TOILET DEODORIZING METHOD, TOILET, AND TOILET DEODORIZING DEVICE

Abstract

 This toilet deodorizing method includes forming a lateral swirl flow (R1) of air laterally swirling along an inner surface of a toilet main body (11) and a traversal flow (R2) of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body (11), by discharging air into the toilet main body (11) of a toilet (1A) through a discharge port (117) and suctioning air in the toilet main body (11) through a suction port (118); and deodorizing an odor in the toilet main body (11) by using a deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device) (113c) for eliminating an odorous component of air which flows due to the lateral swirl flow (R1) and the traversal flow (R2) and is suctioned through the suction port (118).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 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.

[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-171220, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-171221, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-171222, Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-171381, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-171219, filed on August 31, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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).

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014]  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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 Literature

[0023] 

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

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2008-297785

[Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2003-294280

[Patent Document 4] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2014-36692

[Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent No. 3596217

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

Solution to Problem

[0029] In order to achieve the objects described above, the present invention provides the following means.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the toilet according to the eighth to ninth 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082]  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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 devicae is driven.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] According to the toilet, it is possible to not only deodorize but also to efficiently sterilize the water closet space by utilizing ions.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] According to the toilet, it is possible to deodorize air staying in a desired region.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112]  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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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. Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0124] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet according to an embodiment A1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the toilet and a toilet deodorizing method according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a discharge port and a suction port of a deodorizing device of the toilet according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the discharge port of the deodorizing device of the toilet according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the toilet deodorizing method according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention, and the view shows a state where a lateral swirl flow and a traversal flow of air are formed in a toilet main body.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the toilet deodorizing method according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention, and the view shows a state where a lateral swirl flow and a traversal flow of air are formed in the toilet main body.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the toilet deodorizing method according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention, and the view shows a state where a lateral swirl flow and a traversal flow of air are formed in the toilet main body.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the toilet deodorizing method according to the embodiment A1 of the present invention, and the view shows a state where a lateral swirl flow and a traversal flow of air are formed in the toilet main body.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a toilet deodorizing method according to an embodiment A2 of the present invention, and the view shows a state where a vertical swirl flow of air is formed in the toilet main body.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a toilet deodorizing method according to an embodiment A3 of the present invention, and the view shows a state where a vortex flow of air is formed in the toilet main body.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toilet of an embodiment B1 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a state where a toilet lid, a toilet seat, and a cover of a private part washing device are removed from the toilet of the embodiment B1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main section showing a deodorizing unit and a nozzle unit in the private part washing device of the embodiment B1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a toilet main body of the toilet of the embodiment B1 of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a main section of a wide-width portion excluding an opening portion, and the view shows a suction port and a discharge port of the wide-width portion of the deodorizing unit according to the embodiment B1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15B is a front view of a main section of the wide-width portion in which the opening portion is installed, and the view shows the suction port and the discharge port of the wide-width portion of the deodorizing unit according to the embodiment B 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15C is an enlarged view of the discharge port of the embodiment B1 of the present invention in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged plan view of the deodorizing unit according to the embodiment B1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a deodorizing cartridge of the embodiment B1 of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a main section of the toilet showing a circulation flow channel of air including a deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing unit and a swirl flow channel in a toilet bowl according to the embodiment B1 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a toilet according to an embodiment C1 of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a state where a toilet lid, a toilet seat, and a cover of a private part washing device are removed from the toilet according to the embodiment C1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a main section showing a deodorizing unit and a nozzle unit on a base in the private part washing device of the embodiment C1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a toilet main body of the toilet according to the embodiment C1 of the present invention.

FIG. 23A is a front view of a main section of a wide-width portion excluding an opening portion, and the view shows a suction port and a discharge port of the wide-width portion of the deodorizing unit of the embodiment C1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23B is a front view of a main section of the wide-width portion in which the opening portion is installed, and the view shows the suction port and the discharge port of the wide-width portion of the deodorizing unit of the embodiment C1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a main section of the deodorizing unit of the embodiment C1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 23A.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a deodorizing cartridge and the nozzle unit provided in a concave recess portion on an upper surface side of a convex portion of the base which is fitted in a concave portion of a toilet bowl of the embodiment C1 of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a main section of the toilet showing a circulation flow channel of air including a deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing unit and a swirl flow channel in the toilet bowl of the toilet main body of the embodiment C1 of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing an example of a toilet stool according to an embodiment D1 of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the inside of a functional section of the embodiment D1 of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view describing the rear side of a toilet seat of the embodiment D1 of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the functional section in which a shutter of the embodiment D1 of the present invention is in an upwardly open state.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the functional section in which the shutter of the embodiment D1 of the present invention is in a downwardly open state.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a sterilizing/deodorizing device of the embodiment D1 of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a side view showing the toilet stool of the embodiment D1 of the present invention in a state where the toilet lid is opened.

FIG. 34 is a side view showing the toilet stool of the embodiment D1 of the present invention in a state where the toilet lid is closed.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an example of a toilet stool according to an embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the inside of a functional section of the embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a deodorizing flow channel and a shutter in an upwardly open state of the embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing the deodorizing flow channel and the shutter in a downwardly open state of the embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a view describing a sterilizing/deodorizing device according to the embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 40A is a front view of a dust collection filter of the embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 40B is a side view of the dust collection filter of the embodiment E1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 40A.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view describing an installation position of the dust collection filter of the embodiment E1 of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a view showing a situation where the dust collection filter of the embodiment E1 of the present invention is installed in the deodorizing flow channel.

FIG. 43 is a view showing a situation where the dust collection filter of the embodiment E1 of the present invention is reversely installed in the deodorizing flow channel.

Description of Embodiments

[0125] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 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.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a flush toilet (toilet) 1A of the present embodiment A1 is configured to include a toilet main body 11, a washing mechanism section 12, and a toilet seat portion 13.

[0127] The washing mechanism section 12 is provided on a rear portion side of the toilet main body 11. For example, the washing mechanism section 12 detects an operation of a user conducted by means of a remote controller and causes washing water to discharge in the toilet main body 11. The toilet seat portion 13 is configured by a toilet seat 13a and a toilet lid 13b.

[0128] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the flush toilet 1A includes a private part washing device 14 for washing a private part after defecation.

[0129]  The toilet main body 11 is formed to include a bowl portion 11a (toilet bowl) and a rim portion 11b.

[0130] The rim portion 11b is provided in an upper portion of the bowl portion 11a, protrudes to an inner side of the toilet main body 11, and forms an outer circumferential edge.

[0131] The washing mechanism section 12 is integrally provided on the rear portion side of the toilet main body 11 in an attachable/detachable manner and is provided to be accommodated in a cover case 16. In addition, the washing mechanism section 12 includes 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 section 12 is configured to be capable of switching between rim water-discharging in which washing water flows in the rim portion 11b of the toilet main body 11 and jet water-discharging in which washing water flows in a water sealing portion 11d of the toilet main body 11, and controlling the discharging water flow rate, by using the opening-closing valve.

[0132] The cover case 16 is configured to include a base (base plate) 16a and a cover (outer shell body) 16b.

[0133] The base 16a is installed on the upper surface of the rear portion of the toilet main body 11. The cover 16b is assembled in the base 16a and forms an accommodation space.

[0134] The toilet seat portion 13 configured by the toilet seat 13a and the toilet lid 13b is connected to the cover case 16 in an attachable/detachable manner. The toilet seat portion 13 is provided so as to be pivotable around a pivot axis O1 (upward/downward direction) extending in a transverse direction T1.

[0135] The private part washing device 14 is provided to be accommodated in the cover case 16 together with the washing mechanism section 12. The private part washing device 14 includes private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 and a shutter 110.

[0136] For example, the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 advance into the toilet main body 11 in response to an operation conducted by means of the remote controller. The shutter 110 opens and closes a nozzle opening portion 19 provided in the cover case 16. The shutter 110 is configured to open the nozzle opening portion 19 in response to a motion of the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 advancing into the toilet main body 11 at the time of washing a private part and to close the nozzle opening portion 19 when the private part washing nozzles 18 and 19 retreat into the cover case 16. The shutter 110 is provided in order to prevent a spray or the like of filth and washing water from splashing over the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 or entering the inside.

[0137] According to the present embodiment A1, in the private part washing device 14 at the time of washing a private part, when the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 advance to the inner side of the toilet main body 11 in response to an operation or the like conducted by means of the remote controller, tip end portions of the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 press the rear surface side of the shutter 110, and the shutter 110 pivots and is then opened. The private part washing device 14 has a configuration in which washing water discharges from the tip end portions of the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 which have advanced to the inner side of the toilet main body 11, so that private parts are washed. The private part washing device 14 has a configuration in which when the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 retreat after private parts are washed, the pressed state of the shutter 110 is canceled, the shutter 110 pivots automatically, and the nozzle opening portion 19 is closed.

[0138] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the private part washing device 14 of the present embodiment A1 is configured to include a nozzle unit 111, a warm water supply unit, and a warm air drying unit (warm air drying device) 112.

[0139] The nozzle unit 111 is provided in the middle of the base 16a of the cover case 16. The warm water supply unit supplies warm water for washing a private part to the nozzle unit 111. The warm air drying unit 112 is provided to dry private parts after washing by means of warm air.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment A1, the private part washing device 14 includes a deodorizing unit (deodorizing device) 113 which suctions and deodorizes air during defecation and after defecation.

[0141] The nozzle unit 111 includes a pair of private part washing nozzles (twin nozzles) 17 and 18, that is, an anus washing nozzle and a bidet nozzle, and a nozzle cover internally including the pair of private part washing nozzles 17 and 18. The pair of private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 of 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 nozzles 17 and 18 includes a discharging hole 116 which is provided in the tip end portion positioned downward and discharges washing water. Each of the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 is 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 hole 116 in a predetermined direction.

[0142] In addition, the pair of private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 is individually formed in a substantially cylindrical rod shape. The pair of private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 is provided in the middle of a front surface of the base 16a so as to freely move forward and rearward in the axial direction (forward/rearward direction T2) with respect to the nozzle opening portion 19. The pair of private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 individually advances forward from the nozzle opening portion 19 at the time of washing, protrudes to the inner side of the toilet main body 11, and retreats into the nozzle cover and the cover case 16 through the nozzle opening portion 19 after washing, thereby being held therein.

[0143] In description of the present embodiment A1, the forward/rearward direction T2 includes substantially frontward and rearward directions.

[0144] The warm water supply unit is connected to each of the private part washing nozzles 17 and 18 of the nozzle unit 111 via 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 nozzles 17 and 18.

[0145] The warm air drying unit 112 includes a warm air generating device 112a and a warm air duct 112b. The warm air drying unit 112 is provided to be connected to a discharge port 117 through which the warm air duct 112b is open alongside the nozzle opening portion 19.

[0146] The warm air generating device 112a includes a fan and a heater 112c.

[0147] The fan is provided in the middle of the warm air duct 112b. The heater 112c is provided close to the discharge port 117 side of the fan of the warm air duct 112b. The warm air generating device 112a has a configuration in which air (outside air) suctioned by driving the fan flows through the warm air duct 112b, the outside air is heated to a predetermined temperature by means of the heater 112c, and the heated air is discharged forward in a predetermined direction and to a predetermined position through the discharge port 117.

[0148] Meanwhile, the deodorizing unit 113 of the present embodiment A1 is configured to include a deodorizing duct 113a, a fan (air blower) 113b, a deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device) 113c, and a sterilizing unit.

[0149] The fan 113b is provided in the middle of the deodorizing duct 113a. The deodorizing cartridge 113c is arranged inside the deodorizing duct 113a and is arranged closer to the upstream side of the deodorizing duct 113a than the fan 113b. The sterilizing unit is arranged closer to a downstream side than the fan 113b.

[0150] The deodorizing duct 113a is provided such that one end on the upstream side is connected to a suction port 118 which is open alongside the nozzle opening portion 19 and the other end on the downstream side is connected to the downstream side of the heater 112c of the warm air duct 112b. That is, in the present embodiment A1, the downstream side of the warm air duct 112b and the downstream side of the deodorizing duct 113a serve as a common passage, and the warm air duct 112b and the deodorizing duct 113a are configured to share the discharge port 117.

[0151] In addition, a damper 119 for switching passages and regulating air volume is provided in a connection portion between the deodorizing duct 113a and the warm air duct 112b. The opening ratios of the warm air duct 112b and the deodorizing duct 113a are configured to be capable of being regulated in accordance with a control angle of the damper 119.

[0152] For example, the deodorizing cartridge 113c includes 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] In addition, in the present embodiment A1, as shown in FIG. 4, an air direction adjusting member 120 is attached to the discharge port 117 for discharging air which has passed through the deodorizing duct 113a. The air direction adjusting member 120 divides the discharge port 117 into an upper portion and a lower portion having a border in a substantial middle in the upward/downward direction. Furthermore, the air direction adjusting member 120 is 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.

[0155] In the air direction adjusting member 120 of the present embodiment A1, a lateral swirl flow forming portion 121 is provided in the upper portion and a traversal flow forming portion 122 is provided in the lower portion.

[0156] The lateral swirl flow forming portion 121 is provided to cause air discharged through the discharge port 117 to flow through, to discharge air toward the inner surface of the toilet main body 11, and to form a lateral swirl flow R1 of air laterally swirling along an inner surface of the toilet main body 11. The traversal flow forming portion 122 is provided to discharge air toward the inner side of the toilet main body 11 and to form a traversal flow R2 of air traversing the inside of the toilet main body 11.

[0157] Next, description will be given regarding a deodorizing method during defecation and after defecation, in the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A1 having the configuration described above. Operational effects of the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A1 will be described.

[0158] 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 fan 113b of the deodorizing unit 113 and controls such that air in the toilet main body 11 is suctioned through the suction port 118, odorous components are eliminated and decomposed by the deodorizing cartridge 113c while the air suctioned through the suction port 118 flows through the deodorizing duct 113a, and the treated air is discharged through the discharge port 117.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 2, in the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A1, the air direction adjusting member 120 is provided in the discharge port 117. In the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A1, the air direction adjusting member 120 is configured to discharge air passing through the lateral swirl flow forming portion 121 on the upper portion side, toward the rim portion 11b of the toilet main body 11 and to discharge air passing through the traversal flow forming portion 122 on the lower portion side, toward a substantial center of the toilet main body on the inner side above the water sealing portion 11d of the toilet main body 11.

[0160] The rim portion 11b includes an overhanging portion which is formed on the upper portion thereof, protrudes to the inner side of the toilet main body 11, and continuously leads from the rear portion side of the toilet main body 11 to a front portion side in an annular state. Therefore, air discharged toward the rim portion 11b of the toilet main body 11 first flows through from the rear portion side to the front portion side of the toilet main body 11 along one of the right and left sides of the rim portion 11b. 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 port 118. Then, the air is treated by the deodorizing cartridge 113c in the deodorizing duct 113a and is discharged again through the discharge port 117.

[0161] In this manner, when the lateral swirl flow R1 of a lateral swirl flowing along the rim portion 11b in an annular state is formed, an odor generated in the toilet main body 11 is dragged into the lateral swirl flow R1 and is sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge 113c. In addition, since the lateral swirl flow R1 is formed, an odor can be inhibited from flowing out of the toilet main body 11.

