Water-washable toilet
The flush toilet design addresses the confusion in manual operation during power outages by fixing the on/off valve to the water supply section, enabling sequential and logical flushing steps.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOTO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Conventional flushing toilets are difficult to operate manually during a power outage, as users often confuse the order of operations between the water supply and on-off valve units, leading to potential misoperation.
A flush toilet design where the on/off valve operating section is fixed to the water supply section, allowing sequential operations like water supply, valve closure, and shut-off to be performed in a logical order by releasing or fixing the lock between these units.
Improves operability by ensuring the user can perform toilet flushing steps in the correct sequence during emergencies, simplifying the manual operation and reducing confusion.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a flushing toilet.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, there is known a flushing toilet having an on-off valve operation unit capable of operating an on-off valve such as a flapper valve for opening and closing the flow path of a drainage path, and a water supply unit operation unit capable of operating a water supply unit for supplying washing water to a bowl unit. Even during a power outage, the user can manually operate the on-off valve operation unit and the water supply unit operation unit to perform toilet flushing.
[0003] In such a flushing toilet, the supply and stop (water shut-off) of washing water are performed by rotating the water supply unit operation unit, the on-off valve is closed by pulling the on-off valve operation unit, and the on-off valve is opened by releasing the pull of the on-off valve operation unit. There is a configuration in which the gripping portion of the on-off valve operation unit is attached to the water supply unit operation unit, and the water supply unit operation unit can be operated by rotating the attached gripping portion (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, in the conventional flushing toilet as described above, when the user manually performs a toilet flushing operation during a power outage, it is impossible to determine which of the water supply unit operation unit and the on-off valve operation unit should be operated last, and there is a possibility that the on-off valve operation unit is operated instead of the water supply operation to the bowl unit that should be performed first.
[0006] Thus, conventional flush toilets, as described above, have procedures that are difficult for users to understand when manually flushing the toilet, and there was room for improvement in terms of usability.
[0007] One embodiment aims to provide a flush toilet that can improve operability when the user manually performs the toilet flushing operation. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] A flush toilet according to one embodiment comprises a toilet body having a bowl and a drain channel extending from the bowl, an on / off valve for opening and closing the flow path of the drain channel, an on / off valve operating section for operating the on / off valve, a water supply section for supplying flushing water toward the bowl, and a water supply section operating section having an operating end protruding from the toilet body, the water supply section being operated by rotating the operating end in a predetermined operating direction, wherein the on / off valve operating section is fixed to the water supply section operating section, and the fixing to the water supply section operating section is released by setting the water supply section operating section to the water supply position in the operating direction.
[0009] With this configuration, the lock between the shut-off valve control unit and the water supply control unit is not released unless the water supply control unit is operated to the water supply position. For example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user can supply water to the bowl using the water supply control unit by releasing the lock between the shut-off valve control unit and the water supply control unit. This makes it easier for the user to perform the steps in order when manually flushing the toilet, namely supplying water to the bowl, closing the shut-off valve, opening the shut-off valve (when flushing water has accumulated in the bowl), and stopping the water supply to the bowl (water shut-off operation). Thus, with this configuration, the operability when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other emergency can be improved.
[0010] Furthermore, in the flush toilet described above, the on / off valve operating section is fixed to the water supply operating section by setting the water supply operating section to the shut-off position in the operating direction.
[0011] With this configuration, the on / off valve control unit and the water supply control unit are not fixed together unless the water supply control unit is operated to the shut-off position. For example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user can shut off the water supply using the water supply control unit by fixing the on / off valve control unit and the water supply control unit together. This makes it easier for the user to sequentially perform the following operations: supplying water to the bowl, closing the on / off valve, opening the on / off valve (when flushing water has accumulated in the bowl), and stopping the water supply to the bowl (shutting off the water). Thus, this configuration improves operability when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other emergency.
[0012] Furthermore, in the flush toilet described above, the on / off valve operating unit allows the on / off valve to be operated from the water supply unit operating unit side.
