Water-washable toilet

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet bowl that can improve workability when attaching a panel member to a toilet bowl body and also improve design.SOLUTION: A flush toilet bowl according to an embodiment comprises a toilet bowl body, a function part, a panel member, and a holding part. The function part is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl body. The panel member is arranged on a side surface of the toilet bowl body and covers a side surface of the function part. The holding part magnetically attracts and holds a front end surface of the panel member, the front end surface of the panel member formed on a side surface of the toilet bowl body, and an opposing surface facing in a front-rear direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a flush toilet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a flush toilet in which the side surface of a functional part is covered with a panel member, various techniques for attaching and holding the panel member to the toilet body have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the prior art, the panel member is attached and held to the toilet body by locking a locking portion provided on the panel member to an insertion groove provided on the toilet body side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the prior art in terms of improving the workability when attaching the panel member to the toilet body.

[0005] In addition, when viewed from the side of the flush toilet, a gap occurs between the panel member and the toilet body. The size of such a gap is likely to increase or decrease depending on, for example, the skill of the installer who attaches the panel member. Therefore, if the gap between the panel member and the toilet body increases, the appearance of the flush toilet deteriorates, and there is a risk of causing a decrease in design quality.

[0006] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a flush toilet that can improve the workability when attaching the panel member to the toilet body and improve the design quality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A flush toilet according to one embodiment is characterized by comprising a toilet body, a functional unit provided at the rear of the toilet body, a panel member disposed on the side of the toilet body and covering the side of the functional unit, the front end surface of the panel member, and a holding part that magnetically attracts and holds the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface formed on the side of the toilet body and facing the front end surface of the panel member in the front-rear direction.

[0008] This improves the ease of installation when attaching the panel component to the toilet bowl. In other words, the panel component is a component that constitutes the appearance of the flush toilet. Therefore, in order to ensure the aesthetic design of the flush toilet, the panel component does not have clearly formed handles or other features for the installer to use during installation. By configuring the holding part to magnetically attract and hold the front end surface of the panel component and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl, the installer can, for example, hold the rear of the panel component and press it against the rear of the toilet bowl to attract and hold it, thereby easily attaching the panel component to the toilet bowl and improving the ease of installation of the panel component.

[0009] Furthermore, since the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are held together by magnetic force of the holding part, the size of the gap between the front end surface and the opposing surface (in other words, the distance between the front end surface and the opposing surface) is equivalent to the thickness of the holding part. Therefore, since the size of the gap can be set to a predetermined value (specifically, the thickness of the holding part), the gap does not increase or decrease depending on the skill of the installer, as in conventional technology, and thus the aesthetic design of the flush toilet can be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are characterized by being formed in a straight line.

[0011] This makes it possible to suppress misalignment of the panel member relative to the toilet bowl body. In other words, the toilet bowl body may have variations in the dimensions of each part due to manufacturing tolerances, for example. When such manufacturing tolerances exist, for example, if the front end surface and the opposing surface are formed in a curved shape that is easily affected by manufacturing tolerances (dimensional variations), and a retaining part is attached, the retaining part is likely to shift from its proper position, and as a result, the panel member may shift from its proper position relative to the toilet bowl body.

[0012] In contrast, by forming the front end surface and the opposing surface in a straight line that is less affected by manufacturing tolerances (dimensional variations), the holding portion is less likely to shift from its proper position, and as a result, misalignment of the panel member relative to the toilet bowl body can be suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, because the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are formed in a straight line, the panel member can be easily slid and positioned during installation. In other words, if, for example, the front end surface to which the retaining part is attached and the opposing surface are curved, it becomes difficult to slide the panel member while it is held in place by the toilet bowl body, making it difficult to position the panel member.

[0014] Therefore, by forming the front end surface to which the holding part is attached and the opposing surface in a straight line, the panel member can be easily slid linearly in a direction parallel to the suction surface of the holding part. Consequently, for example, an installer can easily adjust the panel member to the correct position by sliding it relative to the toilet body while the panel member is held in place by the toilet body, or in other words, the positioning of the panel member can be easily facilitated.

[0015] Furthermore, the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are formed in a straight line that is inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface.

