JP7730658B2 - Cover member and toilet bowl - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a cover member and a toilet bowl.

Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet equipped with a connecting pipe that connects a water supply unit located outside the main body with a water receiving unit located inside the main body, and a cover pipe that covers the connecting pipe. If water leaks within the area connected by the connecting pipe, the cover pipe receives the leaking water and guides it into the main body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-223333

Flush toilets are usually made of ceramic. Compared to metals and resins, it is more difficult to manufacture ceramics with precise dimensions. For this reason, larger dimensional tolerances are permitted in the manufacture of flush toilets than for metal and resin products. When fixing pipes to a flush toilet manufactured near the upper and lower limits of the tolerance, there is a greater risk that the contractor may come into contact with the assembly parts during installation, causing the connections to become misaligned, compared to when fixing pipes to a flush toilet manufactured near the median tolerance.

This specification discloses a cover member that prevents water from adhering to areas where it is desired to avoid water, even if water leaks from a piping unit fixed to ceramics.

This specification discloses a cover member for covering a piping unit having one end connected to a first ceramic connection portion and the other end connected to a second ceramic connection portion. The cover member may include a cover body that covers the connection portion between the first piping of the piping unit and a specific component to which the first piping is connected.

1 shows a side view of a toilet bowl. A cross-sectional view of a toilet bowl is shown. FIG. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the toilet body and the first connecting pipe. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a method of connecting the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe. A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 is shown. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6 when a fixing pin is inserted in a state in which the first connecting pipe is inserted into the second connecting pipe. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 6 when the fixing pin is further inserted from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a second connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third connecting pipe and an adjustment member. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of the toilet body and a third connecting pipe. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of the toilet body and a third connecting pipe. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of the toilet body and a third connecting pipe. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of the toilet body and a third connecting pipe. FIG. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cover member at the connection portion between the bottom of the toilet body and the first connecting pipe. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a filler. A cross-sectional view of a toilet bowl is shown.

The flush toilet of this embodiment will be described below. In particular, the plumbing unit of the flush toilet will be described in detail. In the following, "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" each refer to the orientation when the user is using the toilet, i.e., when the user is sitting on the toilet.

(Outline of the external and internal configuration of the flush toilet 1: Figures 1 and 2)
As shown in Figure 1, the flush toilet 1 comprises a toilet body 10. The toilet body 10 is made of ceramic. As shown in Figure 2, the toilet body 10 comprises a bowl portion 12. The bowl portion 12 has an opening at the top. The bowl portion 12 is curved concavely downward. The bowl portion 12 can store flush water 26.

The toilet body 10 further includes an ascending drainage channel 14 and a descending drainage channel 16. The lower end of the ascending drainage channel 14 is connected to the lower part of the basin 12. The ascending drainage channel 14 extends from the lower part of the basin 12 toward the rear and upper part. The upper end of the ascending drainage channel 14 is connected to the upper end of the descending drainage channel 16. The descending drainage channel 16 extends downward from the upper end of the ascending drainage channel 14. The lower end of the descending drainage channel 16 is connected to a drain pipe 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet 1 further includes a flush water supply pipe 24. The upper end 24a of the flush water supply pipe 24 is connected to a flush water supply source (not shown). The flush water supply source supplies flush water for flushing the flush toilet 1. The flush water supply pipe 24 supplies the flush water supplied from the flush water supply source to the basin 12. The flush water supplied from the flush water supply pipe 24 flows from the top to the bottom of the basin 12, swirling along the inner surface of the basin 12.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet 1 further includes a flush water supply pipe 22 that is different from the flush water supply pipe 24. The flush toilet 1 further includes a piping unit 18 and a nozzle 30. The upper end 22a of the flush water supply pipe 22 is connected to a flush water supply source. The lower end 22b of the flush water supply pipe 22 is connected to the upper end 50a of the piping unit 18.

The piping unit 18 includes a piping body 50. The piping body 50 connects the cleaning water supply pipe 22 and the nozzle 30. The piping body 50 extends in the front-to-rear direction and also in the up-down direction. The lower end 50b of the piping body 50 is connected to the nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 is attached to a through-hole 19a provided in the bottom 19 of the basin 12. The nozzle 30 sprays cleaning water supplied from the cleaning water supply source via the piping body 50 from the through-hole 19a toward the ascending drainage channel 14.

