Valve unit, and flush toilet equipped therewith

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve unit capable of stabilizing the behavior of the main valve body, and a flush toilet equipped therewith. [Solution] The valve unit 14 of the present invention comprises a primary water supply channel 6a and a secondary water supply channel 6b provided on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively; a communication channel 6c provided to communicate between the two water supply channels; a main valve body 17a provided to be closable with respect to the main valve seat 17b and opening and closing the valve seat opening 6d of the communication channel; a pressure chamber 50 that opens and closes the main valve body by pressure; and a pilot valve body 18b that opens and closes pilot channels 18a and 52 that connect the pressure chamber and the secondary water supply channel. The communication channel is formed to extend downstream from its valve seat opening in the direction of the opening and closing axis A4 of the main valve body and is then connected to the secondary water supply channel. In a plan view, the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are formed so that their respective channel axes A1 and A3 directions are parallel to each other.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a valve unit and a flushing toilet provided with the same, and particularly to a valve unit provided in a water supply passage for supplying washing water to the flushing toilet, and a flushing toilet provided with the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a valve unit provided in a water supply passage for supplying washing water to a flushing toilet, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a pilot valve opens and closes a pilot passage that connects a primary flow path or a pressure chamber on the upstream side of the valve unit and a secondary flow path, thereby providing a main valve (diaphragm valve) that opens and closes a communication port between the primary flow path and the secondary flow path. There is a known one equipped with. In such a conventional valve unit, a main valve seat that is closed by a main valve is provided at a communication port between the primary flow path and the secondary flow path, that is, an opening at the upstream end of the secondary flow path, and the flow path direction of the primary flow path and the flow path direction of the secondary flow path are orthogonal to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional valve unit, since the flow path directions of the primary flow path and the secondary flow path are orthogonal to each other, the flows of the washing water flowing through the respective flow paths also form orthogonal flows. As a result, when the main valve opens and the flushing water in the primary channel flows into the communication port with the secondary channel (the opening in the secondary channel where the main valve seat is located), a large amount of water pressure acts on the primary channel side of the main valve. Therefore, the uneven action of water pressure on the main valve can lead to problems such as the main valve tilting or vibrating during opening and closing operations, resulting in unstable behavior of the main valve. Furthermore, the tilting and vibration of the main valve during its opening and closing operation can cause air bubbles in the pressure chamber of the main valve to not be completely discharged through the pilot channel, leading to problems such as unstable opening and closing operation of the main valve and the generation of abnormal noises, thus affecting the behavior of the main valve.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a valve unit that can stabilize the behavior of the main valve body, and a flush toilet equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a valve unit provided in a water supply channel for supplying flushing water to a flush toilet, comprising: a primary water supply channel and a secondary water supply channel provided on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively; a communication channel provided so as to be able to communicate between the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel, the communication channel having a valve seat opening in which a main valve seat is formed; a main valve body provided so as to be able to close with respect to the main valve seat and opening and closing the valve seat opening of the communication channel; a pressure chamber for opening and closing the main valve body by pressure; and a pilot valve body that opens and closes the pressure chamber by opening and closing a pilot channel that connects the pressure chamber and the secondary water supply channel, thereby enabling the main valve body to be opened and closed, wherein the communication channel is formed to extend downstream from its valve seat opening in the direction of the opening and closing axis of the main valve body and is then connected to the secondary water supply channel, and the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are each formed so that their respective channel axes are parallel to each other in a plan view. In the present invention configured as described above, when the pilot valve body is closing the pilot passage, the pressure in the pressure chamber presses the main valve body against the main valve seat, and the valve seat opening of the communication passage connecting the primary water supply passage and the secondary water supply passage is closed by the main valve body. Then, when the pilot valve body opens and the pilot passage is opened, the pressure inside the pressure chamber decreases as pressure is released to the secondary water supply channel side through the pilot passage, causing the main valve body to open and the valve seat opening of the communication passage to open. As a result, the cleaning water in the primary water supply channel flows towards the main valve body, flows into the communication channel through the valve seat opening of the communication channel opened by the main valve body, passes through the communication channel, and flows into the secondary water supply channel. Furthermore, when the main valve opens, the amount of flushing water flowing from the primary water supply channel into the valve seat opening of the connecting channel is relatively large, and therefore the relatively high water pressure also acts on the main valve. However, according to the present invention, since the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are formed such that their respective flow path axes are parallel to each other in a plan view, the washing water in the connecting channel between the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel is also more likely to form a flow that is parallel to the respective flow path axes of the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel. Therefore, in the cleaning water within the connecting channel, a smooth flow can be formed from the primary water supply channel to the secondary water supply channel. This suppresses the localized action of water pressure in the primary water supply channel on the primary water supply channel side of the main valve body, thereby suppressing tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body. Therefore, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body, enabling stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body and stabilizing its behavior.