[0016] This helps to suppress misalignment of the panel member relative to the toilet bowl body. Specifically, since the front end surface and the opposing surface are straight, which are less affected by manufacturing tolerances (dimensional variations), and are formed at an inclination in the front-to-back direction relative to the floor surface, the holding part is less likely to shift from the correct position, and as a result, misalignment of the panel member relative to the toilet bowl body can be further suppressed.

[0017] Furthermore, the panel member is characterized by comprising a panel body portion that covers the side surface of the toilet bowl body, a front end portion that forms the front end surface to which the retaining portion is attached on the front side of the panel body portion, and a panel-side extending portion that extends from a position outside the front end portion of the panel body portion toward the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body.

[0018] This allows the panel-side extension to cover and conceal the gap between the front end surface and the opposing surface. This makes the gap less noticeable, improving the appearance of the flush toilet and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

[0019] Furthermore, the thickness of the panel-side extension in the left-right direction is configured to be thinner than the thickness of the panel body in the left-right direction.

[0020] In this way, by making the thickness of the panel-side extension relatively thin in the left-right direction, for example, when the panel member is installed, the tip of the panel-side extension can elastically deform to conform to the shape of the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body and come into contact with the opposing surface. As a result, the panel-side extension can reliably cover and conceal the gap between the front end surface and the opposing surface, thereby further improving the aesthetic design of the flush toilet.

[0021] Furthermore, the front end portion is characterized by being formed by having the front part of the panel body protrude in the left-right direction.

[0022] In this way, by forming the front end portion to protrude from the panel main body portion, it becomes possible to reliably secure the area (mounting area) where the holding portion is mounted on the front end surface.

[0023] Further, the thickness of the front end portion in the left - right direction is configured to be thicker than the thickness of the panel main body portion in the left - right direction.

[0024] In this way, by making the thickness of the front end portion in the left - right direction relatively thick, it becomes possible to more reliably secure the mounting area of the holding portion on the front end surface. Also, by making the thickness of the panel main body portion in the left - right direction relatively thin, the weight of the panel member can be reduced.

[0025] Further, the toilet body includes an opposing portion that forms an opposing surface on the side surface side of the toilet body where the holding portion is mounted, and a toilet - side extending portion that extends from a position outside the opposing portion in the toilet body toward the front end surface of the panel member.

[0026] Thereby, the toilet - side extending portion can cover and hide the gap between the front end surface and the opposing surface. Thereby, the gap can be made less noticeable, so that the appearance of the flush toilet can be improved and the design can be further enhanced.

[0027] Further, a recess is formed in at least one of the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet body, and the holding portion is housed and mounted in the recess.

[0028] As a result, a portion of the retaining part is embedded in the panel member or toilet body by the recess. Therefore, the portion of the retaining part that is exposed from the panel member or toilet body can be reduced, or in other words, the length of the exposed part in the front-to-back direction can be shortened. This makes it possible to minimize the size of the gap between the front end surface and the opposing surface. Consequently, the gap can be made less noticeable, improving the appearance of the flush toilet and enhancing its design. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to one embodiment, the ease of installation when attaching the panel member to the toilet bowl body can be improved, as well as the aesthetic appearance can be enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a flush toilet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the panel member as seen from the inside. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the toilet bowl as seen from the left rear. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an end view of line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The embodiments of the flush toilet disclosed in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from reality. Even between drawings, there may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ.

[0032] (First Embodiment) First, the overall configuration of the flush toilet 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a side view of the flush toilet 1 according to the first embodiment. For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including the Z axis, where the vertically upward direction (upwards) is the positive direction. In this Cartesian coordinate system, the positive direction of the Y axis is defined as "forward," the negative direction of the Y axis as "backward," the positive direction of the X axis as "left," and the negative direction of the X axis as "right." Therefore, in the following explanation, the X-axis direction may 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." This Cartesian coordinate system may also be shown in other figures.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called floor-standing flush toilet installed on the floor surface 100. Alternatively, the flush toilet 1 may be a so-called wall-mounted flush toilet attached to a wall (not shown).