[0013] With this configuration, the on / off valve can be operated from the water supply unit control unit via the on / off valve control unit. For example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user does not need to search for the on / off valve control unit and the water supply unit control unit separately, and can perform the operation from a single location. This improves the ease of operation when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other emergency.
[0014] Furthermore, in the flush toilet described above, the on / off valve operating section has a long member with one end connected to the on / off valve and the other end extending from the toilet body, and the other end is attached to the operating end of the water supply operating section by pulling the long member.
[0015] With this configuration, since the other end of the long member is attached to the operating end of the water supply unit operating unit, for example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user can, for example, perform the water supply operation to the bowl using the water supply unit operating unit by detaching the other end of the on-off valve operating unit from the operating end of the water supply unit operating unit. Also, when a user manually flushes the toilet, the user can, for example, perform the water shut-off operation using the water supply unit operating unit by attaching the other end of the on-off valve operating unit to the operating end of the water supply unit operating unit. This makes it easier for the user to sequentially perform the water supply operation to the bowl, the on-off valve operation, the on-off valve operation (when flushing water has accumulated in the bowl), and the water supply to the bowl operation (water shut-off operation), thereby improving operability when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other event.
[0016] Furthermore, in the flush toilet described above, the on / off valve operating section has a long member whose one end is connected to the on / off valve and whose other end extends from the toilet body, and has a holding section that holds the long member at a predetermined amount of tension when the long member is pulled.
[0017] With this configuration, the holding part can hold the long member at a predetermined amount of tension. For example, when the long member is pulled, the on-off valve is held in a closed state, and when the long member is pulled again, the on-off valve can be opened. Therefore, the user does not need to continuously pull the long member to maintain the closed state of the on-off valve. This improves operability when the user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other emergency. [Effects of the Invention]
[0018] According to one embodiment, the operability when the user manually performs the toilet flushing operation can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0019] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a schematic side cross-sectional view (part 1) showing a flush toilet and toilet body according to the embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic side sectional view (part 2) showing the flushing toilet and the toilet body according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the flushing toilet according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the installation locations of the on-off valve operation unit and the water supply unit operation unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the on-off valve operation unit and the water supply unit operation unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operations of the on-off valve operation unit and the water supply unit operation unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operations of the on-off valve operation unit and the water supply unit operation unit according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of the washing water by manual toilet washing operation.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the flushing toilet disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments shown below.
[0021] <Configuration of the flushing toilet and the toilet body> The flushing toilet 1 and the toilet body 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic side sectional views showing the flushing toilet 1 and the toilet body according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 1A shows a state in which the on-off valve 1221 described later is open. FIG. 1B shows a state in which the on-off valve is closed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the flushing toilet 1 according to the embodiment.
[0022] Furthermore, including Figures 1A and 1B, each figure may show a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that includes a Z-axis with the positive direction being vertically upward (upward). For convenience of explanation below, the positive direction of the X-axis will be defined as left, the negative direction of the X-axis as right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as forward, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as backward. Additionally, the X-axis direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.
[0023] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the flush toilet 1 comprises a toilet bowl body 10. The toilet bowl body 10 comprises a bowl portion 11 and a drainage channel 12. The bowl portion 11 is a bowl-shaped part that receives waste. The bowl portion 11 is equipped with a rim outlet 111 (see Figure 2) that discharges flushing water from a rim 13 formed on the upper part of the bowl portion 11, creating a swirling flow of flushing water inside the bowl portion 11. The bowl portion 11 is also equipped with a jet outlet 1121 that discharges flushing water toward a trap pipe 121, which will be described later.
[0024] The drainage channel 12 is a flow path for discharging waste received in the bowl section 11 to the external piping 200, and includes a trap pipe 121 and a drain socket 122.
[0025] The trap pipe 121 communicates with the bottom of the bowl section 11 and extends rearward from the bowl section 11. The drain socket 122 is located downstream of the trap pipe 121 and connects the trap pipe 121 to the external piping 200.
