Flush toilet bowl device

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet bowl device capable of, though disposing a cleaning water tank in a rear section of a flush toilet bowl body, having the device a low silhouette type.SOLUTION: A flush toilet bowl device (1) includes: a flush toilet bowl body (2); and a cleaning water tank (26) that is fixed to a rear section of the flush toilet bowl body via at least two fixing points (44c, 44d) and allows cleaning water to flow into an inflow port (2b) of the flush toilet bowl body. The inflow port is disposed at a position eccentric on one side with respect to a center line in a width direction of the flush toilet bowl body. Two of the fixing points are disposed respectively on both sides in a front-back direction relative to a discharge port. A line connecting the two fixing points is arranged to pass the discharge port in a top face view, and the backside fixing point of the two fixing points is located on a center side in the width direction of the flush toilet bowl body relative to the center point of the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet apparatus, and in particular to a flush toilet apparatus that performs flushing using flush water stored in a flush water tank. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2010-7451 A (Patent Document 1) describes a water storage tank and a flush toilet equipped with it. In this flush toilet, the water storage tank is located at the rear of the flush toilet main body, and the bowl part of the flush toilet main body is flushed with flush water discharged from the water storage tank. The water storage tank is also provided with a tank drain outlet in its widthwise centre, and flush water from within the water storage tank flows into the flush toilet main body from a tank connection hole located directly below the tank drain outlet and in the widthwise centre of the flush toilet main body, flushing the bowl part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-7451 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a drain trap pipe extends rearward from the bowl part in the widthwise centre of the rear part of the flush toilet main body. As a result, the flush water flow path extending from the tank connection hole in the flush toilet main body, into which flush water from the storage tank flows, overlaps with the position of the drain trap pipe, and the flow path extending from the tank connection hole needs to be located above the drain trap pipe. This means that the flow path extending from the tank connection hole needs to be located in a high position, creating the problem that it becomes difficult to achieve a low silhouette for the flush toilet apparatus.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet apparatus that can achieve a low silhouette while locating the flush water tank at the rear of the flush toilet main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a flush toilet device that flushes with flush water stored in a flush water tank, comprising a flush toilet main body equipped with a bowl portion and a drain trap pipe extending from this bowl portion, and a flush water tank that is fixed to the rear of the flush toilet main body via at least two fixing points and discharges stored flush water from a drain outlet and causes it to flow into the inlet of the flush toilet main body, the inlet of the flush toilet main body being located in a position that is off-centered to one side of the centre line of the width of the flush toilet main body, two of the fixing points being located on both sides of the drain outlet in the front-to-rear direction, respectively, and being arranged so that a straight line connecting the two fixing points passes through the drain outlet when viewed from above, and the rear of the two fixing points being located closer to the centre of the width of the flush toilet main body than the centre point of the drain outlet.

[0007] According to the present invention configured in this way, the inlet of the flush toilet body is provided at a position eccentric to one side of the center line of the flush toilet body in the width direction, so the inlet can be provided in the flush toilet body while avoiding the drain trap pipe extending from the bowl section. As a result, the inlet can be formed at a low position, allowing the flush toilet device to have a low silhouette. Also, because the straight line connecting the two fixing points passes through the drain outlet in a top view, the position of the flush water tank in the vicinity of the drain outlet can be firmly defined. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage between the drain outlet of the flush water tank and the inlet of the flush toilet body. Furthermore, the two fixing points are located on both sides of the drain outlet in the front-to-rear direction, and the rear fixing point is located closer to the center of the flush toilet body in the width direction than the center point of the drain outlet. This makes it possible to firmly fix the flush water tank to the flush toilet body, and to sufficiently resist forces that tend to tip the flush water tank in the front-to-rear direction.

[0008] In the present invention, a gasket is preferably placed between the flush toilet body and the flush water tank to ensure watertightness between the flush toilet body and the flush water tank, and this gasket is compressed by fixing the flush water tank to the flush toilet body at two fixing points.

[0009] According to the present invention configured in this way, a packing is placed between the flush toilet body and the flush water tank, and this packing is compressed by fixing the flush water tank. For this reason, by positioning the fixing points so that a straight line connecting the two fixing points passes through the drain outlet, the packing can be compressed evenly, improving the watertightness between the flush toilet body and the flush water tank.

