Water-washing toilet device

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet device capable of achieving efficient use of washing water by adopting an aspect that allows some of the internal air to remain while maintaining watertightness in the jet waterway.SOLUTION: The flush toilet device includes: a first drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping flush water from the rim outlet; and a second drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping flush water from the jet outlet, which are driven based on different driving inputs. One end of the air vent path opens inside the jet waterway from the second drain valve to the jet outlet, and the other end of the air vent path opens into the atmospheric region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flushing toilet device, and particularly to a flushing toilet device that performs flushing with the flushing water stored in a flushing water tank.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional general tank-type flushing toilet device, a single drain valve is provided in the flushing water tank, and the flushing water discharged from the flushing water tank is branched to a rim water outlet and a jet water outlet, and water is discharged from each water outlet. That is, the water guide path formed in the flushing toilet body is branched in the middle, and the flushing water is respectively guided to the rim water outlet and the jet water outlet.

[0003] Also, International Publication No. 2005 / 085538 (Patent Document 1) describes a flushing toilet. This flushing toilet is a tank-type flushing toilet, and is provided with a tank for storing flushing water for rim water discharge and a tank for storing flushing water for jet water discharge. Each flushing water tank is provided with a drain valve for rim water discharge and jet water discharge respectively, and by opening these drain valves, water is discharged from the rim water outlet and the jet water outlet respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in conventional flush toilet systems equipped with a single drain valve, water is discharged almost simultaneously from both the rim outlet and the jet outlet. Therefore, it cannot be said that flushing water is always discharged from the appropriate outlet at the appropriate time, and some of the flushing water used is not fully utilized for flushing. In other words, the presence of flushing water that is not fully utilized for flushing results in wasted water.

[0006] On the other hand, in the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1, drain valves are provided for rim discharge and jet discharge, making it possible to start water discharge from the rim outlet and the jet outlet at different timings. However, in the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1, each drain valve is pulled up by a ball chain connected to an operating lever (the ball chain is a common drive input member), so the timing of water discharge from each outlet cannot be freely set. For this reason, even in the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1, the effect of suppressing wasted water cannot be fully achieved.

[0007] Furthermore, the inventors of this invention have found that instead of adopting a configuration in which the internal air in the jet water channel from the drain valve for jet discharge to the jet outlet is completely replaced by cleaning water (completely exhausted), a configuration in which some of the internal air remains in the jet water channel while maintaining the watertightness of the water flow from the drain valve for jet discharge to the jet outlet can be adopted, thereby achieving efficient utilization of cleaning water.

[0008] The present invention was conceived based on the above findings. The object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet device that achieves efficient use of flushing water by independently controlling the opening timing of each drain valve and adopting a configuration in which some internal air remains in the jet water channel while maintaining watertightness of the water flow from the drain valve for jet water discharge to the jet outlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a flush toilet device that performs flushing using flushing water stored in a flushing water tank, comprising: a flush toilet body equipped with a bowl and a drain trap pipe extending from the lower part of the bowl; a flushing water tank positioned behind the flush toilet body and storing flushing water for flushing the bowl of the flush toilet body; a first drain valve that switches the discharge and stopping of flushing water from a rim outlet provided on the upper edge of the bowl by opening and closing a first drain port provided in the flushing water tank; and a second drain valve that switches the discharge and stopping of flushing water from a jet outlet provided at the lower part of the bowl by opening and closing a second drain port provided in the flushing water tank, wherein the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different drive inputs, and an air vent path is provided, with one end opening inside the jet water channel from the second drain valve to the jet outlet and the other end opening in the atmosphere.

[0010] According to the present invention, since the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different drive inputs, it is possible to flexibly adjust the opening and closing timing of the first drain port and the opening and closing timing of the second drain port, thereby effectively achieving a reduction in wasted water.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an air venting path is provided, which has one end that opens inside the jet water conduit from the second drain valve to the jet discharge port and the other end that opens in the atmospheric region. This makes it possible to maintain watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit (therefore, the head pressure of the cleaning water tank can be utilized for jet discharge) while also allowing some air to remain in the jet water conduit (since the air venting function is lost after one end of the air venting path is submerged, air above that end tends to remain), thereby achieving efficient utilization of cleaning water.

[0012] Preferably, one end of the air vent path is open within the upstream region located directly below the second drain valve, or within an intermediate region extending forward from the upstream region in a plan view.

[0013] In this case, there is a high degree of design freedom in terms of the performance and arrangement of the air vent path, making it easy to achieve the desired air vent function.

[0014] Furthermore, in this case, the intermediate region is connected to a downstream region leading to the jet outlet, and after the second drain valve is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet, the water surface formed by the water flow of the cleaning water in the upstream region or the intermediate region where one end of the air venting path is open is determined depending on the position where the one end of the air venting path is open, and it is preferable that a watertight water flow of cleaning water is formed from the upstream region through the intermediate region and the downstream region to the jet outlet.

[0015] According to this, the watertightness of the water flow in the jet conduit can be reliably maintained, and the hydrostatic pressure of the washing water tank can be reliably utilized for jet discharge.

[0016] Furthermore, in this case, after the second drain valve is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet, it is preferable that the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the upstream region is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region, and that the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the downstream region.

[0017] According to this, the watertightness of the water flow in the jet conduit can be maintained more reliably, and the hydrostatic pressure of the washing water tank can be more reliably utilized for jet discharge.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferable that the air venting path is formed by a piping member integrally formed with the first drain valve and / or the second drain valve, and that the other end of the air venting path opens into the upper space inside the cleaning water tank. This allows the space required for the air venting path to be absorbed by the space required for the cleaning water tank.

[0019] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the piping member is provided with a check valve. This effectively prevents the unwanted backflow of air.

[0020] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the conduit member is an overflow pipe. This allows the function of an air venting path and the function of an overflow pipe to be combined into a single member, thereby achieving low cost and space saving.