[0026] The drain socket 122 is, for example, a floor drainage type drain socket. The drain socket 122 comprises an on-off valve 1221 and a rotating shaft 1222. The on-off valve 1221 is, for example, a flapper valve, and is installed in the flow path of the drain socket 122 to open and close the flow path of the drain socket 122. Note that the on-off valve 1221 may be any on-off valve capable of opening and closing the flow path of the drain channel 12 (drain socket 122), other than a flapper valve. Furthermore, although the on-off valve 1221 is installed in the drain socket 122 which is part of the drain channel 12, it may also be installed in the trap pipe 121 which is part of the drain channel 12.
[0027] The rotating shaft 1222 rotatably supports the on-off valve 1221. The on-off valve operating section 141 (see Figure 2), which is an operating section operated manually by the user, is connected to the rotating shaft 1222 via a long member 142 (see Figure 2).
[0028] The elongated member 142 has one end connected to the on-off valve 1221 and the other end extending outward from the toilet bowl body 10. The on-off valve operating section 141 allows the on-off valve 1221 to be operated by pulling the elongated member 142. The elongated member 142 is, for example, a ball chain. However, the elongated member 142 is not limited to a ball chain and may be, for example, a wire such as a release wire.
[0029] When the user manually operates the valve operating unit 141, such as by pulling (towing) it, the elongated member 142 moves, causing the rotating shaft 1222 to rotate in a predetermined direction. When the rotating shaft 1222 rotates in the predetermined direction, the valve 1221 rotates, closing the flow path of the drain socket 122. When the user releases the pull on the valve operating unit 141, the elongated member 142 moves, causing the rotating shaft 1222 to rotate in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction. When the rotating shaft 1222 rotates in the opposite direction, the valve 1221 rotates, opening the flow path of the drain socket 122.
[0030] Furthermore, the shut-off valve 1221 does not need to completely close the flow path of the drain channel 12 (drain socket 122). In other words, it is sufficient for the cleaning water discharged from the rim outlet 111 (and / or jet outlet 112) to raise the water level inside the bowl section 11 above the initial water level, so a small gap may exist between the shut-off valve 1221 and the inner surface of the drain socket 122.
[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the flush toilet 1 is equipped with a water supply unit 300. The water supply unit 300 is located, for example, at the rear of the toilet body 10. The water supply unit 300 is connected to an external power source (not shown), and in the event of a power outage, it uses external power supplied from the external power source to drive components such as solenoid valves, thereby supplying flushing water to the bowl 11.
[0032] The water supply unit 300 includes a constant flow valve 301, a solenoid valve 302, and a vacuum breaker 303 for rim discharge. The water supply channel 304 of the water supply unit 300 is provided with a water storage tank 305, a switching valve 306 for switching between supplying water to the water storage tank 305 and discharging water to the rim, a pressure pump 307, a vacuum breaker 308 for jet discharge, and a drain plug 309. The water supply unit 300 is also provided with a control unit 310 that controls the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve 302, the switching operation of the switching valve 306, and the pressurizing operation of the pressure pump 307.
[0033] The constant flow valve 301 restricts the flow rate of the cleaning water that flows in via the drain plug 311, strainer 312, and branch fitting 313 to below a predetermined flow rate. The cleaning water that has passed through the constant flow valve 301 flows into the solenoid valve 302, and the cleaning water that has passed through the solenoid valve 302 is supplied to the rim discharge port 111 or the water storage tank 305 by the switching valve 306.
[0034] The solenoid valve 302 is a diaphragm-type electromagnetic valve that opens and closes under the control of the control unit 310. A diaphragm 314 is provided in the water supply channel 304, and a pressure chamber 315 is provided adjacent to the diaphragm 314. The solenoid valve 302 controls the flow of cleaning water in the water supply channel 304 by changing the pressure in the pressure chamber 315, thereby operating the diaphragm 314.
[0035] The switching valve 306 either discharges the cleaning water that has flowed in via the solenoid valve 302 from the rim outlet 111 or directs it into the water storage tank 305.
