Patent Description:
Embodiments described herein relate generally to a toilet device.

In a sanitary washing device that includes a nozzle discharging water toward a human body private part, it is known to provide units such as a flow rate sensor detecting the flow rate of water, a vacuum breaker suppressing the backflow of water, and the like in a flow channel connecting a water supply source and the nozzle (e.g., <CIT>).

It is desirable to downsize the units located in the flow channel of such a sanitary washing device to downsize the entire device.

According to the invention, a toilet device includes a nozzle, a flow channel, a heat exchanger, and a flow channel unit. The nozzle discharges water toward a human body private part. The flow channel connects a water supply source and the nozzle. The heat exchanger is located in the flow channel. The heat exchanger warms water supplied from the water supply source. The flow channel unit is located upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger in the flow channel. The flow channel unit includes a flow rate sensor and a vacuum breaker. The flow rate sensor detects a flow rate of water. The vacuum breaker suppresses a backflow of water. The flow rate sensor includes a first case part and a sensor part. The sensor part is housed inside the first case part. The vacuum breaker includes a second case part and a valve part. The valve part is housed inside the second case part. At least a part of the first case part and at least a part of the second case part form a continuous member without breaks.

There is provided a toilet device including a nozzle for discharging water toward a human body private part, a flow channel connecting a water supply source and the nozzle, a heat exchanger located in the flow channel, and a flow channel unit located upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger in the flow channel, wherein the heat exchanger warms water supplied from the water supply source, the flow channel unit includes a flow rate sensor and a vacuum breaker, the flow rate sensor detects a flow rate of water, the vacuum breaker suppresses a backflow of water, the flow rate sensor includes a first case part and a sensor part, the sensor part is housed inside the first case part, the vacuum breaker includes a second case part and a valve part, the valve part is housed inside the second case part, and at least a part of the first case part and at least a part of the second case part form a continuous member without breaks.

According to the toilet device, the path in which the water flows in the flow rate sensor and the path in which the water flows in the vacuum breaker can be shared by forming at least a part of the first case part of the flow rate sensor and at least a part of the second case part of the vacuum breaker from a continuous member; and the flow channel unit can be downsized. The toilet device can be downsized thereby.

Preferably, the sensor part includes an impeller rotated by a flow of water, the valve part includes a float switching between an outflow of water and an inflow of air, the first case part includes a first lower case part and a first upper case part, the first upper case part is fixed by fusing to the first lower case part, the second case part includes a second lower case part and a second upper case part, the second upper case part is fixed by fusing to the second lower case part, the first lower case part and the second lower case part form a continuous member without breaks, and the first upper case part and the second upper case part form a continuous member without breaks.

According to the toilet device, the fusing spots can be reduced by forming the first lower case part of the flow rate sensor and the second lower case part of the vacuum breaker from a continuous member and by forming the first upper case part of the flow rate sensor and the second upper case part of the vacuum breaker from a continuous member; and the water leakage reliability can be improved.

Preferably, the flow channel unit is located downstream of the heat exchanger, and the vacuum breaker is located downstream of the flow rate sensor.

According to the toilet device, the flow rate sensor can detect the absence of water flowing in the heat exchanger by providing the flow channel unit downstream of the heat exchanger. Empty-heating of the heat exchanger can be suppressed thereby. Also, by providing the vacuum breaker downstream of the flow rate sensor (i.e., by providing the flow rate sensor upstream of the vacuum breaker), absence of water flowing in the heat exchanger can be detected more quickly. The empty-heating of the heat exchanger can be more reliably suppressed thereby.

Preferably, the flow channel unit is connected to a downstream end of the heat exchanger.

According to the toilet device, the absence of water flowing in the heat exchanger can be detected more quickly by connecting the flow channel unit to the downstream end of the heat exchanger. The empty-heating of the heat exchanger can be more reliably suppressed thereby.

