JP2023074597A - Flush handle remote control device for flush toilet - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a flush handle remote control device for a flush toilet, that enables sanitary flushing of the flush toilet without using hands.SOLUTION: A flush handle remote control device (1) of a flush toilet enables flushing by operating a pedal device (4) connected by a wire (3) to a flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) composed of a split ring-shaped elastic body that can be attached to and detached from a flush handle (B) to rotate the flush handle (B). A pedal part (41) is often advantageously provided with a wire adjustment mechanism (414) capable of adjusting a distance to various flushing handles (B) or a stopper (416) to keep a flushing mechanism intact. It was found that the flush handle remote control device (1) for the flush toilet, in which a user utilizes weight of a user's feet to make the pedal device (4) hardly move by installing the pedal part (41) in front of a floor plate (42), can be easily installed and enables sanitary flushing without using hands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a remote control device for a flush handle of a flush toilet, and relates to a novel device that enables hygienic flushing in a toilet without using hands.

A flush handle attached to the flush tank of the flush toilet is moved to a predetermined position to move a flush valve in the flush tank to a flush state. The above method has been adopted in many flush toilets, and it has been common practice to use the hand to move the flush handle.
The flushing handle is divided into "large" and "small" amounts of water depending on the direction of rotation, and it was necessary to devise a way to allow the water to flow in either direction. When it was "small", the amount of water was weak and sometimes excrement did not flow.

Flush handles come in a variety of shapes. In the previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-067419, the remote control device for the flush handle of the flush toilet is compatible with various shapes by manufacturing a flush handle auxiliary tool that matches the shape of the flush handle. By attaching a flushing handle auxiliary tool to the body and rotating it together with the flushing handle, it became possible to wash with water, and many problems could be solved.

However, in order to accommodate the wide variety of flush handle shapes, it was necessary to consider other methods. .

In recent years, sensor-type flush toilets have become popular and push-button flushing has become possible. Regarding the sensor type, there were doubts about water saving and performance, such as being washed with water at an unintended timing and sometimes not flowing. In addition, since it requires electricity, it must always be in a energized state, and since the toilet itself is expensive, it is costly to replace it. In addition, the button-type toilet is also in an energized state, and it is necessary to touch the button with the hand after using the toilet, so it is not hygienic and safe to use. As for installation, it was difficult to retrofit without specialized knowledge, and it was costly.

Regarding the pedal device, in the previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-067419, it was a pedal device that can be used without fixing it to the floor, but if the dead weight is light after operation, the force of returning the flushing handle auxiliary tool to the original position will force the wire. Sometimes the pedal device was pulled by the wire due to the repulsive force of the pedal returning.
In addition, because the pedal has a large range of motion, even though it is possible to wash with water with a minimum of force, it gives the impression that the floor is being operated, and as a result, there is a risk of impeding the mechanism related to washing. It was an issue.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-067419

To obtain a mechanism for hygienically washing without using hands by solving problems with a flushing handle auxiliary tool corresponding to various flushing handles and a highly stable pedal device which is easy to install just by standing.

In order to solve the problem, it was found that the following means are effective.
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet comprising a flush handle auxiliary tool (2), a wire (3) and a pedal device (4),
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet, wherein the flush handle auxiliary tool (2) is a split ring-shaped elastic body.
The pedal device (4) comprises a pedal portion (41), a sole plate (42) and a coil spring (43),
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet as described above, characterized in that a wire fixing part (412) and a wire adjusting mechanism (414) are installed in the pedal part (41).
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet according to any one of the above, characterized in that the flush handle assisting device (2) has a wire connection part (211) and a slit (24) for changing the flushing method. .
In the flush handle aid (2),
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet according to any one of the above, characterized by having a contact portion (23) for fitting with the flush handle (B).

Specifically, the above
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet has a flush handle assisting device (2) connected to a pedal device (4) via a wire (3). By operating the pedal device (4), the washing handle auxiliary tool (2) connected by the wire (3) is rotated, and the washing handle (B) to which the above is attached is interlocked to enable washing with water. . Each part is described below.

The flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) is a tool to be attached to the flushing handle (B), and is a wire connection part ( 22), and a contact portion (23) and a slit (24) may be provided depending on the case. When the pedal device (4) is operated, the wire (3) pulls the flushing handle assisting tool (2) to rotate the flushing handle (B) to which the flushing handle assisting tool (2) is attached. By moving it, it became a mechanism that can be washed with water hygienically without using hands, which solved the problem.

