Flush toilet device

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet device capable of suppressing the decrease in the instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to a flush toilet body immediately after a drain valve is opened.SOLUTION: A disclosed flush toilet device (1) has a flush toilet body (2) and a flush water tank unit (4). The flush water tank unit includes: a flush water tank body (26); a drain port (30e); an annular seat surface (26d) formed to surround the drain port; a drain valve (28) placed on this seat surface; an exhaust passage (28b) that communicates a space below the seat surface with a space above the surface of flush water stored in the flush water tank body in a state where the drain valve is seated on the seat surface; and a condensation suppression part (28c) provided to the drain valve to suppress condensation of the flush water flow from the periphery of the seat surface to the center when flush water is discharged from the flush water tank body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet apparatus, and more particularly to a flush toilet apparatus that flushes with flush water stored in a flush water tank apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-133246 (Patent Document 1) describes a drain valve device. In this drain valve device, flush water in the water storage tank is caused to flow into a drain space (passage) and supplied to the toilet body by lifting the valve body of the drain valve from the valve seat of the drain valve located at the bottom of the water storage tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-133246 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the drain valve device described in Patent Document 1, when the valve disc is pulled up from the valve seat, flush water in the water storage tank flows in all at once toward the center of the valve seat. As a result, air that was in the drain space downstream of the valve seat becomes entrained in the inflowing flush water, making it difficult to expel the air. This temporarily blocks the flow of flush water from the water storage tank into the drain space, causing a problem of a decrease in the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the toilet body.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet apparatus that can prevent a decrease in the instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body immediately after the drain valve is opened. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a flush toilet apparatus that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank apparatus, and comprises a flush toilet main body that is equipped with a bowl portion and an inlet through which flush water for flushing this bowl portion flows in, and a flush water tank apparatus that stores flush water for flushing the bowl portion, the flush water tank apparatus being characterized by having: a flush water tank main body that stores flush water; a drain outlet that discharges the flush water in this flush water tank main body and allows it to flow into the inlet of the flush toilet main body; an annular seat surface that is provided to surround this drain outlet; a drain valve that seats on this seat surface and stops the discharge of flush water from the flush water tank main body by sitting on and lifting off from it; an exhaust passage that, when this drain valve is seated on the seat surface, communicates between the space below the seat surface and the space above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank main body; and a condensation suppression section provided in the drain valve to suppress condensation of the flow of flush water from the periphery of the seat surface toward the center when the flush water in the flush water tank main body is discharged.

[0007] With the present invention configured in this way, the drain valve is provided with a condensation suppression section that suppresses condensation of the flow of flush water from the periphery of the seat surface toward the center, preventing air that was downstream of the seat surface from being drawn in by flush water that flows in from the periphery of the seat surface. This allows the air that was downstream of the seat surface to be quickly discharged through the exhaust passage, suppressing obstruction of the flow of flush water by air and making it possible to increase the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body.

[0008] In the present invention, the drain valve is preferably configured to be pulled upward from the seat surface, and an exhaust passage is provided in the drain valve, and is configured to connect the lower end of the condensation suppression section to the space above the water surface of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning water tank body.

[0009] With the present invention configured in this way, the exhaust passage provided in the drain valve connects the lower end of the condensation suppression section with the space above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body, so air downstream of the seat surface can be quickly released above the surface of the flush water, and the influence of air that was downstream of the seat surface can be greatly reduced. This makes it possible to increase the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body.

[0010] In the present invention, the condensation suppression portion is preferably a protrusion provided at the lower end of the drain valve and extending below the seat surface when the drain valve is seated on the seat surface.

[0011] According to the present invention configured in this way, the condensation suppression section is provided at the lower end of the drain valve and is configured as a protrusion that extends below the seat surface, so it is possible to prevent flush water that flows from between the drain valve and the seat surface toward the center of the seat surface from merging together. This suppresses condensation of the flush water flow and makes it possible to increase the instantaneous flow rate of flush water.

[0012] In the present invention, the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet body is preferably sealed with flush water stored within the flush toilet body, and an air layer is formed between the seat surface and the sealed surface of the water passage.

[0013] In a flush toilet system in which the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet main body is sealed with flush water stored within the flush toilet main body, the air in the air layer cannot escape into the water passage. According to the present invention configured as described above, the condensation suppression section suppresses condensation of the flow of flush water, and an exhaust passage is provided, so even in a flush toilet system in which the water passage is sealed, the air in the air layer can be easily released, effectively suppressing the adverse effects of the air in the air layer.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, when the drain valve is seated on the seat surface, the vertical distance from the seat surface to the lower end of the condensation suppression section is at least 1 / 3 of the vertical distance from the seat surface to the water sealing surface of the water passage.

[0015] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the distance from the seat surface to the lower end of the condensation suppression section is at least 1 / 3 of the distance from the seat surface to the sealing surface of the water passage, so that it is possible to effectively suppress the merging of flush water that flows from between the drain valve and the seat surface toward the center of the seat surface, and it is possible to sufficiently suppress condensation of the flush water.

[0016] In the present invention, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the condensation-restricting portion is preferably at least half the area of the inner side of the sheet surface.

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the condensation suppression section is at least half the area of the inside of the sheet surface, so that cleaning water that flows below the condensation suppression section is less likely to merge, and condensation of the cleaning water can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0018] In the present invention, the flush water tank device preferably further has a flow guide portion which is a wall surface provided on the outside of the seat surface so as to surround the seat surface.