[0007] In the present invention, preferably, the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are formed such that the axial directions of each flow path extending from the upstream side to the downstream side are in the same direction. In the present invention configured in this way, the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are formed such that the respective flow path axes extending from the upstream side to the downstream side are in the same direction. Therefore, the components of the flow of the washing water flowing through the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel in the flow path axis direction are also in the same direction. Therefore, when the main valve body opens, the cleaning water in the primary water supply channel flows into the valve seat opening of the connecting channel, passes through the connecting channel, and flows smoothly to the secondary water supply channel. As a result, the cleaning water also flows to the area of ​​the main valve body on the secondary water supply channel side, and water pressure acts on it. Therefore, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body, which suppresses tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body, enabling more stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the communicating channel has a channel axis that, in a plan view, is perpendicular to the respective channel axis directions of the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel, and the secondary water supply channel is formed to extend from the downstream end of the communicating channel in the same direction as the channel axis direction of the primary water supply channel. In the present invention configured as described above, when the main valve body is opened, the cleaning water that flows from the primary water supply channel into the valve seat opening flows along a connecting channel that extends in a direction perpendicular to the respective flow path axes of the primary and secondary water supply channels, thereby being rectified, and can then flow out from the downstream end of the connecting channel into the secondary water supply channel that extends in the same direction as the flow path axis of the primary water supply channel. This prevents the cleaning water flowing from the primary water supply channel into the connecting channel from flowing out into the secondary water supply channel in a turbulent state. Furthermore, because the cleaning water flowing into the connecting channel immediately flows out into the secondary water supply channel, it is possible to suppress the localized action of water pressure in the primary water supply channel on the primary water supply channel side of the main valve body. Therefore, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body, which suppresses tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body, enabling even more stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the downstream end of the communication channel is provided with an opposing wall surface facing the main valve body, and this opposing wall surface forms an expanded portion that extends the flow channel space at the downstream end of the communication channel further downstream in the flow channel axis direction of the communication channel than the side wall surface in the secondary water supply channel. In the present invention configured in this way, the downstream end of the communication channel is provided with an opposing wall surface that faces the main valve body, and the expansion portion formed by this opposing wall surface allows the flow channel space (volume) at the downstream end of the communication channel to be expanded downstream in the flow channel axis direction of the communication channel compared to the side wall surface in the secondary water supply channel. As a result, when the main valve opens, the flushing water that flows from the primary water supply channel into the valve seat opening of the connecting channel, even if it is in a turbulent state, is rectified by the expanded flow channel space (volume) at the expanded portion of the opposing wall surface at the downstream end of the connecting channel opposite the main valve, thereby suppressing the turbulence of the flushing water. Therefore, the rectified cleaning water can be discharged from the downstream end of the communication channel into the secondary water supply channel. In addition, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body facing the expanded section of the opposing wall at the downstream end of the communication channel, which suppresses tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body, enabling even more stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the pressure chamber is positioned on the side opposite to the flow path axis direction of the communication passage with respect to the valve seat opening of the communication passage, and the pilot passage is provided above the pressure chamber so as to be able to communicate with it, thereby enabling ventilation between the pressure chamber and the outside. In the present invention configured in this way, even if bubbles are generated and rise in the pressure chamber, which is located on the side opposite to the flow path axis direction of the communication passage relative to the valve seat opening of the communication passage, the air can be vented to the outside through the pilot passage, which is provided in communication with the upper part of the pressure chamber. This prevents the opening and closing operation of the main valve from becoming unstable due to bubbles generated in the pressure chamber, and also prevents the generation of abnormal noises caused by the unstable behavior of the main valve.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, each of the pilot flow path and the secondary side water supply path is formed to extend horizontally from the upstream side to the downstream side. In the present invention configured as described above, since each of the pilot flow path and the secondary side water supply path is formed to extend horizontally from the upstream side to the downstream side, it is possible to suppress the backflow of bubbles flowing out from the pressure chamber into the pilot flow path and the bubbles flowing out from the pilot flow path into the secondary side water supply path toward the pressure chamber side. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the instability of the opening and closing operation of the main valve body due to the bubbles generated in the pressure chamber, and it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to the unstable behavior of the main valve body.

[0012] Next, the present invention is a flushing toilet provided with the valve unit. In the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to provide a flushing toilet in which a stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body is possible and the behavior of the main valve body can be stabilized.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the valve unit of the present invention and the flushing toilet provided with the same, the behavior of the main valve body can be stabilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is an overall configuration diagram of a flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view of a flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the valve unit of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the valve unit of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the closed state (water shut-off state) of the solenoid valve unit and the main valve body during normal times and power outages. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of the valve unit of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the valve unit of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 in the valve unit of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state (water passing state) where the solenoid valve is opened and the main valve body is opened during normal times. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 7 in the valve unit of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the state (water passing state) where the main valve body is manually opened during a power outage.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, a flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, FIG. 2 is a side view of the flushing toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a flushing toilet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a ceramic toilet body 2 and a tank device 4 provided on the rear side thereof. The toilet body 2 further includes a bowl portion 2a for receiving dirt, a drainage trap portion (drainage trap pipe 2b) extending from the bottom of the bowl portion 2a to discharge the dirt in the bowl portion 2a, and a rim portion 2c formed on the upper edge of the bowl portion 2a. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, each component of the tank device 4 functions as a part of a water supply unit U1 that supplies washing water to the toilet body 2.