Preferably, the flow channel unit further includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor detecting a temperature of water, the first temperature sensor is located upstream of the flow rate sensor, and the second temperature sensor is located downstream of the flow rate sensor.

According to the toilet device, by providing the first temperature sensor upstream of the flow rate sensor, the first temperature sensor can detect the temperature of water flowing from the heat exchanger toward the flow rate sensor and can detect whether or not the water is warmed to or above the set temperature. By providing the second temperature sensor downstream of the flow rate sensor, the second temperature sensor can detect whether or not the warm water flowing on the side more proximate to the nozzle has been abnormally heated to a temperature greater than the set temperature. Also, the toilet device can be downsized by providing the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in the flow channel unit.

Preferably, the flow channel unit includes a water inlet positioned at an upstream end of the flow channel unit, the flow channel unit includes a water outlet positioned at a downstream end of the flow channel unit, the second upper case part includes an intake port positioned above the float, and the intake port is located at a higher position than the water outlet.

According to the toilet device, by providing the intake port at a higher position than the water outlet, the backflow of water can be reliably suppressed by the air pulled through the intake port when negative pressure is generated.

Preferably, the flow channel unit includes a first flow channel extending upward from the water inlet, a second flow channel extending in a horizontal direction from the first flow channel via the impeller to a position below the float, a third flow channel extending upward from the second flow channel and passing through the vacuum breaker, and a fourth flow channel extending downward from the third flow channel, wherein the fourth flow channel is connected to the water outlet.

According to the toilet device, because the flow channel unit includes the first flow channel, the third flow channel, and the fourth flow channel that extend in the vertical direction, the space can be used more effectively than when all flow channels extend in the horizontal direction; and the flow channel unit can be further downsized.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Similar components in the drawings are marked with the same reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the toilet device <NUM> includes a western-style sit-down toilet (for convenience of description hereinbelow, called simply the "toilet") <NUM>, and a sanitary washing device <NUM> located on the toilet <NUM>. The toilet <NUM> may be a "floor-mounted" type mounted on the floor surface of a toilet room or may be a "wall-hung" type mounted on a wall surface or lining of the toilet room. The sanitary washing device <NUM> includes a casing <NUM>, a toilet seat <NUM>, and a toilet lid (not illustrated). The toilet seat <NUM> and the toilet lid each are pivotally supported to be openable and closable with respect to the casing <NUM>.

A body wash functional unit that realizes the washing of a human body private part such as a "bottom" or the like of a user sitting on the toilet seat <NUM>, etc., are included inside the casing <NUM>. For example, the user can operate an operation part <NUM> such as a remote control or the like (see <FIG>) to advance a nozzle <NUM> into a bowl <NUM> of the toilet <NUM> and discharge water. In <FIG>, a state in which the nozzle <NUM> is advanced from the casing <NUM> into the bowl <NUM> is illustrated by a double dot-dash line, and a state in which the nozzle <NUM> is retracted from the interior of the bowl <NUM> and stored inside the casing <NUM> is illustrated by a solid line.

A water discharge port <NUM> is provided in the tip portion of the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> washes the human body private part by discharging water from the water discharge port <NUM> toward the human body private part. Multiple water discharge ports <NUM> may be provided. For example, a bidet wash water discharge port 31a, a bottom wash water discharge port 31b, etc., are provided as the water discharge ports <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can wash a female private part of a female sitting on the toilet seat <NUM> by squirting water from the bidet wash water discharge port 31a provided in the tip of the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can wash the "bottom" of the user sitting on the toilet seat <NUM> by squirting water from the bottom wash water discharge port 31b provided in the tip of the nozzle <NUM>.

In this specification, "water" includes not only cold water but also warm water that is heated.

In the toilet device <NUM>, a seat-type sanitary washing device <NUM> may be mounted on the toilet <NUM>, or the functional units of the sanitary washing device <NUM> may be mounted inside the toilet <NUM>. Hereinbelow, an example is described in which a seat-type sanitary washing device <NUM> is mounted on the toilet <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the toilet device according to the embodiment.