[0010] In the present invention, the inlet of the flush toilet main body is preferably located at a position lower than the upper surface of the rim of the flush toilet main body and higher than the level of stored water in the bowl portion of the flush toilet main body.

[0011] With the present invention configured in this way, the inlet of the flush toilet main body is lower than the upper surface of the rim of the flush toilet main body, allowing the flush toilet apparatus to have a low silhouette. Also, because the inlet of the flush toilet main body is higher than the level of stored water in the bowl part of the flush toilet main body, the inlet of the flush toilet main body will not be submerged when the flush toilet apparatus is not being flushed, preventing deterioration of the gasket.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, an auxiliary fixing point for fixing the flush water tank to the flush toilet body is further provided on the opposite side of the flush toilet body's inlet, relative to the centre line of the flush toilet body in the width direction.

[0013] With the present invention configured in this manner, an auxiliary fixing point is provided on the opposite side of the inlet of the flush toilet body relative to the centre line of the width of the flush toilet body, so that it is possible to adequately resist forces tending to tip the flush water tank in the width direction, and the flush water tank can be firmly fixed.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, at least two auxiliary fixing points are provided, and at least one of these auxiliary fixing points is provided at a position higher than the inlet.

[0015] According to the present invention configured in this manner, at least one of the auxiliary fixing points is located at a position higher than the inlet, so that the cleaning water tank can be fixed at a high position. When a force acts on the top of the cleaning water tank trying to tip the cleaning water tank over, it can provide stronger resistance and firmly fix the cleaning water tank.

[0016] In the present invention, the flush water tank is preferably made up of a flush water tank body and a base plate, and this base plate is fixed to the flush toilet body via a plurality of fixing points and auxiliary fixing points.

[0017] With the present invention configured in this manner, the base plate which forms part of the flush water tank is fixed to the flush toilet body via a number of fixing points and auxiliary fixing points, so that any positional error in the fixing points formed on the flush toilet body can be absorbed by the base plate, allowing the flush water tank body to be attached in the correct position.

[0018] In the present invention, a radial seal member is preferably disposed between the flush water tank body and the base plate, and this radial seal member ensures watertightness between the flush water tank body and the base plate.

[0019] According to the present invention configured in this manner, a radial seal member is placed between the flush water tank body and the base plate, so watertightness between the flush water tank body and the base plate can be ensured. Also, because watertightness is ensured by the radial seal member, less thickness is required to provide the seal than if a surface seal were placed between the flush water tank body and the base plate, allowing the flush toilet apparatus to have a low silhouette.

[0020] In the present invention, the drain trap pipe line preferably extends from the bowl portion downwardly of the flush water tank, and the auxiliary fixing point is located on the opposite side of the drain trap pipe line to the inlet of the flush toilet main body.

[0021] With the present invention configured in this manner, the flush water tank is fixed to the drain trap pipe by a fixing point provided on the inlet side of the flush toilet body and an auxiliary fixing point provided on the opposite side of the inlet, allowing the flush water tank to be fixed firmly and in a balanced manner. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the present invention, a low silhouette can be achieved while the flush water tank is located at the rear of the flush toilet main body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a flush water supply system in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the flush toilet main body and flush water tank provided in the flush toilet apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a base plate that constitutes part of a flush water tank provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection between the flush toilet main body and the flush water tank in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a siphon jet type flush toilet, and comprises a ceramic flush toilet body 2, a plastic toilet seat and toilet lid (not shown) that are placed on the top surface of the flush toilet body 2, and a flush water supply device 4 that is placed at the upper rear of the flush toilet body 2 and covered by a plastic cover (not shown).

[0026] The flush toilet main body 2 is formed with a bowl portion 6 for receiving waste, a drain trap pipe 8 provided at the bottom of the bowl portion 6 for discharging waste by siphon action, a rim spout 10 for rim water spouting, a rim water conduit 12 for directing flushing water to the rim spout, a jet water spout 14 for jet water spouting, and a jet water conduit 16 for directing flushing water to the jet water spout 14.