[0162] In addition, in the present embodiment A1, air passing through the traversal flow forming portion 122 on the upper portion side of the air direction adjusting member 120 is discharged toward the inner side of the toilet main body 11. This air flows so as to traverse the inside surrounded by the lateral swirl flow R1, that is, the inside of the toilet main body 11 in a substantially linear manner. Accordingly, the traversal flow R2 joins the lateral swirl flow R1 while attracting an odor of the inside surrounded by the lateral swirl flow R1, that is, in a middle part of the toilet main body 11.

[0163] The lateral swirl flow R1 is formed by air discharged through the discharge port 117. Accordingly, an odor generated in the toilet main body 11 is dragged in the lateral swirl flow R1 and is sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment. Moreover, an odor staying in the middle part of the toilet main body 11, in which dragging force of the lateral swirl flow R1 is 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.

[0164] Thus, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A1, the lateral swirl flow R1 and the traversal flow R2 can be formed due to air discharged through the discharge port 117, and an odor in a center part of the lateral swirl flow R1 of air, that is, in a middle part of the toilet main body 11 can be transferred by the traversal flow R2 and can ride on the lateral swirl flow R1. As a result, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A1, it is possible to restrain an odor from staying and stagnating in a middle part of the toilet main body 11 and to efficiently perform deodorization.

[0165] In this manner, since deodorization is performed using both the lateral swirl flow R1 and the traversal flow R2 and an odor can be restrained from staying and stagnating in a middle part of the toilet main body 11, it is possible to prevent an odor in the toilet main body 11 from rising upward from the toilet main body 11 and being diffused not only during defecation but also when a user stands up after defecation.

[0166] In addition, since the traversal flow R2 is formed on the inner side of the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2 acts as a lid, so that an odor in a middle part of the toilet main body 11 can be restrained from rising upward.

[0167] Consequently, according to the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A 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.

[0168] In addition, air discharged through the discharge port 117 is suctioned through the suction port 118, is subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge 113c, and is discharged through the discharge port 117 again, thereby circulating. Therefore, when treatment is performed using the deodorizing cartridge 113c, 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 unit 113.

[0169] In addition, the air direction adjusting member 120, in which air passing through the lower portion side is discharged toward the rim portion 11b of the toilet main body 11 and air passing through the upper portion side is discharged toward the inner side of the toilet main body 11 such that the air traverses the inner side thereof, is provided in one discharge port 117. As a result, the lateral swirl flow R1 and the traversal flow R2 of air can be formed.

[0170] That is, since air is discharged through one discharge port 117, the lateral swirl flow R1 and the traversal flow R2 of air can be formed at the same time.

[0171] 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 member 120 by replacing the air direction adjusting member 120 with an air direction adjusting member 120 in which the sizes (area ratio or the like) of the lateral swirl flow forming portion 121 in the upper portion and the traversal flow forming portion 122 in the lower portion are different from each other. Accordingly, the flow rates of the lateral swirl flow R1 and the traversal flow R2 can be easily adjusted. Due to this adjustment, deodorization can be performed by efficiently forming the lateral swirl flow R1 and causing the traversal flow R2 to attract an odor in the toilet main body 11 and to join the lateral swirl flow R1.

[0172] In addition, the air direction adjusting member 120 may 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 R1 and the traversal flow R2 can be formed such that deodorizing treatment can be effectively performed.

[0173] 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 fan 113b of the deodorizing unit 113 is controlled by the control device which has received the detection result, and the output of the fan 113b is 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 body 11 and being diffused following the standing-up motion of a user.

[0174] Furthermore, when an air flow of the lateral swirl flow R1 is caused to be stronger than an air flow of the traversal flow R2, it is possible to prevent the traversal flow R2 from flowing out of the toilet main body 11. As a result, it is possible to prevent an odor from being diffused and to effectively perform deodorizing treatment.

[0175] In addition, when the traversal flow R2 is caused to join the lateral swirl flow R1 and to be suctioned through the suction port 118, even if the traversal flow R2 for capturing an odor in the middle portion of the toilet main body 11 is formed in addition to the lateral swirl flow R1, it is possible to send an odor dragged in by the traversal flow R2 to the suction port 118 together with the lateral swirl flow R1 and to perform deodorizing treatment effectively and efficiently.

[0176] 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.

[0177] For example, in the present embodiment A1, the lateral swirl flow R1 and the traversal flow R2 can be formed through one discharge port 117 at the same time. However, as shown in FIG. 5, another discharge port 117 for discharging air and forming the traversal flow R2 may be separately provided from the discharge port 117 forming the lateral swirl flow R1.

[0178] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the suction port 118 suctioning the traversal flow R2 may be provided separately from the suction port 118 for the lateral swirl flow R1.

[0179] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of discharge ports 117 and/or a plurality of suction ports 118 may be provided. In addition, a plurality of lateral swirl flows R1 of air may be formed on the inner side of the toilet main body 11 by discharging and suctioning air through the plurality of discharge ports 117 and/or the plurality of suction ports 118.

[0180] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 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 ports 117 and/or the plurality of suction ports 118, the lateral swirl flow R1 flowing along the inner surface of the toilet main body 11 and the traversal flow R2 traversing the inner side of the toilet main body 11 may 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 ports 117 and/or the plurality of suction ports 118 changes from the lateral swirl flow R1 to the traversal flow R2 and from the traversal flow R2 to the lateral swirl flow R1.

[0181] Furthermore, positions for providing the discharge port 117 and the suction port 118 are not particularly limited as long as air in the toilet main body 11 can be suctioned and deodorizing treatment can be performed. For example, the discharge port 17 and the suction port 18 may be formed in the toilet main body 11, may be formed on the front portion side of the toilet main body 11, or may be formed in the toilet seat 13a or the toilet lid 13b.

[0182] In addition, the inside of the hollow toilet main body 11, or the inner side of the toilet seat 13a or the toilet lid 13b may serve as a flow channel for air, and the deodorizing cartridge (deodorizing device) 113c may be provided inside the hollow toilet main body 11 or on the inner side of the toilet seat 13a or the toilet lid 13b.

[0183] In addition, the present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which the plurality of discharge ports 117 or the plurality of suction ports 118 are provided at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the hollow toilet main body 11, the toilet seat 13a, or the toilet lid 13b, such that deodorization is performed by discharging air to the inner side of the toilet main body 11 in multiple directions (radial directions or the like) and suctioning air in multiple directions.

[0184] Furthermore, he present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which an air flow of the lateral swirl flow R1 or the traversal flow R2 is formed due to suctioning force of suctioning air through the suction port 118, instead of forming an air flow of the lateral swirl flow R1 or the traversal flow R2 due to discharging force of discharging air through the discharge port 117. In addition, as a matter of course, an air flow may be formed by using both discharging force and suctioning force.

[0185] Even in a case of such a configuration, an odor in the middle portion of the toilet main body 11 can be efficiently deodorized, so that it is possible to achieve operational effects similar to those of the present embodiment A1.

[0186] In addition, a plurality of lateral swirl flows R1 or a plurality of traversal flows R2 may be formed in an upward/downward direction T3.

[0187] For example, when a plurality of traversal flows R2 are formed vertically, an upper traversal flow R2 can 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 R2 acting as a lid, an odor can be efficiently captured by a lower traversal flow R2 and can be deodorized.

[0188] In addition, the present embodiment A1 has presented an example in which air circulates such that air discharged through the discharge port 117 of the deodorizing unit 113 is caused to swirl, is suctioned through the suction port 118, is subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge 113c, and is then discharged through the discharge port 117 again. Moreover, the present embodiment A1 may employ a configuration in which air discharged through the discharge port 117 of the deodorizing unit 113 is caused to swirl, the lateral swirl flow R1 which has captured an odor is suctioned through the suction port 118, the air is subjected to deodorizing treatment by the deodorizing cartridge 113c, and the air is then discharged to the outside. That is, air does not necessarily have to circulate.

[0189] Next, with reference to FIG. 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.

[0190] In the embodiment A1, air is discharged through the discharge port 117 of the deodorizing unit 113, the air is caused to laterally swirl along the rim portion 11b of the toilet main body 11, and the air is suctioned through the suction port 118, thereby circulating. On the other hand, in the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A2, as shown in FIG. 9, air circulates due to a vertical swirl from the rim portion 11b side to the water sealing portion 11d side and from the water sealing portion 11d side to the rim portion 11b side.

[0191] Specifically, in the present embodiment A2, the discharge port 117 and the suction port 118 are arranged on the rear portion side of the toilet main body 11. In the present embodiment A2, air is discharged toward the inner surface of the toilet main body 11 on the front portion side through the discharge port 117, 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 body 11.

[0192] In addition, for example, an air inducing surface 11c, 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 body 11 on the front portion side.

[0193] Accordingly, in the present embodiment A2, a linear flow of air discharged through the discharge port 117 comes into contact with the upper portion side of the air inducing surface 11c and flows downward along the air inducing surface 11c, and air flows on the lower side in the toilet main body 11 from the front portion side toward the rear portion side. As soon as the air arrives at the rear portion side of the toilet main body 11, the air rises upward and is suctioned through the suction port 118.

[0194] Thus, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A2, a vertical swirl flow R3 can be formed by discharging air to the inner side of the toilet main body 11 through the discharge port 117 and suctioning air in the toilet main body 11 through the suction port 118. It is possible to deodorize an odor in the toilet main body 11 by forming the vertical swirl flow R3 of air in this manner. Therefore, in the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the present embodiment A2, it is possible to achieve operational effects similar to those of the deodorizing method of the flush toilet 1A, and the flush toilet 1A of the embodiment A1.

[0195] In addition, in the present embodiment A2, the vertical swirl flow R3 of air is formed and a linear flow of air is formed in an upper side of the toilet main body 11. 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 body 11. In addition, since an odor rising upward from the inside of the toilet main body 11 can be effectively captured by a linear flow of air, it is possible to effectively and efficiently perform deodorization.

[0196] 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.

[0197] The vertical swirl flow R3 of 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.

[0198]  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.

[0199] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a toilet deodorizing method and a toilet according to an embodiment A3 of the present invention will be described.

[0200] 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.

[0201] In the present embodiment A3, disposition and the like of the discharge port 117 for discharging air and the suction port 118 for suctioning air in the deodorizing unit 113 are 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 R1 and traversal flows R2 of the embodiment A1, and the vertical swirl flow R3 of the embodiment A2 are formed by discharging air through the discharge port 117 and suctioning air into the suction port 118.

[0202] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment A3, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, 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.

[0203] For example, vortex flow generating means such as a tube including a spiral passage on an inner side is provided in the discharge port 117 and/or the suction port 118 of the deodorizing unit 113. That is, when air passes through the vortex flow generating means, swirling force acts on the air. A lateral vortex flow R4 having 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 port 117 and/or is formed on the rear side in the air flow direction (suctioning direction) through the suction port 118.

[0204] Accordingly, while the lateral vortex flow R4 having the vortex axis directed in the transverse direction is formed in the toilet main body 11, air flows as the lateral swirl flow R1, the traversal flow R2, or the vertical swirl flow R3 of the embodiment A1 or the embodiment A2. Since the lateral vortex flow R4 is 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 body 11 is 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 body 11 is suctioned through the suction port 118 and is sequentially subjected to deodorizing treatment.

[0205] Thus, in this case, since an air flow including the lateral vortex flow R4 flows in the toilet main body 11, many ambient odors are dragged therein compared to a linear flow, and an odor in the toilet main body 11 can be efficiently captured. Then, the air flow is suctioned through the suction port 118 and is treated by the deodorizing cartridge 113c. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient deodorization.

[0206] In addition, for example, an obstacle (vortex flow generating device) such as a columnar rod is installed in the discharge port 117 while its axial direction is directed in the upward/downward direction or the transverse direction (horizontal direction). When air to be discharged through the discharge port 117 is brought into contact with the obstacle and is discharged into the toilet main body 11, 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.

[0207] Since an air flow including such a vortex flow R4 (Karman vortex) flows in the toilet main body 11, many ambient odors are dragged therein compared to a linear flow, and an odor in the toilet main body 11 is efficiently captured. Accordingly, the air flow is suctioned through the suction port 118 and is treated by the deodorizing cartridge 113c. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient deodorization.

[0208] 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.

[0209]  The vortex flow R4 of 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.

[0210] In addition, the present embodiment may employ a configuration in which an odor is captured by forming the vortex flow R4 in a part on a side of the discharge port 117 or the suction port 118.

[0211] Next, a toilet deodorizing device according to an embodiment B1 of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0212] FIGS. 11 to 18 illustrate a deodorizing unit (deodorizing device) 213 of a toilet 21 according to the embodiment B1 of the present invention.

[0213] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the flushing-type toilet 21 including a private part washing device 23 of the embodiment B1. The toilet 21 includes the private part washing device 23 in the rear portion on the upper surface of a toilet main body 22. The private part washing device 23 is included in a case 25 housing various functional components for private part washing, warm air drying, and deodorizing. A toilet seat 27 and a toilet lid 28 installed on the toilet main body 22 are attached to a cover 26 provided in the case 25 so as to be capable of being individually opened and closed.

[0214] In FIG. 12, the toilet main body 22 has a toilet bowl 210 receiving filth, and a drain pipe portion (not shown). The drain pipe portion extends downward from a bottom portion of the toilet bowl 210. A rim water passage 225, a drop flow channel, and the like are formed in an upper inner wall in the toilet bowl 210. The rim water passage 225 is 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.

[0215] The private part washing device 23 is installed on a base 211 arranged at the rear portion on an upper surface 210b forming an opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210. The private part washing device 23 includes a nozzle unit 212, the deodorizing unit 213, a warm air drying unit 214, and the like. The nozzle unit 212 includes a private part washing nozzle (described below). The deodorizing unit 213 is provided in order to deodorize an odor generated in the toilet bowl 210. The warm air drying unit 214 is provided in order to dry a private part after washing with warm air. Furthermore, the private part washing device 23 includes a warm water supply unit 215, a control unit, a power supply board, and the like. The warm water supply unit 215 is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit 212. The control unit is provided in order to control driving of each of the units.

[0216] In the private part washing device 23 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the nozzle unit 212 is installed in the middle of the base 211 on a tip end side facing the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210. In the nozzle unit 212, as a pair of private part washing nozzles, a first washing nozzle 216 and a second washing nozzle 217 are arranged in parallel and are installed obliquely downward. The first washing nozzle 216 is a nozzle for anus washing. The second washing nozzle 217 is a washing nozzle for bidet. Each of the first and second washing nozzles 216 and 217 has a discharging hole for discharging washing water, in the tip end portion positioned below.

[0217] The first and second washing nozzles 216 and 217 are interlinked with the warm water supply unit 215 installed in the base 211, via piping. The warm water supply unit 215 selectively supplies warm water, which has been adjusted to a set temperature, to the first and second washing nozzles 216 and 217 upon a command of the control unit (not shown).

[0218] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13, 15A, 15B, and 15C, a wide-width portion 221 extending downward and having a wide width is provided in the middle of the base 211 on the front surface facing the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210. A pair of opening portions 218 is provided in the middle of the wide-width portion 221. The first and second washing nozzles 216 and 217 can respectively protrude forward through the opening portions 218 of the wide-width portion 221. A suction port 219 for sucking air including an odor and a discharge port 220 for discharging deodorized air are formed on both sides of the opening portions 218 in the wide-width portion 221.

