JP7546839B2 - Flush toilet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to flush toilets, and in particular to flush toilets that are flushed with flush water supplied from a flush water source to expel waste.

As described in Patent Document 1, covers that are attached to the left and right rear parts of the toilet body are known for flush toilets. The covers are biased in a direction that makes them come into contact with inclined surfaces formed at the rear of the left and right sides of the toilet body, reducing the gap between the ceramic inclined surfaces and the cover.

As described in Patent Document 2, a cover that is provided on the side of a toilet body is known for a flush toilet. When the cover is fixed to the toilet body, this cover has an opposing end surface that is formed on the front surface of the cover and faces the peripheral surface of the toilet body. The opposing end surface further has a protrusion that protrudes from the outer end of the opposing end surface toward the inclined surface.

As described in Patent Document 3, a cover that is attached to the side of the toilet body is known for flush toilets. The upper edge of this cover is attached along the left and right side surfaces that slope inward.

As described in Patent Document 4, a decorative cover that is provided on the side of the toilet body is known for flush toilets. This decorative cover is attached along an inwardly sloping taper.

Patent No. 5465441 JP 2018-53548 A JP 2019-190187 A JP 2011-64057 A

However, the conventional flush toilet described in Patent Document 1 above had a problem in that the cover was formed all the way up to the top of the toilet body, making it easy for dirt to get inside the cover.

Furthermore, in the conventional flush toilet described in Patent Document 2 mentioned above, the upper part of the cover is formed up to the upper end of the toilet body, which creates a problem in that dirt can easily get inside the cover.

In addition, in the conventional flush toilet described in Patent Document 3 mentioned above, if the cover is misaligned in its mounting position, the linear inclined surfaces on the left and right side surfaces are easily noticeable, and because the left and right side surfaces are linear inclined surfaces, there is a problem in that the gap between the upper edge of the cover and the left and right side surfaces can easily widen depending on how the misalignment or deformation occurs. In addition, because the left and right side surfaces are linear inclined surfaces, there is also a problem in that dirt that travels from above the toilet body to the left and right side surfaces can easily seep inside the cover through the gaps between the left and right side surfaces and the upper edge.

In addition, in the conventional flush toilet described in Patent Document 4 mentioned above, if the mounting position of the decorative cover becomes misaligned, the linear inclined surface of the inclined taper is easily noticeable, and because the inclined taper is a linear inclined surface, there is a problem that the gap between the decorative cover and the inclined taper can easily widen depending on how the misalignment or deformation occurs. In addition, because the inclined taper is a linear inclined surface, there is also a problem that dirt that travels up the inclined taper from above the toilet body can easily seep into the inside of the decorative cover through the gap between the inclined taper and the decorative cover.

Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a flush toilet that can prevent the deterioration of aesthetics and the intrusion of dirt caused by gaps.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention is a flush toilet that is flushed with flush water supplied from a flush water source to discharge waste, comprising a toilet body, in which a recess that is recessed inward is formed in a side wall portion of the toilet body, and a cover panel that is attached so as to cover at least a portion of the side of the recess and forms a side wall that is aligned with the side wall portion of the toilet body, the toilet body further comprising an upper cover facing surface portion that is formed so as to curve inwardly from above to below the toilet body at the upper end of the recess, the cover panel is formed so as to be positioned in a proximity position where its upper end inner facing portion is in close proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion, and even if there is variation in the dimensions of the toilet body or the mounting state of the cover panel, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel attached to the toilet body is positioned in close proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion while changing the proximity position.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, even if there is variation in the dimensions of the toilet body or the mounting state of the cover panel, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel attached to the toilet body is arranged in a state of proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion while changing the proximity position. This makes it possible to suppress the expansion of the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion, and suppresses the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the gap. Furthermore, since the upper cover facing surface portion is formed by curving inward from the top to the bottom of the toilet body, dirt transmitted from the top of the toilet body to the upper cover facing surface portion can be easily separated from the upper cover facing surface portion and dropped to the outside before or near the position where the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion are in proximity, and the intrusion of dirt into the inside of the cover panel through the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion can be suppressed. Furthermore, the upper cover facing surface portion is formed by curving inward from the top to the bottom of the toilet body. As a result, compared to when the upper cover facing surface forms a linear slope, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel can be positioned further inward than the outer edge of the upper cover facing surface when viewed from above, making it difficult for a user to see the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface when viewed from above, etc. in front of the toilet body. This further improves the aesthetics of the entire flush toilet.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end inner opposing portion located at the proximal position is preferably located more inward than an upper end of an inwardly curved portion of the upper cover opposing surface portion.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the proximity position is located inside the upper end of the curved portion facing inward of the upper cover facing surface portion. As a result, when viewed from above, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is located inside the upper end of the upper cover facing surface portion, making the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion less noticeable in the line of sight of a user looking from the front or above of the toilet body. This further improves the aesthetic appearance of the entire flush toilet. Also, when viewed from above, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is located inside the upper end of the upper cover facing surface portion, and the upper end inner facing portion is located below the upper cover facing surface portion so as to be hidden by the upper cover facing surface portion, thereby preventing dirt coming from above the toilet body from entering the inside of the cover panel through the gap at the proximity position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is preferably formed to be curved inwardly from the top to the bottom of the cover panel.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is formed to be curved inward from the top to the bottom of the cover panel. This makes it easy to arrange the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel in close proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion while changing the proximity position, even if the mounting position is shifted due to variations in the mounting state of the cover panel relative to the toilet body. Furthermore, compared to a case in which the upper end inner facing portion is formed in a square shape, the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion can be made smaller, and even if the proximity position changes, the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion can be more effectively prevented from expanding, and the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the gap can be more effectively prevented.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the upper cover opposing surface portion comprises a first curved portion formed to be curved with a first radius of curvature, and a second curved portion arranged below the first curved portion and formed to be curved with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the first curved portion provided on the upper side of the upper cover facing surface portion is curved with a first curvature radius larger than the second curvature radius. As a result, even if there is a variation in the dimensions of the toilet body, the first curved portion is easily arranged to cover the upper part of the cover panel, and when viewed from above, the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion can be easily hidden, and dirt transmitted from the upper end of the toilet body to the upper cover facing surface portion can easily fall off the upper cover facing surface portion to the outside. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance caused by the gap, the intrusion of dirt, etc. Furthermore, when the upper end inner facing portion is arranged in a close position in which it is in close proximity to the first curved portion, the upper end inner facing portion and the first curved portion can suppress the expansion of the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the first curved portion, and the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance caused by the expansion of the gap, the intrusion of dirt, etc. can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the upper end inner opposing portion is positioned in a close proximity to the second curved portion, the upper end inner opposing portion and the second curved portion can suppress the expansion of the gap between the upper end inner opposing portion and the second curved portion, thereby suppressing the deterioration of aesthetics and the intrusion of dirt that would result from the expansion of the gap.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the upper cover opposing surface portion is provided below a curved portion directed inwardly of the upper cover opposing surface portion and has an upper fixing portion for fixing the cover panel, and the vertical length of the curved portion is longer than the vertical length of the upper fixing portion.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the vertical length of the curved portion is longer than the vertical length of the fixed portion, which makes the curved portion larger than the fixed portion, making it difficult to see the gap between the upper end inner facing portion and the upper cover facing surface portion when viewed from above, and also making it difficult to see the fixed portion through the gap when viewed from above.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the toilet body further comprises a front cover opposing portion which forms the front edge portion of the recess, and a lower fixing portion which fixes the cover panel at the lower portion within the recess, the recess forming a space portion which is formed up to the front cover opposing portion between the upper cover opposing surface portion and the lower fixing portion, and the cover panel further comprises a shielding portion which extends along the front cover opposing portion at its front end and rises from the cover panel toward inside the space portion.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the shielding portion extending along the front cover facing portion is visible through the gap between the front cover facing portion and the front end of the cover panel, preventing the inside of the relatively deep space from being seen, and preventing the inside of the recessed portion visible through the gap from being conspicuous as a dark color accompanied by a shadow due to its relative depth. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gap from being conspicuous as a dark color (e.g., black) in comparison with the toilet body and cover panel that are close to white, improving the aesthetics of the entire flush toilet. Furthermore, the shielding portion can abut against the front cover facing portion, making it easier to stably fix the cover panel to the toilet body in the intended position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the toilet body is made of ceramic, and the cover panel has a front end opposing portion at its front end that is close to the front edge of the recess, and the front end opposing portion has a notch at its upper portion.
According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, when forming a toilet body that is long in the vertical direction, there is a possibility that the toilet body may deform to cause undulations, and in particular when the upper side of the front edge of the recess, where undulations are likely to occur, deforms to cause undulations, the front end facing portion of the cover panel is prevented from abutting on the deformed portion of the front edge of the recess, while the front end facing portion of the cover panel can abut on the front edge of the recess other than the deformed portion, thereby making it possible to further reduce the gap between the cover panel and the toilet body. Also, it is possible to prevent the front end facing portion from abutting on the deformed portion to form a relatively large gap, which may cause aesthetic problems or the accumulation of dirt, thereby reducing the risk of hygiene problems. Furthermore, for example, in the process of manufacturing a ceramic toilet body, the toilet body is formed by removing it from a mold, and therefore even if a cut-out inclined portion that slopes forward from above to below is formed at the upper part of the front edge of the recess, the front end opposing portion is provided with a notch, which prevents the front end opposing portion of the cover panel from abutting on the cut-out inclined portion of the front edge of the recess, while the front end opposing portion of the cover panel abuts on the front edge of the recess other than the cut-out inclined portion, thereby making it possible to further reduce the gap between the cover panel and the toilet body. It is also possible to prevent the front end opposing portion from abutting on the cut-out inclined portion and forming a relatively large gap between the front end opposing portion and the front cover opposing portion.