[0027] The bowl portion 6 comprises a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface 18, a rim portion 20 formed along the upper edge of the bowl portion 6, and a shelf portion 21 formed between the waste receiving surface 18 and the rim portion 20. The bowl portion 6 also comprises a pot portion 22 formed in the area below the waste receiving surface 18 and connected to the drain trap pipe 8. A water sealing surface W is formed inside the pot portion 22.

[0028] The drain trap pipeline 8 has an inlet portion 8a, an ascending pipeline 8b extending upward from the inlet portion 8a, a descending pipeline 8c extending downward from the ascending pipeline 8b, and a top portion 8d located between the descending pipeline 8c and the ascending pipeline 8b and determining the seal water level. Here, the lower end of the descending pipe 8c of the drain trap pipe 8 is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) via a drain socket (not shown).

[0029] When looking at the flush toilet body 2 from the front, the rim spout 10 is formed on the rear left side of the rim section 20. The rim spout 10 spouts flush water forward, and this flush water swirls around the inner circumferential surface of the rim section 20 and the shelf surface of the shelf section 21 as it flows down to the waste receiving surface 18.

[0030] The rim water conduit 12 is formed in a tapered shape with the flow path cross section gradually becoming smaller towards the rim water outlet 10. Flush water is supplied to the rim water conduit 12 from the water mains via a flush water supply device 4, and flush water is discharged from the rim water outlet 10 by the water supply pressure of the water mains.

[0031] The jet water outlet 14 is formed in the bottom of the bowl portion 6. The jet water outlet 14 is disposed opposite the inlet 8a of the drain trap pipe 8 and is directed toward the inlet 8a of the drain trap pipe 8. The jet water outlet 14 ejects flush water toward the inlet 8a of the drain trap pipe 8, and this flush water flows into the drain trap pipe 8 to activate the siphon action.

[0032] The jet water conduit 16 comprises an upstream flow path 16a extending forward from the flush water supply device 4, a curved flow path 16b bending from this upstream flow path, and a downstream flow path 16c extending rearward from this curved flow path and connecting to the jet water outlet 14. Flush water is supplied to the jet water conduit 16 from a flush water tank 26 (Fig. 3) of the flush water supply device 4, and the flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 14 due to the head pressure of the flush water.

[0033] Next, with additional reference to Figs. 3 to 6, a flush water supply system provided in a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a flush water supply system in a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the flush toilet main body and flush water tank provided in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a base plate that forms part of the flush water tank provided in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the connection between the flush toilet main body and the flush water tank in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the flush water supply device 4 is composed of a valve unit 24 that starts and stops the supply of flush water from the water supply, and a flush water tank 26 made of resin that stores the flush water supplied via the valve unit 24.

[0035] The valve unit 24 incorporates a constant flow valve 30, a tank water supply solenoid valve 32, a rim water discharge solenoid valve 34, and a controller 35 that controls the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 and the rim water discharge solenoid valve 34. In addition, the flush water tank 26 is equipped with a drain valve 36, a float switch 38, and a vacuum breaker 40.

[0036] In this embodiment, the flush water tank 26 is a small resin tank with a volume of approximately 2 liters. The lower part of the flush water tank 26 is positioned below the upper surface of the rim part 20 of the flush toilet main body 2, and above the top part 8d of the drain trap pipe 8. This makes the flush toilet apparatus 1 a low-silhouette type toilet. Also, in this embodiment, the flush water in the flush water tank 26 is discharged from the jet spout 14 by gravity.

[0037] Stopcock 28 is configured to stop the water supplied from water pipe 28a during maintenance or the like, and tap water that passes through stopcock 28 flows into valve unit 24 as flushing water. Therefore, during normal use, stopcock 28 is used in the "open" state. The constant flow valve 30 is provided downstream of the stopcock 28 and is configured to regulate the water supplied from the waterworks to a predetermined flow rate and allow it to flow out. The water flowing out from the constant flow valve 30 is branched and flows into the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 and the rim water discharge solenoid valve 34, respectively.