[0036] The rim discharge vacuum breaker 303 is positioned in the middle of the rim-side water supply channel 316, which guides the cleaning water that has passed through the switching valve 306 to the rim discharge port 111, preventing backflow of cleaning water from the rim discharge port 111. Furthermore, the rim discharge vacuum breaker 303 is positioned above the upper surface of the bowl section 11 to ensure reliable backflow prevention. In addition, cleaning water that overflows from the atmospheric vent of the rim discharge vacuum breaker 303 flows through the return pipe 317 and into the water storage tank 305 via the float-type check valve 318.
[0037] The water storage tank 305 stores the cleaning water to be discharged from the jet outlet 112.
[0038] Furthermore, for example, the tip (lower end) of the tank-side water supply channel 319 is connected to a float-type check valve 320 to prevent backflow from the water storage tank 305 to the tank-side water supply channel 319. In addition, an upper float switch 321 and a lower float switch 322 are located inside the water storage tank 305 to detect the water level in the water storage tank 305. The upper float switch 321 switches on when the water level in the water storage tank 305 reaches a predetermined water level, and the control unit 310 closes the solenoid valve 302. On the other hand, the lower float switch 322 switches on when the water level in the water storage tank 305 drops to a predetermined water level, and the control unit 310 stops the pressurizing pump 307.
[0039] The pressurizing pump 307 pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank 305 and discharges it from the jet outlet 112. The pressurizing pump 307 is connected by a pump-side water supply channel 323 extending from the water storage tank 305 and pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank 305.
[0040] The drain valve 311 is located near the lower end of the water storage tank 305 and below the pressure pump 307. Therefore, by opening the drain valve 311, the cleaning water from the water storage tank 305 and the pressure pump 307 can be drained during maintenance. A water receiving tray 324 is located below the pressure pump 307. The water receiving tray 324 catches condensed water droplets and leaked water.
[0041] Meanwhile, the outlet of the pressurizing pump 307 is connected to the jet outlet 112 at the bottom of the bowl section 11 via the jet water supply channel 325. The middle of the jet water supply channel 325 is formed in a convex shape that curves upward, and the highest part of the convex section, the jet water supply channel top 325a, is the highest part of the cleaning water pipeline from the water storage tank 305 to the jet outlet 112. Furthermore, the part of the jet water supply channel 325 downstream from the jet water supply channel top 325a is set at the same height as the jet outlet 112.
[0042] An overflow channel 326, having an overflow port 326a at one end, is connected to the Z-side water supply channel 325. The overflow port 326a is located above the upper float switch 321. When the water level in the water storage tank 305 rises above the upper float switch 321, the water from the water storage tank 305 flows into the overflow channel 326a, is pressurized by the pressure pump 307, and is discharged from the Z-outlet 112 via the valve (flapper valve) 327.
[0043] The Z-type water discharge vacuum breaker 308 is positioned in the middle of the tank-side water supply channel 319, which guides the cleaning water that has passed through the switching valve 306 to the water storage tank 305, and prevents backflow of cleaning water from the water storage tank 305. Cleaning water that overflows from the atmospheric vent of the Z-type water discharge vacuum breaker 308 flows through the return pipe 317 and into the water storage tank 305 via the float-type check valve 318.
[0044] The control unit 310 sequentially activates the solenoid valve 302, the switching valve 306, and the pressure pump 307 in response to the user's operation of a toilet flushing switch (not shown), sequentially starting the discharge of water from the rim outlet 111 and the jet outlet 112 to flush the bowl section 11. After flushing is complete, the control unit 310 opens the solenoid valve 302 and switches the switching valve 306 to the water storage tank 305 to replenish the flushing water to the water storage tank 305. When the water level in the water storage tank 305 rises and the upper float switch 321 detects a specified amount of water, the control unit 310 closes the solenoid valve 302 to stop the water supply.
[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the switching unit 329, which switches between supplying and stopping (stopping) the water supply of flushing water by the water supply unit 300, is provided with a water supply unit operating unit 151 for manual operation by the user. The water supply unit operating unit 151 has an operating end 151a. The operating end 151a protrudes outward (upward) from the toilet bowl body 10. The water supply unit operating unit 151 allows operation of the water supply unit 300 by rotating the operating end 151a by a predetermined angle (for example, 90°) around an axis that is a predetermined operating direction D.