(Configuration of the piping body 50: FIGS. 3 to 17)
The specific configuration of the piping unit 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 17. The flush toilet 1 further includes a cover member for covering the piping unit 18. The cover member is omitted from FIGS. 3 and elsewhere. The cover member will be described later with reference to FIGS. 18 and subsequent figures. As shown in FIG. 3, the piping main body 50 includes multiple connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100. The multiple connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100 include a first connecting pipe 60, a second connecting pipe 80, and a third connecting pipe 100. The second connecting pipe 80 is disposed between the first connecting pipe 60 and the third connecting pipe 100. The connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100 form a flush water supply path. The third connecting pipe 100 is located at the most upstream side of the supply path, and the first connecting pipe 60 is located at the most downstream side of the supply path. The multiple connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100 may be made of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber, a resin, or a metal material such as iron.

(Configuration of the first connecting pipe 60)
The first connecting pipe 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the first connecting pipe 60 has one end 60a located downstream of the supply path and the other end 60b located upstream. The first connecting pipe 60 has a portion 70 extending along the front-rear direction, a bent portion 72, and a portion 74 extending along the left-right direction. The first connecting pipe 60 has a generally L-shape. Therefore, the first connecting pipe 60 can form a supply path bent at approximately 90 degrees. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first connecting pipe 60 has portions 70, 72, and 74 (see FIG. 4 ) located in an area beyond the bottom 19 when viewed from the rear. Therefore, the first connecting pipe 60 can form a supply path for spraying wash water supplied from a wash water supply source located rearward of the nozzle 30 rearward from the nozzle 30.

(Fixing the first connecting pipe 60 to the toilet body 10)
As shown in FIG. 5 , a nozzle 30 is fitted into one end 60a of the first connecting pipe 60. The nozzle 30 has a flush water outlet 32. The first connecting pipe 60 has a seal member 33. The seal member 33 is, for example, a rubber gasket. The seal member 33 is a member that surrounds the outer periphery of the first connecting pipe 60. When attaching the nozzle 30 to the bottom 19 of the basin 12, first, the seal member 33 is attached so as to cover the through-hole 19a from the rear side of the toilet body 10. Then, the nozzle 30 is inserted into the through-hole 19a. The seal member 33 is fixed to the bottom 19 by the nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 passes through the through-hole 19a, protruding forward of the toilet body 10, and is connected to one end 60a of the first connecting pipe 60.

The first connecting pipe 60 further includes a sealing member 62. The sealing member 62 is, for example, a rubber gasket. The sealing member 62 is a ring-shaped member that surrounds the outer periphery of the first connecting pipe 60. The sealing member 62 is configured to cover the through-hole 19a from the front side of the toilet body 10. The sealing member 62 is fixed to the bottom 19 by a fixing nut 66 via a washer 64. This attaches the nozzle 30 to the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10, and fixes the first connecting pipe 60 to the toilet body 10.

(Connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80)
The connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 4 , the diameter of the opening 76 at the other end 60b of the first connecting pipe 60 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 82 at one end 80a of the second connecting pipe 80. The first connecting pipe 60 is provided with a plurality of O-rings 68. The plurality of O-rings 68 seal the gap between the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80 when the first connecting pipe 60 is inserted into the second connecting pipe 80. The O-rings 68 are made of an elastic material such as rubber.

When connecting the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80, as shown in FIG. 6, the other end 60b of the first connecting pipe 60 is first inserted into the opening 82 of the second connecting pipe 80. As shown in FIG. 7, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 when the fixing pin is inserted with the first connecting pipe 60 inserted into the second connecting pipe 80, a step 86 is formed on the inner surface of the second connecting pipe 80. Due to the step 86, the second connecting pipe 80 has an inner diameter 81a that is larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting pipe 60, and an inner diameter 81b that is smaller than the outer diameter of the first connecting pipe 60. As a result, when the first connecting pipe 60 is inserted into the second connecting pipe 80, the first connecting pipe 60 is locked at the position of the step 86.

