Valve unit and water closet bowl equipped with the same

Abstract

To provide a valve unit and a water closet bowl equipped with the same, wherein the valve unit can suppress deterioration of sealing performance of a pressure release part of a pressure chamber regardless of opening / closing operation of a pressure release valve, and can secure functionality of an entire valve unit.SOLUTION: A valve unit 14 of the present invention has a pressure release part Q, wherein the pressure release part includes a pressure release hole 54, a sealing part S, a guide part G, and a pressure release valve 46, the sealing part has a wall surface 58a forming a first open flow channel 58 sealed by an annular sealing member 56, the guide part forms a second open flow channel 60 on a downstream side of the first open flow channel of the sealing part, and guides the annular sealing member, the pressure release valve operates axially outward with respect to the pressure release hole at a time of opening a valve to move the annular sealing member from the sealing part to the guide part, and the guide part regulates a position of the annular sealing member while circulating water W0 flowing from the first open flow channel into the second open flow channel to a third open flow channel 64.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve unit and a flush toilet equipped with the same, and in particular to a valve unit provided in a water supply channel that supplies flush water to a flush toilet, and a flush toilet equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known valve unit provided in a water supply passage that supplies flush water to a flush toilet is one in which a pressure release section of a normally sealed pressure chamber opens to release the pressure within the pressure chamber, thereby activating a diaphragm valve and supplying flush water to the toilet device downstream, as described in Patent Document 1, for example. In such a conventional valve unit described in Patent Document 1, an open flow passage that allows water to flow within the pressure chamber when the pressure in the pressure chamber is released is provided downstream of the pressure chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-119328 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional valve unit described above, when the pressure release portion of the pressure chamber is opened during pressure release, the sealing member sealing the pressure release portion is deformed by the influence of water pressure. Furthermore, when the pressure release portion of the pressure chamber is closed again, there is a problem in that the sealing member may come into excessive contact with the surrounding wall surface as the pressure release valve closes, possibly resulting in damage. This reduces the sealing performance of the pressure release portion of the pressure chamber, resulting in a problem of reduced functionality of the entire valve unit. Therefore, in recent years, a problem that has been required is how to realize a valve structure for the pressure release portion in which the seal member is less likely to be damaged when the pressure release portion of the pressure chamber is opened and closed.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems with the conventional technology described above and problems that have been required in recent years, and has an object to provide a valve unit and a flush toilet equipped with the same, which are able to suppress any deterioration in the sealing performance of the pressure release part of the pressure chamber regardless of the opening and closing operation of the pressure release valve, and ensure the functionality of the entire valve unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a valve unit provided in a water supply passage that supplies flush water to a flush toilet, the valve unit having a primary water supply passage and a secondary water supply passage provided on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively, a main valve provided between the primary water supply passage and the secondary water supply passage, a pressure chamber that opens and closes the main valve by pressure, and a pressure release section that makes it possible to release pressure within the pressure chamber, the pressure release section comprising a pressure release hole provided in the pressure chamber, a seal section provided on the axial outside of the pressure release hole, a guide section provided on the axial outside of the seal section, a pressure release valve provided within the seal section to be axially movable and open and close the pressure release hole, and an annular seal member provided on the pressure release valve, the seal section forms a first release flow path downstream of the pressure release hole, and the guide portion is configured to form a second open flow passage downstream of a first open flow passage of the seal portion and to guide the annular seal member; the pressure release valve, when opened, operates axially outward with respect to the pressure release hole, thereby moving the annular seal member from the seal portion to the guide portion and releasing the pressure in the pressure chamber from the pressure release hole to the second open flow passage via the first open flow passage; and the guide portion is configured to allow water that has flowed from the first open flow passage into the second open flow passage to flow to a third open flow passage downstream of the second open flow passage when the pressure release valve is open, while the wall surface forming the second open flow passage regulates the position of the annular seal member. In the present invention thus configured, when the pressure in the pressure chamber is released, the pressure release valve is operated axially outward in the pressure release portion, whereby the pressure release valve opens and the pressure release hole is opened. At this time, the annular sealing member provided on the pressure release valve can move to the guide portion together with the pressure release valve while maintaining a state in which the first open flow path is sealed at the seal portion due to the pressure release valve operating axially outward. This allows the first open flow passage of the seal portion and the second open flow passage of the guide portion to be communicated with each other while regulating the position of the annular seal member in the guide portion. Therefore, water that flows from the pressure release hole of the pressure chamber into the first open flow path of the seal portion can be made to flow out into the second open flow path of the guide portion, and then the water in this second open flow path can be made to flow to the third open flow path downstream. Furthermore, when the pressure in the pressure chamber is released, even if the pressure of water flowing from the first open flow path of the sealing portion to the second open flow path of the guide portion acts on the annular sealing member, the position of the annular sealing member can be maintained in a state regulated by the guide portion, and therefore the annular sealing member can be prevented from being deformed by the water pressure and protruding downstream. Furthermore, when the pressure release valve is opened and closed in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the annular sealing member from coming into contact with and being damaged by the wall surface forming the first open flow passage of the sealing portion or the wall surface forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion. As a result, regardless of the opening and closing operation of the pressure release valve, deterioration in the sealing performance of the pressure release portion of the pressure chamber can be suppressed, and the functionality of the entire valve unit can be ensured.

[0007] In the present invention, the guide portion is preferably formed to extend axially downstream of the seal portion along a wall surface of the second open flow path, and is configured to communicate the pressure chamber and the second open flow path via the pressure release hole and the first open flow path. In the present invention configured in this manner, the guide portion is formed to extend axially downstream of the seal portion along the wall surface of the second open flow path, thereby making it possible to reliably regulate the position of the annular seal member within the area of ​​the guide portion over a predetermined distance along the wall surface of the second open flow path of the guide portion. As a result, when the pressure in the pressure chamber is released, even if the pressure of water flowing from the first open flow path of the seal portion to the second open flow path of the guide portion acts on the annular sealing member located within the area of ​​the guide portion, deformation of the annular sealing member can be suppressed. Therefore, regardless of the opening operation of the pressure release valve, the deformation of the annular seal member can be suppressed.