[0034] The flush toilet 1 comprises a toilet bowl body 3, a functional unit 5, a sanitary cleaning device 7, and a panel member 9. The toilet bowl body 3 is made of, for example, ceramic. However, the toilet bowl body 3 is not limited to ceramic; for example, it may be made of resin, or a combination of ceramic and resin.

[0035] The toilet bowl body 3 comprises a bowl section (not shown) and a drain trap pipe 10. The bowl section is formed in a bowl shape capable of receiving waste. A rim section is formed on the upper edge of the bowl section, and flushing water is discharged from a rim outlet (not shown) on this rim section to flush the bowl section. The flushing water used to flush the bowl section is discharged through the drain trap pipe 10.

[0036] The functional unit 5 is located at the rear of the toilet bowl body 3. The functional unit 5 has functions such as supplying water to the bowl portion of the toilet bowl body 3 and the sanitary cleaning device 7. For example, the functional unit 5 includes a water storage tank and a pressure pump (neither of which are shown), and pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank with the pressure pump and discharges it at a high flow rate from a jet outlet (not shown) into the bowl portion.

[0037] The sanitary washing device 7 is installed above the toilet bowl body 3 and includes a toilet seat 8a, a lid 8b that covers the toilet seat 8a, and a nozzle device (not shown). The sanitary washing device 7 can spray washing water from the nozzle device onto the user's body to wash their private parts. In the above description, the sanitary washing device 7 has a sanitary washing function, but it is not limited to this, and may also have a drying function that blows warm air onto the user's buttocks when they sit on the toilet seat 8a to dry them, or a toilet seat heating function that warms the seating surface of the toilet seat 8a to a suitable temperature.

[0038] The panel member 9 is positioned at the rear of the toilet bowl body 3 and on the side of the toilet bowl body 3 (more precisely, on the side in the left-right direction), and is configured to cover the side of the functional unit 5. This panel member 9 makes it possible to prevent external obstructions and the intrusion of wastewater into the functional unit 5. The panel member 9 is made of resin, for example, but is not limited to this.

[0039] Furthermore, the panel member 9 is attached to and held in place by magnetic force on the toilet bowl body 3. The configuration of the attachment between the panel member 9 and the toilet bowl body 3 will be described in detail below.

[0040] The flush toilet 1 is equipped with a holding part 21. The holding part 21 magnetically attracts and holds the toilet body 3 and the panel member 9. Specifically, the holding part 21 magnetically attracts and holds the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3. The opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3 is formed on the side of the toilet body 3 and is the surface that faces the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction).

[0041] Specifically, the retaining portion 21 is provided at the boundary position E between the toilet bowl body 3 and the panel member 9. The boundary position E is the position that forms the boundary between the toilet bowl body 3 and the panel member 9 when the panel member 9 is properly installed on the toilet bowl body 3.

[0042] The holding portion 21 includes an upper holding portion 21a and a lower holding portion 21b. The upper holding portion 21a is positioned above the panel member 9 when it is attached to the toilet bowl body 3, and the lower holding portion 21b is positioned below the upper holding portion 21a. In the following description, the upper holding portion 21a and the lower holding portion 21b may be referred to simply as "holding portion 21" without any particular distinction.

[0043] The holding part 21 comprises a panel-side magnetic material 25 and a main body-side magnetic material 27. The panel-side magnetic material 25 is a magnetic material provided on the panel member 9, and is, for example, a magnet. Hereinafter, the panel-side magnetic material 25 may be referred to as "magnet 25". The main body-side magnetic material 27 is a magnetic material provided on the toilet bowl body 3, and is, for example, a metal plate, i.e., sheet metal. Hereinafter, the main body-side magnetic material 27 may be referred to as "sheet metal 27".

[0044] In the above example, the panel-side magnetic material 25 is a magnet and the main body-side magnetic material 27 is sheet metal, but this is not the only example. For example, the panel-side magnetic material 25 may be sheet metal and the main body-side magnetic material 27 may be a magnet. Alternatively, a magnet may be used instead of sheet metal 27.