As shown in FIG. 6, one end 80a of the second connecting pipe 80 has two openings 89a and 89b and a portion 88 between these openings 89a and 89b. With the first connecting pipe 60 inserted into the second connecting pipe 80, a fixing pin 87 is inserted into the openings 89a and 89b. The fixing pin 87 has a leg portion 85 and an engaging portion 83. As shown in FIG. 8, the leg portion 85 passes through the openings 89a and 89b. The leg portion 85 has a curved shape that follows the outer surface 61 of the first connecting pipe 60. When the leg portion 85 abuts against the first connecting pipe 60, it expands along the outer surface 61 of the first connecting pipe 60. When the fixing pin 87 is inserted further from the state shown in FIG. 8, the leg portion 85 fits into the outer surface 61 of the first connecting pipe 60, as shown in FIG. 9. At this time, the engaging portion 83 of the fixing pin 87 abuts against the portion 88. This connects the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80.

As shown in Figure 7, which is a cross section taken along line VII-VII in Figure 9, the fixing pin 87 fits into a recess 69 provided in the first connecting pipe 60. With this configuration, even if the first connecting pipe 60 attempts to move leftward (i.e., rightward in Figure 7) from the second connecting pipe 80, the fixing pin 87 abuts against the wall surface of the recess 69. This prevents the first connecting pipe 60 from moving leftward, preventing the first connecting pipe 60 from coming off the second connecting pipe 80.

The fixing pin 87 and second connecting pipe 80 can rotate relative to the first connecting pipe 60 around direction A (i.e., the left-right direction). In other words, the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80 are configured to prevent their connection from being released by the fixing pin 87, and are also configured to be relatively rotatable around direction A. Because the first and second connecting pipes 60, 80 can rotate relatively in this way, the worker can fix the piping unit 18 to the toilet body 10 while adjusting the connection angle between the first and second connecting pipes 60, 80 according to the shape of the toilet body 10.

(Configuration of the second connecting pipe 80)
As shown in FIG. 10 , the second connecting pipe 80 includes a portion 90 extending in the left-right direction (i.e., direction A), a bent portion 92, and a portion 94 extending in the front-rear direction (i.e., direction B). The second connecting pipe 80 has a generally L-shape. The second connecting pipe 80 can form a supply path bent at approximately 90 degrees. As shown in FIG. 3 , the second connecting pipe 80 includes portions 90 and 92 (see FIG. 10 ) located in an area beyond the bottom 19 when viewed from the rear. As a result, the second connecting pipe 80 can form a supply path for spraying wash water, supplied from a wash water supply source located rearward of the nozzle 30, rearward from the nozzle 30.

The diameter of the opening 96 at the other end 80b of the second connecting pipe 80 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 102 at one end 100a of the third connecting pipe 100. The second connecting pipe 80 is equipped with a plurality of O-rings 84. The plurality of O-rings 84 have a configuration similar to that of the O-ring 68 of the first connecting pipe 60 (see Figure 4).

(Connection between the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100)
When connecting the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100, the other end 80b of the second connecting pipe 80 is inserted into one end 100a of the third connecting pipe 100. The other end 80b of the second connecting pipe 80 has a configuration similar to the other end 60b of the first connecting pipe 60 (see FIG. 4). The one end 100a of the third connecting pipe 100 has a configuration similar to the one end 80a of the second connecting pipe 80 (see FIGS. 4, 6 to 9). The connection between the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100 is similar to the connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80. That is, with the other end 80b of the second connecting pipe 80 inserted into one end 100a of the third connecting pipe 100, a fixing pin (not shown) is inserted into the third connecting pipe 100. The second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100 are configured to prevent the connection from being released by a fixing pin, and are configured to be relatively rotatable around an axis in direction B. Because the second and third connecting pipes 80, 100 are thus rotatable relative to each other, the worker can fix the piping unit 18 to the toilet body 10 while adjusting the connection angle between the second and third connecting pipes 80, 100 according to the shape of the toilet body 10.

(Configuration of the third connecting pipe 100)
11 , the third connecting pipe 100 has three bends 104, 106, and 108. Each of the bends 104, 106, and 108 is bent at an angle of approximately 60 degrees. The third connecting pipe 100 further includes four sections 110, 112, 114, and 116 defined by the three bends 104, 106, and 108.

(Configuration of adjustment member 140)
The other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100 is fixed to the side surface portion 11 of the toilet body 10. To achieve this, the piping unit 18 further includes an adjustment member 140. The adjustment member 140 includes a slide member 120 and a nut member 128 connected to the slide member 120. The slide member 120 is slidably connected to the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100. As shown in FIG. 12 , the slide member 120 includes a flange portion 124 and a tubular portion 122. The flange portion 124 has a ring shape. The outer diameter of the flange portion 124 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole 13 (see FIG. 11 ) in the side surface portion 11. The inner diameter of the tubular portion 122 is larger than the outer diameter of the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 122 is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole 13. The outer surface of the tubular portion 122 is provided with a helical threaded portion 130 to which a nut member 128 is connected.

