Water closet device

Abstract

To provide a water closet device capable of actualizing water saving while effectively utilizing washing water stored in a washing water tank for securing sufficient washing performance.SOLUTION: A water closet device (1) includes a water closet body (2) including a bowl part (2a), a rim water discharge port (2c), a drain trap pipeline (2b), and a jet water discharge port (2d), a washing water tank body (4), a rim drain valve (8), a jet drain valve (10), and an air exhaust passage (15) formed on the upstream side of a jet water channel to exhaust air in an air layer. A rim water discharge drain port and a jet water discharge drain port are both provided at a position higher than the lower end of the rim water discharge port so that before the jet drain valve is opened after starting washing, the washing water is supplied into the jet water channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2015-168994 A (Patent Document 1) describes a flush toilet. In this flush toilet, by opening a drain valve provided in the water storage tank device, flush water is discharged from the two rim spouts and the jet spout provided in the flush toilet, cleaning the bowl. Also, in this flush toilet, flush water discharged from the water storage tank device first flows into a single water conduit, and this water conduit branches, and flush water is discharged from the two rim spouts and the jet spout. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-168994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1, flush water discharged from the storage tank device first flows into a single water channel, which then branches, and flush water is discharged from the rim spout and jet spout. Then, before the drain valve is opened, a relatively large air space exists in the water channel into which the flush water flows. For this reason, in the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1, after the drain valve is opened, the air space that was present in the water channel is filled with flush water, and then flush water is discharged from the rim spout and jet spout. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately set the time when flush water will begin to be discharged from the rim spout and jet spout. As a result, it becomes difficult to effectively utilize flush water and obtain a high flushing effect while reducing the amount of flush water used.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet apparatus that can effectively utilize the flush water stored in the flush water tank, ensuring sufficient flushing performance while also achieving water conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a flush toilet device that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank, and comprises a flush toilet main body that is equipped with a bowl portion, a rim spout provided at the top of this bowl portion, a drain trap pipe line extending from the bottom of the bowl portion, and a jet spout provided opposite the inlet of this drain trap pipe line, a flush water tank main body that stores flush water for flushing the bowl portion of this flush toilet main body, and a rim water conduit provided at a rim spout drain port formed in this flush water tank main body, which discharges flush water from the rim spout through a rim water conduit provided in the flush toilet main body. It has a rim drain valve that discharges or stops flushing water, a jet drain valve that is provided at a jet water discharge outlet formed in the flush water tank body and that discharges or stops flushing water from the jet water discharge outlet via a jet water conduit provided in the flush toilet body, and an exhaust path for discharging air from the air layer formed upstream of the jet water conduit, and is characterized in that the rim water discharge outlet and jet water discharge outlet are both provided at a position higher than the lower end of the rim water discharge outlet, and flushing water is supplied into the jet water conduit after flushing has started and before the jet drain valve is opened.

[0007] According to the present invention configured in this manner, since the device is equipped with a rim drain valve that starts or stops flush water from the rim spout and a jet drain valve that starts or stops flush water from the jet spout, the timing for flush water to be discharged from each spout can be accurately set, allowing for effective use of flush water. Furthermore, according to the present invention configured as described above, an exhaust path is provided for discharging air from the air layer in the jet water conduit, and flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit after flushing begins and before the jet drain valve is opened, so air is discharged from the jet water conduit and the water level in the jet water conduit rises. As a result, flush water can be discharged from the jet spout early after the jet drain valve is opened. This makes it possible to effectively use the flush water stored in the flush water tank, ensuring sufficient flushing performance while also achieving water conservation.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the supply of wash water into the jet water conduit is carried out by opening the rim drain valve after the start of cleaning and before the jet drain valve is opened, thereby discharging wash water from the rim water outlet, thereby causing wash water to flow in from the jet water outlet.

[0009] According to the present invention configured in this manner, flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit by opening the rim drain valve and discharging flush water from the rim outlet before the jet drain valve is opened, so the water level in the jet water conduit can be raised without having to provide a special configuration for supplying flush water into the jet water conduit.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the supply of cleaning water into the jet water conduit causes the water level in the jet water conduit to rise, and at the time the jet drain valve is opened, the water level in the drain trap pipe rises higher than the water level in the jet water conduit.

[0011] According to the present invention configured in this way, the water level in the drain trap pipe rises higher than the water level in the jet water conduit, so air trapped in the drain trap pipe can be discharged early, and the siphon action can be activated in the drain trap pipe early after the jet water spouting starts. This allows the siphon action to be activated with a small amount of flush water, thereby realizing water conservation.

[0012] In the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet spout is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rim spout.

[0013] According to the present invention configured in this way, the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet spout is larger than that of the rim spout, so a large flow rate of water can be discharged from the jet spout, and a siphon action can be generated in the drain trap pipe in a short period of time. This allows the siphon action to be initiated with a small amount of flush water, thereby realizing water conservation.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, flush water is discharged from the rim water discharge port to form a swirling flow on the inner wall surface of the bowl portion, and this swirling flow makes one or more revolutions within the bowl portion.

[0015] According to the present invention configured in this manner, a swirling flow is created by the water being discharged from the rim spout, and this swirling flow swirls around the bowl section more than once, thereby enabling the inner wall surface of the bowl section to be thoroughly cleaned while saving water.