[0045] Here, the retaining part 21 will be explained in more detail, with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a side view of the panel member 9 as seen from the inside. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the toilet body 3 as seen from the left rear. Note that Figure 3 shows the toilet body 3 with the panel member 9 removed. Figure 4 is an end view of line IV-IV in Figure 1.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the magnets 25 of the holding portion 21 are attached (provided) to the front surface (positive Y-axis direction side) of the panel member 9, i.e., the front end surface 41a. For example, the magnets 25 of the upper holding portion 21a are provided in the section between the upper end and the center of the panel member 9, and the magnets 25 of the lower holding portion 21b are provided in the section between the lower end and the center of the panel member 9.

[0047] The magnet 25 is a thin rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited to this and can be set to any shape. The magnet 25 of the upper holding part 21a and the magnet 25 of the lower holding part 21b are the same shape, but are not limited to this and may have different shapes.

[0048] Now, let's describe the panel member 9 to which the magnet 25 is attached. The panel member 9 comprises a panel body portion 40 and a front end portion 41. The panel body portion 40 is, for example, a flat plate-shaped member, and is the part that covers the rear side of the toilet body 3, in other words, the part that covers the side of the functional portion 5.

[0049] The front end portion 41 is the front side (positive Y-axis direction side) of the panel body, and the front end surface 41a described above is formed thereon. In other words, the front end portion 41 is configured to form a front end surface 41a on the front side of the panel body 40 to which the holding portion 21 (more precisely, the magnet 25) is attached.

[0050] The front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 is formed to be straight (in other words, flat) when viewed from the side of the flush toilet 1. More specifically, the front end surface 41a is formed to be straight and inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface 100 (see Figure 1) on which the flush toilet 1 is installed. More specifically, the front end surface 41a is inclined so that its upper end is forward (positive Y-axis direction) and its lower end is backward (negative Y-axis direction), and is formed to be straight.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the sheet metal 27 of the holding portion 21 is attached (provided) to the opposing surface 51a on the side of the toilet bowl body 3 that faces the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9. In other words, it is attached to the rear surface facing the rear (negative Y-axis direction) on the side of the toilet bowl body 3. For example, the sheet metal 27 of the upper holding portion 21a is located in the section between the upper end and the center of the toilet bowl body 3, corresponding to the magnet 25 of the upper holding portion 21a. Similarly, the sheet metal 27 of the lower holding portion 21b is located in the section between the lower end and the center of the toilet bowl body 3, corresponding to the magnet 25 of the lower holding portion 21b.

[0052] The sheet metal 27 is a thin rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited to this and can be set to any shape. Furthermore, the sheet metal 27 of the upper holding portion 21a and the sheet metal 27 of the lower holding portion 21b are the same shape, but are not limited to this and may have different shapes.

[0053] Now, let's describe the toilet bowl body 3 to which the sheet metal 27 is attached. The toilet bowl body 3 has an opposing portion 51 formed on its side. The opposing portion 51 is a stepped portion provided on the side of the toilet bowl body 3, and the opposing surface 51a described above is formed thereon. In other words, the opposing portion 51 is configured to form an opposing surface 51a on the side of the toilet bowl body 3 to which the retaining portion 21 (more precisely, the sheet metal 27) is attached.

[0054] The opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3 is formed to be straight (or in other words, flat) in a side view of the flush toilet 1, similar to the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9. More specifically, the opposing surface 51a is formed to be straight and inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface 100 (see Figure 1) on which the flush toilet 1 is installed. More specifically, the opposing surface 51a is inclined so that its upper end is forward (positive Y-axis direction) and its lower end is backward (negative Y-axis direction), and is formed to be straight.

[0055] In the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment, the panel member 9 and the toilet body 3 are formed as described above, so that the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3 face each other and form a mating surface. The front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a, which form the mating surface, are attracted and held by the magnetic force of the holding part 21, thereby holding the panel member 9 to the toilet body 3.

[0056] The positions and number of the holding parts 21 (magnets 25 and sheet metal 27) described above are merely examples and not limiting; the positions and number of holding parts 21 can be set arbitrarily. In other words, although the above example shows multiple (two) holding parts 21, there may be one, three or more, or any other number.

[0057] Next, the attachment of the panel member 9 to the toilet body 3 in the flush toilet 1 configured as described above will be explained. For example, the panel member 9 is positioned by the installer to the side of the toilet body 3 (more precisely, to the side of the functional part 5). At this time, the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3 are positioned opposite each other, but the magnet 25 and the sheet metal 27 are still separated and not attracted to each other.

