Flush toilet device

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet device capable of achieving efficient use of washing water by adopting an aspect while maintaining the watertightness of the water flow, in which some of the internal air remains in the jet waterway.SOLUTION: The flush toilet device includes: a first drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping washing water from the rim outlet; and a second drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping washing water from the jet outlet, in which both are driven based on different driving inputs. A jet waterway includes: an upstream area located directly below the second drain valve; an intermediate area that extends forward from the upstream area in plan view; and a downstream side area that extends laterally from the front area of the intermediate area below the water level of the pool to the jet outlet bypassing the bottom of the bowl and / or the drain trap line. The maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the anterior-posterior direction of the intermediate area is larger than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the upstream area, and larger than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow direction in the downstream side area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

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] In conventional tank-type flush toilet systems, a single drain valve is provided in the flush water tank, and the flush water discharged from the flush water tank is branched off into a rim spout and a jet spout, with water being discharged from each spout. In other words, the water conduit formed inside the flush toilet body branches off midway, and flush water is directed to the rim spout and jet spout, respectively.

[0003] Furthermore, WO 2005 / 085538 (Patent Document 1) describes a flush toilet. This flush toilet is a tank-type flush toilet, and is equipped with a tank that stores flush water for rim spouting, and a tank that stores flush water for jet spouting. Each flush water tank is provided with a drain valve for rim spouting and a drain valve for jet spouting, and by opening these drain valves, water is spouted from the rim spout and the jet spout, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2005 / 085538 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional flush toilet systems equipped with a single drain valve, water begins to be discharged from the rim spout and jet spout at approximately the same time. As a result, flush water is not necessarily discharged from the appropriate spout at the appropriate time, and some of the flush water used is not fully utilized for flushing. In other words, water is wasted due to the presence of flush water that is not fully utilized for flushing.

[0006] Meanwhile, the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1 is provided with drain valves for both the rim spout and the jet spout, making it possible to start spouting water at different times from each of the rim spout and jet spout. However, the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1 is designed so that each drain valve is pulled up by a ball chain connected to an operating lever (the ball chain serves as a common drive input member), making it impossible to freely set the time when water starts to be spouted from each spout. For this reason, even the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1 is unable to fully achieve the effect of reducing water waste.

[0007] Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that efficient utilization of wash water can be achieved by adopting a configuration in which some of the internal air remains in the jet water conduit while maintaining watertightness of the water flow from the drain valve for jet water spouting to the jet water spouting outlet, rather than adopting a configuration (conventional method) in which the internal air in the jet water conduit from the drain valve for jet water spouting to the jet water spouting outlet is completely replaced by wash water (completely exhausted).

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

[0009] 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 with a bowl section and a drain trap pipe extending from the lower part of the bowl section, a flush water tank that is positioned on the rear side of the flush toilet main body and stores flush water for flushing the bowl section of the flush toilet main body, a first drain valve that switches between starting and stopping the discharge of flush water from a rim spout provided on the upper edge of the bowl section by opening and closing a first drain outlet provided in the flush water tank, and a second drain valve that switches between starting and stopping the discharge of flush water from a jet spout provided on the front side of the lower part of the bowl section by opening and closing a second drain outlet provided in the flush water tank, and the first drain valve and second drain valve are different from each other This flush toilet device is designed to be driven based on a drive input, and the jet water conduit leading from the second drain valve to the jet spout has an upstream region located directly below the second drain valve, an intermediate region extending forward from the upstream region in a plan view, and a downstream region extending laterally from the forward region of the intermediate region below the water level of the accumulated water, bypassing the lower part of the bowl section and / or the drain trap pipe line to reach the jet spout, wherein the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the intermediate region is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the upstream region, and the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the intermediate region is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region.

[0010] According to the present invention, the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different drive inputs, so that the timing of opening and closing the first drain outlet and the timing of opening and closing the second drain outlet can be flexibly adjusted, thereby effectively achieving the effect of reducing water waste.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by adopting a dimensional relationship in which the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the intermediate region is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the upstream region, and is also greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which some of the internal air remains in the intermediate region while maintaining watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit (thereby making it possible to utilize the head pressure of the flush water tank for jet water spouting), and to achieve efficient use of flush water (especially efficient use of head pressure).

[0012] Furthermore, after water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet, it is preferable that the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the upstream region is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region, and that the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the downstream region.

[0013] This makes it possible to more reliably maintain watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit, and to more reliably utilize the head pressure of the flush water tank for jet spouting.

