Toilet equipment

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of improving designability.SOLUTION: A toilet device includes a casing installed on the upper surface of a toilet bowl, a locking part that restricts movement of the casing with respect to the toilet bowl, and a releasing part for releasing the restriction of the locking part. The releasing part includes an operation part, and a transmission part that transmits an operation force applied to the operation part to the locking part. The operation part is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing, either upward or downward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet devices.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a toilet device that can raise a casing installed on a toilet from the toilet in order to clean the upper surface of the toilet (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the toilet device described in Patent Document 1, since the operation unit for raising the casing is disposed at the lower end of the casing, there is a risk of being subject to design constraints.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet device that can improve the designability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first invention includes a casing installed on the upper surface of a toilet, a lock unit that restricts the movement of the casing with respect to the toilet, and a release unit that releases the restriction of the lock unit. The release unit has an operation unit and a transmission unit that transmits an operation force applied to the operation unit to the lock unit. The operation unit is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing upward or downward. The toilet device is characterized in this.

[0007] This toilet system allows for improved design by positioning the control unit above or below the bottom of the casing.

[0008] The second invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the first invention, the operating section has an operating surface for operation by the user, and the operating surface is located at a position away from the lower end of the casing, either upward or downward.

[0009] This toilet device can improve the design.

[0010] The third invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the operating part is provided at a different position in the vertical direction from the locking part, and the transmission part has an extension that extends in the vertical direction.

[0011] With this toilet device, even if the vertical positions of the operating part and the locking part are different, the extension part allows the operating force of the operating part to be efficiently transmitted to the locking part.

[0012] The fourth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the third invention, the transmission part has a first part extending horizontally from the operating part, an extension part extending from the first part, and a second part extending from the extension part toward the locking part, and the casing has a first guide part that guides the first part and a second guide part that guides the second part.

[0013] This toilet device allows for smooth movement of the transmission unit through a first guide unit that guides the first part of the transmission unit and a second guide unit that guides the second part of the transmission unit. As a result, the operating force of the operating unit can be efficiently transmitted to the locking unit.

[0014] The fifth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the locking part has a case part and a claw part provided inside the case part that restricts the movement of the casing, the transmission part has a third part that extends from the second part toward the locking part and moves the claw part, and the case part has a third guide part that guides the third part.

[0015] According to this toilet device, the third guide section, which guides the third part of the transmission section, allows the operating force of the operating section to be efficiently transmitted to the claw section.

[0016] The sixth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the fourth or fifth invention, the extension portion extends diagonally downward from the first portion toward the second portion.

[0017] This toilet device allows for an improved design by increasing the height of the operating section through the extension. Furthermore, the extension helps to suppress a decrease in force transmission efficiency.

[0018] The seventh invention is a toilet device in which, in the sixth invention, the extension portion extends from the central position of the vertical height of the operating surface of the operating unit toward the second portion, and the vertical dimension of the extension portion is more than half the height from the upper end to the lower end of the operating surface of the operating unit.

[0019] This toilet device allows the operating surface of the control unit to be positioned above the lower end of the casing, improving the design. Furthermore, since the extension extends from the center of the vertical height of the operating surface, it can transmit the operating force most efficiently.

[0020] The eighth invention is a toilet device in which, in the seventh invention, the extension portion is characterized in that the left-right dimension is greater than or equal to the up-down dimension.

[0021] According to this toilet device, based on the horizontal direction in which the operating force acts, since the angle of the extending portion is 45 degrees or less, a decrease in transmission efficiency can be suppressed. By suppressing the decrease in transmission efficiency, the degree of freedom in arranging the operation surface is increased, and the operation surface can be arranged above the lower end of the casing. Therefore, the designability can be improved.

[0022] A ninth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the operation unit is disposed at a position 1 mm or more in the vertical direction from the lower end of the casing.

[0023] According to this toilet device, the designability of the toilet device can be improved.

[0024] A tenth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in any one of the first to ninth inventions, it has a toilet lid provided on the casing so as to be openable and closable, the operation unit is provided at a position separated upward from the lower end of the casing, and when the toilet lid is in the closed state, the operation unit is covered by the toilet lid.