[0219] In addition, a shutter 222 that operates an opening-closing operation over the pair of opening portions 218, and the suction port 219 and the discharge port 220 on the right and left sides of the pair of opening portions 218 is provided on the front surface side of the wide-width portion 221. The shutter 222 exhibits a substantially rectangular plate shape. The shutter 222 is held such that its rear surface is pulled to the wide-width portion 221 side by a spring housed in a tube portion (not shown). The shutter 222 is configured to be pivotable upward and downward by the first washing nozzle 216 and the second washing nozzle 217.

[0220] That is, in a case where the first washing nozzle 216 protrudes downward, one projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter 222 is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter 222 pivots upward, so that the shutter 222 is in an upwardly open state. In a case where the second washing nozzle 217 protrudes downward, the other projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter 222 is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter 222 pivots downward, so that the shutter 222 is in a downwardly open state.

[0221] At the time of washing by the first washing nozzle 216, the second washing nozzle 217 protrudes downward and the shutter 222 is in a downwardly open state. Then, in a state where the first washing nozzle 216 has moved forward beyond the shutter 222, washing is performed by the first washing nozzle 216. In addition, in a case where washing is performed by the second washing nozzle 217, the second washing nozzle 217 protrudes downward and the shutter 222 is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, in a state where the second washing nozzle 217 has moved forward beyond the shutter 222, washing is performed.

[0222] In addition, the base 211 for mounting the private part washing device 23 has a substantially flat plate shape. However, a convex portion 223 which has a convex curve shape forming a convexity downward throughout a part from the wide-width portion 221 to the tip end side of the base 211 is formed in the middle of its tip end side.

[0223] Meanwhile, in the toilet main body 22 shown in FIG. 14, the upper surface 210b of the toilet bowl 210 has a flat surface shape. On the upper surface 210b of the toilet bowl 210, an edge part of a mount portion 210c for mounting the base 211 facing the opening 210a forms a concave portion 224 which is recessed downward by a predetermined range. When the base 211 is installed on the mount portion 210c of the toilet bowl 210, the convex portion 223 including the wide-width portion 221 of the base 211 sits on and is fitted in the concave portion 224.

[0224]  In FIGS. 15A to 15C, the mount portion 210c of the toilet main body 22 is included in the upper surface 210b and forms the same plane. This plane is indicated as a reference plane L called "ceramic zero surface". In the wide-width portion 221 of the base 211, the pair of opening portions 218 through which the first and second washing nozzles 216 and 217 penetrate and move forward and rearward, and the suction port 219 and the discharge port 220 on both sides thereof are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane L in their entirety or a part of height portions.

[0225] In addition, in the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210, the rim water passage 225 is formed along a lower circumferential surface of the circumferential edge portion of the upper surface 210b. The rim water passage 225 is a grooved rim-shaped passage formed to circle around along an inner side surface of the toilet bowl 210. The rim water passage 225 generates a swirl flow of washing water for washing the toilet bowl 210.

[0226] In FIGS. 15B and 15C, for example, in the discharge port 220, openings are formed vertically in two rows (or may be formed in the right/left direction) as an upper discharge port 220a and a lower discharge port 220b. Ribs 230 are formed in each of the upper discharge port 220a and the lower discharge port 220b, having directions different from each other.

[0227] Air discharged through the upper discharge port 220a forms a swirl flow as a rim-shaped passage along the inner side surface in the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210. Air discharged through the lower discharge port 220b is discharged in a direction obliquely intersecting the inside of the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210, thereby forming a traversal flow. Air discharged through the lower discharge port 220b joins a swirl flow from the upper discharge port 220a on the inner side surface of the toilet bowl 210 facing the discharge port 220. Air directions of a swirl flow and a traversal flow can be regulated by using the ribs 230 installed in the upper discharge port 220a and the lower discharge port 220b. Therefore, the directions of the upper discharge port 220a and the lower discharge port 220b may be reversely set.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 13, on the convex portion 223 in the middle of the base 211 on the tip end side, the deodorizing unit 213 is installed on a side lower than the nozzle unit 212. As shown in FIG. 16, the deodorizing unit 213 includes a deodorizing duct 226, a fan 227, a deodorizing cartridge 228, and a sterilizing unit 229.

[0229] The suction port 219 and the discharge port 220 formed in the wide-width portion 221 are interlinked with each other through the deodorizing duct 226. For example, the deodorizing duct 226 is formed to be a deodorizing duct 226 having a substantially U-shape or a substantially laid U-shape. The fan 227 is provided in the middle of the deodorizing duct 226 as an air blower. The deodorizing cartridge 228 is installed on the upstream side of the fan 227. The sterilizing unit 229 is installed on the downstream side of the fan 227.

[0230] The deodorizing duct 226 is a passage of an air flow configuring a deodorizing flow channel. The suction port 219 provided at an upstream end of the deodorizing duct 226 faces the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210 and suctions air including an odor.

[0231] In FIG. 16, as a deodorizer, for example, the deodorizing cartridge 228 is installed in the middle part of a flow channel of the deodorizing duct 226 of the deodorizing unit 213. The deodorizing cartridge 228 is internally equipped with a deodorizing catalyst and includes a deodorizing portion 231 which eliminates an odor included in passing air. In the present embodiment B1, as shown in FIG. 17, the deodorizing cartridge 228 includes the deodorizing portion 231 and a cover member 232.

[0232] The deodorizing portion 231 is configured by an adsorption-type deodorant having activated carbon or the like as a catalyst. The cover member 232 covers an outer circumferential surface of the deodorizing portion 231 and is formed to be a thin layer configured by an elastic member, for example, a sponge having waterproof property and elastic property.

[0233] A suitable shape can be employed for the deodorizing portion 231. For example, the deodorizing portion 231 has 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 portion 231 may 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 portion 231 has 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 member 232 is a closed-cell-type belt-like member having high waterproof property. The sponge of the cover member 232 is wound around the side surface of the deodorizing portion 231.

[0234] Moreover, the deodorizing cartridge 228 has a cutout portion 233 formed by cutting off a part of the cover member 232, for example, a part of the deodorizing portion 231 on the upper surface side. Otherwise, the cutout portion 233 may be formed on the side surface or the bottom surface of the cover member 232. The cutout portion 233 configures a bypass passage in which inflow air bypasses the deodorizing portion 231 and flows to the downstream side. In the present embodiment B1, the cutout portion 233 is formed by cutting off the cover member 232 such as a sponge along the air flow direction as much as a predetermined range of the thickness.

[0235] Therefore, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct 226 passes through the deodorizing portion 231 and is deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge 28. Then, a part thereof passes the cover member 232, and another part thereof passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion 233 and flows to the downstream side. Since a part of air flowing in the deodorizing duct 226 passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion 233, ventilation property of the deodorizing cartridge 228 is improved. As a result, it is possible to increase the air speed and the air volume of air flowing in through the suction port 219 and flowing in the deodorizing duct 226.

[0236] In addition, the sterilizing unit 229 generates sterilizing ions, suppresses propagation of floating fungi, and performs sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit 229 ionizes 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.

[0237] In addition, in the deodorizing duct 226 shown in FIG. 16, a filter 234 capable of moving forward and rearward is installed on the upstream side of the deodorizing cartridge 228. The filter 234 is 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 port 219. The filter 234 is attachable and detachable through the wide-width portion 221 in a state where the shutter 222 is removed.

[0238] The deodorizing unit 213 having the deodorizing duct 226 configuring the deodorizing flow channel and the deodorizing cartridge 228 are installed in the convex portion 223 of the base 211 and is installed on a side lower than the reference plane L. The wide-width portion 221 includes the suction port 219 and the discharge port 220. The wide-width portion 221 protrudes from the convex portion 223 in the middle of the base 211 on the tip end side and faces the inside of the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210. In addition, the fan 227 and the sterilizing unit 229 are installed on a side upper than a reference plane 2L.

[0239] In addition, the suction port 219 formed in the wide-width portion 221 of the base 211 is open to a side lower than the upper surface 210b of the toilet bowl 210, that is, a side lower than the reference plane 2L. A part of the discharge port 220 formed in the wide-width portion 221 of the base 211 is open to a side lower than the reference plane. It is preferable that at least a part of the upper discharge port 220a is positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 2L in the discharge port 220.

[0240] In regard to suctioning of air through the suction port 219 in the deodorizing unit 213, deodorization is performed by suctioning stagnant air including an odor in the lower portion of the toilet bowl 210 into the deodorizing duct 226. Air to be discharged through the discharge port 220 after deodorization is discharged in a substantially horizontal direction, swirls along the rim water passage 225 in the toilet bowl 210 and is guided to the suction port 219 again.

[0241] Therefore, the deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing duct 226 and the swirl flow channel of air in the toilet bowl 210 form a circulation flow channel in which air circulates repetitively. In the private part washing device 23 shown in FIG. 13, the nozzle unit 212 is installed in the upper portions of the deodorizing duct 226 and the deodorizing cartridge 228 in the deodorizing unit 213 in an oblique direction.

[0242]  In addition, the warm air drying unit 214 is installed at a position adjacent to the deodorizing unit 213.

[0243] The warm air drying unit 214 includes a warm air generating device 235 and a warm air duct 238. The warm air generating device 235 includes an air blowing fan 236 and a heater 237. The air blowing fan 236 is provided on the upstream side of the warm air duct 238. The heater 237 is arranged in the warm air duct 238. The warm air duct 238 communicates with a warm air blowing port formed in the upper portion of the suction port 219 for air formed in the wide-width portion 221.

[0244] The warm air drying unit 214 has a configuration in which warm air of the warm air generating device 235 warmed by the heater 237 flows through the warm air duct 238 and is discharged through a warm air blowing port 241. Accordingly, a private part is dried. The warm air drying unit 214 may be configured to communicate with the discharge port 220 of the wide-width portion 221 such that generated warm air is discharged through thereof.

[0245] The deodorizing unit 213 of the toilet 21 according to the present embodiment B1 has a configuration as described above. Next, a deodorizing method performed by the deodorizing unit 213 will be described.

[0246] At the time of deodorizing the toilet 21, the shutter 222 is in a downwardly open state by causing the second washing nozzle 217 to protrude downward. Thereafter, the first washing nozzle 216 is driven to protrude obliquely downward via the opening portions 218 of the wide-width portion 221 so that the first washing nozzle 216 protrudes beyond the shutter 222, and the fan 227 of the deodorizing unit 213 is driven. In this case, since the shutter 222 is 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 port 219 without going upward.

[0247] The deodorizing duct 226 and the deodorizing cartridge 228 of the deodorizing unit 213 are installed in the convex portion 223 directed downward from the base 211 and are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 2L together with the suction port 219. A part of the discharge port 220 is positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 2L. In addition, air discharged through the discharge port 220 due to the driven fan 227 is set such that the air is discharged in the horizontal direction toward the rim water passage 225 formed in the upper portion on the inner surface.

[0248] As shown in FIG. 18, air discharged through the upper discharge port 220a of the discharge port 220 at the time of deodorization laterally swirls as a swirl flow along the rim water passage 225 in the toilet bowl 210 and returns to the private part washing device 23 side. That is, a swirl flow channel is formed in the toilet bowl 210 as indicated with the dotted line. Meanwhile, air discharged through the lower discharge port 220b of the discharge port 220 is discharged as a traversal flow traversing toward the middle part in the opening 210a of the toilet bowl 210, joins a swirl flow from the upper discharge port 220a on the inner side surface of the toilet bowl 210 facing the discharge port 220, forms a swirl flow, and is then headed for the suction port 219. Accordingly, an odor in the toilet bowl 210 can be thoroughly collected.

[0249] The suction port 219 is positioned in the lower portion of the reference plane 2L. Therefore, air swirling in the toilet bowl 210 entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl 210 and is directly guided to the suction port 219. An air flow including an odor flows in the deodorizing duct 226 due to sucking force of the fan 227 in the deodorizing unit 213.

[0250] As shown in FIG. 16, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct 226 and including an odor flows in the deodorizing portion 231 covered with the cover member 232 in the deodorizing cartridge 228, 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 portion 233 of the deodorizing cartridge 228, so that the part of the air flows to the downstream side at a high speed without receiving flow resistance by the deodorizing cartridge 228.

[0251] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the air speed of the entire air flow flowing into the deodorizing duct 226 through the suction port 219. Therefore, it is possible to increase the circulation speed of air which can be deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge 228 in the deodorizing duct 226, and it is also possible to increase the discharge flow rate of air through the discharge port 220. As a result, a swirl flow in the rim water passage 225 of the toilet bowl 210 can also be increased in speed.

[0252] In this manner, the circulation flow speed of air in the deodorizing duct 226 in the deodorizing unit 213 and the swirl flow speed in the rim water passage 225 of the toilet bowl 210 can be increased, an odor can be deodorized faster by the deodorizing cartridge 228, and the ventilation rate of odors in the toilet 21 and the water closet space around thereof can be improved.

[0253] In a case of deodorizing the entire water closet space, it is possible to perform deodorization around the toilet 21 by causing the toilet lid 28 to be in an open state and causing the shutter 222 to be in an upward open state such that its inner surface is directed upward.

[0254] As described above, in the deodorizing unit 213 of the toilet 21 according to the present embodiment B1, since the bypass passage configured by the cutout portion 233 is formed in a part of the deodorizing cartridge 228, the flow rate of air flowing in the suction port 219 and the discharge port 220 increases so that the air circulates at a high speed. Therefore, it is possible to improve adsorption efficiency of an odor in the deodorizing cartridge 228.

[0255] In addition, the air flow speed and the air volume in the deodorizing duct 226 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ventilation efficiency not only in the toilet bowl 210 but also in the water closet space around the toilet bowl 210.

[0256] Furthermore, air resistance of the deodorizing cartridge 228 in the deodorizing unit 213 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently perform deodorization even if the mesh size of the deodorizing portion 231 is reduced or the deodorizing cartridge 228 is miniaturized.

[0257] In addition, the suction port 219, the discharge port 220, and the deodorizing duct 226 of the deodorizing unit 213 are positioned in the concave portion 224 of the toilet bowl 210. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently collect an odor and to carry out ventilation by causing a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl 210 to flow in together with air at a high speed through the suction port 219 and adsorbing the odor by the deodorizing cartridge 228.

[0258] The deodorizing unit 213 of the toilet 21 according 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.

[0259] For example, in the deodorizing unit 213 described above, the bypass passage is realized by forming the cutout portion 233 made by cutting off a part of the cover member 232 which covers the deodorizing portion 231 of the deodorizing cartridge 228. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in place of the cutout portion 233 formed in the cover member 232 of the deodorizing cartridge 228, a tubular or hollow passage may be formed in the deodorizing portion 231 or the cover member 232. Otherwise, without cutting off the deodorizing cartridge 228, a bypass passage for an air flow may be formed outside the deodorizing cartridge 228 in a manner of being bifurcated from the deodorizing duct 226 in front of or behind the deodorizing cartridge 228 and being isolated.

[0260] Even in these cases, the air speed of an air flow in front of or behind the deodorizing cartridge 228 increases, and the air flow speed and the flow rate passing through the suction port 219 and the discharge port 220 increase. Therefore, the air flow speed and the flow rate passing through the inside of the deodorizing cartridge 228 increase, and efficiency of deodorizing and adsorbing an odor is improved.

[0261] In the embodiment B1 described above, in the deodorizing unit 213, the wide-width portion 221 widened downward in width and the convex portion 223 protruding downward are formed in a middle portion of the base 211 on the tip end side. The deodorizing duct 226 and the deodorizing cartridge 228 are installed in the convex portion 223 and are arranged in the concave portion 224 at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane 2L. On the other hand, the deodorizing duct 226, and the suction port 219 and the discharge port 220 interlinked therewith are not necessarily installed at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane 2L.

