URINAL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-058987, filed on Mar. 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

A disclosed embodiment(s) relate(s) to an urinal.

BACKGROUND

A urinal has conventionally been known that is configured to have a housing part that is provided on an upper part of a bowl part that receives urine of a user, at a back side thereof, and house a functional part in the housing part (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-203340).

Meanwhile, a urinal may include a vacuum breaker that prevents sewage water from flowing backward in a water supply channel so as to comply with a rule that is set in a country and/or a place where it is installed. Such a vacuum breaker is an instrument with a comparatively high maintenance frequency. Hence, for a urinal, improvement of maintenability for a vacuum breaker is needed.

SUMMARY

A urinal according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a bowl part that receives urine, a water spout part that spouts washing water to the bowl part, a functional part that supplies washing water to the water spout part, and a housing part that is formed on an upper part of the bowl part at a back side thereof and houses the functional part therein, wherein the functional part includes a vacuum breaker that is provided in a water supply channel to the water spout part and prevents a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part, and a diaphragm that is provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker and switches between a water stop state where the water supply channel is closed and a water supply state where the water supply channel is opened, and the vacuum breaker is arranged above the diaphragm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a urinal according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a urinal according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a functional part and a water spout part.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a functional part and a water spout part.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a configuration example of a functional part and a water spout part.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a fixation method for a vacuum breaker and a water spout part.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a water receiving part.

FIG. 9 is an end view along line IX-IX in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, an embodiment(s) of a urinal as disclosed in the present application will be explained in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawing(s). Additionally, this invention is not limited by an embodiment(s) as illustrated below.

Embodiment

A urinal 1 according to an embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the urinal 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the urinal 1 according to an embodiment. Additionally, any of FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIG. 3 and the subsequent figures as described later is a schematic diagram.

Furthermore, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is illustrated where a direction(s) of an X-axis, a direction(s) of a Y-axis, and a direction(s) of a Z-axis that are orthogonal to one another are defined and a positive direction of such a Z-axis is provided as a vertically upward direction, for convenience of explanation. Furthermore, in an under-mentioned explanation, a positive direction of an X-axis, a negative direction of such an X-axis, a positive direction of a Y-axis, and a negative direction of such a Y-axis may be described as a “rightward direction”, a “leftward direction”, a “frontward direction”, and a “backward direction”, respectively. Hence, in an under-mentioned explanation, directions of an X-axis, directions of a Y-axis, and directions of a Z-axis may be referred to as leftward and rightward directions, frontward and backward directions, and upward and downward directions (vertical directions), respectively. Such an orthogonal coordinate system may also be illustrated in another/other figure(s).

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the urinal 1 according to an embodiment is installed in a toilet room. The urinal 1 may be a wall-hung type that is installed on a wall surface or may be a floor-mounted type that is installed on a floor surface. The urinal 1 has a urinal body 2 where the urinal body 2 is made of, for example, a ceramic.

The urinal body 2 includes a bowl part 3, a water discharge part 5, a housing part 6, a functional part 10, and a water spout part 20.

The bowl part 3 is formed on a surface (a front surface) that is a frontal surface of the urinal body 2 and faces a user. A bowl surface 4 that receives urine of a user is formed on the bowl part 3. The bowl surface 4 is formed so as to be a surface that is recessed toward an inner side (a center side of the bowl part 3 in leftward and rightward directions) and a rear side (a back side) more deeply as moving downward from an upper end thereof. Furthermore, the bowl surface 4 is formed so as to be a surface that that is gently curved toward a back side from a vicinity of a central part thereof in upward and downward directions to a lower part thereof.

A water spout part 20 is provided on an upper part of the bowl surface 4. Washing water is spouted from the water spout part 20 to the bowl surface 4 of the bowl part 3 so as to wash the bowl surface 4. Furthermore, the water discharge part 5 is provided on a lower part of the bowl surface 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the water discharge part 5 includes a water discharge port 5a and a discharge water trap part 5b. The water discharge port 5a is formed on a lower part of the bowl surface 4 of the bowl part 3 so as to discharge washing water that washes the bowl surface 4. The discharge water trap part 5b is connected to a downstream side of the water discharge port 5a. The discharge water trap part 5b stores washing water so as to form seal water, so that an odor, etc., from a water discharge pipe is/are prevented from flowing back to a side of the bowl part 3. A water discharge socket 100 is connected to a downstream side of the discharge water trap part 5b, so that washing water is discharged from the discharge water trap part 5b to an external water discharge pipe (non-illustrated) through the water discharge socket 100.

