Drain plug device

Abstract

To provide a drain plug device capable of releasing interlocking between electrically-driven operation and manual operation, in an electric / manual operation dual-purpose drain plug device, without removing from an operation section forcibly an operation tool that is not removed in normal use, when releasing the interlocking between electrically-driven operation and manual operation.SOLUTION: A drain plug device in which an exhaust port provided in a tank is opened / closed by an operation section provided in a position separated from the exhaust port, comprises: a manual operation mechanism that opens / closes the exhaust port with manual operation; an electrically-driven operation mechanism that is connected to the manual operation mechanism and opens / closes the exhaust port by partly or fully interlocking the manual operation mechanism; and the operation section for operating the manual operation mechanism. The operation section includes an operation section body being a casing and an operation tool that a user operates. The operation section body includes a release mechanism that releases a connection between the manual operation mechanism and the electrically-driven operation mechanism and enables operation of the release mechanism while retaining the operation tool in the operation section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote-controlled drain plug device that opens and closes the drain outlet of a tank body by operating an operating unit located at a position away from the drain outlet, and in particular to an operating unit of an electric / manual drain plug device that can be operated both manually and electrically. [Background technology]

[0002] A widely known method for treating wastewater generated inside a tank body such as a bathtub or washbasin is to provide a drain outlet on the bottom of the tank body or the like and discharge the wastewater from this drain outlet through piping to the sewer. While one method for opening and closing the drain outlet by raising and lowering a lid when storing water inside the tank body is known, there is also a known drain plug device in which the drain outlet is opened and closed by operating an operating part provided at a position away from the lid or the drain outlet, for example, on the edge of the tank body or above the side of the tank body. A widely known drain plug device is one described in Patent Document 1, which consists of a drain outlet provided on the bottom of a tank body, a lid body that closes the drain outlet by moving the drain outlet up and down, an operating unit provided near the tank body that has a button member as an operating tool, and a release wire that transmits operation applied to the button member to the lid body provided on the drain outlet. The operating portion of the drain plug device of Patent Document 1 comprises a cylindrical portion with an opening at one end, and an operating button member is disposed inside the opening. The operating unit is also provided with an electric drive unit consisting of a motor or the like for electric operation. The electric drive unit is provided with an arm unit for operating the lock shaft, which will be described later. Furthermore, the drain plug device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a locking mechanism (thrust locking mechanism) with a locking shaft in the operating section to maintain the raised state of the lid body. One end of the locking shaft is connected to the operating tool (button member), and the other end is connected to the inner wire of the release wire. The release wire is composed of a cylindrical outer tube with flexible sides, an inner wire with flexible sides that moves back and forth within the outer tube, and a return spring that urges the inner wire toward the operating part relative to the outer tube. One end of the outer tube of the release wire is fixed to the locking mechanism, and the other end is fixed inside the drain outlet. Also, one end of the inner wire is arranged to abut against the locking shaft of the locking mechanism, and the other end is configured to abut against the lower end of the lid inside the drain outlet. The lock shaft is provided with a protruding portion, and the arm portion is configured to be able to be engaged with the protruding portion. Although not specifically described in detail, an electric operation panel for operating the electric drive unit is provided in the bathroom or the like. The operation of the drain plug device will now be described. When the above-mentioned conventional drain plug device is used, the cover is first lowered to close the drain outlet.

[0003] When the operating tool (button member) of the operating unit is pressed from this state, the lock shaft of the locking mechanism connected to the operating tool moves forward toward the drain outlet, and the inner wire pushed into the lock shaft moves forward toward the drain outlet and pushes up the lid, opening the drain. Also, due to the action of the locking mechanism, the lock shaft is fixed in the position advanced toward the drain outlet, so the drain outlet remains open. From this state, if the operating tool is pushed in again, the locking mechanism connected to the operating tool is activated, releasing the lock shaft, and the inner wire is retracted toward the operating part due to the action of the return spring and the weight of the lid body, causing the lid body to descend and close the drain outlet. After that, by pushing in the operating tool and operating it from a position away from the drain outlet, the drain outlet can be opened and closed by remote control.

[0004] Furthermore, when the operation panel that operates the electric drive unit is operated, the arm descends and engages with the convex part of the lock shaft, causing the lock shaft to be pushed in. This results in the same operation being performed on the lock shaft as when the operating tool is pushed in manually, activating the locking mechanism, and the drain can be opened and closed remotely by operating it from a position away from the drain, just as in the case described in paragraph 0003. The arm portion is configured to descend to a position where it activates the locking mechanism each time it is operated, and then return to its initial position.

[0005] However, the drain plug device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to open and close the drain outlet by either electric or manual operation, so if either the electric opening and closing mechanism or the manual opening and closing mechanism breaks down, it may become impossible to open or close the drain outlet even if the other mechanism is not broken. For example, if a power outage or a malfunction in the motorized drive unit causes the arm to stop in a lowered position, the locking shaft cannot be fully retracted (raised) even by manually pushing the operating device, and the drain cannot be closed. This causes the problem of not being able to fill the bathtub with hot water. Therefore, the drain plug device described in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the locked state between the lock shaft and the arm can be released by rotating the lock shaft with the operating tool (button member) detached from the operating unit. With this configuration, even if the electric drive unit stops due to a power outage or malfunction, the operating unit, which serves as a mechanism for manual operation, can be operated to open and close the drain outlet.

[0006] The above measures are only temporary solutions to a stopped electric drive unit. In the event of a power outage, the only solution is to wait until power is restored. Also, in order to completely repair a broken electric drive unit or arm, a repair company with the knowledge, skills, and repair parts must be called in, and it may take several days for a repair company to arrive ready to help. However, if the drain cannot be closed, the bathtub cannot be used because it cannot fill with hot water. Therefore, in order to enable ordinary users to open and close the drain without using special tools, equipment, or parts while the power outage is ongoing or until a repairman arrives, the system is designed so that the manual opening and closing function of the drain can be restored by disengaging the electric and manual controls, as described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2017-75506 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The above-described treatment of the drain plug device is intended to enable an ordinary user with no particular knowledge or experience to open and close the drain without using special tools, equipment, or components. However, even simply removing the operating tool from the operating unit is a difficult task for the ordinary user. This is not only because removing the operating tool from the operating unit requires skill, but also because the ordinary user feels a psychological burden, worrying that "I, with no knowledge or experience, might damage the components by forcibly removing the operating tool, which is not normally removed, from the operating unit." The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a drain plug device that can be used both electrically and manually, and that makes it possible to release the link between the electrically and manually operated functions without forcibly removing the operating tool, which is not normally removed during normal use, from the operating part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention as set forth in claim 1 provides a drain outlet provided in the tank body, The aforementionedA drain plug device that opens and closes using an operating part provided at a position away from the drain outlet, By manual operation The aforementioned a manual operation mechanism for opening and closing the drain outlet; The aforementioned Connected to a manual operation mechanism, Motor movement By linking with part or all of the manual operation mechanism The aforementioned an electrically operated mechanism for opening and closing the drain outlet; The aforementioned For operating the manual operation mechanism The aforementioned an operation unit; The aforementioned The operation unit is made up of a casing, the operation unit body, and a Push and an operating tool for performing the operation, The aforementioned The operation unit itself has The aforementioned Manual operation mechanism and The aforementioned A release mechanism is provided to release the connection of the electric operation mechanism, The aforementioned Operating tools The aforementioned While preparing for the operation unit, From the operating tool side This drain plug device is characterized by having an operable release mechanism.

[0010] The present invention as set forth in claim 2 is The aforementioned Control unit or The aforementioned A small hole is provided in the operating tool, The aforementioned By inserting a rod-shaped object through the small hole, The aforementioned The drain plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the release mechanism is activated.

[0011] The present invention as set forth in claim 3 is The aforementioned By pushing the operating tool excessively, The aforementioned The drain plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the release mechanism is activated.

[0012] The present invention as set forth in claim 4 is The aforementioned By rotating the operating tool, The aforementioned The drain plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the release mechanism is activated.

[0013] The present invention as set forth in claim 5 is The aforementioned By moving the operating tool in a direction different from the operating direction, The aforementioned The member for operating the release mechanism The aforementioned The drain plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating part is exposed on the surface.

[0014] The present invention as set forth in claim 6 is The aforementioned The operating unit is located in a position that is exposed on the surface of the main body. The aforementioned The drain plug device according to claim 1 is characterized by comprising a member for activating the release mechanism.

[0015] The present invention as set forth in claim 7 is The aforementioned On the operation unit itself, The aforementioned A cover that covers the operation unit body is provided, The aforementioned By removing the cover, The aforementioned The drain plug device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the member for actuating the release mechanism can be operated.

[0016] The present invention as set forth in claim 8 provides a drain outlet provided in the tank body, The aforementioned A drain plug device that opens and closes using an operating part provided at a position away from the drain outlet, By manual operation The aforementioned a manual operation mechanism for opening and closing the drain outlet; The aforementioned Connected to a manual operation mechanism, Motor movement By linking with part or all of the manual operation mechanism The aforementioned an electrically operated mechanism for opening and closing the drain outlet; The aforementioned For operating the manual operation mechanism The aforementioned an operation unit; The aforementioned The operation unit is made up of a casing, the operation unit body, and a rotate and an operating tool for performing the operation, The aforementioned The operation unit itself has The aforementioned Manual operation mechanism and The aforementioned A release mechanism is provided to release the connection of the electric operation mechanism, The aforementioned Operating tools The aforementioned While preparing for the operation unit, The aforementioned The release mechanism can be operated 、 The release mechanism is activated by pulling the operating tool against the rotation shaft. This is a drain plug device characterized by the above.

[0017] The present invention as defined in claim 9 is The aforementioned From the control unit The aforementioned By removing the operating tool The aforementioned Manual operation mechanism and The aforementioned Claims 1 to 3 are characterized in that the interlocking of the electric operating mechanism is performed again. 8 1. The drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the drain plug is a [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In the present invention described in claim 1, in a drain plug device that can be used both electrically and manually, when disengaging the electric mechanism from the manual mechanism, it is no longer necessary to remove the operating tool from the operating unit, so even an ordinary user with no experience or skills can easily disengage the electric mechanism from the manual mechanism. Claim 2 to Claim 8 In the present invention described above, a method for releasing the interlock between the electric mechanism and the manual mechanism of the drain plug device has been specifically clarified. Claim 9 In the present invention described above, it has become possible to clarify the method for re-interlocking the electric mechanism and the manual mechanism after disengaging them. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a drain plug device of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a reference diagram showing the component configuration on the drain port side of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the closed drain port of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram showing the member configuration on the operation unit side of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A is a plan view of an electric-side interlocking member of a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken in the side direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a reference view of the side of the operation unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an open drain port of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the operating state of the operating unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the operating state of the operating unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the state in which the rod-shaped body of the first embodiment is inserted. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view for reference showing the state in which the motor-side interlocking member of the first embodiment is released from interlocking. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the state in which the motor-side interlocking member of the first embodiment is released from interlock. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the state in which the motor-side interlocking member of the first embodiment is released from interlock. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the operation unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the operating state of the operating portion of the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a reference side view showing the state in which the motor-side interlocking member of the second embodiment is released from interlock. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a reference side view showing the operation unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 18 taken along line B-B. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a reference side view showing the operating state of the operating unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a reference side view showing the operating state of the operating unit of the third embodiment. [Figure 22]FIG. 11 is a reference side view showing the state in which the motor-side interlocking member of the third embodiment is released from interlock. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a reference side view showing the operation unit of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 11 is a reference side view showing the operating state of the operating unit of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a reference side view showing the operation unit of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] 13A is a cross-sectional view in the plan view direction of the operation portion side of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a front view. [Figure 28] 13A is a reference view in the direction of a plan view of a handle member and an electric mechanism part of a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a front view of the same. [Figure 29] 13A is a reference view in the plan view direction of the first annular portion and the second annular portion of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a front view thereof. [Figure 30] 13A is a reference view in the plan view direction of the operating part of the sixth embodiment when the drain outlet is closed, and FIG. 13B is a front view. [Figure 31] 13A is a reference view in the plan view direction of the operating part of the sixth embodiment when the drain outlet is closed, and FIG. 13B is a front view. [Figure 32] FIG. 13 is a front view of the sixth embodiment in a state where the gear portion and the inward gear portion are engaged with each other after the interlocking between the electric mechanism portion and the manual mechanism is released. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is a reference view of the operation unit in the plan view direction in a state where the interlocking between the electric mechanism unit and the manual mechanism of the sixth embodiment is released. [Figure 34] This is a reference diagram in the plan view direction, with the first annular portion and the second annular portion omitted from Figure 33. [Figure 35] 13A is a cross-sectional view of the operation portion side of the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a front view. [Figure 36] 36A is a cross-sectional view in the plan view direction, and FIG. 36B is a front view, in which the first annular portion and the second annular portion are omitted from FIG. 35. [Figure 37] 36A and 36B are cross-sectional and front views showing the state in which the handle member of FIG. 35 has been rotated to the interlock release position. [Figure 38]10 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation unit provided with a cover member that does not have an opening. FIG. [Figure 39] 39 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover member is removed from the operation unit of FIG. 38.

[0021] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of each embodiment, the movement of the inner wire 9b of the release wire 9 toward the drain outlet 3a will be referred to as "forward," and the movement toward the operating unit S will be referred to as "rearward." In addition, "up" and "down" in the description of this embodiment will be described based on the illustration in FIG. 1. The drain plug device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 14 is a drain plug device used in the drain piping of a bathtub B, which is a type of tank body, and is composed of components such as a drain outlet main body 3, support member 4, joint member 5, and lid body 6 as components on the drain outlet 3a side shown in Figure 2, an operating unit S as components on the operating unit S side shown in Figure 4, a locking mechanism 7, and a button member 8 as an operating tool, and a release wire 9 and guide tube 10 as operation transmission components that connect the drain outlet 3a side and the operating unit S side, as described below. The bathtub B is a box-shaped body with an opening at the top, and has a mounting hole B1 on its bottom surface for mounting the drain outlet body 3, and also has an operating part mounting hole B2 on the upper edge of the bathtub B for mounting the operating part S. The drain port body 3 is a member having a substantially cylindrical shape, and is provided with a flange portion 3b projecting laterally on the outer periphery of its upper end portion, and with a male thread on the outer surface. The support member 4 is a member for positioning and fixing the end of the release wire 9 inside the drain outlet 3a, and the end of the outer tube 9a is connected to the center part of the support member 4. The joint member 5 is a member having a bottom and an approximately cylindrical shape, and has a female thread at the upper opening that screws into the male thread of the drain outlet main body 3, and a drain outlet 5a on the side for discharging internal drainage water, and a cylindrical insertion portion 5b for inserting the release wire 9. The lid body 6 is a disk-shaped member that closes the drain outlet 3a, and is configured so that the center of its lower end fits into the valve shaft 9c at the tip of the release wire 9.It rises and falls over the drain outlet 3a, and when it descends it covers the drain outlet 3a, thereby closing it. The operating unit S is a component that is attached to the operating unit mounting hole B2 of the bathtub B, and is composed of a first casing 1, a second casing 2, an electric drive mechanism M, an interlocking member R that links the electric mechanism and the manual mechanism, and a button member 8 as an operating tool, as described below. The first casing 1 is a generally cylindrical member having a flange 1a on its outer surface, and is attached to an operating unit attachment hole B2 using a nut member at the flange 1a side. The end opposite to the flange 1a is provided with a connecting portion C1. The second casing 2 is a member having a shape with a box-like body on the side of a substantially cylindrical portion, and has openings on both ends of the substantially cylindrical portion, one end of which has a connected portion C2 that is connected to the connecting portion C1 of the first casing 1. Although not specifically described or shown, the inside of the second casing 2 is partitioned watertightly so that the electric drive mechanism M does not come into contact with water. In addition, a connecting member C3 having a substantially C-shape is provided for connecting the first casing 1 and the second casing 2. The second casing 2 is also configured so that a locking mechanism 7 (described later) can be removably fixed inside by elastic fitting, and so that an electric drive mechanism M (described later) can be inserted from the side and fixed therein. The electric drive mechanism M is an electrically operated member that includes a motor and a rotating disk 11. The motor is a motor called a stepping motor, the rotation state of which can be controlled. The rotating disk 11, which rotates in response to the operation of the motor, is provided with a push-down protrusion 11a near the circumferential portion that pushes down the interlocking member R. Also, a sensor (not shown) is provided that detects the position of the lock shaft 7b to grasp the open / closed state of the drain outlet 3a linked to the lock shaft 7b. The button member 8 is a substantially disk-shaped member that has an insertion portion 8a, which is a tiny through-hole, in its center, and is configured to fit onto the upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13 of the interlocking member R in the center of its underside. When the button member 8 and the shaft-shaped portion 13 are fitted together, the insertion portion 8a is configured to communicate with the hole in the shaft-shaped portion 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the interlocking member R is a long, thin cylindrical member consisting of a shaft-shaped portion 13 with a fitting hole 13a in the middle and an electric-side interlocking member 14 with a protrusion 14a that fits into the fitting hole 13a. The upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13 is configured to fit onto the underside of the button member 8, and the lower end is configured to fit onto the upper end of the lock shaft 7b. The electric-side interlocking member 14 is a member that is roughly L-shaped in side view, and the vertical end of the L shape is equipped with a protrusion 14a with an inclined surface 14b at its tip and an elastic claw portion 14c that clamps the periphery of the shaft-shaped portion 13 when the protrusion 14a is fitted. The horizontal end of the L shape is equipped with a rib piece portion 14d that abuts against the protrusion of the electric drive mechanism M. The interlocking member R is configured to be non-rotatable relative to the second casing 2. In addition, a drain hole 18 is provided below the shaft-shaped portion 13, connecting the hollow portion inside the shaft-shaped portion 13 with the outside of the shaft-shaped portion 13, and hot water that has flowed into the shaft-shaped portion 13, as well as air that may cause problems during operation, can be discharged through this drain hole 18. The release wire 9 is composed of an outer tube 9a that is flexible in the lateral direction and rigid in the axial direction, an inner wire 9b that is slidably arranged within the outer tube 9a and is flexible in the lateral direction and rigid in the axial direction, a valve stem 9c that is a rod-shaped hard member provided at one end of the inner wire 9b, and a return spring 9d that is provided within the release wire 9 and biases the inner wire 9b in the opposite direction to the valve stem 9c relative to the outer tube 9a. The lock mechanism 7 comprises a cylindrical lock mechanism main body 7a that houses gears and the like inside, a lock shaft 7b that is inserted and arranged so as to pass through the lock mechanism main body 7a and be able to move back and forth, and a cylindrical portion provided at the end of the lock mechanism main body 7a, and the lock mechanism main body 7a is fixed to the end of an outer tube 9a of a release wire 9. Furthermore, since the inner wire 9b of the release wire 9 that is arranged coaxially with the lock shaft 7b is constantly biased in the backward direction, i.e., toward the lock shaft 7b, by the action of a return spring 9d, the lock shaft 7b is always in contact with the end of the inner wire 9b and is in a state of being biased in the backward direction. The locking mechanism 7 has a function similar to that of a knock-type ballpoint pen, etc., due to mechanisms such as gears provided inside the locking mechanism main body 7a and on the locking shaft 7b. That is, when installation is completed, the locking mechanism 7 is configured so that each time the user presses in on the rear end of the locking shaft 7b, the locking shaft 7b advances relative to the locking mechanism main body 7a, locking / releasing the lock, and then retreating relative to the locking mechanism main body 7a due to the action of the return spring 9d of the connected release wire 9. The guide tube 10 is a tube made of soft PVC that connects the operating section S to the insertion section 5b and has rigidity in the axial direction and flexibility in the lateral direction, and is configured to guide the release wire 9 inserted into the operating section S from the insertion section 5b into the inside of the joint member 5.

[0022] The drain pipe using the drain plug device configured as above is installed in the bathtub B as follows.

[0023] First, the second casing 2 and related members are assembled in a factory or the like as follows. First, the insertion portion 5b of the joint member 5 is connected to one end of the guide pipe 10, and the end of the second casing 2 is connected to the other end. Next, the inner wire 9b of the release wire 9 is connected to the end of the locking mechanism main body 7a, and the inner wire 9b is brought into contact with the end of the locking shaft 7b. From this state, the release wire 9 is inserted from the upper end of the cylindrical part of the second casing 2, and the tip of the release wire 9 is placed inside the joint member 5 via the guide tube 10. Next, the locking mechanism 7 is fitted and fixed inside the second casing 2. Next, the interlocking member R is inserted into the second casing 2, and the lower end of the shaft portion 13 of the interlocking member R is connected to the upper end of the lock shaft 7b. At this time, the rib piece portion 14d of the electric-side interlocking member 14 is connected so as to face the side where the electric drive mechanism M is arranged. Next, the electric drive mechanism M is inserted from the side of the box-shaped portion of the second casing 2. As a result, the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 of the electric drive mechanism M is positioned above the rib piece portion 14d of the interlocking member R. After that, wiring etc. is connected to the electric drive mechanism M, and the opening on the side of the box-shaped portion into which the electric drive mechanism M has been inserted is closed, and the second casing 2 and the coupling member 5 are ready for shipment. The second casing 2 is shipped in the state configured as described above.

[0024] Next, a method for installing the drain plug device configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] First, as a construction procedure for the drain outlet 3a side, the drain outlet main body 3 is inserted into the mounting hole B1 of the bathtub B, and the underside of the flange portion 3b of the drain outlet main body 3 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the periphery of the mounting hole B1. Next, the female thread of the joint member 5 is screwed into the male thread of the drain outlet main body 3, and the periphery of the mounting hole is clamped between the underside of the flange portion 3b and the upper surface of the joint member 5, thereby fixing the drain outlet main body 3 and the joint member 5 to the bathtub B. Next, the end of the release wire 9 that was inside the joint member 5 is pulled up from the drain outlet 3a, and the end of the release wire 9 is connected to the support member 4, and the support member 4 is then positioned and fixed inside the drain outlet 3a. Next, the cover 6 is fitted onto the tip of the valve shaft 9c disposed inside the drain outlet 3a, and the installation on the drain outlet 3a side is completed.

[0026] Next, as an installation procedure for the operating unit S, the first casing 1 is attached to the operating unit attachment hole B2 of the bathtub B. Next, the connected portion C2 of the second casing 2 is connected to the connecting portion C1 of the first casing 1 using the connecting member C3. Furthermore, the button member 8 is connected to the upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13 of the interlocking member R, completing the installation of the drain plug device.

[0027] The method of using the drain plug device of the first embodiment will be described below. First, the method of manually opening and closing the drain outlet 3a will be described. When using the drain plug device configured as described above, first the cover 6 is lowered to close the drain outlet 3a as shown in Figure 3. At this time, the operating part S is in the state shown in Figure 6. When button member 8 is pressed from this state, the rear end of lock shaft 7b is pushed in via shaft portion 13, moving inner wire 9b forward, and lock mechanism 7 is activated, maintaining inner wire 9b in the advanced state as shown in Figure 9. This action causes the end of inner wire 9b on the valve shaft 9c side to protrude, and the drain outlet 3a side is maintained and fixed in a state where it pushes up lid body 6 as shown in Figure 8, opening drain outlet 3a. When wastewater or hot water has accumulated or is flowing into bathtub B, which is the tank body, it passes through drain outlet 3a, drain outlet main body 3, and coupling member 5, and is discharged into the sewer through outlet 5a. When the button member 8 is pressed again from this state, the rear end of the lock shaft 7b is pushed in again via the shaft portion 13, the fixed state of the lock shaft 7b of the lock mechanism 7 is released, and the operating part S returns to the state shown in Figure 6. As a result, the inner wire 9b retracts toward the operating part S together with the lock shaft 7b due to the weight of the cover body 6 and the action of the return spring 9d of the release wire 9, and the cover body 6 returns to the state shown in Figure 3 in which it closes the drain outlet 3a. Thereafter, by repeatedly pressing the button member 8, the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed by operating the operating part S separated from the drain outlet 3a. In other words, this embodiment is a drain plug device equipped with a manual operation mechanism that operates the locking mechanism 7 via the shaft-shaped portion 13 to open and close the drain outlet by manually pressing the button member 8.

[0028] Next, a method for electrically opening and closing the drain outlet 3a will be described. When using the drain plug device configured as described above, first the cover 6 is lowered to close the drain outlet 3a as shown in Figure 3. At this time, the operating unit S is in the state shown in Figure 6. At this time, the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 is positioned at the upper end as shown in Figure 6. From this state, when the water heater is operated to open or close via the water heater's control panel, the motor of the electric drive mechanism M operates, causing the turntable 11 to rotate. When the turntable 11 rotates half a turn and the push-down protrusion 11a descends to its lowermost position, the protrusion of the turntable 11 presses down the rib piece 14d of the electric-side interlocking member 14 of the interlocking member R. Here, because the push-down protrusion 11a of the electric-side interlocking member 14 is engaged with the fitting hole 13a of the shaft-shaped portion 13, when the electric-side interlocking member 14 is pushed down, the shaft-shaped portion 13 of the interlocking member R is also pushed down, causing the operating unit S to assume the state shown in Figure 10. As explained in paragraph 0027, the locking mechanism 7 operates, the inner wire 9b is fixed in its advanced position, and the cover 6 is separated from the drain outlet 3a, opening the drain outlet 3a as shown in Figure 8. The turntable 11 then rotates another half turn, causing the push-down protrusion 11a to move to its uppermost position, resulting in the operating unit S assuming the state shown in Figure 9. From this state, when the opening / closing operation is performed again via the water heater's operation panel or the like, the motor of the electric drive mechanism M starts operating, and the turntable 11 rotates again. When the turntable 11 rotates half a turn and the push-down protrusion 11a descends to the bottom position, the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 again presses down the rib piece 14d of the electric-side interlocking member 14 of the interlocking member R, lowering the shaft-shaped portion 13, and the locking mechanism 7 is again activated, releasing the locked state of the locking shaft 7b of the locking mechanism 7. The turntable 11 then rotates another half turn, and the push-down protrusion 11a moves to the top position. As a result, the inner wire 9b retracts together with the locking shaft 7b toward the operating unit S due to the weight of the cover 6 and the action of the return spring 9d of the release wire 9. The operating unit S returns to the state shown in FIG. 6, and the drain outlet 3a returns to the state shown in FIG. 3, where the cover 6 closes the drain outlet 3a. Thereafter, by repeatedly operating the operation panel, the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed by operating the operation panel spaced apart from the drain outlet 3a. That is, this embodiment is a drain plug device equipped with an electric operating mechanism that opens and closes the drain outlet by operating the locking mechanism 7 via the shaft-shaped portion 13 through the operation of the electric drive mechanism M. The manual operating mechanism and the electric operating mechanism can be used as a mechanism for opening and closing the drain outlet 3a because the shaft-shaped portion 13 and the electric-side interlocking member 14 are connected by the interlocking member R. Furthermore, the above-mentioned manual opening and closing and electrically operated opening and closing are the same in that the drain outlet 3a is opened and closed by operating the lock mechanism 7. Therefore, it is possible to open the drain outlet 3a by manual operation and close it by electrically operated operation, or vice versa, to open the drain outlet 3a by electrically operated operation and close it by manual operation.

[0029] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If a power outage or damage to the equipment causes the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 of the electric mechanism to stop at a position other than the top, for example, at the bottom end position as shown in Figure 10, the lock shaft 7b of the lock mechanism 7 cannot rise completely. As a result, the inner wire 9b that is in contact with the lock shaft 7b cannot retreat toward the operating unit S, and the drain outlet 3a cannot be closed. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 11, a rod-shaped body P is inserted through the insertion portion 8a of the button member 8. When the lower end of the rod-shaped body reaches the protrusion 14a of the electric motor-side interlocking member 14, the inclined surface 14b at the tip of the protrusion 14a pushes the electric motor-side interlocking member 14 outward from the rod-shaped body. When the elastic claws 14c move to a position exceeding the diameter of the shaft portion 13, the space between the tips of the elastic claws 14c contracts, causing the tip of the protrusion 14a to completely come out of the fitting hole 13a, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 12. As a result, the side position of the electric motor-side interlocking member 14 changes from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the state shown in FIG. 13, the protrusion 14a is no longer fitted into the fitting hole 13a, and the electric motor-side interlocking member 14 falls as shown in FIG. 14. Furthermore, even if there is air or hot or cold water inside the shaft-like portion 13 when inserting the rod-like body, it will be discharged through the drain hole 18 below the shaft-like portion 13, so there will be no hindrance to the insertion of the rod-like body. In the state shown in Figure 14, even if the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 is at the bottom end position, the engagement between the electric-side interlocking member 14 and the shaft-like portion 13 is released, so the components of the electric mechanism do not affect the operation of the shaft-like portion 13. Therefore, by manually pressing the button member 8, the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed in accordance with the procedure in paragraph 0027. That is, the drain plug device of this embodiment is a drain plug device in which a small hole is provided in the button member 8, which is an operating tool, and the release mechanism can be activated by inserting a rod-shaped body through the small hole. To link the electric and manual mechanisms again, the button member 8 can be removed from the linking member R and operated through the opening at the top of the first casing 1 to re-engage the electric side linking member 14 with the shaft portion 13. This work should be performed by a professional worker with sufficient knowledge and experience, so the removal and engagement of the button member 8 can be carried out without any problems.

[0030] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drain plug device of the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the first embodiment except for the button member 8 and the axial portion 13 of the interlocking member R, so in the explanation of the configuration of the components described below, only the axial portion 13 will be described. The button member 8 is a substantially disk-shaped member, and is configured so that the upper end of the first shaft-shaped portion 15a of the interlocking member R is fitted into the center of its lower surface. As shown in FIG. 15, the shaft portion 13 of the interlocking member R is made up of a first shaft portion 15a, a second shaft portion 15b, and a push spring member 15c, which will be described below. The first shaft-shaped portion 15a is a member consisting of a straight rod, and its upper end is configured to fit with the underside of the button member 8, and its lower end is configured to be housed and positioned inside the cylindrical portion of the second shaft-shaped portion 15b. The second shaft-shaped portion 15b is a long, thin cylindrical member that has a fitting hole 13a in its middle portion, and is configured to fit with the electric-side interlocking member 14. In addition, a drain hole 18 that connects the hollow portion inside the shaft-shaped portion 13 with the outside of the shaft-shaped portion 13 is provided below the cylindrical portion, and hot or cold water that has flowed into the shaft-shaped portion 13, as well as air that may cause problems during operation, can be discharged through this drain hole 18. In addition, the lower end of the second shaft-shaped portion 15b is configured to fit with the upper end of the lock shaft 7b. Furthermore, first shaft-shaped portion 15a and second shaft-shaped portion 15b are connected in a repulsive state by push spring member 15c, allowing them to move back and forth and not to be removed, with the lower rod-shaped portion of first shaft-shaped portion 15a housed in the cylindrical portion of second shaft-shaped portion 15b. Push spring member 15c is strong enough that, under normal use of the drain plug device, pushing button member 8 activates locking mechanism 7 to open and close drain outlet 3a without contracting, and will contract before damage occurs to the member if stress exceeding the normal degree of opening and closing of drain outlet 3a is applied. When push spring member 15c contracts, the lower end of first shaft-shaped portion 15a reaches the lower end of fitting hole 13a of second shaft-shaped portion 15b.

[0031] The drain plug device of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the drain plug device of the first embodiment except for the button member 8 and the shaft-shaped portion 13 described in paragraph 0030 above, and can be installed in the same manner as the first embodiment and can be used in the same manner.

[0032] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If a power outage or damage to the equipment causes the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 of the electric mechanism to stop at a position other than the top, for example, at the bottom end position as shown in Figure 16, the lock shaft 7b of the lock mechanism 7 cannot rise completely. As a result, the inner wire 9b that is in contact with the lock shaft 7b cannot retreat to the operating unit S side, and the drain outlet 3a cannot be closed. In such a case, if the button member 8 is pressed so hard that the push spring contracts, the button member 8 and the first shaft-like portion 15a will drop excessively to the position shown in FIG. As a result, the lower end of first shaft portion 15a reaches protrusion 14a of electric interlocking member 14, and inclined surface 14b at the tip of protrusion 14a pushes electric interlocking member 14 outward from the rod-shaped body. When elastic claws 14c move to a position exceeding the diameter of shaft portion 13, the space between the tips of elastic claws 14c contracts, causing the tip of protrusion 14a to completely slip out of fitting hole 13a, releasing the engagement between protrusion 14a and fitting hole 13a, and electric interlocking member 14 falls as shown in FIG. 17. Furthermore, even if there is air or hot or cold water inside the shaft-shaped portion 13 when inserting the lower end portion of the first shaft-shaped portion 15a, it will be discharged through the drain hole 18 located below the shaft-shaped portion 13, so there will be no interference with the insertion of the rod-shaped body. 17, even if the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 is at the bottom end position, the engagement between the electric-side interlocking member 14 and the shaft-like portion 13 is released, so the members of the electric mechanism do not affect the operation of the shaft-like portion 13. Therefore, by manually pressing the button member 8, the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed in accordance with the procedure in paragraph 0027. In other words, the drain plug device of this embodiment is characterized in that the drain outlet 3a is opened and closed by pressing the button member 8, which is the operating tool, and the release mechanism can be released by pressing the operating tool excessively. To link the electric and manual mechanisms again, the button member 8 can be removed from the linking member R and operated through the opening at the top of the first casing 1 to re-engage the electric side linking member 14 with the shaft portion 13. This work should be performed by a professional worker with sufficient knowledge and experience, so the removal and engagement of the button member 8 can be carried out without any problems.

[0033] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drain plug device of the third embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the first embodiment except for the interlocking member R and the button member 8, so in the explanation of the configuration of the components described below, only the button member 8 and the interlocking member R will be described. The button member 8 is a substantially disk-shaped member, and is configured so that the center of its lower surface fits onto the upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13 of the interlocking member R. The fitting portion is provided with a recess 8b. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the interlocking member R is composed of a first shaft-shaped portion 15a, a second shaft-shaped portion 15b, and a push spring member 15c, which will be described below. First shaft-shaped portion 15a is a member consisting of a straight rod, and its upper end is configured to fit with the underside of button member 8, and its lower portion is configured to be housed and disposed inside the cylindrical portion of second shaft-shaped portion 15b. In addition, the upper end of first shaft-shaped portion 15a that fits with button member 8 has protrusion 13b into which recess 8b of button member 8 fits, and when button member 8 is fitted with the upper end of first shaft-shaped portion 15a, recess 8b fits into protrusion 13b, so that button member 8 cannot rotate relative to first shaft-shaped portion 15a. In other words, when button member 8 is rotated, first shaft-shaped portion 15a also rotates in conjunction with it. The second shaft-like portion 15b is a long, thin cylindrical member and has a rib piece portion 14d protruding laterally from the middle portion. In addition, a drain hole 18 is provided below the cylindrical portion, connecting the hollow portion inside shaft-shaped portion 13 with the outside of shaft-shaped portion 13, and hot and cold water that has flowed into shaft-shaped portion 13, as well as air that may cause problems during operation, can be discharged through this drain hole 18. In addition, the lower end of second shaft-shaped portion 15b is configured to rotatably fit into the upper end of lock shaft 7b. Furthermore, first shaft-like portion 15a and second shaft-like portion 15b are connected in a repulsive state by push spring member 15c, so that they can advance and retract and cannot be removed, with the lower rod-shaped portion of first shaft-like portion 15a housed in the cylindrical portion of second shaft-like portion 15b. Push spring member 15c is strong enough that, during normal use of the drain plug device, pushing button member 8 activates lock mechanism 7 to open and close drain outlet 3a without contracting, and contracts before damage occurs to the member when stress exceeding the normal degree of opening and closing of drain outlet 3a is applied, and in the contracted state, second shaft-like portion 15b cannot rotate relative to first shaft-like portion 15a, i.e., when first shaft-like portion 15a is rotated, second shaft-like portion 15b also rotates in conjunction with it.

[0034] The drain plug device of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the drain plug device of the first embodiment except for the button member 8 and interlocking member R described in paragraph 0033 above, and is installed in the same manner as the first embodiment and can be used in the same manner.

[0035] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If a power outage or damage to the equipment causes the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 of the electric mechanism to stop at a position other than the top, for example, at the bottom end position as shown in Figure 20, the lock shaft 7b of the lock mechanism 7 cannot rise completely. As a result, the inner wire 9b that is in contact with the lock shaft 7b cannot retreat to the side of the operating unit S, and the drain outlet 3a cannot be closed. In such a case, if the button member 8 is pressed hard enough to contract the spring member 15c, the button member 8 and the first shaft-like portion 15a will drop excessively to the position shown in FIG. In this state, first shaft-shaped portion 15a and second shaft-shaped portion 15b are configured so that second shaft-shaped portion 15b cannot rotate relative to first shaft-shaped portion 15a, i.e., when first shaft-shaped portion 15a is rotated, second shaft-shaped portion 15b also rotates in conjunction with it, and as described above, first shaft-shaped portion 15a is also configured to rotate in conjunction with button member 8. In other words, as shown in Figure 21, when button member 8 is rotated while being excessively pressed down and lowered, button member 8, first shaft-shaped portion 15a, and second shaft-shaped portion 15b rotate in conjunction with it. Here, when the button member 8 is rotated by 90 degrees, the rib piece portion 14d of the second shaft-shaped portion 15b is also rotated by 90 degrees. 22 ,figure 23 11a of the rotary disc 11. 22、 figure 23 In this state, even if the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 is at the lowest position, the push-down protrusion 11a and the rib piece 14d do not interfere with each other, so the members of the electric mechanism do not affect the operation of the interlocking member R. Therefore, by manually pressing the button member 8, the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed in accordance with the procedure in paragraph 0027. In other words, the drain plug device of this embodiment is characterized in that the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed by pressing the button member 8, which is the operating tool, and the release mechanism can be released by rotating the operating tool. To link the electric and manual mechanisms again, the button member 8 can be removed from the linking member R and operated through the opening at the top of the first casing 1 to adjust the rib piece 14d so that it faces the turntable 11 again. This work should be performed by a professional worker with sufficient knowledge and experience, so that the removal and fitting of the button member 8 can be done without any problems.

[0036] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drain plug device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the first embodiment except for the button member 8 and the axial portion 13 of the interlocking member R, so in the explanation of the configuration of the components described below, only the button member 8 and the axial portion 13 will be described. The button member 8 consists of an approximately disk-shaped button member top surface portion 8c and a button member main body portion 8d having a bottomed cylindrical shape with a central fitting portion for fitting with the upper end portion of the shaft-shaped portion 13, and the button member top surface portion 8c and the button member main body portion 8d are connected by a hinge portion 8e. The fitting portion of the button member 8 is open at the top end, and is configured so that a rod-shaped object can be inserted into the shaft portion 13 from above this fitting portion. The button member main body 8d is provided with a drain hole 18 for draining hot and cold water from inside. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the shaft-shaped portion 13 of the interlocking member R is a long, thin cylindrical member that includes a fitting hole 13a in the middle and an electric-side interlocking member 14 that includes a protrusion 14a that fits into this fitting hole 13a. The upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13 is configured to fit onto the underside of the button member 8, and the lower end is configured to fit onto the upper end of the lock shaft 7b. A horizontally extending contact rib 13d is provided near the upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13, which contacts the underside of the button member 8. When the button member 8 is pressed, the contact rib 13d allows the shaft-shaped portion 13 to descend without penetrating the button member 8 and pushing open the upper surface 8c of the button member.

[0037] The drain plug device of the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the drain plug device of the first embodiment except for the button member 8 and the shaft-shaped portion 13 described in paragraph 0036 above, and can be installed in the same manner as the first embodiment and can be used in the same manner.

[0038] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If a power outage or damage to the equipment causes the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 of the electric mechanism to stop at a position other than the top, for example, at the bottom end as shown in Figure 25, the lock shaft 7b of the lock mechanism 7 cannot rise completely. As a result, the inner wire 9b that is in contact with the lock shaft 7b cannot retreat toward the operating unit S, and the drain outlet 3a cannot be closed. In such a case, when the button member 8 is operated in a direction other than the opening / closing operation, in this embodiment, in a direction that rotates the top surface portion 8c of the button member relative to the pushing direction, the top surface of the button member 8 opens as shown in Figure 25, and a rod-shaped object can be inserted into the shaft-shaped portion 13. Thereafter, by inserting the rod-shaped body into the shaft-shaped portion 13 in the same manner as in paragraph 0029, the electric side interlocking member 14 is separated from the rod-shaped body, the interlock between the electric mechanism and the manual mechanism is released, and the button member 8 is manually pressed, thereby opening and closing the drain outlet 3a in accordance with the procedure in paragraph 0027. In other words, the drain plug device of this embodiment opens and closes the drain outlet 3a by pressing the button member 8, which is the operating tool, and the release mechanism is exposed on the surface of the operating part S by operating the button member 8 in a direction other than the pushing direction, which is the operating direction. To link the electric and manual mechanisms again, the button member 8 can be removed from the linking member R and operated through the opening at the top of the first casing 1 to re-engage the electric side linking member 14 with the shaft portion 13. This work should be performed by a professional worker with sufficient knowledge and experience, so the removal and engagement of the button member 8 can be carried out without any problems.

[0039] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drain plug device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the first embodiment except for the first casing 1 and the axial portion 13 of the interlocking member R, so in the explanation of the configuration of the components below, only the axial portion 13 will be described. The first casing 1 is a generally cylindrical member having a flange 1a on its outer surface, and is attached to the operation unit mounting hole B2 at the flange 1a side using a nut member. The end opposite the flange 1a is provided with a connecting portion C1. The inner diameter portion is provided with a groove 1b extending from top to bottom, in which a release member 16 (described later) is disposed. In addition, the first casing 1 of this embodiment has: Tsuba 1a The cover member 17 is provided as a cover portion that covers the Tsuba 1a The shaft-shaped portion 13 of the interlocking member R is a long, thin cylindrical member, as shown in FIG. 26, and is provided with a fitting hole 13a in the middle portion that fits with the protrusion 14a of the electric-side interlocking member 14. The upper end of the shaft-shaped portion 13 is configured to fit with the underside of the button member 8, and the lower end is configured to fit with the upper end of the lock shaft 7b. Furthermore, the shaft-shaped portion 13 of this embodiment is provided with a notch 13c from the upper end to the middle portion on the same side as the protrusion 14a and the fitting hole 13a. In addition, a drain hole 18 is provided below the shaft-shaped portion 13, connecting the hollow portion inside the shaft-shaped portion 13 with the outside of the shaft-shaped portion 13, and hot water that has flowed into the shaft-shaped portion 13, as well as air that may cause problems during operation, can be discharged through this drain hole 18. Also, the shaft portion 13 is provided with a release member 16 as a release structure. The release member 16 consists of a rod-shaped portion 16a that is arranged so as to be able to move freely back and forth within the shaft-shaped portion 13, and an approximately L-shaped portion that is provided from the upper end of the rod-shaped portion 16a, and the L-shaped portion is arranged in the cutout portion 13c of the rod-shaped portion 16a, and is arranged along the groove portion 1b of the first casing 1 when installation is complete, and the upper end portion of the L-shape serves as a release button portion 16b and is arranged so as to be exposed from the opening 17a of the cover member 17 when installation is complete.

[0040] The drain plug device of the fifth embodiment is identical in components to the drain plug device of the first embodiment, other than the first casing 1, cover member 17, shaft portion 13 of interlocking member R, and release member 16 described in paragraph 0039 above, and is installed in the same manner as the first embodiment, and can be used in the same manner. The arrangement of first casing 1, cover member 17, interlocking member R, and release member 16 upon completion of installation is as described in the explanation of each component in paragraph 0039.

[0041] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If a power outage or damage to the equipment causes the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 of the electric mechanism to stop at a position other than the top, for example at the bottom end, the lock shaft 7b of the lock mechanism 7 cannot rise completely. As a result, the inner wire 9b that is in contact with the lock shaft 7b cannot retract toward the operating unit S, and the drain outlet 3a cannot be closed. In such a case, by pressing release button portion 16b downward with a thin rod or the like, the lower end portion of the rod-shaped body of release member 16 reaches protrusion portion 14a of electric-side interlocking member 14, and electric-side interlocking member 14 is pushed outward from rod-shaped portion 16a by inclined surface 14b at the tip of protrusion portion 14a. When elastic claw portions 14c move to a position exceeding the diameter of shaft portion 13, the space between the tips of elastic claw portions 14c contracts, causing the tip of protrusion portion 14a to completely come out of fitting hole 13a, the engagement between protrusion portion 14a and fitting hole 13a is released, and electric-side interlocking member 14 falls into second casing 2. Furthermore, even if there is air or hot or cold water inside the shaft-shaped portion 13 when inserting the lower end portion of the first shaft-shaped portion 15a, it will be discharged through the drain hole 18 located below the shaft-shaped portion 13, so there will be no interference with the insertion of the rod-shaped body. When the engagement between the protrusion 14a and the engagement hole 13a is released, even if the push-down protrusion 11a of the turntable 11 is at the bottom end position, the engagement between the motor side and the shaft-like part 13 is released, so the components of the motor mechanism do not affect the operation of the shaft-like part 13. Therefore, by manually pressing the button member 8, the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed in accordance with the procedure in paragraph 0027. To link the electric and manual mechanisms again, the button member 8 can be removed from the linking member R and operated through the opening at the top of the first casing 1 to re-engage the electric side linking member 14 with the shaft portion 13. This work should be performed by a professional worker with sufficient knowledge and experience, so the removal and engagement of the button member 8 can be carried out without any problems.

[0042] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of each embodiment, the movement of the inner wire 9b of the release wire 9 toward the drain outlet 3a will be referred to as "forward," and the movement toward the operating unit S will be referred to as "rearward." In addition, "up" and "down" in the description of this embodiment will be described based on the illustration in Figure 27(b). The drain plug device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 27 to 31 is a drain plug device used in the drain piping of a bathtub B, which is a type of tank body, and is composed of components such as a drain outlet main body 3, support member 4, joint member 5, and cover body 6, which are components on the drain outlet 3a side shown in Figure 2, and a first annular portion 19, a second annular portion 20, an electric drive mechanism M, a handle member 21 as an operating tool, and a release wire 9 as an operation transmission member connecting the drain outlet 3a side and the operating unit S side, as shown in Figures 27 to 31. Of these, the members on the drain outlet 3a side are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described. The bathtub B is a box-shaped body with an opening at the top, and has a mounting hole B1 on the bottom for mounting the drain outlet body 3. The operating section S is composed of a first annular section 19, a second annular section 20, a handle member 21 as an operating tool, and an electric drive mechanism M, which will be described below. The first annular portion 19 is a roughly annular member, to whose side the end of the outer tube 9a of the release wire 9 is fixed, and the electric drive mechanism M is arranged and fixed on the back side, and the second annular portion 20 is housed and arranged inside it so that it can rotate freely. The second annular portion 20 is a substantially annular member, and has a groove portion 1b that connects to the spherical portion of the end of the inner wire 9b, and accommodates a handle member 21 inside. As shown in Figure 28, the handle member 21 is a circular bowl-shaped member turned on its side, and has a handle portion that extends downward from the bottom of the bowl (the front portion in Figure 28(b)) and is gripped by the user. The inner surface of the bowl is also provided with an inward gear portion 21a along the inner periphery. The electric drive mechanism M is an electrically operated member comprising a motor and a gear unit 12 having an outward gear meshing with the inward gear unit 21a that rotates when the motor is operated, and is a motor known as a stepping motor whose rotation state can be controlled. The electric drive mechanism M of this embodiment is configured so that the gear unit 12 rises relative to the first annular member 19 to which it is attached when the motor is operated. In the normal state in which the motor is not operating, the gear unit 12 is in a lowered position and is not meshed with the inward gear unit 21a, and therefore the electric drive mechanism M does not affect the operation of the handle member 21. Here, when construction is completed, the first annular portion 19, the second annular portion 20, the handle member 21 as an operating tool, and the electric drive mechanism M are configured to have the following positional relationship and to operate as follows when construction is completed. The first annular portion 19 is fixed in or near the bathroom, for example, to the side of the bathtub B. The first annular portion 19, the second annular portion 20, and the handle member 21 serving as an operating tool are arranged concentrically. The handle member 21 is configured to be able to move back and forth in the axial direction of rotation relative to the second annular portion 20, and regardless of whether it is in the axially advanced or retreated state, the second annular portion 20 also rotates in conjunction with the rotation operation of the handle member 21. When the handle member 21 is in a normal state in a plan view, the inward gear portion 21a and the gear portion 12 are in an overlapping position, as shown in Figures 27(a) and 28(a). When the handle member 21 is pulled out toward the front (downward in Figures 32 and 33) in a plan view, the inward gear portion 21a and the gear portion 12 are in positions where they do not overlap and do not interfere with each other, as shown in Figures 32 and 33. The second annular portion 20 can be fixed in the open and closed positions of the drain outlet 3a by the elastic engagement of the claw portion (not shown) with the first annular portion 19 (this elastic engagement can be released by applying stress to the second annular portion 20 and rotating it). The electric drive mechanism M or the control device of the electric drive mechanism M uses a sensor (not shown) to detect the position of the second annular portion 20 relative to the first annular portion 19 and determine whether the drain outlet 3a is open or closed. The release wire 9 is composed of an outer tube 9a that is flexible in the lateral direction and rigid in the axial direction, an inner wire 9b that is slidably arranged within the outer tube 9a and is flexible in the lateral direction and rigid in the axial direction, a valve shaft 9c that is a rod-shaped hard member provided at one end of the inner wire 9b, and a spherical portion provided at the end of the inner wire 9b on the operating section S side.

[0043] The drainage piping using the drain plug device configured as above is as follows: It is installed in bathtub B.

[0044] First, the members on the operating unit S side are assembled in a factory or the like as follows. First, the end of the release wire 9 is fixed to the first annular portion 19, the inner is drawn into the first annular portion 19, and then connected to the second annular portion 20. Then, the second annular portion 20 is placed inside the first annular portion 19. The inner wire 9b has a spherical portion at the tip thereof, and the inner wire 9b can be connected to the second annular portion 20 by fitting this spherical portion into a groove provided in the second annular portion 20. Next, the handle member 21 is placed inside the second annular portion 20, and the electric drive mechanism M is attached to the rear side of the handle member 21 (upper side in FIG. 27(a)), thereby completing the assembly of the operating unit S. The operation unit S is shipped in the state configured as described above.

[0045] Next, a method for installing the drain plug device configured as above will be described. Note that the configuration on the drain outlet 3a side in this embodiment is the same as that shown in Figures 2, 3 and 8, with the guide pipe 10 omitted. First, as a construction procedure for the drain outlet 3a side, the drain outlet main body 3 is inserted into the mounting hole B1 of the bathtub B, and the underside of the flange portion 3b of the drain outlet main body 3 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the periphery of the mounting hole B1. Next, the female thread of the joint member 5 is screwed into the male thread of the drain outlet main body 3, and the periphery of the mounting hole is clamped between the underside of the flange portion 3b and the upper surface of the joint member 5, thereby fixing the drain outlet main body 3 and the joint member 5 to the bathtub B. Next, the end of the release wire 9 is inserted into the inside of the joint member 5 through the insertion portion 5b of the joint member 5 and pulled up through the drain outlet 3a, and then the end of the release wire 9 is connected to the support member 4, and the support member 4 is further positioned and fixed inside the drain outlet 3a. Next, the cover 6 is fitted onto the tip of the valve shaft 9c disposed inside the drain outlet 3a, and the installation on the drain outlet 3a side is completed. Next, the first annular portion 19 of the operating portion S is fixed in or near the bathroom, for example, to the side of the bathtub B, thereby completing the installation of the drain plug device.

[0046] The method of using the drain plug device of the sixth embodiment will now be described. First, the method of manually opening and closing the drain outlet 3a will be described. When using the drain plug device configured as described above, first the cover 6 is lowered to close the drain outlet 3a as shown in Figure 3. At this time, the operating part S is in the state shown in Figure 30. At this time, the drain outlet 3a is closed because, depending on the rotation position of the handle member 21, the tip of the inner wire 9b on the operating unit S side is in a position separated from the end of the outer tube 9a, and the valve shaft 9c is lowered as the inner wire 9b retreats toward the operating unit S. Note that, due to the elastic engagement of the claws (not shown), the second annular portion 20 continues to maintain this positional relationship with the first annular portion 19, and the closed state of the drain outlet 3a can be continuously fixed. When the handle member 21 is rotated counterclockwise from this state, the second annular portion 20 rotates in conjunction with the handle member 21, the inner wire 9b moves forward toward the drain outlet 3a, and the lid body 6 is pushed up together with the valve shaft 9c, opening the drain outlet 3a as shown in Figure 8. At this time, the operating portion S is in the state shown in Figure 31, and due to the elastic engagement of the claw portion (not shown), the second annular portion 20 continues to maintain the positional relationship shown in Figure 31 relative to the first annular portion 19, and the open state of the drain outlet 3a can be continuously fixed. In addition, when wastewater or hot water has accumulated or is flowing into the bathtub B, which is the tank body, it passes through the drain outlet 3a, the drain outlet main body 3, and the coupling member 5, and is discharged into the sewer through the discharge outlet 5a. When the handle member 21 is rotated clockwise from this state, the second annular portion 20 rotates in conjunction with the handle member 21, the inner wire 9b retracts again, and the valve shaft 9c descends as shown in Figure 3, closing the drain port 3a. Thereafter, by rotating the handle member 21, the drain outlet 3a can be opened or closed by operating the operating part S spaced apart from the drain outlet 3a.

[0047] Next, a method for electrically opening and closing the drain outlet 3a will be described. Furthermore, the electric drive mechanism M or the control device of the electric drive mechanism M uses a sensor to detect the position of the second annular portion 20 relative to the first annular portion 19, and grasps the open or closed state of the drain outlet 3a.When an operation is performed on the operation panel, it operates to change to a different state from the current state, i.e., if the drain outlet 3a is in an open state, it changes to a closed state, or if it is in a closed state, it changes to an open state. Furthermore, since water leakage will occur if the cover 6 is not in contact with the drain outlet 3a, the drain outlet 3a is in an open state if there is even a slight gap between the drain outlet 3a and the cover 6. In other words, when the handle member 21 is in a position intermediate between open and closed, as shown in Figure 32, the drain outlet 3a is treated as being in an open state. When using the drain plug device configured as described above, first the cover 6 is lowered to close the drain outlet 3a as shown in Figure 3. At this time, the operating part S is in the state shown in Figure 30. When the opening / closing operation is performed via the water heater's operation panel or the like, the motor of the electric drive mechanism M operates, causing the gear portion 12 of the electric drive mechanism M to rise as shown in Figure 32, and the gear portion 12 meshes with the inward gear portion 21a of the handle member 21. When the gear portion 12 and the inward gear portion 21a are meshed, the gear portion 12 rotates the handle member 21 in a direction that opens the drain outlet 3a, i.e., in a counterclockwise direction, and the second annular portion 20 rotates in conjunction with the handle member 21, causing the inner wire 9b to advance toward the drain outlet 3a, resulting in the drain outlet 3a being opened as shown in Figure 8. When the operation is complete, the gear portion 12 descends, and the operation unit S assumes the state shown in Figure 31. Due to the elastic engagement of the claws (not shown), the second annular portion 20 continues to maintain the positional relationship shown in Figure 31 relative to the first annular portion 19, thereby maintaining the closed state of the drain outlet 3a. In addition, when wastewater or hot water has accumulated or is flowing into the bathtub B, which is the tank body, it passes through the drain outlet 3a, the drain outlet main body 3, and the coupling member 5, and is discharged into the sewer through the discharge outlet 5a. When the opening / closing operation is performed from this state via the water heater's operation panel or the like, the motor of the electric drive mechanism M operates, causing the gear portion 12 of the electric drive mechanism M to rise as shown in Figure 32, and the gear portion 12 meshes with the inward gear portion 21a of the handle member 21. With the gear portion 12 and the inward gear portion 21a meshed, the gear portion 12 rotates in a direction that closes the drain outlet 3a, i.e., the handle member 21 rotates clockwise, causing the second annular portion 20 to rotate in conjunction with the handle member 21, and the inner wire 9b retracts toward the operating unit S, resulting in the drain outlet 3a being closed as shown in Figure 8. When the operation is complete, the gear portion 12 descends, and the operating unit S assumes the state shown in Figure 30. Thereafter, by rotating the handle member 21, the drain outlet 3a can be opened or closed by operating the operating part S spaced apart from the drain outlet 3a. Furthermore, the above-mentioned opening and closing by manual operation and opening and closing by electric operation are performed using the same procedure, in that the second annular portion 20 is rotated and the inner wire 9b is advanced and retreated by rotating the handle member 21. Therefore, it is also possible to open the drain outlet 3a by manual operation and close the drain outlet 3a by electric operation, or vice versa, to open the drain outlet 3a by electric operation and close the drain outlet 3a by manual operation.

[0048] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If the gear portion 12 stops in a state of meshing with the inward gear portion 21a due to a power outage or damage to the equipment, for example, if it stops in a state as shown in Figure 32, the handle member 21 will also be unable to rotate because the gear portion 12 is meshed with it. In such a case, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, when the handle member 21 is pulled toward the front (downward in Figures 33 and 34), the inward gear portion 21a and the gear portion 12 move to a position where they do not overlap, and the meshing between the inward gear portion 21a and the gear portion 12 is released. In the state shown in Figures 33 and 34, the gear portion 12 does not interfere with the handle member 21, so even if the electric drive unit is stopped, the handle member 21 can be operated without any problems, and the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 0046. In other words, this embodiment is a drain plug device that can open and close the drain outlet 3a by performing a rotation operation, and can activate the release mechanism by pulling the handle member 21, which is the operating tool, against the rotation axis.

[0049] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of each embodiment, the movement of the inner wire 9b of the release wire 9 toward the drain outlet 3a will be referred to as "forward," and the movement toward the operating unit S will be referred to as "rearward." In addition, "up" and "down" in the description of this embodiment will be described based on the illustration in Figure 35(b). The drain plug device of the seventh embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 35 to 37 has the same configuration as the sixth embodiment except for the handle member 21, so in the explanation of the configuration of the components below, only the handle member 21 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the handle member 21 is made up of a first handle member 21b and a second handle member 21c. The first handle member 21b is a member shaped like a circular bowl placed on its side, and has a handle portion that extends downward from the bottom of the bowl (the front portion in Figure 35(b)) and is gripped by the user. The second handle member 21c is a ring-shaped member, and has an inward gear portion 21a on the inner surface of the ring portion along the inner periphery. The inward gear portion 21a has a length of about half the length of the ring portion in the axial direction, Gear section 12 When the gear portion 21a passes over the inward gear portion 21a and is positioned on the first handle member 21b side (the lower side in each of Figures 35(a) and 36(a)), Gear section 12 However, the meshing with the inward gear portion 21a is released, and the inward gear portion 21a Gear section 12 It is rotatable relative to the Furthermore, the first handle member 21b and the second handle member 21c are connected by a separating shaft 21d. The separating shaft 21d is arranged to coincide with the central axis of the handle member 21, and is composed of a receiving tube portion and a shaft portion, and is configured to abut via an inclined surface. The two are normally in abutting contact as shown in FIG. 36 by a mechanism using a spring. As long as the first handle member 21b is rotated through normal opening and closing operations, the abutting state is maintained. However, if the first handle member 21b is rotated with strong force and the second handle member 21c does not rotate in response, the second handle member 21c is moved rearward along the axial direction of the rotation shaft so as to separate the first handle member 21b and the second handle member 21c along the inclined surface as shown in FIG. 37. When the second handle member 21c is completely moved to the rear side by the separating shaft portion 21d, Gear section 12 and the inward gear portion 21a of the second handle member 21c are released from meshing, and the inward gear portion 21a Gear section 12 It is rotatable relative to the The second annular portion 20 rotates in conjunction with the first handle member 21b, but not in conjunction with the second handle member 21c. In other words, in this embodiment, the electric drive mechanism M operates the second annular portion 20 only when the gear portion 12 operates, the second handle member 21c rotates, and the first handle member 21b connected to the second handle member 21c by the separating shaft portion 21d rotates in conjunction with the second handle member 21c, thereby advancing and retracting the inner wire 9b and opening and closing the drain outlet 3a.

[0050] The drain plug device of the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as the drain plug device of the sixth embodiment except for the handle member 21 described in paragraph 0049 above, and can be installed in the same manner as the sixth embodiment and can be used in the same manner.

[0051] Next, we will explain how to release the electric / manual interlock when the electric mechanism stops mid-operation due to a power outage or damage. If a power outage or damage to the equipment causes the gear of the electric mechanism to stop while meshing with the inward gear portion 21a of the second handle member 21c, the gear portion 12 will not rotate, making it difficult to rotate the handle member 21 and therefore difficult to open and close the drain outlet 3a. In such a case, sufficient stress is applied to the handle member 21 to rotate the handle member 21 to the position shown in Figure 37. Then, the second handle member 21c meshes with the non-rotating gear portion 12 and does not rotate, and only the first handle member 21b rotates, the separating shaft portion 21d enters the separating state as shown in Figure 37, and the second handle member 21c moves to the rear side along the axial direction of the rotation shaft (the first handle member 21b does not move in a plan view). In this way, the second handle member 21c is moved completely to the rear side by the separating shaft portion 21d, Gear section 12 and the inward gear portion 21a of the second handle member 21c are released from meshing, and the inward gear portion 21a Gear section 12 It is rotatable relative to the In the state shown in Figures 36 and 37, the gear portion 12 does not interfere with the handle member 21, so even if the electric drive unit is stopped, the handle member 21 can be operated without any problems, and the drain outlet 3a can be opened and closed in accordance with the procedure described in paragraph 0046. In other words, this embodiment is a drain plug device that opens and closes the drain outlet 3a by rotating the handle member 21, which is an operating tool, and that can select between a state in which the drain outlet 3a is open, a state in which the drain outlet 3a is closed, and a state in which the release mechanism is activated and the interlock is released by rotating the handle member 21 to the position shown in Figure 37.

[0052] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration may be freely changed within the scope of the invention. For example, the tank bodies in the above examples are all bathtubs B in bathrooms, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples and may also be used in washbasins on washstands or sinks on kitchen counters.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, in the drain plug device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, an opening 17a is provided in cover member 17 serving as a cover portion, and the end of release member 16 is configured to be exposed from opening 17a as release button portion 16b. However, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 38 and 39, an opening 17a may not be provided in cover member 17 serving as a cover portion, and release button portion 16b may be covered by cover member 17, and cover member 17 may be removed when release button portion 16b is to be operated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 First casing 1a Tsuba 1b Groove 2 Second casing 3 Drain body 3a Drain 3b Flange 4 Support member 5 Joint members 5a Outlet 5b Insertion part 6 Lid 7 Locking mechanism 7a Locking mechanism body 7b Locking shaft 8 Button parts 8a Insertion part 8b Recess 8c Button member upper surface 8d Button member body 8e Hinge part 9 Release wire 9a outer tube 9b inner wire 9c valve stem 9d Return spring 10 Guide tube 11 Turntable 11a Push-down protrusion 12 Gear section 13 Shaft 13a Fitting hole 13b Convex part 13c Cutout 13d Contact rib 14 Electric side interlocking member 14a Protrusion 14b Slope 14c Elastic claw 14d Rib piece 15a First axial part 15b Second shaft part 15c Push spring member 16 Release member 16a Rod part 16b Release button 17 Cover member 17a opening 18 Drainage hole 19 First Circular Section 20 Second Circular Section 21 Handle member 21a Internal gear section 21b first handle member 21c second handle member 21d Separation shaft part B. Bathtub B1 mounting hole B2 Operation unit mounting hole C1 connection C2 Connected part C3 Connection material M Electric drive mechanism P Rod R Interlocking member S Operation section

Claims

1. A drain plug device that opens and closes a drain outlet provided in a tank body by an operating unit provided at a position separated from the drain outlet, a manual operation mechanism that manually opens and closes the drain outlet; an electric operation mechanism connected to the manual operation mechanism and configured to open and close the drain outlet by linking the movement of a motor with part or all of the manual operation mechanism; the operating unit for operating the manual operation mechanism, The operation unit includes an operation unit main body that is a casing, and an operation tool that is pressed by a user, the operation unit body is provided with a release mechanism that releases the connection between the manual operation mechanism and the electric operation mechanism, A drain plug device characterized in that the release mechanism can be operated from the operating tool side while the operating tool is provided in the operating section.

2. A drain plug device as described in claim 1, characterized in that a small hole is provided in the operating part body or the operating tool, and the release mechanism is activated by inserting a rod-shaped body through the small hole.

3. The drain plug device described in claim 1, characterized in that the release mechanism is activated by excessively pushing the operating tool.

4. A drain plug device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the release mechanism is activated by rotating the operating tool.

5. A drain plug device as described in claim 1, characterized in that a member for activating the release mechanism by moving the operating tool in a direction different from the operating direction is exposed on the surface of the operating part.

6. A drain plug device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a member for activating the release mechanism at a position exposed on the surface of the operating unit main body.

7. A drain plug device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit main body is provided with a cover portion that covers the operating unit main body, and by removing the cover portion, it is possible to operate a member for activating the release mechanism.

8. A drain plug device that opens and closes a drain outlet provided in a tank body by an operating unit provided at a position separated from the drain outlet, a manual operation mechanism that manually opens and closes the drain outlet; an electric operation mechanism connected to the manual operation mechanism and configured to open and close the drain outlet by linking the movement of a motor with part or all of the manual operation mechanism; the operating unit for operating the manual operation mechanism, The operating unit includes an operating unit main body which is a casing, and an operating tool which is rotated by a user, the operation unit body is provided with a release mechanism that releases the connection between the manual operation mechanism and the electric operation mechanism, The release mechanism can be operated while the operating tool is provided in the operating section, A drain plug device characterized in that the release mechanism is activated by pulling the operating tool relative to the rotation shaft.

9. A drain plug device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the manual operating mechanism and the electric operating mechanism are linked again by removing the operating tool from the operating unit main body.

Images