[0025] According to this toilet device, when the toilet lid is in the closed state, the operation unit cannot be visually recognized, so the designability of the toilet device can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet device capable of improving designability is provided. <00(00096>

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a toilet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing a state where the toilet lid of the toilet device is open. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a state where the casing in FIG. 2 is raised. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the casing in FIG. 2 as viewed from the front. [Figure 5]Figure 3 is a front view of the casing as seen from the front. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the case plate, locking mechanism, and release mechanism of the casing. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and release mechanism as seen from the direction indicated by arrow AA in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and release mechanism as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow BB in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the operating section and transmission section removed from the case plate. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the locking and unlocking parts. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view showing the release mechanism detached from the locking mechanism. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the locking and unlocking parts from opposite sides. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the locking and transmission sections as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow CC in Figure 10. [Figure 14] This is a side view showing a toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 7, showing the case plate and release mechanism. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the locking and unlocking parts. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The toilet device of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15. In each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 13 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view showing the toilet unit with the toilet lid open. Figure 3 is a side view showing the casing in the raised position as shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a front view of the casing shown in Figure 2, viewed from the front. Figure 5 is a front view of the casing shown in Figure 3, viewed from the front. In the following description of the embodiments, the terms "upward," "downward," "forward," "backward," "rightward," and "leftward" are used, but these directions are as viewed from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat, as shown in Figure 1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet device 1 comprises a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet bowl" for convenience of explanation) 2 and a toilet seat device 10 installed above the toilet bowl 2. The toilet bowl 2 receives the user's excrement, such as urine and feces, in a bowl portion that is recessed downwards.

[0030] A space is formed behind the toilet bowl 2 where the tank and various functional parts are housed. The side cover 4 extends from the toilet bowl 2 toward the rear and covers the side of the space. As shown in Figure 3, the toilet bowl 2 has a projection 2a that protrudes into the space. The projection 2a is located in the center of the toilet bowl 2 in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the projection 2a is provided with an engaging part 5 into which the claw part 55 of the locking part 50, which will be described later, engages.

[0031] The engaging portion 5 is formed in a box shape with an open top and is provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion 2a. The engaging portion 5 has two through holes 5b formed in the front portion 5a that penetrate in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The claw portion 55 of the locking portion 50 is inserted through these through holes 5b. As shown in Figure 4, when the toilet seat device 10 is positioned on the upper surface 2b of the toilet bowl 2, the locking portion 50, which will be described later, is housed inside the engaging portion 5. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, when the toilet seat device 10 is raised above the upper surface 2b of the toilet bowl 2, the locking portion 50 rises up from the opening of the engaging portion 5.

[0032] The toilet seat device 10 includes a casing 20 installed on the upper surface 2b of the toilet bowl 2, a locking mechanism 50 that restricts the movement of the casing 20 relative to the toilet bowl 2, and a release mechanism 70 that releases the restriction of the locking mechanism 50. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the toilet seat device 10 is designed so that the casing 20 can be raised away from the toilet bowl 2.

[0033] The casing 20 comprises a case plate 30 and a case cover 40 that is detachably mounted on the case plate 30. The toilet seat device 10 also comprises a toilet seat 22 and a toilet lid 24 that are rotatably mounted on the case cover 40. The toilet lid 24 has an upper surface portion 24a that covers the top of the toilet bowl 2 and a side portion 24b that extends downward from the end of the upper surface portion 24a. The side portion 24b of the toilet lid 24 covers at least a portion of the side portion 40b of the case cover 40 when the toilet lid 24 is closed.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the case plate, locking mechanism, and release mechanism of the casing. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and release mechanism as seen from the direction indicated by arrow AA in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case plate and release mechanism as seen from the direction of arrow BB in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the operating section and transmission section removed from the case plate. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the locking and unlocking parts. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the release mechanism detached from the locking mechanism. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the locking and unlocking parts shown in Figure 10, viewed from the opposite side. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the locking and transmission sections as seen from the direction indicated by arrow CC in Figure 10.

[0035] The case plate 30 covers the bottom of the casing 20. Various functional parts (not shown), such as a deodorizing device and piping, are arranged on the case plate 30. In addition, a locking part 50 is attached to the lower surface 30a of the case plate 30 at a position corresponding to the engaging part 5.

[0036] The side portion 30b of the case plate 30 is provided with an operating section mounting hole 32 to which the operating section 72, described later, is attached. The operating section mounting hole 32 is a through hole that extends in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the operating section mounting hole 32 is located on the upper end side of the case plate 30. In other words, the operating section mounting hole 32 is located above the locking section 50. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, the case plate 30 has a first guide section 34 and a second guide section 36 that guide the transmission section 74, described later.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the first guide portion 34 is adjacent to the operating section mounting hole 32 in the left-right direction. The first guide portion 34 is a rail portion that extends from the operating section mounting hole 32 in the left-right direction. That is, the first guide portion 34 extends in the same direction as the axial direction of the operating section mounting hole 32. As shown in Figure 8, two first guide portions 34 are provided facing each other in the front-rear direction and protrude from the wall surface. The first guide portion 34 slidably guides the first portion 75 of the transmission portion 74, which will be described later.