[0019] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the flush water tank device has a flow guide section provided on the outside of the seat surface so as to surround the seat surface, which reduces the flow rate of the flush water flowing from between the drain valve and the seat surface toward the center of the seat surface, further preventing the flush water from merging.

[0020] In the present invention, preferably, the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet body is sealed with flush water stored within the flush toilet body, and a drain passage whose cross-sectional area narrows downward is formed between the seat surface and the drain outlet, and in a vertical plane, a straight line that passes through the upper end of the flow guide section and is tangent to the inner wall surface of the drain passage intersects with the water passage in the flush toilet body below the sealed surface.

[0021] With this invention configured in this way, the straight line that passes through the upper end of the flow guide section and is tangent to the inner wall surface of the drainage passage intersects below the water seal surface of the water passage in the flush toilet body, so that flush water that passes through the drainage passage and falls onto the water seal surface is less likely to merge above the water seal surface, and air above the water seal surface can easily escape through the exhaust passage.

[0022] The present invention is also a flush toilet apparatus that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank apparatus, and comprises a flush toilet main body that is equipped with a bowl section and an inlet through which flush water for flushing this bowl section flows, and a flush water tank apparatus that stores flush water for flushing the bowl section, the flush water tank apparatus comprising a flush water tank main body that stores flush water, a drain outlet that discharges the flush water from within this flush water tank main body and allows it to flow into the inlet of the flush toilet main body, an annular seat surface that is provided to surround this drain outlet, and a seat that can be opened and closed by sitting on this seat surface and lifting off. It has a drain valve that drains and stops flush water from the flush water tank body, and an overflow pipe that connects a lower end opening that opens into the space below the seat surface with an upper end opening that opens above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body; the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet body is sealed with the flush water stored in the flush toilet body, and the drain valve is configured to be able to move away from the seat surface by rotating around a support shaft provided at one end, and the lower end opening of the overflow pipe is provided on the opposite side of the support shaft.

[0023] With this invention configured in this way, the lower opening of the overflow pipe is located on the opposite side of the drain valve's support shaft, so when the drain valve is opened, flush water that flows into the seat surface from the opposite side of the support shaft is less likely to flow into the lower opening of the overflow pipe, and air that has been between the seat surface and the seal water can be easily discharged through the overflow pipe. This allows the air in the air layer to escape easily, effectively suppressing the adverse effects of the air in the air layer and increasing the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body immediately after the drain valve is opened. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection between the flush toilet main body and flush water tank main body in a flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drain port portion of the flush water tank body provided in the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the flush water tank body provided in the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a drain valve seated on a seat surface in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of flush water inside the flush water tank body when the drain valve is open in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of flush water within the flush water tank body in a flush toilet apparatus according to a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the flush water tank device portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a siphon jet type flush toilet, and comprises a ceramic flush toilet main body 2, a resin toilet seat and toilet lid (not shown) placed on the top surface of this flush toilet main body 2, and a flush water tank apparatus 4 placed at the upper rear of the flush toilet main body 2, and covered by a resin cover (not shown).

[0028] The flush toilet body 2 is formed with a bowl portion 6 for receiving waste, a drain trap pipe 8 provided at the bottom of the bowl portion 6 for discharging waste by siphon action, a rim spout 10 for rim water spouting, a rim water conduit 12 for guiding flush water to the rim spout, a jet spout 14 for jet water spouting, and a jet water conduit 16 for guiding flush water to the jet spout 14.

[0029] Bowl portion 6 has a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface 18, a rim portion 20 formed along the upper edge of bowl portion 6, and a shelf portion 21 formed between waste receiving surface 18 and rim portion 20. Bowl portion 6 also has a pot portion 22 formed in the area below waste receiving surface 18 and connected to drain trap pipe line 8. A water sealing surface W is formed inside pot portion 22.

[0030] The drain trap pipeline 8 has an inlet portion 8a, an ascending pipeline 8b extending upward from the inlet portion 8a, a descending pipeline 8c extending downward from the ascending pipeline 8b, and a top portion 8d located between the descending pipeline 8c and the ascending pipeline 8b and defining the seal water level. Here, the lower end of the descending pipe 8c of the drain trap pipe 8 is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) via a drain socket (not shown).

[0031] When looking at the flush toilet body 2 from the front, the rim spout 10 is formed on the rear left side of the rim portion 20. The rim spout 10 spouts flush water forward, and this flush water swirls around the inner circumferential surface of the rim portion 20 and the shelf surface of the shelf portion 21 as it flows down to the waste receiving surface 18.

[0032] The rim water conduit 12 is formed in a tapered shape with the flow path cross section gradually becoming smaller towards the rim water outlet 10. Flush water is supplied to the rim water conduit 12 from the water mains via the flush water tank device 4, and flush water is discharged from the rim water outlet 10 due to the water supply pressure of the water mains.

[0033] Jet water outlet 14 is formed in the bottom of bowl portion 6. Jet water outlet 14 is positioned opposite inlet 8a of drain trap pipe 8 and is directed toward inlet 8a of drain trap pipe 8. Jet water outlet 14 ejects flush water toward inlet 8a of drain trap pipe 8, and this flush water flows into drain trap pipe 8, activating the siphon action.

