper engagement target portion5755protruding upward is formed in the upper end portion of the interlink portion5753. A lower engagement target portion5756protruding downward is formed in the lower end portion of the interlink portion5753.

An upper opening portion5757penetrating the dust collection filter575in the width direction is formed below the upper engagement target portion5755in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the interlink portion5753. The upper opening portion5757is formed to have a shape which is longer in the forward/rearward direction than in the height direction. A part in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the interlink portion5753is elastically deformable such that the upper opening portion5757is squashed in the height direction by external force.

A lower opening portion5758penetrating the dust collection filter575in the width direction is formed above the lower engagement target portion5756in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the interlink portion5753. The lower opening portion5758is formed to have a shape which is longer in the forward/rearward direction than in the height direction. A part in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the interlink portion5753is elastically deformable such that the lower opening portion5758is squashed in the height direction by external force.

The handgrip5752is provided continuously with the interlink portion5753on the front side of the interlink portion5753. The rear end portion of the handgrip5752extends in an oblique direction gradually rearward from the upper side to the lower side along the front end portion of the interlink portion5753. The front end portion of the handgrip5752is formed to have an R-shape protruding to the front side.

As shown inFIGS. 39 and 41, the dust collection filter attachment portion5711is formed between the suction port591dof the duct571and the deodorizing cartridge573(refer toFIG. 39). A part in the duct571, in which the dust collection filter attachment portion5711is provided, is formed such that air flows in the width direction.

The dust collection filter attachment portion5711is formed between a first lower plate portion5712and a second lower plate portion5713. The first lower plate portion5712and the second lower plate portion5713each protrude upward from a lower surface571aof the duct571and are arranged at an interval in the width direction.

The first lower plate portion5712is arranged on the suction port591dside of the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. The first lower plate portion5712is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the lower edge portion of the dust collecting portion5751of the dust collection filter575(refer toFIGS. 40A and 40B) attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, in the width direction.

The second lower plate portion5713is arranged on the deodorizing cartridge573side of the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. The second lower plate portion5713is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the lower edge portion of the dust collecting portion5751of the dust collection filter575attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, in the width direction.

In addition, a first rear plate portion5714and a second rear plate portion5715which protrude to the front side and are arranged at an interval in the width direction are provided on a rear surface571bof the duct571.

The lower end portion of the first rear plate portion5714continuously leads to the first lower plate portion5712. The first rear plate portion5714is formed throughout the substantially entire duct571in the height direction. The first rear plate portion5714is arranged on the suction port591dside of the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. The first rear plate portion5714is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the rear edge portion of the dust collecting portion5751of the dust collection filter575attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, in the width direction.

The lower end portion of the second rear plate portion5715continuously leads to the second lower plate portion5713. The second rear plate portion5715is formed on a side lower than an intermediate portion of the duct571in the height direction. The second rear plate portion5715is arranged on the deodorizing cartridge573side of the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. The second rear plate portion5715is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the rear edge portion of the dust collecting portion5751of the dust collection filter575attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, in the width direction.

As shown inFIG. 42, the dust collection filter575is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711in a direction in which the surface5751bhaving the protruding portion5754formed thereon faces the second lower plate portion5713and the second rear plate portion5715. In the dust collection filter575attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, the rear end portion575aabuts on or approaches the rear surface571bof the duct571, and the protruding portion5754formed in the dust collecting portion5751is configured to be arranged in the upper portion of the second rear plate portion5715.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 43, when the dust collection filter575is intended to be attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711in a direction in which the surface having the protruding portion5754formed thereon faces the first lower plate portion5712and the first rear plate portion5714, the protruding portion5754of the dust collection filter575comes into contact with the front end portion of the first rear plate portion5714. Accordingly, a rear end portion575aof the dust collection filter575is separated from the rear surface571bof the duct571. As a result, the dust collection filter575is set so as not to be capable of being attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

As shown inFIG. 42, in the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, an upper engagement portion5759having a concave portion shape recessed on the upper side is formed on an upper surface571cof the duct571, and a lower engagement portion5760having a concave portion shape recessed on the lower side is formed on the lower surface571aof the duct571.

The upper engagement portion5759is arranged at a position facing the upper engagement target portion5755of the dust collection filter575attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. The lower engagement portion5760is arranged at a position facing the lower engagement target portion5756of the dust collection filter575attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

When the dust collection filter575is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, the upper engagement target portion5755enters the upper engagement portion5759and is engaged, and the lower engagement target portion5756enters the lower engagement portion5760and is engaged.