[0038] The second guide portion 36 is located below the first guide portion 34 and closer to the center. The second guide portion 36 is located on the lower surface 30a side of the case plate 30. That is, the second guide portion 36 is located at approximately the same height as the upper end of the lock portion 50 and is provided between the first guide portion 34 and the lock portion 50. The second guide portion 36 is a rail portion that extends in the left-right direction and protrudes from the wall surface. The second guide portion 36 slidably guides the second portion 77 of the transmission portion 74, which will be described later.

[0039] The case cover 40 is formed in a box shape with an open bottom and is attached to the case plate 30. The case cover 40 has an upper surface portion 40a and a side portion 40b that extends downward from the end of the upper surface portion 40a.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the side portion 40b of the case cover 40 has a toilet lid mounting portion 42 for rotatably attaching the toilet lid 24 and a toilet seat mounting portion 44 for rotatably attaching the toilet seat 22. The toilet lid mounting portion 42 is located on the rear end side of the case cover 40 and is provided on both the left and right ends. The toilet seat mounting portion 44 is located in front of the toilet lid mounting portion 42 and is provided on both the left and right ends.

[0041] The side portion 40b of the case cover 40 has an opening 46 between the toilet lid mounting portion 42 and the toilet seat mounting portion 44. The opening 46 is located at a position corresponding to the operating section mounting hole 32 of the case plate 30 and penetrates in the left-right direction. The opening 46 is located above the lower end 20a of the casing 20 (case cover 40). The opening 46 is a hole for operating the operating section 72, which will be described later.

[0042] Next, the locking mechanism 50 will be described.

[0043] The locking part 50 is attached to the lower surface 30a of the case plate 30. The locking part 50 restricts the upward movement of the casing 20 by engaging with an engaging part 5 fixed to the toilet bowl 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, when the casing 20 is not raised, the locking part 50 is housed within the engaging part 5. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the casing 20 is raised, the locking part 50 is located above the engaging part 5. The locking part 50 has a case part 52 and a claw part 55 provided within the case part 52.

[0044] The case portion 52 is formed in a box shape with an open top. The top of the case portion 52 is covered by a cover (not shown). The case portion 52 is formed to a size that can be housed inside the engaging portion 5. Two through holes 52b are provided on the front portion 52a of the case portion 52, spaced apart in the left-right direction, through which the claw portion 55 is inserted. The through holes 52b are provided at positions corresponding to the through holes 5b of the engaging portion 5.

[0045] The case portion 52 has a third guide portion 53 that guides the third portion 78 of the transmission portion 74. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the third guide portion 53 constitutes the inner wall of the case portion 52 and extends in the left-right direction. The third guide portion 53 slidably guides the third portion 78 of the transmission portion 74.

[0046] The claw portion 55 is located inside the case portion 52 and is inserted into the insertion hole 52b. As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the claw portion 55 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction within the insertion hole 52b by a spring 56. An inclined portion 55b is provided on the upper surface 55a of the claw portion 55. The inclined portion 55b is pressed by the transmission portion 74, which generates a force component that moves the claw portion 55 backward.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, when the casing 20 is not raised, the biasing force of the spring 56 causes the claw portion 55 to protrude from the through hole 5b of the engaging portion 5. As a result, the upward movement of the casing 20 is restricted because the claw portion 55 engages with the through hole 5b of the engaging portion 5. On the other hand, when the claw portion 55 is pressed by the transmission portion 74, it moves backward against the biasing force of the spring 56 and disengages from the through hole 5b of the engaging portion 5. As a result, the restriction on the upward movement of the casing 20 is released.

[0048] The return spring 58 is provided within the case portion 52 so as to extend in the left-right direction. The return spring 58 is compressed by the projection 78c of the transmission portion 74 when the release portion 70, described later, is moved to disengage the claw portion 55 from the through hole 5b. When the pressure on the operating portion 72 is released, the return spring 58 returns the release portion 70 to its original position by biasing force. The return spring 58 also generates the tactile sensation when the operating portion 72 is pressed.