[0016] Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tank device 4 is equipped with a water supply pipe 6 and a water discharge pipe 8 connected to its upstream and downstream sides, respectively. The upstream side of the water supply pipe 6 is connected to an external water source (not shown), such as a water supply system. On the other hand, the downstream side of the water supply pipe 6 is connected to the water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4. This ensures that cleaning water is supplied from the water supply pipe 6 to the water storage tank 10. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 6 is equipped with a stopcock 12 and a valve unit 14, running from the upstream side to the downstream side. Furthermore, a primary water supply channel 6a and a secondary water supply channel 6b are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the valve unit 14, respectively. Furthermore, a connecting channel 6c (details will be described later) is provided between the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b to connect the two water supply channels 6a and 6b.

[0017] Next, although the detailed structure of the valve unit 14 will be described later, it includes a constant flow valve 16 provided in the primary water supply channel 6a, and a main valve unit 17 and a solenoid valve unit 18, respectively, provided downstream of the constant flow valve 16. Furthermore, the main valve unit 17 includes a main valve body (diaphragm-type main valve body 17a) and a main valve seat 17b on which the main valve body 17a is provided to be able to close. The main valve seat 17b is provided at the mouth edge of the inlet 6d of the communication passage 6c and forms a valve seat opening that is opened and closed by the main valve body 17a. Furthermore, the solenoid valve unit 18, as will be described in detail later, is part of the water supply system function section, and the main valve body 17a can be opened and closed by opening and closing a pressure chamber (not shown) which is opened and closed by pressure.

[0018] 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 to the downstream side of the connecting unit 20, which includes the 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 level by the constant flow valve 16. Subsequently, when the solenoid valve unit 18 opens electromagnetically and the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c is opened by the main valve body 17a, the cleaning water supplied from the primary water supply channel 6a of the water supply pipe 6 through the communication channel 6c to the secondary water supply channel 6b is supplied to the tank unit 22 via the connecting unit 20.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the connecting unit 20 comprises a housing 24, an overflow pipe 26, and a check valve 28. Furthermore, the housing 24 has a lower opening 24a that is detachably connected to the upper opening 10a of the water storage tank 10 of the tank unit 22.

[0020] Next, the overflow pipe 26 connects the overflow opening 24b, which is provided in a part of the side wall of the housing 24, to the discharge pipe 8. The discharge pipe 8 has an upstream end that is connected to the pump 30 of the tank device 4 as a connecting pipe (flushing water supply pipe), and its downstream end that is connected to the rim water channel 2d inside the rim portion 2c of the toilet bowl body 2. Furthermore, the check valve 28 is provided at the overflow port 24b, allowing 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 ports 24b, overflow pipe 26, and check valve 28 functions as an overflow channel that, after water overflows from the water storage tank 10 into the housing 24, bypasses the cleaning water that overflows from the overflow port 24b of the housing 24 to the water supply channel (discharge pipe 8) downstream of the pump 30 when the water level in the housing 24 is above a predetermined level (above the lower edge of the overflow port 24b).

[0021] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the tank unit 22 includes a water storage tank 10, a pump 30, a float switch 32, and a drain plug 34. The pump 30 is installed in a portion (partway) of the water passage pipe 36, which is connected to the upstream side of the discharge pipe 8. The upstream end 36a of this water passage pipe 36 is connected to the downstream end 38a of the suction pipe 38 installed inside the water storage tank 10.

[0022] The cleaning water stored in the water storage tank 10 is drawn from the suction pipe 38 into the water supply pipe 36 when the pump 30 is activated, and then pressurized and sent through the pump 30 to the discharge pipe 8. As a result, all of the cleaning water supplied from the water storage tank 10 to the discharge pipe 8 by the pump 30 is supplied into the rim water channel 2d from the inlet 2e of the rim water channel 2d. The flushing water in the rim channel 2d is then discharged into the bowl section 2a from the rim outlet 2f at the downstream end of the rim channel 2d, thereby performing toilet flushing (so-called toilet flushing using 100% rim discharge water). In other words, each of these water passage pipes 36 and discharge pipe 8 functions as a flushing water supply pipe that supplies flushing water, which is pumped from the water storage tank 10 by the pump 30, to the toilet bowl body 2.

[0023] The float switch 32 detects the water level in the water storage 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 storage tank 10 detected by the float switch 32. Furthermore, the operation of the pump 30 is controlled by the controller C based on the water level in the water storage tank 10 detected by the float switch 32. For example, if the water level in the water storage 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 activated. When the water level in the water storage tank 10 reaches a predetermined level, the solenoid valve unit 18 closes, the water supply pipe 6 is shut off, and the pump 30 is stopped.

[0024] The drain plug 34 is located at the bottom of the water storage tank 10. This drain plug 34 is normally kept closed, but can be opened as needed to discharge the cleaning water from the water storage tank 10 to the outside.

[0025] As a result, the tank device 4, which includes the aforementioned water supply pipe 6, water discharge pipe 8, parts 16, 17, and 18 of the valve unit 14, parts 24, 26, and 28 of the connecting unit 20, the tank unit 22, and the pump 30, functions as part of the water supply unit U1, which is located upstream of the toilet bowl body 2 and supplies flushing water to the toilet bowl body 2.