[0008] In the present invention, the guide portion preferably extends downstream from near the outlet portion of the seal portion such that its axially outer end portion surrounds the upstream side of the inlet portion of the third open flow channel. In the present invention configured in this manner, the axially outer end of the guide portion extends downstream so as to surround the upstream side of the inlet portion of the third open flow passage, so that there is a portion where the upstream side of the inlet portion of the third open flow passage is located upstream of the axially outer end of the guide portion. As a result, even if the pressure of the water passing through the first open flow path of the seal portion fluctuates when the pressure of the pressure chamber is released, the water can then flow from the first open flow path of the seal portion into the second open flow path of the guide portion toward the axially outer end of the guide portion, and then form a flow that flows smoothly from the inlet of the third open flow path into the third open flow path. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular sealing member can be suppressed, and therefore the annular sealing member can be prevented from being significantly deformed when the pressure release valve is opened, when the water pressure acting on the annular sealing member is likely to fluctuate.

[0009] In the present invention, the guide portion is preferably formed to allow water in the second open flow passage to flow from the circumferential direction toward the third open flow passage on the radially outer side. In the present invention configured in this manner, water that flows from the first open flow path of the seal portion into the second open flow path of the guide portion can be circulated by the guide portion toward the third open flow path radially outward, thereby enabling water to be drained circumferentially to the downstream side. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular seal member can be made to act approximately uniformly in the circumferential direction, making it possible to suppress large local deformation of the annular seal member.

[0010] In the present invention, the guide portion preferably includes a plurality of ribs provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on a wall surface that defines the second open flow path. In the present invention configured in this manner, the wall surface forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion can be formed in a roughly spline shape by a plurality of ribs provided at predetermined intervals circumferentially on the wall surface forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular seal member can be made to act more uniformly in the circumferential direction, so that large local deformation of the annular seal member can be more effectively suppressed.

[0011] In the present invention, the guide portion is preferably set so that the minimum diameter of a flow path cross section forming the second open flow path is larger than the maximum diameter of a flow path cross section forming the first open flow path of the seal portion. In the present invention configured in this manner, when the pressure release valve is opened or closed and the annular sealing member moves axially together with the pressure release valve relative to the sealing portion, the annular sealing member comes into contact with the wall surface forming the first open flow path of the sealing portion and is deformed, resulting in a deformed sealed state within the area of ​​the sealing portion. On the other hand, when the annular sealing member moves axially relative to the guide portion together with the pressure release valve when the pressure release valve is opened or closed, even if the annular sealing member comes into contact with the wall surface forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion and is deformed, the amount of deformation of the annular sealing member within the area of ​​the guide portion is smaller than the amount of deformation of the annular sealing member within the area of ​​the seal portion, because the minimum diameter of the flow passage cross-section forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion is set larger than the maximum diameter of the flow passage cross-section forming the first open flow passage of the seal portion. Therefore, deformation of the annular seal member that occurs within the region of the guide portion can be suppressed, and damage to the annular seal member when the pressure release valve is opened and closed can be suppressed.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the seal portion has an outlet portion which is provided with an expansion portion which expands in diameter from the upstream side to the downstream side, the guide portion extends axially outward from a portion of the wall surface forming the second open flow passage near the downstream end of the expansion portion, and the third open flow passage has an inlet portion which is arranged in a portion of the second open flow passage near the downstream end of the expansion portion, and extends radially outward from the guide portion toward the downstream side from the inlet portion of the third open flow passage. In the present invention configured in this manner, when water in the first open flow path of the seal portion passes through the enlarged diameter portion at the outlet of the seal portion toward the second open flow path of the guide portion, the water pressure is prone to fluctuate. However, since the guide portion extends axially outward from the portion near the downstream end of the enlarged diameter portion, the guide portion can reliably guide the annular seal member within that area. Therefore, the annular seal member can be prevented from being deformed by water pressure so as to protrude downstream. In addition, water that has just flowed from the first open flow passage of the seal portion into the second open flow passage of the guide portion can be circulated from the inlet of the third open flow passage located near the downstream end of the expanded diameter portion of the outlet of the seal portion to the third open flow passage extending radially outward of the guide portion. Therefore, when the pressure in the pressure chamber is released, water that has flowed from the first open flow path of the seal portion into the second open flow path of the guide portion can be efficiently drained from the circumferential direction of the guide portion to the third open flow path radially outward. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular seal member can be made to act approximately uniformly in the circumferential direction, so that large local deformation of the annular seal member can be suppressed.

[0013] Next, the present invention is a flush toilet equipped with the above valve unit. With the present invention configured in this manner, it is possible to provide a flush toilet equipped with a valve unit that can prevent the annular sealing member from deforming due to water pressure and protruding downstream, even if the pressure of water flowing from the first open flow path of the sealing portion to the second open flow path of the guide portion acts on the annular sealing member when the pressure of the pressure chamber is released. It is also possible to provide a flush toilet equipped with a valve unit that can prevent the annular sealing member from coming into contact with and being damaged by the wall surface of the first open flow path of the sealing portion or the wall surface of the second open flow path of the guide portion when the pressure release valve is opened or closed. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The valve unit of the present invention, and a flush toilet equipped with it, are able to suppress any deterioration in the sealing performance of the pressure release part of the pressure chamber, regardless of the opening and closing operation of the pressure release valve, and can ensure the functionality of the entire valve unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the valve unit of the flush toilet according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in the valve unit of the flush toilet according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, showing the solenoid valve unit and main valve body in a closed state (water stop state) during normal operation and during a power outage. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 of a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the solenoid valve is operated to open and the main valve element is operated to open under normal circumstances (water passing state). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 of a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the main valve has been manually operated to be open (water passing state) during a power outage. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a pressure relief portion of a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the pressure relief portion in a closed state. [Figure 7B]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a pressure relief portion of a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the pressure relief portion in a closed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure release portion in a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] A flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a side view of the flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a ceramic toilet body 2, and a tank apparatus 4 provided behind it. The toilet body 2 also has a bowl portion 2a for receiving waste, a drain trap portion (drain trap pipe 2b) extending from the bottom of the bowl portion 2a to drain the waste within the bowl portion 2a, and a rim portion 2c formed on the upper edge of the bowl portion 2a. Furthermore, each of the components of the tank apparatus 4 is adapted to function as part of a water supply unit U1 that supplies flush water to the toilet body 2, as will be described in detail later.

[0017] Next, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tank device 4 is provided with a water supply pipe 6 and a water discharge pipe 8 connected to the upstream side and downstream side thereof, respectively. The upstream side of the water supply pipe 6 is connected to an external water source (not shown) such as a water supply. Meanwhile, the downstream side of the water supply pipe 6 is connected to a water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4. As a result, flush water is supplied from the water supply pipe 6 to the water storage tank 10. In addition, a stop valve 12 and a valve unit 14 are provided in the water supply pipe 6 from the upstream side to the downstream side. Furthermore, a primary water supply passage 6a and a secondary water supply passage 6b are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the valve unit 14, respectively. In addition, a communication flow passage 6c (details of which will be described later) that communicates between the primary water supply passage 6a and the secondary water supply passage 6b is provided between them.