[0049] The lifting section 60 is provided on the case section 52. The lifting section 60 raises the casing 20 relative to the toilet bowl 2. The lifting section 60 has a pivot shaft section 62 and a pivot spring 64 that rotates the pivot shaft section 62.

[0050] The pivot shaft portion 62 has a first shaft portion 62a that extends left and right inside the case portion 52, and a second shaft portion 62b that extends diagonally downward and forward from the first shaft portion 62a. The pivot shaft portion 62 is formed in an L shape by the first shaft portion 62a and the second shaft portion 62b. As shown in Figure 13, a pivot spring 64 is wound around the outer circumference of the first shaft portion 62a. The tip of the second shaft portion 62b is in contact with the upper surface of the engaging portion 5.

[0051] The pivot spring 64 biases the pivot shaft 62 in a direction that pushes the casing 20 upward. As a result, if the claw portion 55 disengages from the through hole 5b of the engagement portion 5, the pivot shaft 62 rotates due to the biasing force of the pivot spring 64, and the casing 20 moves upward. The lifting portion 60 may be provided only if necessary. In other words, if the casing 20 is to be lifted manually, the lifting portion 60 is not necessary.

[0052] Next, the release unit 70 will be described.

[0053] The release unit 70 extends from the operating unit mounting hole 32 into the interior of the locking unit 50. The release unit 70 releases the upward movement of the casing 20 that is restricted by the locking unit 50 by moving the claw portion 55 of the locking unit 50. The release unit 70 includes an operating unit 72 and a transmission unit 74 that transmits the operating force applied to the operating unit 72 to the locking unit 50.

[0054] The operating section 72 is slidably mounted in the operating section mounting hole 32 of the case plate 30 in the left-right direction. The operating section 72 has an operating surface 72a that is visible on the exterior of the casing 20. The operating surface 72a of the operating section 72 is exposed through the opening 46 of the case cover 40. The operating surface 72a of the operating section 72 is the part that the user operates (presses). The operating section 72 is located at a different position in the vertical direction from the locking section 50. In this example, the operating section 72 is located above the locking section 50. The operating surface 72a is located away from the lower end 20a of the casing 20 in an upward direction.

[0055] The transmission section 74 extends from the back surface of the operating section 72 toward the interior of the locking section 50. The transmission section 74 transmits the operating force (pressing force) operated by the operating section 72 to the claw section 55, causing the claw section 55 to move. The transmission section 74 has a first portion 75 extending from the back surface of the operating section 72, an extension portion 76 extending from the tip of the first portion 75, a second portion 77 extending from the tip of the extension portion 76, and a third portion 78 extending from the tip of the second portion 77. The transmission section 74 is formed in a crank shape by the first portion 75, the extension portion 76, the second portion 77, and the third portion 78.

[0056] In this example, the operating section 72, the first section 75, and the extension section 76 are formed as a single unit. The second section 77 and the third section 78 are also formed as a single unit. The release section 70 is configured such that the extension section 76 and the second section 77 come into contact with each other. The release section 70 may also be formed with the operating section 72 and the transmission section 74 as a single unit. Alternatively, the release section 70 may have only the operating section 72 as a separate unit.

[0057] The first part 75 is a rod-shaped body extending horizontally from the operating part 72. The first part 75 has a first fitting part 75a that slidably fits into the first guide part 34 of the case plate 30. The first fitting part 75a is provided on the side surface of the first part 75 and is a groove that extends in the left-right direction. The first part 75 is able to move smoothly in the left-right direction because the first fitting part 75a slidably fits into the first guide part 34. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the first part 75 is located in the center of the vertical height of the operating surface 72a and extends in the left-right direction. That is, the first part 75 extends along the center line O1-O1 of the vertical height H1 of the operating surface 72a.

[0058] The extension portion 76 is a rod-shaped body that extends in the vertical direction. Specifically, the extension portion 76 extends diagonally downward from the first portion 75 toward the second portion 77. In other words, the extension portion 76 connects the first portion 75 and the second portion 77.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the extension portion 76 extends in the vertical direction from the center of the vertical height of the operating surface 72a toward the second portion 77. Specifically, the extension portion 76 extends diagonally downward toward the second portion 77 from the tip of the first portion 75, which is located in the center of the vertical height of the operating surface 72a. The extension portion 76 only needs to have a connection portion 76a with the first portion 75 that lies on the center line O1-O1 of the vertical height H1 of the operating surface 72a. In this example, the connection portion 76a of the first portion 75 and the extension portion 76 is located on the center line O1-O1.