In addition, when the dust collection filter575is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, the handgrip5752is arranged so as to protrude to the inside of the toilet bowl521(refer toFIG. 36) beyond the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f(opening forming portion591of the case59). The handgrip5752is formed to have a shape which is accommodated in a gap597between the surface592aon the inner side of the shutter592and the opening forming portion591of the case59, in a state where the shutter592is closed. In the present embodiment E1, the surface592aon the inner side of the shutter592in a closed state is formed into a curved surface on which the intermediate portion in the height direction is recessed toward the inside of the toilet bowl521from the upper end portion and the lower end portion. When the shutter592is in a closed state, the R-shaped front end portion of the handgrip5752is arranged on the inner side of the curved surface of the surface592aon the inner side of the shutter592.

When the dust collection filter575is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, the shutter592is first in an upwardly open state and the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fis exposed. Subsequently, the handgrip5752of the dust collection filter575is gripped, and the dust collection filter575is inserted into the dust collection filter attachment portion5711via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f.

At this time, in the dust collection filter575, the upper engagement target portion5755of the interlink portion5753comes into contact with the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fand the upper surface571cof the duct571, and the upper end portion side of the interlink portion5753is elastically deformed such that the upper opening portion5757is squashed. In addition, in the dust collection filter575, the lower engagement target portion5756of the interlink portion5753comes into contact with the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fand the lower surface571aof the duct571, and the lower end portion side of the interlink portion5753is elastically deformed such that the lower opening portion5758is squashed.

When the protruding portion5754of the dust collection filter575is arranged on the second rear plate portion5715and the dust collection filter575is inserted to the correct position, the upper engagement target portion5755enters the upper engagement portion5759and is engaged with the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, and the lower engagement target portion5756enters the lower engagement portion5760and is engaged with the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

When the dust collection filter575is removed from the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, the shutter592is first in an upwardly open state and the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fis exposed. Subsequently, the handgrip5752of the dust collection filter575is gripped, and the dust collection filter575is pulled and removed from the dust collection filter attachment portion5711via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f.

In this manner, the sterilizing/deodorizing device57is configured to collect dust by using the dust collection filter575from air sucked to the duct571through the suction port591dand performs deodorization by causing the air to pass through the deodorizing cartridge573. Furthermore, the air is caused to be air including positive ions and negative ions by the sterilizing unit574and is discharged through the discharge port591e.

Next, operations and effects of the deodorizing device and the toilet stool described above will be described by using the drawings.

In the present embodiment E1 described above, the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591fcan be opened and closed by the shutter592. Accordingly, when a user uses the toilet stool51, the shutter592is in a closed state, so that it is possible to prevent a spray from entering the dust collection filter attachment portion5711via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dust collection filter575from being unclean due to a spray.

In addition, the handgrip5752is provided in the dust collection filter575. Accordingly, when the shutter592is open and the handgrip5752of the dust collection filter575is gripped, a user can easily attach and detach the dust collection filter575with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

In addition, when the dust collection filter575is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, the upper engagement target portion5755enters the upper engagement portion5759and is engaged, and the lower engagement target portion5756enters the lower engagement portion5760and is engaged. Accordingly, the dust collection filter575can be installed in the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. In addition, it is possible to prevent position aberration of the dust collection filter575in the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

In addition, the dust collection filter575has a set attachment direction with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711and has a configuration in which the protruding portion5754of the dust collection filter575is arranged on the second rear plate portion5715. Accordingly, the dust collection filter575can be attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711in the correct direction.

In addition, when the dust collection filter575is attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711after the shutter592is in an upwardly open state, the dust collection filter575can be attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711from the upper side of the shutter592. Therefore, the dust collection filter575can be easily attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

In addition, when the shutter592is in an upwardly open state, the surface592bon the outer side of the shutter592which often becomes unclean due to a spray becomes a lower side, thereby being less likely to be touched by a user. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user from touching a spray on the surface592bon the outer side of the shutter592.

Hereinabove, the embodiment E1 for the deodorizing device and the toilet stool according to the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment E1 and can be suitably changed within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the embodiment E1, the handgrip5752is provided in the dust collection filter575. However, the handgrip5752does not have to be provided as long as a user can attach and detach the dust collection filter575with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711.