[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the on / off valve operating section 141 includes a holding section 143. The holding section 143 is provided on the elongated member 142. Although not shown, the holding section 143 incorporates a knocking mechanism to hold the elongated member 142 at a predetermined amount of tension when the elongated member 142 is pulled.
[0047] <Location of the valve operation unit and water supply unit operation unit> Next, the installation location Ar of the on / off valve operating unit 141 and the water supply operating unit 151 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the installation location Ar of the on / off valve operating unit 141 and the water supply operating unit 151. Note that Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the toilet bowl body 10 as seen from the rear.
[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the flush toilet 1 is equipped with a sanitary washing device 16 that can wash the user's private parts. The sanitary washing device 16 includes a toilet seat and a toilet lid (neither of which are shown), and is installed on the top surface of the toilet bowl body 10. The main body 161 of the sanitary washing device 16 is located at the rear of the toilet bowl body 10. Note that the sanitary washing device 16 may not have a toilet lid.
[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the installation location Ar for the on / off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151 is located on the upper and rear part of the toilet bowl body 20. In other words, the on / off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151 are located close to each other at the same installation location Ar.
[0050] Furthermore, the valve operation unit 141 and the water supply operation unit 151 are housed inside the rear cover 162 of the sanitary cleaning device 16 so that they are not visible from the outside. Therefore, when a user operates the valve operation unit 141 and the water supply operation unit 151, they must open the rear cover 162 before performing the respective manual operations.
[0051] Furthermore, the on / off valve operating unit 141 is fixed to the water supply operating unit 151. In other words, when there is no power outage and the user can flush the toilet without manual operation (normal state), the on / off valve operating unit 141 is fixed to the water supply operating unit 151.
[0052] <Example of configuration of the on / off valve operating section and the water supply operating section> Next, an example of the configuration of the on-off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the on-off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151. Figure 4 shows (a) a schematic side view, (b) a schematic bottom view of the on-off valve operating section 141, (c) a schematic plan view of the operating end 151a of the water supply operating section 151, and (d) a schematic plan view of the fixing member 17.
[0053] As shown in Figure 4(a), the valve on / off operating section 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The valve on / off operating section 141 functions as a gripping section held by the user's fingers when manually operating the valve. The valve on / off operating section 141 is provided at the other end of the elongated member 142. The valve on / off operating section 141 includes a projection 1411 and a convex portion 1422. The projection 1411 protrudes laterally from the outer circumferential surface of the valve on / off operating section 141 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve on / off operating section 141.
[0054] As shown in Figure 4(b), the protrusion 1412 protrudes downward from the inner peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the on / off valve operating section 141. Furthermore, multiple protrusions 1412 (for example, two) are arranged at predetermined intervals. In the case of two protrusions 1412, for example, they are arranged facing each other on a concentric circle.
[0055] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (c), the water supply control unit 151 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes outward from the toilet bowl body 10 (see Figures 1A and 1B). By rotating the water supply control unit 151 in a predetermined operating direction D (see Figure 2) around its axis, the water supply control unit 151 supplies or stops flushing water from the water supply unit 300 (see Figure 2). For example, by rotating the water supply control unit 151 to the right (operating direction D1), flushing water is supplied, and by rotating it to the left (operating direction D2), the flushing water is stopped.
[0056] Furthermore, the water supply unit operating section 151 is provided with a recess 1511. The recess 1511 is formed on the upper surface of the water supply unit operating section 151. Multiple recesses 1511 (for example, two) are arranged at predetermined intervals to correspond to the protrusion 1412 of the on / off valve operating section 141. That is, for example, if there are two recesses 1511, they are arranged facing each other on a concentric circle.
[0057] The water supply unit operating section 151 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the on / off valve operating section 141 around its axis, as the convex portion 1412 of the on / off valve operating section 141 fits into the concave portion 1511.