[0026] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the details of the valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the valve unit 14 is located at the lower end of the water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4, which is located in the area behind the bowl portion 2a of the toilet body 2 (hereinafter referred to as "the rear area R1 of the toilet body 2"). In other words, the valve unit 14 is located below and to the side of the water storage tank 10 of the tank device 4 in the rear region R1 of the toilet bowl body 2 (on the left side when viewing the toilet bowl body 2 and the tank device 4 from the front). Furthermore, the valve unit 14 is covered by a single cover member (exterior panel P) that is removablely provided on one side (left side when viewing the toilet unit 2 and tank device 4 from the front) relative to the rear area R1 of the toilet bowl body 2. In the flush toilet 1 shown in Figure 2, the exterior panel P is omitted and shown only with dashed lines.

[0027] Next, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of the valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2, showing the closed state (water shut-off state) of the main valve body 17a and the solenoid valve unit 18 under normal conditions and during a power outage. Furthermore, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line of the valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI of the valve unit of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5. First, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the solenoid valve unit 18 of the 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 the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a, a solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c that houses the solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b, and a solenoid 18d which is a drive unit that drives the solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b. Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, in addition to the constant flow valve 16, diaphragm-type main valve body 17a, and solenoid valve unit 18 described above, the valve unit 14 is equipped with a power outage manual water supply operation device 40 (details will be described later) that enables toilet flushing even during a power outage. Furthermore, the manual water supply operation device 40 for use during power outages, together with the manual drainage operation device 42 for use during power outages (described later), functions as a manual operation unit for power outage countermeasures that enables toilet flushing even during a power outage. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the manual water supply operation device 40 for the valve unit 14 in the event of a power outage is equipped with a handle 44 that is rotatably mounted on the side of the valve unit 14 (on the left side when viewing the toilet bowl body 2 and tank device 4 from the front). Furthermore, the manual water supply operation device 40 for use during power outages is equipped with an operating shaft (spindle 46) whose outer end is fixed to the handle portion 44. When the handle portion 44 is rotated around its rotational center axis (operating axis A0), the spindle 46 can move (slide) in the axial direction of the operating axis A0. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the operating axis A0 and the flow path axis A2 of the communication flow path 6c are located on the same or nearly 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").

[0028] Next, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, a pressure chamber (main valve side pressure chamber 50) is provided inside the main body 48 of the valve unit 14 to open and close the main valve body 17a by pressure. Furthermore, the spindle 46 also functions as a manual control valve that allows the main valve side pressure chamber 50 to be opened and closed by manual operation during a power outage, thereby enabling the main valve body 17a to be opened and closed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52) is provided inside the main body 48 of the valve unit 14, which connects the main valve side pressure chamber 50 and the solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c to each other. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the communication channel 6c inside the main body 48 of the valve unit 14 is formed toward the inside of the channel axis A2 that extends horizontally from its inlet 6d in the left-right direction (lateral direction of the valve unit 14). Furthermore, the secondary water supply channel 6b is formed from above the downstream end of the communication channel 6c (inside the horizontal left-right direction of the communication channel 6c and above the front end) toward the front of the channel axis A3 which extends in the horizontal front-rear direction (longitudinal direction of the valve unit 14).

[0029] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the primary water supply channel 6a, in which the constant flow valve 16 is provided, extends roughly in the front-to-back direction along the flow path axis A1 that extends in the horizontal front-to-back direction, and then is formed outward in the horizontal left-to-right direction (lateral direction of the valve unit 14) toward the main valve side pressure chamber 50. Furthermore, the flow path axis A2 of the connecting channel 6c and the flow path axis A3 of the secondary water supply channel 6b extend in directions perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the secondary water supply channel 6b is formed such that its flow path axis A3 is approximately parallel to the flow path axis A1 of the primary water supply channel 6a, which extends in the horizontal front-rear direction, in the plan view shown in Figure 4. As a result, both the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b are formed such that the directions of their respective flow path axes A1 and A3, which extend from the upstream side to the downstream side, are the same.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the plan view of Figure 4, the connecting channel 6c has its channel axis A2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the channel axes A1 and A3 of the primary and secondary water supply channels, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the secondary water supply channel 6b is formed to extend from the downstream end of the connecting channel 6c in the same direction as the channel axis A1 of the primary water supply channel 6a.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the downstream end (inner end in the horizontal left-right direction) of the communication channel 6c is provided with a counter wall surface 6e that faces the main valve body 17a in the direction of the channel axis A2. This opposing wall surface 6e is recessed downstream (inward in the horizontal left-right direction) in the direction of the flow path axis A2 of the communication channel 6c compared to the side wall surface 6f in the secondary water supply channel 6b, forming an expansion section E that expands the flow path space at the downstream end of the communication channel 6c.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the main valve side pressure chamber 50 is positioned on the side opposite to the direction of the flow path axis A2 of the communication flow path 6c with respect to the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication flow path 6c. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52) is provided so as to be able to communicate with the upper part of the main valve side pressure chamber 50, and its downstream side extends to the solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c. Here, "upper part of the main valve side pressure chamber 50" means any part above the midpoint that bisects the vertical distance between the upper end and lower end of the main valve side pressure chamber 50. Furthermore, when the solenoid valve-side pilot valve body 18b is open, the main valve-side pressure chamber 50 is able to ventilate with the outside through the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve-side pilot valve chamber 18c, and solenoid valve-side pilot hole 18a). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a) and the secondary water supply passage 6b are each formed to extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0033] Next, as shown in Figure 4, a communication passage 56 is provided inside the main body 48 of the valve unit 14, extending from the main valve side pressure chamber 50 to bypass the inlet 6d of the communication passage 6c and communicating with the middle of the secondary side water supply passage 6b. Specifically, this communication passage 56 includes an upstream communication passage 56a that extends outward in the direction of the operating axis A0 of the handle portion 44 from the pilot passage (main valve side pilot hole 54) on the side of the main valve side pressure chamber 50, and then extends forward. Furthermore, the communication passage 56 includes a downstream communication passage 56b that extends inward from the bent portion B at the front end of the upstream communication passage 56a toward the secondary water supply passage 6b. This downstream communication passage 56b is in constant communication with the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a of the solenoid valve unit 18 in a perpendicular manner.