The auxiliary tool body (21) has a split ring shape with an opening (210) through which the handle (Bb) can pass. Since the rotating body (Ba) of the flushing handle (B) is often an annular body with an outer diameter of 36 to 41 mm, it is preferable to set the inner diameter of the auxiliary tool body (21) to about 38 mm so that it can be attached. If it is made of a certain resin or the like, it is possible to cope with changes in the outer diameter of the rotating body (Ba). Also, since it has a split ring shape, arc ends AB (211) and (212) exist.
Materials include elastic resins (PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), AS (acrylonitrile-styrene), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylic (acrylic)) , PET (polyethylene terephthalate), POM (polyacetal)), etc., so that the elastic force can be used to expand the arc ends AB (211) (212) and the handle ( Bb) It can be easily attached to various flushing handles by pushing the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) through the opening (210) from the bottom.
Furthermore, it is preferable to use the above materials, but any material such as metal, wood, synthetic resin, rubber, etc. can be used as long as the diameter can be expanded.

The wire connection part (22) will be explained.
Normally, when the flush handle auxiliary tool (2) is attached to the flush handle (B), it is preferable to install it near the top of the flush handle (B), but depending on the environment of the flush toilet and the shape of the flush handle (B). should be installed with consideration. Depending on the position of the wire connection part (22), the wire (3) passes between the flush handle (B) or the flush handle auxiliary tool (2) and the tank (A) of the flush toilet, and the flush handle (B) is fixed. It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that the washing state continues without returning to the normal state. In order to solve this problem, it is effective to install a slit (24), which will be described later.

Also, if the wire connection part (22) is installed on the opposite side (outside) of the tank (A) of the flush toilet, the flush handle auxiliary tool (2) may fall off, which is not preferable.
Based on this situation, in the present invention, a wire connection part (22) is provided on the arc of the auxiliary tool main body (21), and it is installed on the tank (A) side of the flush toilet as a method to solve the problem. It turned out to be the best option.
Furthermore, the washing handle (B) is mainly used to distinguish the amount of water, such as "large" or "small", and it is the user's desire to be able to select the washing method. Therefore, by positioning the wire connection part (22) near the center of the arc of the auxiliary tool main body (21), the wire (3) can be passed through the washing handle (B) or the slit (24) described later. , or from the back side”, and it is a mechanism that can be used even if the direction is switched.

When the flushing handle (B) is attached to the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2), it is fitted,
When the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) rotates, the flushing handle (B) also rotates. ) and the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2), when the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) is moved, the flushing handle (B) is rotated by contacting the handle (Bb). becomes possible.

In addition, by installing one or more contact portions (23) inside the auxiliary tool main body (21), when the flushing handle assisting tool (2) is attached, it can be tightly fitted with the flushing handle (B). The contact portion (23) is preferably provided with a material (rubber, sponge) or a small rib that fills the gap. The auxiliary tool (2) should be installed in order to obtain the effect of rotating together and being moved to the flushing position.
In addition, by providing a thickness, it is possible to attach the handle to a flush handle with a small diameter without discomfort. Whether or not to install the contact part (23) may be selected according to the size of the rotating body (Ba) of the flushing handle (B).

The slit (24) will be explained.
If the slit (24) is placed on the arc of the auxiliary tool main body (21) with the wire connection part (22) as the center, part of the wire (3) can be accommodated in the slit (24). It is better to install it in order to rotate the handle (B) correctly. By passing through the slit (24), especially when the wire (3) passes through the back side, it passes along the arc of the auxiliary tool main body (21), so the wire (3) has no play and is straight. Since it can be pulled, it has the effect of preventing the wire (3) from coming off due to the pulling, and it can be used without entering the gap with the water washing tank (A).

The pedal device (4) is movable by installing a pedal/sole plate connecting portion (420) and a coil spring (43) between the pedal portion (41) and the sole plate (42), and can be placed on the floor or installed on the wall. use. It is also possible to choose to replace the pedal/sole plate connection portion (420) with a spring hinge or the like.

The pedal part (41) has a pedal rotating shaft (410), a wire insertion part (411), a wire fixing part (412), and a pedal part spring receiver (413). 3), and is installed on the sole plate (42) via the pedal/sole plate connection portion (420).
By operating the pedal portion (41), the washing handle (B) to which the washing handle auxiliary tool (2) is attached can be pulled and rotated. Therefore, for the purpose of suppressing the lifting of the pedal device (4) due to the repulsive force generated when the pedal section (41) returns to its original position after the pedal device (4) is operated, a sole plate is provided when the pedal device (4) is operated. It has been found that intentionally placing the sole plate (42) in front of the sole plate (42) so that the sole plate (42) can be pressed by the weight of the foot is effective for firmly holding the pedal device (4).