[0058] Next, the panel member 9 is moved forward (in the positive Y-axis direction) by the installer, and when the magnet 25 and the sheet metal 27 come into contact, the panel member 9 is attached to and held in place by magnetic force. That is, the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3 are attracted and held by the magnetic force of the holding part 21, and the panel member 9 is held in place on the toilet body 3.

[0059] In the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment, the above configuration improves the ease of installation when attaching the panel member 9 to the toilet body 3. That is, the panel member 9 is a component that constitutes the appearance of the flush toilet 1. Therefore, in order to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the flush toilet 1, the panel member 9 does not have clearly formed handles or the like for use by the installer during installation. Therefore, the holding part 21 is configured to magnetically attract and hold the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3. This allows the installer, for example, to hold the rear of the panel member 9 and press it against the rear of the toilet body 3 to attract and hold it, making it easy to attach the panel member 9 to the toilet body 3 and improving the ease of installation of the panel member 9.

[0060] Furthermore, in a side view of the flush toilet 1, a gap 60 (see Figure 1) is created between the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3. In the prior art, the size of this gap 60 can easily increase or decrease depending on the skill of the installer who installs the panel member 9, and an increase in the gap 60 could lead to a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of the flush toilet 1.

[0061] In contrast, in this embodiment, the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3 are held together by magnetic attraction of the holding part 21. As a result, the size of the gap 60 (in other words, the distance between the front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a) is equal to the thickness of the holding part 21. That is, since the size of the gap 60 can be set to a predetermined value (specifically, the thickness of the holding part 21), the gap 60 does not increase or decrease depending on the skill of the installer, as in the conventional technology, and thus the aesthetic design of the flush toilet 1 can be improved.

[0062] Furthermore, the surfaces to which the retaining portion 21 is attached, namely the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3, are formed in a straight line. This helps to suppress misalignment of the panel member 9 relative to the toilet bowl body 3.

[0063] In other words, the toilet bowl body 3 may have variations in the dimensions of each part due to manufacturing tolerances, for example. When such manufacturing tolerances exist, for example, if the front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a are formed in a curved shape that is easily affected by manufacturing tolerances (dimensional variations), and the retaining part 21 is attached, the magnet 25 and sheet metal 27 that make up the retaining part 21 are prone to shifting from their proper positions, and as a result, the panel member 9 may shift from its proper position relative to the toilet bowl body 3.

[0064] In contrast, in this embodiment, the front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a are formed in a straight line that is less affected by manufacturing tolerances (dimensional variations), so the magnet 25 and sheet metal 27, which are the holding parts 21, are less likely to shift from their proper positions, and as a result, misalignment of the panel member 9 with respect to the toilet bowl body 3 can be suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3 are formed in a straight line, the panel member 9 can be slid during installation to facilitate positioning.

[0066] In other words, if, for example, the front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a to which the holding part 21 is attached are curved, it becomes difficult to slide the panel member 9 while it is held in place by the toilet bowl body 3, making it difficult to position the panel member 9.

[0067] Therefore, in the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment, the front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a to which the holding part 21 is attached are formed in a straight line, so the panel member 9 can be easily slid linearly in a direction parallel to the suction surface of the holding part 21 (see arrow D in Figure 1). Accordingly, for example, an installer can easily adjust the panel member 9 to the correct position by sliding the panel member 9 in the direction of arrow D relative to the toilet body 3 while the panel member 9 is held by the toilet body 3, etc. In other words, the positioning of the panel member 9 can be easily adjusted.

[0068] Furthermore, the surfaces to which the retaining portion 21 is attached, namely the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3, are formed in a straight line that is inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface 100. This makes it possible to suppress misalignment of the panel member 9 relative to the toilet bowl body 3.

[0069] In other words, the front end surface 41a and the opposing surface 51a are straight lines that are less affected by manufacturing tolerances (dimensional variations), and are formed inclined in the front-rear direction with respect to the floor surface 100. As a result, the magnet 25 and sheet metal 27, which are the holding parts 21, are less likely to shift from their proper positions, and as a result, the positional displacement of the panel member 9 relative to the toilet body 3 can be further suppressed.