[0038] The tank water supply solenoid valve 32 is opened and closed based on the user's flushing operation, and flush water flowing out from the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 flows into the flush water tank 26 and is stored there. The rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 is opened and closed based on the user's flushing operation, and flush water flowing out from the rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 is discharged from the rim water outlet 10 of the flush toilet main body 2 via the rim water conduit 12. In this way, the valve unit 24 equipped with the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 and the rim discharge solenoid valve 34 is configured to start and stop the supply of flush water to the flush water tank 26, and to start and stop the supply of flush water to the flush toilet main body 2.

[0039] The controller 35 is configured to receive a control signal from a remote control 35a operated by a user, and to control the opening and closing of the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 and the rim water discharge solenoid valve 34. The controller 35 is also configured to control the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 based on a detection signal from a float switch 38.

[0040] Drain valve 36 is provided on the bottom surface of flush water tank 26, and is opened based on the user's flushing operation, causing flush water stored in flush water tank 26 to be discharged from rim spout 10 via jet water conduit 16. Drain valve 36 is also configured to be pulled up from drain outlet 26a by toilet flushing motor 36a provided on the top of flush water tank 26, opening drain outlet 26a. Toilet flushing motor 36a is configured to pull up drain valve 36 at a predetermined timing based on a control signal from controller 35 when the toilet is being flushed.

[0041] The float switch 38 is configured to detect the water level in the flush water tank 26, and is configured to detect when the water level in the flush water tank 26 reaches a predetermined stored water level and send a detection signal to the controller 35.

[0042] The vacuum breaker 40 is positioned above a predetermined stored water level inside the flush water tank 26, and is provided downstream of the rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 and upstream of the rim water conduit 12. As a result, when the rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 side becomes negative pressure, air is sucked in from the vacuum breaker 40, preventing flush water from flowing back from the rim water spouting port 10 side to the rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 side. Also, when flush water flows back from the rim water spouting port 10 side, the backflowing flush water flows out of the vacuum breaker 40 and flows into the flush water tank 26.

[0043] Next, the mounting structure for the flush water tank will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 4, the flush water tank 26 is located on the upper rear surface of the flush toilet main body 2. The flush water tank 26 is also made up of a flush water tank main body 42, and a base plate 44 for fixing this flush water tank main body 42 to the flush toilet main body 2.

[0044] The base plate 44 is attached to the flush water tank body 42 so as to surround the lower part of the flush water tank body 42. Meanwhile, four bolt holes 2a are provided on the rear upper surface of the flush toilet body 2. The base plate 44 is fixed to the flush toilet body 2 by fastening bolts 50 (Fig. 6) through these bolt holes 2a. Furthermore, the flush water tank 26 is fixed to the flush toilet body 2 by fixing the flush water tank body 42 to the base plate 44 which is fixed to the flush toilet body 2. That is, tank fixing parts 44j, 44k are provided on the base plate 44, and the flush water tank body 42 of the flush water tank 26 is fixed to the base plate 44 via the tank fixing parts 44j, 44k. These tank fixing parts 44k, 44j are provided on both sides of the drain opening 44a, near the fixing holes 44c, 44d when viewed from above. In this way, the flush water tank 26 is fixed to the flush toilet main body 2 via the base plate 44.

[0045] Furthermore, an inlet 2b is formed on the rear upper surface of the flush toilet main body 2. This inlet 2b is connected to a jet water conduit 16 formed inside the flush toilet main body 2, and flush water that flows in from the inlet 2b passes through the jet water conduit 16 and is discharged from the jet spout. The inlet 2b is also provided in a position that is eccentric to one side of the center line C in the width direction of the flush toilet main body 2, and in this embodiment, is provided in a position that is eccentric to the right side of the center line C. Furthermore, a drain trap pipe 8 is provided on the center line C in the width direction of the flush toilet main body 2, and its upper part protrudes from the rear upper surface of the flush toilet main body 2. In other words, the drain trap pipe 8 extends from the bowl portion 6 below the flush water tank 26, and the inlet 2b is provided eccentrically to the right side in the width direction of the flush toilet main body 2 so as to avoid this drain trap pipe 8.