[0016] In the present invention, the jet drain valve is preferably opened when the water level in the jet water conduit reaches its highest point or thereafter.

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this way, the jet drain valve is opened when the water level in the jet water conduit has reached its highest point or thereafter, so the jet drain valve is opened after the air in the air layer in the jet water conduit has been exhausted, thereby preventing the air in the air layer from mixing with the wash water and suppressing the generation of abnormal noise when the jet spouts water.

[0018] In the present invention, one end of the exhaust passage communicating with the inside of the jet conduit preferably opens at a position higher than the water surface in the jet conduit that has risen due to the supply of wash water into the jet conduit.

[0019] According to the present invention configured in this manner, one end of the exhaust path opens at a position higher than the water level in the jet conduit that has risen due to the supply of wash water into the jet conduit, so exhaust can be performed even when the water level in the jet conduit has risen, and the water level in the jet conduit can be easily raised.

[0020] In the present invention, one end of the exhaust path preferably opens upward on the ceiling surface of the jet water conduit.

[0021] According to the present invention configured in this manner, one end of the exhaust path opens upward on the ceiling surface of the jet water conduit, so even if the cleansing water in the jet water conduit enters the exhaust path, the cleansing water is immediately discharged, ensuring a stable airway.

[0022] In the present invention, the exhaust path is preferably configured to communicate the inside of the jet water conduit with the outside air.

[0023] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the exhaust path is configured to communicate the inside of the jet water conduit with the outside air, so that air inside the jet water conduit can be easily exhausted.

[0024] In the present invention, the exhaust path is preferably configured to provide communication between the inside of the jet water conduit and the air layer within the flush water tank body.

[0025] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the exhaust path is configured to connect the inside of the jet water conduit with the air layer inside the cleaning water tank body, thereby preventing dust and other particles from entering the exhaust path from the outside air.

[0026] In the present invention, the jet water conduit is preferably configured so that an air layer remains inside it even when wash water is supplied into the jet water conduit before the jet drain valve is opened.

[0027] According to the present invention configured in this manner, even when cleaning water is supplied into the jet water conduit before the jet drain valve is opened, an air layer remains inside the jet water conduit, thereby preventing the cleaning water from entering the exhaust path.

[0028] In the present invention, the jet water conduit is preferably configured so that an air pocket is formed therein after the jet drain valve is opened.

[0029] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the jet water conduit is configured so that an air pocket is formed inside it after the jet drain valve is opened, thereby reducing the effective volume of the jet water conduit and the amount of flush water wasted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the present invention, flush water stored in the flush water tank can be effectively utilized to ensure sufficient flushing performance while also achieving water conservation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view showing the schematic configuration of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a flush water supply system in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a flush water tank body provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an exhaust path according to a modified example in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 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 top view showing the general configuration of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the flush water supply system in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a flush water tank main body provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is made up of a flush toilet main body 2 and a flush water tank main body 4 located at the rear of this flush toilet main body 2. The flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured so that after use, flushing is carried out by operating a lever handle 4a provided on the flush water tank main body 4. Note that the drain valve and other devices provided inside the flush water tank main body 4 are not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0034] The flush toilet body 2 comprises a bowl portion 2a and a drain trap pipe 2b extending from the bottom of the bowl portion 2a. A rim water spout 2c is provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion 2a, and a jet water spout 2d is provided on the bottom of the bowl portion 2a. When flushing the toilet, flush water is discharged from the rim water spout 2c and jet water spout 2d at a predetermined timing, cleaning the waste receiving surface of the bowl portion 2a and discharging the waste and flush water from within the bowl portion 2a into the drain trap pipe 2b. The waste and flush water discharged into the drain trap pipe 2b pass through a drain socket (not shown) and are discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown). In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet water spout 2d is configured to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rim water spout 2c. Furthermore, when multiple rim water spouts 2c are provided, the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet water spout 2d is preferably configured to be larger than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the rim water spouts 2c.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, flush water is supplied to the flush water tank main body 4 from a water supply source 6 such as a tap, and the supplied flush water is stored inside the flush water tank main body 4. The flush water tank main body 4 also has a rim drain valve 8 and a jet drain valve 10 built in, and is configured to discharge or stop flush water from drain ports provided at the bottom of the flush water tank main body 4.

[0036] In this embodiment, flush water discharged by opening the rim drain valve 8 passes through the rim water conduit 2e formed inside the flush toilet main body 2, and is discharged from the rim water spout 2c. Additionally, flush water discharged by opening the jet drain valve 10 passes through the jet water conduit 2f formed inside the flush toilet main body 2, and is discharged from the jet water spout 2d.

[0037] Next, the internal structure of the flush water tank body 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an inner tank 14 is arranged inside the flush water tank main body 4. Also provided inside the flush water tank main body 4 are a rim drain valve 8 arranged inside the flush water tank main body 4 on the outside of the inner tank 14, a jet drain valve 10 arranged inside the inner tank 14, a ball tap 16 which is a water supply valve, and a water pressure drive mechanism 18.

[0038] The flush water tank main body 4 and inner tank 14 are containers configured to store flush water to be supplied to the flush toilet main body 2. In this embodiment, the flush water tank main body 4 is made of ceramic, and the inner tank 14, which is placed inside this flush water tank main body 4, is made of resin. In this specification, "flush water stored in the flush water tank main body 4" includes flush water stored inside the flush water tank main body 4 (outside the inner tank 14), as well as flush water stored inside the inner tank 14.