The housing part 6 is formed on an upper part of the bowl part 3 at a back side thereof and houses the functional part 10. The housing part 6 has a bottom part 6a, a front wall part 6b, and left and right side wall parts 6c. Then, a space that is surrounded by the bottom part 6a, the front wall part 6b, and the left and right side wall parts 6c is a housing space S that houses the functional part 10. A top lid 6d is attachably and detachably attached to an upper part of the housing part 6 from above with respect to the housing part 6. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates a state where such a top lid 6d is detached. An upper part of the housing space S is closed by the top lid 6d.

Specifically, the bottom part 6a is positioned below the functional part 10. The bottom part 6a supports the functional part 10 from below. Additionally, the bottom part 6a may directly support the functional part 10 or may indirectly support the functional part 10 through a supporting member. Furthermore, a part or a whole of the functional part 10 may be fixed to and supported by a site other than the bottom part 6a.

The front wall part 6b is a wall that is formed so as to stand up from a front end part (a front end edge) of the bottom part 6a. The left and right side wall parts 6c are walls that are formed so as to stand up from front end parts (front end edges) of the bottom part 6a in leftward and rightward directions. The bottom part 6a, the front wall part 6b, and the left and right side wall parts 6c are formed integrally and the housing space S with a back side that is opened is formed so as to be surrounded by such a bottom part 6a, a front wall part 6b, and left and right side wall parts 6c.

Thus, the housing part 6 is not arranged more highly above the bowl part 3 but is arranged on an upper part of the bowl part 3 at a back side thereof in such a manner that the functional part 10 is hidden in the bowl part 3. Hence, the urinal 1 has a compact appearance.

The functional part 10 has a function of supplying washing water to the water spout part 20, etc. For such a functional part 10, its configuration is changed depending on a country and/or a place where the urinal 1 is installed. For example, the functional part 10 may include a vacuum breaker that prevents sewage water from flowing backward in a water supply channel, so as to comply with a rule that is set in a country, etc. where the urinal 1 is installed. Such a vacuum breaker is an instrument with a comparatively high maintenance frequency. For example, a vacuum breaker has a rubber member, etc., so that regular maintenance thereof is executed.

Hence, the present embodiment is configured in such a manner that it is possible to improve maintenability for a vacuum breaker.

Such a configuration will be explained with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, etc. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the functional part 10 and the water spout part 20 and FIG. 4 is a front view of the functional part 10 and the water spout part 20. FIG. 5 is a block diagram that illustrates a configuration example of the functional part 10 and the water spout part 20. Additionally, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate only the functional part 10 and the water spout part 20 for convenience of understanding. Furthermore, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a state where the functional part 10 is housed in the housing part 6, and illustrate a state where the water spout part 20 is attached to the bowl part 3.

For the functional part 10, it is possible to use, for example, an automatic washing unit that automatically washes the bowl surface 4 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the functional part 10 includes a water supply channel 30 (see FIG. 5), a water shut-off valve 40, a constant flow rate valve 50 (see FIG. 5), a diaphragm 60, an electromagnetic valve 70, an electrical generator 80, and a vacuum breaker 90.

As each instrument of the functional part 10 is explained with reference to FIG. 5, the water supply channel 30 is a flow channel where washing water is supplied from a water supply source (non-illustrated) such as a water tap. The water shut-off valve 40 is connected to the water supply channel 30 and supplies and stops washing water for each instrument on a backward flow side thereof, etc. The constant flow rate valve 50 is connected to a downstream side of the water shut-off valve 40 in the water supply channel 30 and limits inflowing washing water to a predetermined flow rate or less.