[0262] For example, the embodiment B1 may employ a configuration in which a part of each of the suction port 219, the discharge port 220, the deodorizing duct 226, and the deodorizing cartridge 228 is installed at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane L. Otherwise, the base 211 may be formed to have a flat plate shape in its entirety, and the deodorizing unit 213 may be installed on this base 211, that is, above the reference plane 2L.

[0263] In addition, in the embodiment B1, the deodorizing cartridge 228 is formed with the deodorizing portion 231 and the cover member 232. However, the cover member 232 does not have to be provided in the deodorizing cartridge 228, and the deodorizing portion 231 may be directly installed in the deodorizing duct 226 with no gap.

[0264] In the embodiment B1, the discharge port 220 is divided into the upper discharge port 220a and the lower discharge port 220b, 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 passage 225.

[0265] The deodorizer is not limited to the deodorizing cartridge 228. 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 duct 226. In addition, the deodorizing unit 213 configures the deodorizing device.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] FIGS. 19 to 26 illustrate a deodorizing unit 313 as a deodorizing device of a flushing-type toilet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0269] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate the flushing-type toilet 31 including a private part washing device 33 of the embodiment. The toilet 31 includes the private part washing device 33 in the rear portion on the upper surface of a toilet main body 32. The private part washing device 33 is included in a case 35 housing various functional components for private part washing, warm air drying, and deodorizing. A toilet seat 37 and a valve lid 38 installed on the toilet main body 32 are attached to a cover 36 provided in the case 35 so as to be capable of being individually opened and closed.

[0270] In FIG. 20, the toilet main body 32 has a toilet bowl 310 receiving filth, and a drain pipe portion (not shown). The drain pipe portion extends downward from a bottom portion of the toilet bowl 310. A rim water passage 325, a drop flow channel, and the like are formed in an upper inner wall in the toilet bowl 310. The rim water passage 325 is 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.

[0271] The private part washing device 33 is installed on a base 311 arranged in the rear portion on an upper surface 310b forming an opening 310a of the toilet bowl 310. The private part washing device 33 includes a nozzle unit 312, the deodorizing unit 313, a warm air drying unit 314, and the like. The nozzle unit 312 includes a private part washing nozzle (described below). The deodorizing unit 313 is provided in order to deodorize an odor generated in the toilet bowl 310. The warm air drying unit 314 is provided in order to dry a private part after washing with warm air. Furthermore, the private part washing device 33 includes a warm water supply unit 315, a control unit, a power supply board, and the like. The warm water supply unit 315 is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit 312. The control unit is provided in order to control driving of each of the units.

[0272] In the private part washing device 33 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the nozzle unit 312 is installed in the middle of the base 311 on a tip end side facing the opening 310a of the toilet bowl 310 in the toilet main body 32. In the nozzle unit 312, as a pair of private part washing nozzles, a first washing nozzle 316 and a second washing nozzle 317 are arranged in parallel and are installed obliquely downward. The first washing nozzle 316 is a nozzle for anus washing, and the second washing nozzle 317 is a washing nozzle for bidet. Each of the first and second washing nozzles 316 and 317 has a discharging hole for discharging washing water, in the tip end portion positioned below.

[0273] The first and second washing nozzles 316 and 317 are interlinked with the warm water supply unit 315 installed in the base 311, via piping. The warm water supply unit 315 selectively supplies warm water, which has been adjusted to a set temperature, to the first and second washing nozzles 316 and 317 upon a command of the control unit (not shown).

[0274] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 21, 23A, and 23B, a wide-width portion 321 extending downward and having a wide width is provided in the middle of the base 311 on the front surface facing the opening 310a of the toilet bowl 310. A pair of opening portions 318 is provided in the middle of the wide-width portion 321. The first and second washing nozzles 316 and 317 can respectively protrude forward through the opening portions 318 of the wide-width portion 321. A suction port 319 for sucking air including an odor and a discharge port 320 for discharging deodorized air are formed on both sides of the pair of opening portions 318 in the wide-width portion 321.

[0275] In addition, a shutter 322 for conducting an opening-closing operation over the pair of opening portions 318, and the suction port 319 and the discharge port 320 on the right and left sides of the pair of opening portions 318 is provided on the front surface side of the wide-width portion 321 (refer to FIG. 21). The shutter 322 exhibits a substantially rectangular plate shape. The shutter 322 is held such that its rear surface is pulled to the wide-width portion 321 side by a spring housed in a tube portion (not shown). The shutter 322 is configured to be pivotable upward and downward by the first washing nozzle 316 and the second washing nozzle 317.

[0276] That is, in a case where the first washing nozzle 316 protrudes downward, one projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter 322 is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter 322 pivots upward, so that the shutter 322 is in an upwardly open state. In a case where the second washing nozzle 317 protrudes downward, the other projection portion (not shown) formed on the rear surface of the shutter 322 is pushed and the inner surface of the shutter 322 pivots downward, so that the shutter 322 is in a downwardly open state.

[0277] At the time of washing by the first washing nozzle 316, the second washing nozzle 317 protrudes downward and the shutter 322 is in a downwardly open state. Then, in a state where the first washing nozzle 316 has moved forward beyond the shutter 322, washing is performed by the first washing nozzle 316. In addition, in a case where washing is performed by the second washing nozzle 317, the second washing nozzle 317 protrudes downward and the shutter 322 is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, in a state where the second washing nozzle 317 has moved forward beyond the shutter 322, washing is performed.

[0278] In addition, the base 311 for mounting the private part washing device 33 has a substantially flat plate shape. However, a convex portion 323 which has a predetermined range and a convex curve shape forming a convexity downward throughout a part from the wide-width portion 321 to the tip end side of the base 311 is formed in the middle of its tip end side. Therefore, a concave recess portion 323a is formed on the upper surface side of the convex portion 323.

[0279] Meanwhile, in the toilet main body 32 shown in FIG. 22, the upper surface 310b of the toilet bowl 310 has a flat surface shape. On the upper surface 310b of the toilet bowl 310, a concave portion 324, which is recessed downward by a predetermined range, is formed in a circumferential edge portion of a mount portion 310c for mounting the base 311 facing the opening 310a. When the base 311 is installed on the mount portion 310c of the toilet bowl 310, the convex portion 323 of the base 311 sits on the concave portion 324, and the concave portion 324 and the convex portion 323 are fitted together.

[0280] In FIGS. 23A and 23B, the mount portion 310c of the toilet main body 32 is included in the upper surface 310b and forms the same plane. This plane is indicated as a reference plane 3L called "ceramic zero surface". Moreover, in the wide-width portion 321 of the base 311, the pair of opening portions 318 through which the first and second washing nozzles 316 and 317 penetrate and move forward and rearward, and the suction port 319 and the discharge port 320 on both sides thereof are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane L in their entirety or a part of height portions.

[0281] FIG. 23A shows the wide-width portion 321 excluding a frame portion which has the pair of opening portions 318. FIG. 23B shows a state where the frame portion of the opening portions 318 is installed in the wide-width portion 321. In the example shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the suction port 319 is at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane 3L in its entirety, and the discharge port 320 is at a level equal to or lower than the reference plane 3L except for a part.

[0282] In addition, in the opening 310a of the toilet bowl 310 shown in FIG. 22, the rim water passage 325 is formed along a lower circumferential surface of the circumferential edge portion of the upper surface 310b. The rim water passage 325 is a grooved rim-shaped passage formed to circle around along an inner side surface of the toilet bowl 310. The rim water passage 325 generates a swirl flow of washing water for washing the toilet bowl 310.

[0283] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 25, in the concave recess portion 323a on the upper surface of the convex portion 323 in the middle of the base 311 on the tip end side, the deodorizing unit 313 is installed on a side lower than the nozzle unit 312. As shown in FIG. 24, the deodorizing unit 313 includes a deodorizing duct 326, a fan 327, a deodorizing cartridge 328, and a sterilizing unit 329. The suction port 319 and the discharge port 320 formed in the wide-width portion 321 are interlinked with each other through the deodorizing duct 326. For example, the deodorizing duct 326 is formed to have a substantially U-shape or a substantially laid U-shape. The fan 327 is provided in the middle of the deodorizing duct 326 as an air blower. The deodorizing cartridge 32 is a deodorizer and is installed on the upstream side of the fan 327. The sterilizing unit 329 is installed on the downstream side of the fan 327.

[0284] The deodorizing duct 326 is a passage of an air flow configuring a deodorizing flow channel. In the deodorizing duct 326, the suction port 319 provided at its upstream end faces the opening 310a of the toilet bowl 310 and suctions air including an odor.

[0285] In FIG. 24, the deodorizing cartridge 328 is installed in the middle part of the flow channel of the deodorizing duct 326 of the deodorizing unit 313. The deodorizing cartridge 328 is internally equipped with the deodorizing catalyst and includes a deodorizing portion 331 which eliminates an odor included in passing air. In the present embodiment, the deodorizing cartridge 328 includes the deodorizing portion 331 and a cover member 332. The deodorizing portion 331 is an adsorption-type deodorant having activated carbon or the like as a catalyst. The cover member 332 covers an outer circumferential surface of the deodorizing portion 331 and is formed to be a thin layer constituted of a sponge, for example, having waterproof property and elastic property.

[0286] The deodorizing portion 331 internally 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 portion 331 has 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 member 332 is a closed-cell-type belt-like member having high waterproof property and is wound around the side surface of the deodorizing portion 331.

[0287] Moreover, the deodorizing cartridge 328 has a cutout portion 333 formed by cutting off a part of the cover member 332, for example, a part of the deodorizing portion 331 on the upper surface side. Otherwise, the cutout portion 333 may be formed on the side surface or the bottom surface of the cover member 332. The cutout portion 333 configures a bypass passage in which inflow air bypasses the deodorizing portion 331 and flows to the downstream side. The cutout portion 333 is formed by cutting off the cover member 332 along the air flow direction as much as a predetermined range of the thickness.

[0288] Therefore, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct 326 passes through the deodorizing portion 331 and is deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge 28. Then, a part thereof passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion 333 and flows to the downstream side. Since a part of air flowing in the deodorizing cartridge 28 passes through the bypass passage of the cutout portion 333, ventilation property of the deodorizing cartridge 328 is improved. As a result, it is possible to increase the air speed and the air volume of air flowing in through the suction port 319 and flowing in the deodorizing duct 326.

[0289] Otherwise, the entire quantity of an air flow may pass through the deodorizing portion 331 or the cover member 332 of the deodorizing cartridge 328 without providing a bypass passage such as the cutout portion 333 in the deodorizing cartridge 328.

[0290] In addition, the sterilizing unit 329 generates sterilizing ions, suppresses propagation of floating fungi, and performs sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit 329 ionizes 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.

[0291] In addition, in the deodorizing duct 326 shown in FIG. 24, an attachable/detachable filter 334 is installed on the upstream side of the deodorizing cartridge 328. The filter 334 is 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 port 319. The filter 334 is attachable and detachable through the wide-width portion 321 in a state where the shutter 322 is removed.

[0292] The deodorizing unit 313 having the deodorizing duct 326 configuring the deodorizing flow channel and the deodorizing cartridge 328 are installed in the concave recess portion 323a on the upper surface of the convex portion 323 of the base 311 and is installed on a side lower than the reference plane 3L. The fan 327 and the sterilizing unit 329 are installed on a side upper than the reference plane 3L.

[0293] In regard to suctioning of air through the suction port 319 in the deodorizing unit 313, deodorization is performed by suctioning stagnant air including an odor in the lower portion of the toilet bowl 310 into the deodorizing duct 326. Air to be discharged through the discharge port 320 is discharged in a substantially horizontal direction, swirls in a substantially horizontal direction along the rim water passage 325 in the toilet bowl 310, and is guided to the suction port 319 again.

[0294] Therefore, the deodorizing flow channel in the deodorizing duct 326 and the swirl flow channel of air in the toilet bowl 310 form a circulation flow channel in which air circulates repetitively. In the private part washing device 33 shown in FIGS. 21 and 25, the nozzle unit 312 is installed in the upper portions of the deodorizing duct 326 and the deodorizing cartridge 328 in the deodorizing unit 313.

[0295] In FIG. 21, the warm air drying unit 314 is installed at a position adjacent to the deodorizing unit 313. The warm air drying unit 314 includes a warm air generating device 335 and the warm air duct 338. The warm air generating device 335 includes an air blowing fan 336 and a heater 337. The air blowing fan 336 is provided on the upstream side of the warm air duct 338. The heater 337 is arranged in the warm air duct 338. The warm air duct 338 communicates with a warm air blowing port 341 formed in the upper portion of the suction port 319 for air formed in the wide-width portion 321 (refer to FIG. 23B).

[0296] The warm air drying unit 314 has a configuration in which warm air of the warm air generating device 335 warmed by the heater 337 flows through the warm air duct 338 and is discharged through the warm air blowing port 341. Accordingly, a private part is dried. The warm air drying unit 314 may communicate with the discharge port 320 such that generated warm air is discharged via the warm air duct 338. Otherwise, the discharge port 320 may be formed as a discharge port of the warm air duct 338.

[0297] The deodorizing unit 313 of the toilet 21 according to the present embodiment C1 has a configuration as described above. Next, a deodorizing method performed by the deodorizing unit 313 will be described.

[0298] At the time of deodorizing the toilet 31, the shutter 322 is in a downwardly open state by causing the second washing nozzle 317 to protrude downward. Thereafter, the first washing nozzle 216 is driven to protrude obliquely downward via the opening portions 318 of the wide-width portion 321 so that the first washing nozzle 216 protrudes beyond the shutter 322, and the fan 327 of the deodorizing unit 313 is driven. In this case, since the shutter 322 is 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 port 319 without going upward.

[0299] The deodorizing duct 326 and the deodorizing cartridge 328 of the deodorizing unit 313 are installed in the concave recess portion 323a on the upper surface of the convex portion 323 of the base 311 and are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 3L together with the suction port 319. A part of the discharge port 320 is positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 3L. Air discharged through the discharge port 220 due to the driven fan 327 is set such that the air is discharged in the horizontal direction toward the rim water passage 325 formed in the upper portion on the inner surface.

[0300] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26, air discharged through the discharge port 320 in the horizontal direction at the time of deodorization laterally swirls along the rim water passage 325 in the toilet bowl 310 and returns to the private part washing device 33 side. That is, a swirl flow channel is formed in the toilet bowl 310 as indicated with the dotted line. The suction port 319 is positioned in the lower portion of the reference plane 3L. Therefore, air horizontally swirling in the toilet bowl 310 entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl 310 and is directly guided to the suction port 319 without being displaced in the upward/downward direction. An air flow including an odor flows in the deodorizing duct 326 due to sucking force of the fan 327 in the deodorizing unit 313.

[0301]  As shown in FIG. 24, most of air flowing in the deodorizing duct 326 and including an odor flows in the deodorizing portion 331 covered with the cover member 332 in the deodorizing cartridge 328, so that the odor is adsorbed. In addition, a part of the air flows in the bypass passage constituted of the cutout portion 333 of the deodorizing cartridge 328, so that the part of the air flows to the downstream side at a high speed without receiving flow resistance by the deodorizing cartridge 328.