[0021] Alternatively, the other end of the air vent path may open to the space outside the cleaning water tank. Furthermore, it is preferable that the one end of the air vent path is located above the water level of the accumulated water. In this case as well, it is preferable that a check valve is provided in the air vent path. This effectively prevents unwanted backflow of air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, since the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different drive inputs, it is possible to flexibly adjust the opening and closing timing of the first drain port and the opening and closing timing of the second drain port, thereby effectively achieving a reduction in wasted water. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an air vent path is provided that opens inside the jet water guide path from the second drain valve to the jet water outlet on one end side and opens in the atmosphere region on the other end side. By this, while maintaining the watertightness of the water flow in the jet water guide path (so that the water head pressure of the wash water tank can be utilized for jet water discharge), it is possible to realize a state in which a part of the air remains in the jet water guide path (since the air vent function is lost after one end of the air vent path is submerged, the air above that end will remain), and efficient utilization of the wash water can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing a flushing toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a wash water tank provided in the flushing toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] In the flushing toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a ball tap built in the wash water tank. [Figure 4] In the flushing toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a hydraulic drive mechanism built in the wash water tank. [Figure 5] In the flushing toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a schematic side view showing the jet water guide path from the wash water tank to the jet water outlet. [Figure 6] In the flushing toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the jet water guide path from the wash water tank to the jet water outlet. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view A of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view B of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view C of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram showing the passage of time of jet water discharge in the comparative example configuration (conventional type). [Figure 11]This is a schematic diagram showing the time course of jet water discharge in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a flush toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a flush toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a flush toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a flush toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a flushing water tank provided in a flush toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the flushing water tank in a flush toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a flushing water tank provided in a flush toilet device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] (First Embodiment) Next, a flush toilet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a flush toilet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the flush water tank provided in the flush toilet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ballcock built into the flush water tank in the flush toilet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the water pressure drive mechanism built into the flush water tank in the flush toilet device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] (Basic configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a flush toilet body 2, which is a flush toilet, and a flush water tank 4 located at the rear of the flush toilet body 2. In this embodiment, the flush toilet device 1 is configured so that flushing is performed after use by operating a lever handle 4a provided on the flush water tank 4. As a modification, the present invention can also be configured so that flushing is performed based on a control signal from a remote control device (not shown) or a detection signal from a human presence sensor (not shown).

[0026] The flush toilet body 2 has a bowl section 2a and a drain trap pipe 2c extending from the lower part of the bowl section 2a. A rim spout 2d is provided on the upper edge of the bowl section 2a, and a jet spout 2e is provided on the lower part of the bowl section 2a. When the toilet is flushed, flushing water is discharged from these rim spouts 2d and jet spouts 2e at predetermined timings, cleaning the waste receiving surface of the bowl section 2a, and the waste and flushing water in the bowl section 2a are discharged into the drain trap pipe 2c. The waste and flushing water discharged into the drain trap pipe 2c are then discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown) through a drain socket (not shown).

[0027] Flushing water is supplied to the flushing water tank 4 from a water source 6, such as a water supply, via a shut-off valve 8. The supplied flushing water is stored in the flushing water tank 4 up to a predetermined water level. The shut-off valve 8 is provided to stop the supply of flushing water to the flushing water tank 4 during maintenance, etc., and is normally in the "open" position. The flushing water tank 4 also has a first drain valve 10 and a second drain valve 12 built in, which are configured to open and close the first drain port 4b and the second drain port 4c, respectively, located at the bottom of the flushing water tank 4. The flushing water tank 4 may be integrated with the flush toilet body 2, or it may be a separate unit from the flush toilet body 2.

[0028] The flushing water flowing out from the first drain 4b passes through the rim water channel 2f formed inside the toilet bowl body 2 and is discharged from the rim outlet 2d. In other words, the flushing water tank 4 is located above the rim outlet 2d. Therefore, the first drain valve 10 switches the discharge of flushing water from the rim outlet 2d on and off by opening and closing the first drain 4b provided in the flushing water tank 4. Also, the flushing water flowing out from the second drain 4c passes through the jet water channel 2g formed inside the toilet bowl body 2 and is discharged from the jet outlet 2e. Therefore, the second drain valve 12 switches the discharge of flushing water from the jet outlet 2e on and off by opening and closing the second drain 4c provided in the flushing water tank 4.

[0029] (internal structure) Next, the internal structure of the cleaning water tank 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the cleaning water tank 4 includes a first drain valve 10 that opens and closes the first drain port 4b, a second drain valve 12 that opens and closes the second drain port 4c, a ball tap 14 which is a delay mechanism, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16.

[0030] The flushing water tank 4 is a tank configured to store flushing water to be supplied to the toilet bowl body 2, and a first drain port 4b and a second drain port 4c are formed at its bottom for discharging the stored flushing water to the toilet bowl body 2.

[0031] The first drain valve 10 is a valve body positioned to open and close the first drain port 4b. When the first drain valve 10 is pulled upward, the first drain port 4b is opened. As a result, the flushing water in the flushing water tank 4 is discharged into the rim water channel 2f (Figure 1) of the toilet bowl body 2 and discharged from the rim outlet 2d.

[0032] In this embodiment, the user rotates a lever handle 4a provided on the cleaning water tank 4, which pulls a ball chain 10a (schematically shown in Figure 2) connected to the first drain valve 10, thereby lifting the first drain valve 10. In this embodiment, the first drain valve 10 is a valve body equipped with a float ball 10b, and after being lifted from the first drain port 4b and opened, it is configured to descend slowly as the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases, and to close when it reaches a predetermined water level.

[0033] The second drain valve 12 is a valve body positioned to open and close the second drain port 4c. When the second drain valve 12 is pulled upward, the second drain port 4c is opened. As a result, the flushing water in the flushing water tank 4 is discharged into the jet water channel 2g (Figure 1) of the toilet bowl body 2 and discharged from the jet outlet 2e.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second drain valve 12 is configured to be pulled up from the second drain port 4c by a hydraulic drive mechanism 16 (using the action of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 as the drive input). The second drain valve 12 is a valve body having a valve shaft 12a extending upward and a float ball 12b, and the valve shaft 12a is pulled up by the hydraulic drive mechanism 16. Once it is pulled up to a predetermined height, it is disconnected from the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 and slowly descends as the water level in the washing water tank 4 decreases, closing the second drain port 4c.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the float ball 12b of the second drain valve 12 is mounted at a higher position than the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10. Therefore, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 is relatively high, it seats on the second drain port 4c and closes it. That is, as the first drain valve 10 and the second drain valve 12 descend as the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases, the second drain valve 12 seats on the second drain port 4c first and closes.

[0036] The ball tap 14, which is a delay mechanism, is configured so that the cleaning water supplied from the water source 6 flows in through the inlet pipe 14a, and the action of the ball tap 14 causes a delay in the action of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16. As a result, in this embodiment, the second drain valve 12 opens later than the first drain valve 10 (the degree of this "delay" can be adjusted by the structural design of the ball tap 14).

[0037] (Ball tap 14) Next, the configuration of the ball tap 14 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the ball tap 14 includes a main body 18 to which the inlet pipe 14a and outlet pipe 14b are connected, a main valve body 20 disposed within the main body 18, a valve seat 22 on which the main valve body 20 sits, an arm portion 26 rotated by a float 24, and a pilot valve 28 moved by the rotation of the arm portion 26. In other words, the ball tap 14 is equipped with a float 24 that operates in conjunction with the water level in the flush water tank 4, and is configured to supply flush water to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 when the float 24 drops to a predetermined position (adjustable by structural design).