The tubular portion 122 has a tubular main body 122a and an arm portion 132 that is continuous with the tubular main body 122a. The arm portion 132 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped portion. One end 132a of the arm portion 132 is continuous with the tubular main body 122a, while the other end 132b of the arm portion 132 is not continuous with the tubular main body 122a. As a result, the other end 132b of the arm portion 132 can bend inward of the tubular main body 122a.

The arm portion 132 has a claw portion 126 and a protrusion 134. As shown in FIG. 13, the claw portion 126 protrudes inward at the other end 132b of the arm portion 132. As shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 134 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the arm portion 132. The protrusion 134 extends along the longitudinal direction of the arm portion 132.

(Fixing the third connecting pipe 100 to the toilet body 10)
14 to 17, the fixing of the third connecting pipe 100 to the toilet body 10 will be described. First, the slide member 120 is inserted from the front into the through-hole 13 of the side surface portion 11. When the slide member 120 is inserted into the through-hole 13, the flange portion 124 abuts against the back surface 11a of the side surface portion 11.

A plurality of grooves 118 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100. The plurality of grooves 118 are aligned in the direction in which the third connecting pipe 100 extends. The third connecting pipe 100 is inserted into the inside of the sliding member 120 when the sliding member 120 is inserted into the through-hole 13. At this time, the third connecting pipe 100 is inserted so that the plurality of grooves 118 and the claws 126 face each other. The claws 126 of the arm portion 132 of the sliding member 120 fit into the plurality of grooves 118. At this stage, the claws 126 are relatively shallowly fitted into the plurality of grooves 118, allowing the third connecting pipe 100 to move back and forth relative to the sliding member 120.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the nut member 128 is connected to the slide member 120. The inner surface of the nut member 128 is provided with a threaded portion 142 that corresponds to the threaded portion 130 of the slide member 120 (see FIG. 12). The nut member 128 is screwed from the rear along the threaded portion 130 of the slide member 120 into the slide member 120. As the nut member 128 is screwed into the slide member 120, the threaded portion 142 of the nut member 128 abuts against the protrusion 134 of the arm portion 132 (see FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 16, as the nut member 128 is further screwed, the nut member 128 moves forward along the protrusion 134. At this time, the other end 132b of the arm portion 132 bends downward. As a result, the claw portion 126 is pressed toward one of the multiple grooves 118 of the third connecting pipe 100. Therefore, the claw portion 126 fits relatively deeply into one of the grooves 118. As a result, the position of the slide member 120 relative to the third connecting pipe 100 is fixed.

As shown in Figure 17, when the nut member 128 is further turned, the nut member 128 abuts against the side surface 11 of the toilet body 10. The adjustment member 140 clamps the side surface 11 from the front and rear using the flange 124 and the nut member 128. This secures the third connecting pipe 100 to the toilet body 10.

As described above, the third connecting pipe 100 has multiple grooves 118. Using the adjustment member 140, the worker can adjust the position of the third connecting pipe 100 relative to the toilet body 10 by the amount corresponding to the longitudinal length of the multiple grooves 118. In other words, the worker can use the adjustment member 140 to adjust the excess length of the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100. The excess length is the length of the portion of the third connecting pipe 100 that extends beyond the side surface 11 when viewed from the front. Specifically, when the claw portion 126 is engaged with the leftmost groove of the multiple grooves 118, the excess length is shortest. When the claw portion 126 is engaged with the rightmost groove of the multiple grooves 118, the excess length is longest. The worker can secure the piping unit 18 to the toilet body 10 while adjusting the excess length according to the shape of the toilet body 10.

The inner diameter of the tubular portion 122 of the slide member 120 is larger than the outer diameter of the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, a gap 101 exists between the tubular portion 122 and the other end 100b. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end 22b of the cleaning water supply pipe 22 is connected to the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100. At this time, the lower end 22b of the cleaning water supply pipe 22 enters the gap 101 between the tubular portion 122 and the other end 100b.