The diaphragm 60 is connected to a downstream side of the constant flow rate valve 50 in the water supply channel 30 and a pressure chamber 61 is provided adjacent thereto. Furthermore, for the electromagnetic valve 70, the electromagnetic valve 70 is connected to a downstream side of the diaphragm 60 in the water supply channel 30. Such an electromagnetic valve 70 changes a pressure in the pressure chamber 61 so as to operate diaphragm 60 and control a flow of washing water in the water supply channel 30.

Specifically, as a user is detected by a human body detection sensor 200 that is provided at an appropriate position (for example, the water spout part 20) of the urinal 1 and an opening signal is input from a non-illustrated control part, the electromagnetic valve 70 is provided in an opening state thereof. Thereby, the pressure chamber 61 is lowered, so that the diaphragm 60 opens the water supply channel 30 so as to cause supplied washing water to flow to a downstream side thereof. On the other hand, as a closing signal is input from a control part, the electromagnetic valve 70 is provided in a closing state thereof, and thereby, the pressure chamber 61 is elevated, so that the diaphragm 60 closes the water supply channel 30 so as to stop supply of washing water. Thus, the diaphragm 60 switches between a water stop state the water supply channel 30 is closed and a water supply state where the water supply channel 30 is opened.

The electrical generator 80 is connected to a downstream side of the constant flow rate valve 50 in the water supply channel 30 and generates electricity by using a flow of washing water in the water supply channel 30. Specifically, the electrical generator 80 is a hydroelectric generator that is connected to a branched flow channel 31 that is branched from the water supply channel 30 and generates electricity by using a flow of washing water in the branched flow channel 31. Electric power that is generated by the electrical generator 80 is stored in a non-illustrated electric storage part (for example, a capacitor) and is supplied from such an electric storage part to a variety of electrical instruments such as the electromagnetic valve 70 and/or the human body detection sensor 200. Additionally, the electrical generator 80 is an example of an electric power generation part.

The vacuum breaker 90 is connected to a downstream side of the electrical generator 80 and/or the electromagnetic valve 70 in the water supply channel 30. The water spout part 20 is connected to a downstream side of the vacuum breaker 90. That is, the vacuum breaker 90 is provided in the water supply channel 30 to the water spout part 20. Such a vacuum breaker 90 prevents a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part 20.

Herein, a configuration of the vacuum breaker 90 will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in FIG. 4 and is a diagram for explaining the vacuum breaker 90, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the vacuum breaker 90 includes a water passage channel 91, an atmospheric air introduction port 92, a valve body 93, and a water-receiving part 94.

The water passage channel 91 has a water inflow port 91a at an upstream side thereof (a side of the electromagnetic valve 70 (see FIG. 5) in the water supply channel 30) and a water outflow port 91b on an downstream side thereof (a side of the water spout part 20). The water inflow port 91a opens in vertical directions (upward and downward directions) and the water outflow port 91b opens toward a front side (accurately, in a frontward and downward direction). The atmospheric air introduction port 92 is an opening part that communicates between the water passage channel 91 and an outside thereof, is provided above the water inflow port 91a, and opens in vertical directions.

The valve body 93 is provided in the water passage channel 91 and is operated (is moved upward and downward) along vertical directions in the water passage channel 91 by a hydraulic pressure of washing water. Such a valve body 93 is elevated by a hydraulic pressure at a time of water passage (see an arrow A) so as to communicate between the water inflow port 91a and the water outflow port 91b.

Furthermore, the valve body 93 is lowered by its own weight at a time of no water passage as indicated by a broken line, so as to close the water inflow port 91a and communicate between the water passage channel 91 and the atmospheric air introduction port 92. Furthermore, in a case where a negative pressure is caused in the water supply channel 30 for some reason, the valve body 93 is pulled downward by such a negative pressure so as to close the water inflow port 91a. Thereby, it is possible for the vacuum breaker 90 to prevent a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part 20.

The water-receiving part 94 is provided on an upper part of the atmospheric air introduction port 92. The water-receiving part 94 is communicated with the atmospheric air introduction port 92 so as to receive washing water that overflows from the atmospheric air introduction port 92. Washing water that is trapped by the water-receiving part 94 may be discharged from the atmospheric air introduction port 92 or may be discharged from a discharge port 94d that is provided on the water-receiving part 94 where this will be described later.