[0046] Furthermore, when the flush water tank 26 is fixed to the flush toilet main body 2, the inlet 2b is located directly below the drain outlet 26a (Fig. 3) of the flush water tank 26, and flush water discharged from the drain outlet 26a flows directly through the inlet 2b into the jet water conduit 16. That is to say, the flush water tank 26 discharges stored flush water from the drain outlet 26a and allows it to flow into the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2. Furthermore, the inlet 2b is located on the rear upper surface of the flush toilet main body 2, at a position lower than the upper surface of the rim (height H of the upper end surface of the rim section 20 (Fig. 2)) and higher than the retained water level (height of the water sealing surface W) in the bowl section 6. For this reason, when the flush toilet device 1 is not performing a toilet flush, the inlet 2b is not immersed in flush water.

[0047] Next, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base plate 44 is a resin component that is generally box-shaped, and is configured to receive the lower part of the flush water tank body 42 from above. The bottom surface of the base plate 44 is provided with a circular drain opening 44a provided in a position that aligns with the drain outlet 26a of the flush water tank 26, and a notch 44b provided to avoid the drain trap pipe 8 that protrudes from the upper rear surface of the flush toilet body 2.

[0048] Furthermore, fixing holes 44c, 44d, which are fixing points, and auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f, which are auxiliary fixing points, are provided on the bottom surface of the base plate 44. These fixing holes 44c, 44d and auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f match the positions of four bolt holes 2a provided in the flush toilet main body 2. In other words, the base plate 44 can be attached to the flush toilet main body 2 by passing bolts 50 (Figure 6) through these fixing holes 44c, 44d and auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f, and then fixing the bolts 50 to each of the bolt holes 2a in the flush toilet main body 2.

[0049] The fixing holes 44c, 44d of the base plate 44 and the positions of the corresponding bolt holes 2a become fixing points, and the auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f and the positions of the corresponding bolt holes 2a become auxiliary fixing points. That is, in this embodiment, the base plate 44 is attached to the upper rear surface of the flush toilet main body 2 at two fixing points (the positions of the fixing holes 44c, 44d) and two auxiliary fixing points (the positions of the auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f).

[0050] Here, the fixing holes 44c, 44d, which are the fixing points, are provided on the right side in the width direction of the flush toilet main body 2, and are positioned on both sides of the flush toilet main body 2 in the front-to-rear direction relative to the drain outlet 26a (drain opening 44a). The two fixing holes 44c, 44d are also positioned so that a straight line connecting their centre points passes through the drain outlet 26a (drain opening 44a) when viewed from above. Furthermore, of the two fixing holes 44c, 44d, the rear fixing hole 44d is located closer to the centre in the width direction of the flush toilet main body 2 than the centre point O of the drain outlet 26a (drain opening 44a).

[0051] Meanwhile, the auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f, which are auxiliary fixing points, are each provided on the opposite side of the inlet 2b of the flush toilet body 2 (to the left of the centre line C in this embodiment) with respect to the centre line C in the width direction of the flush toilet body 2. In other words, the auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f (auxiliary fixing points) are located on the opposite side of the inlet 2b of the flush toilet body 2, across the drain trap pipe 8. Additionally, the bottom surface of the base plate 44 is constructed so that its front left-hand part is higher, and the auxiliary fixing hole 44e provided in the raised part of the bottom surface of this base plate 44 is provided in a position higher than the inlet 2b of the flush toilet body 2.

[0052] That is, as shown in Figure 4, of the four bolt holes 2a in the flush toilet main body 2, the two bolt holes 2a on the right side of the flush toilet main body 2 and the bolt hole 2a on the rear left side are located at approximately the same height as the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2. In contrast, the bolt hole 2a on the front left side of the flush toilet main body 2 is located at a higher position than the other three bolt holes 2a. For this reason, of the two auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f provided in the base plate 44, the front auxiliary fixing hole 44e is located at a higher position than the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2.

[0053] Next, the structure for attaching the flush water tank 26 to the flush toilet main body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 6, a circular ring-shaped protrusion 42a that protrudes downward is provided on the bottom surface of flush water tank body 42 that constitutes flush water tank 26, and the inside of this circular ring-shaped protrusion 42a constitutes drain outlet 26a of flush water tank 26. The diameter of drain outlet 26a is formed to be approximately the same as the diameter of drain opening 44a formed in base plate 44, and drain outlet 26a and drain opening 44a are smoothly connected. A groove 42b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of protrusion 42a, and a circular ring-shaped O-ring 46, which is a radial seal member, is fitted into this groove 42b.