The flush toilet of the present invention can prevent gaps from impairing the aesthetic appearance and allowing dirt to get in.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the toilet seat, toilet lid, and water tank omitted. FIG. 3 is a side view of the flush toilet of FIG. 2 with the cover panel omitted. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet body and the cover panel taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the outside, with the cover panel in a position for attachment to the toilet body. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the inside, with the cover panel in a position for attachment to the toilet body. FIG. 1 is a front view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the outside, with the cover panel in a position for attachment to the toilet body. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the upper cover facing surface of FIG. 4 and illustrating how the cover panel is attached to the toilet body, and how the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is positioned in a close proximity position in which it is in close proximity to the upper cover facing surface.

A flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of a flush toilet according to one embodiment of the present invention with the toilet seat, toilet lid and water tank omitted, FIG. 3 is a side view of the flush toilet of FIG. 2 with the cover panel omitted, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet body and cover panel as viewed along line IV-IV in FIG. 2.
In the following explanation of one embodiment of the present invention, the near side as seen from the user using the flush toilet 1 (the user standing in front of the flush toilet 1 to use it) is referred to as the front side, the far side as seen from the user is referred to as the rear side, the right side as seen from the front of the flush toilet 1 is referred to as the right side, and the left side as seen from the front is referred to as the left side.

As shown in Figure 1, a flush toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is flushed with flush water supplied from a flush water source to expel waste. The flush toilet 1 comprises a ceramic toilet body 2, a toilet lid 4 that covers a toilet seat 3 placed on the upper surface of the toilet body 2, and a gravity-fed water storage tank 6 that is attached to the rear of the toilet body 2 and serves as a flush water source that stores flush water used for flushing the toilet and supplies it to the toilet body 2.
Incidentally, the flush water source that supplies flush water to the toilet body 2 is not limited to a tank type such as the gravity-fed water storage tank 6 shown in this embodiment, but may also be a direct water supply pressure type that directly utilizes the water supply pressure of tap water, a flush valve type, or one that supplies flush water by utilizing supplementary pump pressure.

A bowl section 8 for receiving waste is formed at the front upper part of the toilet body 2. A water conduit (not shown) for discharging flushing water supplied from the water storage tank 6 into the bowl section 8 is formed at the rear upper part of the toilet body 2. A drain trap pipe 12 (see FIG. 3) is also formed extending from the bottom of the bowl section 8 to discharge waste within the bowl section 8. The drain trap pipe 12 is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) under the floor. The toilet body 2 is made of ceramic. The drain trap pipe 12 is not limited to being connected to a drain pipe under the floor, but may be connected to a drain pipe on the wall, etc.

The toilet body 2 further includes a skirt portion 10 that is provided to cover the bowl portion 8 and the drain trap pipe 12 from the front and side (at least the front side of the side). The skirt portion 10 forms the outer peripheral side wall portion from the front to the side of the toilet body 2. The skirt portion 10 is formed in the shape of a vertical wall from the rim portion 14 at the upper end of the toilet body 2 to the floor surface F. The skirt portion 10 is formed by being curved so that it narrows slightly inward from the upper to middle portion, and then widens slightly outward from the middle to lower portion. The skirt portion 10 forms an exterior member that mainly determines the appearance of the front and front side of the toilet body 2.

The toilet body 2 has a recess 16 formed in the skirt portion 10 that forms the outer sidewall of the toilet body 2, recessed inward up to the vicinity of the drain trap pipe 12. The recess 16 is formed to recess inward from the skirt portion 10, and more specifically, is formed by the toilet body 2 recessed inward from the sidewall of the toilet body 2 by the bowl portion 8, the drain trap pipe 12, the rim portion 14, etc.

Next, the toilet body 2 and cover panel of the flush toilet 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 8.
Figure 5 is an oblique view seen from the outside of a flush toilet cover panel according to one embodiment of the present invention in a position for attachment to the toilet body, Figure 6 is an oblique view seen from the inside of a flush toilet cover panel according to one embodiment of the present invention in a position for attachment to the toilet body, Figure 7 is a front view seen from the outside of a flush toilet cover panel according to one embodiment of the present invention in a position for attachment to the toilet body, and Figure 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the area near the upper cover facing surface of Figure 4 and showing how the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body, and showing how the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is positioned in a close proximity position in which it is close to the upper cover facing surface.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet 1 further includes a cover panel 18 that covers at least a portion of the side of the recess 16 and forms a side wall that aligns in the front-to-rear direction with the skirt portion 10 that forms the side wall of the toilet body 2.

The toilet body 2 further includes an arc-shaped upper curved surface 21 that protrudes outward from above to below the toilet body 2 at the upper end of the recess 16, and an upper cover facing surface 20 that smoothly connects to the upper curved surface 21 and is formed so as to curve inward from above to below. The upper curved surface 21 and the upper cover facing surface 20 extend from the side of the toilet body 2 toward the rear at the upper end of the recess 16. The upper cover facing surface 20 forms an arc-shaped curved surface that protrudes inward from above to below the toilet body 2. In addition, the outermost protruding apex of the arc-shaped upper curved surface 21 protrudes outermost on the side of the toilet body 2.