A water spout part (a spreader) 22 is connected to a downstream side of the vacuum breaker 90. The water spout part 20 is attached and fixed to the bowl part 3 (see FIG. 1).

The water spout part 20 includes a first water inflow part 21a, a first water spout hole 22a, and a first communication channel 23a. The water outflow port 91b of the water passage channel 91 is connected to the first water inflow part 21a. The first water spout hole 22a is an opening part that opens toward the bowl surface 4 of the bowl part 3. The first communication channel 23a is a flow channel that communicates between the first water inflow part 21a and the first water spout hole 22a. Therefore, as washing water flows from the water outflow port 91b of the water passage channel 91 into the first water inflow part 21a, inflowing washing water is spouted from the first water spout hole 22a to the bowl surface 4 through the first communication channel 23a, so as to wash the bowl surface 4. Thus, the first water spout hole 22a spouts washing water that is supplied from the water supply channel 30, to the bowl part 3. Additionally, the water spout part 20 includes another/other flow channel(s) that is/are different from a flow channel where washing water from the water supply channel 30 (the water passage channel 91) flows where this will be described later.

The vacuum breaker 90 that is configured as described above is arranged so as to be near an upper part of the housing part 6. In other words, the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged at a position that is above each instrument that composes the functional part 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, etc., the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged above the diaphragm 60.

Thereby, the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged at, for example, a position that is readily accessed from above in the housing part 6, so that it is possible for a worker to readily execute maintenance for the vacuum breaker 90. That is, the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged above the diaphragm 60, so that it is possible to improve maintenability for the vacuum breaker 90 with a comparatively high maintenance frequency.

Furthermore, the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged above the water shut-off valve 40, the constant flow rate valve 50 (that is not illustrated in FIG. 4) that is positioned at a height that is similar to that of the water shut-off valve 40, the electromagnetic valve 70, the electrical generator 80, etc., as well as the diaphragm 60. In other words, for details, the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged at an uppermost position with respect to each instrument that composes the functional part 10.

Thereby, the vacuum breaker 90 is arranged at, for example, a position that is readily accessed from above in the housing part 6, so that it is possible to improve maintenability for the vacuum breaker 90.

Furthermore, as described above, the vacuum breaker 90 is a type of a vacuum breaker where the valve body 93 is operated along vertical directions in the water passage channel 91 by a hydraulic pressure of washing water. That is, the vacuum breaker 90 is configured in such a manner that washing water is supplied from below, so that it is possible to arrange the vacuum breaker 90 at a position that is above each instrument that composes the functional part 10.

Thereby, it is possible to arrange the vacuum breaker 90 at, for example, a position that is readily accessed from above in the housing part 6, so that it is possible to further improve maintenability for the vacuum breaker 90.

Additionally, a type of the vacuum breaker 90 is not limited to that described above and may be another type such as a flapper type.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the electrical generator 80, an electromagnetic valve, the diaphragm 60, the constant flow rate valve 50, the water shut-off valve 40, etc., are provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker 90.

Thus, the electrical generator 80, etc., are provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker 90, so that it is possible to prevent a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part 20 to the electrical generator 80, etc.

Next, fixation of the vacuum breaker 90 will be explained. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the vacuum breaker 90 is fixed to the water spout part 20. That is, the vacuum breaker 90 is not fixed to the bottom part 6a, the front wall part 6b (see FIG. 2), etc., of the housing part 6 but is directly fixed to the water spout part 20.

A specific fixation method will be explained also with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a fixation method for the vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20. FIG. 7 is a top view of the water spout part 20 where only a part of the water passage channel 91 is illustrated for the vacuum breaker 90.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20 are fixed by a fixing bracket 300 at a part of the water outflow port 91b of the water passage channel 91 of the vacuum breaker 90 and a part of the first water inflow part 21a of the water spout part 20. For such a fixing bracket 300, it is possible to use a retaining ring with a ring shape. Additionally, FIG. 7 illustrates a state (a non-fixation state) where a retaining ring that is the fixing bracket 300 is opened, for convenience of understanding.

The vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20 are fixed by the fixing bracket 300 in a state where they are engaged with one another. Specifically, in the water spout part 20, a protruding part 25 that protrudes toward the water passage channel 91 of the vacuum breaker 90 is formed on an outer circumferential surface 21a1 of the first water inflow part 21a. In the water passage channel 91 of the vacuum breaker 90, a recessed part 95 that is capable of being engaged (fitted) with the protruding part 25 is formed on an outer circumferential surface 91b1 of the water outflow port 91b.

The protruding part 25 and the recessed part 95 as described above are engaged, so that the vacuum breaker 90 is engaged with the water spout part 20. Thereby, rotation of the water passage channel 91 of the vacuum breaker 90 with respect to the water spout part 20 in a circumferential direction thereof is reduced or prevented. In a state where such rotation of the vacuum breaker 90 is reduced or prevented, the fixing bracket 300 interposes and tightens a vicinity of the protruding part 25 and the recessed part 95, so that the vacuum breaker 90 is fixed to the water spout part 20.

Thus, the vacuum breaker 90 is fixed to the water spout part 20, so that it is possible to prevent a relative positional relationship between the vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20 from being changed by force of water at a time of washing, and it is possible to ensure a predetermined performance of the vacuum breaker 90.

That is, for example, if the vacuum breaker 90 is fixed to a place other than the water spout part 20, a relative positional relationship between the vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20 may be changed by force of water at a time of washing, so that the vacuum breaker 90 may be inclined with respect to the water spout part 20. In such a case, the valve body 93 of the vacuum breaker 90 may be prevented from being readily operated in vertical directions, etc., so that a predetermined performance thereof may be prevented from being ensured.

Hence, the vacuum breaker 90 is fixed to the water spout part 20, so that it is possible to prevent a relative positional relationship between the vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20 from being changed. Hence, it is possible to reduce or prevent occurrence of an event that the valve body 93 is prevented from being readily operated, etc., and it is possible to ensure a predetermined performance of the vacuum breaker 90.

Next, another flow channel that is included in the water-receiving part 94 of the vacuum breaker 90 and the water spout part 20 will be explained with reference to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a top view of the water-receiving part 94. FIG. 9 is an end view along line IX-IX in FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the water-receiving part 94 is formed into a box shape and includes a body part 94a and a lid part 94b. Additionally, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a state where the lid part 94b is detached.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the body part 94a includes a bottom surface part 94a1 and a side wall part 94a2. The side wall part 94a2 is a wall that is formed so as to stand upward from a peripheral edge of the bottom surface part 94a1. The lid part 94b (see FIG. 6) is attached to an upper part of the body part 94a. Thereby, in the water-receiving part 94, a space that is surrounded by the bottom surface part 94a1, the side wall part 94a2, and the lid part 94b is formed and washing water that overflows from the atmospheric air introduction port 92 is trapped in such a space.

The bottom surface part 94a1 includes an inflow/outflow port 94c, a discharge port 94d, and a wall part 94e. The inflow/outflow port 94c is formed so as to communicate with the atmospheric air introduction port 92 as described above. Therefore, washing water that overflows from the atmospheric air introduction port 92 flows in from the inflow/outflow port 94c and the bottom surface part 94a1 receives inflowing washing water.

The discharge port 94d is formed at a position that is separated from the inflow/outflow port 94c. The discharge port 94d discharges washing water that is received by the water-receiving part 94. The wall part 94e is formed so as to surround the discharge port 94d. In other words, the wall part 94e is formed so as to extend upward from a site of the bottom surface part 94a1 around the discharge port 94d. A height of an upper end of the wall part 94e is set so as to be lower than a height of the side wall part 94a2.

Therefore, the discharge port 94d discharges washing water that passes over the wall part 94e among washing water that is received by the water-receiving part 94. In other words, in a case where washing water that is trapped by the water-receiving part 94 passes over the wall part 94e so as to exceed a predetermined amount thereof, the discharge port 94d discharges washing water that passes over the wall part 94e.

Furthermore, in a case where washing water that is trapped by the water-receiving part 94 does not pass over the wall part 94e so as to stop inflowing of washing water from the atmospheric air introduction port 92, trapped washing water flows out from the inflow/outflow port 94c to the water passage channel 91 through the atmospheric air introduction port 92 and is discharged from the water passage channel 91 through the water spout part 20.