[0014] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region is greater than the maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region.

[0015] This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit, and more reliably utilize the head pressure of the flush water tank for jet spouting.

[0016] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the intermediate area does not become filled with water during the period from when the second drain valve is opened to when the second drain valve is closed.

[0017] This ensures efficient use of the washing water.

[0018] It is also preferable that the flush water tank is located above the rim spout.

[0019] This allows the head pressure of the flush water tank to be used for rim spouting as well.

[0020] The flush water tank may be integral with the flush toilet main body, or may be separate from the flush toilet main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven so that the timing of opening and closing of the first drain outlet and the timing of opening and closing of the second drain outlet are different from each other, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing wasted water.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by adopting a dimensional relationship in which the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the intermediate region is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the upstream region, and is also greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which some of the internal air remains in the intermediate region while maintaining watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit (thereby making it possible to utilize the head pressure of the flush water tank for jet water spouting), and to achieve efficient use of flush water (especially efficient use of head pressure). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a flush water tank provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a ball tap built into the flush water tank in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a water pressure drive mechanism built into the flush water tank in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the jet water conduit leading from the flush water tank to the jet spout in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the jet water conduit leading from the flush water tank to the jet spout in a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6B. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along C. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the jet water spouting over time in a comparative example configuration (conventional type). [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic diagram showing jet water spouting over time in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a flush water tank provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush water tank in a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 5 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a flush water tank provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 6 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0026] The flush toilet body 2 has a bowl portion 2a and a drain trap pipe 2c extending from the bottom of the bowl portion 2a. A rim water outlet 2d is provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion 2a, and a jet water outlet 2e is provided on the bottom of the bowl portion 2a. When the toilet is flushed, flush water is discharged from the rim water outlet 2d and the jet water outlet 2e 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 2c. The waste and flush water discharged into the drain trap pipe 2c pass through a drain socket (not shown) and are discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown).

[0027] Flush water is supplied to the flush water tank 4 from a water supply source 6, such as a water line, via a stop valve 8. The supplied flush water is stored in the flush water tank 4 up to a specified water level. The stop valve 8 is provided to stop the supply of flush water to the flush water tank 4 during maintenance, etc., and is normally left in the "open" position. The flush water tank 4 also has a first drain valve 10 and a second drain valve 12 built in, which are configured to open and close the first drain outlet 4b and second drain outlet 4c, respectively, which are provided at the bottom of the flush water tank 4. The flush water tank 4 may be integral with the flush toilet main body 2, or it may be separate from the flush toilet main body 2.

[0028] Flush water that flows out from the first drain outlet 4b passes through the rim water conduit 2f formed inside the flush toilet main body 2, and is discharged from the rim water spout 2d. In other words, the flush water tank 4 is located higher than the rim water spout 2d. Therefore, the first drain valve 10 switches between turning on and off the discharge of flush water from the rim water spout 2d by opening and closing the first drain outlet 4b provided in the flush water tank 4. Furthermore, flush water that flows out from the second drain outlet 4c passes through the jet water conduit 2g formed inside the flush toilet main body 2, and is discharged from the jet water spout 2e. Therefore, the second drain valve 12 switches between turning on and off the discharge of flush water from the jet water spout 2e by opening and closing the second drain outlet 4c provided in the flush water tank 4.

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

[0030] The flush water tank 4 is a tank configured to store flush water to be supplied to the flush toilet main body 2, and has a first drain outlet 4b and a second drain outlet 4c formed at its bottom for discharging the stored flush water into the flush toilet main body 2.

[0031] The first drain valve 10 is a valve body arranged to open and close the first drain outlet 4b, and the first drain outlet 4b is opened when the first drain valve 10 is pulled upward. This causes flush water in the flush water tank 4 to be discharged into the rim water conduit 2f (Figure 1) of the flush toilet body 2 and then ejected from the rim spout 2d.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a provided on the flush water tank 4, a ball chain 10a (schematically shown in Figure 2) connected to the first drain valve 10 is pulled, and the first drain valve 10 is pulled up. In this embodiment, the first drain valve 10 is a valve body equipped with a float ball 10b, and after being pulled up from the first drain port 4b and opened, it is configured to gradually drop as the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops, and to close when it has fallen to a predetermined water level.