[0060] The extension portion 76 has a vertical dimension L1 that is more than half the height H1 from the upper end 72a1 to the lower end 72a2 of the operating surface 72a of the operating portion 72. Dimension L1 is, for example, 10 mm or more. Also, the extension portion 76 has a horizontal dimension L2 that is greater than or equal to the vertical dimension L1. Dimension L2 is, for example, 10 mm or more. In this case, dimension L1 is, for example, the vertical dimension of the inclined surface (in this example, the upper surface) of the extension portion 76 that faces the center side (lock portion 50 side) of the casing 20. Dimension L2 is the horizontal dimension of the inclined surface of the extension portion 76. As a result, the release portion 70 positions the operating portion 72 above the lock portion 50. Dimensions L1 and L2 of the extension portion 76 are set considering the shape of the case plate 30, the position of the operating portion 72, etc.

[0061] The second portion 77 is a plate-like body extending from the extension portion 76 toward the lock portion 50. The second portion 77 has an upright portion 77a that is connected to the extension portion 76 and extends in the vertical direction, and a horizontal portion 77b that extends forward from the lower end of the upright portion 77a. As shown in Figures 7 and 10, the upright portion 77a is connected to the extension portion 76 at its right end.

[0062] As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the upright portion 77a has a second fitting portion 77c that slidably fits into the second guide portion 36 of the case plate 30. The second fitting portion 77c is provided on the lower rear end side of the upright portion 77a and is a notched groove portion that extends in the left-right direction. The second portion 77 is able to move smoothly in the left-right direction because the second fitting portion 77c slidably fits into the second guide portion 36. The upright portion 77a is formed of a plate-like body and is clamped against the wall surface of the case plate 30 in the front-rear direction. This allows the second portion 77 to move smoothly in the left-right direction. The second portion 77 is not limited to a plate-like body and may be formed of a rod-like body.

[0063] The third portion 78 extends from the second portion 77 into the locking portion 50. The third portion 78 moves in the left-right direction, thereby moving the claw portion 55 of the locking portion 50. The side portion 78a of the third portion 78 is in slidable contact with the third guide portion 53 of the case portion 52. The third guide portion 53 allows the third portion 78 to move smoothly in the left-right direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13, the third portion 78 has a pressing portion 78b that presses against the inclined portion 55b of the claw portion 55. The pressing portion 78b presses against the inclined portion 55b from the left and right directions. As a result, a rearward force is generated on the claw portion 55 due to the inclination of the inclined portion 55b.

[0065] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the third part 78 has a projection 78c that presses against a return spring 58 provided inside the case part 52. The projection 78c presses against the return spring 58 when the operating part 72 is pressed. When the operation of the operating part 72 is stopped, the projection 78c is returned by the biasing force of the return spring 58. As a result, the release part 70 returns to its original position.

[0066] The toilet device 1 according to this embodiment has the configuration described above, and next, the operation of raising the casing 20 will be explained.

[0067] The toilet seat device 10 (casing 20) can be raised relative to the toilet bowl 2, for example, when cleaning the upper surface 2b of the toilet bowl 2. When the casing 20 is not raised, the claw portion 55 of the locking portion 50 is inserted through the through hole 5b of the engaging portion 5 fixed to the toilet bowl 2. This restricts the upward movement of the casing 20 relative to the toilet bowl 2.

[0068] To raise the casing 20, the operating part 72 located on the side portion 40b of the case cover 40 is pressed. This causes the transmission part 74 to move to the left, moving the claw part 55 of the locking part 50 backward. As a result, the claw part 55 disengages from the through hole 5b of the engaging part 5, releasing the restriction on the upward movement of the casing 20 relative to the toilet bowl 2. Once the restriction on the upward movement of the casing 20 is released, the lifting part 60 can raise the casing 20 (see Figures 3 and 5). This allows a hand to be inserted between the casing 20 and the upper surface 2b of the toilet bowl 2 to clean the upper surface 2b of the toilet bowl 2.

[0069] To return the casing 20 to its original position, the casing 20 is pressed from above. This causes the claw portion 55 to move backward against the biasing force of the spring 56 due to the front portion 5a of the engaging portion 5. When the claw portion 55 reaches the position of the through hole 5b, the biasing force of the spring 56 causes the claw portion 55 to be inserted into the through hole 5b. As a result, the casing 20 is restricted from moving upward relative to the toilet bowl 2.