[0302] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the air speed of the entire air flow flowing into the deodorizing duct 326 through the suction port 319. Therefore, it is possible to increase the circulation speed of air which can be deodorized by the deodorizing cartridge 328 in the deodorizing duct 326, and it is also possible to increase the discharge flow rate of air through the discharge port 320. As a result, a swirl flow in the rim water passage 325 in the toilet bowl 310 can also be increased in speed.

[0303] In a case where the bypass passage of the cutout portion 333 is not provided in the deodorizing cartridge 328, the entire quantity of an air flow passes through the deodorizing portion 231 or the cover member 332, thereby being deodorized.

[0304] In this manner, the circulation flow speed of air in the deodorizing duct 326 in the deodorizing unit 313 and the swirl flow speed along the rim water passage 325 in the toilet bowl 310 can be increased, an odor can be deodorized faster by the deodorizing cartridge 328, and the ventilation rate of odors in the toilet 31 and the water closet space around thereof can be improved.

[0305] As described above, in the deodorizing unit 313 of the toilet 31 according to the present embodiment C1, the deodorizing duct 326 and the deodorizing cartridge 328 are installed in the concave recess portion 323a of the convex portion 323 protruding downward from the base 311 and are positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 3L. The suction port 319 and a part of the discharge port 320 are also positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 3L. Therefore, an air flow discharged through the discharge port 320 flows out in the horizontal direction and swirls along the rim water passage 325 in the opening 310a of the toilet bowl 310. Thus, it is possible to improve the circulation speed and efficiency of an air flow.

[0306] Moreover, an air flow discharged through the discharge port 320 entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl 310 and is directly guided to the suction port 319 without 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.

[0307] An air flow swirling in the toilet bowl 310 along the rim water passage 325 in the opening 310a efficiently entangles a stagnant odor in the toilet bowl 310 and flows into the suction port 319 of the deodorizing unit 313, thereby circulating. Therefore, an odor in the toilet bowl 310 can be efficiently collected by the deodorizing cartridge 328, and leakage of an odor can be reduced.

[0308] Furthermore, in the present embodiment C1, since the deodorizing duct 326 and the deodorizing cartridge 328 configuring the deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing unit 313 is installed in the concave recess portion 323a of the base 311 and the convex portion 323 protruding downward is installed in the concave portion 324 on the upper surface 310b of the toilet bowl 310, the deodorizing flow channel can be shortened. Moreover, since the nozzle unit 312 is installed on the upper portion of the deodorizing duct 326, the private part washing device 33 can be miniature, thereby contributing to space saving.

[0309] In addition, since the bypass passage of the cutout portion 333 is provided in the deodorizing cartridge 328 of the deodorizing unit 313, the air speed and the air volume in the deodorizing duct 326 can be increased. In this regard as well, deodorizing efficiency can be improved.

[0310] The flushing-type toilet 31 including the deodorizing unit 313 according 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.

[0311] For example, in the embodiment C1 described above, a part of the discharge port 320 provided in the wide-width portion 321 is installed on a side lower than the reference plane L. However, similar to the suction port 319, its entirety may be positioned on a side lower than the reference plane 3L. In this case, it is possible to further horizontally discharge air on the rim water passage 325 in the toilet bowl 310 through the discharge port 320. Therefore, discharging air flowing in the circulation flow channel can more smoothly circulate to the suction port 319.

[0312] Otherwise, a part of each of the deodorizing duct 326, the deodorizing cartridge 328, and the suction port 319 may be installed on a side lower than the reference plane L. In this case as well, a part of a discharging air flow of air at the discharge port 320 or a suctioning air flow of air including an odor at the suction port 319 is 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 bowl 310 and to improve suctioning of an odor and deodorizing efficiency, compared to technologies in the related art.

[0313] In addition, in the embodiment C1 described above, the discharge port 320 is configured to be a discharge port formed in the deodorizing flow channel. However, in place thereof, for example, the discharge port 320 may be configured to be a discharge port for a different member such as a discharge port of the warm air duct 338 of the warm air drying unit 314.

[0314] 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.

[0315] Next, a toilet stool according to an embodiment D1 of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 27 to 34.

[0316] As shown in FIG. 27, a toilet stool (toilet) 41 according to the present embodiment D1 is a flushing-type toilet. The toilet stool 41 includes a toilet main body 42, a functional section 43, a toilet seat 44, and a toilet lid 45. The toilet main body 42 is connected to drain piping (not shown) which is installed on a floor surface 412 of a water closet space 411 and extends downward. The functional section 43 is attached to the toilet main body 42. The toilet seat 44 and the toilet lid 45 are pivotably attached to the toilet main body 42 via the functional section 43.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 28, the functional section 43 indicates various function devices and various functional components such as a private part washing device 46, a sterilizing/deodorizing device (deodorizing device) 47, and an illumination device 48 illuminating the inside of a toilet bowl 421 of the toilet main body 42; 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 case 49 accommodating thereof.

[0318] A side on which the functional section 43 of the toilet stool 41 is provided will be referred to as a rear side in a forward/rearward direction, and a side on which the toilet seat 44 is 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.

[0319] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the toilet seat 44 has a body portion 441 and four protruding portions 442, 442, and so on (refer to FIG. 29). The body portion 441 has 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 portions 442 protrude downward from a lower surface 441a of the body portion 441. As shown in FIG. 27, in the toilet seat 44, a part in the vicinity of a rear end portion 441b in a laid posture is attached to the toilet main body 42 via the functional section 43. The toilet seat 44 is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis 443 extending in the width direction in the vicinity of the rear end portion 441b.

[0320] As shown in FIG. 29, the four protruding portions 442 are 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 in FIG. 27, when the toilet seat 44 is in a laid posture, the four protruding portions 442, 442, and so on (refer to FIG. 29) abuts on an upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42, and a gap d1 having a predetermined size is formed between the lower surface 441a of the body portion 441 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42.

[0321] In addition, in the body portion 441, an inclination portion 444 is formed entirely in the width direction on the entire lower surface 441a in the vicinity of the rear end portion 441b in a laid posture. The inclination portion 444 is formed on an inclination surface gradually headed for the upper side toward the rear side. A horizontal portion 445 (substantially horizontal surface) is formed on the front side of the inclination portion 444 of the body portion 441 in a laid posture. The inclination portion 444 and the horizontal portion 445 are connected to each other at a corner portion 446.

[0322] As shown in FIG. 27, the toilet lid 45 is formed to have a shape covering an upper surface 441c and side surfaces 441d of the body portion 441 of the toilet seat 44 in a laid posture. The state where the toilet lid 45 covers the toilet seat 44 will be referred to as a state where the toilet lid 45 is closed, and a state where the toilet seat 44 is exposed will be referred to as a state where the toilet lid 45 is opened.

[0323] In the toilet lid 45, a part in the vicinity of a lower end portion 45a in an opened state (rear end portion in a closed state) is attached to the rear portion side of the toilet main body 42 via the functional section 43. The toilet lid 45 is configured to pivotable about a pivot axis 451 extending in the width direction in the vicinity of the lower end portion 45a.

[0324] In a state where the toilet lid 45 is closed, the lower end portion of the toilet lid 45 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42 are separated from each other.

[0325] In the present embodiment D1, the toilet lid 45 is 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.

[0326] As shown in FIG. 30, the private part washing device 46 has a nozzle unit 461, a warm water supply unit 462, and a warm air drying unit 463. The nozzle unit 461 has a pair of private part washing nozzles 4611 and 4612. The warm water supply unit 462 is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit 461. The warm air drying unit 463 is driven at the time of warm air drying.

[0327] The nozzle unit 461 is arranged in a substantial middle portion of the functional section 43 in the width direction. In the pair of private part washing nozzles 4611 and 4612, one is configured to serve as a first nozzle 4611 for anus washing and the other is configured to serve as a second nozzle 4612 for bidet. The first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 are adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first nozzle 4611 is arranged on one side in the width direction and the second nozzle 4612 is arranged on the other side in the width direction.

[0328] Each of the first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 is formed to have a shape extending in an inclination direction gradually downward to the front. Each of the first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 is supported by a support portion 4613 provided in the case 49. The first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 are supported by the support portion 4613 so as to be individually movable forward and rearward in the inclination direction gradually downward to the front. For example, the support portion 4613 is configured to include a rack-and-pinion mechanism and a motor which is connected to a pinion of the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

[0329] The inclination direction in which the first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 extend 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 nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 move forward to the front and the lower side will be referred to as the front side, and a side to which the first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 move rearward to the rear and the upper side will be referred to as the rear side.

[0330] On a front surface 49a of the case 49, a first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a and a second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b are formed in a substantial middle portion in the width direction, while being adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first nozzle 4611 moving forward and rearward passes through the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a. The second nozzle 4612 moving forward and rearward passes through the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b.

[0331] In addition, a discharge port 491c and a suction port 491d are formed on the front surface 49a of the case while being adjacent to one side of the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a in the width direction. The discharge port 491c is configured to discharge warm air from the warm air drying unit 463. The suction port 491d is provided in order to suction air into the deodorizing flow channel formed in the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47. A discharge port 491e is formed on the front surface 49a of the case while being adjacent to the other side of the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b in the width direction. The discharge port 491e is configured to discharge air for performing sterilization and deodorization by the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47. The first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b, the discharge port 491c of the warm air drying unit 463, and the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 are open obliquely downward from the functional section 43 side to the inside of the toilet bowl 421.

[0332] On the front surface 49a of the case 49, a region in which the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b, the discharge port 491c of the warm air drying unit 463, and the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 are formed will be referred to as an opening forming portion 491.

[0333] A shutter 492 for the opening forming portion 491 switching between a covered state (refer to FIG. 28) and an exposed state (refer to FIGS. 30 and 31) is provided on the front surface 49a of the case 49. The shutter 492 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the opening forming portion 491 in accordance with any one of the first nozzle 4611 and the second nozzle 4612 moving forward and rearward.

[0334] The shutter 492 extends in the width direction and is formed to have a plate shape having a size to the extent that the opening forming portion 491 of the case 49 can be blocked. The shutter 492 is supported by a pair of support tools 493 and 493 provided on the front surface 49a of the case 49. The pair of support tools 493 and 493 is attached to a surface (surface on a side facing the opening forming portion 491 of the case 49) 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492 at an interval in the width direction. In the present embodiment D1, the shutter 492 is attached so as to be attachable and detachable with respect to the pair of support tools 493 and 493. The pair of support tools 493 and 493 supports the shutter 492 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis 494 extending in the width direction in an intermediate portion of the shutter 492 in the height direction.

[0335] Two protrusion portions 495 and 496 are formed on the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492. One of the two protrusion portions 495 and 496 serves as a first protrusion portion 495 and the other serves as a second protrusion portion 496. The first protrusion portion 495 is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the first nozzle 4611 in a state where the shutter 492 covers the opening forming portion 491. In the first protrusion portion 495, the tip end portion is arranged above a pivot axis 494. The second protrusion portion 496 is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the second nozzle 4612 in a state where the shutter 492 covers the opening forming portion 491. In the second protrusion portion 496, the tip end portion is arranged on a side lower than the pivot axis 494.

[0336] In a state where the shutter 492 covers the opening forming portion 491, when the first nozzle 4611 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the first nozzle 4611 presses the shutter 492 to the front side in a state of being abutting on the tip end portion of the first protrusion portion 495 on a side upper than the pivot axis 494. Accordingly, the shutter 492 pivots about the pivot axis 494. As shown in FIG. 30, the shutter 492 is in a posture in which a surface 492a on the inner side is directed in an obliquely upward direction to the upper side and the rear side, and a surface 492b on the outer side is directed in an obliquely downward direction to the lower side and the front side. The shutter 492 in this posture is in an opened state (upwardly lying open state) where the upper side is open.

[0337] The shutter 492 in an upwardly open state is arranged below the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b, the discharge port 491c of the warm air drying unit 463, and the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47.

[0338] On the other hand, in a state where the shutter 492 covers the opening forming portion 491, when the second nozzle 4612 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the second nozzle 4612 presses the shutter 492 to the front side in a state of abutting on the tip end portion of the second protrusion portion 496 on a side lower than the pivot axis 494. Accordingly, the shutter 492 pivots about the pivot axis 494. As shown in FIG. 31, the shutter 492 is in a posture in which the surface 492a on the inner side is directed in an obliquely downward direction to the lower side and the rear side, and the surface 492b on the outer side is directed in an obliquely upward direction to the upper side and the front side. The shutter 492 in this posture is in an opened state (downwardly open state) where the lower side is open.

[0339] The shutter 492 in a downwardly open state is arranged above the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 491b, the discharge port 491c of the warm air drying unit 463, and the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47.

[0340] In a case where washing is performed by the first nozzle 4611, the second nozzle 4612 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state, and then the first nozzle 4611 moves to the front side. At this time, the tip end part of the first nozzle 4611 moves forward beyond the shutter 492 from the lower side of the shutter 492. When the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the first nozzle 4611 is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter 492, washing is performed by the first nozzle 4611.

[0341] In a case where washing is performed by the second nozzle 4612, the second nozzle 4612 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, the second nozzle 4612 moves forward in the moving direction of the nozzle. When the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the second nozzle 4612 is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter 492, washing is performed by the second nozzle 4612.

[0342] In this manner, washing is performed when the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state and the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492 is 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 surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492. As a result, when the shutter 492 is closed after washing, it is possible to prevent or suppress a spray from entering the inside of the case 49.

[0343] As shown in FIG. 30, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit 461 of the private part washing device 46 in a substantial middle portion of the functional section 43 in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 32, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 has a duct 471, a sterilizing/deodorizing fan 472, a deodorizing cartridge 473, and a sterilizing unit 474. The duct 471 is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit 461 (refer to FIG. 30). The fan 472 is provided in the middle of the duct 471. The deodorizing cartridge 473 is arranged on the upstream side of the fan 472. The sterilizing unit 474 is provided on the downstream side of the fan 472. The duct 471 configures a deodorizing flow channel of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47.

[0344] The duct 471 is configured to suck air through the suction port 491d formed on the front surface 49a of the opening forming portion 491 of the case 49 and to discharge air, which has passed through the duct 471, to the outside through the discharge port 491e. In the present embodiment D1, the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e are arranged on the upper portion side of the toilet main body 42 and are open obliquely downward to the inside of the toilet bowl 421. The duct 471 is configured to suction air below the suction port 491d and discharge air, which has passed through the duct 471, to the front side through the discharge port 491e in a substantially horizontal manner.

[0345] When the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 is driven, if the shutter 492 is in an upwardly open state as shown in FIG. 30, the shutter 492 is arranged below the suction port 491d. Therefore, air below the shutter 492 is not suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d, and air 4A1 above the shutter 492 (air above the toilet bowl 421) is suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d.

[0346] In addition, if the shutter 492 is in an upwardly open state, the shutter 492 is arranged below the discharge port 491e. Therefore, air 4A2 discharged through the discharge port 491e comes into contact with the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492 and is guided so as to be headed for the upper side. Accordingly, in a case where the toilet lid 45 is opened, the air 4A2 discharged through the discharge port 491e is released to a space above the toilet seat 44.

[0347] In this manner, in an upwardly open state, the shutter 492 configures a guide portion which guides air above the toilet bowl 421 such that the air is introduced to the suction port 491d and guides air discharged through the discharge port 491e such that the air is directed upward from the toilet bowl 421. In FIG. 33, the bowl surface in the toilet bowl 421 is indicated with the dotted line.