[0038] The main body 18 is a component with a connection part for the inlet pipe 14a at its lower end and a connection part for the outlet pipe 14b on one side. A valve seat 22 is formed inside the main body 18, and this valve seat 22 is configured to communicate with the outlet pipe 14b connected to the connection part. Furthermore, a main valve body 20 is positioned inside the main body 18 to open and close the valve seat 22, and when the valve is open, tap water flowing in from the inlet pipe 14a flows through the valve seat 22 and out into the outlet pipe 14b. The outlet pipe 14b is connected to a water pressure drive mechanism 16.

[0039] The main valve body 20 is a generally disc-shaped diaphragm-type valve body and is mounted inside the main body 18 so that it can seat on and off the valve seat 22. A bleed hole 20a is provided on the periphery of the main valve body 20. A pressure chamber 18a is formed inside the main body 18 on the opposite side of the valve seat 22 (left side in Figure 3) from the main valve body 20. That is, the pressure chamber 18a is defined by the inner wall surface of the main body 18 and the main valve body 20, and when the pressure inside the pressure chamber 18a increases, the main valve body 20 is pressed against the valve seat 22 by that pressure and seats on the valve seat 22.

[0040] Furthermore, a pressure passage 18b extends upward from a pressure chamber 18a provided within the main body 18, communicating with it, and a pilot valve port 28a is provided at the upper end of the pressure passage 18b. The pilot valve port 28a opens upward and is configured to be opened and closed by a pilot valve 28.

[0041] On the other hand, the float 24 is supported by an arm portion 26, which is rotatably supported by a support shaft 26a. Furthermore, a pilot valve 28 is connected to the arm portion 26, and the pilot valve 28 is configured to move vertically as the arm portion 26 rotates. As a result, when the water level in the flushing water tank 4 rises above the predetermined set water level L1, the float 24 is pushed upward, causing the pilot valve 28 to move downward and seat on the pilot valve port 28a, thereby closing it. On the other hand, when the flushing water in the flushing water tank 4 is drained and the water level in the flushing water tank 4 drops, the float 24 moves downward, the pilot valve 28 moves upward, and the pilot valve port 28a opens. (Therefore, when the water level in the flushing water tank 4 is higher than the set water level L1 and the toilet is in standby mode, the pilot valve port 28a of the main body 18 is in a closed state.)

[0042] Furthermore, the tap water that flows into the main body 18 from the inlet pipe 14a flows into the annular space around the valve seat 22, and from there flows into the pressure chamber 18a through the bleed hole 20a of the main valve body 20. In this state, when the pilot valve port 28a is closed by the pilot valve 28, there is no path for the tap water that has flowed into the pressure chamber 18a from the bleed hole 20a to flow out, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a rises. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a rises in this way, the main valve body 20 is pressed toward the valve seat 22 (to the right in Figure 3) by this pressure, and the valve seat 22 is closed by the main valve body 20.

[0043] On the other hand, when the first drain valve 10 is opened by the cleaning operation and the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 falls below the set water level L1, the float 24 moves downward, the pilot valve 28 moves upward, and the pilot valve port 28a opens. When the pilot valve port 28a opens, water in the pressure chamber 18a flows out through the pilot valve port 28a, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a decreases. As a result, the main valve body 20 moves away from the valve seat 22 (to the left in Figure 3), and the valve seat 22 opens. In this way, when the pilot valve port 28a is open, the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a does not rise, and the valve seat 22 remains in an open state.

[0044] (Hydraulic drive mechanism 16) Next, the configuration of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is configured to drive the second drain valve 12 using the water supply pressure of the cleaning water supplied from the water tap to the cleaning water tank. Specifically, the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 includes a cylinder 16a into which water supplied from the ball tap 14 flows, a piston 16b slidably disposed within the cylinder 16a, and a rod 30 protruding from the lower end of the cylinder 16a to drive the second drain valve 12. A spring 16c is placed inside the cylinder 16a, biasing the piston 16b downward. A packing is attached to the piston 16b to ensure watertightness between the inner wall surface of the cylinder 16a and the piston 16b. A clutch mechanism 32 is provided at the lower end of the rod 30, and this clutch mechanism 32 connects / disconnects the rod 30 and the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12.

[0045] The cylinder 16a is a cylindrical component, positioned so that its axis faces vertically, and slidably houses a piston 16b inside. An outlet pipe 14b extending from a ball tap 14 is connected to the lower end of the cylinder 16a, allowing cleaning water flowing from the ball tap 14 to enter the cylinder 16a. As a result, the piston 16b inside the cylinder 16a is pushed upward against the biasing force of the spring 16c by the water flowing into the cylinder 16a.

[0046] On the other hand, an outlet hole is provided at the upper end of the cylinder 16a, and the water supply pipe 34 communicates with the inside of the cylinder 16a through this outlet hole. Therefore, when water flows into the cylinder 16a from the outlet pipe 14b connected to the lower part of the cylinder 16a, the piston 16b is pushed upward from the bottom of the cylinder 16a, and when the piston 16b is pushed up to a position above the outlet hole, the water flowing into the cylinder 16a flows out through the outlet hole into the water supply pipe 34. The cleaning water that flows into the water supply pipe 34 falls into the cleaning water tank 4, and cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning water tank 4.

[0047] The rod 30 is a rod-shaped member connected to the lower surface of the piston 16b, and extends downward from inside the cylinder 16a through a through hole formed in the bottom surface of the cylinder 16a. The valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12 is connected to the lower end of the rod 30 via a clutch mechanism 32. In other words, the rod 30 connects the piston 16b and the second drain valve 12 via the clutch mechanism 32. Therefore, when water flows into the cylinder 16a and pushes the piston 16b upward, the rod 30 connected to the piston 16b lifts the second drain valve 12 upward, and the second drain valve 12 opens.

[0048] Furthermore, a gap is provided between the rod 30 protruding from below the cylinder 16a and the inner wall of the through-hole of the cylinder 16a, and some of the water flowing into the cylinder 16a flows out through this gap. The water flowing out through this gap flows into the cleaning water tank 4. However, because the gap is relatively narrow and has high flow resistance, even when water flows out through this gap, the water flowing into the cylinder 16a from the outlet pipe 14b increases the pressure inside the cylinder 16a, pushing up the piston 16b against the biasing force of the spring 16c.

[0049] Furthermore, the clutch mechanism 32 detachably connects the rod 30 and the second drain valve 12. Specifically, when the second drain valve 12 is lifted a predetermined distance together with the rod 30, the clutch mechanism 32 is configured to disconnect the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12 from the rod 30. In the disconnected state, the second drain valve 12 is no longer linked to the movement of the piston 16b and the upper part of the rod 30, and therefore descends as the water level in the washing water tank 4 decreases.