[0018] Next, the valve unit 14, the detailed structure of which will be described later, comprises a constant flow valve 16 provided in the primary water supply passage 6a, and a main valve unit 17 and a solenoid valve unit 18 each provided downstream of this constant flow valve 16. The main valve unit 17 also has a main valve body (diaphragm type main valve body 17a) which is a main valve provided in a pressure chamber (not shown) between the primary water supply passage 6a and the secondary water supply passage 6b.Furthermore, the main valve unit 17 has a main valve seat 17b on which the main valve body 17a is provided so as to be able to close, and this main valve seat 17b is provided at the rim of the inlet 6d of the communicating passage 6c, and forms a valve seat opening which is opened and closed by the main valve body 17a. In addition, the solenoid valve unit 18, which will be described in detail later, is part of the water supply system functional section, and is capable of opening and closing the main valve body 17a by opening and closing a pressure chamber (not shown), which is opened and closed by pressure.

[0019] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the tank device 4 further includes a connecting unit 20 connected to the downstream side of the valve unit 14 of the water supply pipe 6, and a tank unit 22 connected downstream of this connecting unit 20 and including a water storage tank 10. In the valve unit 14, the flow rate of the cleaning water in the water supply pipe 6 is adjusted to a constant value by a constant flow valve 16. Thereafter, when the solenoid valve unit 18 opens electromagnetically and the inlet 6d of the communicating flow path 6c is opened by the main valve body 17a, the flushing water supplied from the primary water supply passage 6a of the water supply pipe 6 through the communicating flow path 6c to the secondary water supply passage 6b is supplied to the tank unit 22 via the connecting unit 20.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the connection unit 20 includes a housing 24, an overflow pipe 26, and a check valve . Further, the housing 24 has a lower opening 24 a which is detachably connected to an upper opening 10 a of the water storage tank 10 of the tank unit 22 .

[0021] Next, the overflow pipe 26 connects an overflow port 24b provided in a part of the side wall of the housing 24 to the discharge pipe 8. The discharge pipe 8 is a connecting pipe (flush water supply pipe) connected at its upstream side to the pump 30 of the tank device 4, and at its downstream side to the rim water channel 2d inside the rim portion 2c of the toilet body 2. Furthermore, a check valve 28 is provided in the overflow port 24b, which allows the cleaning water in the housing 24 to flow from the overflow port 24b into the overflow pipe 26, while preventing the cleaning water in the overflow pipe 26 from flowing back into the housing 24. In other words, each of these overflow port 24b, overflow pipe 26, and check valve 28 functions as an overflow flow path that bypasses the flushing water that has overflowed from the overflow port 24b of the housing 24 to the water supply passage (discharge pipe 8) downstream of the pump 30 when the water level in the housing 24 is above a predetermined water level (above the lower edge of the overflow port 24b) after the flushing water has overflowed from the water storage tank 10 into the housing 24.

[0022] Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the tank unit 22 includes a water storage tank 10, a pump 30, a float switch 32, and a drain plug . The pump 30 is provided in a part (midway) of a water pipe 36 that is connected to the upstream side of the discharge pipe 8. An upstream end 36a of the water pipe 36 is connected to a downstream end 38a of a suction pipe 38 provided in the water storage tank 10.

[0023] When the pump 30 is operated, the flush water stored in the water storage tank 10 is sucked from the suction pipe 38 into the water supply pipe 36, and then pressure-fed via the pump 30 to the discharge pipe 8. As a result, all of the flush water supplied from the water storage tank 10 to the discharge pipe 8 by the pump 30 is supplied into the rim water conduit 2d from the inlet 2e of the rim water conduit 2d. The flush water in the rim water conduit 2d is then discharged from the rim water outlet 2f at the downstream end of the rim water conduit 2d into the bowl portion 2a, performing a toilet flush (so-called toilet flush using 100% rim water spouting). That is, each of the water supply pipe 36 and the discharge pipe 8 functions as a flush water supply pipe that supplies flush water pressure-fed by the pump 30 from the water storage tank 10 to the toilet body 2.

[0024] The float switch 32 detects the water level in the water tank 10, and the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve unit 18 of the valve unit 14 is controlled by the controller C based on the water level in the water tank 10 detected by the float switch 32. In addition, the operation of the pump 30 is also controlled by the controller C based on the water level in the water storage tank 10 detected by a float switch 32. For example, when the water level in the water tank 10 detected by the float switch 32 is below a predetermined level, the solenoid valve unit 18 opens, the water supply pipe 6 is opened, and the pump 30 is operated. When the water level in the water tank 10 reaches a predetermined water level, the solenoid valve unit 18 closes to close the water supply pipe 6 and stop the pump 30.

[0025] The drain plug 34 is provided on the bottom surface of the water storage tank 10. This drain plug 34 is normally kept closed at all times, and is opened as necessary to allow flush water in the water storage tank 10 to be drained to the outside.

[0026] As a result, the tank device 4, which includes the above-mentioned water supply pipe 6, discharge pipe 8, parts 16, 17, 18 of the valve unit 14, parts 24, 26, 28 of the connecting unit 20, tank unit 22, and pump 30, is arranged upstream of the toilet body 2 and functions as part of a water supply unit U1 that supplies flushing water to the toilet body 2.

[0027] Next, the details of the valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. First, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the valve unit of the flush toilet according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the valve unit 14 is provided at the lower end of the water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4, which is provided in an area rearward of the bowl portion 2a of the toilet body 2 (hereinafter referred to as "rear area R1 of the toilet body 2"). That is, the valve unit 14 is provided below and to the side of the water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4 in the rear region R1 of the toilet body 2 (on the left side when looking at the toilet body 2 and the tank device 4 from the front side). In addition, the valve unit 14 is covered by a single cover member (exterior panel P) that is removably provided on one of the left and right sides of the rear region R1 of the toilet body 2 (the left side when looking at the toilet body 2 and the tank device 4 from the front side). Additionally, in the flush toilet 1 shown in FIG. 2, the exterior panel P is omitted and is shown only by imaginary lines.