The configurations of the water channel system and the electrical system are illustrated together in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the toilet device <NUM> (the sanitary washing device <NUM>) includes a flow channel <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> is located inside the casing <NUM> and connects the nozzle <NUM> and a water supply source WS such as a service water line, a water storage tank, etc. The flow channel <NUM> supplies the water supplied from the water supply source WS to the nozzle <NUM>.

The flow channel <NUM> includes an electromagnetic valve <NUM>, a heat exchanger <NUM>, a flow channel unit <NUM>, an electrolytic cell unit <NUM>, a pressure modulator <NUM>, and a flow regulator <NUM>. A pressure regulator valve, a check valve, a flow path switcher, etc., may be included in the flow channel <NUM> as necessary. For example, the pressure regulator valve and the check valve are located between the electromagnetic valve <NUM> and the heat exchanger <NUM>. For example, the flow path switcher is located between the flow regulator <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>.

The electromagnetic valve <NUM> is located at the upstream side of the flow channel <NUM>. The electromagnetic valve <NUM> controls the supply of the water downstream from the water supply source WS, i.e., the supply of the water from the water supply source WS toward the nozzle <NUM>. The electromagnetic valve <NUM> is, for example, an openable and closable solenoid valve. The electromagnetic valve <NUM> is electrically connected with a controller <NUM> located inside the casing <NUM>. The electromagnetic valve <NUM> opens and closes the flow channel <NUM> based on a command from the controller <NUM>. The water that is supplied from the water supply source WS is caused to flow toward the downstream side by setting the electromagnetic valve <NUM> to the open state. The water supply toward the downstream side is stopped by setting the electromagnetic valve <NUM> to the closed state.

The heat exchanger <NUM> is located downstream of the electromagnetic valve <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM> includes a heater and heats the water supplied via the electromagnetic valve <NUM> to a specified temperature. In other words, the heat exchanger <NUM> produces warm water. The heat exchanger <NUM> is, for example, an instantaneous heat exchanger that does not include a warm water storage tank storing warm water. The instantaneous heat exchanger includes, for example, a ceramic heater, etc. Compared to a hot water storage-type heat exchanger that uses a warm water storage tank, the instantaneous heat exchanger can heat water to a specified temperature in a short period of time. The heat exchanger <NUM> may be a hot water storage-type heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> heats the water to the temperature set by the operation part <NUM> by operating the heat exchanger <NUM> (i.e., switching the heater on) according to an operation of the operation part <NUM> by the user.

The flow channel unit <NUM> is located downstream of the heat exchanger <NUM>. For example, the flow channel unit <NUM> is connected to the downstream end of the heat exchanger <NUM>. That is, for example, the flow channel unit <NUM> is located at a position next to the heat exchanger <NUM>. In other words, for example, other components (units) are not located between the heat exchanger <NUM> and the flow channel unit <NUM>. The flow channel unit <NUM> may be located upstream of the heat exchanger <NUM>.

The flow channel unit <NUM> includes a flow rate sensor <NUM>, a vacuum breaker (VB) <NUM>, a first temperature sensor <NUM>, and a second temperature sensor <NUM>. The structure of the flow channel unit <NUM> is described below.

The flow rate sensor <NUM> detects the flow rate of water flowing through the flow channel <NUM>. For example, the flow rate sensor <NUM> detects whether or not water is flowing in the heat exchanger <NUM>. The flow rate sensor <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The flow rate sensor <NUM> outputs the detection result (information related to the flow rate) to the controller <NUM>.

