Patent Description:
Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a known pneumatic toilet device (hereinafter simply referred to as a "toilet device"). The toilet device of Patent Literature <NUM> includes a waste breaking pumping system and a fill valve. The waste breaking pumping system is connected to a waste outlet of a toilet bowl to receive the wastes drained from the toilet bowl. The waste breaking pumping system is designed to break, into pieces, the wastes that have flown in and then drain the wastes to a drainage system.

The fill valve is provided for a water inlet line connected to a water supply system such as a city water. The fill valve may selectively provide or stop supply of water into the toilet bowl.

In the toilet device of Patent Literature <NUM>, units such as the waste breaking pumping system and the fill valve are so heavyweight that it is difficult for a person in charge of maintenance of the toilet device to do the maintenance by moving the toilet device such as when the waste breaking pumping system is clogged up with some foreign matter.

<CIT> discloses a device for pumping and triturating.

<CIT> discloses a toilet system with a two-position switch for reversing the motor-driven pump and a valve rod for moving the two-position valve from one position to the other.

<CIT> discloses a marine toilet assembly comprising a first tubular member having an open upper end connected to and supporting a conventional toilet bowl and seat assembly.

<CIT> discloses a motorized functional unit for toilets.

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a toilet device that facilitates maintenance of its water supply unit and waste breaking unit.

A toilet device according to the present invention includes the technical features of independent claim <NUM>.

A toilet device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment is installed on an installation surface <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The toilet device <NUM> includes a pedestal <NUM> to be mounted on the installation surface <NUM>, a toilet body <NUM>, a water supply unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) , a waste breaking unit <NUM> (see <FIG>), an inlet line disconnector <NUM> (see <FIG>), and an outlet line disconnector <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The toilet body <NUM> is set on the pedestal <NUM>. The toilet body <NUM> includes a bowl <NUM> and a water inlet <NUM> for supplying water into the bowl <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The bowl <NUM> has a waste outlet <NUM>, receives wastes discharged by the user, and drains the wastes through the waste outlet <NUM>.

The water supply unit <NUM> selectively provides or stops supply of water to the water inlet <NUM>. The water supply unit <NUM> is connected to the water inlet <NUM> through a water inlet line <NUM>. The water supply unit <NUM> is attached to the pedestal <NUM>. The waste breaking unit <NUM> breaks, into pieces, wastes drained from the bowl <NUM>. The waste breaking unit <NUM> is connected to the waste outlet <NUM> of the bowl <NUM> through a waste outlet line <NUM>. The waste breaking unit <NUM> is attached to the pedestal <NUM>.

The inlet line disconnector <NUM> disconnects the water supply unit <NUM> from the water inlet <NUM>. Meanwhile, the outlet line disconnector <NUM> disconnects the waste breaking unit <NUM> from the waste outlet <NUM>. This allows the toilet body <NUM> to be separated from the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM>, thus making the toilet body <NUM> removable with the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> left on the pedestal <NUM>.

Thus, the toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment facilitates the maintenance of the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM>.

Next, the toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment will be described in further detail.

As shown in <FIG>, the toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment is installed on the installation surface <NUM>. The toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment is mounted on, and attached with a fixing member onto, the installation surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the installation surface <NUM> is a floor surface. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the installation surface <NUM> may also be the upper surface of a mat such as a waterproof mat, the upper surface of tiles, the upper surface of a floor tray in a bathroom, for example, or even the ground. The installation surface <NUM> may be provided either indoors or outdoors, whichever is appropriate. The installation surface <NUM> is a flat surface in this embodiment but may also be a surface with unevenness.

The toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment is arranged inside a toilet room. The toilet room has at least one wall <NUM>. In the following description, a direction pointing from the wall <NUM> toward the toilet device <NUM> and aligned with the installation surface <NUM> is defined herein as a "forward direction" and the opposite direction thereof is defined herein as a "backward direction" as shown in <FIG>. Meanwhile, the "leftward direction" and "rightward direction" are defined herein for the user who is facing the toilet device <NUM> in the backward direction.