[0039] 1 and 4, a rim water spouting drain outlet 4b and a jet water spouting drain outlet 4c are provided on the bottom surface of the flush water tank main body 4, and in this embodiment, these drain outlets are configured to be circular. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b and the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c (only the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c is shown in Figure 2) are formed at the same height as the upper end surface of the bowl section 2a, while the rim water spouting outlet 2c is formed below the upper end surface of the bowl section 2a. Therefore, in this embodiment, both the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b and the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c are provided at a higher position than the lower end of the rim water spouting outlet 2c.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flush water stored within the flush water tank main body 4 (and outside the inner tank 14) flows through the rim spouting drain outlet 4b into the rim water conduit 2e of the flush toilet main body 2, and the flush water stored within the inner tank 14 flows through the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c into the jet water conduit 2f of the flush toilet main body 2. However, the inner tank 14 can also be omitted, in which case flush water stored in a single (undivided) space within the flush water tank main body 4 is supplied to the flush toilet main body 2 through the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b and the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c, respectively.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the inner tank 14 is placed on the bottom surface of the flush water tank main body 4, and a circular outlet 14a is formed in the bottom surface of the inner tank 14. This outlet 14a of the inner tank 14 is arranged concentrically so as to match with the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c provided in the flush water tank main body 4. That is to say, in this embodiment, the centre of the circular jet water spouting drain outlet 4c and the circular outlet 14a coincide when viewed from above. For this reason, the flush water in the inner tank 14 is discharged through the outlet 14a of the inner tank 14 and the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c of the flush water tank main body 4, and flows into the jet water conduit 2f of the flush toilet main body 2.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge port 14a of the inner tank 14 is formed by a drain port forming member 14b that is formed separately from the main body of the inner tank 14. This drain port forming member 14b is a cylindrical member that is attached watertight to the bottom surface of the inner tank 14 and forms the discharge port 14a on the inside. A seat surface is provided at the upper end of the drain port forming member 14b, and the discharge port 14a is closed when the jet drain valve 10 sits on this seat surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, the seat surface on which the jet drain valve 10 sits is formed by a member separate from the inner tank 14.

[0043] An overflow pipe 15, which serves as an exhaust path, is attached to the side of the drain port forming member 14b. This overflow pipe 15 is an L-shaped pipe that extends from the side of the drain port forming member 14b and opens upward above the upper end of the inner tank 14. This allows the space inside the drain port forming member 14b to communicate with the outside air above the water surface of the inner tank 14 via the overflow pipe 15.

[0044] When the flush water level in the flush water tank body 4 exceeds the height of the overflow pipe 15, the flush water flows into the overflow pipe 15 and is discharged through the drain port forming member 14b into the jet headrace 2f. Meanwhile, when flush water flows into the jet headrace 2f, the air in the air layer that has formed at the upstream end of the jet headrace 2f is discharged to the outside air through the overflow pipe 15. That is to say, when the flush toilet device 1 is in the standby state, the upstream end of the jet headrace 2f is filled with flush water up to the water level W2 (Figures 2 and 4), and an air layer is formed between this water level W2 and the jet drain valve 10. When flush water flows into this air layer, the air in the air layer is pushed out and discharged through the overflow pipe 15.

[0045] That is, the lower end of overflow pipe 15 communicates with opening 15a provided in the inner circumferential surface of drain port forming member 14b, and this opening 15a is provided below jet drain valve 10 and at a position higher than water surface W2 at the upstream end of jet water conduit 2f. In this way, overflow pipe 15 communicates between the inside of jet water conduit 2f and the air layer inside flush water tank main body 4. This allows the inside of jet water conduit 2f to communicate with the outside air.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the rim drain valve 8 is a valve body arranged to open and close the rim spouting drain outlet 4b provided in the flush water tank main body 4, and the rim spouting drain outlet 4b is opened when the rim drain valve 8 is pulled upward. This causes flush water in the flush water tank main body 4 to be discharged into the rim water conduit 2e (Figure 1) in the flush toilet main body 2 and discharged from the rim spout 2c. Therefore, the rim drain valve 8 is provided in the rim spouting drain outlet 4b formed in the flush water tank main body 4, and causes or stops flush water from being discharged from the rim spout 2c via the rim water conduit 2e provided in the flush toilet main body 2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the user rotates the lever handle 4a provided on the flush water tank body 4, which pulls the ball chain 8a (Figure 4) connected to the rim drain valve 8, causing the rim drain valve 8 to be raised. As a variation, the present invention can also be configured so that the rim drain valve 8 is raised and 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).

[0048] The jet drain valve 10 is provided at the jet spouting drain outlet 4c formed in the flush water tank main body 4, and causes or stops flush water to be discharged from the jet spout 2d via the jet water conduit 2f provided in the flush toilet main body 2. In other words, by pulling the jet drain valve 10 upward, the jet drain valve 10 lifts off the seat surface of the discharge outlet 14a, and the discharge outlet 14a opens. As a result, the flush water in the inner tank 14 flows through the discharge outlet 14a and the jet spouting drain outlet 4c of the flush water tank main body 4 and into the jet water conduit 2f (Figure 1).