[0034] The jet water conduit 16 comprises an upstream flow path 16a that extends forward from the flush water tank apparatus 4, a bent flow path 16b that bends from this upstream flow path, and a downstream flow path 16c that extends rearward from this bent flow path and connects to the jet spout 14. Flush water is supplied to the jet water conduit 16 from the flush water tank body 26 of the flush water tank apparatus 4, and flush water is spouted from the jet spout 14 due to the head pressure of the flush water. Thus, in this embodiment, flush water discharged from the rim spout 10 is supplied directly from the water main, and flush water discharged from the jet spout 14 is supplied from the flush water tank body 26 (Figure 1). However, as a modified example, the present invention can also be applied to a flush toilet apparatus in which the entire amount of flush water discharged is supplied from the flush water tank.

[0035] Next, with new reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the configuration of the flush water tank apparatus 4 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection between the flush toilet main body 2 and flush water tank main body 26 in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drain port portion of the flush water tank main body 26 provided in the flush water tank apparatus 4. Also, Figure 5 is a top view of the flush water tank main body 26 provided in the flush water tank apparatus 4. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drain valve seated on the seat surface.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush water tank device 4 has a valve unit 24 that starts and stops the supply of flush water from the water line, a flush water tank body 26 made of resin that stores the flush water supplied via the valve unit 24, and a drain valve 28 that drains and stops the flush water from the flush water tank body 26.

[0037] The valve unit 24 has a tank water supply solenoid valve 24a, a rim water discharge solenoid valve 24b, etc., and is configured to control the supply and stop of tap water supplied from the water supply system into the flush water tank main body 26, and the discharge and stop of tap water from the rim water discharge port 10.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the flush water tank main body 26 is configured to store flush water for flushing the flush toilet main body, and is fixed to the flush toilet main body 2 via a base plate 30. Furthermore, a drain valve 28 and a drain valve drive mechanism 32 are arranged inside the flush water tank main body 26. When the drain valve 28 is lifted by the drain valve drive mechanism 32, the drain valve 28 opens and flush water is discharged from the flush water tank main body 26. The flush water discharged from the flush water tank main body 26 flows through an inlet 2a provided on the upper rear surface of the flush toilet main body 2, and into the jet water conduit 16 provided inside the flush toilet main body 2. That is, in this embodiment, the jet water conduit 16 forms a water passage that extends from the inlet 2a of the flush toilet main body 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the flush water tank body 26 is a small resin tank with a volume of approximately 2 liters. As shown in Figure 2, the lower part of the flush water tank body 26 is positioned below the upper surface of the rim part 20 of the flush toilet body 2, and above the top 8d of the drain trap pipe 8. This makes the flush toilet apparatus 1 a low-silhouette type toilet. Also, in this embodiment, the flush water in the flush water tank body 26 is discharged from the jet spout 14 by gravity.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom surface of flush water tank body 26 is provided with an annular protrusion 26a that protrudes downward, and the inside of this annular protrusion 26a constitutes drain passage 26b, which is formed to extend downward from the bottom surface of flush water tank body 26. Furthermore, a groove 26c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of protrusion 26a, and an annular O-ring 34 is fitted into this groove 26c. Meanwhile, a circular drain opening 30a is provided in base plate 30, which supports flush water tank body 26. The circular opening at the lower end of drain passage 26b is formed with approximately the same diameter as drain opening 30a provided in base plate 30, and drain passage 26b and drain opening 30a are smoothly connected. In this embodiment, the lower end of drain opening 30a functions as drain outlet 30e for flush water tank device 4. The drain outlet may be formed integrally with the flush water tank body.

[0041] A cylindrical portion 30b protruding downward is provided on the bottom surface of the base plate 30 so as to surround the drain opening 30a. An annular upper surface recess 30c is formed on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the base plate 30 so as to surround the drain opening 30a. Meanwhile, an annular lower surface recess 30d is formed on the lower surface of the bottom surface of the base plate 30 so as to surround the cylindrical portion 30b.

[0042] Furthermore, protrusion 26a protruding from the bottom surface of flush water tank body 26 is received in upper surface recess 30c formed in the upper surface of base plate 30. In this way, by fitting protrusion 26a of flush water tank body 26 into upper surface recess 30c of base plate 30, O-ring 34 arranged on the outer periphery of protrusion 26a is crushed in the radial direction of drain passage 26b, and the gap between flush water tank body 26 and base plate 30 is sealed.

[0043] Meanwhile, a gasket 36 is placed inside a circular lower surface recess 30d formed on the underside of the base plate 30. The gasket 36 is configured in an overall circular shape, and is fitted around a cylindrical portion 30b formed on the inner periphery of the lower surface recess 30d, and is received inside the lower surface recess 30d. The base plate 30 is fixed to the upper rear surface of the flush toilet body 2 with multiple bolts 38 (only one is shown in Figure 3).

[0044] As a result, the packing 36, which is located in the underside recess 30d on the underside of the base plate 30, is compressed between the base plate 30 and the flush toilet main body 2. In other words, when the flush water tank main body 26 is fixed to the flush toilet main body 2 via the base plate 30, the packing 36 is sandwiched and crushed between the underside recess 30d of the base plate 30 and the periphery of the inlet 2a on the top surface of the flush toilet main body 2. This ensures watertightness between the base plate 30 and the flush toilet main body 2.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 4, drain passage 26b is a passage formed to extend downward from the bottom surface of flush water tank body 26, and has a circular cross section, configured so that the flow path cross-sectional area narrows downward. Also, the inner wall surface of drain passage 26b is curved in a convex shape facing upward in the vertical cross section shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, an annular seat surface 26d (Figure 5) is provided at the inlet portion at the upper end of drain passage 26b so as to surround it. Seat surface 26d is a narrow, annular surface, and drain valve 28 seats on this seat surface 26d, and by lifting it from its seat, the drain outlet of flush water tank body 26 is opened and closed, and flush water is discharged or stopped.