The upper cover facing surface portion 20 includes a curved portion 23 that is a curved portion formed so as to be curved inward from the top to the bottom of the toilet body 2, and an upper fixing portion 28 that is provided below the curved portion 23 and fixes the cover panel 18. As shown in FIG. 8, the vertical length L1 of the curved portion 23 is longer than the vertical length L2 of the upper fixing portion 28. The curved portion 23 of the upper cover facing surface portion 20 includes a first curved portion 24 that is formed so as to be curved with a first radius of curvature R1, and a second curved portion 26 that is disposed below the first curved portion 24 and is formed so as to be curved with a second radius of curvature R2 that is smaller than the first radius of curvature R1. Because the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is formed by the curved portion 23, even if the proximity position of the cover panel 18 shifts, the boundary between the cover panel 18 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is less noticeable, and the curved surface of the upper cover facing surface portion 20 also tends to appear to follow the cover panel 18, making the curved surface relatively less noticeable. In addition, because the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is formed by the curved portion 23, even if the mounting position of the cover panel 18 shifts or there is deformation (for example, deformation that distorts the cover panel nonlinearly), it is easy to suppress the gap between the cover panel 18 and the curved portion 23.

A shallow recess 35 recessed toward the inside of the toilet body 2 from the top of the upper curved surface 21 is formed in the recess 16 by the upper cover facing surface portion 20 and the upper fixing portion 28. In other words, the upper fixing portion 28 is provided in the shallow recess 35 that forms an inward recess portion about the thickness of the cover panel 18 in the recess 16. The upper fixing portion 28 is formed in a planar shape that is approximately perpendicular or inclined to the floor surface F. When the cover panel 18 is attached on the shallow recess 35, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover panel 18 and the skirt portion 10 form an exterior surface that is approximately flush in the front-rear direction. The shallow recess 35 forms a relatively shallow recess with a depth of about the thickness of the cover panel 18. The shallow recess 35 is formed, for example, to a depth within a range of 5 mm to 30 mm from the outer surface of the toilet body 2. As shown in FIG. 4, a step portion 25 that forms a side surface that is one step deeper further inward may be provided at the lower part of the shallow recess 35. According to such a step portion 25, when the curved cover panel 18 is attached to the upper fixing portion 28, the cover panel 18 can be prevented from interfering with the toilet body 2 more than necessary near the upper fixing portion 28 (particularly the lower portion), and the cover panel 18 can be prevented from moving outward. The upper fixing portion 28 engages with the panel-side upper fixing portion 44 of the cover panel 18 to fix the cover panel 18. The upper fixing portion 28 has a removable fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener or a Velcro tape. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper fixing portion 28 is formed, for example, in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, which supports the load of the cover panel 18 and makes it difficult for the panel to shift in the horizontal direction. The upper fixing portion 28 is arranged in series, for example, in two on the front side and the rear side. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener is formed on the entire upper fixing portion 28, but a fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener may be formed on a part of the upper fixing portion 28. In other words, it is not necessary for all of the sides of the upper fixing part 28 to engage with the panel upper fixing part 44; it is sufficient that the cover panel 18 is engaged to the extent that it can be fixed to the toilet body 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet body 2 further includes a front cover facing portion 30 that forms the front edge of the recess 16, and a lower fixing portion 32 that fixes the cover panel 18 at a predetermined height aligned with the skirt portion 10 of the side wall of the toilet body 2 at the lower portion within the recess 16.

The lower fixing portion 32 is provided in a shallow recess 34 that forms an inward recessed portion of the thickness of the cover panel 18 within the recess 16. The lower fixing portion 32 is formed in a planar shape that is approximately perpendicular or inclined to the floor surface F. When the cover panel 18 is attached on the shallow recess 34, the cover panel 18 and the skirt portion 10 form an exterior surface that is approximately flush in the front-to-rear direction. The shallow recess 34 forms a relatively shallow recess with a depth of approximately the thickness of the cover panel 18. The shallow recess 34 is formed, for example, to a depth within a range of 5 mm to 30 mm from the outer surface of the toilet body 2. The lower fixing portion 32 engages with the panel-side lower fixing portion 36 (see FIG. 6) of the cover panel 18 to fix the cover panel 18. The lower fixing portion 32 has a removable fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener or Velcro tape. The lower fixing portion 32 is formed, for example, in a vertically elongated rectangular shape, making it easy to support the vertical load of the cover panel and difficult to shift. The lower fixing portion 32 is arranged in parallel, for example, on the front side and the rear side. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener is formed on the entire lower fixing portion 32, but a fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener may be formed on a part of the lower fixing portion 32. In other words, it is not necessary for all of the side surfaces of the lower fixing portion 32 to engage with the panel side lower fixing portion 36, and it is sufficient that the cover panel 18 is engaged to an extent that it can be fixed to the toilet body 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the shallow recess 34 has a slightly curved shape that matches the shape of the cover panel 18, so that the cover panel 18 is less likely to protrude outward from the toilet body 2. In addition, the lower portion of the shallow recess 34 has a shape that matches the lower portion of the cover panel 18, so that the position of the lower portion of the cover panel 18 is aligned. The upper part of the shallow recess 34 is curved in an R-shape toward the inside of the toilet body 2, and the curved cover panel 18 prevents unnecessary interference with the upper part of the lower fixing part 32 in the shallow recess 34, which causes the cover panel 18 to move toward the outside of the toilet body 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the recess 16 forms a space 38 between the shallow recess 35 and the shallow recess 34 of the upper cover facing surface 20 and extends to the front cover facing portion 30. The space 38 forms a recess that is deeper than the shallow recesses 34, 35 (relatively deeper from the side of the toilet toward the inside). The space 38 is formed to a depth from the side of the toilet body 2 to the vicinity of the bowl portion 8 and the vicinity of the drain trap pipe 12. In the region near the front cover facing portion 30, the shallow recess 35 of the upper cover facing surface 20 is formed to a relatively shallow depth on the upper side, and the shallow recess 34 is formed to a relatively shallow depth on the lower side, while the space 38 is formed to a relatively deep depth in the intermediate portion including the central portion. In this embodiment, the step 25 formed below the shallow recess 35 is included in the space 38, but depending on the depth of the step 25, a shallow recess 35 or a part of the space 38 can be formed.