(Configuration of cover member 160)
As shown in Figure 18, the flush toilet 1 further includes a cover member 160 for covering the piping unit 18. The cover member 160 includes a cover main body 162. The cover main body 162 extends in the front-to-rear direction and in the up-down direction along the piping main body 50. The cover main body 162 is made of a translucent material.

(Configuration of cover body 162)
The specific configuration of the cover body 162 will be described with reference to Figures 18 to 21. As shown in Figure 18, the cover body 162 includes a case member 164 and a telescopic tube 190 connected to the case member 164. As shown in Figure 19, the case member 164 is generally L-shaped. The telescopic tube 190 has a substantially cylindrical bellows structure. An end 190a of the telescopic tube 190 is bonded to the outer surface of the case member 164, covering the end 164a of the case member 164. As shown in Figure 18, the telescopic tube 190 extends from the bonded portion with the case member 164 to the connection portion between the third connecting pipe 100 and the side surface portion 11 of the toilet body 10.

(Configuration of case member 164)
As shown in Figure 20, the other end 164b of the case member 164 is fixed to the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10. The case member 164 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting pipe 60. The case member 164 covers one end 60a of the first connecting pipe 60. The case member 164 is made of resin. The case member 164 has inner circumferential surfaces 166, 168 and an adhesive surface 170. The inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 166 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 168. Therefore, a step 172 is formed between the inner circumferential surfaces 166 and 168. The adhesive surface 170 is provided at the step 172.

The cover body 162 further includes a sponge member 174. The sponge member 174 is disposed between the case member 164 and the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10. The sponge member 174 is made of a resin material. The sponge member 174 may also be made of other elastic, porous materials. The sponge member 174 is a ring-shaped member that runs around the opening 165 of the case member 164.

(Fixing of the case member 164 and the toilet body 10)
20, the fixing of the case member 164 to the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10 will be described. The case member 164 is attached with the first connecting pipe 60 fixed to the bottom 19. First, the sponge member 174 is placed around the sealing member 62 from the front side of the toilet body 10.

Next, with the adhesive 176 adhered to the adhesive surface 170, the adhesive surface 170 is adhered to the washer 64. As shown in FIG. 19 , the inner circumferential surface 168 of the case member 164 has multiple protrusions 178 for determining the position of the case member 164 relative to the first connecting pipe 60. The multiple protrusions 178 are provided on a portion facing the fixing nut 66. The multiple protrusions 178 are configured to match the outer shape of the fixing nut 66. Therefore, when the case member 164 moves from the front to the rear to adhere the adhesive surface 170 to the washer 64, the case member 164 is guided along the fixing nut 66 by the multiple protrusions 178. This configuration allows the position of the case member 164 relative to the washer 64 to be accurately determined. Therefore, the adhesive 176 adhered to the adhesive surface 170 can be accurately adhered to the washer 64.

When the adhesive surface 170 is adhered to the washer 64, the sponge member 174 is compressed between the case member 164 and the bottom 19. In other words, the case member 164 is fixed to the bottom 19 via the sponge member 174. In this state, if water is present inside the case member 164, there is a possibility that water may leak from the sponge member 174. To prevent this, a filler 186, which will be described next, is used.

As shown in Figure 19, the case member 164 has multiple filling ports 182 into which filler 186 is filled. Figure 19 shows the state before filler 186 is filled. As shown in Figure 21, which is a cross section taken along XXI-XXI in Figure 20, filler 186 is filled into the space 184 inside the case member 164 through the multiple filling ports 182. The filler 186 is filled so that it flows in the direction indicated by arrow 186F. The filler 186 is, for example, a synthetic resin whose main ingredient is urethane. As shown in Figure 20, the space 184 is defined by the case member 164, the first connecting tube 60, and the bottom 19. Figure 20 shows the state before filler 186 is filled. When filler 186 is filled into the space 184, air in the space 184 is pushed out of the case member 164 through the sponge member 174. The filler 186 does not pass through the sponge member 174 and remains inside the sponge member 174. This allows the filler 186 to fill the space 184.

After the filler 186 has been filled into the space 184, the cover member 160 covers the connection between one end 60a of the first connecting pipe 60 and the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10. This configuration prevents flushing water 26 from leaking from the connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the toilet body 10 to the outside of the case member 164. Specifically, for example, as indicated by arrow 26G, flushing water 26 can be prevented from leaking between the nozzle 30 and the toilet body 10, between the toilet body 10 and the seal member 62, and through the space 184 and from the sponge member 174. In another example, flushing water 26 can be prevented from leaking between the case member 164 and the fixing nut 66 and through the space 184 and from the sponge member 174, as indicated by arrow 26H.