In this embodiment, the toilet room includes a water inlet member <NUM> and a waste outlet member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the water inlet member <NUM> is fixed on the wall <NUM> of the toilet room. The water inlet member <NUM> is a member connected to a water supply source and designed to supply water to the toilet device <NUM>. The water inlet member <NUM> is implemented as a shutoff valve in this embodiment but may also be a joint fixed on the wall <NUM>. The water supply source is the source from which water is supplied and refers herein to plumbing branching from a water distributing pipe, which leads to a distribution reservoir, toward respective dwelling houses. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the water supplied from the water inlet member <NUM> has water pressure. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the water supply source may also be plumbing leading to a reservoir tank.

In this embodiment, the waste outlet member <NUM> is fixed on the wall <NUM> of the toilet room. The waste outlet member <NUM> is a member connected to a sewer and designed to drain the wastes that have been broken into pieces by the toilet device <NUM>. The waste outlet member <NUM> is implemented as a valve in this embodiment but may also be a joint fixed on the wall <NUM>, for example.

The toilet device <NUM> further includes an inlet line connector <NUM> and an outlet line connector <NUM>. The inlet line connector <NUM> is a member connected to the water inlet member <NUM> and receiving the water supplied from the water supply source. The inlet line connector <NUM> and the water inlet member <NUM> are connected together via an inlet line <NUM>. The outlet line connector <NUM> is a member, which is connected to the waste outlet member <NUM> and through which the wastes are drained from the toilet device <NUM>. The outlet line connector <NUM> and the waste outlet member <NUM> are connected together via an outlet line <NUM>.

The toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment includes the pedestal <NUM>, a plurality of units <NUM>, the toilet body <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The pedestal <NUM> is a member to which the unit(s) <NUM> is/are attached and which is to be mounted on the installation surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pedestal <NUM> is attached to the installation surface <NUM> with a fixing member. However, the pedestal <NUM> does not have to be fixed to the installation surface <NUM>. In other words, as used herein, if some member is "mounted on the installation surface <NUM>," then the member may or may not be fixed on the installation surface <NUM>.

To the pedestal <NUM>, attached is/are the unit(s) <NUM> to be described later as shown in <FIG>. The units <NUM> are fixed to the pedestal <NUM>. The pedestal <NUM> includes a bottom plate <NUM> to which the unit(s) <NUM> is/are attached, an outer peripheral portion <NUM>, and catching members <NUM>. In this embodiment, the bottom plate <NUM>, the outer peripheral portion <NUM>, and the catching members <NUM> are integrated together. The bottom plate <NUM> and the outer peripheral portion <NUM> are made of a synthetic resin in this embodiment but may also be made of vulcanite, a metal, carbon, wood, or any other suitable material.

The lower surface of the bottom plate <NUM> faces the installation surface <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> is interposed between the unit(s) <NUM> and the installation surface <NUM> and is able to receive, even when water leaks out of the units <NUM>, the water. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom plate <NUM> has a plate shape and is parallel to the installation surface <NUM> in this embodiment.

The outer peripheral portion <NUM> is a portion formed continuously with the outer periphery of the bottom plate <NUM>. The outer peripheral portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the upper surface of the bottom plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion <NUM> includes a standup surface <NUM>, a mounting surface <NUM>, a plurality of through holes <NUM>, and a plurality of attachment holes <NUM>.

The standup surface <NUM> is a surface that stands up along the outer periphery of the bottom plate <NUM> when viewed from over the toilet device <NUM> (i.e., when viewed in plan). In this embodiment, the standup surface <NUM> is a plane parallel to a vertical plane. The standup surface <NUM> prevents the water received at the bottom plate <NUM> from overflowing into the installation surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the standup surface <NUM> is provided inside the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate <NUM> such that the standup surface <NUM> is located at a predetermined distance from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate <NUM>. The interval between respective facing portions of the standup surface <NUM> is determined to be at least long enough to house the unit(s) <NUM>.

As used herein, the "vertical plane" refers to a plane that intersects at right angles with the installation surface <NUM>. Also, as used herein, if something is "parallel to" another, then the angle formed between two lines on the same plane (or between two planes in the same space or between a line and a plane) may fall within the range from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Note that the standup surface <NUM> is supposed to be a plane parallel to a vertical plane in this embodiment. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Rather the standup surface <NUM> just needs to stand up with respect to the upper surface of the bottom plate <NUM> and may define a tilt angle with respect to the vertical plane or may have a curved or stepped shape when taken along the vertical plane.