[0050] (Jet water channel 2g) Next, Figures 5 and 6 are schematic side views and longitudinal cross-sectional views, respectively, showing the jet water conduit 2g from the cleaning water tank 4 to the jet outlet 2e.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the jet outlet 2e is located on the front side of the lower part of the bowl section 2a.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the jet water channel 2g has an upstream region 61 located directly below the second drain valve 12, an intermediate region 62 extending forward in a plan view from the upstream region 61, and a downstream region 63 that extends laterally from the forward region of the intermediate region 62 below the water level of the accumulated water, bypassing the lower part of the bowl section 2a and the drain trap pipe 2c to reach the jet outlet 2e.

[0053] In this embodiment, the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region 61 takes its maximum value at cross-section A in Figure 6, which is located at the downstream end of the upstream region 61, and this maximum value is approximately 2400 mm. 2 This is the case. The section A is shown in Figure 7.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region 62 takes its maximum value at cross-section B in Figure 6, which is located near the rear end of the toilet seat surface, and this maximum value is approximately 7300 mm. 2 This is the case. The section B is shown in Figure 8.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the downstream region 63 takes its maximum value at cross-section C in Figure 5, which is located at the connection point with the intermediate region 62 (the transition point from the intermediate region 62), and this maximum value is approximately 2000 mm. 2 This is the case. The relevant cross-section C is shown in Figure 9.

[0056] Based on the above dimensional relationships, (1) the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region 62 (Figure 8) is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region 61 (Figure 7), (2) the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region 62 (Figure 8) is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the downstream region 63 (Figure 9), and (3) the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region 61 (Figure 7) is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the downstream region 63 (Figure 9).

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the second drain valve 12 is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet 2e, the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the upstream region 61 is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region 62, and the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region 62 is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the downstream region 63.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as schematically (functionally) shown in Figures 5 and 6, a pipeline member 70 is provided as an example of an air venting path. The lower end (one end) of the pipeline member 70 opens inside the intermediate region 62, while the upper end (the other end) opens in the atmospheric region. This prevents the intermediate region 62 from becoming completely filled with water from the time the second drain valve 12 is opened until it is closed (a state in which air remains in a part of the intermediate region 62 continues). More specifically, after the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet 2e, the water level formed by the water flow of the cleaning water in the intermediate region 62 where the lower end of the pipeline member 70 (air venting path) opens is determined depending on the position where the lower end of the pipeline member 70 opens. This is because, after the lower end of the pipeline member 70 is submerged, the pipeline member 70 loses its air venting function, making it easier for air above the lower end to remain. On the other hand, even in such air-retaining conditions, in this embodiment, a watertight water flow of cleaning water is formed (and maintained) from the upstream region 61 through the intermediate region 62 and the downstream region 63 to the jet discharge port 2e.

[0059] To illustrate this, in the comparative example configuration (conventional type), as shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), the intermediate region 62 becomes completely filled with water between the time the second drain valve 12 is opened and the time the second drain valve 12 is closed. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11(a) to 11(c), the intermediate region 62 does not become completely filled with water.

[0060] As is clear from the comparison between Figure 10(c) and Figure 11(c), the water head pressure in the cleaning water tank 4 can be efficiently utilized for jet discharge (Reviewer's note: Please verify).

[0061] (basic action) Next, the operation of the flush toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 16. Figures 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the flush toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a time chart showing the operation of the flush toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] First, in the standby state for toilet flushing, as shown in Figure 2, the first drain port 4b and the second drain port 4c of the flushing water tank 4 are closed by the first drain valve 10 and the second drain valve 12, respectively. Also, in this standby state, the initial water level L2 in the flushing water tank 4 is higher than the predetermined set water level L1 (the reason why the initial water level L2 is higher than the set water level L1 will be explained later). As a result, the pilot valve port 28a of the main body 18 (Figure 3) of the ballcock 14 is closed, and the valve seat 22 is closed by the main valve body 20.

[0063] Next, at time t1 in Figure 16, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flushing water tank 4 to flush the toilet, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, the first drain valve 10 is pulled away from the first drain port 4b, and the first drain port 4b opens. When the first drain port 4b is opened, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 4 flows from the first drain port 4b into the rim water channel 2f (Figure 1) and is discharged from the rim discharge port 2d. The water discharged from the rim discharge port 2d creates a swirling flow on the waste receiving surface of the bowl section 2a, cleaning the waste receiving surface.

[0064] As the cleaning water is discharged from the first drain port 4b, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases. Then, at time t2 in Figure 16, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 falls below the set water level L1, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops, and the pilot valve 28 (Figure 3) opens. As a result, the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a decreases, the main valve body 20 opens, and water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 begins, as shown in Figure 13.

[0065] When cleaning water is supplied to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the cleaning water flowing into the cylinder 16a (Figure 4) pushes up the piston 16b against the biasing force of the spring 16c. As a result, the rod 30 connected to the piston 16b pulls up the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12, and the second drain port 4c opens. In other words, the second drain valve 12 is driven and opened by the action of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 based on the water supply pressure of the tap water supplied via the ball tap 14 (a drive input different from the pull-up of the ball chain 10a by the user).

[0066] When the second drain port 4c is opened, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank 4 flows from the second drain port 4c into the jet water channel 2g (Figure 1) and is discharged from the jet outlet 2e (see Figure 11). The jet discharge from the jet outlet 2e fills the drain trap pipe 2c with water, inducing a siphon effect. Due to the siphon effect, the water and waste in the bowl section 2a are drawn into the drain trap pipe 2c and discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown).

[0067] When the second drain valve 12 is raised to a predetermined height along with the piston 16b of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the clutch mechanism 32 (Figure 4) disengages the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12 from the rod 30. As a result, the second drain valve 12 descends toward the second drain port 4c. Then, at time t3 in Figure 16, as shown in Figure 14, the second drain valve 12 seats toward the second drain port 4c, and the second drain port 4c is closed. As a result, the jet discharge from the jet outlet 2e stops. As mentioned above, since the float ball 12b of the second drain valve 12 is mounted at a relatively high position, the second drain valve 12 seats toward the second drain port 4c earlier than the first drain valve 10.

[0068] In the state shown in Figure 14, the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 is open, so the cleaning water supplied from the water source 6 (water supply) is supplied to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 via the ball tap 14 and flows into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water supply pipe 34 connected to the cylinder 16a. Meanwhile, since the first drain valve 10 remains open, the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 4 flows out from the first drain port 4b and is discharged from the rim discharge port 2d. After the jet discharge stops at time t3 in Figure 16, the cleaning water discharged from the rim discharge port 2d is used as refill water to return the water level in the bowl section 2a to the water level in the standby state.

[0069] In this embodiment, the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing out from the first drain port 4b is adjusted to be greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water supply pipe 34. As a result, in the state shown in Figure 14, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases, and the first drain valve 10 also lowers accordingly. Then, at time t4 in Figure 16, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops to the dead water level DWL, the first drain valve 10 seats on the first drain port 4b, as shown in Figure 15, and the first drain valve 10 is closed. This stops the discharge of water from the rim discharge port 2d.