In addition, in the configuration of the embodiment E1, the upper engagement target portion5755and the lower engagement target portion5756are formed in the dust collection filter575, the upper engagement portion5759and the lower engagement portion5760are formed in the duct571, the upper engagement target portion5755is engaged with the upper engagement portion5759, and the lower engagement target portion5756is engaged with the lower engagement portion5760. On the other hand, the dust collection filter575does not have to be engaged with the duct571. In addition, the form of engagement of the dust collection filter575in the duct571may be a form other than those described above. For example, any one of the upper engagement target portion5755and the lower engagement target portion5756may be provided in the dust collection filter575, and corresponding one of the upper engagement portion5759and the lower engagement portion5760may be provided in the duct571.

In addition, in the embodiment E1, the dust collection filter575is formed to have a plate shape and is installed in a direction in which the plate surface becomes a substantially vertical surface, the form of the dust collection filter575or the direction for installation may be suitably set.

In addition, in the embodiment E1, the protruding portion5754is formed in the dust collection filter575, and a reverse attachment prevention mechanism for the dust collection filter575is provided such that when the dust collection filter575is in the correct direction, the protruding portion5754is arranged on the second rear plate portion5715and is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711, and when the dust collection filter575is in the reverse direction, the protruding portion5754comes into contact with the first rear plate portion5714and is prohibited from being attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. On the other hand, the reverse attachment prevention mechanism for the dust collection filter575does not have to be provided.

In addition, a reverse attachment prevention mechanism for the dust collection filter575in a different form may be provided. For example, a fitting portion may be formed in the duct571such that the dust collection filter575is fitted in a case of the correct direction and the dust collection filter575is not fitted in a case of the reverse direction.

In addition, in the embodiment E1, the shutter592has a form of being in both the open states, that is, an upwardly open state and a downwardly open state. On the other hand, the shutter592may have a form of being in only a downwardly open state. In this case, the shutter592is in a downwardly open state and the dust collection filter575is attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion5711. In addition, the mechanism of opening and closing the shutter592may be a form other than those described above.

In addition, in the embodiment E1, the shutter592is maintained in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state by any one of the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612moving forward and rearward. On the other hand, the shutter592may be maintained in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state by an operation member other than the first nozzle5611and the second nozzle5612. In addition, the shutter592may be configured to be directly gripped by a user and to be maintained in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state.

In addition, in the embodiment E1, the shutter592is configured to be capable of opening and closing the opening forming portion591in which the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f, the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port591a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port591b, the discharge port591cof the warm air drying unit563, and the suction port591dand the discharge port591eof the sterilizing/deodorizing device57are formed. On the other hand, the shutter592needs only to be configured to be capable of opening and closing at least the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port591f.

In addition, in the embodiment E1, the sterilizing/deodorizing device57is provided. However, in place of the sterilizing/deodorizing device57, a deodorizing device performing only deodorization may be performed.

In addition, the embodiment E1 may be combined with the configuration disclosed in at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3, B1, C1, and D1, or the configuration of at least one of the embodiments A1 to A3, B1, C1, and D1 and the configuration of a modification example may be applied suitably and selectively.

Hereinabove, each of the embodiments of the present invention has been described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described above, and it is possible to change the combination of the constitution elements and to add or delete various changes with respect to each of the constitution elements in each of the embodiments within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the descriptions above but is only limited to the accompanying Claims.

According to the toilet deodorizing method and the toilet described above, it is possible to provide a toilet deodorizing method and a toilet in which an odor is captured more efficiently and effectively such that odors during defecation and after defecation can be deodorized.

According to the toilet deodorizing device described above, it is possible to provide a toilet deodorizing device in which deterioration of an air flow passing through a deodorizer is suppressed such that deodorization can be efficiently performed.

According to the toilet described above, it is possible to provide a toilet including a deodorizing device in which an air flow is smoothed such that an odor in a toilet bowl can be efficiently deodorized.

According to the toilet described above, it is possible to provide a toilet which can deodorize the inside of a toilet bowl and deodorize a water closet space by using the same deodorizing device.

According to the toilet described above, it is possible to provide a deodorizing device and a toilet in which a dust collection filter can be prevented from being unclean due to a spray in a toilet bowl.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST