Water-washable toilet

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet bowl capable of sufficiently washing an upper area within a bowl part while suppressing splashing of washing water discharged from a rim water discharge port by placing the rim water discharge port higher up also regarding a height position of the rim water discharge port relative to the bowl part.SOLUTION: A flush toilet bowl 1 according to the present invention has a rim conduit 28 provided inside a rim part on one side with respect to a center axis in a left-right direction of a bowl part, wherein the rim conduit 28 comprises a rear conduit 30, a curbed conduit 32, and a front conduit 34, and the curved conduit comprises: a rising part 40 including a second rising bottom surface 40a that rises from a downstream end of a first rising bottom surface 36 of the rear conduit; a highest part 42 including a highest bottom surface 42a that is provided on a downstream side of the rising part and is the highest position on an entire bottom surface of the rim conduit; and a descending part 44 including a descending bottom surface 44a that descends from a downstream end of the highest bottom surface of the highest part to an upstream end of the front conduit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flushing toilet, and particularly to a flushing toilet that is washed with flushing water to discharge dirt.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a flushing toilet that is washed with flushing water to discharge dirt, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a rim water channel provided inside the rim portion of a toilet body is provided, and flushing water is discharged from a rim water outlet at the downstream end of this rim water channel into the bowl portion to form a swirling flow. In addition, in the above-described conventional flushing toilet, the rim water channel includes a bent water channel whose flow path is bent and extends to the rim water outlet, and an upstream water channel formed on the upstream side of this bent water channel. A water channel expansion portion where the cross-sectional area of the water channel expands toward the downstream side is formed at the downstream end portion of the upstream water channel. And since the flushing water in the upstream water channel of the rim water channel flows into the bent water channel in a state where its flow velocity is reduced by passing through the water channel expansion portion, when the flushing water flows into the bent water channel, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubble rupture and turbulent flow.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional flushing toilet described in Patent Document 1 above, when the flushing water in the upstream water channel of the rim water channel flows into the bent water channel from the water channel expansion portion, the flow velocity is in a reduced state. Therefore, in order to maintain the water pressure of the cleaning water as it flows out of the bent channel and is discharged from the rim outlet while suppressing splashing, it is necessary to set the flow vector of the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet downwards. As a result, the height of the rim outlet must be lowered, which presents a problem as it may not be possible to adequately clean the upper area inside the bowl. Therefore, a recent challenge is how to position the rim spout higher relative to the bowl in order to suppress splashing of the cleaning water discharged from the rim spout while still being able to thoroughly clean the upper area inside the bowl.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the problems of the prior art described above and the issues that have been requested in recent years, and aims to provide a flush toilet that can thoroughly clean the upper area inside the bowl while suppressing splashing of the flushing water discharged from the rim outlet by positioning the rim outlet higher relative to the bowl. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flush toilet that washes and discharges waste using flushing water supplied from a flushing water source, comprising: a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface; a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface; a pot portion provided below the waste receiving surface and forming a water reservoir with the stored water; a rim water channel provided inside the rim portion on one side of the central axis of the bowl portion in the left-right direction, which guides the flushing water supplied from the flushing water source to the bowl portion; and a rim water outlet provided at the downstream end of the rim water channel, which discharges the flushing water in the rim water channel into the bowl portion from the rim water outlet to form a swirling flow, wherein the rim water channel is provided behind and upstream. The device comprises a rear water conduit, a front water conduit provided in front of and downstream of the rear water conduit, and a bent water conduit that extends from the downstream end of the rear water conduit toward the outside of the rim portion, then bends toward the inside of the rim portion and connects to the upstream end of the front water conduit. The rim discharge port is provided at the downstream end of the front water conduit and configured to discharge water toward the rear. The bent water conduit is characterized by comprising an upward section that rises in the direction of its flow path, a highest section provided downstream of the upward section and including a highest bottom surface which is the highest position on the entire bottom surface of the rim water conduit, and a downward section provided downstream of the highest section and including a downward bottom surface which descends from the downstream end of the highest bottom surface to the upstream end of the front water conduit. In the present invention configured in this way, the rising portion of the curved water conduit rises in the direction of the flow path to the rearmost part, which includes the highest bottom surface that is the highest position on the entire bottom surface of the rim water conduit. As a result, the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water source to the rim water channel can move from the rear water channel to the bent water channel, and then rise along the rising section of the bent water channel to the highest point. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the rim channel descends from the highest bottom surface of the highest part of the bent channel, through the lower bottom surface of the descending part, to the forward channel. As a result, the cleaning water that reaches the highest point of the bent channel from the upstream side descends from the highest bottom surface of the bent channel along the lower bottom surface of the descending section to the forward channel, and then is discharged from the rim outlet at the downstream end of the forward channel toward the rear of the bowl section, thereby forming a swirling flow. At this time, the highest point of the curved water channel allows the cleaning water descending from its highest bottom surface along the lower bottom surface of the descending section to the front water channel to form a large downward flow vector toward the rim outlet. This makes it easier to direct the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet into the rear bowl section and also makes it less likely for water to splash upwards. Furthermore, since the highest point of the curved channel of the rim water channel can be positioned higher than the bowl section, the height position of the rim outlet relative to the bowl section can also be positioned higher. Therefore, the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet towards the rear of the bowl can thoroughly clean the upper area of ​​the bowl as well.

[0007] In the present invention, preferably, the descending portion of the curved water conduit further includes a top surface provided above the descending bottom surface, and this top surface is provided with a descending top surface that descends from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the downward slope angle of the descending top surface with respect to the horizontal plane is set to be greater than the downward slope angle of the descending bottom surface with respect to the horizontal plane. In the present invention configured in this way, the cleaning water rising along the rising section of the bent channel of the rim channel forms a flow that tends to rise due to centrifugal force even when it flows to the highest bottom surface of the highest section of the bent channel. As a result, the dimensions and shape of the top surface of the bent conduit have a greater influence on the flow vector of the cleaning water within the bent conduit compared to the dimensions and shape of the bottom surface of the bent conduit. However, when the cleaning water flows from the highest bottom surface of the highest part of the curved water channel along the lower bottom surface of the lowering section, the downward slope angle of the lower top surface of the lowering section of the curved water channel relative to the horizontal plane is set to be greater than the downward slope angle of the lower bottom surface of the lowering section of the curved water channel relative to the horizontal plane. As a result, when the cleaning water that has flowed along the highest bottom surface of the highest part of the curved water channel descends from the lowering section of the curved water channel to the forward water channel, a large downward flow vector can be formed toward the rim discharge port. Therefore, the washing water discharged from the rim outlet can be more easily directed into the bowl section at the rear, and upward splashing can be less likely to occur. Therefore, since the highest point of the bent channel of the rim channel can be positioned higher than the bowl section, the position of the rim outlet relative to the bowl section can also be positioned higher. As a result, the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet towards the rear of the bowl allows for thorough cleaning of the upper area within the bowl.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the curved water conduit further includes a maximum curvature section where the radius of curvature in a plan view on its inner circumferential surface is minimized, and the highest point is located upstream of the maximum curvature section. In the present invention configured in this way, the point of maximum curvature where the radius of curvature in a plan view is smallest on the inner surface of the bent water conduit greatly influences the dimensions and shape of the bent water conduit, and is a point that significantly changes the direction of the flow of cleaning water within the bent water conduit. However, because the highest point of the bent conduit is located upstream of the point of maximum curvature, the point of maximum curvature is located in the descending section of the bent conduit. As a result, when the washing water that flows over the highest bottom surface of the highest point of the bent conduit descends from the descending section of the bent conduit to the forward conduit, it is possible to form a large downward flow vector toward the rim discharge port. Therefore, the washing water discharged from the rim outlet can be more easily directed into the bowl section at the rear, and upward splashing can be less likely to occur. Therefore, since the highest point of the bent channel of the rim channel can be positioned higher than the bowl section, the position of the rim outlet relative to the bowl section can also be positioned higher. As a result, the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet towards the rear of the bowl allows for thorough cleaning of the upper area within the bowl.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the rim discharge portion further includes a stepped portion provided near the downstream side of the rim discharge port, and this stepped portion forms an opening region that is expanded upward from the opening region of the rim discharge port. In the present invention configured as described above, the rim discharge section includes a stepped section provided near the downstream side of the rim discharge port, and this stepped section forms an opening area that is expanded upward from the opening area of ​​the rim discharge port. Therefore, the cleaning water discharged from the rim discharge port can suppress the so-called "Coanda effect," in which the cleaning water discharged from the rim discharge port is drawn from the rim discharge port to the top surface of the stepped section, or attempts to maintain flow along the top surface downstream of the rim discharge port. Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the upward splashing of the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of water splashing from the bowl to the outside due to the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the descending bottom surface of the descending section of the bent water conduit is a first descending bottom surface, the forward water conduit includes a second descending bottom surface that descends from the downstream end of the first descending bottom surface of the descending section of the bent water conduit to the rim discharge port, and the downward slope angle of the bottom surface of the rim discharge port descending with respect to the horizontal plane from the upstream side to the downstream side is set to be smaller than the downward slope angle of the first descending bottom surface or the second descending bottom surface descending with respect to the horizontal plane. In the present invention configured as described above, the downward inclination angle at which the bottom surface of the rim water discharge portion descends with respect to the horizontal plane from the upstream side to the downstream side is set to be smaller than the downward inclination angle at which the first descending bottom surface of the descending portion of the bent water channel or the second descending bottom surface of the front water channel descends with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, for the washing water immediately after being discharged from the rim water discharge port, it can be temporarily directed to the upper region inside the bowl portion while suppressing water splashing to the outside of the bowl portion. Therefore, the washing water discharged from the rim water discharge port can sufficiently wash the upper region inside the bowl portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the water-washed toilet of the present invention, by arranging the height position of the rim water discharge port with respect to the bowl portion higher, it is possible to sufficiently wash the upper region inside the bowl portion while suppressing water splashing of the washing water discharged from the rim water discharge port.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a schematic plan view of a water-washed toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] In the schematic plan view of the water-washed toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, it is a partially enlarged plan view of the portion of the second rim water channel of the toilet body. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] A flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. First, Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a ceramic toilet bowl body 2. The toilet body 2 comprises a water channel 4, a bowl-shaped bowl section 6, and a drain trap section 8 with an inlet 8a connected below the bowl section 6, extending from the upstream side to the downstream side. As a result, the flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a so-called "siphon-type flush toilet" that uses the siphon action to suck up the waste in the bowl 6 and discharge it to the outside all at once from the drain trap 8. Furthermore, the flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the form of a siphon-type flush toilet, but can also be applied to the form of a so-called "wash-down type flush toilet" that washes away waste with the flowing water action caused by the difference in water level in the bowl.

[0014] Furthermore, in the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a toilet seat (not shown) and a toilet lid (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the toilet body 2, but since this is the same as the structure of a conventional flush toilet, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the toilet bowl 2, behind the toilet seat (not shown) and toilet lid (not shown), functional parts (not shown) such as a sanitary washing section (not shown) for washing the user's private parts and a water supply system functional section involved in the water supply function to the toilet bowl 2 may be provided. However, since these are the same as the structure of conventional flush toilets, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0015] Next, as shown in Figure 1, a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a gravity-fed water storage tank 10, which is a water source for flushing toilets, storing the flushing water used for flushing the toilet bowl and supplying it to the toilet bowl body 2. In this embodiment, the water source that supplies flushing water to the toilet bowl 2 is not limited to a tank-type configuration such as the gravity-fed water storage tank 10 described above, but can be applied to other configurations as well. That is, the water source that supplies flushing water to the toilet bowl 2 may be a direct-pressure type configuration that directly utilizes the water supply pressure of the tap water, a flush valve type configuration, or a configuration that supplies flushing water using the supplemental pressure of a pump.

[0016] Next, in the flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, in a plan view of the bowl portion 6 of the toilet body 2, the central axis extending horizontally to the left and right so as to bisect the front-to-back direction with respect to the pot portion 12 provided in the left-right center of the bowl portion 6 is indicated by the symbol "X". Furthermore, in the plan view of the bowl portion 6 of the toilet body 2 shown in Figure 1, the central axis extending horizontally in the front-to-back direction so as to bisect the bowl portion 6 in the left-to-right direction is indicated by the symbol "Y". Furthermore, in the plan view of the bowl portion 6 of the toilet body 2 shown in Figure 1, the intersection of the respective central axes X and Y is defined as the center O of the bowl portion 6 in the plan view, and the central axis extending vertically through this center O is indicated by the symbol "Z" in Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the front, back, left, and right directions of the flush toilet 1 are indicated as "front," "back," "left," and "right," respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the area within the bowl portion 6 that is forward of the central axis X is defined as the "front region F of the bowl portion 6". In addition, within this front region F of the bowl portion 6, the left region L and the right region R are defined as the "left front region LF of the bowl portion 6" and the "right front region RF of the bowl portion 6" with respect to the central axis Y in the horizontal front-rear direction of the bowl portion 6, respectively. Similarly, within the bowl portion 6, the area behind the central axis X is defined as the "rear area B of the bowl portion 6". Furthermore, within this rear area B of the bowl portion 6, the left area L and the right area R are defined as the "left rear area LB of the bowl portion 6" and the "right rear area RB of the bowl portion 6" with respect to the horizontal front-rear central axis Y of the bowl portion 6, respectively.

[0018] Next, as shown in Figure 1, the water conduit 4 located upstream of the toilet bowl body 2 is formed on the rear side of the bowl portion 6 and guides the flushing water supplied from the water storage tank 10 to the bowl portion 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bowl portion 6 located downstream of the water conduit 4 of the toilet body 2 is equipped with a pot portion 12 connected to the inlet 8a of the drain trap portion 8, a waste receiving surface 14, a shelf portion 16, and a rim portion 18, extending from bottom to top. Furthermore, a first rim outlet 20 is provided on the front side of the rim portion 18 in the left rear region LB of the bowl portion 6, and a second rim outlet 22 is provided on the rear side of the rim portion 18 in the right rear region RB of the bowl portion 6.

[0019] Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water conduit 4 comprises a main water channel 24, a first rim water conduit 26, and a second rim water conduit 28. First, the main water channel 24 is a central water channel located inside the center of the left-right direction on the rear side of the bowl portion 6 in the toilet body 2, and is formed to extend in the front-rear direction from the rear inlet 4a connected to the water storage tank 10 to the vicinity of the rear side of the front bowl portion 6. Next, the first rim water channel 26 is formed inside the rim portion 18 of the left rear region LB of the bowl portion 6, branching off from the front end of the main channel 24 to the left side of the bowl portion 6 near the rear side of the bowl portion 6, and then extending to the first rim outlet 20 on the front side while bypassing the outer circumferential surface of the bowl portion 6. As a result, the cleaning water supplied from the main channel 24 to the first rim channel 26 is discharged forward as the first rim discharge from the first rim outlet 20 toward the shelf section 16 in front of it, and then forms a swirling flow within the bowl section 6, passing from the left front region LF through the right front region RF to the right rear region RB.

[0020] Next, the second rim water channel 28 branches off from the main water channel 24 to the right side of the bowl section 6 near the rear side of the bowl section 6, then bends (U-turns) towards the second rim outlet 22 on the left side near the right side of the toilet body 2, and is formed inside the rear side of the rim section 18 in the right rear region RB of the bowl section 6 so as to extend to the second rim outlet 22. As a result, the cleaning water supplied from the main channel 24 to the second rim channel 28 is discharged from the second rim outlet 22 towards the shelf section 16 behind it as the second rim discharge, then swirls from the right rear area RB through the left rear area LB to the left front area LF within the bowl section 6, and finally flows from this left front area LF into the front area within the pot section 12. Furthermore, a portion of the water discharged from the second rim outlet 22 flows into the rear area of ​​the bowl portion 12 from the waste receiving surface 14 in the area behind the bowl portion 12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the shelf portion 16 of the bowl portion 6 is provided between the outer edge of the waste receiving surface 14 and the lower end of the rim portion 18. However, it is not necessarily required that the shelf portion 16 be provided. The shelf portion 16 may be omitted, and the first rim discharge and the second rim discharge, which are discharged from the first rim discharge port 20 and the second rim discharge port 22 respectively, may be discharged directly to the upper edge of the waste receiving surface 14 without passing through the shelf portion 16. Furthermore, details of each water channel in the entire section of the second rim water channel 28, as well as the water channels near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port 22, will be described later.

[0021] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 7, we will describe the details of each channel in the entire section of the second rim channel 28, as well as the channel near the downstream side of the second rim outlet 22. First, Figure 3 is a partially enlarged plan view of the second rim water channel of the toilet body, in the schematic plan view of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, Figures 4 to 7 are cross-sectional views along lines IV-IV, VV, VI-VI, and VII-VII, respectively, in Figure 3. Here, in the section of the second rim water conduit 28 shown in Figures 3 to 7, each water conduit and the water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port 22 are indicated by the symbols P1 to P8, from upstream to downstream, at the respective boundary positions of adjacent water conduits.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the second rim water channel 28 is equipped with a rear water channel 30, a bend in the water channel 32, and a front water channel 34, respectively, from the upstream side to the downstream side. First, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the rear conduit 30 is the most rearmost conduit in the entire section of the second rim conduit 28. Furthermore, the inner end 30a of this rear conduit 30 in the left-right direction (the upstream end at position P1) is connected to one side in the left-right direction of the front end 24a of the main conduit 24 (the right side when viewing the main conduit 24 from the front as shown in Figure 3).

[0023] Next, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the forward water conduit 34 is a water conduit located forward of the rear water conduit 30. The second rim outlet 22 is provided at the inner ends of the forward water conduit 34 in the left-right direction (the inner end 34a and the downstream end of the forward water conduit 34). As a result, the cleaning water discharged from the second rim outlet 22 is discharged toward the rear area of ​​the waste receiving surface 14, which is located inward in the left-right direction and on the rear side of the pot portion 12.

[0024] Next, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, the curved water channel 32 is a water channel provided between the rear water channel 30 and the front water channel 34, and is the outermost water channel in the left-right direction (the rightmost channel when viewing the second rim water channel 28 from the front) within the entire length of the second rim water channel 28. Furthermore, in the bent water conduit 32, the rearmost and innermost ends in the left-right direction (the rear inner end 32a and the upstream end of the bent water conduit 32) are connected to the outer end 30b (downstream end) of the rear water conduit 30 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the curved water channel 32 extends from its rear inner end 32a toward the left-right outer side of the rim portion 18 (to the right in the left-right direction when viewing the second rim water channel 28 from the front side), and is formed to curve toward the left-right inner side of the rim portion 18 (towards the waste receiving surface 14 of the bowl portion 6) from its left-right outer end 32b. As a result, the front and inner ends of the bent water channel 32 (the front inner end 32c and the downstream end of the bent water channel 32) are connected to the outer ends of the forward water channel 34 (the outer end 34b and the upstream end of the forward water channel 34).

[0025] Here, the interface (flow channel cross-section S1) between the rear conduit 30 and the bent conduit 32 is defined as the flow channel cross-section at the point where the inner inner surface 30c and outer inner surface 30d, which extend linearly in the left-right direction (with a curvature of 0) in the rear conduit 30 as shown in the plan view of Figure 3, transition to the inner inner surface 32d and outer inner surface 32e, which have a radius of curvature (with a curvature greater than 0) in the bent conduit 32 as shown in the plan view of Figure 3. Similarly, the interface (flow channel cross-section S2) between the bent water conduit 32 and the forward water conduit 34 is defined as the flow channel cross-section at the point where the inner inner surface 32d and outer inner surface 32e, which have a radius of curvature (curvature greater than 0) in the bent water conduit 32 as shown in the plan view of Figure 3, transition to the inner inner surface 34c and outer inner surface 34d, which extend linearly in the left-right direction (curvature becomes 0) in the forward water conduit 34 as shown in the plan view of Figure 3.

[0026] Next, as shown in Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7, the rear water conduit 30 is equipped with a first rising bottom surface 36 (upstream rising bottom surface 36a, downstream rising bottom surface 36b) which causes the wash water supplied from the main water conduit 24 side to rise towards the bent water conduit 32. Furthermore, the upstream rising bottom surface 36a of the rear water conduit 30 is formed to rise upward in a convex curve shape from the upstream end 36c connected to the front end 24a of the main water channel 24 to the downstream end 36d (position P2) connected to the downstream rising bottom surface 36b, as seen in the longitudinal cross-sectional view in Figures 5 and 7. On the other hand, the downstream rising bottom surface 36b of the rear water conduit 30 is formed to rise gently in a nearly flat or linear manner from the downstream end 36d of the upstream rising bottom surface 36a to the downstream end 36e (position P3) which is connected to the upstream end 32a of the bent water conduit 32, as seen in the longitudinal cross-sectional view in Figures 5 and 7. Furthermore, the rear water conduit 30 is provided with top surfaces 38 (upstream top surface 38a and downstream top surface 38b) formed to face the upper side of the upstream raised bottom surface 36a and the downstream raised bottom surface 36b of the rear water conduit 30, respectively. Each of these top surfaces 38a and 38b of the rear water conduit 30 is formed to be substantially flat from its upstream end to its downstream end.

[0027] Next, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the curved water conduit 32 is equipped with an ascending section 40, a highest section 42, and a descending section 44, respectively, from the upstream side to the downstream side. First, the rising section 40 of the bent water conduit 32 includes a rising bottom surface 40a, which is a second rising bottom surface rising from the downstream end 36e of the rising bottom surface 36 of the rear water conduit 30. Furthermore, the rising section 40 includes a rising top surface 40b that is formed above and opposite to the rising bottom surface 40a and rises from the upstream side to the downstream side. Next, the highest point 42 (position P4) of the curved water channel 32 is provided at the downstream end of the raised bottom surface 40a of the rising section 40 and has a highest bottom surface 42a which is the highest position on the entire bottom surface of the second rim water channel 28. Furthermore, the rising section 40 is provided above and opposite to the highest bottom surface 42a and has a highest top surface 42b which is the highest position on the entire top surface of the second rim water channel 28.

[0028] Furthermore, the descending section 44 of the curved water conduit 32 is provided on the downstream side of the highest section 42 and includes a descending bottom surface 44a that descends from the downstream end of the highest bottom surface 42a to the upstream end 34b of the forward water conduit 34 (from upstream to downstream). The descending section 44 also includes a descending top surface 44b that is formed opposite to the descending bottom surface 44a and descends from upstream to downstream. Here, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the descending section 44 of the bent water conduit 32, the downward slope angle α of the descending top surface 44b relative to the horizontal plane is set to be greater than the downward slope angle β of the descending bottom surface 44a relative to the horizontal plane (α > β).

[0029] Next, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the descending section 44 of the bent water conduit 32 further includes a section with maximum curvature 46 where the radius of curvature in a plan view of its inner circumferential surface 32d is minimized. As a result, the position P4 of the highest point 42 of the bent water conduit 32 is located upstream of the position P5 of the point with the greatest curvature 46.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the forward water conduit 34 is provided with a second descending bottom surface (descending bottom surface 48) that gradually descends from the upstream side to the downstream side, from the downstream end 44c (position P6) of the first descending bottom surface (descending bottom surface 44a) of the descending section 44 of the bent water conduit 32 to the second rim discharge port 22 (position P7). As a result, the downstream end 48a of the downward-sloping bottom surface 48 of the forward water conduit 34 becomes the bottom surface 22a of the second rim discharge port 22. Furthermore, the downward slope angle γ of the downward bottom surface 48 of the forward water conduit 34, which slopes downward relative to the horizontal plane from the upstream side to the downstream side, is set to be smaller than the downward slope angle β of the downward bottom surface 44a of the downward section 44 of the bent water conduit 32, which slopes downward relative to the horizontal plane (γ < β). Furthermore, the forward water conduit 34 is provided with a top surface 50 that is formed to face the upper part of its lowered bottom surface 48. Here, the downward slope angle δ of the top surface 50 of the forward water conduit 34 as it descends from the upstream side to the downstream side relative to the horizontal plane is set to be smaller than the downward slope angle α of the descending top surface 44b of the descending section 44 of the bent water conduit 32 as it descends relative to the horizontal plane (δ < α).

[0031] Next, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the water conduit 52 near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port 22 is a rim discharge section equipped with a descending bottom surface 54 that is formed to descend gently in a nearly flat or linear manner. Furthermore, the downward slope angle ε of the downward bottom surface 54 of the water conduit 52 near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port 22, which slopes downward with respect to the horizontal plane from upstream to downstream, is set to be smaller than the downward slope angle β of the downward bottom surface 44a of the downward section 44 of the bent water conduit 32, and the downward slope angle γ of the downward bottom surface 48 of the forward water conduit 34, which slopes downward with respect to the horizontal plane from upstream to downstream (ε < β, γ).

[0032] Next, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the water conduit 52 near the downstream side of the second rim outlet 22, a stepped portion 56 is provided, which is formed in a stepped shape extending inward from the second rim outlet 22 in the left-right direction (towards the waste receiving surface 14 and downstream). Furthermore, the stepped portion 56 is provided with a top surface 56a that is positioned opposite to the lowered bottom surface 54 of the water conduit 52 near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port 22. The top surface 56a of this stepped portion 56 is formed in an upward concave shape so that the flow path cross-sectional area near the downstream side of the second rim outlet 22 expands from the outer side (upstream side) in the left-right direction towards the downstream end 56b (position P8) on the inner side (downstream side). As a result, the stepped portion 56 forms an opening region A2 that is expanded upwards from the opening region A1 of the second rim outlet 22.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figures 1 to 7, the operation of the flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained. According to the flush toilet 1 of the embodiment described above, the bottom surface of the second rim water channel 28 rises from the first raised bottom surface 36 of the rear water channel 30 to the second raised bottom surface 40a of the raised section 40 of the bent water channel 32, and this second raised bottom surface 40a of the raised section 40 of the bent water channel 32 rises to the highest point 42. As a result, the cleaning water W supplied from the cleaning water source (storage tank 10) through the main water channel 24 to the second rim water channel 28 rises along the first rising bottom surface 36 of the rear water channel 30 towards the bent water channel 32, and then rises along the second rising bottom surface 40a of the rising section 40 of the bent water channel 32 to the highest point 42. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the second rim water channel 28 descends from the highest bottom surface 42a of the highest part 42 of the bent water channel 32, through the descending bottom surface 44a of the descending part 44, to the forward water channel 34. As a result, the washing water W that reaches the highest point 42 of the bent water channel 32 from the upstream side descends from the highest bottom surface 42a of the highest point 42 of the bent water channel 32 along the descending bottom surface 44a of the descending section 44 to the forward water channel 34, and then is discharged from the second rim discharge port 22 at the downstream end 34a of the forward water channel 34 toward the rear of the waste receiving surface 14 of the bowl section 6, thereby forming a swirling flow. At this time, the highest point 42 of the curved water conduit 32 allows the washing water W descending from its highest bottom surface 42a along the descending bottom surface 44a of the descending section 44 to the forward water conduit 34 to have a larger downward flow vector (flow velocity V) toward the second rim discharge port 22 (see Figure 6). This makes it easier to direct the washing water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 into the rear bowl section 6, and also makes it less likely for water to splash upwards. Furthermore, since the highest point 42 of the bent water channel 32 of the second rim water channel 28 can be positioned higher than the bowl portion 6, the height position of the second rim water outlet 22 relative to the bowl portion 6 can also be positioned higher. Therefore, the cleaning water discharged from the second rim outlet 22 to the rear of the bowl portion 6 can thoroughly clean the upper area of ​​the bowl portion 6 as well.

[0034] Next, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the flushing water W rising from the first raised bottom surface 36 of the rear water channel 30 of the second rim water channel 28 along the second raised bottom surface 40a of the raised section 40 of the bent water channel 32 forms a flow that tends to rise due to centrifugal force even when it flows to the highest bottom surface 42a of the highest section 42 of the bent water channel 32. As a result, the dimensions and shape of the top surface of the bent water conduit 32 have a greater influence on the flow vector (flow velocity V) of the cleaning water W within the bent water conduit 32 compared to the dimensions and shape of the bottom surface of the bent water conduit 32. However, when the washing water W flows from the highest bottom surface 42a of the highest part 42 of the bent water conduit 32 along the lower bottom surface 44a of the lower part 44, the downward slope angle α of the lower top surface 44b of the lower part 44 of the bent water conduit 32 is set to be greater than the downward slope angle β of the lower bottom surface a of the lower part 44 of the bent water conduit 32 with respect to the horizontal plane (α>β). Therefore, when the washing water W that has flowed over the highest bottom surface 42a of the highest part 42 of the bent water channel 32 descends from the descending section 44 of the bent water channel 32 to the forward water channel 34, the downward flow vector (flow velocity V) toward the second rim discharge port 22 can be increased. Therefore, the washing water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 can be easily directed into the rear bowl section 6, and upward splashing can be reduced. Therefore, since the highest point 42 of the bent water channel 32 of the second rim water channel 28 can be positioned higher than the bowl portion 6, the position of the second rim water outlet 22 relative to the bowl portion 6 can also be positioned higher. As a result, the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 to the rear of the bowl section 6 can thoroughly clean the upper area of ​​the bowl section as well.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the point of maximum curvature 46, where the radius of curvature in a plan view is smallest on the inner circumferential surface 32d of the bent water channel 32, greatly influences the dimensions and shape of the bent water channel 32, and is a point that significantly changes the direction of the flow of flushing water W within the bent water channel 32. However, according to this embodiment, since the position P4 of the highest point 42 of the bent water conduit 32 is located upstream of the position P5 of the maximum curvature 46 of the bent water conduit 32, the maximum curvature 46 of the bent water conduit 32 is located in the descending section 44 of the bent water conduit 32. As a result, when the washing water W that has flowed over the highest bottom surface 42a of the highest part 42 of the bent water channel 32 descends from the descending section 44 of the bent water channel 32 to the forward water channel 34, it is possible to form a large downward flow vector (flow velocity V) toward the second rim discharge port 22. Therefore, the washing water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 can be easily directed into the rear bowl section 6, and upward splashing can be reduced. Therefore, since the highest point 42 of the bent water channel 32 of the second rim water channel 28 can be positioned higher than the bowl portion 6, the position of the second rim water outlet 22 relative to the bowl portion 6 can also be positioned higher. As a result, the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 to the rear of the bowl portion 6 can thoroughly clean the upper area of ​​the bowl portion 6 as well.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the water conduit 52 near the downstream side of the second rim outlet 22, which is the rim water discharge section, is equipped with a stepped portion 56 provided near the downstream side of the second rim outlet 22. This stepped portion 56 forms an opening region A2 that is expanded upward from the opening region A1 of the second rim outlet 22. Therefore, the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 can be affected by the stepped portion 56 near the downstream side of the second rim outlet 22. This step portion 56 prevents the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 from being drawn towards the top surface 56a of the stepped portion 56, or from attempting to maintain flow along the top surface 56a downstream of the second rim outlet 22. This is known as the "Coanda effect." Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the upward splashing of the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of water splashing from the bowl portion 6 to the outside due to the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22.

[0037] Furthermore, in the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment, the downward inclination angle ε of the downward bottom surface 54 of the water conduit 52 near the downstream side of the second rim water outlet 22, which is the rim water outlet, as it descends with respect to the horizontal plane from the upstream side to the downstream side, is set to be smaller than the downward inclination angle β of the downward bottom surface 44a of the downward section 44 of the bent water conduit 32 as it descends with respect to the horizontal plane, and the downward inclination angle γ of the downward bottom surface 48 of the front water conduit 34 as it descends with respect to the horizontal plane from the upstream side to the downstream side (ε < β, γ). Therefore, the washing water W immediately after being discharged from the second rim outlet 22 can be temporarily directed to the upper area inside the bowl 6 while suppressing splashing of water outside the bowl 6. Therefore, the cleaning water W discharged from the second rim outlet 22 can thoroughly clean the upper area within the bowl portion 6.

[0038] In the flush toilet 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, a configuration was described in which the downstream water channel of the main water channel 24 is equipped with two rim water channels: a first rim water channel 26 including a first rim outlet 20, and a second rim water channel 28 including a second rim outlet 22. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration in which the first rim water channel 26 including the first rim outlet 20 is omitted and only the second rim water channel including the second rim outlet 22 is adopted is also applicable. Furthermore, in a configuration that employs only the second rim water channel including the second rim outlet 22, instead of the main water channel 24 (central water channel) provided in the center of the rear side of the bowl portion 6 in the toilet bowl body 2 of the flush toilet 1 of the above-described embodiment, which extends in the front-to-back direction, a main water channel that extends diagonally forward from the rear and center of the inlet 4a connected to the water storage tank 10 to the upper end of the second rim water channel on one side of the toilet bowl body in the left-to-right direction may be adopted as the main water channel upstream of the second rim water channel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1 flush toilet 2 Toilet bowl 4. Water conduit 4a Entrance to the water conduit 6 Bowl section 8. Drain trap section 8a Inlet of drain trap section 10 Water storage tanks 12. Jar section 14. Waste receiving surface 14a Lower edge of the waste receiving surface 16 Shelf 18 Rim section 20 First rim outlet 22. Second rim outlet (rim outlet section) 22a Bottom surface of the second rim outlet 24 Leading waterway 24a Front end of the main channel 26. First Rim Waterway 28. Second Rim Waterway 30 Rear water intake channel 30a Inner end of the rear water conduit, upstream end of the rear water conduit 30b Outer end of the rear water conduit, downstream end of the rear water conduit 30c Inner surface of the rear water conduit 30d Outer inner surface of the rear water conduit 32. Curved water conduit 32a Rear inner end of the bent conduit, upstream end of the bent conduit 32b Outer end of the bent water conduit 32c Front inner end of the bend in the conduit, downstream end of the bend in the conduit 32d Inner surface of the curved water conduit 32e Outer and inner circumferential surfaces of the curved water conduit 34. Forward water conduit 34a Inner end and downstream end of the forward water conduit 34b Outer end and upstream end of the forward water conduit 36. The raised bottom surface of the rear water conduit (first raised bottom surface) 36a Upstream raised bottom surface of the rear water conduit (first raised bottom surface) 36b Downstream rising bottom surface of the rear water conduit (first rising bottom surface) 36c Upstream end of the raised bottom surface on the upstream side of the rear water conduit 36d Downstream end of the raised bottom surface on the upstream side of the rear water conduit 36e Downstream end of the rising bottom surface on the downstream side of the rear water conduit 38 Top surface of the rear water conduit 38a Upstream side of the rear water conduit 38b Downstream side of the rear water conduit 40. Upward section of the winding water conduit 40a The raised bottom surface (second raised bottom surface) of the rising section of the bent water conduit. 40b Elevated top surface of the rising section of the bent water conduit 42 The highest point of the winding water conduit 42a Highest bottom surface of the highest part of the bent water conduit 42b Elevated ceiling of the highest point of the curved water conduit 44. Downward section of the winding water conduit 44a The lower bottom surface of the downward section of the bent water conduit (first lower bottom surface) 44b Lowered top surface of the descending section of the bent water conduit 44c Downstream end of the descending bottom surface of the descending section of the bent water conduit 46. ​​The section of the winding water conduit with the greatest curvature. 48. Downward-sloping bottom surface of the forward water conduit (second downward-sloping bottom surface) 48a Downstream end of the descending bottom surface of the forward water conduit 50 Top surface of the forward water conduit 52. Water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge outlet (rim discharge section) 54 Downward bottom surface of the water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge outlet 56 Stepped section of the water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port 56a Top surface of the stepped section 56b Downstream end of the top surface of the stepped section A1 Opening area of ​​the second rim outlet A2 Opening area of ​​the stepped section of the water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge port B Rear area of ​​the bowl F Anterior region of the bowl section Left side area of ​​the L-shaped bowl Left rear area of ​​the LB bowl LF (Left Front Area of ​​Bowl) O The center of the bowl section, the center of the vase section in the front-to-back direction. P1 Upstream end location of the rear water conduit P2 Downstream end positions of the upstream raised bottom surface and upstream top surface of the rear water conduit P3: Downstream end location of the rear conduit, upstream end location of the rising section of the bend in the conduit. P4 Highest point of the curved water conduit P5 Position of the maximum curvature in the descending section of the bent water conduit P6 Downstream end position of the descending section of the bend in the water conduit P7 Position of the downstream end of the forward water conduit, position of the second rim discharge port P8 Downstream end of stepped section of water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge outlet Right side of the R bowl section RB Bowl section, right rear area Right front area of ​​the RF bowl S1 Interface between the rear water conduit and the bendable water conduit S2 Interface between the curved water conduit and the forward water conduit V: Flow velocity of the washing water (vector of the washing water flow) W Cleaning Water The horizontal left-right central axis of the X-shaped bowl section. The horizontal front-to-back central axis of the Y-shaped bowl section. The vertical central axis passing through the center of the Z bowl section. α Downward slope angle at the descending top surface of the downward section of the bent water conduit β Downward slope angle at the descending bottom surface (first descending bottom surface) of the downward section of the bent water conduit γ Downward slope angle at the downward bottom surface (second downward bottom surface) of the forward water conduit. δ Downward slope angle at the top surface of the forward water conduit ε Downward slope angle at the descending bottom surface of the water conduit near the downstream side of the second rim discharge outlet