[0070] Furthermore, even after the first drain valve 10 is closed, the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 remains open. As a result, the cleaning water supplied from the water source 6 (water supply) flows into the cleaning water tank 4 via the ball tap 14, the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, and the water supply pipe 34. This causes the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 to rise. Then, at time t5 in Figure 16, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 rises to the set water level L1, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 rises, and the pilot valve 28 (Figure 3) is closed.

[0071] When the pilot valve 28 is closed, the cleaning water that has flowed into the pressure chamber 18a from the bleed hole 20a in the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 can no longer flow out, causing the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a to rise. Then, at time t6 in Figure 16, the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a presses the main valve body 20 against the valve seat 22, and the main valve body 20 closes. As a result, the water supply from the water source 6 to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 via the ball tap 14 is stopped, and the supply of cleaning water to the cleaning water tank 4 is stopped.

[0072] When the water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is stopped, the piston 16b (Figure 4) inside the cylinder 16a, which had been pushed up by the water supply, is pushed down by the biasing force of the spring 16c. Consequently, the rod 30 attached to the piston 16b also lowers. When the rod 30 has lowered to a predetermined position, the clutch mechanism 32 reconnects the rod 30 to the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12. With these operations, one toilet flush is completed, and the flush toilet device 1 returns to the toilet flush standby state shown in Figure 2.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, a desired time lag can be provided between the timing when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 rises to the set water level L1 and the pilot valve 28 is closed (time t5 in Figure 16) and the timing when the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 is closed (time t6 in Figure 16). During the period from time t5 to time t6, the main valve body 20 is open, so the supply of cleaning water continues, and at the time the main valve body 20 is closed at time t6, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 becomes an initial water level L2, which is higher than the set water level L1.

[0074] As a result, the initial water level L2 in the flushing water tank 4 in the standby state of the flushing toilet device 1 is higher than the predetermined set water level L1 at which the pilot valve 28 is closed. Therefore, in this standby state, at the time the user operates the lever handle 4a (time t1 in Figure 16), the water level in the flushing water tank 4 is higher than the set water level L1, and the main valve body 20 of the ballcock 14 does not open. Then, between time t1 and time t2, a predetermined amount of cleaning water is discharged from the first drain port 4b as rim discharge water, and when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops to the set water level L1, the pilot valve 28 opens, and the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 also opens. As a result, at time t2, water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 begins, and the action of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 opens the second drain valve 12, and jet discharge begins.

[0075] As described above, according to the flush toilet device of the first embodiment of the present invention, the discharge and stopping of flushing water from the rim discharge port 2d is switched by the first drain valve 10, and the discharge and stopping of flushing water from the jet discharge port 2e is switched by the second drain valve 12. Therefore, the timing of rim discharge and jet discharge can be freely and independently set, and the bowl portion 2a of the flush toilet body 2 can be effectively cleaned with less flushing water (Figure 1).

[0076] In particular, since the first drain valve 10 and the second drain valve 12 are driven based on different drive inputs (the pulling up of the ball chain 10a by the rotation of the lever handle 4a / the action of the water pressure drive mechanism 16 based on the water supply pressure of the cleaning water (tap water) supplied via the ball tap 14), it is possible to flexibly adjust the timing of opening and closing the first drain port 4b and the second drain port 4c, thereby effectively achieving the effect of suppressing wasted water.

[0077] Furthermore, since the second drain valve 12 is opened by the water pressure drive mechanism 16 using the water supply pressure of the washing water, there is no need to pull up the drain valve with electrical power such as a motor, and it becomes possible to set the opening time without using a complex mechanism to open the drain valve.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device of this embodiment, the ballcock 14, which is a delay mechanism, causes the second drain valve 12 to open with a delay compared to the first drain valve 10 (Figure 16). Therefore, depending on the configuration of the flush toilet body 2, water can be started from the rim outlet 2d and the jet outlet 2e at the necessary time, and the bowl portion 2a can be effectively cleaned while suppressing the amount of flushing water.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the second drain valve 12 is opened by the water pressure drive mechanism 16, so by adjusting the timing of supplying flushing water to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 (time t2 in Figure 16), the timing of starting water discharge from the jet nozzle 2e can be adjusted, and the start timing of jet discharge can be freely set.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device of this embodiment, when the float 24 of the ballcock 14 drops to a predetermined position, flushing water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16. This allows the supply of flushing water to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 to start at an appropriate time based on the water level in the flushing water tank 4, and the discharge of water from the jet nozzle 2e to begin.

[0081] (Effects of jet water discharge) Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device of this embodiment, a pipe member 70 (air venting path) is provided, in which the lower end (one end) opens inside the jet water conduit 2g from the second drain valve 12 to the jet water outlet 2e, and the upper end (the other end) opens in the atmospheric region. This makes it possible to maintain watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit 2g (therefore, the water head pressure of the flush water tank 4 can be utilized for jet discharge) while also achieving a configuration in which some air remains in the jet water conduit 2g (since the air venting function is lost after the lower end of the pipe member 70 is submerged, air above the lower end tends to remain), thereby achieving efficient use of flush water.

[0082] In particular, in this embodiment, since the lower end of the conduit member 70 is open inside the intermediate region 62, the design freedom for the performance and arrangement of the conduit member 70 is high, and it is easy to realize the desired air venting function.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the downstream region 63 is connected to the intermediate region 62. After the second drain valve 12 is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet 2e, the water level formed by the water flow of the cleaning water in the intermediate region 62 where the lower end of the pipeline member 70 is open is determined depending on the position where the lower end of the pipeline member 70 is open. A watertight water flow of cleaning water is formed from the upstream region 61 through the intermediate region 62 and the downstream region 63 to the jet outlet 2e. This ensures that the watertightness of the water flow in the jet conduit 2g is reliably maintained, and the hydrostatic pressure of the cleaning water tank 4 can be reliably utilized for jet discharge.

[0084] In this embodiment, the dimensional relationship adopted is such that the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region 62 is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region 61, and also greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross-section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region 63. This also contributes to achieving a configuration in which some internal air remains in the intermediate region 62 while maintaining watertightness of the water flow in the jet conduit 2g (therefore, the hydrostatic pressure of the cleaning water tank 4 can be utilized for jet discharge).

[0085] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device of this embodiment, after the second drain valve 12 is opened and the flushing water reaches the jet outlet 2e, the flow rate of the flushing water flowing through the upstream region 61 is greater than the flow rate of the flushing water flowing through the intermediate region 62, and the flow rate of the flushing water flowing through the intermediate region 62 is greater than the flow rate of the flushing water flowing through the downstream region 63. As a result, the watertightness of the flushing water flow in the jet conduit 2g can be maintained more reliably, and the hydrostatic pressure of the flushing water tank 4 can be more reliably utilized for jet discharge.