[0046] That is, when flushing the bowl portion 6 of the flush toilet main body 2, the drain valve 28 is lifted by the drain valve drive mechanism 32 (Fig. 3) from the closed valve position P1 shown by the dashed line in Fig. 4 to the open valve position P2 shown by the chain line. When the drain valve 28 is in the closed valve position P1 and seated on the seat surface 26d, the discharge of flush water from the flush water tank main body 26 is stopped. Then, when the drain valve 28 is moved to the open valve position P2 and lifted off the seat surface 26d, flush water is discharged from the flush water tank main body 26.

[0047] 4 and 5, a flow guide section 40 is provided at the bottom of flush water tank body 26 so as to surround the periphery of seat surface 26d. This flow guide section 40 is a surrounding wall surface that is provided so as to rise vertically on the outside of seat surface 26d so as to surround seat surface 26d, and is formed concentrically with the circular seat surface 26d. By providing flow guide section 40 in this way, the flow speed of flush water inside flush water tank body 26 toward the center C of drain passage 26b is reduced.

[0048] 4, the surrounding wall surface that makes up flow guide section 40 is configured so that its upper end is located above tangent line L1 that contacts the inner wall surface of drain passage 26b at the entrance to the upper end of drain passage 26b. By configuring flow guide section 40 in this way, flush water that flows toward center C of drain passage 26b near the bottom surface of flush water tank body 26 hits flow guide section 40 and heads upward once, so the velocity component of the flush water heading toward center C of drain passage 26b decreases.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surrounding wall surface constituting the flow guide section 40 is cut out at four locations on the circumference. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the flow guide section 40 has cutouts 40a provided at equal intervals at four locations on the circumference, and the height of the surrounding wall surface is lowered in those areas. In this way, in the areas where the cutouts 40a are provided, the velocity component of the flush water moving from the periphery of the drain outlet toward the center C of the drain passage 26b is hardly reduced. Therefore, the magnitude of the average velocity component moving toward the center C of the drain passage 26b can be adjusted by changing the number and size of the cutouts 40a provided in the flow guide section 40.

[0050] 4, when the drain valve 28 is raised to the open valve position P2, which is the highest position, the vertical distance D1 from the upper end of the flow guide portion 40, which is the surrounding wall surface, to the lower surface of the drain valve 28 is equal to or greater than half of the vertical distance D2 from the seat surface 26d to the lower surface of the drain valve 28. By setting the distance from the upper end of the flow guide portion 40 to the drain valve 28 in this manner, it is possible to provide the flow guide portion 40 around the seat surface 26d while ensuring a sufficient flow path cross-sectional area between the flow guide portion 40 and the drain valve 28.

[0051] Next, the detailed structure of the drain valve 28 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in Figure 6, when the flush toilet apparatus 1 is in standby mode, the jet water conduit 16, which is a water passage extending from the inlet 2a, is filled with flush water up to the water level of the water seal surface W, and the jet water conduit 16 is sealed with flush water. The height of this water seal surface W is determined by the height of the top 8d (Figure 2) of the drain trap pipe 8, and is the same as the level of the water stored in the bowl section 6. As a result, when the drain valve 28 is seated on the seat surface 26d and the flush toilet apparatus 1 is in standby mode, an air layer A forms in the space between the seat surface 26d and the water seal surface W of the jet water conduit 16.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the drain valve 28 has a disk portion 28a that sits on the seat surface 26d, an exhaust passage 28b that extends vertically upward from the upper surface of the disk portion 28a, a condensation suppression portion 28c that extends downward from the lower surface of the disk portion 28a, and a ball chain 28d that extends vertically upward from the center of the disk portion 28a through the exhaust passage 28b. The disk portion 28a is a flat plate formed in a doughnut shape with an outer diameter larger than that of the seat surface 26d, and by sitting on the seat surface 26d, the discharge of flush water within the flush water tank body 26 is stopped.

[0053] The exhaust passage 28b is a cylindrical pipe that extends vertically upward from the upper surface of the disc portion 28a, concentrically with the disc portion 28a, and its upper end extends to above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body 26 when the flush toilet device 1 is in standby mode (Figure 3). For this reason, when the drain valve 28 is seated on the seat surface 26d, the air layer A below the seat surface 26d is in communication with the space above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body 26 via the exhaust passage 28b. In other words, because the jet water conduit 16 is sealed by the water sealing surface W, the space between the seat surface 26d and the water sealing surface W of the jet water conduit 16 is in communication with the outside air only via the exhaust passage 28b.

[0054] Condensation suppression section 28c is a cylindrical protrusion that extends concentrically with disk section 28a downward from the underside of disk section 28a, and its lower end is open. This condensation suppression section 28c extends so as to protrude below seat surface 26d when drain valve 28 is seated on seat surface 26d. Air layer A below seat surface 26d passes through condensation suppression section 28c, disk section 28a, and exhaust passage 28b and communicates with the space above the flush water surface in flush water tank body 26. As will be described later, providing drain valve 28 with condensation suppression section 28c suppresses condensation of the flow of flush water from the periphery of seat surface 26d toward the center when flush water is discharged from flush water tank body 26.

[0055] Furthermore, the lower end of ball chain 28d is connected to disk portion 28a of drain valve 28, extends through the inside of exhaust passage 28b, and has an upper end connected to drain valve drive mechanism 32 (Fig. 3). As a result, when ball chain 28d is pulled upward by drain valve drive mechanism 32 during toilet flushing, drain valve 28 is lifted up and disk portion 28a is lifted off seat surface 26d.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when drain valve 28 is seated on seat surface 26d, vertical distance H1 from seat surface 26d to the lower end of condensation suppression section 28c is set to be at least one-third of vertical distance H2 from seat surface 26d to the water sealing surface W of jet water conduit 16. Also, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the outer periphery of condensation suppression section 28c is set to be at least one-half of the area of the inside of seat surface 26d. In this way, by having condensation suppression section 28c occupy the space between seat surface 26d and the water sealing surface W of jet water conduit 16, condensation of flush water can be suppressed when the flush water in flush water tank body 26 begins to flow inside seat surface 26d.

[0057] 6, in a vertical plane, a straight line L2 that passes through the upper end of the flow guide section 40 and is tangent to the inner wall surface of the drain passage 26b intersects with it below the water sealing surface W of the jet water conduit 16 of the flush toilet body 2. By configuring the flow guide section 40 and the drain passage 26b in this way, it is possible to prevent flush water that has flowed over the upper end of the flow guide section 40 and flowed along the inner wall surface of the drain passage 26b from around the seat surface 26d from joining together before falling to the water sealing surface W. This makes it possible to prevent flush water that has flowed in from around the seat surface 26d from drawing in air from the air layer A below the seat surface 26d and disrupting the flow of the flush water.

[0058] Next, with new reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of flush water inside the flush water tank body 26 when the drain valve 28 is open. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of flush water inside the flush water tank body in a flush toilet apparatus according to a comparative example.

[0059] First, when a user performs a flushing operation on the flush toilet device 1, a controller (not shown) provided in the flush toilet device 1 sends a control signal to the rim water discharge solenoid valve 24b (Figure 1) of the valve unit 24, causing it to open. As a result, flush water supplied from the water main passes through the rim water discharge solenoid valve 24b and the rim water conduit 12 and is discharged from the rim water outlet 10. The flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 10 forms a swirling flow over the waste receiving surface 18 of the bowl portion 6, cleaning the waste receiving surface 18.

[0060] When a predetermined time has elapsed after the rim water discharge solenoid valve 24b has been opened, the controller (not shown) sends a control signal to the drain valve drive mechanism 32 (Figure 3), which activates a motor (not shown) provided in the drain valve drive mechanism 32 and raises the drain valve 28 from the seat surface 26d of the flush water tank main body 26. This causes the disk portion 28a of the drain valve 28 to be pulled away from the seat surface 26d, and the flush water that had been stored in the flush water tank main body 26 flows through the drain passage 26b of the flush water tank main body 26 into the inlet 2a (Figure 3) of the flush toilet main body 2, and then passes through the jet water conduit 16 and is discharged from the jet water discharge port 14. The discharge of water from the jet water discharge port 14 induces a siphon phenomenon in the drain trap pipe 8, and the flush water and waste in the bowl portion 6 are discharged through the drain trap pipe 8.

[0061] Here, when the disk portion 28a of the drain valve 28 is lifted up from the seat surface 26d of the flush water tank body 26, the flush water in the flush water tank body 26 starts to flow all at once towards the centre C of the drain passage 26b (drain outlet). In other words, the moment the drain valve 28 is lifted up, the flush water in the flush water tank body 26 flows from the gap between the underside of the disk portion 28a and the seat surface 26d towards the centre C of the drain passage 26b, and then falls downward within the drain passage 26b.

[0062] At this time, condensation suppression section 28c is provided on the underside of disc section 28a so that it protrudes downward, so flush water flowing from the periphery of seat surface 26d toward center C of drain outlet 30e hits the outer peripheral surface of condensation suppression section 28c and falls downward. As a result, most of the flush water that flows inside seat surface 26d flows smoothly along the inner wall surface of drain passage 26b into inlet 2a of flush toilet main body 2.

[0063] On the other hand, when flush water flows into this space, the air in the space (air layer A) between sheet surface 26d and the water sealing surface W of jet water conduit 16 is pushed out and flows into exhaust passage 28b, and flows out into the space above the water surface of flush water tank body 26. At this time, because the flush water flows along the inner wall surface of drain passage 26b, it is difficult for it to mix with the air in air layer A, and it quickly flows into exhaust passage 28b and is discharged into the atmosphere.

[0064] That is, "condensation," where flush water flowing from the periphery of seat surface 26d toward center C of drain port 30e joins together, is suppressed, and the air in air layer A is quickly discharged through exhaust passage 28b located in the center of seat surface 26d. This prevents the air in air layer A from being entrained in the flush water and impeding the rapid flow of the flush water. As a result, the instantaneous flow rate of flush water discharged from flush water tank body 26 immediately after drain valve 28 is opened can be increased.