[0049] In this way, by pulling up the jet drain valve 10, flush water in the inner tank 14 is drained from the outlet 14a, passes through the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c, flows into the jet water conduit 2f (Figure 1) in the flush toilet main body 2, and is discharged from the jet water spouting outlet 2d. Note that if the inner tank 14 is omitted, the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c is opened and closed directly by the jet drain valve 10, and the flush water in the flush water tank main body 4 is drained.

[0050] 4, in this embodiment, the jet drain valve 10 is configured to be pulled up from the discharge port 14a by the water pressure drive mechanism 18. That is, the jet drain valve 10 is a valve body equipped with a valve stem 10a that extends upward, and the valve stem 10a is pulled up by the water pressure drive mechanism 18. Then, when the jet drain valve 10 is pulled up to a predetermined height, it is separated from the water pressure drive mechanism 18 and gently descends to close the discharge port 14a. The configuration of the water pressure drive mechanism 18 will be described later.

[0051] Furthermore, the ball tap 16, which is a water supply valve, is configured so that flushing water supplied from the water supply source 6 flows in through the inlet pipe 16a, and switches on and off the supply of flushing water to be stored in the flushing water tank main body 4 and the inner tank 14.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, inlet pipe 16a and outlet pipe 16b are connected to ball tap 16, and valve seat 20b is opened and closed by built-in main valve element 20a. Ball tap 16 also has a float 22 and an arm portion 24 that is rotated by this float 22. Float 22 provided on ball tap 16 operates in conjunction with the water level inside flush water tank body 4, and when float 22 drops to a predetermined position, built-in main valve element 20a opens and flush water is supplied to water pressure drive mechanism 18.

[0053] That is, a main valve body 20a is disposed inside the ball tap 16 so as to open and close a valve seat 20b, and when the valve is open, tap water flowing in from the inlet pipe 16a passes through the valve seat 20b and flows out into the outlet pipe 16b. The outlet pipe 16b is then connected to a water hydraulic drive mechanism 18.

[0054] The main valve element 20a is a generally disc-shaped diaphragm-type valve element that is attached inside the ball tap 16 so that it can seat on and release from the valve seat 20b. A pressure chamber 20c is formed inside the ball tap 16 on the opposite side of the valve seat 20b from the main valve element 20a. A pilot valve port (not shown) is provided in the ball tap 16 so as to communicate with the interior of this pressure chamber 20c. When this pilot valve port (not shown) is closed and the pressure in the pressure chamber 20c increases, this pressure presses the main valve element 20a against the valve seat 20b, causing it to seat on the valve seat 20b.

[0055] Meanwhile, float 22 is supported by arm portion 24, and a pilot valve (not shown) is connected to this arm portion 24, so that the pilot valve moves as arm portion 24 rotates. In this embodiment, float 22 is disposed inside flush water tank body 4, and moves up and down according to the water level inside flush water tank body 4. As a result, when the water level inside flush water tank body 4 has risen above a predetermined water level, float 22 is pushed upward, which moves the pilot valve (not shown), closing the pilot valve port (not shown) provided on ball tap 16. On the other hand, when flush water is drained from within flush water tank body 4 and the water level drops, float 22 moves downward, and the pilot valve port (not shown) opens. For this reason, when the water level inside flush water tank body 4 is higher than the predetermined water level and the toilet is on standby for flushing, the pilot valve port (not shown) of ball tap 16 is in a closed state.

[0056] Furthermore, tap water that flows into the ball tap 16 from the inlet pipe 16a flows into the pressure chamber 20c. When the pilot valve port (not shown) is closed, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20c increases. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 20c increases in this manner, this pressure presses the main valve element 20a toward the valve seat 20b, causing the main valve element 20a to close the valve seat 20b.

[0057] On the other hand, when the rim drain valve 8 is opened by the flushing operation and the water level in the flush water tank body 4 falls below a predetermined level, the float 22 moves down, the pilot valve (not shown) moves, and the pilot valve port (not shown) opens. When the pilot valve port (not shown) opens, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20c drops. This causes the main valve element 20a to move away from the valve seat 20b, opening the valve seat 20b. In this way, with the pilot valve port (not shown) open, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20c does not increase, so the valve seat 20b remains open.

[0058] Next, the configuration of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 18 will be described with reference to FIG. The water pressure drive mechanism 18 is configured to drive the jet drain valve 10 using the water supply pressure of flush water supplied to the flush water tank main body 4 from the water main. Specifically, the water pressure drive mechanism 18 has a cylinder 18a into which water supplied from the ball tap 16 flows, a piston 18b slidably disposed within this cylinder 18a, and a rod 28 that protrudes from the bottom end of the cylinder 18a and drives the jet drain valve 10. Furthermore, a spring 18c is disposed inside the cylinder 18a and urges the piston 18b downward, and a packing is attached to the piston 18b to ensure watertightness between the inner wall surface of the cylinder 18a and the piston 18b. Furthermore, a clutch mechanism 30 is provided at the bottom end of the rod 28, and this clutch mechanism 30 connects and disconnects the rod 28 and the valve stem 10a of the jet drain valve 10.

[0059] Cylinder 18a is a cylindrical member that is disposed with its axis oriented vertically and that slidably receives piston 18b inside. An outlet pipe 16b extending from ball tap 16 is connected to the lower end of cylinder 18a, allowing flush water flowing out from ball tap 16 to flow into cylinder 18a. As a result, piston 18b inside cylinder 18a is pushed up against the biasing force of spring 18c by the water that has flowed into cylinder 18a.