The mounting surface <NUM> is a surface on which the toilet body <NUM> is mounted. The mounting surface <NUM> just needs to mount the toilet body <NUM> thereon and may have a plurality of openings as shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the mounting surface <NUM> is parallel to the installation surface <NUM> and perpendicular to the standup surface <NUM>. The mounting surface <NUM> is located over the upper surface of the bottom plate <NUM>.

The through holes <NUM> are holes to pass fixing members to mount the pedestal <NUM> onto the installation surface <NUM>. A plurality of (e.g., two in this embodiment) through holes <NUM> are provided outside of the standup surface <NUM>. The through holes <NUM> are provided behind the center of the pedestal <NUM> in the forward/backward direction and at right and left ends, respectively. As used herein, the "outside of the standup surface <NUM>" refers to a region located, in a plan view of the pedestal <NUM>, opposite from its center (of the plan view) with respect to the standup surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, each of the through holes <NUM> runs from the mounting surface <NUM> through the lower surface of the bottom plate <NUM>. In other words, the through holes <NUM> run in the upward/downward direction.

In this embodiment, the through holes <NUM> are implemented as round holes. However, the through holes <NUM> do not have to be round holes but may also be oval holes, rectangular holes, or even keyholes, for example. Alternatively, the through holes <NUM> may even be cutouts which are open outward in a plan view.

The attachment holes <NUM> are holes to attach the toilet body <NUM> onto the mounting surface <NUM>. A plurality of (e.g., two in this embodiment) attachment holes <NUM> are provided outside of the standup surface <NUM>. The respective attachment holes <NUM> are provided forward of the through holes <NUM>. In this embodiment, each of the attachment holes <NUM> runs from the mounting surface <NUM> through the lower surface of the bottom plate <NUM>. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. In this embodiment, the lower end of each of the attachment holes <NUM> is counterbored to house a nut <NUM> therein as shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment, a frame <NUM> of the toilet body <NUM> is attached to the pedestal <NUM> with bolts <NUM> and nuts <NUM>. Alternatively, the inner peripheral surface of each of the attachment holes <NUM> may be threaded. The frame <NUM> is attached to the pedestal <NUM> with fixing members inserted into the attachment holes <NUM>.

The lower end portion at the front end (hereinafter referred to as a "frontend portion") of the toilet body <NUM> is caught in the catching members <NUM>. In this embodiment, the catching members <NUM> are implemented as a pair of hooks <NUM> that regulate the upward movement of the toilet body <NUM>. The pair of hooks <NUM> are separated from each other in the rightward/leftward direction.

A plurality of (e.g., two in this embodiment) units <NUM> are attached to the pedestal <NUM>. In this embodiment, these units <NUM> are machines to be driven when supplied with motive power. The motive power is supposed to be electric power in this embodiment but may also be air. The toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment includes, as the plurality of units <NUM>, the waste breaking unit <NUM> and the water supply unit <NUM>.

The waste breaking unit <NUM> is attached to the bottom plate <NUM>. In this embodiment, the waste breaking unit <NUM> breaks, into pieces, the wastes that have been drained from the bowl <NUM>. As used herein, the "wastes" include not only excrements (including feces and urine) discharged by the user, for example, but also paper and other wastes as well. In this embodiment, the waste breaking unit <NUM> includes a waste breaking machine for breaking the wastes into pieces and a pneumatic pump for pumping out the wastes that have been broken into pieces. As will be described later in the "(<NUM>. <NUM>) Water inlet line and waste outlet line" section, the waste breaking unit <NUM> is provided on the waste outlet line <NUM> that connects the waste outlet <NUM> of the bowl <NUM> to the outlet line connector <NUM>. As used herein, the "waste outlet line <NUM>" refers to a passage through which the wastes drained from the bowl <NUM> passes. In other words, the waste breaking unit <NUM> is connected to the waste outlet <NUM> of the bowl <NUM> through the waste outlet line <NUM>.

The water supply unit <NUM> selectively provides or stops supply of water to the water inlet <NUM> provided for the bowl <NUM>. The water supply unit <NUM> is attached to the waste breaking unit <NUM> and is indirectly attached to the bottom plate <NUM>. Therefore, as used herein, when some member (such as the unit <NUM> in this embodiment) is "attached to the bottom plate <NUM>," the member is attached to the bottom plate <NUM> either directly or indirectly.