Thus, in the water-receiving part 94, it is possible to divide a discharge route for washing water that is trapped by the water-receiving part 94 into a route that passes through the discharge port 94d and a route that passes through the atmospheric air introduction port 92, so that it is possible to execute discharging of trapped washing water quickly.

Furthermore, the wall part 94e is provided around the discharge port 94d, so that washing water that is trapped and does not pass over the wall part 94e is discharged at a side of the atmospheric air introduction port 92. Such an atmospheric air introduction port 92 has a comparatively large opening size, so that it is possible to execute discharging of trapped washing water quickly.

Furthermore, as indicated by an arrow B in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bottom surface part 94a1 is formed so as to slope downward toward the atmospheric air introduction port 92. Thereby, washing water that is trapped by the water-receiving part 94 readily flows to the atmospheric air introduction port 92, so that it is possible to execute discharging from the atmospheric air introduction port 92 quickly.

Herein, as the water spout part 20 is explained with reference to FIG. 6, the water spout part 20 includes a second water inflow part 21b, a second water spout hole 22b, and a second communication channel 23b.

The second water inflow part 21b is connected to the discharge port 94d of the water-receiving part 94 through a connecting pipe 96. The second water spout hole 22b is an opening part that opens toward the bowl surface 4 (see FIG. 1) of the bowl part 3. The second communication channel 23b is a flow channel that communicates between the second water inflow part 21b and the second water spout hole 22b. Therefore, as washing water that is discharged from the discharge port 94d flows into the second water inflow part 21b through the connecting pipe 96, inflowing washing water is spouted from the second water spout hole 22b to the bowl surface 4 through the second communication channel 23b. Thus, the second water spout hole 22b spouts washing water that is supplied from the water-receiving part 94 through the discharge port 94d, to the bowl part 3.

Thus, the water spout part 20 includes the second water spout hole 22b that spouts washing water that is supplied (discharged) from the water-receiving part 94 through the discharge port 94d, to the bowl part 3, in addition to the first water spout hole 22a that spouts washing water that is supplied from the water supply channel 30. Thereby, it is possible to discharge washing water that is discharged from the discharge port 94d of the water-receiving part 94, to a side of the bowl part 3, reliably.

That is, for example, in a case where washing water that is discharged from the discharge port 94d of the water-receiving part 94 is connected to the first water spout hole 22a, washing water that has force of water that washes the bowl part 3 flows through the first water spout hole 22a, so that washing water from the discharge port 94d may be pushed by such force of water so as to be prevented from being readily discharged.

Hence, the water spout part 20 includes the second water spout hole 22b separately from the first water spout hole 22a, so that it is possible to discharge washing water that is discharged from the discharge port 94d of the water-receiving part 94, to a side of the bowl part 3, reliably.

Furthermore, in the water spout part 20, the second water spout hole 22b is provided above the first water spout hole 22a. Thereby, it is possible to reduce a distance between the second water spout hole 22b and the water-receiving part 94 that is positioned above the second water spout hole 22b as compared with a case where the second water spout hole 22b is provided below and/or at a side of the first water spout hole 22a. Hence, it is possible to reduce a pipe length of the connecting pipe 96 that connects the second water spout hole 22b and the water-receiving part 94, so that it is possible to readily execute drawing of the connecting pipe 96.

As has been described above, a urinal 1 according to an embodiment includes a bowl part 3, a water spout part 20, a functional part 10, and a housing part 6. The bowl part 3 receives urine. The water spout part 20 spouts washing water to the bowl part 3. The functional part 10 supplies washing water to the water spout part 20. The housing part 6 is formed on an upper part of the bowl part 3 at a back side thereof and houses the functional part 10 therein. The functional part 10 includes a vacuum breaker 90 that is provided in a water supply channel 30 to the water spout part 20 and prevents a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part 20, and a diaphragm 60 that is provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker 90 and switches between a water stop state where the water supply channel 30 is closed and a water supply state where the water supply channel 30 is opened. The vacuum breaker 90 is arranged above the diaphragm 60. Thereby, it is possible to improve maintenability for a vacuum breaker 90.

An aspect of an embodiment aims to provide a urinal that is capable of improving maintenability for a vacuum breaker.