[0028] Next, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the valve unit of the flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2, and shows the main valve body 17a and solenoid valve unit 18 in a closed state (water stop state) during normal operation and during a power outage. Moreover, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 of a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows the state in which solenoid valve unit 18 is operated to open and main valve body 17a is operated to open under normal circumstances (water passing state). Furthermore, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figures 4 and 5 of a valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, and shows the state (water passing state) in which the main valve body 17a has been manually operated to be open during a power outage.

[0029] First, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, solenoid valve unit 18 of valve unit 14 includes a pilot hole (solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a), a pilot valve body (solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b) that opens and closes this solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a, solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c that houses this solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b, and solenoid 18d that is a drive section that drives solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b. Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the valve unit 14 is equipped with, in addition to the above-mentioned constant flow valve 16, diaphragm-type main valve body 17a, and solenoid valve unit 18, a power outage manual water supply operating device 40 (details will be described later) that enables toilet flushing even during a power outage. Additionally, the power failure manual water supply operation device 40, together with the power failure manual drainage operation device 42 described below, functions as a manual operation unit for power failure countermeasures that enables toilet flushing even during a power failure.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 of the valve unit 14 has a handle portion 44 that is rotatably arranged on the side of the valve unit 14 (on the left side when looking at the toilet body 2 and the tank device 4 from the front side). Furthermore, the power failure manual water supply operating device 40 is equipped with a spindle valve 46 whose outer end is fixed to the handle portion 44. When the handle portion 44 is rotated around its central axis of rotation (operation axis A0), the spindle valve 46 can move (slide) in the axial direction of the operation axis A0. As a result, the spindle valve 46 functions as a manually operated valve that opens and closes the pressure release section Q (details of which will be described later) of the valve unit 14 by manually rotating the handle portion 44 of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 during a power outage, thereby enabling the main valve body 17a to be opened and closed. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the operating axis A0 and the flow path axis A2 of the communicating flow path 6c are arranged on the same or approximately the same axis as the central axis in the direction in which the main valve body 17a opens and closes (hereinafter referred to as the "opening / closing axis A4 of the main valve body 17a").

[0031] Next, the pressure chamber 50 in the valve unit 14, the pressure release portion Q, and the other internal flow paths of the main body portion 48 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Figures 7A and 7B are enlarged cross-sectional views of pressure relief portion Q of valve unit 14 of a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing pressure relief portion Q in a closed state and in a closed state, respectively. Additionally, Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of pressure relief portion Q in valve unit 14 of a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Figure 8. First, as shown in Figures 4 to 9, a pressure chamber 50 is provided inside the main body 48 of the valve unit 14, which opens and closes the main valve body 17a by pressure, and the pressure release section Q enables the pressure within this pressure chamber 50 to be released.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, the pressure release section Q specifically includes a pressure relief passage 52 (see Figures 4 to 6) that connects the pressure chamber 50 and the solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c, and a pressure release hole 54 that extends axially outwardly of the pressure chamber 50. 7A to 9, the pressure relief portion Q includes a seal portion S provided on the axially outer side of the pressure relief hole 54 and a guide portion G provided on the axially outer side of the seal portion S. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 9, the pressure relief portion Q includes a spindle valve 46 that is a pressure relief valve that is provided in the seal portion S so as to be axially movable and that opens and closes the pressure relief hole 54. The pressure release portion Q also includes an annular seal member (O-ring 56) that is provided watertightly on the outer circumferential surface of the spindle valve 46 near the axially inner end 46a.

[0033] Next, as shown in Figures 7A to 9, the seal portion S of the pressure release portion Q forms a first open flow path 58 downstream of the pressure release hole 54, and the wall surface 58a forming this first open flow path 58 is sealed by an O-ring 56. Furthermore, the guide portion G forms a second open flow passage 60 downstream of the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S, and is provided with a plurality of ribs (guide ribs 62) that guide the O-ring . Furthermore, when the spindle valve 46 is opened, it moves axially outward relative to the pressure relief hole 54, thereby moving the O-ring 56 from the seal portion S to the guide portion G and releasing the pressure within the pressure chamber 50 from the pressure relief hole 54 through the first release flow passage 58 of the seal portion S to the second release flow passage 60 of the guide portion G. Furthermore, when the spindle valve 46 is open, the guide portion G allows water W0 that has flowed from the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S into the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G to flow to the third open flow passage 64 downstream of the second open flow passage 60, while the wall surface forming the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G (more specifically, the inner wall surface 62a of the guide rib 62) is able to regulate the position of the O-ring 56. 4 to 7B, an O-ring 65 is provided watertightly on the outer circumferential surface of the spindle valve 46 axially outward from the inlet 64a of the second open flow passage 60 and the third open flow passage 64 of the guide portion G. This O-ring 65 seals the outer circumferential surface of the spindle valve 46 and the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 48 of the valve unit 14 facing the outer circumferential surface of the spindle valve 46 so that water W0 in the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G does not leak from the axially outward side of the spindle valve 46 to the outside.

[0034] Next, as shown in Figures 7A to 9, each guide rib 62 of the guide portion G is formed so as to extend axially downstream (axially outward) from the seal portion S along the axially extending wall surface that forms the second open flow path 60, more specifically, along the wall surface (outer wall surface 62b) that is outer than the inner wall surface 62a of the guide rib 62. 8 and 9, the guide ribs 62 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the wall surface (outer wall surface 62b) that forms the second open flow passage 60. As a result, the multiple guide ribs 62 are formed in a generally spline shape with respect to the wall surface (outer wall surface 62b) that forms the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G. Therefore, each guide rib 62 of the guide portion G connects the pressure chamber 50 to the second open flow path 60 and the third open flow path 64 of the guide portion G via the pressure release hole 54 and the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S.

[0035] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, of the multiple (six) guide ribs 62 of the guide section G, two guide ribs 62A, 62B adjacent to the inlet portion (inlet 64a) of the third open flow passage 64 extend downstream (axially outward) from near the outlet portion 58b of the seal section S so that their axially outer ends surround the upstream side of the inlet portion (inlet 64a) of the third open flow passage 64. Here, as shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 8, the outlet portion 58b of the seal portion S is an expanding portion in which the flow path cross section of the first open flow path 58 expands in diameter from the upstream side (axially inner side) to the downstream side (axially outer side). 7B, 8 and 9, each guide rib 62 of the guide portion G extends axially outward from a portion of the outer wall surface 62b forming the second open flow passage 60 near the downstream end of the outlet portion (expanded diameter portion) 58b of the seal portion S. As a result, each guide rib 62 of the guide portion G is formed to allow water W0 in the second open flow passage 60 to flow from the circumferential direction toward the third open flow passage 64 on the radially outer side.