[0070] As described above, the flush toilet 1 according to the first embodiment is characterized by comprising a toilet body 3, a functional unit 5, a panel member 9, and a holding unit 21. The functional unit 5 is provided at the rear of the toilet body 3. The panel member 9 is positioned on the side of the toilet body 3 and covers the side of the functional unit 5. The holding unit 21 magnetically attracts and holds the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a formed on the side of the toilet body 3 that faces the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 in the front-rear direction. This improves the ease of installation when attaching the panel member 9 to the toilet body 3 and also improves the aesthetic appearance.

[0071] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the following description, parts that are the same as those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0072] Figure 5 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion 21 according to the second embodiment. Note that Figure 5 is an end view similar to that of Figure 4.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment, the panel member 9 is provided with a panel-side extension portion 42 in addition to the holding portion 21 and the front end portion 41 described above. The panel-side extension portion 42 is configured to extend from the panel body portion 40. Specifically, the panel-side extension portion 42 is configured to extend from a position outside the front end portion 41 (towards the positive X-axis direction in the example of Figure 5) on the panel body portion 40 toward the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3. In other words, the panel-side extension portion 42 is a wall portion erected so as to protrude toward the opposing surface 51a from a position outside the front end surface 41a of the front end portion 41.

[0074] Although not shown in the illustration, the panel-side extension portion 42 is formed from the upper end to the lower end of the panel member 9 and is formed to cover the gap 60 between the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3.

[0075] Thus, in the second embodiment, the panel member 9 is provided with a panel-side extension portion 42, which allows the panel-side extension portion 42 to cover and conceal the gap 60. As a result, the gap 60 can be made less noticeable, improving the appearance of the flush toilet 1 and further enhancing its design.

[0076] Furthermore, in the panel member 9, the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40 and the left-right thickness B of the panel-side extension portion 42 are set to be different from each other. Specifically, the left-right thickness B of the panel-side extension portion 42 is configured to be thinner than the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40 (B <A)。

[0077] In this way, by making the left-right thickness B of the panel-side extension portion 42 relatively thin, for example, when the panel member 9 is attached, the tip portion 42a of the panel-side extension portion 42 can elastically deform to conform to the shape of the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3 and come into contact with the opposing surface 51a. As a result, the panel-side extension portion 42 can reliably cover and conceal the gap 60, thereby further improving the aesthetic design of the flush toilet 1.

[0078] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion 21 according to the third embodiment. Note that Figure 6 is an end view similar to that of Figure 4.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6, in the panel member 9 according to the third embodiment, the front end portion 41 is formed by projecting the front portion of the panel body 40 in the left-right direction. More specifically, the front end portion 41 is formed by projecting the front portion (positive Y-axis direction side) of the panel body 40 inward in the left-right direction (negative X-axis direction side in the example of Figure 6).

[0080] In this way, by forming the front end portion 41 to protrude from the panel body portion 40, it becomes possible to reliably secure an area (mounting area) on the front end surface 41a where the retaining portion 21 (more precisely, the magnet 25) can be attached.

[0081] Furthermore, in the panel member 9, the left-right thickness A of the panel body 40 and the left-right thickness C of the front end portion 41 are set to be different from each other. Specifically, the left-right thickness C of the front end portion 41 is configured to be thicker than the left-right thickness A of the panel body 40 (C>A).

[0082] In this way, by making the left-right thickness C of the front end portion 41 relatively thick, it becomes possible to more reliably secure the mounting area of ​​the retaining portion 21 on the front end surface 41a. Furthermore, by making the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40 relatively thin, the weight of the panel member 9 can be reduced.

[0083] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion 21 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that Figure 7 is an end view similar to that of Figure 4.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7, the fourth embodiment is an embodiment that combines the second and third embodiments described above. Specifically, the panel member 9 is provided with a panel-side extension portion 42, and the front end portion 41 is formed by protruding the front part of the panel body portion 40 in the left-right direction.

[0085] As a result, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the panel-side extension portion 42 can cover and conceal the gap 60, thereby further improving the aesthetic design of the flush toilet 1. Also, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the front end portion 41 is formed to protrude from the panel body portion 40, thereby ensuring a secure mounting area on the front end surface 41a for attaching the retaining portion 21 (more precisely, the magnet 25).