[0034] Here, the upstream communication passage 56a is formed to extend parallel to the flow path axis A3 of the secondary water supply channel 6b from the opening 56c near the spindle 46 to the bend B in the plane of Figure 4. On the other hand, the downstream connecting passage 56b is formed to extend from the bend B to the downstream end in a direction perpendicular to the flow path axis A3 of the secondary water supply channel 6b (parallel to the flow path axis A2 of the connecting passage 6c).

[0035] Next, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 of a valve unit for a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the solenoid valve is opened and the main valve body is opened (water flow state) under normal circumstances. Under normal circumstances, the solenoid valve unit 18 is activated by a command signal (valve opening operation signal) transmitted from the controller C. When the solenoid valve-side pilot valve body 18b, which is in the closed state as shown in Figure 4, opens to the open state as shown in Figure 7, the main valve-side pressure chamber 50 communicates with the communication passage 56 via the pilot flow path (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve-side pilot valve chamber 18c, and solenoid valve-side pilot hole 18a). As a result, the inside of the main valve side pressure chamber 50 is ventilated to the outside, and when the air pressure inside the main valve side pressure chamber 50 that presses against the main valve body 17a falls below the water supply pressure of the primary side water supply channel 6a, the main valve body 17a moves in the direction of opening, and the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c that connects the primary side water supply channel 6a and the secondary side water supply channel 6b is opened. As a result, the cleaning water from the primary water supply channel 6a that has passed through the constant flow valve 16 flows into the connecting channel 6c from the inlet 6d of the connecting channel 6c.

[0036] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, when the solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b of the solenoid valve unit 18 closes the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a in response to the command signal (valve closing operation signal) transmitted from the controller C, the air in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 is no longer able to escape into the pressure relief passage 52. At this time, a portion of the cleaning water from the primary water supply channel 6a surrounding the main valve seat 17b that forms the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c flows into the main valve side pressure chamber 50 through the bleed hole 60 of the main valve body 17a. As a result, the pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 is increased, and the main valve body 17a is pressed toward the main valve seat 17b by the pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50. Consequently, the main valve seat 17b that forms the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c is closed by the main valve body 17a (water-stopped state). Here, an O-ring 62 is provided on the outer circumferential surface near the tip 46a of the spindle 46. As a result, in the normal closed state of the main valve body 17a, the main valve side pressure chamber 50 and the communication passage 56 are sealed by the O-ring 62 of the spindle 46 so that they do not communicate with each other.

[0037] Next, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figures 4 and 7 of the valve unit 14 of a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the main valve body 17a is manually opened by the manual water supply operation device 40 during a power outage (water flow state). As shown in Figure 8, the handle portion 44 of the manual water supply operation device 40 for use during power outages is screwed into a part of the main body portion 48 of the valve unit 14 and is also fixed to one end of the spindle 46 by a fastener 64. During a power outage, the solenoid valve unit 18 does not operate. Therefore, by rotating the handle portion 44 of the manual water supply operating device 40 for power outages in one direction around the operating axis A0, the spindle 46 moves outward in the axial direction of the operating axis A0 (distal to the main valve side pilot hole 54). Then, when the spindle 46 and O-ring 62 have moved to a state where the main valve side pressure chamber 50 and the communication passage 56 are in communication with each other, the air in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 can pass through the pressure relief passage 52 and then flow out into the communication passage 56 from the solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a. As a result, when the pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 falls below the water supply pressure in the primary side water supply channel 6a, the main valve body 17a moves in the direction of opening, and the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c is opened. As a result, the cleaning water from the primary water supply channel 6a that has passed through the constant flow valve 16 flows into the connecting channel 6c from the inlet 6d of the connecting channel 6c.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, in the event of a power outage, the spindle 46 moves inward in the axial direction of the operating axis A0 (proximal to the main valve side pilot hole 54) by rotating the handle portion 44 of the manual water supply operating device 40 in the opposite direction around the operating axis A0. As a result, the air in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 cannot be released into the pressure relief passage 52 and the connecting passage 56, while the cleaning water in the primary side water supply channel 6a around the main valve seat 17b flows into the main valve side pressure chamber 50 through the bleed hole 60 of the main valve body 17a. This increases the pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50, causing the diaphragm-type main valve body 17a to be pressed toward the main valve seat 17b by the pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50. As a result, the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c changes from a state where water is flowing through it, open by the main valve body 17a (see Figure 8), to a state where water is shut off by the main valve body 17a (see Figure 4). Therefore, in the event of a power outage, as shown in Figures 4 and 8, it is possible to manually operate the handle 44 to stop the supply of cleaning water in the water supply pipe 6 to the tank unit 22 via the connecting unit 20 (water supply / stop operation).