[0060] Meanwhile, an outflow hole is provided at the upper end of cylinder 18a, and water supply pipe 32 is connected to this outflow hole. Therefore, when water flows into cylinder 18a from outflow pipe 16b connected to the bottom of cylinder 18a, piston 18b is pushed upward from the bottom of cylinder 18a. Then, when piston 18b is pushed up to a position above the outflow hole, the water that flowed into cylinder 18a flows out from the outflow hole into water supply pipe 32. In addition, flush water that flows into water supply pipe 32 flows into inner tank 14.

[0061] The rod 28 is a rod-shaped member connected to the underside of the piston 18b, and extends through a through-hole formed in the bottom surface of the cylinder 18a so as to protrude downward from within the cylinder 18a. The valve stem 10a of the jet drain valve 10 is connected to the lower end of the rod 28 via a clutch mechanism 30, and the rod 28 connects the piston 18b and the jet drain valve 10. Therefore, when water flows into the cylinder 18a and pushes up the piston 18b, the rod 28 connected to the piston 18b lifts the jet drain valve 10 upward, and the jet drain valve 10 opens.

[0062] Furthermore, a gap is provided between the rod 28 protruding from below the cylinder 18a and the inner wall of the through-hole of the cylinder 18a, and some of the water that flows into the cylinder 18a flows out through this gap. The water that flows out through the gap flows into the inner tank 14. Note that because this gap is relatively narrow and has high flow resistance, even when water flows out through the gap, the water flowing into the cylinder 18a from the outflow pipe 16b increases the pressure inside the cylinder 18a, and the piston 18b is pushed up against the biasing force of the spring 18c.

[0063] Furthermore, the clutch mechanism 30 detachably connects the rod 28 and the jet drain valve 10. When the jet drain valve 10 is lifted a predetermined distance together with the rod 28, the clutch mechanism 30 is configured to disconnect the valve stem 10a of the jet drain valve 10 from the rod 28. With the clutch mechanism 30 in a disconnected state, the jet drain valve 10 is no longer linked to the movement of the piston 18b and the rod 28, and the jet drain valve 10 descends as the water level in the inner tank 14 drops, closing the discharge port 14a of the inner tank 14.

[0064] Next, with new reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing, from the top, the jet water spouting state, the rim water spouting state, the ball tap state, and the water level of each part.

[0065] First, in the standby state for toilet flushing, the rim spout drain port 4b of the flush water tank main body 4 and the discharge port 14a of the inner tank 14 are closed by the rim drain valve 8 and the jet drain valve 10, respectively. Also, in the standby state, the initial water level inside the flush water tank main body 4 is higher than a predetermined water level, which causes the pilot valve port (not shown) of the ball tap 16 (Fig. 4) to be in a closed state, and the valve seat 20b is closed by the main valve body 20a. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, in the standby state (before time t1 in Fig. 5), the water level W1 of the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a, the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f, and the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b are the same and match the height of the top 2g of the drain trap pipe 2b.

[0066] Furthermore, since the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f is located below the jet water discharge outlet 4c of the flush water tank body 4, in the standby state, an air layer exists between the water surface at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f and the jet water discharge outlet 4c.

[0067] Next, at time t1 in Figure 5, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a (Figure 4) of the flush water tank main body 4 to flush the toilet, the ball chain 8a connected to it pulls up the rim drain valve 8. This causes the rim drain valve 8 to be pulled away from the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b, and the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b opens. When the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b opens, flush water that had been stored inside the flush water tank main body 4 (outside the inner tank 14) flows from the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b into the rim water conduit 2e (Figure 1) and is discharged from the rim water spout outlet 2c. The rim water spouting from the rim water spout outlet 2c creates a swirling flow on the waste receiving surface of the bowl section 2a, cleaning the waste receiving surface. When flushing water is discharged from this rim water outlet 2c, a swirling flow is formed on the inner wall surface of the bowl portion 2a, and this swirling flow swirls around the bowl portion 2a more than once, thoroughly cleaning the bowl portion 2a.

[0068] Flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 2c first flows into the bowl portion 2a, causing the water level W1 of the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a to rise. Then, because the bowl portion 2a and the drain trap pipe 2b are connected via the inlet of the drain trap pipe 2b, when the water level W1 of the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a rises, there is a delay in the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b also rising. Furthermore, because the bowl portion 2a and the jet water conduit 2f are connected via the jet water outlet 2d, when the water level W1 of the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a rises, flush water flows into the jet water conduit 2f via the jet water outlet 2d. For this reason, after the water level W1 of the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a rises, there is a delay in the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f also rising.

[0069] Thus, in this embodiment, after flushing starts at time t1, flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit 2f before the jet drain valve is opened (time t2 in Figure 5). That is, in this embodiment, after flushing starts, before the jet drain valve 10 is opened (time t2 in Figure 5), the rim drain valve 8 is opened (time t1 in Figure 5) to discharge flush water from the rim water spouting port 2c, and as a result, flush water flows in from the jet water spouting port 2d, and flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit 2f.

[0070] In this way, the supply of flush water into the jet water conduit 2f causes the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f to rise. Here, as described above, an air layer exists between the water surface at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f and the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c. For this reason, when the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f rises, the air in the air layer passes through overflow pipe 15, which is the exhaust path, and is discharged into the outside air (above the water surface in the flush water tank body 4).