(Continuation of the configuration of the cover body 162)
The configuration of the telescopic tube 190 will be described with reference to FIG. 18 . The telescopic tube 190 is made of, for example, resin. The telescopic tube 190 extends along the connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100. The inner diameter of the telescopic tube 190 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100. The telescopic tube 190 is extendable in the axial direction. The telescopic tube 190 can maintain any telescopic state between its most extended state and its most contracted state. With this configuration, when the connection angle between the connecting pipes of the piping unit 18 is adjusted and when the excess length of the piping unit 18 is adjusted, the length of the telescopic tube 190 can be adjusted to fit the shape of the piping unit 18. Because the connection angles of the connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100 of the piping unit 18 are adjustable, there is a possibility of water leakage from the connection portions between the connecting pipes. The telescopic tube 190 can capture such leakage.

The other end 190b of the telescopic tube 190 is fixed to the side surface 11 of the toilet body 10. As shown in Figure 22, the other end 190b of the telescopic tube 190 is located higher than the surface of the flush water 26 stored in the basin 12. The other end 190b of the telescopic tube 190 and the side surface 11 of the toilet body 10 are fixed together, for example, with an adhesive. This seals the space between the piping unit 18 and the cover body 162. This creates an air layer between the piping unit 18 and the cover member 160, preventing condensation on the cover member 160.

The cover body 162 further includes a drainage section 192. The drainage section 192 is a pipe that connects the telescopic tube 190 and the drain pipe 20. When the level of water accumulated between the connecting pipes 60, 80, 100 and the telescopic tube 190 reaches the opening 194 of the drainage section 192, the water is discharged into the drain pipe 20 via the drainage section 192. With this configuration, water accumulated between the piping unit 18 and the telescopic tube 190 is automatically drained. A check valve (not shown) is provided in the drainage section 192. The check valve allows water to move from the telescopic tube 190 side to the drain pipe 20 side and prevents water from moving from the drain pipe 20 side to the telescopic tube 190 side.

As shown in FIG. 22, the cover member 160 further includes a capacitance sensor 196. The capacitance sensor 196 is disposed at any position in the space between the piping unit 18 and the telescopic tube 190, or in the space between the piping unit 18 and the case member 164. The capacitance sensor 196 is configured to detect water leakage from the piping unit 18. The capacitance sensor 196 supplies a signal indicating that water leakage has been detected to a control unit (not shown). In this case, the control unit notifies the user of the water leakage or stops the supply of cleaning water. This makes it possible to suppress water leakage from the cover member 160. In a modified example, the capacitance sensor 196 does not need to be provided.

(Assembly procedure)
Next, we will explain the procedure for assembling the piping unit 18 and cover member 160 having the above-mentioned configuration to the toilet body 10. First, the worker connects the first connecting pipe 60 to the nozzle 30 inserted into the bottom 19 of the bowl 12 (see Figure 5). This secures the first connecting pipe 60 to the toilet body 10.

Second, the worker inserts one end 100a of the third connecting pipe 100 into the other end 80b of the second connecting pipe 80 and secures them together with a fixing pin (not shown) (see Figure 10). This connects the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100.

Third, the worker connects one end 80a of the second connecting pipe 80 to the other end 60b of the first connecting pipe 60 (see Figure 4). At this time, the third connecting pipe 100 is already connected to the other end 80b of the second connecting pipe 80. The other end 60b of the first connecting pipe 60 and one end 80a of the second connecting pipe 80 are fixed together with a fixing pin 87 (see Figures 6 to 9). This connects the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100 to the first connecting pipe 60 fixed to the toilet body 10.

Fourth, the worker attaches the case member 164 of the cover member 160 to the connection between the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10 and the first connecting pipe 60 (see Figure 20). The worker then fills the filling agent 186 into the filling port 182 of the case member 164. This causes the connection between the toilet body 10 and the first connecting pipe 60 to be covered by the cover member 160.