In this embodiment, the water supply unit <NUM> is implemented as a solenoid valve. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the water supply unit <NUM> may also be implemented as a motorized valve or a feed pump. Still alternatively, the water supply unit <NUM> may also be a combination of a feed pump and either a solenoid valve or a motorized valve. Particularly when the water pressure of the water supply source is insufficient, the water supply unit <NUM> suitably includes a feed pump.

As will be described later in the "(<NUM>. <NUM>) Water inlet line and waste outlet line" section, the water supply unit <NUM> is provided on the water inlet line <NUM> that connects the water inlet <NUM> to supply water into the bowl <NUM> to the inlet line connector <NUM>. As used herein, the "water inlet line <NUM>" refers to a passage through which the water supplied from the water supply source passes. In other words, the water supply unit <NUM> is connected to the water inlet <NUM> through the water inlet line <NUM>.

The toilet body <NUM> is set on the pedestal <NUM>. In this embodiment, the toilet body <NUM> is attached removably to the pedestal <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the toilet body <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and a resin molded member <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> forms the framework of the toilet body <NUM>. In this embodiment, the frame <NUM> is made of a metallic material, and more specifically, made of stainless steel. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the frame <NUM> may also be made of iron, titanium, steel, zinc, or copper, for example. Still alternatively, the frame <NUM> may also be made of a resin with high strength such as fiber-reinforced plastic. As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a standup portion <NUM>, a pair of legs <NUM>, and a pair of supporting portions <NUM>.

The base <NUM> faces the upper surface of the pedestal <NUM>. In this embodiment, the base <NUM> is attached removably to the mounting surface <NUM> of the pedestal <NUM>. The base <NUM> is formed in a generally U-shape in a plan view and is open backward. The inner peripheral edge of the base <NUM> forms an opening. In other words, the frame <NUM> has a lower opening plane <NUM> with an opening space that faces downward toward the upper surface of the pedestal <NUM>. The lower opening plane <NUM> is a plane flush with the lower surface of the base <NUM>.

The base <NUM> includes a plurality of coupling portions <NUM> on both ends in the rightward/leftward direction. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of coupling portions <NUM> is a hole. The base <NUM> and the pedestal <NUM> are coupled together via fixing members passed through the coupling portions <NUM> and the attachment holes <NUM>. The coupling portions <NUM> are provided backward of the standup portion <NUM> of the base <NUM>. Also, the lower end of a skirt <NUM> (to be described later) is attached to a portion, located forward of the standup portion <NUM>, of the base <NUM>.

The standup portion <NUM> is a portion that stands up from the upper surface of the base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an attachment piece <NUM>, provided at the rear end of the skirt <NUM>, is attached to the standup portion <NUM> with a fixing member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the standup portion <NUM> is formed in a vertically inverted U-shape in a front view as shown in <FIG>.

The pair of legs <NUM> are provided to stand up one to one from the rear ends of the base <NUM>. The pair of legs <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the rightward/leftward direction and the respective rear edges, facing each other, of the pair of legs <NUM> form an opening. In other words, the frame <NUM> has a rear opening plane <NUM> that faces backward and has an opening space. The rear opening plane <NUM> is flush with the rear surface of the legs <NUM> and is parallel to a vertical plane in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the base <NUM> is open backward and is provided neither a reinforcing member that bridges the respective rear ends of the base <NUM> nor a reinforcing member that bridges the respective lower ends of the pair of legs <NUM>. This allows the respective opening spaces of the rear opening plane <NUM> and the lower opening plane <NUM> to communicate with each other.

The respective supporting portions <NUM> connect the standup portion <NUM> to the legs <NUM>. The respective supporting portions <NUM> are formed in a generally crank shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the pair of supporting portions <NUM> are linked together with a link member <NUM>.

The resin molded member <NUM> is a member that forms the shell of the toilet body <NUM> and is supported by the frame <NUM>. In this embodiment, the resin molded member <NUM> includes a rim <NUM>, the bowl <NUM>, a water inlet nozzle <NUM> (see <FIG>), the skirt <NUM> that supports the bowl <NUM>, a pair of side covers <NUM>, a rear cover <NUM>, and a waste trap <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The rim <NUM> is attached to the upper end of the bowl <NUM>. The rim <NUM> is formed in an annular shape in a plan view. The upper end face of the rim <NUM> is a flat surface, on which a toilet seat <NUM> is placed as shown in <FIG>. The toilet seat <NUM> and a lid <NUM> are mounted to the rear cover <NUM> to be rotatable around a shaft that is parallel to the rightward/leftward direction.