[0065] In contrast, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 8 , when the drain valve 228 is not provided with a condensation suppression section and no flow guide section is provided around the seat surface 226d, when the drain valve 228 lifts off the seat surface 226d, the flush water in the flush water tank body 226 flows all at once toward the center C of the drain outlet. That is, as shown in FIG. 8 , the flush water flows from the periphery of the seat surface 226d toward the center C, colliding and merging with each other near the center of the drain outlet. The flush water that merges near the center of the drain outlet falls through near the center of the drain passage 226b, creating a temporary area where no flush water flows around the periphery of the drain passage 226b. That is, with a conventional drain valve 228 not provided with a condensation suppression section, condensation of the flush water flow occurs immediately after the valve is opened, narrowing the effective cross-sectional area of the flow path. As a result, the instantaneous flow rate of flush water immediately after the drain valve 228 is opened decreases.

[0066] In addition, when flush water flowing from the periphery of seat surface 226d toward center C collides with other flush water near the center of the drain outlet, air present in drain passage 226b is drawn into the flush water, which can form large bubbles in the flush water. The air in such bubbles is difficult to expel even when drain valve 228 is provided with an exhaust passage, and tends to remain inside drain passage 226b. This trapped air narrows the effective flow path cross-sectional area in drain passage 226b, reducing the instantaneous flow rate of flush water immediately after drain valve 228 is opened.

[0067] This kind of drop in instantaneous flow rate due to trapped air is likely to occur in flush toilets in which the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet main body is sealed with flush water, as in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment. That is to say, in flush toilets in which the water passage is sealed with flush water, there are few paths for air trapped in the water passage to escape, and it is easy for the air to become entrained in the flush water and become trapped. In the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment, by providing the drain valve 28 with a condensation suppression section 28c, condensation of flush water is suppressed and air trapped in the water passage can be quickly discharged from the exhaust passage 28b, suppressing the adverse effects of trapped air.

[0068] Furthermore, in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a flow guide section 40 is provided around the periphery of the annular seat surface 26d, surrounding it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow from the periphery of the seat surface 26d toward the center C of the drainage passage 26b is first directed upward, as indicated by arrow F1, to overcome the flow guide section 40, and then flows downward into the drainage passage 26b. The flow F1 of flush water that overcomes the flow guide section 40 and flows into the drainage passage 26b then falls along the inner wall surface of the drainage passage 26b. This suppresses condensation of flush water the moment the drain valve 28 is lifted from the seat surface 26d, allowing the flush water in the flush water tank body 26 to flow smoothly into the drainage passage 26b. As a result, the instantaneous flow rate of flush water flowing from the flush water tank body 26 into the jet water conduit 16 increases.

[0069] That is to say, in the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, when the drain valve 28 is opened, the flow of flush water heading toward the centre C of the drain passage 26b is temporarily directed upward by the flow guide section 40, so the horizontal component of the flow of flush water is reduced appropriately. As a result, the flow of flush water flowing into the drain passage 26b does not separate from the inner wall surface of the drain passage 26b, and the flush water can flow smoothly along the inner wall surface of the drain passage 26b, making it possible to increase the instantaneous flow rate.

[0070] As described above, after the drain valve 28 is raised from the seat surface 26d and flush water is discharged from the jet water spouting port 14, a predetermined time later the controller (not shown) sends a control signal to the rim water spouting solenoid valve 24b to close it. This stops rim water spouting from the rim water spouting port 10 and completes one toilet flush.

[0071] According to the flush toilet apparatus 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the drain valve 28 is provided with a condensation suppression section 28c that suppresses condensation of the flow of flush water from the periphery of the seat surface 26d toward the center C, and therefore prevents air that was downstream of the seat surface 26d from being drawn in by flush water that flows in from the periphery of the seat surface 26d. As a result, air that was downstream of the seat surface is quickly discharged through the exhaust passage 28b, suppressing obstruction of the flow of flush water by air and making it possible to increase the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body 2.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the exhaust passage 28b provided in the drain valve 28 connects the lower end of the condensation suppression section 28c with the space above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank main body 26, so air downstream of the seat surface 26d can be quickly released above the surface of the flush water, and the influence of the air that was downstream of the seat surface 26d can be greatly reduced. This makes it possible to increase the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet main body 2.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the condensation suppression section 28c is provided at the lower end of the drain valve 28 and is configured as a protrusion that extends below the seat surface 26d, making it possible to prevent the flush water that flows from between the drain valve 28 and the seat surface 26d towards the centre of the seat surface 26d from joining together. This suppresses condensation of the flush water flow and makes it possible to increase the instantaneous flow rate of flush water.

[0074] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, condensation of the flush water flow is suppressed by the condensation suppression section 28c, and an exhaust passage 28b is provided, so even in a flush toilet device 1 in which the jet water conduit 16, which is the water passage, is sealed, the air in air layer A can be easily released, effectively suppressing the adverse effects of the air in air layer A.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the distance from the seat surface 26d to the lower end of the condensation suppression section 28c is at least 1 / 3 of the distance from the seat surface 26d to the water sealing surface W of the water passage, so it is possible to effectively suppress the merging of flush water that flows from between the drain valve 28 and the seat surface 26d towards the center C of the seat surface 26d, and it is possible to sufficiently suppress condensation of the flush water.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the condensation suppression section 28c is more than half the area of the inside of the seat surface 26d, so flush water that flows below the condensation suppression section 28c is less likely to merge, and condensation of the flush water can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment has a flow guide section 40 provided on the outside of the seat surface 26d so as to surround the seat surface 26d, which reduces the flow rate of flush water heading from between the drain valve 28 and seat surface 26d toward the center C of the seat surface 26d, further preventing flush water from merging.