[0058] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(d), a fixing member 17 is provided at the installation location Ar (see Figure 3) so as to be erected on the main body 161 (see Figure 3) of the sanitary cleaning device 16. The fixing member 17 is formed in a C shape with a notch 171 in a part of the ring in a plan view. The notch 171 has a width that allows the protrusion 1411 of the on / off valve operating part 141 to pass through in the vertical direction.
[0059] Furthermore, the fixing member 17 is fixed to the main body 161 of the sanitary cleaning device 16, for example, via a support column 172. Therefore, the fixing member 17 allows rotation of the on-off valve operating part 141 around its axis, while restricting upward movement of the on-off valve operating part 141 as long as the protruding part 1411 of the on-off valve operating part 141 is not below the notch 171.
[0060] <Operation of the valve operation unit and water supply unit operation unit> Next, the operation of the on-off valve operating unit 141 and the water supply operating unit 151 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the on-off valve operating unit 141 and the water supply operating unit 151. Figure 5 shows (a) the operation when supplying water, (b) the operation when releasing the lock of the on-off valve operating unit 141, (c) the operation when closing the valve, (d) the operation when opening the valve, (e) the operation when fixing the on-off valve operating unit 141, and (f) the operation when shutting off the water.
[0061] First, as shown in Figure 5(a), in the case of water supply operation, the on-off valve operating part 141, which is fixed to the water supply operating part 151, rotates around its axis. As the on-off valve operating part 141 rotates around its axis, the water supply operating part 151 rotates in the operating direction D1, and the water supply operating part 151 moves (rotates) to the water supply position. At this time, the on-off valve operating part 141 is located below the notch 171 of the fixing member 17.
[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the locking mechanism 141 is released, the locking mechanism 141 is located below the notch 171 of the fixing member 17, thus releasing the restriction on the vertical movement of the locking mechanism 141 by the fixing member 17. In other words, the locking mechanism 141 is released. As a result, the user can pull the locking mechanism 141 upward.
[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 5(c), in the case of a valve closing operation, the valve opening / closing operating section 141, which has been pulled upward, is pulled by the user. Next, as shown in Figure 5(d), in the case of a valve opening operation, when cleaning water accumulates in the bowl section 11 (see Figures 1A and 1B), the user's pulling of the valve opening / closing operating section 141 is released. Although not shown, a retaining section can be provided to maintain the pulled state of the valve opening / closing operating section 141. The retaining section can be a knock structure as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-011904. If a retaining section is provided, in Figure 5(d), the pulled state can be released and the valve can be opened by pulling the valve opening / closing operating section 141 in the same direction as in Figure 5(c).
[0064] Next, as shown in Figure 5(e), when fixing the on / off valve operating section 141, the protruding portion 1411 is inserted into the fixing member 17 so as to pass through the notch 171, and the convex portion 1412 fits into the recess 1511 of the water supply operating section 151. Then, as shown in Figure 5(f), as the on / off valve operating section 141 rotates around its axis, the water supply operating section 151 rotates in the operating direction D2, and the water supply operating section moves (rotates) to the water shut-off position.
[0065] In this way, by operating the on / off valve operating unit 141, which is fixed to the water supply unit operating unit 151, to release its fixation from the water supply unit operating unit 151, the water supply can be automatically started, and by fixing the on / off valve operating unit 141 to the water supply unit operating unit 151, the water supply can be automatically stopped.
[0066] <Variation> Next, a modified example of the on-off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the on-off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151 according to the modified example. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the on-off valve operating section 141 and the water supply operating section 151. Note that Figure 6 shows (a) the operation in the case of water supply operation, (b) the operation in the case of valve closing operation, (c) the operation in the case of valve opening operation, and (d) the operation in the case of water shut-off operation.
[0067] As shown in Figure 6, in this modified example, the elongated member 142 of the on-off valve operating section 141 extends from the bottom surface of the on-off valve operating section 141 and is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical water supply operating section 151.