The bowl <NUM> receives the wastes discharged by the user and drains the wastes through the waste outlet <NUM> (see <FIG>). The bowl <NUM> has an opening plane on the upper surface thereof and is formed in a cup shape. A cylindrical portion that opens backward is provided at the lower end of the bowl <NUM>. The rear end of the cylindrical portion is the waste outlet <NUM>.

The water inlet nozzle <NUM> supplies water into the bowl <NUM>. The water inlet nozzle <NUM> is connected to the water supply unit <NUM> through the water inlet line <NUM>. The tip surface of the water inlet nozzle <NUM> defines the water inlet <NUM>, through which water runs out. In other words, the water inlet <NUM> supplies water into the bowl <NUM>.

The skirt <NUM> supports the bowl <NUM> thereon. As shown in <FIG>, the skirt <NUM> is formed to have a generally U-horizontal cross section. On the inner peripheral surface of the skirt <NUM>, provided are a plurality of longitudinal ribs <NUM>. At a level somewhat lower than the upper end of the skirt <NUM>, the bowl <NUM> is supported by the longitudinal ribs <NUM> such that the rim <NUM> is attached to the upper end of the skirt <NUM>. The rim <NUM> and the skirt <NUM> are integrated together by welding.

When the user seats him- or herself on the toilet seat <NUM>, load is applied downward via the rim <NUM>. However, the load is received by the longitudinal ribs <NUM> of the skirt <NUM>. The rear and lower ends of the skirt <NUM> are fixed to the frame <NUM>, thus allowing the load from the rim <NUM> to be received effectively.

The pair of side covers <NUM> are attached removably to the frame <NUM>. The side covers <NUM> cover the coupling portions <NUM>. Thus, removing the side covers <NUM> from the frame <NUM> causes the coupling portions <NUM> to be exposed as shown in <FIG>. This allows the user or a maintenance person to remove the frame <NUM> from the pedestal <NUM> easily simply by removing the side covers <NUM> from the frame <NUM>.

The rear cover <NUM> is attached to the supporting portions <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> forms an upper part of the rear end portion of the toilet device <NUM>. In this embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> houses a backflow check structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The backflow check structure <NUM> is provided halfway through the water inlet line <NUM>.

The waste trap <NUM> forms water seal in the bowl <NUM>. The water seal <NUM> is water that is stored in the bowl <NUM> to prevent unpleasant odor from flowing back from the drainpipe and also prevent sanitary insects from attempting to enter the bowl <NUM> in the toilet room. The waste trap <NUM> is attached to the waste outlet <NUM> of the bowl <NUM>. In this embodiment, the waste trap <NUM> is a so-called "S-trap. " The waste trap <NUM> is provided halfway through the waste outlet line <NUM>. In other words, the waste trap <NUM> is connected to the waste breaking unit <NUM> through the waste outlet line <NUM>.

The rear cover <NUM> is attached to the rear end of the pedestal <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> covers the rear opening plane <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> is not fixed to the frame <NUM>. Thus, even when the frame <NUM> is removed from the pedestal <NUM>, the rear cover <NUM> is still attached to the pedestal <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> is located backward of the toilet body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rear cover <NUM> includes a holding portion <NUM> for holding at least a part of a pipe <NUM> that form the waste outlet line <NUM>. Optionally, the holding portion <NUM> may hold at least a part of a tube <NUM> that forms the water inlet line <NUM>. In other words, the rear cover <NUM> may hold either the waste outlet line <NUM> or the water inlet line <NUM>, whichever is appropriate.

The water inlet line <NUM> is a passage that connects the inlet line connector <NUM> to the water inlet <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The water inlet line <NUM> is provided with the water supply unit <NUM>. On the water inlet line <NUM>, an inlet line disconnector <NUM> is provided between the water supply unit <NUM> and the water inlet <NUM> (more specifically, between the water supply unit <NUM> and the backflow check structure <NUM>).

The inlet line disconnector <NUM> is provided for the water inlet line <NUM> to disconnect the water supply unit <NUM> from the water inlet <NUM>. In this embodiment, the inlet line disconnector <NUM> is a joint fixed to the toilet body <NUM>. The tube <NUM> connected between the joint and the water supply unit <NUM> is removable with respect to the joint.