[0039] Here, as shown in Figures 4 to 8, the axial outer end face 46b of the spindle 46 of the manual water supply operation device 40 during a power outage always protrudes outward from the axial outer end face 44a of the handle portion 44, and the axial outer end of the spindle 46 is a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the handle portion 44 in the axial direction. In particular, as shown in Figure 8, when the main valve body 17a is open during a power outage, the handle portion 44 and the spindle 46 are in a position that is moved axially outward compared to the state in which the main valve body 17a is closed, as shown in Figure 4. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, when the main valve body 17a is open during a power outage, the axial outer end face 46b of the spindle 46 is in contact with the inner surface of the exterior panel P, forming a contact area that interferes with the exterior panel P. In other words, when the main valve body 17a is open during a power outage, the axial outer end face 46b (contact portion) of the spindle 46 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the mounting position P0 of the exterior panel P.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 1, a drain socket 68 (drain socket portion) is provided at the downstream side of the drain trap pipe 2b of the toilet bowl body 2, that is, at the rear side and lower end outlet portion 2g of the drain trap pipe 2b. Inside this drain socket 68, an on / off valve 70 is provided to open and close its flow path. Furthermore, the manual drain operation device 42 for use during a power outage includes an operating wire 72 that is connected to the on / off valve 70 of the drain socket 68 so as to be operable to open and close, and a fixing unit 74 that slidably holds the operating wire 72 and fixes it to the toilet bowl body 2.

[0041] Next, the operating wire 72 is directly or indirectly connected to a part of the on-off valve 70 at its drain socket end. Furthermore, the end of the operating wire 72 on the toilet bowl side (user side) is provided with a gripping ring member 76, which can be gripped by the user. In the event of a power outage, the user can grip the ring member 76 and slide the operating wire 72 in the forward and backward direction relative to the fixing unit 74, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the on-off valve 70 of the drain socket 68.

[0042] For example, as an example of water supply and drainage operations during a power outage, first, the handle portion 44 of the manual water supply operation device 40 for use during a power outage is manually rotated to open the on-off valve (main valve body 17a) of the valve unit 14, thereby supplying water to the water storage tank 10 of the water supply unit U1. Next, the gripping ring member 76 of the manual drainage operation device 42 for use during power outages is manually operated to close the on / off valve 70 of the drain socket 68. Then, when the water level in the water storage tank 10 rises above a predetermined level and reaches the housing 24 above the water storage tank 10, the flushing water in the housing 24 is bypassed from the overflow pipe 26 to the water supply channel (discharge pipe 8) downstream of the pump 30, and then supplied to the toilet bowl body 2. This allows for a water seal to be created in the flow path within the drain socket 68 upstream of the on / off valve 70 of the drain socket 68 and in the drain trap pipe 2b of the toilet bowl body 2, and allows for water to be stored in the bowl portion 2a of the toilet bowl body 2. Next, by operating the manual drainage control device 42 for use during power outages again to open the on / off valve 70 of the drain socket 68, the flushing water in the bowl portion 2a of the toilet body 2 can be reliably discharged to the outside through the drain trap pipe 2b and the drain socket 68. Subsequently, by manually rotating the handle portion 44 of the manual water supply operation device 40 for use during power outages to close the on / off valve (main valve body 17a) of the valve unit 14, the series of water supply and drainage operations for the toilet bowl body 2 during a power outage are completed.

[0043] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the operation of the valve unit 14 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, and the flush toilet 1 equipped therewith, will be explained. According to a valve unit 14 and a flush toilet 1 equipped therewith, in the normal state in which the solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b of the solenoid valve unit 18 closes the pilot passage (solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a) (see Figures 4 and 5), the pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 presses the main valve body 17a against the main valve seat 17b, and the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication passage 6c that connects the primary side water supply passage 6a and the secondary side water supply passage 6b is closed by the main valve body 17a. Then, as shown in Figure 7, when the solenoid valve-side pilot valve body 18b opens and the pilot passage (solenoid valve-side pilot hole 18a) is opened, the pressure in the main valve-side pressure chamber 50 is relieved to the secondary side water supply channel 6b via the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve-side pilot valve chamber 18c and solenoid valve-side pilot hole 18a) and through the connecting passage 56 (downstream connecting passage 56b). As a result, air V1 is vented between the main valve side pressure chamber 50 and the outside, and when the air pressure in the main valve side pressure chamber 50 that presses against the main valve body 17a falls below the water supply pressure of the primary side water supply channel 6a, the main valve body 17a moves in the direction of opening, and the inlet 6d of the communication channel 6c that connects the primary side water supply channel 6a and the secondary side water supply channel 6b is opened (see Figure 7). As a result, the cleaning water W1 from the primary water supply channel 6a that has passed through the constant flow valve 16 flows into the connecting channel 6c from the inlet 6d of the connecting channel 6c. Furthermore, the cleaning water W1 in the primary water supply channel 6a flows towards the main valve body 17a, flows into the communication channel 6c through the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication channel 6c which is opened by the main valve body 17a, and then flows through this communication channel 6c to the secondary water supply channel 6b. Furthermore, when the main valve body 17a opens, the amount of flushing water is relatively large, and as water flows from the primary water supply channel 6a into the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication channel 6c, the relatively high water pressure also acts on the main valve body 17a. However, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b are formed such that, in a plan view, the directions of their respective flow path axes A1 and A3 are parallel to each other. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the washing water W1 in the connecting channel 6c between the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b is more likely to form a flow that is parallel to the directions of the respective channel axes A1 and A3 of the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b. Therefore, in the cleaning water W1 within the communication channel 6c, a smooth flow can be formed from the primary water supply channel 6a to the secondary water supply channel 6b. Thus, the localized action of water pressure within the primary water supply channel 6a on the region of the main valve body 17a on the primary water supply channel 6a side can be suppressed, and tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a can be suppressed. Therefore, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body 17a, enabling stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a and stabilizing its behavior.