[0078] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the straight line that passes through the upper end of the flow guide section 40 and is tangent to the inner wall surface of the drainage passage 26b intersects below the water sealing surface W of the jet water conduit 16, which is the water passage of the flush toilet main body 2, so the flush water that passes through the drainage passage 26b and falls onto the water sealing surface W is less likely to merge above the water sealing surface W, and air above the water sealing surface W can easily be released through the exhaust passage 28b.

[0079] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of the flush water tank device portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, a flush toilet apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a flush toilet main body 102 and a flush water tank apparatus 104. Flush water tank device 104 has a flush water tank main body 126, a drain valve 128, and a drain valve drive mechanism 132. When the toilet is flushed, when the drain valve 128 is opened, flush water is discharged from within the flush water tank main body 126, and flush water flows from inlet 102a of flush toilet main body 102 into water passage 102b.

[0081] A drain passage 126b extending vertically downward is provided at the bottom of the flush water tank body 126, and when the drain valve 128 is opened, the flush water in the flush water tank body 126 is drained through the drain passage 126b. In other words, the inside of the drain passage 126b functions as a drain outlet that drains the flush water in the flush water tank body 126 and allows it to flow into the inlet 102a of the flush toilet body 102. Furthermore, a seat surface 126d is provided around the upper end of the drain passage 126b, and when the drain valve 128 sits on this seat surface 126d it closes and the discharge of flush water stops.

[0082] Meanwhile, an overflow pipe 130 is connected to drain passage 126b. Lower end opening 130a of this overflow pipe 130 is provided on the inner wall surface of drain passage 126b, and upper end opening 130b is located above the surface of the flush water in flush water tank body 126. That is, overflow pipe 130 extends horizontally from lower end opening 130a, which is provided on the vertically oriented inner wall surface of drain passage 126b, then bends vertically and extends to upper end opening 130b. This overflow pipe 130 communicates between the atmosphere above the water surface in flush water tank body 126 and air layer A below seat surface 126d.

[0083] The drain valve 128 is a float valve having a hemispherical float portion 128a and an arm portion 128b extending from the float portion 128a. The tip of the arm portion 128b is rotatably supported by a horizontally oriented support shaft 128c. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the support shaft 128c is provided on the opposite side of the lower end opening 130a provided in the drain passage 126b. A ball chain 128d is attached to the upper surface of the float portion 128a, and the upper end of the ball chain 128d is connected to the drain valve drive mechanism 132.

[0084] The drain valve drive mechanism 132 is mounted on the top of the flush water tank apparatus 104, and is configured to pull the ball chain 128d upward during toilet flushing. When the float portion 128a is seated on the seat surface 126d, pulling the ball chain 128d upward causes the float portion 128a to rotate about the support shaft 128c, and the float portion 128a lifts off the seat surface 126d. This opens the drain valve 128, and flush water from the flush water tank body 126 flows through the drain passage 126b into the inlet 102a of the flush toilet body 102. In this embodiment, the drain valve drive mechanism 132 is configured using a manual lever (not shown), but the drain valve drive mechanism 132 can also be configured using a motor (not shown) or the like.

[0085] Next, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. First, in the flush toilet apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the water passage 102b extending from the inlet 102a of the flush toilet main body 102 is sealed with flush water stored inside the flush toilet main body 102. In other words, when the flush toilet apparatus 100 is in its standby state, an air layer A is formed in the space between the sealing surface W of the sealing water in the water passage 102b and the seat surface 126d of the flush water tank main body 126, and the space is filled with air.

[0086] Next, when the user performs the flushing operation, ball chain 128d is pulled upward, causing float portion 128a of drain valve 128 to rotate about pivot 128c. This causes float portion 128a to lift off from seat surface 126d, and flush water begins to be discharged from within flush water tank body 126. Here, when float portion 128a rotates about pivot 128c, float portion 128a moves significantly away from seat surface 126d on the side opposite pivot 128c (the left side in Figure 9). For this reason, particularly immediately after flush water begins to be discharged, flush water mainly flows into drain passage 126b from the gap between float portion 128a and seat surface 126d on the side opposite pivot 128c.

[0087] As a result, the flush water in flush water tank body 126 flows from the opposite side of support shaft 128c toward support shaft 128c and into the inside of seat surface 126d, as shown by arrow F in Figure 9. As a result, the main stream of flush water flowing into the inside of seat surface 126d flows over bottom opening 130a of overflow pipe 130, which opens on the opposite side of support shaft 128c, and into drain passage 126b. For this reason, the air in air layer A below seat surface 126d is not caught up in the flowing-in flush water, but quickly flows into bottom opening 130a of overflow pipe 130 and is discharged to the atmosphere from top opening 130b.

[0088] That is, immediately after flush water starts to be discharged, the flush water flows over the lower end opening 130a provided on the opposite side of the support shaft 128c, so the lower end opening 130a is not blocked by the flush water. As a result, the air in the air layer A can be quickly discharged through the overflow pipe 130. Therefore, in this embodiment, the overflow pipe 130 functions as an exhaust passage. In this way, because the air in the air layer A can be quickly discharged, the flow of the flush water is not obstructed by stagnant air, and the instantaneous flow rate immediately after flush water starts to be discharged can be increased.