Although the shape of the pedal portion (41) is not specified, it is preferably plate-shaped. ), you can choose the shape as you like.
In addition, since the height of the flush handle (B) varies depending on the manufacturer, a mechanism for adjusting the length of the wire (3) is required. By installing the mechanism (414), it is possible to adjust the positional relationship with various washing handles (B).

Wire adjustment mechanism (414) will now be described.
As described above, the distance between the flushing handle (B) and the floor surface varies, and it was a challenge to introduce a mechanism that can adjust the length in order to deal with it with a wired system. In order to solve the problem, the length of the wire (3) can be adjusted by incorporating a wire adjustment mechanism (414) on the rear surface of the pedal section (41). Specifically, when the flushing handle (B) is installed at a low position or when the wire (3) is passed through the front side of the flushing handle (B), the flushing operation handle auxiliary tool (2) and the pedal Since the distance of the device (4) is long, if the wire (3) is cut according to the longest distance, the pedal device (4) will be installed on the near side. In this case, it is easy to assume that the foot or the like will come into contact with the pedal, so in order to avoid this problem, a mechanism that can be stored in the pedal portion (41) was introduced to solve the problem. A wire groove (415) is made in the lattice provided in the pedal part (41) to maintain strength, and the path for routing the wire (3) is rounded to reduce the burden on the wire (3) and to fix the wire. (412) is detoured instead of being directly connected to the mechanism, and the length can be adjusted. The wire groove (415) is set to be slightly narrower than the width of the wire (3), and the wire (3) is press-fitted so that the position can be adjusted without using any tools.

Stopper (416) will now be described.
The stopper (416) is placed on the rear side of the pedal portion (41) so that it comes into contact with the bottom plate (42) when the pedal device (4) is operated. This is because if the stroke of the pedal part (41) is large, the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) connected by the wire (3) rotates more than necessary, and the flushing handle (B) and the flushing mechanism are overloaded and damaged. It is good to install it for the purpose of preventing it from being put away. Moreover, it is preferable to install the pedal device (4) itself for the purpose of reducing the load. Furthermore, it was found that if the coil spring (43) has a large movable stroke, it is also effective to prevent the pedal device (4) from being lifted up by the reaction after the operation.
The flushing handle assisting device (2) may raise the front part of the bottom plate (42) via the wire (3) when returning to its original position after the pedal device (4) is operated, so the stopper (416) is By suppressing the floor plate (42), there is also the effect of canceling the lifting force.
In the present invention, the shape of the stopper (416) is semicircular to disperse the load on the contact surface and to prevent damage to the floor plate (42). At the same time, the front portion of the floor plate (42) is also slightly raised to reduce the stroke.

The bottom plate (42) will be explained.
The pedal part (41) can be installed on the sole plate (42) via the pedal/sole plate connecting part (420). A coil spring (43) can be mounted on the sole plate (42) by providing a sole plate spring receiver (422) in the same manner as the pedal portion (41).
After attaching the flushing handle assisting device (2), the floor plate (42) should be placed on the floor near the side of the toilet so as to be parallel to the toilet by hanging the wire (3). If installed away from the toilet bowl, the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) may fall off when the pedal device (4) is operated, so it is desirable to install it as horizontally as possible with the flushing handle (B). .
If a non-slip (421) is installed on the back surface of the floor plate (42), the frictional force with the floor surface will work when the pedal device (4) is operated, and it will be difficult to slip. Neoprene rubber, silicon rubber, synthetic rubber, sponge, double-sided tape, etc. are used for the non-slip (421), but if possible, you can also choose to make a hole in the floor and install it. good.

The shape and thickness of the floor plate (42) is not specified, and the shape and thickness can be selected according to one's preference.
In addition, the sole plate (42) and the pedal portion (41) are arranged so that the entire sole plate (42) can be stepped on as much as possible, and after securing a space where the sole plate (42) can be pressed by its own weight, the pedal portion (41) is placed. ) is effective for continuing to use in the same place.
These effects can be obtained at the same time, and the selection may be made in consideration of the shape of the flushing handle (B), cost, installation environment, and the like.
When the pedal section (41) can be installed on the floor or wall surface, the bottom plate (42) may be omitted if the pedal section (41) or the mounting surface is provided with an operable mechanism.