Claims

1. A flush toilet that is cleaned and discharges waste using flushing water supplied from a flushing water source, A bowl-shaped waste receiving surface, a rim formed above the waste receiving surface, and a pot-shaped section provided below the waste receiving surface to form a water reservoir, the bowl section comprising these, A rim water channel is provided inside the rim portion on one side of the central axis of the bowl portion in the left-right direction, and guides the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water source to the bowl portion side. This rim water channel includes a rim discharge port located at the downstream end of the rim water channel, and a rim discharge section that discharges the cleaning water from the rim water channel into the bowl section from the rim discharge port to form a swirling flow, The rim water channel comprises a rear water channel provided behind and upstream of the rear water channel, a front water channel provided ahead and downstream of the rear water channel, and a bent water channel that extends from the downstream end of the rear water channel toward the outside of the rim, then bends toward the inside of the rim and connects to the upstream end of the front water channel, and the rim discharge port is provided at the downstream end of the front water channel and configured to discharge water toward the rear. The above-mentioned curved water conduit comprises an upward section that rises in the direction of its flow path, a highest section provided downstream of the upward section and including the highest bottom surface which is the highest position on the entire bottom surface of the rim water conduit, and a downward section provided downstream of the highest section and including a downward bottom surface which descends from the downstream end of the highest bottom surface to the upstream end of the forward water conduit. The descending section of the curved water channel further includes a top surface provided above the descending bottom surface, and this top surface is equipped with a descending top surface that descends from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the downward slope angle of the descending top surface with respect to the horizontal plane is set to be greater than the downward slope angle of the descending bottom surface with respect to the horizontal plane, characterized in that a flush toilet.

2. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned curved water channel further comprises a maximum curvature section where the radius of curvature in a plan view on its inner circumferential surface is minimized, and the highest section is located upstream of the maximum curvature section.

3. The flush toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rim water outlet further includes a stepped portion provided near the downstream side of the rim water outlet, and this stepped portion forms an opening area that is expanded upward from the opening area of ​​the rim water outlet.

4. A flush toilet that is cleaned and discharges waste by flushing water supplied from a flushing water source, A bowl-shaped waste receiving surface, a rim formed above the waste receiving surface, and a pot-shaped section provided below the waste receiving surface to form a water reservoir, the bowl section comprising these, A rim water channel is provided inside the rim portion on one side of the central axis of the bowl portion in the left-right direction, and guides the cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water source to the bowl portion side. This rim water channel includes a rim discharge port located at the downstream end of the rim water channel, and a rim discharge section that discharges the cleaning water from the rim water channel into the bowl section from the rim discharge port to form a swirling flow, The rim water channel comprises a rear water channel provided behind and upstream of the rear water channel, a front water channel provided ahead and downstream of the rear water channel, and a bent water channel that extends from the downstream end of the rear water channel toward the outside of the rim, then bends toward the inside of the rim and connects to the upstream end of the front water channel, and the rim discharge port is provided at the downstream end of the front water channel and configured to discharge water toward the rear. The above-mentioned curved water conduit comprises an upward section that rises in the direction of its flow path, a highest section provided downstream of the upward section and including the highest bottom surface which is the highest position on the entire bottom surface of the rim water conduit, and a downward section provided downstream of the highest section and including a downward bottom surface which descends from the downstream end of the highest bottom surface to the upstream end of the forward water conduit. The descending bottom surface of the descending section of the above-mentioned curved water conduit is a first descending bottom surface, and the forward water conduit includes a second descending bottom surface that descends from the downstream end of the first descending bottom surface of the descending section of the above-mentioned curved water conduit to the rim discharge port. A flush toilet characterized in that the downward slope angle of the bottom surface of the rim water outlet, from the upstream side to the downstream side, relative to the horizontal plane, is set to be smaller than the downward slope angle of the first downward bottom surface or the second downward bottom surface relative to the horizontal plane.

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