[0071] However, even when the water level W2 has risen to its highest point before the jet drain valve 10 is opened, the water level W2 is lower than the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c, and an air layer remains. In other words, the jet water conduit 2f is configured so that an air layer remains inside it, even when flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit 2f before the jet drain valve 10 is opened. Furthermore, the opening 15a provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drain outlet forming member 14b that communicates with the overflow pipe 15 is still in a position higher than the water surface W2, even when the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f has risen. For this reason, flush water will not enter from the lower end of the overflow pipe 15 due to the rise in water level W2.

[0072] Furthermore, as described above, after water discharge from the rim water outlet 2c begins and before the jet drain valve 10 is opened, the water level W2 rises and the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b also rises. Then, as shown in Figure 5, the rise in water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b is faster and greater than the rise in water level W2. In this way, the supply of flush water into the jet water conduit 2f causes the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f to rise, and at the time the jet drain valve 10 is opened (time t2 in Figure 5), the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b rises higher than the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f.

[0073] Meanwhile, as flush water is discharged from the rim spouting drain port 4b, the water level in the flush water tank body 4 drops. This causes the float 22 of the ball tap 16 (Fig. 4) to drop, opening the pilot valve port (not shown). As a result, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20c drops, opening the main valve body 20a, and flush water begins to be supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 18 (Fig. 4) through the outflow pipe 16b.

[0074] When flush water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 18, the flush water that flows into the cylinder 18a pushes up the piston 18b against the biasing force of the spring 18c. This causes the rod 28 connected to the piston 18b to pull up the valve stem 10a of the jet drain valve 10, opening the outlet 14a of the inner tank 14. In other words, the jet drain valve 10 is driven and opened by the water supply pressure of the tap water supplied via the ball tap 16.

[0075] As a result, at time t2 in Figure 5, outlet 14a is opened, and flush water stored in inner tank 14 flows through outlet 14a and jet water spouting drain outlet 4c into jet water conduit 2f (Figure 2), and is discharged from jet water spouting outlet 2d. Furthermore, the jet water spouting from jet water spouting outlet 2d fills drain trap pipe 2b, inducing siphon action. Due to the occurrence of siphon action, the accumulated water and waste in bowl portion 2a is sucked into drain trap pipe 2b and discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown).

[0076] That is, as shown in Figure 5, when the discharge port 14a is opened at time t2 and flush water is discharged from the jet water spouting port 2d, the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b rises in a short time, filling the drain trap pipe 2b with water. This causes a siphoning effect, so the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a is sucked into the drain trap pipe 2b, and the water level W1 of the accumulated water in the bowl portion 2a drops. Also, as mentioned above, the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b has risen before the jet drain valve 10 is opened. For this reason, when the jet water spouting starts, the drain trap pipe 2b is filled with water early on, shortening the time from the start of jet water spouting to the occurrence of the siphoning effect. (Note that when the jet drain valve 10 is open and flush water is flowing into the jet water conduit 2f from the jet water spouting drain port 4c, it is difficult to accurately determine the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f, and the graph of water level W2 between times t2 and t3 in Figure 5 shows an approximate value.)

[0077] Also, as mentioned above, the water level W2 at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f has risen before the jet drain valve 10 is opened, and the air layer above the water level W2 has been reduced. For this reason, when the jet drain valve 10 is opened, the air layer at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f is filled with water in a short time, allowing flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 2d quickly. In this embodiment, the jet drain valve 10 is opened at the timing when the water level in the jet water conduit 2f has risen to its highest point, or thereafter.

[0078] In this way, in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment, siphon action can be generated within the drain trap pipe 2b early after the jet drain valve 10 opens. In particular, the flush water initially discharged from the jet water spouting drain outlet 4c (discharge outlet 14a) has a high head pressure due to the high water level in the inner tank 14. In this embodiment, the air space at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f is configured to be relatively small, so flush water with high head pressure immediately after drainage begins is less likely to be wasted due to filling the air space. As a result, flush water with high head pressure can be effectively used to flush the toilet, increasing the instantaneous flow rate of flush water discharged from the jet water spouting outlet 2d. Furthermore, the jet water conduit 2f is configured so that an air pocket forms inside it near its ceiling surface even after the jet drain valve 10 opens. This allows the effective volume of the jet water conduit 2f to be reduced, reducing the flush water wasted before siphon action is activated.

[0079] Meanwhile, when the jet drain valve 10 is raised to a predetermined height together with the piston 18b of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 18, the valve stem 10a of the jet drain valve 10 is separated from the rod 28 by the clutch mechanism 30 (Fig. 4). As a result, the jet drain valve 10 descends toward the discharge port 14a as the water level in the inner tank 14 drops. Then, at time t3 in Fig. 5, the jet drain valve 10 seats on the discharge port 14a, closing the discharge port 14a. This stops jet water spouting from the jet water spouting port 2d.

[0080] When the jet drain valve 10 is closed and the jet water spouting stops, the siphon action in the drain trap pipe 2b stops, and flush water in the bowl portion 2a is no longer sucked into the drain trap pipe 2b. Meanwhile, because water continues to be spouted from the rim water outlet 2c, the water level W1 in the bowl portion 2a begins to rise after the jet drain valve 10 is closed. Accordingly, the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f also rises. Furthermore, as the siphon action stops, the water level W3 in the drain trap pipe 2b drops rapidly.