The flush handle (B) of the flush toilet has various shapes. At present, most of them are forced to be touched by hand in order to be used, but the present invention has the advantage of being able to easily obtain a device that can be washed with water without being touched by hand.

There are alternative devices for the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2), but they are not things that anyone can easily install and use at low cost. The present invention can be retrofitted to existing flush toilets, and as an invention that can be used for hygiene measures simply and at low cost, it can be used as a countermeasure against infectious diseases in various bathrooms, and for people with hand disabilities, child-rearing generations, and nursing care. It leads to the improvement of convenience for those who do not have vacancies.

Explanatory drawing of the flush handle remote control device (1) of the flush toilet. (Example 1) Side view and front view of the flush toilet flush handle remote control device (1) installed in the flush toilet. (Example 1) Enlarged view of the flushing handle (B). (Example 1) Enlarged view of the flushing handle assisting tool (2). (Example 1) Attachment drawing of the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2). A is an explanatory diagram in which the flushing handle (B) rotates to the back side and B to the front side. (Example 1) It is explanatory drawing of a wire contact part (23) and a slit (24). (Example 1) Operation explanatory drawing of the flush handle remote control device (1) of the flush toilet. (Example 1) Explanatory drawing of a pedal part (41). (Example 1) Explanatory drawing of a sole plate (42). (Example 1) Enlarged explanatory drawing of a pedal apparatus (4). (Example 1) Explanatory drawing of a wire adjustment mechanism (414) and a wire groove (415). (Example 1) FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of operating the flushing handle (B) in the opposite direction to FIG. 8; (Example 1) It is explanatory drawing of a contact part (23). (Example 2) Flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet different from the one in Fig. 1. (Example 3) FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2) of FIG. 14; (Example 3) Explanatory drawing of the pedal apparatus (4) of Example 3 of FIG. (Example 3)

Specific Examples 1 to 3 will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows a flush handle remote control device (1) having a flush handle auxiliary tool (2), a wire (3) and a pedal device (4), which is installed in a flush toilet as shown in FIG.

The product of the present invention can be attached to a flushing handle (B) having a rotating body (Ba) and a handle (Bb) as shown in FIG. ) was formed in a split ring shape. The flushing handle assisting tool (2) has an assisting tool main body (21) made of a split ring-shaped elastic body, an opening (210), and arc ends AB (211) and (212). ) to allow the handle (Bb) to pass therethrough so that it can be attached as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the direction of rotation of the washing handle (B) can be selected by passing the wire (3) through the front side of the washing handle (B) or through the back side. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a wire connecting portion (22) for connecting to the pedal device (4) and a slit ( 24) was provided. Since the slit (24) pulls the flushing handle assisting tool (2) straight when operating the pedal device (4), it has the effect of preventing the flushing handle assisting tool (2) from falling off, etc., and is preferably installed.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the operation when the back side is selected. By operating the pedal device (4) connected to the flushing handle assisting tool (2) and the wire (3), the flushing handle assisting tool (2) is operated. ) rotates, the rotating body (Ba) rotates on the arc, and the arc end A (211) or B (212) comes into contact with the handle (Bb) to rotate the flushing handle (B).

As shown in FIG. 8, the pedal section (41) has a pedal rotating shaft (410), a wire insertion opening (411), a wire fixing section (412), and a pedal section spring receiver (413). A pedal rotation shaft (410) is installed in the pedal part (41) and attached to the pedal/sole plate connection part (420) to move the pedal part (41). A coil spring (43) was inserted into 422), and the mechanism was made to return after operation by the characteristics of the spring.
Pass the wire (3) through the wire insertion port (411), fix it with the wire fixing part (412), and attach the cap (31) to the wire insertion port (411) when connecting with the flushing handle auxiliary tool (2). is also valid. This is installed for the role of reducing the friction generated by bending the wire (3) when the pedal device (4) is operated and for fixing the wire (3).

As shown in FIG. 9, the sole plate (42) has a pedal/sole plate connection portion (420) that connects the pedal (41) and the sole plate (42) and has a rotation bearing mechanism. is installed, and a coil spring (43) is adopted as shown in FIG. to recur.
Since the product of the present invention presses the pedal device (4) by its own weight, it is not fixed, but since it is processed to prevent slipping (421), it can be used without moving from place to place unless it is operated erroneously. If installation work is possible, fixing to the floor may be selected.