[0036] Here, the third open flow passage 64, details of which will be described later, has an inlet portion (inlet 64a) located in the vicinity of the downstream end of the expanded diameter section 58b in the second open flow passage 60, and extends radially outward from the inlet portion (inlet 64a) of the third open flow passage 64 toward the downstream side of the guide section G.

[0037] Next, as shown in Figures 7A, 8 and 9, the minimum diameter of the flow passage cross section forming the second open flow passage 60 in the guide portion G (i.e., the diameter D1 between the radially opposing inner wall surfaces 62a of the multiple guide ribs 62) is set larger than the maximum diameter of the flow passage cross section forming the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S (i.e., the diameter D2 of the cylindrical wall surface 58a forming the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S) (D1>D2).

[0038] Next, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the communicating flow path 6c, which is part of the internal flow path of the main body 48 of the valve unit 14, is formed toward the inside of the flow path axis A2 extending horizontally left and right (in the lateral direction of the valve unit 14) from its inlet 6d. In addition, the secondary water supply passage 6b is formed from above the downstream end of the communicating passage 6c (the inner side in the horizontal left-right direction and above the front end of the communicating passage 6c) toward the front side of the passage axis A3 extending in the horizontal front-to-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the valve unit 14).

[0039] Here, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the primary water supply passage 6a in which the constant flow valve 16 is provided extends generally in the front-to-rear direction along the flow path axis A1 extending in the horizontal front-to-rear direction, and is then formed toward the outside in the horizontal left-right direction (the lateral direction of the valve unit 14) toward the pressure chamber 50. A flow channel axis A2 of the communication flow channel 6c and a flow channel axis A3 of the secondary water supply channel 6b extend in directions perpendicular to each other. The secondary water supply passage 6b is formed such that its flow path axis A3 is substantially parallel to the flow path axis A1 of the primary water supply passage 6a, which extends in the horizontal front-rear direction, in the plan view of Fig. 4. As a result, the primary water supply passage 6a and the secondary water supply passage 6b are formed such that the flow path axes A1, A3 extending from the upstream side to the downstream side are in the same direction.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the communicating passage 6c, when viewed in the plan view of Figure 4, has a passage axis A2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the passage axes A1, A3 of the primary water supply passage and the secondary water supply passage, respectively. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the secondary water supply passage 6b is formed so as to extend from the downstream end of the communication passage 6c in the same direction as the passage axis A1 of the primary water supply passage 6a.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the downstream end (the inner end in the horizontal left-right direction) of the communication flow passage 6c is provided with an opposing wall surface 6e that faces the main valve body 17a in the flow passage axis A2 direction. This opposing wall surface 6e is recessed downstream (inner in the horizontal left-right direction) in the direction of the flow path axis A2 of the communicating flow path 6c further than the side wall surface 6f in the secondary water supply passage 6b, forming an expansion portion E that expands the flow path space at the downstream end of the communicating flow path 6c.

[0042] Next, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the pressure chamber 50 is disposed on the opposite side to the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication flow passage 6c in the direction of the flow passage axis A2 of the communication flow passage 6c. 4 to 6, the pressure relief passage 52 is provided so as to be able to communicate with the upper part of the pressure chamber 50, and its downstream side extends to the solenoid-valve-side pilot valve chamber 18c. Here, "the upper part of the pressure chamber 50" may be any part above the midpoint that bisects the vertical distance between the upper end position and the lower end position of the pressure chamber 50. When the solenoid valve side pilot valve element 18b is in an open state, the pressure chamber 50 is capable of communicating with the outside via the pressure relief passage 52, the solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c, and the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure relief passage 52, the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a, and the secondary side water supply passage 6b are each formed so as to extend horizontally in the front-rear direction from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the third open flow path 64 of the above-mentioned pressure release section Q is part of the internal flow path of the main body 48 of the valve unit 14, and is a communicating passage that extends downstream from the second open flow path 60 of the guide section G of the pressure release section Q so as to bypass the inlet 6d of the communicating flow path 6c from the pressure chamber 50, and is connected to the middle of the secondary water supply passage 6b. Specifically, this third open flow passage 64 includes a first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S of the pressure release section Q extending from the pressure release hole 54 on the side of the pressure chamber 50 outward in the direction of the operating axis A0 of the handle portion 44, and an upstream communicating passage 64b extending forward relative to the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G. The third open flow passage 64 also includes a downstream communication passage 64c extending inward from the bent portion B at the front end of the upstream communication passage 64b toward the secondary water supply passage 6b. The downstream communication passage 64c is always in communication with the solenoid valve pilot hole 18a of the solenoid valve unit 18 in a perpendicular state.

[0044] Here, the upstream communication passage 64b is formed so as to extend parallel to the flow path axis A3 of the secondary water supply passage 6b from the opening 56c near the spindle valve 46 to the bent portion B in the plan view of FIGS. On the other hand, the downstream communication passage 64c is formed to extend from the bent portion B to the downstream end in a direction perpendicular to the flow passage axis A3 of the secondary water supply passage 6b (parallel to the flow passage axis A2 of the communication passage 6c).

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, under normal circumstances, the solenoid valve unit 18 is operated by a command signal (valve opening operation signal) sent from the controller C, and when the solenoid valve side pilot valve element 18b, which is in the closed valve state shown in FIG. 4, becomes in the open valve state shown in FIG. 5, the pressure chamber 50 communicates with the third open flow path 64 via the pressure relief passage 52, the solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c, and the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a. This allows ventilation V1 between the pressure chamber 50 and the outside, and when the air pressure in the pressure chamber 50 pressing against the main valve body 17a falls below the water supply pressure in the primary water supply passage 6a, the main valve body 17a moves in the direction of opening the valve, and the inlet 6d of the communicating flow passage 6c, which connects the primary water supply passage 6a and the secondary water supply passage 6b, is opened. As a result, the flush water W1 in the primary water supply passage 6a that has passed through the constant flow valve 16 flows into the communicating passage 6c from the inlet 6d of the communicating passage 6c.

[0046] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b of the solenoid valve unit 18 closes the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a again in response to a command signal (valve closing operation signal) sent from the controller C, the air in the pressure chamber 50 can no longer be released from the pressure relief passage 52. At this time, a portion of the cleaning water in the primary water supply passage 6a around the main valve seat 17b which forms the inlet 6d of the communication passage 6c flows into the pressure chamber 50 through the bleed hole 17c of the main valve body 17a. This increases the pressure in the pressure chamber 50, so that the main valve body 17a is pressed toward the main valve seat 17b by the pressure in the pressure chamber 50. Therefore, the main valve seat 17b which forms the inlet 6d of the communication flow passage 6c is closed by the main valve body 17a (water stop state). Here, as shown in Figures 5 and 7A, when the main valve body 17a is in a normal closed state, the wall surface 58a of the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S of the pressure release section Q is sealed by the O-ring 56 of the spindle valve 46 so that the pressure chamber 50 and the third open flow passage 64 are not in communication with each other.