The vacuum breaker <NUM> suppresses the backflow of water. The vacuum breaker <NUM> includes an intake port (an intake port 81c described below) for allowing air into the flow channel, and a valve mechanism (a valve part <NUM> described below) that opens and closes the intake port. The valve mechanism blocks the intake port when water is flowing in the flow channel <NUM>, and allows air into the flow channel <NUM> by opening the intake port when the flow of the water is stopped. In other words, the vacuum breaker <NUM> allows air into the flow channel <NUM> when water does not flow in the flow channel <NUM>. The valve mechanism includes, for example, a float valve (a float 82a described below). For example, the vacuum breaker <NUM> is located downstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>. The vacuum breaker <NUM> may be located upstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>.

For example, by allowing air into the flow channel <NUM> as described above, the vacuum breaker <NUM> promotes the water drainage of the part of the flow channel <NUM> downstream of the vacuum breaker <NUM>. For example, the vacuum breaker <NUM> promotes the water drainage of the nozzle <NUM>. Thus, by draining the water inside the nozzle <NUM> and allowing air into the nozzle <NUM>, for example, the vacuum breaker <NUM> prevents the wash water inside the nozzle <NUM>, the liquid waste collected inside the bowl <NUM>, etc., from undesirably backflowing toward the water supply source WS (the fresh water) side.

The first temperature sensor <NUM> detects the temperature of the water flowing downstream of the heat exchanger <NUM>. For example, the first temperature sensor <NUM> is located upstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>. The first temperature sensor <NUM> is, for example, a thermistor. The first temperature sensor <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The first temperature sensor <NUM> outputs the detection result (information related to the temperature) to the controller <NUM>.

The second temperature sensor <NUM> is located downstream of the first temperature sensor <NUM>. The second temperature sensor <NUM> detects the temperature of the water flowing downstream of the first temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, the second temperature sensor <NUM> is located downstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>. The second temperature sensor <NUM> is, for example, a thermistor. The second temperature sensor <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The second temperature sensor <NUM> outputs the detection result (information related to the temperature) to the controller <NUM>.

The electrolytic cell unit <NUM> is located downstream of the flow channel unit <NUM>. The electrolytic cell unit <NUM> produces a liquid (functional water) including hypochlorous acid from tap water by electrolyzing the tap water flowing through the interior of the electrolytic cell unit <NUM>. The electrolytic cell unit <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The electrolytic cell unit <NUM> produces the functional water based on a control by the controller <NUM>.

The functional water that is produced by the electrolytic cell unit <NUM> may be, for example, a solution including metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, etc. Or, the functional water that is produced by the electrolytic cell unit <NUM> may be a solution including electrolytic chlorine, ozone, etc. Or, the functional water that is produced by the electrolytic cell unit <NUM> may be acidic water or alkaline water.

The pressure modulator <NUM> is located downstream of the electrolytic cell unit <NUM>. The pressure modulator <NUM> applies a pulsatory motion or an acceleration to the flow of the water inside the flow channel <NUM>, and applies a pulsatory motion to the water discharged from the water discharge port <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. In other words, the pressure modulator <NUM> causes the fluidic state of the water flowing through the flow channel <NUM> to fluctuate. The pressure modulator <NUM> is, for example, an electromagnetic pump. The pressure modulator <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The pressure modulator <NUM> causes the fluidic state of the water to fluctuate based on a control by the controller <NUM>.

The flow regulator <NUM> is located downstream of the pressure modulator <NUM>. The flow regulator <NUM> regulates the water force (the flow rate). The flow regulator <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The operation of the flow regulator <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM>.

The nozzle <NUM> is located downstream of the flow regulator <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> discharges the water heated by the heat exchanger <NUM> toward the human body private part in a state of the nozzle <NUM> being advanced frontward from the casing <NUM>.

In the example, an incoming water temperature sensor <NUM> is located upstream of the heat exchanger <NUM>. The incoming water temperature sensor <NUM> detects the temperature of the water flowing upstream of the heat exchanger <NUM>. The incoming water temperature sensor <NUM> is, for example, a thermistor. The incoming water temperature sensor <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The incoming water temperature sensor <NUM> outputs the detection result (information related to the temperature) to the controller <NUM>.