[0044] Next, according to the valve unit 14 and the flush toilet 1 equipped therewith, the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b are formed such that the directions of the respective flow path axes A1 and A3 extending from the upstream side to the downstream side are the same. As a result, the components of the flow path axes A1 and A3 in the flow of flush water W1 flowing through the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b are also the same direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, when the main valve body 17a opens, the cleaning water W1 in the primary water supply channel 6a flows into the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication channel 6c, passes through the communication channel 6c, and flows smoothly to the secondary water supply channel 6b. As a result, the cleaning water W1 also flows into the area of ​​the main valve body 17a on the secondary water supply channel 6b side, and water pressure acts on it. Therefore, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body 17a, which suppresses tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a, enabling more stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a.

[0045] Next, according to the valve unit 14 and the flush toilet 1 equipped therewith, as shown in Figure 7, when the main valve body 17a is opened, the flush water W1 that flows from the primary water supply channel 6a into the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) is rectified by flowing along a connecting channel 6c that extends in a direction perpendicular to the flow path axes A1 and A3 of the primary water supply channel 6a and the secondary water supply channel 6b, respectively. After that, it can flow out from the downstream end of the connecting channel 6c into the secondary water supply channel 6b, whose flow path axis A3 is in the same direction as the flow path axis A1 of the primary water supply channel 6a. This prevents the washing water W1 that flows from the primary water supply channel 6a into the connecting channel 6c from flowing out into the secondary water supply channel 6b in a turbulent state. Furthermore, because the washing water W1 that flows into the connecting channel 6c immediately flows out into the secondary water supply channel 6b, it is possible to prevent the water pressure in the primary water supply channel 6a from acting locally on the region of the main valve body 17a on the primary water supply channel 6a side. Therefore, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body 17a, which suppresses tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a, enabling even more stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a.