The cover panel 18 forms an exterior member that covers the lateral rear side of the toilet body 2 and forms an outer wall aligned with the skirt portion 10. The cover panels 18 are attached to the left and right lateral rear sides of the toilet body 2, one each. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover panels 18 attached to the right side of the toilet body 2 and the one attached to the left side of the toilet body 2 are formed symmetrically, so only the cover panel 18 attached to the right side of the toilet body 2 will be described in detail, and the cover panel 18 attached to the left side of the toilet body 2 will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover panel 18 is formed in a square shape when viewed from the side of the toilet body 2 when attached to the toilet body 2. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cover panel 18 is formed in a thin plate shape. The cover panel 18 is curved so that the center part in the height direction is narrowed inward, similar to the external shape of the side part of the skirt portion 10. The cover panel 18 is formed in a color similar to that of the skirt portion 10 of the toilet body 2, and the cover panel 18 is attached in line with the skirt portion 10, giving the user a smart impression that the skirt portion 10 extends to the lateral rear portion. In this embodiment, the skirt portion 10 of the toilet body 2 and the cover panel 18 are formed in a similar white color. This cover panel 18 is also an exterior panel that is arranged in line with the upper end portion of the toilet body 2 in the vertical direction, and the upper end portion of the toilet body 2 and the cover panel 18 form the exterior of the toilet body. The cover panel 18 is attached in line with the upper cover facing surface portion 20 of the toilet body 2 in the vertical direction, giving the user a smart impression that the toilet body 2 extends to the lower portion. The cover panel 18 is formed of resin.

The cover panel 18 is formed so that, when the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2, its upper end inner facing portion 22 is positioned in a close position to the upper cover facing surface portion 20. The close position indicates a position in which the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 are in a close state (e.g., in a close area), and includes a state in which the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 are separated and abutted. For example, in this embodiment, the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 are positioned in a close position in which they are separated but in close proximity. The upper end inner facing portion 22 positioned in the close position is located inside the upper end portion 20a (see FIG. 8) of the curved portion facing inward of the upper cover facing surface portion 20.

The upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is formed so as to be curved inward (toward the mounting surface side of the cover panel 18) from the top to the bottom of the cover panel 18. The upper end inner facing portion 22 extends from the side to the rear of the toilet body 2 at the inner part of the upper end of the cover panel 18 when the cover panel 18 is in the posture for mounting to the toilet body 2. The upper end inner facing portion 22 forms an arc-shaped curved surface that protrudes inward from the top to the bottom in the mounting posture of the cover panel 18. The upper end inner facing portion 22 is formed so as to be curved with a third curvature radius R3. The third curvature radius R3 is different from the first curvature radius R1 and the second curvature radius R2, but may be the same value as the first curvature radius R1 or the second curvature radius R2.

The cover panel 18 further includes a panel-side upper fixing portion 44 on the inner mounting surface side that engages with the upper fixing portion 28 to fix the cover panel 18. The panel-side upper fixing portion 44 is a removable fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener or Velcro tape. As shown in FIG. 6, the panel-side upper fixing portion 44 is formed, for example, in a horizontally long rectangular shape, which supports the load of the cover panel and makes it difficult for the panel to shift laterally. The panel-side upper fixing portion 44 is arranged in series, for example, in two on the front side and rear side. Note that it is not necessary for all of the sides of the panel-side upper fixing portion 44 to engage with the upper fixing portion 28, and it is sufficient that the cover panel 18 is engaged to the extent that it can be fixed to the toilet body 2.

The cover panel 18 further includes a panel-side lower fixing portion 36 on the inner mounting surface side that engages with the lower fixing portion 32 to fix the cover panel 18. The panel-side lower fixing portion 36 is a removable fixing portion such as a Velcro fastener or Velcro tape. The panel-side lower fixing portion 36 is formed, for example, in a vertically long rectangular shape, which makes it easy to support the vertical load of the cover panel and makes it difficult to shift. The panel-side lower fixing portion 36 is arranged in parallel in two portions, for example, on the front side and the rear side. Note that it is not necessary for all of the sides of the panel-side lower fixing portion 36 to engage with the lower fixing portion 32, and it is sufficient that the cover panel 18 is engaged to the extent that it can be fixed to the toilet body 2.