[0086] Furthermore, in the panel member 9, the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40, the left-right thickness B of the panel-side extension portion 42, and the left-right thickness C of the front end portion 41 are set to be different from each other. Specifically, the left-right thickness B of the panel-side extension portion 42 is configured to be thinner than the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40, while the left-right thickness C of the front end portion 41 is configured to be thicker than the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40 (C>A>B).

[0087] As a result, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, by making the thickness B of the panel-side extension portion 42 in the left-right direction relatively thin, for example, when the panel member 9 is attached, the tip portion 42a of the panel-side extension portion 42 elastically deforms to conform to the shape of the opposing surface 51a and makes contact, so that the panel-side extension portion 42 can reliably cover and hide the gap 60. Therefore, the design of the flush toilet 1 can be further improved.

[0088] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, by making the left-right thickness C of the front end portion 41 relatively thick, it becomes possible to more reliably secure the mounting area of ​​the retaining portion 21 on the front end surface 41a. In addition, by making the left-right thickness A of the panel body portion 40 relatively thin, the weight of the panel member 9 can be reduced.

[0089] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion 21 according to the fifth embodiment. Note that Figure 8 is an end view similar to that of Figure 4.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8, in the fifth embodiment, the toilet bowl body 3 is provided with a toilet-side extension portion 52 in addition to the opposing portion 51. The toilet-side extension portion 52 is configured to extend from the opposing portion 51. More specifically, the toilet-side extension portion 52 is configured to extend from a position outside the opposing portion 51 (on the positive X-axis side in the example of Figure 8) toward the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 in the toilet bowl body 3. In other words, the toilet-side extension portion 52 is a wall portion erected so as to project toward the front end surface 41a from a position outside the opposing surface 51a of the opposing portion 51.

[0091] Although not shown in the illustration, the toilet-side extension portion 52 is formed from the upper end to the lower end of the toilet body 3 and is formed to cover the gap 60 between the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3.

[0092] Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the toilet bowl body 3 is provided with a toilet-side extension portion 52, which can cover and conceal the gap 60. As a result, the gap 60 can be made less noticeable, improving the appearance of the flush toilet 1 and further enhancing its design.

[0093] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is an end view of the vicinity of the holding portion 21 according to the sixth embodiment. Note that Figure 9 is an end view similar to that of Figure 4.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9, in the sixth embodiment, a panel-side recess 43 is formed on the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9. More specifically, the panel-side recess 43 is formed on the front end surface 41a at a position where the magnet 25, which is the holding portion 21, is attached.

[0095] Furthermore, a toilet-side recess 53 is formed on the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3. Specifically, the toilet-side recess 53 is formed on the opposing surface 51a at the position where the sheet metal 27, which is the retaining part 21, is attached.

[0096] The panel-side recess 43 and the toilet-side recess 53 are holes (recesses) formed in the panel member 9 and the toilet body 3, respectively, but are not limited to these. For example, they may be grooves extending from the upper end to the lower end of the panel member 9 and the toilet body 3. Furthermore, the panel-side recess 43 and the toilet-side recess 53 are just examples of recesses.

[0097] Then, the magnet 25, which is the retaining part 21, is housed and installed in the recess 43 on the panel side. More specifically, the magnet 25 is housed and installed in the recess 43 on the panel side so that the adhesive surface of the retaining part 21 (more precisely, the adhesive surface of the magnet 25) is exposed.

[0098] Furthermore, the sheet metal 27, which is the retaining part 21, is housed and installed in the recess 53 on the toilet side. More specifically, the retaining part 21 is housed and installed in the recess 53 on the toilet side so that the adhesive surface of the retaining part 21 (more precisely, the adhesive surface of the sheet metal 27) is exposed.

[0099] In other words, in the sixth embodiment, a part of the holding portion 21 is embedded in the panel member 9 or the toilet bowl body 3. By embedding a part of the holding portion 21 in the panel-side recess 43 or the toilet bowl-side recess 53 in this way, the portion of the holding portion 21 that is exposed from the panel member 9 or the toilet bowl body 3 can be reduced, or in other words, the length of the exposed portion in the front-to-back direction can be shortened.