[0089] According to the flush toilet apparatus 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the lower end opening 130a of the overflow pipe 130 is located on the opposite side of the support shaft 128c of the drain valve 128, so when the drain valve 128 is opened, flush water that flows into the seat surface 126d from the opposite side of the support shaft 128c is less likely to flow into the lower end opening 130a of the overflow pipe 130, and the air in air layer A that was between the seat surface 126d and the seal water can be easily discharged through the overflow pipe 130. This allows the air in air layer A to easily escape, effectively suppressing the adverse effects of the air in air layer A and making it possible to increase the initial instantaneous flow rate of flush water supplied to the flush toilet body 102.

[0090] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Flush toilet device 2 Flush toilet body 2a Inlet 4. Cleaning water tank device 6 Bowl section 8 Drain trap pipe 8a Entrance 8b Ascending pipe 8c descending pipe 8d top 10 Rim Spout 12 Rim Waterway 14 Jet outlet 16 Jet Waterway 16a Upstream channel 16b Bent flow path 16c Downstream channel 18 Waste receiving surface 20 Rim 21 Shelf 22 Pressure Points 24 Valve unit 24a Tank water supply solenoid valve 24b Rim water outlet solenoid valve 26 Cleaning water tank body 26a Protrusion 26b Drain passage 26c groove 26d seat surface 28 Drain valve 28a Disc section 28b Exhaust passage 28c Condensation suppressing part (projecting part) 28d Chain 30 base plate 30a drainage opening 30b Cylindrical part 30c Top recess 30d Bottom recess 30e drain 32 Drain valve drive mechanism 34 O-ring 36 Gasket 38 volts 40 Flow guide section 40a Notch 100 Flush toilet device 102 Flush toilet body 102a Inlet 102b Canal 104 Cleaning water tank device 126 Cleaning water tank body 126b Drain passage 126d seat surface 128 Drain valve 128a Float part 128b Arm part 128c spindle 128d ball chain 130 Overflow pipe 130a Bottom opening 130b Top opening 132 Drain valve drive mechanism 226 Cleaning water tank body 226b Drain passage 226d seat surface 228 Drain valve

Claims

1. A flush toilet device that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank device, a flush toilet main body having a bowl portion and an inlet through which flush water for flushing the bowl portion flows; a flush water tank device that stores flush water for cleaning the bowl portion, The flush water tank device is A flush water tank body that stores flush water; a drain port that drains flush water from the flush water tank body and flows it into the inlet of the flush toilet body; an annular seat surface provided to surround the drain outlet; a drain valve that drains flush water from the flush water tank body and stops the discharge by sitting on and lifting off the seat surface; an exhaust passage that, when the drain valve is seated on the seat surface, connects the space below the seat surface with the space above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body; a condensation suppression section provided in the drain valve to suppress condensation of the flow of flush water from the periphery of the seat surface toward the center when flush water is discharged from the flush water tank body; A flush toilet apparatus comprising:

2. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drain valve is configured to be pulled upward from the seat surface, and the exhaust passage is provided in the drain valve and configured to connect the lower end of the condensation suppression section with the space above the surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body.

3. 3. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the condensation suppression portion is a protrusion provided at the lower end of the drain valve, and extends below the seat surface when the drain valve is seated on the seat surface.

4. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet main body is sealed with flush water stored within the flush toilet main body, and an air layer is formed between the seat surface and the sealed surface of the water passage.

5. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the vertical distance from the seat surface to the lower end of the condensation suppression section when the drain valve is seated on the seat surface is at least one-third of the vertical distance from the seat surface to the water sealing surface of the water passage.

6. 3. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal cross-sectional area of the condensation suppression portion is at least half the area of the inside of the seat surface.

7. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flush water tank apparatus further comprises a flow guide portion, which is a wall surface provided on the outside of the seat surface so as to surround the seat surface.

8. The flush toilet apparatus of claim 7, wherein the water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet main body is sealed with flush water stored within the flush toilet main body, a drain passage whose cross-sectional area narrows downward is formed between the seat surface and the drain outlet, and a straight line that passes through the upper end of the flow guide section and is tangent to the inner wall surface of the drain passage in a vertical plane intersects with the water passage of the flush toilet main body below the sealed surface.

9. A flush toilet device that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank device, a flush toilet main body having a bowl portion and an inlet through which flush water for flushing the bowl portion flows; a flush water tank device that stores flush water for cleaning the bowl portion, The flush water tank device is A flush water tank body that stores flush water; a drain port that drains flush water from the flush water tank body and flows it into the inlet of the flush toilet body; an annular seat surface provided to surround the drain outlet; a drain valve that drains flush water from the flush water tank body and stops the discharge by sitting on and lifting off the seat surface; an overflow pipe that connects a lower end opening that opens into a space below the seat surface with an upper end opening that opens above the water surface of the flush water stored in the flush water tank body; and The water passage extending from the inlet of the flush toilet main body is sealed with flush water stored within the flush toilet main body, A flush toilet apparatus characterized in that the drain valve is configured to be lifted off the seat surface by being rotated around a support shaft provided at one end, and the lower end opening of the overflow pipe is provided on the opposite side of the support shaft.

Images