[0054] Meanwhile, a cylindrical portion 44g protruding downward is provided on the bottom surface of the base plate 44 so as to surround the drain opening 44a. Also, an annular upper surface recess 44h is formed on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the base plate 44 so as to surround the drain opening 44a. Meanwhile, an annular lower surface recess 44i is formed on the lower surface of the bottom surface of the base plate 44 so as to surround the cylindrical portion 44g.

[0055] Furthermore, protrusion 42a protruding from the bottom surface of flush water tank body 42 is received in upper surface recess 44h formed in the upper surface of base plate 44. By fitting protrusion 42a of flush water tank body 42 into upper surface recess 44h of base plate 44 in this manner, O-ring 46 arranged on the outer periphery of protrusion 42a is crushed in the radial direction of drain port 26a, sealing the gap between flush water tank body 42 and base plate 44. In this specification, a seal member that seals by being crushed in the radial direction is called a "radial seal member."

[0056] Meanwhile, a packing 48 is disposed in an annular lower surface recess 44i formed on the underside of the base plate 44. The packing 48 is configured in an overall annular shape, fitted around a cylindrical portion 44g formed on the inner circumference of the lower surface recess 44i, and received within the lower surface recess 44i. The base plate 44 is fixed to the rear upper surface of the flush toilet body 2 by fastening a bolt 50 (Fig. 6) to a bolt hole 2a (Fig. 4) in the flush toilet body 2 through fixing holes 44c, 44d (Fig. 5) provided in the base plate 44. At this time, the packing 48 disposed in the lower surface recess 44i on the underside of the base plate 44 is compressed between the base plate 44 and the flush toilet body 2. That is, when the flush water tank 26 is fixed to the flush toilet body 2, the packing 48 is sandwiched and crushed between the lower surface recess 44i of the base plate 44 and the peripheral edge of the inlet 2b of the flush toilet body 2. In this embodiment, the packing 48 is a surface seal that is crushed in the direction of the central axis of the drain outlet 26a of the flush water tank 26 to provide a seal.

[0057] Here, the packing 48 is compressed by fixing the flush water tank 26 to the flush toilet main body 2 at two fixing points (fixing holes 44c, 44d). Furthermore, the fixing holes 44c, 44d are located on both sides in the front-to-rear direction relative to the drain outlet 26a, and are arranged so that the straight line connecting them passes through the drain outlet 26a when viewed from above. For this reason, the packing 48 located in the area of ​​the drain outlet 26a can be compressed reliably, and watertightness can be reliably guaranteed. In this way, the packing 48 is positioned between the flush toilet main body 2 and the flush water tank 26 in a manner that ensures watertightness between them.

[0058] Next, the operation of a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 3. First, when a user operates a toilet flush switch (not shown) provided on remote control 35a, a flush command signal is sent to controller 35. On receiving the flush command signal, controller 35 sends a control signal to rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 of valve unit 24, causing rim water spouting solenoid valve 34 to open. As a result, flush water supplied from the water supply passes through rim water spouting solenoid valve 34, vacuum breaker 40, and rim water conduit 12, and is discharged from rim water outlet 10. The flush water discharged from rim water outlet 10 forms a swirling flow above waste receiving surface 18 of bowl portion 6, cleaning waste receiving surface 18.

[0059] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the rim water discharge solenoid valve 34 is opened, the controller 35 sends a control signal to the toilet flushing motor 36a, which causes the toilet flushing motor 36a to raise the drain valve 36. This opens the drain valve 36, and the flush water stored in the flush water tank 26 flows from the drain outlet 26a of the flush water tank 26 into the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2, passes through the jet water conduit 16 and is discharged from the jet water discharge port 14. The water discharged from the jet water discharge port 14 induces a siphon phenomenon in the drain trap pipe 8, and the flush water and waste in the bowl section 6 are discharged through the drain trap pipe 8.

[0060] The controller 35 also sends a control signal to the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 of the valve unit 24, causing it to open. As a result, flush water supplied from the water supply passes through the tank water supply solenoid valve 32 and is supplied into the flush water tank 26.