[0081] When the main valve body 20a of the ball tap 16 is open, flush water supplied from the water supply source 6 (tap water) is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 18 via the ball tap 16, and flows into the inner tank 14 through the water supply pipe 32 (Figure 4) connected to the cylinder 18a. For this reason, after the jet water spouting is stopped at time t3 in Figure 5, the water level in the inner tank 14 rises due to the flush water flowing in from the water supply pipe 32.

[0082] Meanwhile, because the rim drain valve 8 is still open, flush water within the flush water tank body 4 flows out from the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b, and the water level within the flush water tank body 4 continues to drop. Then, at time t4 in Figure 5, when the water level within the flush water tank body 4 drops to a predetermined dead water level, the rim drain valve 8 seats on the rim water spouting drain outlet 4b and the rim drain valve 8 closes. This stops rim water spouting from the rim water outlet 2c. Also, at time t4 when rim water spouting is stopped, the water level W1 within the bowl section 2a, the water level W2 within the jet water conduit 2f and the water level W3 within the drain trap pipe 2b have returned to the water levels in the standby state.

[0083] Furthermore, even after the rim drain valve 8 is closed, the main valve body 20a of the ball tap 16 remains open, so flush water supplied from the water supply source 6 (tap water) flows into the inner tank 14 from the water supply pipe 32 via the ball tap 16 and the water pressure drive mechanism 18. This causes the water level in the inner tank 14 to rise. Then, at time t5 in Figure 5, when the inner tank 14 is full, the flush water that flowed into the inner tank 14 from the water supply pipe 32 overflows and flows into the flush water tank main body 4. This causes the water level in the flush water tank main body 4 to begin to rise.

[0084] Next, when the water level in the flush water tank main body 4 rises to a predetermined water level, the float 22 of the ball tap 16 rises and the pilot valve (not shown) closes. When the pilot valve closes in this way, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20d rises. Then, at time t6 in Figure 5, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20d presses the main valve element 20a and causes it to seat on the valve seat 20b, closing the main valve element 20a. This stops the water supply from the water supply source 6 to the water pressure drive mechanism 18 via the ball tap 16, and stops the supply of flush water into the inner tank 14.

[0085] When the water supply to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 18 is stopped, the piston 18b (Figure 4) inside the cylinder 18a, which had been pushed up by the water supply, is pushed down by the biasing force of the spring 18c. As a result, the rod 28 attached to the piston 18b also drops. When the rod 28 drops to a predetermined position, the clutch mechanism 30 reconnects the rod 28 to the valve stem 10a of the jet drain valve 10. This completes one toilet flush, and the flush toilet device 1 returns to its standby state for toilet flushing.

[0086] The flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a rim drain valve 8 that starts or stops flush water from the rim spout 2c, and a jet drain valve 10 that starts or stops flush water from the jet spout 2d, so the timing for discharging flush water from each spout can be accurately set, allowing for effective use of flush water. The flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment is also equipped with an overflow pipe 15, which serves as an exhaust path for discharging air from the air layer in the jet water conduit 2f. After flushing begins, flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit 2f before the jet drain valve 10 is opened, discharging air from the jet water conduit 2f and raising the water level W2 within the jet water conduit 2f. As a result, flush water can be discharged from the jet water conduit 2d early after the jet drain valve 10 is opened, allowing jet spouting to begin at the desired timing. This makes effective use of the flush water stored in the flush water tank, ensuring sufficient flushing performance while also achieving water conservation.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit 2f by opening the rim drain valve 8 and discharging flush water from the rim spout 2c before the jet drain valve 10 is opened, so the water level in the jet water conduit 2f can be raised without providing a special configuration for supplying flush water into the jet water conduit 2f.

[0088] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the water level in the drain trap pipe 2b rises higher than the water level in the jet water conduit 2f, so air trapped in the drain trap pipe 2b can be discharged early, and the siphon action can be activated in the drain trap pipe 2b early after jet water spouting begins. This allows the siphon action to be activated with a small amount of flush water, achieving water conservation.

[0089] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet water spout 2d is larger than that of the rim water spout 2c, so a large flow rate of water can be discharged from the jet water spout 2d, and a siphon action can be generated within the drain trap pipe 2b in a short period of time. This allows the siphon action to be activated with a small amount of flush water, achieving water conservation.

[0090] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, a swirling flow is created by the water being discharged from the rim spout 2c, and this swirling flow swirls around the bowl portion 2a more than once, so the inner wall surface of the bowl portion 2a can be thoroughly cleaned while saving water.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the jet drain valve 10 opens when the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f has risen to its highest point or thereafter, so the jet drain valve 10 opens after the air in the air layer in the jet water conduit 2f has finished being exhausted. This prevents the air in the air layer from mixing into the flush water, and makes it possible to prevent abnormal noises from occurring when the jet spouts water.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, one end of the overflow pipe 15 opens at a position higher than the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f, which has risen due to the supply of flush water into the jet water conduit 2f, so exhaust can be performed even when the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f has risen, making it easy to raise the water level W2 in the jet water conduit 2f.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the overflow pipe 15, which is the exhaust path, is configured to provide communication between the inside of the jet water conduit 2f and the air layer inside the flush water tank body 4, which is the outside air, so air inside the jet water conduit 2f can be easily exhausted.