The toilet device <NUM> (the sanitary washing device <NUM>) includes a nozzle driver <NUM> for advancing and retracting the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle driver <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The nozzle driver <NUM> advances and retracts the nozzle <NUM> based on a command from the controller <NUM>.

The toilet device <NUM> (the sanitary washing device <NUM>) includes, for example, a human body detection sensor <NUM> detecting a human body. The human body detection sensor <NUM> is, for example, at least one of a seating detection sensor that detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat <NUM>, a room entrance detection sensor that detects the entrance of the user into the toilet room, or a proximity detection sensor detecting the approach of the user toward the toilet device <NUM>. The human body detection sensor <NUM> is electrically connected with the controller <NUM>. The human body detection sensor <NUM> outputs the detection result (information related to the human body detection) to the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes a control circuit such as a microcomputer, etc. The controller <NUM> includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller <NUM> may include, for example, a comparator. The controller <NUM> controls the operations of the electromagnetic valve <NUM>, the heat exchanger <NUM>, the electrolytic cell unit <NUM>, the pressure modulator <NUM>, the flow regulator <NUM>, the nozzle driver <NUM>, etc., based on the signals from the operation part <NUM> and/or the detection result from the human body detection sensor <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> controls the operation of the heat exchanger <NUM> based on the detection result (a first temperature T1) of the first temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> switches the heater of the heat exchanger <NUM> on when the first temperature T1 is less than the setting value set by the operation part <NUM>, etc., and switches the heater of the heat exchanger <NUM> off when the first temperature T1 is greater than the setting value. For example, the controller <NUM> may reduce the output of the heater of the heat exchanger <NUM> when the first temperature T1 is greater than the setting value, and may increase the output of the heater of the heat exchanger <NUM> when the first temperature T1 is less than the setting value. Thereby, water that is heated to a temperature close to the setting value set by the operation part <NUM> or the like can be discharged from the nozzle <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve <NUM> based on the detection result (a second temperature T2) of the second temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> closes the electromagnetic valve <NUM> when the second temperature T2 is greater than a predetermined specified value. The controller <NUM> may control the operation of the heat exchanger <NUM> based on the detection result (the second temperature T2) of the second temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may switch the heater of the heat exchanger <NUM> off when the second temperature T2 is greater than a predetermined specified value. The specified value is set to be not more than <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>). Thereby, the discharge of hot water from the nozzle <NUM> can be suppressed even when the water is heated to an excessively high temperature due to a malfunction of the heat exchanger <NUM>, etc..

The flow channel unit <NUM> will now be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the flow channel unit according to the embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> are exploded perspective views illustrating the flow channel unit according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the flow channel unit <NUM> includes the flow rate sensor <NUM> and the vacuum breaker <NUM>.

The flow rate sensor <NUM> includes a first case part <NUM> and a sensor part <NUM>. The sensor part <NUM> is housed inside the first case part <NUM>. The sensor part <NUM> includes, for example, an impeller 72a rotated by the flow of water. For example, the flow rate sensor <NUM> detects the flow rate according to the rotation of the impeller 72a.

The first case part <NUM> includes a first lower case part 71a and a first upper case part 71b. The first upper case part 71b is fixed by fusing to the first lower case part 71a. The sensor part <NUM> (the impeller 72a) is located inside a space formed by the first lower case part 71a and the first upper case part 71b. For example, the sensor part <NUM> (the impeller 72a) is placed on the first lower case part 71a. In the example, the first lower case part 71a includes a recess that is recessed downward; and the sensor part <NUM> (the impeller 72a) is housed inside the recess. The first upper case part 71b covers the sensor part <NUM> (the impeller 72a) from above.