[0046] Next, according to the valve unit 14 and the flush toilet 1 equipped therewith, the downstream end of the communication passage 6c is provided with an opposing wall surface 6e that faces the main valve body 17a in the direction of the passage axis A2 (see Figures 4, 5, and 7). As a result, this opposing wall surface 6e is recessed downstream (inward in the horizontal left-right direction) in the direction of the flow path axis A2 of the communication channel 6c compared to the side wall surface 6f in the secondary water supply channel 6b, forming an expanded section E that expands the flow path space at the downstream end of the communication channel 6c. Therefore, when the main valve body 17a opens, the washing water that flows from the primary water supply channel 6a into the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication channel 6c is turbulent, but the turbulence of the washing water is suppressed and the flow is straightened by the expanded flow channel space at the expanded portion E of the opposing wall surface 6e at the downstream end of the communication channel 6c that faces the main valve body 17a. Therefore, the rectified cleaning water W1 can be discharged from the downstream end of the communication channel 6c to the secondary water supply channel 6b. In addition, the water pressure acts relatively uniformly on the main valve body 17a that faces the expanded portion E of the opposing wall surface 6e at the downstream end of the communication channel 6c. As a result, tilting and vibration during the opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a can be suppressed, enabling more stable opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the valve unit 14 and the flush toilet 1 equipped therewith, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, even if bubbles are generated and rise in the main valve side pressure chamber 50, which is located on the side opposite to the direction of the flow path axis A2 of the communication flow path 6c with respect to the valve seat opening (inlet 6d) of the communication flow path 6c, a pilot flow path (pressure relief passage 52) is provided above the main valve side pressure chamber 50 so as to be able to communicate with it. As a result, when the solenoid valve-side pilot valve body 18b is open, the main valve-side pressure chamber 50 can ventilate with the outside through the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve-side pilot valve chamber 18c, and solenoid valve-side pilot hole 18a). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the instability of the opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a due to air bubbles generated in the main valve side pressure chamber 50, and to suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to the unstable behavior of the main valve body 17a.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 equipped with the valve unit 14 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a) and the secondary water supply passage 6b are each formed to extend horizontally from the upstream side to the downstream side. As a result, when the solenoid valve side pilot valve body 18b is open, it is possible to suppress the backflow of bubbles that have flowed out from the main valve side pressure chamber 50 into the pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c, solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a), and bubbles that have flowed out from this pilot passage (pressure relief passage 52, solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber 18c, solenoid valve side pilot hole 18a) through the connecting passage 56 (downstream connecting passage 56b) to the secondary side water supply channel 6b, toward the main valve side pressure chamber 50. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the instability of the opening and closing operation of the main valve body 17a caused by bubbles generated in the main valve side pressure chamber 50, and to effectively suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to the unstable behavior of the main valve body 17a. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1 flush toilet 2 Toilet bowl 2a Bowl section 2b Drain trap pipe 2c Rim section 2d Rim Waterway 2e Entrance to the rim water channel 2F Rim spout 2g drain trap pipe outlet 2h Bottom wall of the toilet bowl 2i mounting holes 2j Upper surface of the bottom wall of the toilet bowl 4 Tank equipment 6 Water supply pipe 6a Primary side water supply channel 6b Secondary water supply channel 6c Connecting channel 6d Inlet of the connecting channel (valve seat opening of the connecting channel) 6e Opposing wall surface of the connecting channel 6f Side wall surface in the secondary channel 8 Water pipe 8a Outlet section of the water discharge pipe 10 Water storage tanks 10a Upper opening 12. Shut-off valve 14 Valve Unit 16 Constant flow valve 17 Main valve unit 17a Diaphragm-type main valve body (main valve body) 17b Main valve seat 18 Solenoid valve unit 18a Solenoid valve side pilot hole (pilot flow path) 18b Solenoid valve side pilot valve body (pilot valve body) 18c Solenoid valve side pilot valve chamber (pilot flow path) 18d Solenoid 20 connecting units 22 Tank Unit 24 Housing 24a Lower opening 24b Overflow port 26 Overflow pipe 28 Check valve 30 pumps 32 Float switch 34 Drain plug 36 Water pipe 36a Upstream end of the water pipe 38 Suction tube 38a Downstream end of suction tube 40 Manual water supply operation device during power outage 42 Manual drainage operation device during power outage 44 Handle section 44a Outer end face in the axial direction of the handle portion 46 spindles 46a Spindle tip 46b Outer end face of the spindle in the axial direction 48 Valve unit main body 50 Main valve side pressure chamber (pressure chamber) 52 Pressure relief passage (pilot passage) 54 Main valve side pilot hole (pilot flow path) 56 Communication path 56a Upstream communication path 56b Downstream communication path 56c Opening near the spindle of the upstream communication passage 60 bleed holes 62 O-rings 64 fasteners 68 Drain socket 70 Shut-off valve 72 Operating wires 74 Fixed Units 76 Gripping ring member A0 Operating axis of the handle A1 Axis of the flow path of the primary water supply channel A2 Flow path axis of the connecting channel A3 Flow path axis of the secondary water supply channel B Bend section of the connecting passage C Controller E Extension P Exterior Panel P0 Exterior panel mounting position R1 Rear area of ​​the toilet bowl U1 Water Supply Unit V1 Breathable W1 Washing water

Claims

1. A valve unit installed in a water supply channel that supplies flushing water to a flush toilet, Primary and secondary water supply channels are provided on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively. A communication channel provided to be able to communicate between the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel, the communication channel having a valve seat opening in which a main valve seat is formed, A main valve body is provided so as to be able to close the main valve seat and opens and closes the valve seat opening of the communication passage, This main valve body is opened and closed by pressure in a pressure chamber, The system includes a pilot valve body that opens and closes the pressure chamber by opening and closing a pilot passage that connects the pressure chamber and the secondary water supply channel, thereby enabling the main valve body to be opened and closed. The above-mentioned communication channel is formed to extend downstream from the valve seat opening toward the opening / closing axis direction of the main valve body, and is then connected to the secondary water supply channel. A valve unit characterized in that, in a plan view, the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are formed such that their respective flow path axes are parallel to each other.

2. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel are formed such that the axial directions of each flow path extending from the upstream side to the downstream side are in the same direction.

3. The valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a plan view, the communication channel has a channel axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the respective channel axis directions of the primary water supply channel and the secondary water supply channel, and the secondary water supply channel is formed to extend from the downstream end of the communication channel in the same direction as the channel axis direction of the primary water supply channel.

4. The valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the downstream end of the communication channel is provided with an opposing wall surface facing the main valve body, and this opposing wall surface forms an expansion portion that extends the flow path space at the downstream end of the communication channel further downstream in the flow path axis direction of the communication channel than the side wall surface in the secondary water supply channel.

5. The valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure chamber is positioned on the side opposite to the flow path axis direction of the communication passage with respect to the valve seat opening of the communication passage, and the pilot passage is provided above the pressure chamber so as to be able to communicate with the outside, thereby enabling ventilation between the pressure chamber and the outside.

6. The valve unit according to claim 5, wherein each of the above-mentioned pilot channel and the above-mentioned secondary water supply channel is formed to extend horizontally from the upstream side to the downstream side.

7. A flush toilet equipped with the valve unit described in any one of claims 1 to 6 above.

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