[0047] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the handle portion 44 of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 is screwed into a part of the main body portion 48 of the valve unit 14 and is fixed to one end of the spindle valve 46 by a fastener 66. During a power outage, the solenoid valve unit 18 does not operate, so that by rotating the handle portion 44 of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 in one direction around the operating axis A0, the spindle valve 46 moves axially outward from the operating axis A0 (distal to the pressure release hole 54). Then, when the O-ring 56 moves from the seal portion S to the guide portion G together with the spindle valve 46, the pressure chamber 50 becomes connected to the third open passage 64 via the first open passage 58 and the second open passage 60. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, water W0 in the pressure chamber 50 flows through the pressure release hole 54, the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S, the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G, and the third open flow passage 64, before flowing out into the secondary water supply passage 6b. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 50 falls below the water supply pressure in the primary water supply passage 6a, the main valve body 17a moves in the valve opening direction, and the inlet 6d of the communication passage 6c is opened. As a result, the flush water in the primary water supply passage 6a that has passed through the constant flow valve 16 flows into the communicating passage 6c from the inlet 6d of the communicating passage 6c.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, during a power outage, the handle portion 44 of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 is rotated in the other direction around the operating axis A0, so that the spindle valve 46 moves axially inward (proximal to the pressure release hole 54) about the operating axis A0. This prevents the air in the pressure chamber 50 from being depressurized into the pressure relief passage 52 and the third open flow path 64, while allowing the cleaning water in the primary water supply passage 6a around the main valve seat 17b to flow into the pressure chamber 50 through the bleed hole 17c in the main valve body 17a. As a result, the pressure in the pressure chamber 50 is increased, and the diaphragm-type main valve body 17a is pressed toward the main valve seat 17b by the pressure in the pressure chamber 50. As a result, the inlet 6d of the communication flow passage 6c changes from a water-passing state (see FIG. 6) opened by the main valve body 17a to a water-stopped state (see FIG. 4) closed by the main valve body 17a. Therefore, in the event of a power outage, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, by manually operating the handle portion 44, it is possible to supply and stop the supply of cleaning water in the water supply pipe 6 to the tank unit 22 via the connecting unit 20 (water supply and stop operation).

[0049] Here, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the axial outer end face 46b of the spindle valve 46 of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 always protrudes outward beyond the axial outer end face 44a of the handle portion 44, and the axial outer end of the spindle valve 46 forms a protrusion that protrudes outward in the axial direction of the handle portion 44. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, when the main valve body 17a is open during a power outage, the handle portion 44 and the spindle valve 46 are each located in a position that is moved axially outward from the state in which the main valve body 17a is closed as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, when the main valve body 17a is open during a power outage, the axial outer end face 46b of the spindle valve 46 is in contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel P, forming a contact point that interferes with the exterior panel P. That is, when the main valve body 17a is open during a power outage, the axial outer end surface 46b (contact portion) of the spindle valve 46 protrudes outward in the left-right direction beyond the mounting position P0 of the exterior panel P. This allows the user to confirm that the axial outer end face 46b of the spindle valve 46 is in contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel P by a contact sound, etc., and enables the user to confirm that the manual water supply operation of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 is being performed in the event of a power outage and that the main valve body 17a is in an open state.

[0050] 1, a drain socket 68 (drain socket portion) is provided on the downstream side of the drain trap pipe 2b of the toilet body 2, i.e., on the rear side of the drain trap pipe 2b and at the outlet portion 2g at the lower end. An opening / closing valve 70 that can open and close the flow path is provided inside this drain socket 68. In addition, the power outage manual drainage operating device 42 is equipped with an operating wire 72 that is connected to the opening / closing valve 70 of the drainage socket 68 so as to be able to be opened and closed, and a fixing unit 74 that slidably holds the operating wire 72 and fixes it to the toilet body 2.

[0051] Next, the end of the operating wire 72 on the drain socket side is directly or indirectly connected to a part of the on-off valve 70 . Furthermore, a gripping ring member 76 is provided at the end of the operating wire 72 on the toilet body side (user side), so that the user can grip it. In the event of a power outage, the user can grasp the ring member 76 and slide the operating wire 72 back and forth relative to the fixed unit 74 to open and close the on-off valve 70 of the drain socket 68.

[0052] For example, as an example of water supply and drainage operations during a power outage, first, the handle portion 44 of the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 is manually rotated to open the opening / closing valve (main valve body 17a) of the valve unit 14, and water is supplied to the water storage tank 10 of the water supply unit U1. Next, the gripping ring member 76 of the power failure manual drain operation device 42 is manually operated to close the opening / closing valve 70 of the drain socket 68. Then, when the water level in the water tank 10 reaches or exceeds a predetermined water level and rises into the housing 24 above the water tank 10, the flush water in the housing 24 is bypassed from the overflow pipe 26 to the water supply passage (discharge pipe 8) downstream of the pump 30, and then supplied to the toilet body 2. This makes it possible to seal the flow path within the drain socket 68 upstream of the opening / closing valve 70 of the drain socket 68 and within the drain trap pipe 2b of the toilet body 2, allowing water to accumulate in the bowl portion 2a of the toilet body 2. Next, by again operating the power outage manual drainage operating device 42 to open the opening / closing valve 70 of the drainage socket 68, the flushing water in the bowl portion 2a of the toilet body 2 can be reliably drained from the drain trap pipe 2b through the drainage socket 68 to the outside. Thereafter, when the handle portion 44 of the power failure manual water supply operating device 40 is manually rotated to close the opening / closing valve (main valve body 17a) of the valve unit 14, a series of water supply and drainage operations for the toilet body 2 during a power failure is completed.