[0061] Furthermore, when the water level in flush water tank 26 drops to a predetermined level, drain valve 36 closes drain outlet 26a, stopping water discharge from jet water outlet 14. Even after drain outlet 26a is closed, rim water discharge solenoid valve 34 remains open, and flush water supplied from the water mains is discharged from rim water outlet 10. When the water level in bowl section 6 rises to a predetermined level due to water being discharged from rim water outlet 10 and refilling is completed, controller 35 sends a control signal to rim water discharge solenoid valve 34 of valve unit 24, causing it to close.

[0062] Meanwhile, because tank water supply solenoid valve 32 remains open even after drain valve 36 is closed, the water level in flush water tank 26 rises due to the flush water that flows into it. When the water level in flush water tank 26 rises to a predetermined stored water level, float switch 38 detects this and sends a detection signal to controller 35. On receiving a detection signal from float switch 38, controller 35 sends a control signal to tank water supply solenoid valve 32, causing it to close. This completes the supply of water to flush water tank 26 and one toilet flush.

[0063] According to the flush toilet device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2 is located in a position that is off-centered to one side in relation to the centre line C of the flush toilet main body 2 in the width direction (Figure 4), so the inlet 2b can be located in the flush toilet main body 2, avoiding the drain trap pipe 8 extending from the bowl section 6. As a result, the inlet 2b can be formed in a low position, allowing the flush toilet device 1 to have a low silhouette.

[0064] Also, because the straight line connecting the two fixing points, fixing holes 44c, 44d (Fig. 5), passes through the drain outlet 26a (drain opening 44a) in a top view, the position of the flush water tank 26 in the vicinity of the drain outlet 26a can be firmly defined. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage between the drain outlet 26a (drain opening 44a) of the flush water tank 26 and the inlet 2b of the flush toilet body 2. Furthermore, the two fixing holes 44c, 44d are positioned on both sides of the drain outlet 26a (drain opening 44a) in the front-to-rear direction, and the rear fixing hole 44d is located closer to the centre in the width direction of the flush toilet body 2 than the centre point of the drain outlet 26a. This makes it possible to firmly fix the flush water tank 26 to the flush toilet body 2, and also to adequately resist forces that tend to tip the flush water tank 26 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, a packing 48 is placed between the flush toilet main body 2 and the flush water tank 26, and this packing 48 is compressed by fixing the flush water tank 26 (Figure 6). For this reason, by positioning the fixing points so that the straight line connecting the two fixing points, fixing holes 44c, 44d (Figure 5), passes through the drain outlet 26a, the packing 48 can be compressed evenly, and the watertightness between the flush toilet main body 2 and the flush water tank 26 can be improved.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2 is lower than the top surface (upper surface of the rim) of the rim part 20 of the flush toilet main body 2 (Figure 4), allowing the flush toilet device 1 to have a low silhouette. Also, because the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2 is higher than the water level of the stored water W in the bowl part 6 of the flush toilet main body 2, when the flush toilet device 1 is not being flushed, the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2 will not be submerged, and deterioration of the gasket 48 can be suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f (Figure 5), which serve as auxiliary fixing points, are provided on the opposite side of the inlet 2b of the flush toilet main body 2 relative to the widthwise centre line C of the flush toilet main body 2, so that it is possible to adequately resist forces tending to tip the flush water tank 26 in the width direction, and the flush water tank 26 can be firmly fixed.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the auxiliary fixing hole 44e, of the auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f, is provided at a position higher than the inlet 2b (Figure 5), so the flush water tank 26 can be fixed in a high position, and when a force is applied to the top of the flush water tank 26 trying to tip it over, it can provide stronger resistance and the flush water tank 26 can be firmly fixed.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the base plate 44, which constitutes part of the flush water tank 26, is fixed to the flush toilet main body 2 via multiple fixing holes 44c, 44d and auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f, so that any positional error in the bolt holes 2a, which are the fixing points formed on the flush toilet main body 2, can be absorbed by the base plate 44, and the flush water tank main body 42 can be attached in the correct position.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, an O-ring 46, which is a radial seal member, is placed between the flush water tank body 42 and the base plate 44 (Figure 6), so it is possible to ensure watertightness between the flush water tank body 42 and the base plate 44. Also, because watertightness is ensured by the O-ring 46, less thickness is required to provide the seal than if a surface seal were placed between the flush water tank body 42 and the base plate 44, and the flush toilet device 1 can have a low silhouette.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the flush water tank 26 is fixed to the drain trap pipe 8 by fixing holes 44c, 44d of the base plate 44 provided on the inlet 2b side of the flush toilet main body 2, and auxiliary fixing holes 44e, 44f provided on the opposite side of the inlet 2b, so the flush water tank 26 can be fixed firmly in a well-balanced manner.