Fifth, the worker inserts the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100 into the through-hole 13 of the side surface portion 11 through which the slide member 120 has been inserted (see FIG. 11). At this time, one end 100a of the third connecting pipe 100 is already fixed to the bottom portion 19 via the second connecting pipe 80 and the first connecting pipe 60. Therefore, the worker adjusts the connection angle between the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80 by rotating the second connecting pipe 80 relative to the first connecting pipe 60 around an axis extending along direction A. In addition, the worker adjusts the connection angle between the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100 by rotating the third connecting pipe 100 relative to the second connecting pipe 80 around an axis extending along direction B, which is perpendicular to direction A. In other words, the worker rotates each connecting pipe 60, 80, 100 relatively around two axes extending along two perpendicular directions. This allows the worker to adjust the shape of the piping main body 50 so that the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100 is inserted into the through-hole 13.

When the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100 is inserted into the through-hole 13, the claw 126 of the slide member 120 fits relatively shallowly into one of the grooves 118 of the third connecting pipe 100. In this state, the worker can adjust the excess length of the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100 according to the position of the through-hole 13. The worker then screws the nut member 128 into the slide member 120 to secure the other end 100b of the third connecting pipe 100 to the toilet body 10 (see Figures 14 to 17).

Sixth, the worker extends the telescopic tube 190 along the connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100 and secures the other end 190b to the side portion 11 of the toilet body 10 (see Figure 18).

(Effects of the embodiment)
The toilet body 10 is made of ceramic. Compared to metals and resins, it is difficult to manufacture ceramics with high dimensional precision. For this reason, a relatively large dimensional tolerance is allowed in the manufacture of the toilet body 10. When fixing the piping unit 18 to a toilet body 10 manufactured near the upper and lower limits of the tolerance, there is a risk that the installer may touch the assembly parts during installation, causing misalignment of the connection, compared to when fixing the piping unit 18 to a toilet body manufactured near the median tolerance. For example, if the shape of the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10 is manufactured near the upper and lower limits of the tolerance, there is a risk of misalignment of the connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the bottom 19. To address this, the cover body 162 covers the connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the toilet body 10.

To accommodate manufacturing errors in the toilet body 10, the piping unit 18 is configured, as in this embodiment, so that the connection angles between the connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100 are adjustable. In this case, water may leak from the connections between the connecting pipes 60, 80, and 100. To address this, the cover body 162 covers the connection between the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80, and the connection between the second connecting pipe 80 and the third connecting pipe 100.

Let's assume that the piping unit 18 is made up of only one pipe. In other words, the piping unit is not configured to allow the connection angle between the pipes to be adjusted. In this case, if the piping unit is fixed to a toilet body 10 that has manufacturing tolerances, a load will be placed on the piping unit. As a result, water may leak between the piping unit and the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10. The cover body 162 can also cover the connection between such a piping unit and the bottom 19.

In this embodiment, the cover body 162 covers each of the above-mentioned connection parts, so even if water leaks from the piping unit 18, it is possible to prevent water from adhering to areas where it is desirable to avoid it.

(Correspondence)
The bottom portion 19 and the side portion 11 are examples of a "first fixing portion" and a "second fixing portion," respectively. The lower end portion 50b of the piping main body 50 and the lower end portion 50b of the piping main body 50 are examples of a "one end portion" and a "other end portion," respectively. In one example, the first connecting pipe 60, the second connecting pipe 80, and the bottom portion 19 are examples of a "first pipe," a "second pipe," and a "specific member," respectively. In another example, the first connecting pipe 60 and the second connecting pipe 80 are examples of a "first pipe," a "specific member," respectively.

Specific embodiments have been described in detail above. However, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples given above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

(Variation 1) The piping unit 18 may be connected to another object made of ceramic instead of the toilet body 10. For example, the piping unit 18 may be fixed to the washbasin.

(Variant 2) The cover body 162 does not need to cover the connection between the lower end 50b of the piping body 50 and the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10. In this case, the cover body 162 only needs to cover the connection between the two connecting pipes.

(Variant 3) The piping main body 50 may be composed of only one pipe. In this case, the cover main body 162 only needs to cover the connection between the lower end 50b of the piping main body 50 and the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10. In this variant, the "second pipe" can be omitted. Generally speaking, the "cover main body" does not need to cover the connection between the "first pipe" and the "second pipe".

(Variant 4) The cover body 162 does not have to include the case member 164, the filling port 182, and the filler 186. In this case, the cover body 162 only needs to include an extendable tube 190 that extends to the bottom 19 of the toilet body 10 and is adhered to the bottom 19.