The vacuum breaker <NUM> includes a second case part <NUM>, the valve part <NUM>, and a pedestal part <NUM>. The valve part <NUM> and the pedestal part <NUM> are housed inside the second case part <NUM>. The valve part <NUM> includes, for example, a float 82a that switches between the outflow of water and the inflow of air. The valve part <NUM> is located on the pedestal part <NUM>. The pedestal part <NUM> includes a main part 83a, and a hole part 83b extending through the main part 83a in the vertical direction.

The second case part <NUM> includes a second lower case part 81a and a second upper case part 81b. The second upper case part 81b is fixed by fusing to the second lower case part 81a. The valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) and the pedestal part <NUM> are located inside the space formed by the second lower case part 81a and the second upper case part 81b. For example, the pedestal part <NUM> is placed on the second lower case part 81a. For example, the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) is placed on the pedestal part <NUM>. In the example, the second lower case part 81a includes a recess that is recessed downward; the pedestal part <NUM> is housed inside the recess; and the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) is located on the pedestal part <NUM>. The second upper case part 81b covers the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) and the pedestal part <NUM> from above.

In the example, the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) protrudes higher than the second lower case part 81a. The second upper case part 81b is recessed upward; and the upper part of the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) is positioned inside the space formed by the recess. The intake port 81c that is described below also is located in the recess.

According to the invention, at least a part of the first case part <NUM> and at least a part of the second case part <NUM> are formed of a continuous member. In the example, the first lower case part 71a and the second lower case part 81a are formed of a continuous member. In the example, the first upper case part 71b and the second upper case part 81b are formed of a continuous member.

In this specification, "continuous member" refers to a structure body that is formed by, for example, one-piece molding, etc., and is continuous without breaks. That is, a structure body in which multiple members are bonded by an adhesive, fusing, etc., or a structure body in which multiple members are fixed by engaging, screwing, etc., are not included in "continuous member".

The flow channel unit <NUM> also includes an incoming water case part <NUM>. The incoming water case part <NUM> is located upstream of the first lower case part 71a and is connected with the first lower case part 71a. The incoming water case part <NUM> does not overlap the first upper case part 71b in the vertical direction. A water inlet 93a is provided in the incoming water case part <NUM>. The water inlet 93a is positioned at the upstream end of the flow channel unit <NUM> and guides the water supplied from upstream of the flow channel unit <NUM> into the flow channel unit <NUM>. For example, the water inlet 93a is connected to the downstream end of the heat exchanger <NUM>. The water inlet 93a is provided in the lower part of the incoming water case part <NUM>. In the example, the incoming water case part <NUM> and the first lower case part 71a are formed of a continuous member.

The incoming water case part <NUM> also includes a first sensor mounting part 91a for mounting the first temperature sensor <NUM>. For example, the first temperature sensor <NUM> is mounted by being inserted through the first sensor mounting part 91a into the flow channel unit <NUM>. Thereby, the first temperature sensor <NUM> can be located upstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>.

The flow channel unit <NUM> also includes an outgoing water case part <NUM>. The outgoing water case part <NUM> is located below the second lower case part 81a and is connected with the second lower case part 81a. A water outlet 94a is provided in the outgoing water case part <NUM>. The water outlet 94a is positioned at the downstream end of the flow channel unit <NUM> and guides the water passing through the interior of the flow channel unit <NUM> downstream of the flow channel unit <NUM>. In the example, the outgoing water case part <NUM> and the second lower case part 81a are not formed of a continuous member. The outgoing water case part <NUM> and the second lower case part 81a may be formed of a continuous member.

In the example, a second sensor mounting part 92a for mounting the second temperature sensor <NUM> is located in the second upper case part 81b. The second sensor mounting part 92a is located above the first upper case part 71b. For example, the second temperature sensor <NUM> is mounted by being inserted through the second sensor mounting part 92a into the flow channel unit <NUM>. Thereby, the second temperature sensor <NUM> can be located downstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>.