A urinal according to an aspect of an embodiment is characterized by including a bowl part that receives urine, a water spout part that spouts washing water to the bowl part, a functional part that supplies washing water to the water spout part, and a housing part that is formed on an upper part of the bowl part at a back side thereof and houses the functional part therein, wherein the functional part includes a vacuum breaker that is provided in a water supply channel to the water spout part and prevents a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part, and a diaphragm that is provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker and switches between a water stop state where the water supply channel is closed and a water supply state where the water supply channel is opened, and the vacuum breaker is arranged above the diaphragm.

Thereby, a vacuum breaker is arranged at, for example, a position where it is readily accessed from above in a housing part, so that it is possible for a worker to readily execute maintenance of such a vacuum breaker. That is, a vacuum breaker is arranged above a diaphragm, so that it is possible to improve maintenability for a vacuum breaker with a comparatively high maintenance frequency.

Furthermore, it is characterized in that the functional part further includes an electricity generation part that is provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker and generates electricity by using a flow of washing water in the water supply channel.

Thus, an electricity generation part is provided at an upstream side of a vacuum breaker, so that it is possible to prevent a backward flow of sewage water from a water spout part to such an electricity generation part, etc.

Furthermore, it is characterized in that the vacuum breaker is fixed to the water spout part.

Thus, a vacuum breaker is fixed to a water spout part, so that it is possible to prevent a relative positional relationship between such a vacuum breaker and such a water spout part from being changed depending on force of water at a time of washing, and hence, it is possible to ensure a predetermined performance of such a vacuum breaker. That is, for example, if a vacuum breaker is fixed to a place other than a water spout part, a relative positional relationship between such a vacuum breaker and such a water spout part may be changed depending on force of water at a time of washing, so that such a vacuum breaker may be inclined with respect to such a water spout part. In such a case, for example, a valve body of a vacuum breaker may be prevented from readily being moved in a vertical direction, etc., so that a predetermined performance thereof may be prevented from being ensured.

Hence, a vacuum breaker is fixed to a water spout part, so that it is possible to prevent a relative positional relationship between such a vacuum breaker and such a water spout part from being changed. Hence, for example, it is possible to reduce or prevent occurrence of an event that a valve body is not readily moved, etc., so that it is possible to ensure a predetermined performance of a vacuum breaker.

Furthermore, the vacuum breaker includes a water passage channel that has a water inflow port at an upstream side thereof and an water outflow port at a downstream side thereof, an atmospheric air introduction port that communicates between the water passage channel and an outside thereof, and a valve body that is provided in the water passage channel and is moved along a vertical direction by a hydraulic pressure of washing water so as to communicate between the water inflow port and the water outflow port at a time of water passage and communicate between the water passage channel and the atmospheric air introduction port at a time of no water passage.

Thus, a vacuum breaker is a type of a vacuum breaker where a valve body is moved along a vertical direction in a water passage channel by a hydraulic pressure of washing water. That is, a vacuum breaker is configured in such a manner that washing water is supplied from below, so that it is possible to arrange such a vacuum breaker at a position where it is provided above each instrument that composes a functional part. Thereby, for example, it is possible to arrange a vacuum breaker at a position where it is readily accessed from above in a housing part, so that it is possible to further improve maintenability for such a vacuum breaker.

Furthermore, it is characterized in that the vacuum breaker further includes a water receiving part that receives washing water that overflows from the atmospheric air introduction port, and the water receiving part includes a water discharge port that discharges received washing water, and a wall part that is formed so as to surround the water discharge port.

Thereby, in a water receiving part, it is possible to divide a discharge route for washing water that is trapped by such a water receiving part into a route that passes through a discharge port and a route that passes through an atmospheric air introduction port, so that it is possible to execute discharging of trapped washing water quickly. Furthermore, a wall part is provided around a discharge port, so that washing water that is trapped and does not pass over such a wall part is discharged from a side of an atmospheric air introduction port. Such an atmospheric air introduction port has a comparatively large opening size, so that it is possible to execute discharging of trapped washing water quickly.

Furthermore, it is characterized in that the water receiving part is formed in such a manner that a bottom surface part that receives washing water slopes downward toward the atmospheric air introduction port.