[0070] Next, the positional relationship of the operating unit 72 will be explained.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, the operating section 72 is provided on the side surface 40b of the case cover 40 that constitutes the casing 20. That is, the operating section 72 is provided at a position away from the lower end 20a of the casing 20 in an upward direction. The operating section 72 is provided at a distance L3 upward from the lower end 20a of the casing 20. The distance L3 is, for example, 1 mm or more.

[0072] By positioning the operating section 72 away from the lower end 20a of the casing 20, for example, the lower end 20a of the casing 20 can be formed in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the design of the toilet device 1 can be improved.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, when the toilet lid 24 is closed, the operating section 72 is covered by the toilet lid 24. Specifically, the toilet lid 24 has a side portion 24b that covers at least a part of the side portion 40b of the case cover 40. The operating section 72 is positioned so that it is covered by the side portion 24b when the toilet lid 24 is closed. As a result, the operating section 72 cannot be seen when the toilet lid 24 is closed, thus improving the design of the toilet device 1.

[0074] Next, Figures 14 to 16 show a toilet device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A feature of the second embodiment is that the operating unit is positioned below the lower end of the casing. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment described above, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 14 is a side view showing a toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 7, showing the case plate and release mechanism. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the locking and unlocking parts.

[0075] The side portion 80a of the case plate 80 is provided with an operating section mounting hole 82 to which the operating section 92 is attached. The operating section mounting hole 82 is a through hole that extends in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 15, the operating section mounting hole 82 is located on the lower end side of the case plate 80. In other words, the operating section mounting hole 82 is located below the locking section 50. The operating section mounting hole 82 is located on the back side of the side cover 4. That is, when the case cover 40 is attached to the case plate 80, the operating section mounting hole 82 is located below the side portion 40b of the case cover 40. The case plate 80 also has a first guide portion 84 and a second guide portion 86 that guide the transmission section 94.

[0076] The first guide portion 84 is adjacent to the operating section mounting hole 82 in the left-right direction. The first guide portion 84 is a rail portion that extends from the operating section mounting hole 82 in the left-right direction. That is, the first guide portion 84 extends in the same direction as the axial direction of the operating section mounting hole 82. Two first guide portions 84 are provided facing each other in the front-rear direction and protrude from the wall surface. The first guide portion 84 slidably guides the first portion 95 of the transmission portion 94.

[0077] The second guide portion 86 is located above the first guide portion 84 and closer to the center. The second guide portion 86 is provided in the same position as the second guide portion 36 in the first embodiment, for example. That is, the second guide portion 86 is located at approximately the same height as the upper end of the lock portion 50 and is provided between the first guide portion 84 and the lock portion 50. The second guide portion 86 is a rail portion that extends in the left-right direction and protrudes from the wall surface. The second guide portion 86 slidably guides the second portion 97 of the transmission portion 94.

[0078] The release unit 90 includes an operating unit 92 and a transmission unit 94 that transmits the operating force applied to the operating unit 92 to the locking unit 50. The operating unit 92 is slidably mounted in the operating unit mounting hole 82 of the case plate 80 in the left-right direction. The operating surface 92a of the operating unit 92 is covered by the side cover 4. The operating surface 92a of the operating unit 92 is the part that the user operates (presses). The operating unit 92 is located at a different position in the vertical direction from the locking unit 50. In this example, the operating unit 92 is located below the locking unit 50.

[0079] The transmission section 94 extends from the back surface of the operating section 92 toward the interior of the locking section 50. The transmission section 94 has a first portion 95 extending from the back surface of the operating section 92, an extension portion 96 extending from the tip of the first portion 95, a second portion 97 extending from the tip of the extension portion 96, and a third portion 98 extending from the tip of the second portion 97. The transmission section 94 is formed in a crank shape by the first portion 95, the extension portion 96, the second portion 97, and the third portion 98.

[0080] In this example, the operating section 92, the first portion 95, and the extension 96 are formed as a single unit. In this case, the integrally formed operating section 92, the first portion 95, and the extension 96 are made of the same material as, for example, the integrally formed operating section 72, the first portion 75, and the extension 76 in the first embodiment, and are used inverted vertically. However, the integrally formed operating section 92, the first portion 95, and the extension 96 may be made of different material from the integrally formed operating section 72, the first portion 75, and the extension 76.