It is effective to provide a stopper (416) on the rear surface of the pedal portion (41), and in order to prevent damage to the flushing mechanism as a post-installation device, the stroke was set to a minimum. In addition, when the flushing handle (B) is rotated insufficiently, it is prevented from forcibly flowing due to misalignment of the installation position, etc., which contributes to preventing the destruction of the flushing mechanism due to erroneous operation.

The position and specifications of the flushing handle (B) are not unified, and manufacturers and designs, as well as the position between the flushing handle (B) and the floor surface, and the flushing direction are different.
Therefore, a mechanism for adjusting the length of the wire (3) is required, and a wire adjusting mechanism (414) is provided on the rear surface of the pedal section (41) as shown in FIG. Although three types of length adjustment mechanisms are provided in this case, it is also possible to increase the number. If the wire (3) is directly connected to the wire fixing part (412) as shown in FIG. 11A, it becomes the longest. 11B, the length can be shortened by 30 mm, and as shown in FIG. 11C, the length can be further shortened by 30 mm. By inserting the lattice groove (415) provided in the pedal part (41), the wire (3) can be press-fitted with a finger or the like, and the length can be adjusted without tools.
With these mechanisms, even if the wire (3) is passed from the front side of the flushing handle (B) as shown in FIG. 12, it becomes possible to operate it at an appropriate position.

There are various types of the flushing handle (B), including those with different diameters of the rotating body (Ba) and those with different shapes. As shown in FIG. 13, the contact part (23) is installed on the inner surface of the auxiliary tool main body (21) to correspond to the flushing handle (B) with the small diameter of the rotating body (Ba).

Flush operation is also possible by using the flush handle remote control device (1) of a flush toilet as shown in FIG. 14, FIG. It is a diagram. In FIG. 15, even if the slit (24) is not provided, it is possible to change the rotation direction of the flushing handle (B) around the wire connecting portion (22). The contact part (23) and the like may also be installed depending on the case.
Also, as shown in FIG. 16, a spring hinge is used for the pedal/sole plate connection portion (420), and a wire adjustment mechanism (414) is established by using a urea screw (417) on the side of the pedal portion (41). By installing each part to supplement them, it is possible to obtain a flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet in which the flush handle (B) is stepped on with the foot instead of being operated by hand, and is hygienic without using hands. can be washed with water.

As shown below, the utility value is high and there is a need.
1. Installed in public toilets, food processing companies, and companies working on hygiene measures that reduce the risk of contact and require hygiene measures.
2. Installation in toilets used by the vulnerable, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
3. I would like to be able to wash with water even for people who have handicap or cannot use their hands for various reasons.
4. Infectious diseases can be easily and inexpensively controlled at home toilets and companies without changing to new toilet bowls or using contractors.
5. It is easy to install, so it is suitable for people who cannot drill holes in the walls and floors of rental housing, and those who are not good at DIY.
6. It is easy to operate even for preschoolers, kindergartens, and children's centers, and can be used as part of toilet training, such as making flushing the toilet fun.
7. Recommended for those who are sensitive to contact with the flushing handle (B) or button-type cleaning device, where there is a risk of other people touching it.
It is thought that the utility value in the above places is high.

1 Flush Handle Remote Control Device for Flush Toilet 2 Flush Handle Auxiliary Tool 21 Auxiliary Tool Body 210 Opening 211 Arc End A
212 arc end B
22 wire connection part 23 contact part 24 slit 3 wire 31 cap 4 pedal device 41 pedal part 410 pedal rotating shaft 411 wire insertion part 412 wire fixing part 413 pedal part spring receiver 414 wire adjustment mechanism 415 wire groove 416 stopper
417 Ulyane screw 42 Floor plate 420 Pedal/sole plate joint 421 Non-slip 422 Floor plate spring receiver 43 Coil spring A Tank of flush toilet B Flush handle Ba Rotating body Bb Handle

Claims (4)

A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet comprising a flush handle auxiliary tool (2), a wire (3) and a pedal device (4),
A flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet, wherein the flush handle auxiliary tool (2) is a split ring-shaped elastic body. The pedal device (4) comprises a pedal portion (41), a sole plate (42) and a coil spring (43),
The flush handle remote control device (1) for flush toilet according to claim 1, characterized in that the pedal part (41) is provided with a wire fixing part (412) and a wire adjusting mechanism (414). In the flushing handle assisting tool (2),
The flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by having a wire connection part (211) and a slit (24) that can change the flushing method. In the flushing handle assisting tool (2),
The flush handle remote control device (1) for a flush toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by having a contact portion (23) for fitting with the flush handle (B).

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