In this embodiment, the inlet line disconnector <NUM> is implemented as a joint. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the inlet line disconnector <NUM> may also be implemented as a socket, a coupling joint, or a one-touch joint that allows the user to remove the tube <NUM> by single operation. In this embodiment, the inlet line disconnector <NUM> is fixed to the toilet body <NUM>. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the inlet line disconnector <NUM> may also be configured such that the tube <NUM> is removable from the water supply unit <NUM> or that the tube <NUM> is separable halfway.

The tube <NUM> may be implemented as a tube with bendability, a hose with flexibility, vulcanite, or a flexible tube made of a metallic material, for example.

The waste outlet line <NUM> is a passage that connects the outlet line connector <NUM> to the waste outlet <NUM> as described above. The waste outlet line <NUM> is provided with the waste breaking unit <NUM>. On the waste outlet line <NUM>, an outlet line disconnector <NUM> is provided between the waste breaking unit <NUM> and the waste outlet <NUM> (more specifically, between the waste breaking unit <NUM> and the waste trap <NUM>).

The outlet line disconnector <NUM> is provided for the waste outlet line <NUM> to disconnect the waste breaking unit <NUM> from the waste outlet <NUM>. In this embodiment, the outlet line disconnector <NUM> is implemented as a joint fixed to the waste breaking unit <NUM>. The joint and the waste trap <NUM> are attached to be removable from each other.

In this embodiment, the outlet line disconnector <NUM> is implemented as a joint. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the outlet line disconnector <NUM> may also be implemented as a socket, a coupling joint, or a one-touch joint that allows the user to remove the tube <NUM> by single operation. In this embodiment, the outlet line disconnector <NUM> is fixed to the waste breaking unit <NUM>. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the tube <NUM> may be provided between the waste breaking unit <NUM> and the waste trap <NUM> such that the outlet line disconnector <NUM> is separable halfway on the tube <NUM>.

When the toilet device <NUM> with the configuration described above is subjected to maintenance, for example, the toilet body <NUM> may be removed from the pedestal <NUM> in the following manner. First, as shown in <FIG>, the user or a maintenance person (hereinafter referred to as the "user" for convenience sake) removes the side covers <NUM> from the frame <NUM>. Then, the coupling portions <NUM>, the inlet line disconnector <NUM>, and the outlet line disconnector <NUM> are exposed. The user removes the fixing members that connect the pedestal <NUM> to the coupling portions <NUM>, i.e., the fixing members that couple the pedestal <NUM> to the base <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In addition, the user disconnects the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> from the toilet body <NUM> by operating the inlet line disconnector <NUM> and the outlet line disconnector <NUM>. Note that in this state, the lower end portion at the front end of the toilet body <NUM> is still caught on the catching members <NUM> of the pedestal <NUM>. In addition, in this state, the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> are located over the lower opening plane <NUM> and forward of the rear opening plane <NUM>. As used herein, when the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> are located "over" the lower opening plane <NUM>, the water supply unit <NUM> or the waste breaking unit <NUM> may overlap with the lower opening plane <NUM>. Also, as used herein, when the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> are located "forward of" the rear opening plane <NUM>, the water supply unit <NUM> or the waste breaking unit <NUM> may overlap with the rear opening plane <NUM>.

Next, the user moves the toilet body <NUM> forward with respect to the pedestal <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. This brings the lower end portion at the front end of the toilet body <NUM> out of engagement with the catching members <NUM>, thus making the toilet body <NUM> movable upward. The frame <NUM> has the rear opening plane <NUM>. Thus, even if the units <NUM> are kept attached to the pedestal <NUM>, the toilet body <NUM> is still movable with respect to the pedestal <NUM>.

In this state, the user moves the toilet body <NUM> upward. In the frame <NUM>, the opening space of the rear opening plane <NUM> communicates with the opening space of the lower opening plane <NUM>. This allows the user to move the toilet body <NUM> forward and upward with respect to the pedestal <NUM>.

Removing the toilet body <NUM> from over the pedestal <NUM> facilitates maintenance of the units <NUM>. In addition, the pedestal <NUM> has the bottom plate <NUM>, and therefore, is able to receive water leaking out from the inlet line disconnector <NUM> or the outlet line disconnector <NUM> as well as water leaking when the units <NUM> are subjected to maintenance upside down. Thus, the toilet device <NUM> according to this embodiment allows the user to do maintenance of the units <NUM> more easily.