Thereby, washing water that is trapped by a water receiving part readily flows to an atmospheric air introduction port, so that it is possible to execute discharging thereof from such an atmospheric air introduction port quickly.

Furthermore, it is characterized in that the water spout part includes a first water spout hole that spouts washing water that is supplied from the water supply channel, to the bowl part, and a second water spout hole that spouts washing water that is supplied from the water receiving part through the water discharge port, to the bowl part.

Thereby, it is possible to discharge washing water that is discharged from a discharge port of a water receiving part, to a side of a bowl part, reliably. That is, for example, in a case where washing water that is discharged from a discharge port of a water receiving part is connected to a first water spout hole, washing water that has force of water that washes a bowl part flows through such a first water spout hole, so that washing water from such a discharge port may be pushed by such force of water so as to be prevented from being readily discharged. Hence, a water spout part includes a second water spout hole separately from a first water spout hole, so that it is possible to discharge washing water that is discharged from a discharge port of a water receiving part, to a side of a bowl part, reliably.

Furthermore, the second water spout hole is provided above the first water spout hole.

Thereby, it is possible to reduce a distance between a second water spout hole and a water receiving part that is positioned above such a second water spout hole as compared with a case where such a second water spout hole is provided below, and/or at a side of, a first water spout hole. Hence, for example, it is possible to reduce a pipe length of a connecting pipe that connects a second water spout hole and a water receiving part, so that it is possible to readily execute drawing of such a connecting pipe.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, it is possible to improve maintenability for a vacuum breaker.

APPENDIX

(1) A urinal, characterized by including:

- a bowl part that receives urine;
- a water spout part that spouts washing water to the bowl part;
- a functional part that supplies washing water to the water spout part; and
- a housing part that is formed on an upper part of the bowl part at a back side thereof and houses the functional part therein, wherein
- the functional part includes:
  - a vacuum breaker that is provided in a water supply channel to the water spout part and prevents a backward flow of sewage water from the water spout part; and
  - a diaphragm that is provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker and switches between a water stop state where the water supply channel is closed and a water supply state where the water supply channel is opened, and
- the vacuum breaker is arranged above the diaphragm.

(2) The urinal according to (1), characterized in that

- the functional part further includes an electricity generation part that is provided at an upstream side of the vacuum breaker and generates electricity by using a flow of washing water in the water supply channel.

(3) The urinal according to (1) or (2), characterized in that

- the vacuum breaker is fixed to the water spout part.

(4) The urinal according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that

- the vacuum breaker includes:
  - a water passage channel that has a water inflow port at an upstream side thereof and an water outflow port at a downstream side thereof;
  - an atmospheric air introduction port that communicates between the water passage channel and an outside thereof; and
  - a valve body that is provided in the water passage channel and is moved along a vertical direction by a hydraulic pressure of washing water so as to communicate between the water inflow port and the water outflow port at a time of water passage and communicate between the water passage channel and the atmospheric air introduction port at a time of no water passage.

(5) The urinal according to (4), characterized in that:

- the vacuum breaker further includes a water receiving part that receives washing water that overflows from the atmospheric air introduction port; and
- the water receiving part includes:
  - a water discharge port that discharges received washing water; and
  - a wall part that is formed so as to surround the water discharge port.

(6) The urinal according to (5), characterized in that

- the water receiving part is formed in such a manner that a bottom surface part that receives washing water slopes downward toward the atmospheric air introduction port.

(7) The urinal according to (5) or (6), characterized in that

- the water spout part includes:
  - a first water spout hole that spouts washing water that is supplied from the water supply channel, to the bowl part; and
  - a second water spout hole that spouts washing water that is supplied from the water receiving part through the water discharge port, to the bowl part.

(8) The urinal according to (7), characterized in that

- the second water spout hole is provided above the first water spout hole.

It is possible for a person(s) skilled in the art to readily derive an additional effect(s) and/or variation(s). Hence, a broader aspect(s) of the present invention is/are not limited to a specific detail(s) and a representative embodiment(s) as illustrated and described above. Therefore, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of a general inventive concept that is defined by the appended claim(s) and an equivalent(s) thereof.

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