[0094] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, even when flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit 2f before the jet drain valve 10 is opened, an air layer remains inside the jet water conduit 2f, preventing flush water from entering the overflow pipe 15.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the jet water conduit 2f is configured so that an air pocket is formed inside it after the jet drain valve 10 is opened, which makes it possible to reduce the effective volume of the jet water conduit 2f and reduce the amount of flush water wasted.

[0096] The flush toilet apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the jet drain valve 10 is opened using the water pressure drive mechanism 18, so that the jet drain valve 10 opens after the rim drain valve 8 has opened. However, as a modification, the rim drain valve 8 and / or the jet drain valve 10 may be configured to be opened using the power of a motor (not shown), and the motor may be operated so that the jet drain valve 10 opens with a delay. Alternatively, the present invention can be configured so that the rim drain valve 8 and the jet drain valve 10 are pulled up by a ball chain or the like connected to the lever handle 4a, and by lengthening the ball chain or the like attached to the jet drain valve 10, the jet drain valve 10 opens after the rim drain valve 8 has opened.

[0097] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the air in the air layer at the upstream end of the jet water conduit 2f was exhausted by the overflow pipe 15, but as a modified example, a separate pipe can be provided for exhausting the air. In the modified example shown in Figure 6, an opening 34 is provided in the horizontal surface at the top end of the bowl section 2a of the flush toilet main body 2, and an exhaust pipe 36 is attached to this opening 34, ensuring an exhaust path. That is, the opening 34 in the horizontal surface at the top end of the bowl section 2a is connected to the jet water conduit 2f provided within the flush toilet main body 2. The exhaust pipe 36 is then attached so that it extends vertically upward from this opening 34, forming an exhaust path. Thus, in this modified example, one end of the exhaust path opens upward into the ceiling surface of the jet water conduit. That is, by opening one end of the exhaust path upward into the ceiling surface of the jet water conduit, even if flush water in the jet water conduit 2f enters the exhaust path, the flush water is immediately discharged, ensuring a stable airway. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Flush toilet device 2 Flush toilet body 2a Bowl section 2b Drain trap pipe 2c Rim Spout 2d jet spout 2e Rim Waterway 2F Jet Waterway 2g top 4 Cleaning water tank body 4a Lever handle 4b Rim water outlet 4c Jet water outlet 6 Water source 8 Rim drain valve 8a Ball Chain 10 Jet drain valve 10a valve stem 14 Inner tank 14a Outlet 14b Drain hole forming member 15 Overflow pipe (exhaust path) 15a opening 16 Ball tap (water supply valve) 16a Inflow pipe 16b Outflow pipe 18 Water Hydraulic Drive Mechanism 18a cylinder 18b piston 18c spring 20 Main body 20a Main valve body 20b Valve seat 20c Pressure Chamber 22 Float 24 Arm section 28 Rod 30 Clutch mechanism 32 Water supply pipe 34 Aperture 36 Exhaust pipe

Claims

1. A flush toilet device that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank, a flush toilet body having a bowl portion, a rim spout provided at the top of the bowl portion, a drain trap pipe line extending from the bottom of the bowl portion, and a jet spout line provided opposite the inlet of the drain trap pipe line; a flush water tank body that stores flush water for flushing the bowl portion of the flush toilet body; a rim drain valve that is provided in a rim spout drain outlet formed in the flush water tank body, and that discharges or stops flush water from the rim spout outlet via a rim water conduit provided in the flush toilet body; a jet drain valve that is provided at a jet water spouting drain outlet formed in the flush water tank body, and that discharges or stops flush water from the jet water spouting outlet via a jet water conduit provided in the flush toilet body; an exhaust path for discharging air from an air layer formed upstream of the jet water channel; and The rim water spouting outlet and the jet water spouting outlet are both provided at a position higher than the lower end of the rim water spouting outlet, A flush toilet apparatus characterized in that flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit after flushing begins and before the jet drain valve is opened.

2. A flush toilet device according to claim 1, wherein flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit by opening the rim drain valve after flushing has started and before the jet drain valve is opened, thereby discharging flush water from the rim spout, thereby causing flush water to flow in from the jet spout.

3. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the supply of flush water into the jet water conduit causes the water level in the jet water conduit to rise, and at the time the jet drain valve is opened, the water level in the drain trap pipe rises higher than the water level in the jet water conduit.

4. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the jet spouting port is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rim spouting port.

5. 5. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 4, wherein flush water discharged from the rim discharge port forms a swirling flow on the inner wall surface of the bowl portion, and this swirling flow swirls around the bowl portion one or more times.

6. 2. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jet drain valve opens when the water level in the jet waterway reaches its highest point or thereafter.

7. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one end of the exhaust path that communicates with the inside of the jet water conduit opens at a position higher than the water surface in the jet water conduit that rises due to the supply of flush water into the jet water conduit.

8. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 7, wherein one end of the exhaust path opens upward into the ceiling surface of the jet waterway.

9. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust path is configured to communicate the inside of the jet waterway with outside air.

10. 10. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the exhaust path is configured to provide communication between the interior of the jet water conduit and the air layer within the flush water tank body.

11. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jet water conduit is configured so that an air layer remains inside it even when flush water is supplied into the jet water conduit before the jet drain valve is opened.

12. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the jet water conduit is configured so that an air reservoir is formed inside after the jet drain valve is opened.

Images