[0053] Next, the operation of the valve unit 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, will be explained with reference to FIGS. With the valve unit 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, when the pressure in the pressure chamber 50 is released by the power outage manual water supply operating device 40 during a power outage, the pressure release valve (spindle valve 46) in the pressure release section Q is operated axially outward, thereby opening the spindle valve 46 and opening the pressure release hole 54. At this time, the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) provided on the spindle valve 46 can move to the guide section together with the spindle valve 46 while maintaining the state in which the first open flow path is sealed at the seal section S as the spindle valve 46 moves axially outward. As a result, in the guide portion G, the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S and the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G can be communicated with each other while regulating the position of the annular seal member (O-ring 56). Therefore, water that flows from the pressure release hole 54 of the pressure chamber 50 into the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S is made to flow out into the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G, and then the water in this second open flow path 60 can be circulated to the third open flow path 64 downstream. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the pressure in the pressure chamber 50 is released, even if the pressure of the water W0 flowing from the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S to the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G acts on the annular seal member (O-ring 56), the position of the annular seal member (O-ring 56) can be maintained in a state where it is regulated by the guide portion G. This makes it possible to prevent the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) from deforming and protruding downstream due to the water pressure of the water W0 flowing from the first open flow path 58 of the sealing portion S to the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G. Furthermore, when the spindle valve 46 is opened and closed in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) from coming into contact with and being damaged by the wall surface 58a forming the first open flow passage 58 of the sealing portion S or the wall surface (inner wall surface 62a of the guide rib 62) forming the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G. As a result, regardless of the opening and closing operation of the spindle valve 46, deterioration in the sealing performance of the pressure release portion Q of the pressure chamber 50 can be suppressed, and the functionality of the entire valve unit 14 can be ensured.

[0054] Next, in the valve unit 14 according to this embodiment, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, the guide portion G is formed to extend axially downstream of the seal portion S along the wall surface of the second open flow path 60 (the outer wall surface 62b of the guide rib 62). This enables the position of the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) within the area of ​​the guide portion G to be reliably regulated over a predetermined distance along the wall surface (inner wall surface 62a of the guide rib 62) of the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G. As a result, when the pressure in the pressure chamber 50 is released, even if the pressure of the water W0 flowing from the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S to the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G acts on the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) located within the area of ​​the guide portion G, deformation of the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) can be suppressed. Therefore, regardless of whether the spindle valve 46 is opened, deformation of the annular seal member (O-ring 56) can be suppressed.

[0055] Next, in the valve unit 14 of this embodiment, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, the axially outer end of the guide section G extends downstream so as to surround the upstream side of the inlet 64a of the third open flow path 64, so that there is a portion where the upstream side of the inlet 64a of the third open flow path 64 is located upstream of the axially outer end of the guide section G (see Figure 8). As a result, even if the pressure of the water passing through the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S fluctuates when the pressure of the pressure chamber 50 is released, the water W0 that flows from the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S into the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G can form a flow that flows toward the axially outer end of the guide portion G and then flows smoothly from the inlet 64a of the third open flow passage 64 into the third open flow passage 64. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) can be suppressed, and therefore the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) can be prevented from being significantly deformed when the spindle valve 46 is opened, when the water pressure acting on the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) is likely to fluctuate.

[0056] Next, with the valve unit 14 according to this embodiment, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, water W0 that flows from the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S into the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G is circumferentially diverted toward the third open flow path 64 on the radially outer side by the guide portion G, allowing the water to be drained circumferentially to the downstream side. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular seal member (O-ring 56) can be made to act approximately uniformly in the circumferential direction, so that the annular seal member (O-ring 56) can be prevented from being locally deformed significantly.

[0057] Furthermore, with the valve unit 14 of this embodiment and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a number of guide ribs 62 are provided at predetermined intervals circumferentially on the wall surface 62b that forms the second open flow path 60 of the guide section G, allowing the wall surface that forms the second open flow path 60 of the guide section G to be formed in a roughly spline shape. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) can be made to act more uniformly in the circumferential direction, making it possible to more effectively prevent large localized deformation of the annular sealing member (O-ring 56).

[0058] Furthermore, with the valve unit 14 of this embodiment, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, when the spindle valve 46 opens and closes and the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) moves axially together with the spindle valve 46 relative to the sealing portion S, the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) comes into contact with the wall surface 58a that forms the first open flow path 58 of the sealing portion S and deforms, resulting in a deformed sealed state within the area of ​​the sealing portion S. On the other hand, when the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) moves axially together with the spindle valve 46 relative to the guide portion G when the spindle valve 46 is opened or closed, even if the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) comes into contact with the wall surface 62a forming the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G and deforms, the minimum diameter D1 of the flow passage cross section forming the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G is set larger than the maximum diameter D2 of the flow passage cross section forming the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S, so that the amount of deformation of the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) within the area of ​​the guide portion G is smaller than the amount of deformation of the annular sealing member (O-ring 56) within the area of ​​the seal portion S. Therefore, deformation of the annular seal member (O-ring 56) that occurs within the area of ​​the guide portion G can be suppressed, and damage to the annular seal member (O-ring 56) when the spindle valve 46 is opened and closed can be suppressed.

[0059] Next, with the valve unit 14 of this embodiment, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, when the water in the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S passes through the outlet portion (enlarged diameter portion) 58b of the seal portion S toward the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G, the water pressure is prone to fluctuate, but because the guide portion G extends axially outward from the portion near the downstream end of the enlarged diameter portion 58b, the guide portion G can reliably guide the annular seal member (O-ring 56) within that area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the annular seal member (O-ring 56) from being deformed by water pressure so as to protrude downstream. In addition, water W0 immediately after flowing from the first open flow passage 58 of the seal portion S into the second open flow passage 60 of the guide portion G can be circulated from the inlet 64a of the third open flow passage 64 located near the downstream end of the outlet portion (expanded diameter portion) 58b of the seal portion S to the third open flow passage 64 extending radially outward of the guide portion G. Therefore, when the pressure in the pressure chamber 50 is released, the water W0 that flows from the first open flow path 58 of the seal portion S into the second open flow path 60 of the guide portion G can be efficiently drained from the circumferential direction of the guide portion G to the third open flow path 64 radially outward. Therefore, the water pressure acting on the annular seal member (O-ring 56) can be made to act almost uniformly in the circumferential direction, so that the annular seal member (O-ring 56) can be prevented from being locally deformed significantly.