[0086] (Effects related to rim discharge) Furthermore, in this embodiment of the flush toilet device, since the flushing water tank 4 is located above the rim outlet 2d, the water head pressure of the flushing water tank 4 can be efficiently utilized for rim discharge as well.

[0087] (Supplementary information regarding conduit components) At least as of the filing of this application, the lower end of the pipeline member 70 is not limited to being open in the intermediate region 62, but may also be open in the upstream region 61 located directly below the second drain valve 12. In the latter case, generally the same effects and advantages as in the former case can be obtained.

[0088] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pipeline member 70 is formed integrally with the first drain valve 10 and / or the second drain valve 12, in which case the upper end of the pipeline member 70 is preferably open to the upper space inside the cleaning water tank 4. This allows the space required for the pipeline member 70 to be absorbed by the space required for the cleaning water tank 4.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pipeline member 70 be equipped with a check valve (especially when the opening at the upper end of the pipeline member 70 is lower than the (initial) tank water level). In this case, the unwanted backflow of air can be effectively prevented. (If the opening at the upper end of the pipeline member 70 is higher than the (initial) tank water level, a check valve is not necessary.)

[0090] Furthermore, it is preferable that the conduit member 70 is an overflow pipe. This allows the function of an air venting path and the function of an overflow pipe to be combined into a single member, thereby achieving low cost and space saving.

[0091] Alternatively, instead of providing a separate pipeline member 70, the air vent path may be configured by an internal pipeline contained within, for example, the first drain valve 10 and / or the second drain valve 12.

[0092] Even in such internal piping systems, it is preferable to provide a check valve (especially when the opening at the upper end of the internal piping system is lower than the (initial) tank water level). In this case as well, the unwanted backflow of air can be effectively prevented. (If the opening at the upper end of the internal piping system is higher than the (initial) tank water level, a check valve is not necessary.)

[0093] Furthermore, the upper end of the pipeline member 70 or the internal pipeline may be open to the space outside the cleaning water tank 4. In this case as well, it is preferable that a check valve be provided in the pipeline member 70 or the internal pipeline, which effectively prevents the unwanted backflow of air.

[0094] Furthermore, it is preferable that the lower end of the pipeline member 70 or the internal pipeline be positioned above the water level of the accumulated water.

[0095] (Second Embodiment) Next, a flush toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. The flush toilet device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration of the delay mechanism provided in the flushing water tank. Therefore, in the following, only the configurations and operations of the second embodiment of the present invention that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0096] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a flushing water tank provided in a flush toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the flushing water tank in a flush toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] As shown in Figure 17, the flushing water tank 4 provided in the flush toilet device of this embodiment includes a first drain valve 10, a second drain valve 12, a ballcock 14, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16. Also, similar to the first embodiment described above, the ballcock 14 has a float 24, and the pilot valve is opened and closed by the float 24, which in turn opens and closes the main valve body of the ballcock 14, just as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, in addition to the ballcock 14, a small tank 40 is provided as a delay mechanism, which is arranged to surround the float 24 of the ballcock 14.

[0098] The small tank 40 is a small tank positioned inside the flushing water tank 4 so as to surround the float 24, and the float 24 moves up and down according to the water level in the small tank 40. Furthermore, in the standby state of the flushing toilet device shown in Figure 17, the entire small tank 40 is positioned inside the flushing water tank 4, submerged in water. That is, the small tank 40 is formed in a box shape with an open top so as to receive the float 24 from above, and its upper end is positioned lower than the initial water level L2 in the flushing water tank 4. Therefore, in the standby state shown in Figure 17, the entire small tank 40 is submerged in the flushing water in the flushing water tank 4, and the small tank 40 is filled with flushing water.

[0099] Furthermore, a discharge hole 40a is provided on the bottom surface of the small tank 40, and this discharge hole 40a is configured to be opened and closed by a check valve float 42 provided on the bottom surface of the small tank 40. The check valve float 42 comprises a float portion that receives buoyancy from the washing water in the washing water tank 4, and a packing for closing the discharge hole 40a. The check valve float 42 is mounted on the bottom surface of the small tank 40 so as to be vertically movable in order to open and close the discharge hole 40a.

[0100] In other words, the check valve float 42 is configured to be pushed upward by the buoyancy it receives. Therefore, when the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning water tank 4 is higher than the bottom of the small tank 40, the packing of the check valve float 42 is pressed against the discharge hole 40a at the bottom of the small tank 40 by the buoyancy, and the discharge hole 40a is closed. On the other hand, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops, the check valve float 42 also drops due to its own weight, the discharge hole 40a opens, and the cleaning water in the small tank 40 is discharged into the cleaning water tank 4.

[0101] With this configuration, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops, the water level in the small tank 40 drops later than the water level in the cleaning water tank 4. As the water level in the small tank 40 drops, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops, causing the main valve body of the ball tap 14 to open later than the water level in the cleaning water tank 4. Based on this action, the supply of cleaning water to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, i.e., the opening of the second drain valve 12, is delayed.

[0102] Next, the operation of the flush toilet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. First, at time t11 in Figure 19, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flushing water tank 4 to flush the toilet, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. As a result, the first drain outlet 4b opens, and the flushing water in the flushing water tank 4 is discharged from the rim outlet 2d.

[0103] As the cleaning water is discharged from the first drain port 4b, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases. However, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 is higher than the bottom of the small tank 40, the water level in the small tank 40 does not change because the discharge port 40a of the small tank 40 is closed by the check valve float 42. Therefore, the float 24 inside the small tank 40 does not decrease, and the main valve body of the ball tap 14 is maintained in a closed state.

[0104] When the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops further and falls below the bottom of the small tank 40, the check valve float 42 of the small tank 40 opens, and the cleaning water in the small tank 40 begins to flow out from the discharge hole 40a. Then, at time t12 in Figure 19, when the water level in the small tank 40 falls below a predetermined set water level L3, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops, as shown in Figure 18, and the pilot valve opens. This opens the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14, and water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 begins. When water is supplied to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the second drain valve 12 is raised by the action of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 based on the water supply pressure, and water discharge from the jet outlet 2e begins (see Figure 11).

[0105] The actions of the second drain valve 12 closing at time t13 and the first drain valve 10 closing at time t14, after water discharge from the jet outlet 2e begins at time t12, are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so no explanation is provided. After the first drain valve 10 is closed at time t14, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 rises. When the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 rises above the bottom of the small tank 40, the buoyancy acting on the check valve float 42 closes the discharge hole 40a of the small tank 40, and the water level in the small tank 40 does not rise further. As the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 rises further and becomes higher than the top of the small tank 40, cleaning water begins to flow into the small tank 40, and the water level in the small tank 40 also rises.