[0348] In addition, the shutter 492 in an upwardly open state is in a posture in which the surface 492a on the inner side is directed in an obliquely upward direction to the upper side and the rear side. Therefore, air above the toilet bowl 421 is likely to be introduced to the suction port 491d along the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492, and air discharged through the discharge port 491e can be efficiently guided so as to be directed upward from the toilet bowl 421 along the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492.

[0349] Furthermore, in the present embodiment D1, the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492 is formed into a curved surface on which an intermediate portion in the height direction is recessed to the surface 492b side 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 surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492 is formed into a flat surface, air above the toilet bowl 421 is more likely to be introduced to the suction port 491d along the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492, and air discharged through the discharge port 491e can be more efficiently guided so as to be directed upward from the toilet bowl 421 along the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492.

[0350] On the other hand, if the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state as shown in FIG. 31, the shutter 492 is arranged above the suction port 491d. Therefore, air in the toilet bowl 421 below the shutter 492 is suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d.

[0351] In addition, if the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state, the shutter 492 is arranged above the discharge port 491e. Therefore, air discharged through the discharge port 491e is released to the inside of the toilet bowl 421 (refer to FIG. 28) in a substantially horizontal direction to the front side, without coming into contact with the shutter 492.

[0352] In this manner, when the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state, air in the toilet bowl 421 is suctioned through the suction port 491d, and air discharged through the discharge port 491e is released to the inside of the toilet bowl 421.

[0353] In addition, in the present embodiment D1, when the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state, air in the toilet bowl 421 below the shutter 492 is more likely to be suctioned through the suction port 491d than air above the shutter 492, and air discharged through the discharge port 491e is more likely to be directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl 421 below the shutter 492 than that above the shutter 492.

[0354] Air in the toilet bowl 421 may be introduced to the suction port 491d along the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492 in a downwardly open state, and air discharged through the discharge port 491e may be directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl 421 along the surface 492a on the inner side of the shutter 492.

[0355] The deodorizing cartridge 473 is internally equipped with a deodorizing catalyst and has a function of eliminating an odor included in air passing through. As the deodorizing cartridge 473, 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.

[0356] The sterilizing unit 474 has a function of generating sterilizing ions, suppressing propagation of floating fungi, and performing sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit 474 ionizes 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.

[0357] Such a sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 deodorizes air suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d by causing the air to pass through the deodorizing cartridge 473, generates positive ions and negative ions by using the sterilizing unit 474, and discharges the air through the discharge port 491e.

[0358] As shown in FIG. 29, the illumination device 48 has LEDs 481 and 481 serving as a pair of light sources respectively provided on both sides in the width direction of the opening forming portion 491 on the front surface 49a of the case 49. The pair of LEDs 481 and 481 is arranged at positions such that light can be emitted to the inclination portion 444 of the body portion 441 of the toilet seat 44 in a lying state as shown in FIG. 29, the corner portion 446, and the protruding portion 442 formed on the rear portion side of the toilet seat 44.

[0359] As shown in FIG. 33, the pair of LEDs 481 and 481 is configured to emit light 4L such that the light 4L comes into contact with each of the inclination portion 444 of the toilet seat 44 in a lying state, the corner portion 446, and the protruding portion 442, is reflected so as to be headed for the inside of the toilet bowl 421, and illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl 421.

[0360]  In the present embodiment D1, when the water closet space 411 is sterilized and deodorized by the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47, the illumination device 48 illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl 421. In addition, as shown in FIG. 33, since the gap d1 having a predetermined size is formed between the lower surface 441a of the body portion 441 of the toilet seat 44 in a lying state and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42, light emitted to the inside of the toilet bowl 421 leaks out through this gap 4d1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 34, if the toilet lid 45 is closed, light which has leaked through the gap d1 between the toilet seat 44 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42 leaks out of the toilet stool 41 through a gap 4d2 having a predetermined size formed between the toilet lid 45 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42. Therefore, even in a state where the toilet lid 45 is closed, a user can visually recognize light illuminating the inside of the toilet bowl 421 through the gap 4d2 between the toilet lid 45 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42.

[0361] In addition, first to third sensors (not shown) are provided in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1. The first sensor detects that a user sits on the toilet seat 44. The second sensor detects that a user is present in front of the toilet stool 41. The third sensor detects that the toilet lid 45 is in an opened state.

[0362] 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 device 47 is provided in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1.

[0363] Subsequently, a method of sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 by the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1 will be described.

[0364] Control of performing sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 will be referred to as control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411, and control of stopping this control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 will be referred to as control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411.

[0365] First, when control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 starts, the LEDs 481 and 481 of the illumination device 48 are lit, and the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is illuminated.

[0366] Subsequently, the first nozzle 4611 moves forward and the shutter 492 is in an upwardly open state.

[0367] Subsequently, the fan 472 of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 starts to be driven, and the sterilizing unit 474 starts to be driven. Accordingly, air suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d passes through the deodorizing cartridge 473 and is deodorized, and sterilizing ions generated by the sterilizing unit 474 are released in the deodorized air. Then, air which is deodorized and in which sterilizing ions are released is discharged through the discharge port 491e.

[0368] When the shutter 492 is in an upwardly open state, air above the toilet bowl 421 is introduced to the suction port 491d, and air which is discharged through the discharge port 491e and performs sterilization and deodorization comes into contact with the shutter 492 and is directed upward from the toilet bowl 421.

[0369] At this time, if the toilet lid 45 is in an opened state, air of the water closet space 411 above the toilet seat 44 is suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d. Air discharged through the discharge port 491e and performs sterilization and deodorization is released to the water closet space 411 above the toilet seat 44 through the opening of the body portion 441 of the toilet seat 44.

[0370] On the other hand, if the toilet lid 45 is in a closed state, air below the toilet lid 45 is suctioned to the duct 471 through the suction port 491d. Air discharged through the discharge port 491e and performs sterilization and deodorization is released to the water closet space 411 through the gap d1 having a predetermined size formed between the toilet seat 44 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42, and the gap 4d2 having a predetermined size formed between the toilet lid 45 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42.

[0371] If control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 ends and control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 starts, the fan 472 of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 stops being driven, the sterilizing unit 474 stops being driven, and the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 stops being driven.

[0372] Subsequently, the first nozzle 4611 moves rearward and the shutter 492 in an upwardly open state is in a closed state.

[0373] Subsequently, the LEDs 481 and 481 of the illumination device 48 are turned off, and the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is in a state of not being illuminated.

[0374] Accordingly, sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 end.

[0375] In a case where the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is sterilized and deodorized, the shutter 492 is in a downwardly open state. Accordingly, air in the toilet bowl 421 is introduced to the suction port 491d, and air which has passed through the duct 471 for performing sterilization and deodorization is discharged to the inside of the toilet bowl 421 through the discharge port 491e without coming into contact with the shutter 492. In the present embodiment D1, in a case where the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is sterilized and deodorized, the LEDs 481 and 481 of the illumination device 48 are set not to be lit.

[0376] In addition, in a case where the water closet space 411 is sterilized and deodorized, compared to a case where the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is sterilized and deodorized, an output to the fan 472 is increased, and the suctioning quantity of air to the duct 471 and the discharging quantity of air from the duct 471 are increased. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 which is a space wider than the inside of the toilet bowl 421.

[0377] Subsequently, control of performing the method of sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 will be described.

[0378] In the present embodiment D1, a control unit (not shown) is configured to be capable of controlling sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 in one control mode selected among three control modes, that is, first to third control modes.

[0379] 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 space 411 starts. 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 space 411 stops. For example, the drive starting time is set to a time zone in which frequency of use of the toilet stool 41 is low, such as at night.

[0380] 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 space 411 does 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 space 411 starts. In addition, in the first control mode, at the drive starting time, when a closed state of the toilet lid 45 is detected by the third sensor, the toilet lid 45 is automatically in an opened state so that the toilet lid 45 is in a state of being opened, and then control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 starts.

[0381] In the first control mode, during control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411, when any of the first sensor and the second sensor has detected a user, driving of sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 stops. In addition, in the first control mode, during control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411, when a closed state of the toilet lid 45 is detected by the third sensor, driving of sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 stops.

[0382] In the second control mode, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 is performed in a state where the toilet lid 45 is 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 lid 45.

[0383] Therefore, in the second control mode, at the drive starting time, when a closed state of the toilet lid 45 cannot be detected by the third sensor, the toilet lid 45 is automatically in a closed state, and then control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 starts.

[0384] In the second control mode, during control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411, in a case of a state where the toilet lid 45 is in an opened state and a closed state of the toilet lid 45 cannot be detected by the third sensor, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 may stop or does not have to stop. In addition, in the second control mode, the shutter 492 may be set to be in a downwardly open state.

[0385] In the third control mode, a user arbitrarily starts and stops control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411. For example, a switch (not shown) for starting and stopping control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 is provided in the toilet stool 41 or the water closet space 411. When a user operates this switch, control of driving sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space 411 starts or stops.

[0386] In the present embodiment D1, control over sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl 421 for sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl 421 and control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl 421 are performed similar to control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 and control of stopping sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl 421 in a time period not overlapping the time period in which control over sterilizing and deodorizing the water closet space 411 is performed.

[0387] Next, operations and effects of the toilet stool according to the present embodiment D1 described above will be described by using the drawings.

[0388] The toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1 described above is capable of suctioning air in the toilet bowl 421 to the duct 471 of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 through the suction port 491d and is capable of causing air which has been discharged through the discharge port 491e for performing sterilization and deodorization to be directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl 421. Accordingly, the inside of the toilet bowl 421 can be sterilized and deodorized. In addition, the toilet stool 41 is capable of suctioning air of the water closet space 411 above the toilet bowl 421 to the duct 471 of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 through the suction port 491d and is capable of causing air which has been discharged through the discharge port 491e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 for performing sterilization and deodorization to be directed upward from the toilet bowl 421. Accordingly, the water closet space 411 can be sterilized and deodorized.

[0389] Accordingly, sterilization and deodorization of the inside of the toilet bowl 421, and sterilization and deodorization of the water closet space can be performed by using the same sterilizing/deodorizing device 47.

[0390] In addition, in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1, the shutter 492 capable of opening and closing the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 is provided. When the shutter 492 is in an upwardly open state, air above the toilet bowl 421 is guided so as to be introduced to the suction port 491d, and air discharged through the discharge port 491e is guided so as to be directed upward from the toilet bowl 421. Accordingly, even though a mechanism for causing the suction port 491d and the discharge port 491e to be directed upward is not provide in the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47, or even though a dedicated component for introducing air above the toilet main body 42 to the suction port 491d or a dedicated component for causing air discharged through the discharge port 491e to be directed upward is not provided, the water closet space 411 can be sterilized and deodorized.

[0391] In addition, in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1, in a state where the toilet lid 45 is closed, air discharged through the discharge port 491e flows out through the gap 4d2 between the toilet lid 45 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 42. Accordingly, air for performing sterilization and deodorization can be released to the water closet space 411 through the gap 4d2 between the toilet lid 45 and the upper surface 42a of the toilet main body 2. As a result, the side surface of the toilet stool 41 or a floor on which the toilet stool 41 is installed can be sterilized and deodorized.

[0392] In addition, in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1, in a state where the toilet lid 45 is opened, air discharged through the discharge port 491e is directed upward from the toilet bowl 421. Accordingly, air for performing sterilization and deodorization can be released to a space above the toilet bowl 421 in a wider range, without coming into contact with the toilet lid 45.

[0393] In addition, in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1, a seating sensor which detects that a user sits on the toilet seat 44 is provided. When the seating sensor detects that a user sits on the toilet seat 44, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 stops being driven. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a user sitting on the toilet seat 44 from being in contact with air for performing sterilization and deodorization.

[0394] In addition, in the toilet stool 41 according to the present embodiment D1, the illumination device 48 which illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is provided. In a time period during which the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 is driven, the illumination device 48 illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl 421. Accordingly, a user can check for whether or not the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 is driven, by visually recognizing whether or not the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is illuminated.

[0395] In addition, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 has an ion generating device for releasing ions and discharges air including ions generated by the ion generating device, through the discharge port 491e. Accordingly, the water closet space 411 can be efficiently sterilized by utilizing ions.

[0396] Hereinabove, the embodiment D1 for 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.

[0397] For example, in the embodiment D1, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 which performs sterilization and deodorization is provided. However, in place of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47, a deodorizing device performing only deodorization may be performed.

[0398] In addition, in the embodiment D1, the water closet space 411 can be sterilized and deodorized in both an opened state and a closed state of the toilet lid 45. However, the embodiment may be configured to sterilize and deodorize the water closet space 411 in any one of the states.

[0399] In addition, in the embodiment D1, the toilet lid 45 is provided in the toilet stool 41. However, when no toilet lid 45 is provided and the water closet space 411 is sterilized and deodorized, the embodiment may be configured to release air to a space above the toilet main body 42.

[0400] In addition, in the embodiment D1, the shutter 492 configures the guide portion which guides air above the toilet bowl 421 such that the air is suctioned through the suction port 491d. However, the guide portion may be configured by using a mechanism or a member other than the shutter 492. For example, a mechanism for switching the suction port 491d to be opened to the upper side, or a member such as a louver for guiding air above the toilet bowl 421 to be suctioned to the suction port 491d may configure the guide portion. In addition, the form of the shutter 492 may be a form other than those described above.

[0401] In addition, a region in which air suctioned through the suction port 491d stays or a direction in which air discharged through the discharge port 491e is directed may be suitably set as long as the suction port 491d can suction air above the toilet bowl 421.

[0402] 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 space 411.

[0403] In addition, in the embodiment D1, the illumination device 48 which illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl 421 is provided. However, the illumination device 48 does not have to be provided. In addition, when the water closet space 411 is sterilized and deodorized, the inside of the toilet bowl 421 does not have to be illuminated by the illumination device 48. In addition, the form of the illumination device 48 may be a form other than those described above.

[0404] In addition, in the embodiment D1, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 47 has the sterilizing unit 474 which 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 device 47 may be a form other than those described above.

[0405] 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.

[0406] Next, a deodorizing device and a toilet stool according to an embodiment E1 of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 35 to 44.

[0407] As shown in FIG. 35, a toilet stool (toilet) 51 according to the present embodiment E1 is a flushing-type toilet. The toilet stool 51 has a toilet main body 52, a functional section 53, a toilet seat 54, and a toilet lid 55. The toilet main body 52 is connected to drain piping (not shown) which is installed on a floor surface 512 of a water closet space 511 and extends downward. The functional section 53 is attached to the toilet main body 52. The toilet seat 54 and the toilet lid 55 are pivotably attached to the toilet main body 52 via the functional section 53.

[0408] As shown in FIG. 36, the functional section 53 indicates various function devices and various functional components such as a private part washing device 56, a sterilizing/deodorizing device (deodorizing device) 57 sterilizing and deodorizing air in a toilet bowl 521 of the toilet main body 52, and an illumination device 58 illuminating the inside of the toilet bowl 521; 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 case 59 accommodating thereof.

[0409] A side on which the functional section 53 of the toilet stool 51 is provided will be referred to as a rear side in the forward/rearward direction, and a side on which the toilet seat 54 is 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.

[0410] As shown in FIG. 37, the private part washing device 56 has a nozzle unit 561, a warm water supply unit 562, and a warm air drying unit 563. The nozzle unit 561 has a pair of private part washing nozzles 5611 and 5612. The warm water supply unit 562 is provided in order to supply warm water to the nozzle unit 561. The warm air drying unit 563 is driven at the time of warm air drying.