Note that the embodiment described above is only an exemplary one of various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, the exemplary embodiment may be readily modified in various manners depending on a design choice or any other factor without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Next, variations of the exemplary embodiment will be enumerated one after another. Any of the variations to be described below may be adopted in combination as appropriate.

In the toilet device <NUM> according to the embodiment described above, the shutoff valve fixed to the wall <NUM> of the toilet room and serving as the water inlet member <NUM> and the inlet line connector <NUM> are connected together through the inlet line. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the plumbing extended from the water supply source may be directly connected to the inlet line connector <NUM> of the toilet device <NUM>.

Also, in the embodiment described above, the toilet body <NUM> is attached removably to the mounting surface <NUM> of the pedestal <NUM>. Alternatively, the toilet body <NUM> may be attached removably to a side surface of the pedestal <NUM>. Still alternatively, the frame <NUM> of the toilet body <NUM> may be located outside of the pedestal <NUM> and may be attached removably to the installation surface <NUM>. In other words, at least part of the toilet body <NUM> may be located over the pedestal <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> are both attached to the bottom plate <NUM>. Alternatively, one of the water supply unit <NUM> or the waste breaking unit <NUM> may be attached to the bottom plate <NUM> and the other may be attached to a crosspiece bridging the outer peripheral portion <NUM>. Still alternatively, both the water supply unit <NUM> and the waste breaking unit <NUM> may be attached to a crosspiece bridging the outer peripheral portion <NUM>. That is to say, the units <NUM> do not have to be attached to the bottom plate <NUM>.

In the embodiment described above, the water supplied into the bowl <NUM> is tap water. However, this is only an example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively, the water supplied into the bowl <NUM> may also be water to which a detergent has been added halfway through the water inlet line <NUM>.

As can be seen from the foregoing description of embodiments, a toilet device (<NUM>) according to a first aspect includes: a pedestal (<NUM>) to be mounted on an installation surface (<NUM>); and a toilet body (<NUM>) to be set on the pedestal (<NUM>). The toilet body (<NUM>) includes: a bowl (<NUM>) to receive wastes and drain the wastes through a waste outlet (<NUM>); and a water inlet (<NUM>) to supply water into the bowl (<NUM>). The toilet device (<NUM>) further includes a water supply unit (<NUM>), a waste breaking unit (<NUM>), an inlet line disconnector (<NUM>), and an outlet line disconnector (<NUM>). The water supply unit (<NUM>) is attached to the pedestal (<NUM>) and connected to the water inlet (<NUM>) through a water inlet line (<NUM>). The water supply unit (<NUM>) selectively provides or stops supply of water to the water inlet (<NUM>). The waste breaking unit (<NUM>) is attached to the pedestal (<NUM>) and connected to the waste outlet (<NUM>) through a waste outlet line (<NUM>). The waste breaking unit (<NUM>) breaks, into pieces, the wastes drained through the waste outlet (<NUM>). The inlet line disconnector (<NUM>) disconnects the water supply unit (<NUM>) from the water inlet (<NUM>). The outlet line disconnector (<NUM>) disconnects the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) from the waste outlet (<NUM>).

This aspect allows the toilet body (<NUM>) to be moved with respect to the pedestal (<NUM>) after the water supply unit (<NUM>) has been disconnected from the toilet body (<NUM>) by the inlet line disconnector (<NUM>) and after the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) has been disconnected from the toilet body (<NUM>) by the outlet line disconnector (<NUM>). At this time, the water supply unit (<NUM>) and the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) may be left attached to the pedestal (<NUM>), thus allowing a maintenance person to move the toilet body (<NUM>) easily. This facilitates the maintenance, for example, of the water supply unit (<NUM>) or the waste breaking unit (<NUM>).

In a toilet device (<NUM>) according to a second aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, the toilet body (<NUM>) is attached removably to the pedestal (<NUM>).

This aspect eliminates the need to attach the toilet body (<NUM>) directly to the installation surface (<NUM>) when mounting the toilet device (<NUM>) onto the installation surface (<NUM>).