[0106] Then, at time t15, when the water level in the small tank 40 rises above the predetermined set water level L3, the pilot valve is closed. Then, at time t16, the main valve body of the ballcock 14 is closed, and the water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is stopped. As a result, the rod extending from the piston 16b of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is lowered, and the clutch mechanism 32 reconnects the rod to the valve shaft of the second drain valve 12. With these operations, one toilet flush is completed, and the flush toilet device returns to the toilet flush standby state shown in Figure 17.

[0107] According to the second embodiment of the flush toilet device of the present invention, the delay mechanism includes a small tank 40 and a check valve float 42, and when the water level in the small tank 40 falls below a predetermined set water level L3, flushing water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 (Figure 18). Therefore, by adjusting the configuration of the small tank 40 and the like, the timing of when flushing water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 can be freely set, and water discharge can be started at a timing suitable for flushing.

[0108] Next, a flush toilet device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. The flush toilet device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration of the delay mechanism provided in the flushing water tank. Therefore, in the following, only the configurations and operations of the third embodiment of the present invention that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0109] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a flushing water tank provided in a flush toilet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a time chart showing the operation of the flush toilet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] As shown in Figure 20, the flushing water tank 4 provided in the flush toilet device of this embodiment includes a first drain valve 10, a second drain valve 12, a first ball tap 50, a second ball tap 52, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16.

[0111] The first ball tap 50, like the ball tap 14 in the first embodiment described above, is configured to operate in conjunction with the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 to start supplying water to the cleaning water tank. Specifically, the first ball tap 50 has a float 24, and the float 24 moves up and down in conjunction with the water level in the cleaning water tank 4, causing the pilot valve to open and close, and the main valve body of the first ball tap 50 to open and close. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second ball tap 52 is provided in addition to the first ball tap 50 as a delay mechanism.

[0112] The second ball tap 52 is located downstream of the first ball tap 50 and upstream of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16. When the main valve body of the first ball tap 50 opens, the supply of cleaning water to the second ball tap 52 begins. The second ball tap 52 also has a float 56 and is configured to open and close its built-in main valve body in conjunction with the water level in the cleaning water tank 4. In other words, the structure of the second ball tap 52 is the same as the structure of the ball tap 14 in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, a water inlet 58 is provided in the pipeline between the first ball tap 50 and the second ball tap 52. When the first ball tap 50 is open and the second ball tap 52 is closed, the entire amount of cleaning water flowing out from the first ball tap 50 is discharged from the water inlet 58 and flows into the cleaning water tank 4.

[0113] The first ball tap 50 is configured to open its main valve body when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops to a predetermined first water level L4, and the second ball tap 52 is configured to open its main valve body when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops to a predetermined second water level L5, which is lower than the first water level L4. Therefore, the second ball tap 52 is configured to open with a delay after the first drain valve 10 has opened and the water level in the first tank section 54a has begun to drop. When the second ball tap 52 opens, water is supplied to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16.

[0114] Next, with reference to Figure 21, the operation of the flush toilet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, at time t21 in Figure 21, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flushing water tank 4 to flush the toilet, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. As a result, the first drain outlet 4b opens, and the flushing water in the flushing water tank 4 is discharged from the rim outlet.

[0115] As the cleaning water is discharged from the first drain port 4b, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases. When the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops to a predetermined first water level L4, the main valve body of the first ball tap 50 opens. In this state, the main valve body of the second ball tap 52 is not open, so the entire amount of cleaning water supplied from the water source and passing through the first ball tap 50 flows into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water inlet 58. In this embodiment, the flow rate of the cleaning water discharged from the first drain port 4b is adjusted to be greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water inlet 58. Therefore, even after the first ball tap 50 is opened, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 continues to decrease.

[0116] When the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops further to a predetermined second water level L5, the main valve body of the second ball tap 52 also opens. As a result, at time t22 in Figure 21, water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 begins. When water supply to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 begins, the second drain valve 12 is raised by the action of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, and water discharge from the jet outlet 2e begins. Furthermore, the cleaning water supplied to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 flows into the cleaning water tank 4 through the cylinder of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16. When the main valve body of the first ball tap 50 and the main valve body of the second ball tap 52 are open, a portion of the cleaning water supplied to the cleaning water tank 4 flows into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water inlet 58, and the remaining cleaning water flows into the cleaning water tank 4 through the cylinder of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16.

[0117] After time t22, when the second drain valve 12 is raised to a predetermined height, the clutch mechanism 32 disengages the second drain valve 12 from the rod of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16, and the second drain valve 12 begins to descend. Then, at time t23 in Figure 21, the second drain valve 12 seats in the second drain port 4c, and the discharge of water from the jet outlet 2e stops. Even after the second drain valve 12 is closed, the first ball tap 50 and the second ball tap 52 remain open, so the inflow of cleaning water into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water inlet 58 and the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 continues.

[0118] Even after the second drain valve 12 is closed, the first drain valve 10 remains open, so even if cleaning water flows into the cleaning water tank 4, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 decreases. Then, at time t24 in Figure 21, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 drops to a predetermined dead water level, the first drain valve 10 seats on the first drain port 4b, and the discharge of water from the rim discharge port 2d stops. As the first drain valve 10 closes, the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 begins to rise.

[0119] Then, at time t25, when the water level in the cleaning water tank 4 exceeds the second water level L5, the main valve body of the second ball tap 52 is closed. As a result, the entire amount of cleaning water supplied from the water source flows into the cleaning water tank 4 from the water inlet 58. Also, since the supply of cleaning water from the second ball tap 52 to the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is stopped, the rod extending from the piston 16b of the hydraulic drive mechanism 16 lowers, and the clutch mechanism 32 reconnects the rod to the valve shaft of the second drain valve 12.

[0120] Furthermore, at time t26, when the water level in the flushing water tank 4 exceeds the first water level L4, the main valve body of the first ballcock 50 is closed, and the supply of flushing water to the flushing water tank 4 is stopped. As a result, the supply of flushing water from the water source to the flushing water tank 4 is stopped. With the above operations completed, one toilet flush is finished, and the flushing toilet device returns to the toilet flushing standby state shown in Figure 20.

[0121] According to the third embodiment of the flush toilet device of the present invention, a first ballcock 50 starts supplying water to the flush water tank 4 at a first water level L4 (time t21 in Figure 21), and a second ballcock 52 starts supplying flush water to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 at a second water level L5, which is lower than the first water level L4 (time t22 in Figure 21). Therefore, by setting (adjusting) the float 56 of the second ballcock 52, the timing of the supply of flush water to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 can be freely set, and water discharge can be started at a timing suitable for flushing.

[0122] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above. In particular, in the embodiments described above, jet discharge was started with a delay after rim discharge was started, but the present invention can also be configured so that rim discharge is started after jet discharge is started. In this case, the present invention can be configured so that a water pressure drive mechanism opens a first drain valve for switching the discharge and stopping of cleaning water from the rim discharge port.