(Variation 5) The cover body 162 does not have to include the sponge member 174.

(Variation 6) The inner surface of the case member 164 does not have to have multiple protrusions 178.

(Variation 7) The upper end of the cover body 162 (i.e., the other end 190b of the telescopic tube 190) does not have to be adhered to the side surface 11 of the toilet body 10. That is, the upper end of the cover body 162 may be open. In other words, the cover body 162 does not have to seal the space between the piping unit 18 and the cover body 162.

(Variation 8) The cover body 162 does not have to be provided with the drainage section 192. In this case, for example, the user can periodically remove water that accumulates between the cover member 160 and the piping unit 18.

(Variant 9) The other end 190b of the telescopic tube 190 does not have to be located at a position higher than the surface of the cleaning water 26 stored in the basin 12.

1: flush toilet, 10: toilet body, 11: side portion of toilet body, 18: piping unit, 19: bottom portion of toilet body, 30: nozzle, 50: piping body, 60, 80, 100: connecting pipe, 120: slide member, 128: nut member, 140: adjustment member, 160: cover member, 162: cover body, 164: case member, 174: sponge member, 186: filler, 190: telescopic tube, 192: drainage portion, 196: capacitance sensor

Claims (16)

A cover member for covering a piping unit, the cover member having one end fixed to a ceramic first fixing portion and the other end fixed to the ceramic second fixing portion,
a cover body that covers a connection portion through which water passes between a first pipe of the piping unit and a specific member to which the first pipe is connected;
the cover body further covers a connection portion between the first pipe and a second pipe of the piping unit, the second pipe being connected to the first pipe;
The cover body includes a case member having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first pipe. the first pipe includes the one end,
The cover member according to claim 1 , wherein the cover body covers a connection portion between the one end and the specific member that is the first fixing portion of the ceramic. The cover member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover body includes a filler filled between the case member and the first fixing portion. The cover member according to claim 3, wherein the case member has a filling port through which the filler is filled. The cover member according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the cover body further includes a sponge member disposed between the case member and the first fixing portion. A cover member according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the inner surface of the case member is provided with a plurality of protrusions for determining the position of the case member relative to the first fixing portion. A cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover body is configured to seal the space between the piping unit and the cover body. A cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover body is provided with a drainage section for draining water leaking from the piping unit. The cover member further includes:
The cover member according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor provided in a space between the piping unit and the cover body, the sensor detecting water leakage from the piping unit. The ceramics;
A toilet comprising the cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A toilet bowl as described in claim 10, wherein the upper end of the cover body is located higher than the water surface of the toilet bowl. Ceramics and
a cover member for covering a piping unit having one end fixed to the ceramic first fixing portion and the other end fixed to the ceramic second fixing portion, the cover member having a cover body that covers a connection portion through which water passes between the first piping of the piping unit and a specific member to which the first piping is connected;
A toilet comprising :
The upper end of the cover body is located at a position higher than the water level of the toilet bowl,
The lower end of the cover body is located lower than the water level of the toilet bowl.
Toilet. A cover member for covering a piping unit, the cover member having one end fixed to a ceramic first fixing portion and the other end fixed to the ceramic second fixing portion,
a cover body that covers a connection portion through which water passes between a first pipe of the piping unit and a specific member to which the first pipe is connected;
The cover body is
a case member having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first pipe;
a filler filled between the case member and the first fixing portion. A cover member for covering a piping unit, the cover member having one end fixed to a ceramic first fixing portion and the other end fixed to the ceramic second fixing portion,
a cover body that covers a connection portion through which water passes between a first pipe of the piping unit and a specific member to which the first pipe is connected;
The cover body is configured to seal a space between the piping unit and the cover body. A cover member for covering a piping unit, the cover member having one end fixed to a ceramic first fixing portion and the other end fixed to the ceramic second fixing portion,
a cover body that covers a connection portion through which water passes between a first pipe of the piping unit and a specific member to which the first pipe is connected;
The cover body includes a drainage section for draining water leaking from the piping unit. A cover member for covering a piping unit, the cover member having one end fixed to a ceramic first fixing portion and the other end fixed to the ceramic second fixing portion,
a cover body that covers a connection portion through which water passes between a first pipe of the piping unit and a specific member to which the first pipe is connected;
A cover member including a sensor provided in a space between the piping unit and the cover body, the sensor detecting water leakage from the piping unit.