[0411] The nozzle unit 561 is arranged in a substantial middle portion of the functional section 53 in the width direction. In the pair of private part washing nozzles 5611 and 5612, one is configured to serve as a first nozzle 5611 for anus washing and the other is configured to serve as a second nozzle 5612 for bidet. The first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 are adjacent to each other in the width direction. The first nozzle 5611 is arranged on one side in the width direction and the second nozzle 5612 is arranged on the other side in the width direction.

[0412] Each of the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 is formed to have a shape extending in the inclination direction gradually downward to the front. Each of the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 is supported by a support portion 5613 provided in the case 59 so as to be individually movable forward and rearward in the inclination direction gradually downward. For example, the support portion 5613 is configured to include a rack-and-pinion mechanism and a motor which is connected to a pinion of the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

[0413] The inclination direction in which the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 extend 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 nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 move forward to the front and the lower side will be referred to as the front side, and a side to which the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 move rearward to the rear and the upper side will be referred to as the rear side.

[0414] On a front surface 59a of the case 59, a first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591a and a second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591b are 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 port 591a moving forward and rearward passes through the first nozzle 5611. The second nozzle 5612 moving forward and rearward passes through the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591b.

[0415] In addition, a dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f for attaching and detaching a dust collection filter 575 of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 is formed on the front surface 59a of the case while being adjacent to one side of the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591a in the width direction. On the front surface 59a of the case, a discharge port 591c discharging warm air from the warm air drying unit 563 while being adjacent to further one side of the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 491f in the width direction, and a suction port 591d for suctioning air in the toilet bowl 521 (refer to FIG. 36) to the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 are formed. A discharge port 591e discharging air for sterilizing/deodorizing from the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 is formed on the front surface 59a of the case while being adjacent to the other side of the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591b in the width direction.

[0416] The dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f, the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591b, the discharge port 591c of the warm air drying unit 563, and the suction port 591d and the discharge port 591e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 are open obliquely downward from the functional section 53 side to the inside of the toilet bowl 521.

[0417] On the front surface 59a of the case 59, a region in which the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f, the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591b, the discharge port 591c of the warm air drying unit 563, and the suction port 591d and the discharge port 591e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 are formed will be referred to as an opening forming portion 591.

[0418] A shutter 592 for the opening forming portion 591 switching between a covered state (refer to FIG. 36) and an exposed state (refer to FIGS. 37 and 38) is provided on the front surface 59a of the case 59. The shutter 592 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the opening forming portion 591 in accordance with any one of the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 moving forward and rearward.

[0419] The shutter 592 extends in the width direction and is formed to have a plate shape having a size to the extent that the opening forming portion 591 of the case 59 can be blocked. The shutter 592 is supported by a pair of support tools 593 and 593 provided on the front surface 59a of the case 59. The pair of support tools 593 and 593 is attached to a surface (surface on a side facing the opening forming portion 591 of the case 59) 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592 at an interval in the width direction. In the present embodiment E1, the shutter 592 is attached so as to be attachable and detachable with respect to the pair of support tools 593 and 593. The pair of support tools 593 and 593 supports the shutter 592 so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis 594 extending in the width direction in an intermediate portion of the shutter 592 in the height direction.

[0420] Two projection portions 595 and 596 are formed on the surface 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592. One of the two projection portions 595 and 596 serves as a first protrusion portion 595 and the other serves as a second protrusion portion 596. The first protrusion portion 595 is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the first nozzle 5611 in a state where the shutter 592 covers the opening forming portion 591. In the first protrusion portion 595, the tip end portion is arranged above a pivot axis 594. In addition, the second protrusion portion 596 is formed at a position of facing the tip end portion of the second nozzle 5612 in a state where the shutter 592 covers the opening forming portion 591. In the second protrusion portion 596, the tip end portion is arranged on a side lower than the pivot axis 594.

[0421] In a state where the shutter 592 covers the opening forming portion 591, when the first nozzle 5611 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the first nozzle 5611 presses the shutter 592 to the front side in a state of abutting on the tip end portion of the first protrusion portion 595 on a side upper than the pivot axis 594. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 37, the shutter 592 is in an opened state (upwardly open state) in which the shutter 592 pivots about the pivot axis 594 and the upper side is open such that the surface 592a on the inner side is directed to the upper side and a surface 592b on the outer side is directed to the lower side.

[0422] On the other hand, in a state where the shutter 592 covers the opening forming portion 591, when the second nozzle 5612 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle, the tip end portion of the second nozzle 5612 presses the shutter 592 to the front side in a state of abutting on the tip end portion of the second protrusion portion 596 on a side lower than the pivot axis 594. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 38, the shutter 592 is in an opened state (downwardly lying open state) in which the shutter 592 pivots about the pivot axis 594 and the lower side is open such that the surface 592a on the inner side is directed to the lower side and the surface 592b on the outer side is directed to the upper side.

[0423] The first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 have a function of washing a private part and also play a role as an operation member which maintains the shutter 592 in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state.

[0424] In a case where washing is performed by the first nozzle 5611, the second nozzle 5612 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter 592 is in a downwardly open state, and then the first nozzle 5611 moves to the front side. At this time, the tip end part of the first nozzle 5611 moves forward beyond the shutter 592 from the lower side of the shutter 592. When the shutter 592 is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the first nozzle 5611 is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter 592, washing is performed by the first nozzle 5611.

[0425]  In a case where washing is performed by the second nozzle 5612, the second nozzle 5612 moves to the front side in the moving direction of the nozzle such that the shutter 592 is in a downwardly open state. Furthermore, the second nozzle 5612 moves forward in the moving direction of the nozzle. When the shutter 592 is in a downwardly open state and the tip end part of the second nozzle 5612 is in a state of being arranged on the front side of the shutter 592, washing is performed by the second nozzle 5612.

[0426] In this manner, washing is performed when the shutter 592 is in a downwardly open state and the surface 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592 is 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 surface 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592. As a result, when the shutter 592 is closed after washing, it is possible to prevent or suppress a spray from entering the inside of the case 59.

[0427] As shown in FIG. 37, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit 561 of the private part washing device 56 in a substantial middle portion of the functional section 53 in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 39, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 has a duct 571, a sterilizing/deodorizing fan 572, a deodorizing cartridge 573, a sterilizing unit 574, and the dust collection filter 575. The duct 571 is arranged so as to surround the nozzle unit 561 (refer to FIG. 37). The fan 572 is provided in the middle of the duct 571. The deodorizing cartridge 573 is arranged on the upstream side of the fan 572. The sterilizing unit 574 is provided on the downstream side of the fan 572. The dust collection filter 575 is provided on the upstream side (suction port 591d side) of the deodorizing cartridge 573.

[0428] The duct 571 is configured to suck air in the toilet bowl 521 (refer to FIG. 36) through the suction port 591d formed on the front surface 59a of the opening forming portion 591 of the case 59 and to discharge air, which has passed through the duct 571, through the discharge port 591e. In the present embodiment E1, the suction port 591d and the discharge port 591e are arranged on the upper portion side of the toilet main body 52 and are open obliquely downward to the inside of the toilet bowl 521. Therefore, the duct 571 is configured to suction air in the toilet bowl 521 and discharge air, which has passed through the duct 571, to the inside of the toilet bowl 521.

[0429] In addition, a dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 for attaching the dust collection filter 575 is provided in the duct 571.

[0430] The dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 communicates with the inside of the toilet bowl 521 via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f. The dust collection filter 575 is attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f from the inside of the toilet bowl 521. The dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 will be described below.

[0431] The deodorizing cartridge 573 is internally equipped with a deodorizing catalyst has a function of eliminating an odor included in air pass through. As the deodorizing cartridge 573, 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.

[0432] The sterilizing unit 574 has a function of generating sterilizing ions, suppressing propagation of floating fungi, and performing sterilization. Specifically, the sterilizing unit 574 ionizes 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.

[0433] As shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B, the dust collection filter 575 is formed to have a plate shape. The dust collection filter 575 has a dust collecting portion 5751, a handgrip 5752, and an interlink portion 5753. A mesh 5751a is formed in the dust collecting portion 5751. The handgrip 5752 is configured to be gripped by a user. The dust collecting portion 5751 and the handgrip 5752 are interlinked with each other by the interlink portion 5753. In the present embodiment E1, when the dust collection filter 575 is installed in the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 of the duct 571, a plate surface becomes a substantially vertical surface, thereby taking a posture in which the dust collecting portion 5751 is arranged on the rear side, the handgrip 5752 is arranged on the front side, and the interlink portion 5753 is arranged between the dust collecting portion 5751 and the handgrip 5752. For example, the dust collecting portion 5751, the interlink portion 5753, and the handgrip 5752 are integrally formed while having a resin or the like as a material.

[0434] The dust collecting portion 5751 is formed to have a substantially rectangular shape in which the plate surface is elongated in the forward/rearward direction. The dust collecting portion 5751 is configured to collect wastes or dust in air by causing air suctioned to the duct 571 to pass through the mesh 5751a. On a surface 5751b on the downstream side of the duct 571 of the dust collecting portion 5751, a protruding portion 5754 protruding from the surface 5751b is formed in the vicinity of the rear end portion.

[0435] A rear edge portion of the interlink portion 5753 extends in a substantially vertical manner. A front end portion of the interlink portion 5753 extends in an oblique direction gradually rearward from the upper side to the lower side. An upper engagement target portion 5755 protruding upward is formed in the upper end portion of the interlink portion 5753. A lower engagement target portion 5756 protruding downward is formed in the lower end portion of the interlink portion 5753.

[0436] An upper opening portion 5757 penetrating the dust collection filter 575 in the width direction is formed below the upper engagement target portion 5755 in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the interlink portion 5753. The upper opening portion 5757 is 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 portion 5753 is elastically deformable such that the upper opening portion 5757 is squashed in the height direction by external force.

[0437] A lower opening portion 5758 penetrating the dust collection filter 575 in the width direction is formed above the lower engagement target portion 5756 in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the interlink portion 5753. The lower opening portion 5758 is 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 portion 5753 is elastically deformable such that the lower opening portion 5758 is squashed in the height direction by external force.

[0438] The handgrip 5752 is provided continuously with the interlink portion 5753 on the front side of the interlink portion 5753. The rear end portion of the handgrip 5752 extends in an oblique direction gradually rearward from the upper side to the lower side along the front end portion of the interlink portion 5753. The front end portion of the handgrip 5752 is formed to have an R-shape protruding to the front side.

[0439] As shown in FIGS. 39 and 41, the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 is formed between the suction port 591d of the duct 571 and the deodorizing cartridge 573 (refer to FIG. 39). Apart in the duct 571, in which the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 is provided, is formed such that air flows in the width direction.

[0440] The dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 is formed between a first lower plate portion 5712 and a second lower plate portion 5713. The first lower plate portion 5712 and the second lower plate portion 5713 each protrude upward from a lower surface 571a of the duct 571 and are arranged at an interval in the width direction.

[0441] The first lower plate portion 5712 is arranged on the suction port 591d side of the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. The first lower plate portion 5712 is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the lower edge portion of the dust collecting portion 5751 of the dust collection filter 575 (refer to FIGS. 40A and 40B) attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, in the width direction.

[0442] The second lower plate portion 5713 is arranged on the deodorizing cartridge 573 side of the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. The second lower plate portion 5713 is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the lower edge portion of the dust collecting portion 5751 of the dust collection filter 575 attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, in the width direction.

[0443] In addition, a first rear plate portion 5714 and a second rear plate portion 5715 which protrude to the front side and are arranged at an interval in the width direction are provided on a rear surface 571b of the duct 571.

[0444] The lower end portion of the first rear plate portion 5714 continuously leads to the first lower plate portion 5712. The first rear plate portion 5714 is formed throughout the substantially entire duct 571 in the height direction. The first rear plate portion 5714 is arranged on the suction port 591d side of the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. The first rear plate portion 5714 is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the rear edge portion of the dust collecting portion 5751 of the dust collection filter 575 attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, in the width direction.

[0445] The lower end portion of the second rear plate portion 5715 continuously leads to the second lower plate portion 5713. The second rear plate portion 5715 is formed on a side lower than an intermediate portion of the duct 571 in the height direction. The second rear plate portion 5715 is arranged on the deodorizing cartridge 573 side of the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. The second rear plate portion 5715 is formed to have a shape of overlapping a part in the vicinity of the rear edge portion of the dust collecting portion 5751 of the dust collection filter 575 attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, in the width direction.

[0446] As shown in FIG. 42, the dust collection filter 575 is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 in a direction in which the surface 5751b having the protruding portion 5754 formed thereon faces the second lower plate portion 5713 and the second rear plate portion 5715. In the dust collection filter 575 attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, the rear end portion 575a abuts on or approaches the rear surface 571b of the duct 571, and the protruding portion 5754 formed in the dust collecting portion 5751 is configured to be arranged in the upper portion of the second rear plate portion 5715.

[0447] At this time, as shown in FIG. 43, when the dust collection filter 575 is intended to be attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 in a direction in which the surface having the protruding portion 5754 formed thereon faces the first lower plate portion 5712 and the first rear plate portion 5714, the protruding portion 5754 of the dust collection filter 575 comes into contact with the front end portion of the first rear plate portion 5714. Accordingly, a rear end portion 575a of the dust collection filter 575 is separated from the rear surface 571b of the duct 571. As a result, the dust collection filter 575 is set so as not to be capable of being attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0448] As shown in FIG. 42, in the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, an upper engagement portion 5759 having a concave portion shape recessed on the upper side is formed on an upper surface 571c of the duct 571, and a lower engagement portion 5760 having a concave portion shape recessed on the lower side is formed on the lower surface 571a of the duct 571.

[0449] The upper engagement portion 5759 is arranged at a position facing the upper engagement target portion 5755 of the dust collection filter 575 attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. The lower engagement portion 5760 is arranged at a position facing the lower engagement target portion 5756 of the dust collection filter 575 attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0450] When the dust collection filter 575 is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, the upper engagement target portion 5755 enters the upper engagement portion 5759 and is engaged, and the lower engagement target portion 5756 enters the lower engagement portion 5760 and is engaged.

[0451] In addition, when the dust collection filter 575 is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, the handgrip 5752 is arranged so as to protrude to the inside of the toilet bowl 521 (refer to FIG. 36) beyond the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f (opening forming portion 591 of the case 59). The handgrip 5752 is formed to have a shape which is accommodated in a gap 597 between the surface 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592 and the opening forming portion 591 of the case 59, in a state where the shutter 592 is closed. In the present embodiment E1, the surface 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592 in 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 bowl 521 from the upper end portion and the lower end portion. When the shutter 592 is in a closed state, the R-shaped front end portion of the handgrip 5752 is arranged on the inner side of the curved surface of the surface 592a on the inner side of the shutter 592.

[0452] When the dust collection filter 575 is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, the shutter 592 is first in an upwardly open state and the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f is exposed. Subsequently, the handgrip 5752 of the dust collection filter 575 is gripped, and the dust collection filter 575 is inserted into the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f.

[0453] At this time, in the dust collection filter 575, the upper engagement target portion 5755 of the interlink portion 5753 comes into contact with the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f and the upper surface 571c of the duct 571, and the upper end portion side of the interlink portion 5753 is elastically deformed such that the upper opening portion 5757 is squashed. In addition, in the dust collection filter 575, the lower engagement target portion 5756 of the interlink portion 5753 comes into contact with the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f and the lower surface 571a of the duct 571, and the lower end portion side of the interlink portion 5753 is elastically deformed such that the lower opening portion 5758 is squashed.