[0100] This makes it possible to minimize the size of the gap 60 between the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet bowl body 3. Therefore, the gap 60 can be made less noticeable, improving the appearance of the flush toilet 1 and enhancing its design.

[0101] In the sixth embodiment described above, an example was shown that included a panel-side recess 43 and a toilet-side recess 53, but the invention is not limited to this, and a configuration including either one of them is also possible. That is, the recess only needs to be formed on at least one of the front end surface 41a of the panel member 9 and the opposing surface 51a of the toilet body 3.

[0102] Furthermore, the first to sixth embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate.

[0103] <Note> (1) The toilet bowl itself, A functional unit is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl body, A panel member is positioned on the side of the toilet bowl body and covers the side of the functional section, A holding portion that magnetically holds the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface formed on the side surface of the toilet body, which faces the front end surface of the panel member in the front-rear direction. A flush toilet characterized by having the following features. (2) The front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are Formed in a straight line A flush toilet as described in (1), characterized by the features described above. (3) The front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are Formed in a straight line that is inclined in the front-to-back direction relative to the floor surface. A flush toilet as described in (2), characterized in that it is a flush toilet. (4) The panel member is The panel body portion that covers the side of the toilet bowl body, The front end portion of the panel body, which forms the front end surface to which the retaining portion is attached, In the panel body portion, a panel-side extension portion extends from a position outside the front end toward the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body. A flush toilet according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized by having the following features. (5) The thickness of the panel-side extension in the left-right direction is configured to be thinner than the thickness of the panel body in the left-right direction. A flush toilet as described in (4), characterized by the features described above. (6) The front end is, The front portion of the panel body is formed to protrude in the left-right direction. A flush toilet according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized by the above. (7) The thickness of the front end in the left-right direction is configured to be greater than the thickness of the panel body in the left-right direction. A flush toilet as described in (6), characterized by the features described above. (8) The toilet bowl body is, On the side of the toilet bowl body, there is an opposing portion that forms the opposing surface to which the holding portion is attached, In the toilet bowl body, the toilet bowl side extending portion extends from a position outside the opposing portion toward the front end surface of the panel member. A flush toilet according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized by having the following features. (9) A recess is formed on at least one of the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body. The retaining portion is housed and mounted in the recess. A flush toilet according to any one of (1) to (8) characterized by the above.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 1 flush toilet 3. Toilet bowl 5. Functional Section 9 Panel components 21 Holding part 41a Front end surface 51a Opposite side

Claims

1. The toilet bowl itself, A functional unit is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl body, A panel member is positioned on the side of the toilet bowl body and covers the side of the functional section, A holding portion that magnetically holds the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface formed on the side surface of the toilet body, which faces the front end surface of the panel member in the front-rear direction. A flush toilet characterized by having the following features.

2. The front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are Formed in a straight line The flush toilet according to feature 1.

3. The front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body are Formed in a straight line that is inclined in the front-to-back direction relative to the floor surface. The flush toilet according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned panel member is The panel body portion that covers the side of the toilet bowl body, The front end portion of the panel body, which forms the front end surface to which the retaining portion is attached, In the panel body portion, a panel-side extension portion extends from a position outside the front end toward the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body. A flush toilet according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

5. The thickness of the panel-side extension in the left-right direction is configured to be thinner than the thickness of the panel body in the left-right direction. The flush toilet according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned front end is, The front portion of the panel body is formed to protrude in the left-right direction. A flush toilet according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the features described above.

7. The thickness of the front end in the left-right direction is configured to be greater than the thickness of the panel body in the left-right direction. The flush toilet according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned toilet bowl body is On the side of the toilet bowl body, there is an opposing portion that forms the opposing surface to which the holding portion is attached, In the toilet bowl body, the toilet bowl side extending portion extends from a position outside the opposing portion toward the front end surface of the panel member. A flush toilet according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

9. A recess is formed on at least one of the front end surface of the panel member and the opposing surface of the toilet bowl body. The retaining portion is housed and mounted in the recess. The flush toilet according to feature 1.

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