[0068] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 6(a), in the case of water supply operation, the on-off valve operating part 141, which is fixed to the water supply operating part 151, rotates around its axis. As the on-off valve operating part 141 rotates around its axis, the water supply operating part 151 rotates in the operating direction D1, and the water supply operating part 151 moves (rotates) to the water supply position. At this time, the on-off valve operating part 141 is located below the notch 171 of the fixing member 17.
[0069] Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), in the case of a valve closing operation, the on / off valve operating section 141, which is pulled upward, is pulled by the user. Then, as shown in Figure 6(c), in the case of a valve opening operation, when cleaning water accumulates in the bowl section 11 (see Figures 1A and 1B), the user's pulling of the on / off valve operating section 141 is released. The protruding portion 1411 is inserted into the fixing member 17 so as to pass through the notch 171, and the convex portion 1412 fits into the recess 1511 of the water supply operating section 151.
[0070] Then, as shown in Figure 6(d), as the on / off valve operating section 141 rotates around its axis, the water supply operating section 151 rotates in the operating direction D2, and the water supply operating section moves (rotates) to the shut-off position.
[0071] Thus, in this modified example, by operating the on-off valve operating unit 141, which is fixed to the water supply unit operating unit 151, to release its fixation from the water supply unit operating unit 151, water supply can be automatically started, and by fixing the on-off valve operating unit 141 to the water supply unit operating unit 151, water can be automatically stopped. Furthermore, in this modified example, since fixing the on-off valve operating unit 141 and pulling the on-off valve operating unit 141 (long member 142) are performed in a single operation, the toilet flushing operation can be performed in fewer steps.
[0072] <Flow of flushing water when manually flushing a toilet bowl> Next, the flow of flushing water during manual toilet flushing will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of flushing water during manual toilet flushing. Figure 7 shows (a) the flow of flushing water during water supply operation, (b) the flow of flushing water during valve closing operation, (c) the flow of flushing water during valve opening operation, and (d) the flow of flushing water during water shut-off operation.
[0073] As shown in Figure 7(a), when the user rotates the on / off valve operating part 141 (see Figure 5) to perform a water supply operation via the water supply operating part 151 (see Figure 5), cleaning water is supplied to the bowl section 11. Next, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the user pulls the unlocked on / off valve operating part 141 upward to perform an opening operation, the on / off valve 1221 closes, and cleaning water begins to accumulate in the bowl section 11.
[0074] Here, whether or not the on-off valve 1221 is open can be confirmed by the click sensation of the holding part 143 (see Figure 2). Also, since the amount of traction of the long member 142 is maintained by the holding part 143, the closed state of the on-off valve 1221 is maintained even if the user releases their grip on it. The user can also visually confirm whether or not cleaning water has accumulated in the bowl part 11.
[0075] Once the bowl section 11 is filled with cleaning water, the user pulls the on / off valve operating section 141 again to release the valve from being held closed by the holding section 143, and opens the on / off valve 1221.
[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 7(c), the cleaning water from the bowl section 11 flows into the drainage channel 12, and the waste from the bowl section 11 is discharged through the drainage channel 12.
[0077] Then, as shown in Figure 7(d), when the user rotates the on / off valve operating unit 141 and performs a water shut-off operation via the water supply unit operating unit 151, the flow of washing water to the bowl unit 11 is stopped.
[0078] As described above, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the locking mechanism between the on / off valve operation unit 141 and the water supply operation unit 151 is not released unless the water supply operation unit 151 is operated to the water supply position. For example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user can perform the water supply operation to the bowl 11 by the water supply operation unit 151 by releasing the locking mechanism between the on / off valve operation unit 141 and the water supply operation unit 151. This makes it easier for the user to perform the operations when manually flushing the toilet, namely supplying water to the bowl 11, closing the on / off valve 1221, opening the on / off valve 1221 (when flushing water has accumulated in the bowl 11), and stopping the water supply to the bowl 11 (water shut-off operation) in order. Thus, with this configuration, the operability when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage can be improved.