[0454] When the protruding portion 5754 of the dust collection filter 575 is arranged on the second rear plate portion 5715 and the dust collection filter 575 is inserted to the correct position, the upper engagement target portion 5755 enters the upper engagement portion 5759 and is engaged with the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, and the lower engagement target portion 5756 enters the lower engagement portion 5760 and is engaged with the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0455] When the dust collection filter 575 is removed from the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, the shutter 592 is first in an upwardly open state and the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f is exposed. Subsequently, the handgrip 5752 of the dust collection filter 575 is gripped, and the dust collection filter 575 is pulled and removed from the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f.

[0456] In this manner, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 is configured to collect dust by using the dust collection filter 575 from air sucked to the duct 571 through the suction port 591d and performs deodorization by causing the air to pass through the deodorizing cartridge 573. Furthermore, the air is caused to be air including positive ions and negative ions by the sterilizing unit 574 and is discharged through the discharge port 591e.

[0457] Next, operations and effects of the deodorizing device and the toilet stool described above will be described by using the drawings.

[0458] In the present embodiment E1 described above, the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f can be opened and closed by the shutter 592. Accordingly, when a user uses the toilet stool 51, the shutter 592 is in a closed state, so that it is possible to prevent a spray from entering the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dust collection filter 575 from being unclean due to a spray.

[0459] In addition, the handgrip 5752 is provided in the dust collection filter 575. Accordingly, when the shutter 592 is open and the handgrip 5752 of the dust collection filter 575 is gripped, a user can easily attach and detach the dust collection filter 575 with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0460] In addition, when the dust collection filter 575 is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, the upper engagement target portion 5755 enters the upper engagement portion 5759 and is engaged, and the lower engagement target portion 5756 enters the lower engagement portion 5760 and is engaged. Accordingly, the dust collection filter 575 can be installed in the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. In addition, it is possible to prevent position aberration of the dust collection filter 575 in the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0461] In addition, the dust collection filter 575 has a set attachment direction with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 and has a configuration in which the protruding portion 5754 of the dust collection filter 575 is arranged on the second rear plate portion 5715. Accordingly, the dust collection filter 575 can be attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 in the correct direction.

[0462] In addition, when the dust collection filter 575 is attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 after the shutter 592 is in an upwardly open state, the dust collection filter 575 can be attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711 from the upper side of the shutter 592. Therefore, the dust collection filter 575 can be easily attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0463] In addition, when the shutter 592 is in an upwardly open state, the surface 592b on the outer side of the shutter 592 which 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 surface 592b on the outer side of the shutter 592.

[0464] 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.

[0465] For example, in the embodiment E1, the handgrip 5752 is provided in the dust collection filter 575. However, the handgrip 5752 does not have to be provided as long as a user can attach and detach the dust collection filter 575 with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711.

[0466] In addition, in the configuration of the embodiment E1, the upper engagement target portion 5755 and the lower engagement target portion 5756 are formed in the dust collection filter 575, the upper engagement portion 5759 and the lower engagement portion 5760 are formed in the duct 571, the upper engagement target portion 5755 is engaged with the upper engagement portion 5759, and the lower engagement target portion 5756 is engaged with the lower engagement portion 5760. On the other hand, the dust collection filter 575 does not have to be engaged with the duct 571. In addition, the form of engagement of the dust collection filter 575 in the duct 571 may be a form other than those described above. For example, any one of the upper engagement target portion 5755 and the lower engagement target portion 5756 may be provided in the dust collection filter 575, and corresponding one of the upper engagement portion 5759 and the lower engagement portion 5760 may be provided in the duct 571.

[0467] In addition, in the embodiment E1, the dust collection filter 575 is 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 filter 575 or the direction for installation may be suitably set.

[0468] In addition, in the embodiment E1, the protruding portion 5754 is formed in the dust collection filter 575, and a reverse attachment prevention mechanism for the dust collection filter 575 is provided such that when the dust collection filter 575 is in the correct direction, the protruding portion 5754 is arranged on the second rear plate portion 5715 and is attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711, and when the dust collection filter 575 is in the reverse direction, the protruding portion 5754 comes into contact with the first rear plate portion 5714 and is prohibited from being attached to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. On the other hand, the reverse attachment prevention mechanism for the dust collection filter 575 does not have to be provided.

[0469] In addition, a reverse attachment prevention mechanism for the dust collection filter 575 in a different form may be provided. For example, a fitting portion may be formed in the duct 571 such that the dust collection filter 575 is fitted in a case of the correct direction and the dust collection filter 575 is not fitted in a case of the reverse direction.

[0470] In addition, in the embodiment E1, the shutter 592 has 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 shutter 592 may have a form of being in only a downwardly open state. In this case, the shutter 592 is in a downwardly open state and the dust collection filter 575 is attached and detached with respect to the dust collection filter attachment portion 5711. In addition, the mechanism of opening and closing the shutter 592 may be a form other than those described above.

[0471] In addition, in the embodiment E1, the shutter 592 is maintained in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state by any one of the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612 moving forward and rearward. On the other hand, the shutter 592 may be maintained in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state by an operation member other than the first nozzle 5611 and the second nozzle 5612. In addition, the shutter 592 may be configured to be directly gripped by a user and to be maintained in an upwardly open state or a downwardly open state.

[0472] In addition, in the embodiment E1, the shutter 592 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the opening forming portion 591 in which the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f, the first forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591a, the second forward/rearward nozzle movement port 591b, the discharge port 591c of the warm air drying unit 563, and the suction port 591d and the discharge port 591e of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 are formed. On the other hand, the shutter 592 needs only to be configured to be capable of opening and closing at least the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port 591f.

[0473] In addition, in the embodiment E1, the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57 is provided. However, in place of the sterilizing/deodorizing device 57, a deodorizing device performing only deodorization may be performed.

[0474] 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.

[0475] 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.

Industrial Applicability

[0476] 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.

[0477] 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.

[0478] 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.

[0479] 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.

[0480] 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

[0481] 

11 TOILET MAIN BODY

11a BOWL PORTION

11b RIM PORTION

12 WASHING MECHANISM SECTION

13 TOILET SEAT PORTION

13a TOILET SEAT

13b TOILET LID

14 PRIVATE PART WASHING DEVICE

16 COVER CASE

16a BASE (BASE PLATE)

17 ONE PRIVATE PART WASHING NOZZLE (ANUS WASHING NOZZLE)

18 OTHER PRIVATE PART WASHING NOZZLE (BIDET NOZZLE)

19 NOZZLE OPENING PORTION

110 SHUTTER

111 NOZZLE UNIT

112 WARM AIR DRYING UNIT (WARM AIR DRYING DEVICE)

112a WARM AIR GENERATING DEVICE

112b WARM AIR DUCT

113 DEODORIZING UNIT (DEODORIZING DEVICE)

113a DEODORIZING DUCT 13a

113b FAN (AIR BLOWER)

113c DEODORIZING CARTRIDGE (DEODORIZING DEVICE)

116 DISCHARGING HOLE

117 DISCHARGE PORT

118 SUCTION PORT

119 DAMPER

120 AIR DIRECTION ADJUSTING MEMBER

121 LATERAL SWIRL FLOW FORMING PORTION

122 TRAVERSAL FLOW FORMING PORTION

1A FLUSH TOILET (TOILET)

O1 PIVOT AXIS

R1 LATERAL SWIRL FLOW

R2 TRAVERSAL FLOW

R3 VERTICAL SWIRL FLOW

R4 VORTEX FLOW

T1 TRANSVERSE DIRECTION

T2 FORWARD/REARWARD DIRECTION

T3 UPWARD/DOWNWARD DIRECTION

21 TOILET

210 TOILET BOWL

212 NOZZLE UNIT

213 DEODORIZING UNIT (DEODORIZING DEVICE)

216 FIRST WASHING NOZZLE

217 SECOND WASHING NOZZLE

219 SUCTION PORT

220 DISCHARGE PORT

221 WIDE-WIDTH PORTION

226 DEODORIZING DUCT

227 FAN

228 DEODORIZING CARTRIDGE

229 STERILIZING UNIT

231 DEODORIZING PORTION

232 COVER MEMBER

233 CUTOUT PORTION

31 TOILET

310 TOILET BOWL

310a OPENING

310b TOP SURFACE

311 BASE

312 NOZZLE UNIT

313 DEODORIZING UNIT (DEODORIZING DEVICE)

316 FIRST WASHING NOZZLE

317 SECOND WASHING NOZZLE

319 SUCTION PORT

320 DISCHARGE PORT

321 WIDE-WIDTH PORTION

323 CONVEX PORTION

324 CONCAVE PORTION

326 DEODORIZING DUCT

327 FAN

328 DEODORIZING CARTRIDGE

331 DEODORIZING PORTION

3L REFERENCE PLANE

41 TOILET STOOL (TOILET)

42 TOILET MAIN BODY

43 FUNCTIONAL SECTION

44 TOILET SEAT

45 TOILET LID

47 STERILIZING/DEODORIZING DEVICE (DEODORIZING DEVICE)

48 ILLUMINATION DEVICE

411 WATER CLOSET SPACE

421 TOILET BOWL

491d SUCTION PORT

491e DISCHARGE PORT

492 SHUTTER (GUIDE PORTION)

4d2 GAP

51 TOILET STOOL

52 TOILET MAIN BODY

53 FUNCTIONAL SECTION

57 STERILIZING/DEODORIZING DEVICE (DEODORIZING DEVICE)

521 TOILET BOWL

571 DUCT (DEODORIZING FLOW CHANNEL)

575 DUST COLLECTION FILTER

591d SUCTION PORT

591f DUST COLLECTION FILTER ATTACHING AND DETACHING PORT

592 SHUTTER

597 GAP

5752 HANDGRIP

5754 PROTRUDING PORTION (REVERSE ATTACHMENT PREVENTION MECHANISM)

5755 UPPER ENGAGEMENT TARGET PORTION

5756 LOWER ENGAGEMENT TARGET PORTION

5759 UPPER ENGAGEMENT PORTION

5760 LOWER ENGAGEMENT PORTION

Claims

1. A toilet deodorizing method comprising:

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.

2. The toilet deodorizing method according to Claim 1, further comprising:
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.

3. The toilet deodorizing method according to Claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
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.

4. The toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the Claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
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.

5. The toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the Claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
discharging air treated by the deodorizing device into the toilet main body through the discharge port and causing the treated air to circulate.

6. The toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the Claims 1 to 5,
wherein the lateral swirl flow is caused to be an air flow stronger than the traversal flow.

7. The toilet deodorizing method according to any one of the Claims 1 to 6,
wherein the traversal flow is caused to join the lateral swirl flow and to be suctioned through the suction port.

8. A toilet further comprising:

a deodorizing device which deodorizes an air in a toilet main body,

wherein 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, and

wherein 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.

9. The toilet according to Claim 8,
wherein an air direction adjusting member is provided in the discharge port, and
wherein air to be discharged through the discharge port flows through the air direction adjusting member, which includes 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.

10. The toilet according to Claim 8 or 9,
wherein the deodorizing device is 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.

11. The toilet according to any one of Claims 8 to 10,
wherein the deodorizing device includes a vortex flow generating device in at least the discharge port and the suction port, and
wherein the deodorizing device is 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.

12. A toilet deodorizing device comprising:

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.

13. The toilet deodorizing device according to Claim 12,
wherein the bypass passage is formed on an outer surface of the deodorizer or inside thereof.

14. The toilet deodorizing device according to Claim 12,
wherein the bypass passage is formed outside being isolated from the deodorizer.

15. The toilet deodorizing device according to Claim 12 or 13,
wherein the deodorizer includes the deodorizing portion and a cover member covering the deodorizing portion, and
wherein a part of the cover member is cut out such that the part serves as the bypass passage.

16. The toilet deodorizing device according to Claim 15,
wherein the cover member is a waterproof elastic member.

17. The toilet deodorizing device according to any one of Claims 12 to 16,
wherein the suction port and the discharge port are open in a toilet bowl.

18. A toilet comprising:

a deodorizing device which deodorizes an odor in a toilet bowl having an opening of a toilet main body,

wherein 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, and

wherein 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.

19. The toilet according to Claim 18,
wherein the deodorizing device is 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.

20. The toilet according to Claim 18 or 19,
wherein 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 is formed in the toilet main body, and
wherein the deodorizing flow channel of the deodorizing device is installed in the concave portion and is positioned on a side lower than the reference plane, and the discharge port is installed on a side lower than the reference plane.

21. The toilet according to Claim 20,
wherein a nozzle unit that washes a private part is installed on an upper side of the deodorizing flow channel.

22. The toilet according to any one of Claims 18 to 21,
wherein the suction port is installed on a side lower than the reference plane.

23. The toilet according to Claim 20, further comprising:

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,

wherein the deodorizing device is installed in the concave recess portion, and

wherein the convex portion is fitted in the concave portion formed in the toilet bowl.

24. A toilet comprising:

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.

25. The toilet according to Claim 24,
wherein the guide portion is a shutter which is capable of opening and closing the suction port, and
wherein the shutter is 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.

26. The toilet according to Claim 24 or 25, further comprising:

a seating sensor which detects that a user sits on a toilet seat attached to the toilet main body,

wherein the deodorizing device stops being driven when the seating sensor detects that the user sits on the toilet seat.

27. The toilet according to any one of Claims 24 to 26, further comprising:

an illumination device which illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl of the toilet main body,

wherein the illumination device illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl for a time period during which the deodorizing device is driven.

28. The toilet according to any one of Claims 24 to 27,
wherein the deodorizing device has an ion generating device releasing ions, and
air which includes ions generated by the ion generating device is discharged through the discharge port.

29. The toilet according to Claim 28, further comprising:

a toilet lid which is pivotably attached to the toilet main body,

wherein air discharged through the discharge port flows 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.

30. The toilet according to any one of Claims 24 to 28, further comprising:

a toilet lid which is pivotably attached to the toilet main body,

wherein air discharged through the discharge port is directed upward from the toilet bowl in a state where the toilet lid is opened.

31. The toilet according to any one of Claims 24 to 28,
wherein the toilet is 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.

32. 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 comprising:

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,

wherein 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, and

wherein the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port is capable of being opened and closed by a shutter.

33. The toilet deodorizing device according to Claim 32,
wherein the dust collection filter has a handgrip which is gripped by a user when the dust collection filter is attached and detached with respect to the deodorizing flow channel, and
wherein the handgrip has 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.

34. The toilet deodorizing device according to Claim 32 or 33,
wherein the deodorizing flow channel has an engagement portion which is capable of engaging with an engagement target portion formed in the dust collection filter.

35. The toilet deodorizing device according to any one of Claims 32 to 34,
wherein an attachment direction with respect to the deodorizing flow channel is set for the dust collection filter, and
wherein the dust collection filter has a reverse attachment prevention mechanism that is prevented from being attached in a reverse direction of the set attachment direction.

36. The toilet deodorizing device according to any one of Claims 32 to 35, further comprising:

an operation member which maintains the shutter in an open state,

wherein when the shutter is maintained in the open state by the operation member, the dust collection filter is attachable and detachable with respect to the deodorizing flow channel via the dust collection filter attaching and detaching port.

37. The toilet deodorizing device according to any one of Claims 32 to 36,
wherein the shutter is capable of being open such that an upper side is open, and
wherein the dust collection filter is 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.

38. A toilet in which the toilet deodorizing device according to any one of Claims 32 to 37 is provided.

Drawing