[0081] The first part 95 has a first fitting part 95a that slidably fits into the first guide part 84 of the case plate 80. The first fitting part 95a is provided on the side surface of the first part 95 and is a groove that extends in the left-right direction. The first part 95 is able to move smoothly in the left-right direction because the first fitting part 95a slidably fits into the first guide part 84. Also, as shown in Figure 15, the first part 95 is located in the center of the vertical height of the operating surface 92a and extends in the left-right direction. That is, the first part 95 extends along the center line O2-O2 of the vertical height H2 of the operating surface 92a.

[0082] The extension portion 96 is a rod-shaped body that extends in the vertical direction. Specifically, the extension portion 96 extends diagonally upward from the first portion 95 toward the second portion 97. In other words, the extension portion 96 connects the first portion 95 and the second portion 97.

[0083] As shown in Figure 15, the extension portion 96 extends vertically from the center of the vertical height of the operating surface 92a toward the second portion 97. Specifically, the extension portion 96 extends diagonally from the tip of the first portion 95, which is located in the center of the vertical height of the operating surface 92a, toward the second portion 97. above It extends in the direction. The extension portion 96 only needs to have a connection portion 96a with the first portion 95 that is located on the center line O2-O2 of the vertical height H2 of the operating surface 92a. In this example, the connection portion 96a of the first portion 95 and the extension portion 96 is located on the center line O2-O2.

[0084] The extension portion 96 has a vertical dimension L4 that is more than half the height H2 from the upper end 92a1 to the lower end 92a2 of the operating surface 92a of the operating portion 92a. Dimension L4 is, for example, 10 mm or more. Also, the extension portion 96 has a horizontal dimension L5 that is greater than or equal to the vertical dimension L4. Dimension L5 is, for example, 10 mm or more. Dimension L4 is, for example, the vertical dimension of the inclined surface (in this example, the lower surface) of the extension portion 96 that faces the center side (locking portion 50 side) of the casing 20. Dimension L5 is the horizontal dimension of the inclined surface of the extension portion 96. As a result, the release portion 90 positions the operating portion 92 below the locking portion 50. Dimensions L4 and L5 of the extension portion 96 are set considering the shape of the case plate 80, the position of the operating portion 92, etc.

[0085] The second portion 97 has an upright portion 97a connected to the extension portion 96 and a horizontal portion 97b extending forward from the upright portion 97a. The upright portion 97a is the same as the upright portion 77a in the first embodiment, except that its height dimension is smaller. The upright portion 97a is provided with a second fitting portion (not shown) on the lower rear end side. The second fitting portion has the same shape as the second fitting portion 77c in the first embodiment and is a notched groove portion extending in the left-right direction. The second portion 97 is designed to move smoothly in the left-right direction by the second fitting portion being slidably fitted into the second guide portion 86.

[0086] The third part 98 has the same shape and configuration as the third part 78 in the first embodiment. The third part 98 extends from the second part 97 into the locking part 50. The third part 98 moves the claw portion 55 of the locking part 50 by moving in the left-right direction. The side portion 98a of the third part 98 is slidably in contact with the third guide portion 53 of the case portion 52. The third guide portion 53 allows the third part 98 to move smoothly in the left-right direction.

[0087] As shown in Figure 14, the operating unit 92 of the toilet device 100 is located on the back side of the side cover 4 that closes off the space located behind the toilet bowl 2. That is, the operating unit 92 is located at a position away from the lower end 20a of the casing 20, extending downwards. The operating unit 92 is located at a distance L6 downwards from the lower end 20a of the casing 20. The distance L6 is, for example, 1 mm or more. To raise the casing 20, the side cover 4 is removed and the operating unit 92 is operated (pressed).

[0088] Thus, the second embodiment configured in this way can have the same functions and effects as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the operating section 92 is covered by the side cover 4 and cannot be seen, so the design of the toilet device 100 can be improved.

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, a toilet device 1 having a space for housing a functional unit behind the toilet bowl 2 was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, a toilet device having a flat upper surface behind the toilet bowl, in which the claw portion of the locking part engages with a base plate fixed to the upper surface to restrict the movement of the casing, is also possible.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the case in which the extension portion is inclined was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the extension portion may be formed in an L-shape.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the operating section 72 is located above the lower end 20a of the casing 20, and in the second embodiment, the operating section 92 is located below the lower end 20a of the casing 20. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and for example, operating sections may be provided both above and below the lower end of the casing.