Thus, by forming at least a part of the first case part <NUM> of the flow rate sensor <NUM> and at least a part of the second case part <NUM> of the vacuum breaker <NUM> from a continuous member, the path in which the water flows in the flow rate sensor <NUM> and the path in which the water flows in the vacuum breaker <NUM> can be shared, and the flow channel unit <NUM> can be downsized. The toilet device <NUM> (the sanitary washing device <NUM>) can be downsized thereby.

The fusing spots can be reduced by forming the first lower case part 71a of the flow rate sensor <NUM> and the second lower case part 81a of the vacuum breaker <NUM> from a continuous member and by forming the first upper case part 71b of the flow rate sensor <NUM> and the second upper case part 81b of the vacuum breaker <NUM> from a continuous member; and the water leakage reliability can be improved.

By providing the flow channel unit <NUM> downstream of the heat exchanger <NUM>, the absence of water flowing in the heat exchanger <NUM> can be detected by the flow rate sensor <NUM>. The empty-heating of the heat exchanger <NUM> can be suppressed thereby. By providing the vacuum breaker <NUM> downstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM> (i.e., by providing the flow rate sensor <NUM> upstream of the vacuum breaker <NUM>), the absence of water flowing in the heat exchanger <NUM> can be detected more quickly. The empty-heating of the heat exchanger <NUM> can be more reliably suppressed thereby.

By connecting the flow channel unit <NUM> to the downstream end of the heat exchanger <NUM>, the absence of water flowing in the heat exchanger <NUM> can be detected more quickly. The empty-heating of the heat exchanger <NUM> can be more reliably suppressed thereby.

By providing the first temperature sensor <NUM> upstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>, the first temperature sensor <NUM> can detect the temperature of the water flowing from the heat exchanger <NUM> toward the flow rate sensor <NUM> and can detect whether or not the water is warmed to or above the set temperature. By providing the second temperature sensor <NUM> downstream of the flow rate sensor <NUM>, the second temperature sensor <NUM> can detect whether or not the warm water flowing on the side more proximate to the nozzle <NUM> has been abnormally heated to a temperature greater than the set temperature. By providing the first temperature sensor <NUM> and the second temperature sensor <NUM> in the flow channel unit <NUM>, the toilet device <NUM> (the sanitary washing device <NUM>) can be downsized.

<FIG> is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating the flow channel unit according to the embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a part of the flow channel unit according to the embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view as viewed from the upper side with the first upper case part 71b, the second upper case part 81b, and the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) detached.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the flow channel unit <NUM> includes a first flow channel 95a, a second flow channel 95b, a third flow channel 95c, and a fourth flow channel 95d.

The first flow channel 95a extends upward from the water inlet 93a. The first flow channel 95a is formed of the incoming water case part <NUM>.

The second flow channel 95b extends in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the first flow channel 95a via the sensor part <NUM> (the impeller 72a) to a position below the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a). The second flow channel 95b is formed of the incoming water case part <NUM>, the first case part <NUM>, the second case part <NUM>, and the pedestal part <NUM>.

The third flow channel 95c extends upward from the second flow channel 95b and passes through the vacuum breaker <NUM>. The third flow channel 95c is formed of the second case part <NUM>, the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a), and the pedestal part <NUM>.

The fourth flow channel 95d extends downward from the third flow channel 95c and is connected to the water outlet 94a. The fourth flow channel 95d is formed of the second case part <NUM> and the outgoing water case part <NUM>.

The flow of water is shown by arrows in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the water that is supplied through the water inlet 93a passes through the flow channels in the order of the first flow channel 95a, the second flow channel 95b, the third flow channel 95c, and the fourth flow channel 95d and flows through the water outlet 94a to the downstream side.