[0123] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the first and second drain ports of the washing water tank were provided separately, but these drain ports may be configured to overlap each other when viewed from above. In this case, for example, the first and second drain ports may be provided concentrically, and the inner drain port may be opened and closed by a circular drain valve, while the outer drain port may be opened and closed by a donut-shaped drain valve.

[0124] Furthermore, the present invention includes the following features (inventions). [Feature 1] A flush toilet device that performs flushing using flushing water stored in a flushing water tank, A flush toilet body comprising a bowl section and a drain trap pipe extending from the lower part of the bowl section, A flush water tank is located at the rear of the toilet bowl and stores flush water for cleaning the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. A first drain valve, which switches the discharge and stopping of cleaning water from the rim outlet provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion by opening and closing the first drain port provided on the cleaning water tank, A second drain valve, which switches the discharge and stopping of cleaning water from the jet outlet located at the bottom of the bowl section by opening and closing the second drain port provided in the cleaning water tank, Equipped with, The first drain valve and the second drain valve are configured to be driven based on different (non-common) drive inputs. An air vent path is provided, with one end opening inside the jet water channel from the second drain valve to the jet outlet, and the other end opening in the atmospheric region. A flush toilet device characterized by the following features. [Feature 2] The one end of the air vent path is open within the upstream region located directly below the second drain valve, or within the intermediate region extending forward in a plan view from the said upstream region. A flush toilet device as described in Feature 1, characterized by the features described above. [Feature 3] The intermediate region is connected to the downstream region leading to the jet outlet. After the second drain valve is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet, the water level formed by the water flow of the cleaning water in the upstream region or the intermediate region where one end of the air vent path is open is determined depending on the position where the one end of the air vent path is open, and a watertight water flow of cleaning water is formed from the upstream region through the intermediate region and the downstream region to the jet outlet. A flush toilet device as described in Feature 2, characterized by the features described above. [Feature 4] After the second drain valve is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet, The flow rate of the washing water flowing through the upstream region is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the intermediate region. The flow rate of the washing water flowing through the aforementioned intermediate region is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the aforementioned downstream region. A flush toilet device according to feature 2 or 3, characterized by the above. [Feature 5] The aforementioned air venting path is formed by a piping member that is integrally formed with the first drain valve and / or the second drain valve. The other end of the aforementioned air vent path is open to the upper space inside the cleaning water tank. A flush toilet device according to any one of features 1 to 4. [Feature 6] A check valve is provided in the aforementioned air vent path. A flush toilet device according to any one of features 1 to 5. [Feature 7] The aforementioned conduit member is an overflow pipe. A flush toilet device as described in Feature 5, characterized by the features described above. [Feature 8] The other end of the aforementioned air vent path is open to the space outside the washing water tank. A flush toilet device according to any one of features 1 to 4. [Feature 9] The one end of the aforementioned air vent path is located above the water level of the accumulated water. A flush toilet device according to any one of features 1 to 8. [Feature 10] A check valve is provided in the aforementioned air venting path. A flush toilet device according to feature 8 or 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1 Flush toilet device 2 Flush toilet body 2a Bowl section 2c Drain trap pipe 2D rim spout 2e Jet nozzle 2F Rim Waterway 2g jet water conduit 4. Washing water tank 4a Lever handle 4b 1st drain 4c 2nd drain 6 Water source 8. Shut-off valve 10. First drain valve 10a ball chain 10b Floating ball 12. Second drain valve 12a Valve stem 12b Floating ball 14. Ball tap (delay mechanism) 14a Inflow pipe 14b Outflow pipe 16 Hydraulic drive mechanism 16a Cylinder 16b Piston 16c spring 18 Main body 18a Pressure chamber 18b Pressure passage 20 Main valve body 20a Bleed hole 22 valve seats 24 floats 26 Arm section 26a Support shaft 28 Pilot valve 28a Pilot valve port 30 rods 32 Clutch mechanism 34 Water supply pipe 40 small tanks 40a Discharge hole 42 Check valve float 50. First ball tap 52. Second ball tap 56 Floats 58 Water inlet 61 Upstream area 62 Intermediate area 63 Downstream area 70. Pipeline components (an example of an air venting route)

Claims

1. A flush toilet device that performs flushing using flushing water stored in a flushing water tank, A flush toilet body comprising a bowl section and a drain trap pipe extending from the lower part of the bowl section, A flush water tank is located at the rear of the toilet bowl and stores flush water for cleaning the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. A first drain valve, which switches the discharge and stopping of cleaning water from the rim outlet provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion by opening and closing the first drain port provided on the cleaning water tank, A second drain valve, which switches the discharge and stopping of cleaning water from the jet outlet located at the bottom of the bowl section by opening and closing the second drain port provided in the cleaning water tank, Equipped with, The rim water channel from the first drain port to the rim discharge port is not connected to the jet water channel from the second drain port to the jet discharge port. The first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different drive inputs. An air vent path is provided, with one end opening inside the jet water channel from the second drain valve to the jet outlet, and the other end opening in the atmospheric region. One end of the aforementioned air vent path is open at a position below the upper surface of the jet water channel, and is configured to lose its air venting function after being submerged in water. After the second drain valve is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet, the water level formed by the water flow of the cleaning water in the region where one end of the air vent path is open is determined depending on the position where the one end of the air vent path is open, as the one end of the air vent path is submerged and loses its air venting function. A flush toilet device characterized by the following features.

2. The one end of the air vent path is open within the upstream region located directly below the second drain valve, or within the intermediate region extending forward in a plan view from the said upstream region. The flush toilet device according to feature 1.

3. The intermediate region is connected to the downstream region leading to the jet outlet. A water flow from the washing water is formed from the upstream region through the intermediate region and the downstream region to the jet outlet. The flush toilet device according to feature 2.

4. After the second drain valve is opened and the cleaning water reaches the jet outlet, The flow rate of the washing water flowing through the upstream region is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the intermediate region. The flow rate of the washing water flowing through the aforementioned intermediate region is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the aforementioned downstream region. The flush toilet device according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned air venting path is formed by a piping member that is integrally formed with the first drain valve and / or the second drain valve. The other end of the aforementioned air vent path is open to the upper space inside the cleaning water tank. The flush toilet device according to feature 1.

6. The air venting path is provided with a check valve. The flush toilet device according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned conduit member is an overflow pipe. The flush toilet device according to feature 5.

8. The other end of the aforementioned air vent path is open to the space outside the washing water tank. The flush toilet device according to feature 1.

9. The one end of the aforementioned air vent path is located above the water level of the accumulated water. The flush toilet device according to feature 1.

10. A check valve is provided in the aforementioned air venting path. The flush toilet device according to feature 8.

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