[0072] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the flush water tank 26 is composed of the flush water tank body 42 and the base plate 44, but the flush water tank 26 can also be composed of a single member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Flush toilet device 2 Flush toilet body 2a Bolt hole 2b Inlet 4. Cleaning water supply device 6 Bowl section 8 Drain trap line 8a Entrance 8b Ascending Pipe 8c descending pipe 8d top 10 Rim Spout 12 Rim Waterway 14 Jet outlet 16 Jet Waterway 16a Upstream channel 16b Bent flow path 16c Downstream channel 18 Waste receiving surface 20 Rim section 21 Shelf 22 Pressure Point Section 24 Valve unit 26 Cleaning water tank 26a Drain port 26b Hose connection 28 Stopcock 28a Water piping 30 Constant flow valve 32 Tank water supply solenoid valve 34 Rim discharge solenoid valve 35 Controller 35a Remote Control 36 Drain valve 36a Toilet flushing motor 38 Float switch 40 Vacuum Breaker 42 Cleaning water tank body 44 Base Plate 44a Drain opening 44b Notch 44c, 44d fixing hole (fixing point) 44e, 44f Auxiliary fixing hole (auxiliary fixing point) 44g Cylindrical part 44h Top recess 44i Bottom recess 44j Tank fixing part 44k Tank fixing part 46 O-ring (radial seal component) 48 Gasket 50 Volts

Claims

1. A flush toilet apparatus that flushes with flush water stored in a flush water tank, a flush toilet main body having a bowl portion and a drain trap pipe extending from the bowl portion; a flush water tank that is fixed to the rear of the flush toilet main body via at least two fixing points, and that discharges stored flush water from a drain outlet and causes it to flow into the inlet of the flush toilet main body, the inlet of the flush toilet main body is provided at a position offset to one side with respect to the center line in the width direction of the flush toilet main body, Two of the fixing points are disposed on both sides of the drain outlet in the front-rear direction, and a straight line connecting the two fixing points is disposed so as to pass through the drain outlet in a top view; A flush toilet apparatus characterized in that of the two fixing points, the rear fixing point is located closer to the centre in the width direction of the flush toilet main body than the centre point of the drain outlet.

2. A flush toilet apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein a packing is disposed between the flush toilet main body and the flush water tank to ensure watertightness between the flush toilet main body and the flush water tank, and this packing is compressed by fixing the flush water tank to the flush toilet main body at the two fixing points.

3. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the flush toilet main body is located at a position lower than the upper surface of the rim of the flush toilet main body and higher than the level of accumulated water in the bowl portion of the flush toilet main body.

4. A flush toilet apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary fixing point for fixing the flush water tank to the flush toilet main body, the auxiliary fixing point being provided on the opposite side of the inlet of the flush toilet main body with respect to the center line in the width direction of the flush toilet main body.

5. 5. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least two auxiliary fixing points are provided, and at least one of these auxiliary fixing points is provided at a position higher than the inlet.

6. 5. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the flush water tank is made up of a flush water tank body and a base plate, and this base plate is fixed to the flush toilet body via the multiple fixing points and auxiliary fixing points.

7. 7. A flush toilet apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein a radial seal member is disposed between the flush water tank body and the base plate, and this radial seal member ensures watertightness between the flush water tank body and the base plate.

8. 5. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drain trap pipe extends from the bowl portion downwardly to the flush water tank, and the auxiliary fixing point is located on the opposite side of the drain trap pipe to the inlet of the flush toilet main body.

Images