In the toilet device (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, the pedestal (<NUM>) includes a bottom plate (<NUM>) facing the installation surface (<NUM>).

This aspect allows, even when water flows out of at least one of the water supply unit (<NUM>) or the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) during the maintenance, for example, the water to be received at the bottom plate (<NUM>), thus reducing the overflow of the water on the installation surface (<NUM>).

In a toilet device (<NUM>) according to a third aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, at least one of the water supply unit (<NUM>) or the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) is attached to the bottom plate (<NUM>).

This aspect simplifies the attachment structure of at least one of the water supply unit (<NUM>) or the waste breaking unit (<NUM>).

In the toilet device (<NUM>) according to the first aspect, the pedestal (<NUM>) includes a standup surface (<NUM>) that stands up along an outer periphery of the bottom plate (<NUM>).

This aspect reduces, when water flowing out of at least one of the water supply unit (<NUM>) or the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) is received at the bottom plate (<NUM>), the chances of the received water flowing out of the bottom plate (<NUM>) toward the installation surface (<NUM>).

In a toilet device (<NUM>) according to a fourth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with the first aspect, the pedestal (<NUM>) has a through hole (<NUM>) provided outside of the standup surface (<NUM>), and the pedestal (<NUM>) is attached to the installation surface (<NUM>) via a fixing member that passes through the through hole (<NUM>).

This aspect prevents, when the pedestal (<NUM>) is mounted on the installation surface (<NUM>) with a fixing member, the water received at the bottom plate (<NUM>) from flowing outside of the standup surface (<NUM>), thus reducing the chances of the water running along the fixing member toward the installation surface (<NUM>).

In a toilet device (<NUM>) according to a fifth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fourth aspects, the toilet body (<NUM>) includes a frame (<NUM>) and a side cover (<NUM>). The frame (<NUM>) includes a coupling portion (<NUM>) and is attached to the pedestal (<NUM>) to be removable at the coupling portion (<NUM>). The side cover (<NUM>) is removable from the frame (<NUM>) and covers the coupling portion (<NUM>).

This aspect facilitates the work to be done at the coupling portion (<NUM>) because the coupling portion (<NUM>) is exposed simply by removing the side cover (<NUM>), thus allowing the toilet body (<NUM>) to be removed easily from the pedestal (<NUM>).

In a toilet device (<NUM>) according to an sixth aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any one of the first to fifth aspects, the toilet body (<NUM>) includes a waste trap (<NUM>) connected to the waste outlet (<NUM>) and provided for the waste outlet line (<NUM>). The outlet line disconnector (<NUM>) is provided between the waste trap (<NUM>) and the waste breaking unit (<NUM>).

Claim 1:
A toilet device (<NUM>) comprising:
a pedestal (<NUM>) configured to be mounted on an installation surface (<NUM>); and
a toilet body (<NUM>) configured to be set on the pedestal (<NUM>),
the toilet body (<NUM>) including:
a bowl (<NUM>) having a waste outlet (<NUM>) and configured to receive wastes and drain the wastes through the waste outlet (<NUM>); and
a water inlet (<NUM>) configured to supply water into the bowl (<NUM>),
the toilet device (<NUM>) further comprising:
a water supply unit (<NUM>) attached to the pedestal (<NUM>), connected to the water inlet (<NUM>) through a water inlet line (<NUM>), and configured to selectively provide or stop supply of water to the water inlet (<NUM>);
a waste breaking unit (<NUM>) attached to the pedestal (<NUM>), connected to the waste outlet (<NUM>) through a waste outlet line (<NUM>), and configured to break, into pieces, the wastes drained through the waste outlet (<NUM>);
an inlet line disconnector (<NUM>) configured to disconnect the water supply unit (<NUM>) from the water inlet (<NUM>); and
an outlet line disconnector (<NUM>) configured to disconnect the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) from the waste outlet (<NUM>),
the pedestal (<NUM>) including a bottom plate (<NUM>) facing the installation surface (<NUM>), wherein
the bottom plate (<NUM>) is interposed between the units (<NUM>) and the installation surface (<NUM>) and is able to receive, even when water leaks out of the units (<NUM>), the water,
the units (<NUM>) include the waste breaking unit (<NUM>) and the water supply unit (<NUM>), and the pedestal (<NUM>) further includes a standup surface (<NUM>) that stands up along the outer periphery of the bottom plate (<NUM>).