[0060] In the valve unit 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, and the flush toilet 1 equipped with it, all (100%) of the flush water supplied to the water supply pipe 6 from an external water source (not shown) such as a water supply is supplied to the water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4, and the flush water in this water storage tank 10 is then sucked up by the pump 30 of the tank device 4 and pressure-fed to the rim spout 2f of the toilet body 2, in a form in which the valve unit 14 is applied to a so-called full-pump type flush toilet. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the valve unit 14 of this embodiment can also be applied to flush toilets of other configurations besides full-pump type flush toilets. Specifically, the valve unit 14 of this embodiment may be applied to flush toilets of other types than full-pump type flush toilets, such as direct water supply pressure type flush toilets in which flush water supplied to a water supply passage under direct pressure from a water supply is supplied directly to the rim spout of the toilet body as is. The valve unit 14 of this embodiment may also be applied to so-called hybrid flush toilets, in which flush water supplied to the water supply passage under direct pressure from the water mains is supplied directly to the rim outlet of the toilet body, and flush water that is temporarily supplied to and stored in a water storage tank is supplied to the jet outlet of the toilet body by a pump.

[0061] Furthermore, in the valve unit 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, the guide portion G of the pressure release portion Q is described as having a spline shape formed by a plurality of guide ribs 62 provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the wall surface (outer wall surface 62b) that forms the second release flow path 60. However, the guide portion G is not limited to a spline shape formed by such a plurality of guide ribs 62, but may have a shape in which the vicinity of the inlet 64a of the third open flow passage 64 is cut out so as to secure a flow passage for circulating the water W0 that has flowed from the first open flow passage 58 into the second open flow passage 60 to the third open flow passage 64, and the other parts may have a guide shape formed continuously in a ring shape in the circumferential direction instead of being formed by a plurality of guide ribs spaced at a predetermined interval.

[0062] Furthermore, in the valve unit 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, a configuration has been described in which the axially outer ends of two guide ribs 62A, 62B adjacent to the inlet portion (inlet 64a) of the third open flow passage 64 among the multiple (six) guide ribs 62 of the guide portion G extend to a portion of the upstream side of the inlet portion (inlet 64a) of the third open flow passage 64. However, this is not limited to this form, and as long as a flow path is secured to allow water to flow from the second open flow path 60 to the third open flow path 64, the entire guide ribs 62A, 62B may extend axially outward beyond the inlet 64a of the third open flow path 64. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 flush toilet 2 Toilet bowl body 2a Bowl section 2b Drain trap pipe 2c Rim section 2d rim channel 2e Rim Waterway Entrance 2F Rim outlet 2g Outlet of drain trap pipe 2h Bottom wall of the toilet bowl 2i Mounting hole 2j Upper surface of bottom wall of toilet body 4. Tank equipment 6 Water supply pipe 6a Primary side water supply channel 6b Secondary water supply channel 6c Connecting flow path 6d Inlet of communicating passage (valve seat opening of communicating passage) 6e Opposite wall surface of communicating passage 6f Side wall surface in the secondary passage 8 Water pipe 8a Outlet of the discharge pipe 10. Water Tank 10a Upper opening 12 Stopcock 14 Valve unit 16 Constant flow valve 17 Main valve unit 17a Diaphragm type main valve (main valve) 17b Main valve seat 17c bleed hole 18 Solenoid valve unit 18a Solenoid valve side pilot hole 18b Solenoid valve side pilot valve body (pilot valve body) 18c Solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18d Solenoid 20 Connecting Units 22 Tank Unit 24 Housing 24a Lower opening 24b Overflow port 26 Overflow pipe 28 Check valve 30 Pump 32 Float switch 34 Drain plug 36 Water pipe 36a Upstream end of water pipe 38 Suction tube 38a Downstream end of suction pipe 40 Manual water supply operation device during power outage 42 Manual drainage operation device during power outage 44 Handle section 44a: Axial outer end surface of handle 46 Spindle valve (pressure relief part, pressure relief valve) 46a Axial inner end of spindle valve 46b Axial outer end face of spindle valve 48 Valve unit body 50 Pressure Chamber 52 Pressure relief passage (pressure relief section) 54 Pressure relief hole (pressure relief part) 56 O-ring (annular seal material) 58 First open channel 58a: Wall surface of the seal portion forming the first open flow passage 58b Outlet of seal part, enlarged diameter part 60 second open flow passage of guide portion 62 Guide rib (guide part) 62A Guide rib 62B Guide rib 62a: Inner wall surface of the guide rib (wall surface forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion) 62b Outer wall surface of the guide rib (wall surface forming the second open flow passage of the guide portion) 64 Third open channel 64a: inlet of third open flow path (inlet of third open flow path) 64b upstream communication passage (pressure release section, third release passage) 64c downstream side communication passage (pressure release section, third release passage) 65 O-ring 66 Fasteners 68 Drainage socket 70 On-off valve 72 Control wire 74 Fixed Unit 76 Gripping ring member A0 Operation axis of the handle A1 Primary water supply channel axis A2 Axis of the communicating passage A3 Secondary water supply channel axis B Bend of communication passage C Controller D1: Diameter between the inner wall surfaces of the guide ribs facing each other in the radial direction (minimum diameter of the flow passage cross section forming the second open flow passage in the guide portion) D2: Diameter of the cylindrical wall surface forming the first open flow passage of the seal part (maximum diameter of the flow passage cross section forming the first open flow passage of the seal part) E Extension G Guide part P Exterior Panel P0 Exterior panel installation position Q Pressure relief section R1 Rear area of ​​toilet body S Seal Part U1 Water supply unit V1 Ventilation W0 Water passing through the pressure relief section W1 Cleaning water

Claims

1. A water-washed toilet that is washed with washing water to discharge dirt, comprising: a toilet body including a bowl portion for receiving dirt and a drain trap portion for discharging the dirt in the bowl portion; a water supply unit provided on the toilet body for stopping the supply of washing water supplied to the toilet body; and having, the water supply unit, a water supply passage disposed in a rear region of the toilet body for supplying washing water supplied from a water supply source to the bowl portion of the toilet body; a valve unit provided in the water supply passage and including an on-off valve for opening and closing the water supply passage; a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the on-off valve of the valve unit during normal times; and comprising, the valve unit further includes a power failure operation unit that enables the on-off valve of the valve unit to be opened and closed by manual operation during a power failure; the water-washed toilet further includes a cover member that is detachably attached to a rear region of the toilet body and covers the power failure operation unit; the water-washed toilet is characterized in that the power failure operation unit is configured to interfere with the cover member during an operation in which the on-off valve opens the water supply passage.

2. The power failure operation unit according to claim 1, further comprising a spindle valve that enables opening and closing of the valve unit by moving in the axial direction, the spindle valve includes a seal portion for controlling communication / non-communication of washing water with respect to an axially inner end portion; an annular seal member for preventing water leakage is provided axially outside the seal portion; the water-washed toilet according to claim 1, wherein the annular seal member is disposed axially inside a central position in the axial direction of the spindle valve.

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