The cover panel 18 further includes a shielding portion 40 (see FIG. 5) that extends vertically along the front cover facing portion 30 (see FIG. 3) at its front end and rises from the cover panel 18 toward the space portion 38 at a substantially right angle. The shielding portion 40 is formed along the front end facing portion 42 of the cover panel 18. The shielding portion 40 is formed at a position corresponding to the space portion 38, for example, near the middle portion, in the posture in which the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2. The shielding portion 40 is formed so as to protrude in the depth direction (inward direction) to a depth deeper than the panel side lower fixing portion 36. The shielding portion 40 can prevent the user's line of sight from being directed into the space portion 38 through a small gap B1 (see FIG. 1) between the front end facing portion 42 of the cover panel 18 and the front cover facing portion 30 when the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2. In addition, since the gap B1 is made relatively small when the cover panel 18 is attached to the front cover facing portion 30, the user may not be able to see from the gap B1 to the space portion 38. Even if the gap B1 is made relatively large during attachment, the shielding portion 40 is formed and positioned so that the user can see the shielding portion 40, not the space portion 38, from the gap B1.
Furthermore, when the front end opposing portion 42 of the cover panel 18 and the front cover opposing portion 30 are fitted together and installed, the shielding portion 40 can abut against the front cover opposing portion 30, making it easier to stably fix the cover panel 18 in the intended position relative to the toilet body 2.

The cover panel 18 has a front end facing portion 42 that is adjacent to the front cover facing portion 30 of the recess 16 when attached, and the front end facing portion 42 has a notch portion 46 at its upper portion. As shown in FIG. 7, the front end facing portion 42 extends almost linearly in the vertical direction. The notch portion 46 is formed by cutting out the upper end portion of the front end facing portion 42 obliquely toward the rear side. In FIG. 7, in order to clearly show the shape of the notch portion 46, a straight line along the front end facing portion 42 is shown as a dashed line T up to the top. The notch portion 46 forms a portion that is cut out obliquely toward the rear side with respect to the dashed line T. The notch portion 46 forms a notch like a square with a triangular notch at the corner, but may be formed with a curved shape with rounded corners. Therefore, even if a deformed portion 48 is formed in the front cover facing portion 30 of the recess 16 in the upper part of the toilet body 2, the notch 46 is prevented from abutting the deformed portion 48, and the front end facing portion 42 of the cover panel 18 can abut the front cover facing portion 30 other than the deformed portion 48, and the gap B1 between the cover panel 18 and the toilet body 2 can be further reduced. The deformed portion 48 forms a cut-out inclined portion that slopes diagonally from top to bottom toward the front side, but the upper part of the deformed portion may also form a deformed portion that protrudes slightly toward the rear side.

Next, the attachment of the cover panel 18 to the toilet body 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
A person who intends to attach the cover panel 18 to the toilet body 2 prepares the cover panel 18. Next, in the attachment position in which the cover panel 18 is held vertically as shown in FIG. 5, the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2 in a position that covers the recess 16 from the side as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the state before the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2 is shown by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 8, the arrow indicates the direction in which the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2. The front end facing portion 42 and the shielding portion 40 of the cover panel 18 are aligned and attached so as to abut against the front cover facing portion 30. At this time, the cutout portion 46 of the cover panel 18 does not abut against the deformed portion 48, and the deformed portion 48 can be received within the cutout area of the cutout portion 46. Therefore, the front end facing portion 42 can abut against the front cover facing portion 30, and the cover panel can be attached so as to reduce the gap B1.

With the cover panel 18 aligned with the front cover facing portion 30 of the recess 16 in this manner, the panel side lower fixing portion 36 is aligned with and attached to the lower fixing portion 32. Similarly, with the cover panel 18 aligned with the front cover facing portion 30, the panel side upper fixing portion 44 is aligned with and attached to the upper fixing portion 28. Thus, the cover panels 18 are fixed in line behind the skirt portion 10.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is disposed in a position adjacent to the upper cover facing surface portion 20. The upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 are spaced apart but in close proximity, and the gap B2 between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is very small and opens in a direction along the first curved portion 24. The opening of the gap B2 is located inside the upper end portion 20a of the curved portion. In addition, when viewed from above, the opening of the gap B2 is located directly below the upper cover facing surface portion 20. Therefore, the opening of the gap B2 is difficult to see from a user standing in front of the toilet body 2.

In this manner, the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2. The toilet body 2 is made of ceramic, and undergoes processes such as firing during manufacturing, which may result in dimensional variation in the toilet body 2. Dimensional variation may also occur due to manufacturing errors in the cover panel 18. When the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2, the panel side lower fixing part 36 is attached to the lower fixing part 32, and the panel side upper fixing part 44 is attached to the upper fixing part 28. If the mounting position at this time is shifted, for example, variation in the mounting position or distortion or deformation of the cover panel 18 may result in variation in the mounting state of the cover panel 18.