[0079] Furthermore, since the on-off valve operation unit 141 and the water supply operation unit 151 are not fixed together unless the water supply operation unit 151 is operated to the shut-off position, for example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user can shut off the water supply using the water supply operation unit 151 by fixing the on-off valve operation unit 141 and the water supply operation unit 151 together. This makes it easier for the user to sequentially perform the following operations: supplying water to the bowl 11, closing the on-off valve 1221, opening the on-off valve 1221 (when flushing water has accumulated in the bowl 11), and stopping the water supply to the bowl 11 (shutting off the water). Thus, with this configuration, the operability when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage can be improved.
[0080] Furthermore, since the on-off valve 1221 can be operated from the water supply unit operation unit 151 side using the on-off valve operation unit 141, for example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user does not have to search for the on-off valve operation unit 141 and the water supply unit operation unit 151 separately, and can perform the operation from a single operating position. This improves the operability when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other emergency.
[0081] Furthermore, since the other end of the long member 142 is attached to the operating end 151a of the water supply operation unit 151, for example, when a user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage, the user can, for example, perform the water supply operation to the bowl 11 using the water supply operation unit 151 by detaching the other end of the on / off valve operation unit 141 from the operating end 151a of the water supply operation unit 151. Also, when a user manually flushes the toilet, the user can, for example, perform the water shut-off operation using the water supply operation unit 151 by attaching the other end of the on / off valve operation unit 141 to the operating end 151a of the water supply operation unit 151. This makes it easier for the user to perform the following operations in order: supplying water to the bowl 11, closing the on-off valve 1221, opening the on-off valve 1221 (when flushing water has accumulated in the bowl 11), and stopping the water supply to the bowl 11 (water shut-off operation). This improves operability when the user manually flushes the toilet during a power outage or other emergency.
[0082] Furthermore, since the holding part 143 can hold the long member 142 at a predetermined amount of traction, for example, when the long member 142 is pulled, the on-off valve 1221 is held in a closed state, and when the long member 142 is pulled again, the on-off valve 1221 can be opened. Therefore, the user does not need to keep pulling the long member 142 to maintain the closed state of the on-off valve 1221. This improves operability when the user manually operates the toilet flushing operation during a power outage or other event.
[0083] In the embodiment described above, the water supply unit operation unit 151 is operated by rotation and the on-off valve operation unit 141 is operated by pulling. However, the method of operation is not limited to this, and the water supply unit operation unit 151 can be operated by pulling and the on-off valve operation unit 141 can be operated by rotation, or both operation units 141 and 151 can be operated by rotation and pulling.
[0084] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0085] 1 flush toilet 10 Toilet bowl 11 Bowl Section 12 Drainage Channel 141 Shut-off valve operating section 142 Long members 143 Holding part 151 Water supply section operation section 151a Operating end 300 Water supply section 1221 Shut-off valve D Operation direction
Claims
1. A toilet bowl having a bowl portion and a drainage channel extending from the bowl portion, A valve for opening and closing the flow path of the aforementioned drainage channel, A valve operation unit capable of operating the valve, A water supply unit that supplies washing water toward the bowl section, A water supply unit operating unit having an operating end protruding from the toilet bowl body, the water supply unit can be operated by rotating the operating end in a predetermined operating direction. Equipped with, The on / off valve operating section is fixed to the water supply operating section, and the fixing to the water supply operating section is released when the water supply operating section is set to the water supply position in the operating direction. A flush toilet characterized by the following features.
2. The on / off valve operating section is fixed to the water supply operating section by setting the water supply operating section to the shut-off position in the operating direction. The flush toilet according to feature 1.
3. The on / off valve operating unit allows the on / off valve to be operated from the water supply unit operating unit side. A flush toilet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.
4. The on / off valve operating section has a long member, one end of which is connected to the on / off valve and the other end of which extends from the toilet bowl body, and the other end is attached to the operating end of the water supply operating section by pulling the long member. A flush toilet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.
5. The on / off valve operating section has a long member, one end of which is connected to the on / off valve and the other end of which extends from the toilet bowl body, and a holding section that holds the long member at a predetermined amount of tension when the long member is pulled. A flush toilet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.