The water that enters the flow channel unit <NUM> through the water inlet 93a flows through the interior of the incoming water case part <NUM> and reaches the first case part <NUM> in which the sensor part <NUM> (the impeller 72a) is located. The water that reaches the first case part <NUM> flows through the interior of the first case part <NUM> and reaches the second case part <NUM> in which the valve part <NUM> (the float 82a) and the pedestal part <NUM> are located. The water that reaches the second case part <NUM> passes through the space between the second lower case part 81a and the main part 83a of the pedestal part <NUM> (i.e., below the pedestal part <NUM>) and reaches the hole part 83b of the pedestal part <NUM>. The water that reaches the hole part 83b of the pedestal part <NUM> flows upward through the hole part 83b from below and flows in the horizontal direction from a position above the hole part 83b and below the float 82a (i.e., passes through the vacuum breaker <NUM>). The water that passes through the vacuum breaker <NUM> flows downward from the second lower case part 81a, reaches the outgoing water case part <NUM>, and flows through the water outlet 94a to the downstream side.

Thus, compared to the case where all flow channels extend in the horizontal direction, the space can be effectively used because the flow channel unit <NUM> includes the first flow channel 95a, the third flow channel 95c, and the fourth flow channel 95d that extend in the vertical direction; and the flow channel unit <NUM> can be further downsized.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second upper case part 81b includes the intake port 81c positioned above the float 82a. For example, the intake port 81c is located at a higher position than the water outlet 94a. The float 82a can move vertically between the pedestal part <NUM> and the intake port 81c. When water does not flow, the float 82a drops and rests on the pedestal part <NUM>. Air can be pulled into the vacuum breaker <NUM> in this state because the intake port 81c is not blocked. When water flows, the float 82a is pushed upward by the water flowing upward through the hole part 83b of the pedestal part <NUM>; and the intake port 81c is blocked by the float 82a. Thereby, air is not pulled into the vacuum breaker <NUM>.

Thus, by providing the intake port 81c at a higher position than the water outlet 94a, the backflow of water when negative pressure is generated can be reliably suppressed by the air intake of the intake port 81c.

<FIG> are explanatory drawings schematically illustrating the flow channel unit according to the embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, at least a part of the first case part <NUM> and at least a part of the second case part <NUM> are formed of a continuous member.

In the example of <FIG>, the first lower case part 71a and the second lower case part 81a are formed of a continuous member; and the first upper case part 71b and the second upper case part 81b are formed of a continuous member. That is, the sensor part <NUM> and the valve part <NUM> are housed between the lower case part of the continuous member and the upper case part of the continuous member.

In the example of <FIG>, the first lower case part 71a and the second lower case part 81a are formed of a continuous member, whereas the first upper case part 71b and the second upper case part 81b are not formed of a continuous member. Thus, other than being a continuous member, the upper case part may be divided into the first and second upper case parts 71b and 81b. In such a case as well, the path in which the water flows in the flow rate sensor <NUM> and the path in which the water flows in the vacuum breaker <NUM> can be shared, and the flow channel unit <NUM> can be downsized. The toilet device <NUM> (the sanitary washing device <NUM>) can be downsized thereby.

Thus, according to the invention, a toilet device is provided in which the flow channel unit can be downsized.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms.

Claim 1:
A toilet device (<NUM>), comprising:
a nozzle (<NUM>) for discharging water toward a human body private part;
a flow channel (<NUM>) connecting a water supply source and the nozzle;
a heat exchanger (<NUM>) located in the flow channel, the heat exchanger warming water supplied from the water supply source; and
a flow channel unit (<NUM>) located upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger in the flow channel,
the flow channel unit including
a flow rate sensor (<NUM>) detecting a flow rate of water, and
a vacuum breaker (<NUM>) suppressing a backflow of water,
the flow rate sensor including
a first case part (<NUM>), and
a sensor part (<NUM>) housed inside the first case part,
the vacuum breaker including
a second case part (<NUM>), and
a valve part (<NUM>) housed inside the second case part,
at least a part of the first case part and at least a part of the second case part forming a continuous member without breaks.