Even in such a case, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 attached to the toilet body 2 is arranged in proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion 20 while changing its proximity position. For example, if the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2 shifted upward from the specified position C1 as shown in Figure 8 due to a dimensional error or a change in the attachment position, or if the cover panel 18 is formed large, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is changed to an upper position C2 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 8) shifted upward from the specified position C1, and the proximity position at which it is in proximity to the first curved portion 24 is changed. On the other hand, for example, if the cover panel 18 is attached to the toilet body 2 in a position shifted downward from the specified position C1 as shown in FIG. 8 due to dimensional errors or changes in the mounting position, or if the cover panel 18 is formed small, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is changed to a lower position C3 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 8) shifted downward from the specified position C1, and is disposed in a close position in which it is in close contact with the second curved portion 26. In this way, even if the positional relationship between the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is slightly shifted in the vertical direction, the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 remain in close contact with each other, and the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 are disposed in the close position. Therefore, the gap B2 between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 can be made less visible to a user standing in front of the toilet body 2.

According to the flush toilet 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, even if there is variation in the dimensions of the toilet body 2 or the mounting state of the cover panel 18, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 attached to the toilet body 2 is arranged in proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion 20 while changing the proximity position. This makes it possible to suppress the expansion of the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20, and suppresses the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the gap. In addition, since the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is formed by curving inward from the top to the bottom of the toilet body 2, dirt transmitted from the top of the toilet body 2 to the upper cover facing surface portion 20 can be easily separated from the upper cover facing surface portion 20 and dropped to the outside just before or near the proximity position between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20, and it is possible to suppress the intrusion of dirt into the inside of the cover panel 18 through the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20. Furthermore, the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is curved inward from above to below the toilet body 2. This allows the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 to be positioned further inward than the outer edge of the upper cover facing surface portion 20 when viewed from above, making it difficult for a user to see the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 when looking from above, etc. in front of the toilet body 2. This further improves the aesthetics of the entire flush toilet.

In addition, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the proximity position is located inside the upper end 20a of the curved portion facing inward of the upper cover facing surface portion 20. As a result, when viewed from above, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is located inside the upper end 20a of the upper cover facing surface portion 20, and the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is less noticeable in the line of sight of a user looking from the front or above of the toilet body 2. This further improves the aesthetics of the entire flush toilet. Also, when viewed from above, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is located inside the upper end 20a of the upper cover facing surface portion 20, and the upper end inner facing portion 22 is located below the upper cover facing surface portion 20 so as to be hidden by the upper cover facing surface portion 20, so that dirt coming from above the toilet body 2 can be prevented from entering the inside of the cover panel 18 through the gap at the proximity position.

Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 is formed so as to be curved inward from above to below the cover panel 18. As a result, even if the mounting position is shifted due to variations in the mounting state of the cover panel 18 relative to the toilet body 2, the upper end inner facing portion 22 of the cover panel 18 can be easily arranged in close proximity to the upper cover facing surface portion 20 while changing the proximity position. Furthermore, compared to when the upper end inner facing portion 22 is formed in an angular shape, etc., the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 can be made smaller, and even if the proximity position changes, the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 can be more effectively prevented from expanding, and the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the gap can be more effectively prevented.

In addition, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the first curved portion 24 provided on the upper side of the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is curved with a first radius of curvature R1 that is larger than the second radius of curvature R2. This makes it easier for the first curved portion 24 to be arranged to cover the upper side of the cover panel 18 even if there is variation in the dimensions of the toilet body 2, making it easier to hide the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 when viewed from above, and makes it easier for dirt that travels from the top of the toilet body 2 to the upper cover facing surface portion 20 to fall off the upper cover facing surface portion 20 and to the outside. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the gap. Furthermore, when the upper end inner facing portion 22 is disposed in a position adjacent to the first curved portion 24, the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the first curved portion 24 can suppress the expansion of the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the first curved portion 24, and can suppress the deterioration of the appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the expansion of the gap. Furthermore, when the upper end inner facing portion 22 is disposed in a position adjacent to the second curved portion, the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the second curved portion can suppress the expansion of the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the second curved portion, and can suppress the deterioration of the appearance and the intrusion of dirt caused by the expansion of the gap.

Furthermore, with the flush toilet 1 according to this embodiment, the vertical length of the curved portion is longer than the vertical length of the upper fixing portion 28. This makes the curved portion larger than the upper fixing portion 28, making it difficult to see the gap between the upper end inner facing portion 22 and the upper cover facing surface portion 20 when viewed from above, and also making it difficult to see the upper fixing portion 28 through the gap when viewed from above.

Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, the shielding portion 40 extending along the front cover facing portion 30 can be seen from the gap between the front cover facing portion 30 and the front end of the cover panel 18, preventing the inside of the relatively deep space from being seen, and preventing the inside of the recess 16 seen from the gap from being conspicuous as a dark color with a shadow due to its relative depth. Therefore, for example, the gap can be prevented from being conspicuous as a dark color (e.g., black) compared to the toilet body 2 and cover panel 18 that are close to white, improving the aesthetics of the entire flush toilet. Furthermore, the shielding portion 40 can abut against the front cover facing portion 30, making it easier to stably fix the cover panel 18 to the toilet body 2 at the intended position. In addition, since the upper cover facing surface portion 20 is formed to a relatively shallow depth close to the side wall portion of the toilet body 2, the upper cover facing surface portion 20 can be easily seen from the gap between the front cover facing portion 30 and the front end of the cover panel 18, preventing the inside of the recess 16 seen from the gap from being conspicuous as a dark color with a shadow. In addition, because the lower fixing part 32 is formed to a relatively shallow depth close to the side wall of the toilet body 2, the lower fixing part 32 is easily visible from the gap between the front cover facing part 30 and the front end of the cover panel 18, and the inside of the recess 16 visible from the gap is prevented from standing out as a dark color with a shadow.

Furthermore, according to the flush toilet 1 of this embodiment, when forming the vertically long toilet body 2, there is a possibility that the toilet body 2 may deform to cause undulations. In particular, when the upper side of the front cover facing part 30 of the recess 16, which is prone to strong undulations, deforms to cause undulations, the front end facing part 42 of the cover panel 18 is prevented from abutting against the deformed part 48 of the front cover facing part 30 of the recess 16, while the front end facing part 42 of the cover panel 18 can abut against the front cover facing part 30 of the recess 16 other than the deformed part 48, thereby making it possible to further reduce the gap between the cover panel 18 and the toilet body 2. In addition, the front end facing part 42 abuts against the deformed part 48 to form a relatively large gap, which can reduce the risk of such a gap damaging the aesthetic appearance or causing hygiene problems such as the accumulation of dirt. In addition, for example, in the process of manufacturing the ceramic toilet body 2, the toilet body 2 is formed by removing it from a mold, so even if a cut-out inclined portion that slopes forward from above to below is formed in the upper part of the front end facing part 42 at the upper part of the front cover facing part 30 of the recess 16, the front end facing part 42 has a notch 46, so that the front end facing part 42 of the cover panel 18 is prevented from abutting against the cut-out inclined portion of the front cover facing part 30 of the recess 16, while the front end facing part 42 of the cover panel 18 abuts against the front cover facing part 30 of the recess 16 other than the cut-out inclined portion, thereby making it possible to further reduce the gap between the cover panel 18 and the toilet body 2. In addition, it is possible to prevent the front end facing part 42 from abutting against the cut-out inclined portion and forming a relatively large gap between the front end facing part 42 and the front cover facing part 30.

Reference Signs List 1 Flush toilet 2 Toilet body 8 Bowl portion 10 Skirt portion 12 Drain trap pipe 16 Recess 18 Cover panel 20 Upper cover facing surface portion 20a Upper end portion 22 Upper end inner facing portion 23 Curved portion 24 First curved portion 26 Second curved portion 28 Upper fixing portion 30 Front cover facing portion 32 Lower fixing portion 34 Shallow recess 35 Shallow recess 38 Space portion 40 Shielding portion 42 Front end facing portion 46 Notch portion 48 Deformed portion

Claims (6)

A flush toilet that is flushed with flush water supplied from a flush water source to discharge waste,
A toilet body, the toilet body having a recess formed in a side wall portion thereof such that the recess is recessed inward;
a cover panel attached to cover at least a portion of a side of the recess and forming a side wall aligned with the side wall of the toilet body;
The toilet body further includes an upper cover facing surface portion that is curved inwardly from above to below the toilet body at an upper end portion of the recess,
the cover panel is formed so as to be disposed in a close position in which the upper end inner facing portion thereof is spaced apart from or in contact with the upper cover facing surface portion,
a flush toilet, wherein the upper cover opposing surface portion comprises a first curved portion formed so as to be curved at a first radius of curvature, and a second curved portion arranged below the first curved portion and formed so as to be curved at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the upper end inner facing portion located in the adjacent position is located inside the upper end of the curved portion facing inward of the upper cover facing surface portion. The flush toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper end inner facing portion of the cover panel is formed so as to be curved inward from above to below the cover panel. The upper cover facing surface portion is
an upper fixing portion that is provided below the inwardly curved portion of the upper cover facing surface portion and fixes the cover panel;
4. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the vertical length of the curved portion is longer than the vertical length of the upper fixed portion. The toilet body further includes a front cover facing portion that forms a front edge portion of the recessed portion;
a lower fixing portion that fixes the cover panel at a lower portion within the recess,
the recess defines a space between the upper cover facing surface portion and the lower fixing portion and extending to the front cover facing portion;
5. The flush toilet according to claim 1 , wherein the cover panel further comprises a shielding portion that extends along the front cover opposing portion at its front end and rises from the cover panel toward the inside of the space. The toilet body is made of ceramic,
6. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the cover panel has a front end opposing portion at its front end that is adjacent to the front edge of the recess, and the front end opposing portion has a notch at its upper portion.

Images