[0092] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of the toilet device are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically feasible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Toilet equipment 2 toilet bowls 2a Protrusion 2b Top side 4 Side cover 5 Engagement part 5a Front part 5b Through hole 10 Toilet seat device 20 Casing 20a bottom end 22 toilet seats 24 Toilet lid 24a Top part 24b Side part 30 Case Plates 30a Bottom part 30b Side part 32 Mounting holes for the control unit 34. Section 1 Guide 36. Section 2 of the Guide Department 40 Case Covers 40a Top part 40b Side part 42 Toilet lid mounting section 44 Toilet seat mounting section 46 openings 50 Locking part 52 Case section 52a Front part 52b Through hole 53 Third Guide Section 55 Nail part 55a Top side 55b Inclined section 56 springs 58 Return spring 60 Upward section 62 Rotating shaft section 62a First shaft section 62b Second shaft section 64 rotation spring 70 Release section 72 Control section 72a Operation surface 72a1 top end 72a2 bottom end 74 Transmission section 75 Part 1 75a First fitting section 76 Extension part 77 Part 2 77a Standing section 77b Horizontal section 77c 2nd fitting part 78 Part 3 78a Side 78b Pressing part 78c protrusion 80 Case Plate 80a side part 82 Mounting holes for the control unit 84. Section 1 Guide 86 Second Guide Section 90 Release section 92 Operation section 92a Operation surface 92a1 top end 92a2 bottom end 94 Transmission section 95 Part 1 95a First fitting section 96 Extension part 97 Part 2 97a Standing section 97b Horizontal part 98 Part 3 98a Side 100 toilet equipment

Claims

1. A casing installed on the top surface of the toilet bowl, A locking mechanism that restricts the movement of the casing relative to the toilet bowl, A release unit for releasing the restriction of the locking unit, Equipped with, The release unit is Control panel and A transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the operating unit to the locking unit, It has, The operating section is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing, either upward or downward. The aforementioned operating section is located at a different position in the vertical direction from the aforementioned locking section. The transmission section has an extension that extends in the vertical direction, The aforementioned transmission unit is A first portion extending horizontally from the aforementioned operating section, The extension portion extending from the first portion, It has a second portion that extends from the extension toward the locking portion, The aforementioned casing is A first guide portion that guides the first portion, A second guide portion that guides the second portion, It has, The aforementioned locking mechanism is The case part, A claw portion provided within the case portion that restricts the movement of the casing, It has, The transmission portion has a third portion that extends from the second portion toward the lock portion and moves the claw portion, The toilet device is characterized in that the case portion has a third guide portion that guides the third portion.

2. The aforementioned operating unit has an operating surface that is operated by the user, The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating surface is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing, either upward or downward.

3. The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension portion extends diagonally downward from the first portion toward the second portion.

4. The extension extends from the central position in the vertical height of the operating surface of the operating section toward the second portion. The toilet device according to claim 3, characterized in that the vertical dimension of the extension portion is more than half the height from the upper end to the lower end of the operating surface of the operating portion.

5. The toilet device according to claim 4, characterized in that the extension portion has a left-right dimension greater than or equal to its up-down dimension.

6. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating section is located at a position of 1 mm or more in the vertical direction from the lower end of the casing.

7. The casing has a toilet lid that can be opened and closed, The operating section is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing, The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the toilet lid is in the closed position, the operating section is covered by the toilet lid.

8. A casing installed on the top surface of the toilet bowl, A locking mechanism that restricts the movement of the casing relative to the toilet bowl, A release unit for releasing the restriction of the locking unit, Equipped with, The release unit is Control panel and A transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the operating unit to the locking unit, It has, The operating section is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing, The aforementioned operating section is located at a different position in the vertical direction from the aforementioned locking section. The transmission section has an extension that extends in the vertical direction, The aforementioned transmission unit is A first portion extending horizontally from the aforementioned operating section, The extension portion extending from the first portion, It has a second portion that extends from the extension toward the locking portion, The aforementioned casing is A first guide portion that guides the first portion, A second guide portion that guides the second portion, It has, The toilet device is characterized in that the extension portion extends diagonally downward from the first portion toward the second portion.

9. A casing installed on the top surface of the toilet bowl, A locking mechanism that restricts the movement of the casing relative to the toilet bowl, A release unit for releasing the restriction of the locking unit, Equipped with, The release unit is Control panel and A transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the operating unit to the locking unit, It has, The operating section is provided at a position away from the lower end of the casing, The casing has a toilet lid that can be opened and closed, A toilet device characterized in that, when the toilet lid is in the closed position, the operating section is covered by the toilet lid.

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