[0033] The second drain valve 12 is a valve body arranged to open and close the second drain outlet 4c, and the second drain outlet 4c is opened by pulling the second drain valve 12 upward. This causes the flush water in the flush water tank 4 to be discharged into the jet water conduit 2g (Figure 1) in the flush toilet body 2 and sprayed from the jet water outlet 2e.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second drain valve 12 is configured to be pulled up from the second drain port 4c by the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 (using the action of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 as the drive input). The second drain valve 12 is a valve body having a valve stem 12a that extends upward and a float ball 12b, and the valve stem 12a is pulled up by the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16. Then, when it has been pulled up to a predetermined height, it is disconnected from the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 and gently descends as the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops, closing the second drain port 4c.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, float ball 12b of second drain valve 12 is attached at a higher position than float ball 10b of first drain valve 10, so it sits on second drain outlet 4c and closes it when the water level in flush water tank 4 is relatively high. In other words, when first drain valve 10 and second drain valve 12 move down as the water level in flush water tank 4 drops, second drain valve 12 sits on second drain outlet 4c first and is closed.

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

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

[0038] The main body 18 is a component having a connection for the inlet pipe 14a at its bottom and a connection for the outlet pipe 14b on one side. A valve seat 22 is formed inside the main body 18, and the valve seat 22 is connected to the outlet pipe 14b connected to the connection. A main valve element 20 is also disposed inside the main body 18 to open and close the valve seat 22. When the valve is open, tap water flowing in from the inlet pipe 14a passes through the valve seat 22 and flows out into the outlet pipe 14b. The outlet pipe 14b is connected to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16.

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

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

[0041] On the other hand, the float 24 is supported by an arm 26, which is rotatably supported by a support shaft 26a. Furthermore, a pilot valve 28 is connected to the arm 26, and is configured so that the pilot valve 28 moves up and down as the arm 26 rotates. As a result, when the water level in the flush water tank 4 has risen to or above the predetermined set water level L1, the float 24 is pushed upward, which in turn moves the pilot valve 28 downward so that it seats on pilot valve port 28a and closes it. On the other hand, when the flush water in the flush water tank 4 is drained and the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops, the float 24 moves downward, the pilot valve 28 moves upward and pilot valve port 28a opens. (For this reason, when the water level in the flush water tank 4 is higher than the set water level L1 and the toilet is on standby for flushing, the pilot valve port 28a in the main body 18 is in a closed state.)

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

[0043] On the other hand, when the first drain valve 10 is opened by the flushing operation and the water level in the flush water tank 4 falls below the set water level L1, the float 24 moves downward, the pilot valve 28 moves upward, and the pilot valve port 28a opens. When the pilot valve port 28a opens, water in the pressure chamber 18a flows out from the pilot valve port 28a, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a drops. This causes the main valve element 20 to move away from the valve seat 22 (to the left in FIG. 3), opening the valve seat 22. In this way, with the pilot valve port 28a open, the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a does not rise, and the valve seat 22 remains open.

[0044] (Water Hydraulic Drive Mechanism 16) Next, the configuration of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 will be described with reference to FIG. The water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is configured to drive the second drain valve 12 using the water supply pressure of flush water supplied to the flush water tank from the water main. Specifically, the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 has a cylinder 16a into which water supplied from the ball tap 14 flows, a piston 16b slidably disposed within the cylinder 16a, and a rod 30 that protrudes from the lower end of the cylinder 16a and drives the second drain valve 12. A spring 16c is disposed inside the cylinder 16a and biases the piston 16b downward. A packing is attached to the piston 16b, ensuring watertightness between the inner wall surface of the cylinder 16a and the piston 16b. In addition, a clutch mechanism 32 is provided at the lower end of the rod 30, and the clutch mechanism 32 connects and disconnects the rod 30 and the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12.

[0045] Cylinder 16a is a cylindrical member that is arranged with its axis oriented vertically and slidably accommodates piston 16b inside. An outlet pipe 14b extending from ball tap 14 is connected to the lower end of cylinder 16a, allowing flushing water flowing out from ball tap 14 to flow into cylinder 16a. Therefore, piston 16b inside cylinder 16a is pushed up against the biasing force of spring 16c by the water flowing into cylinder 16a.

[0046] Meanwhile, an outflow hole is provided at the upper end of cylinder 16a, and water supply pipe 34 communicates with the interior of cylinder 16a via this outflow hole. Therefore, when water flows into cylinder 16a from outflow pipe 14b connected to the bottom of cylinder 16a, piston 16b is pushed upward from the bottom of cylinder 16a, and when piston 16b is pushed up to a position above the outflow hole, the water flowing into cylinder 16a flows out from the outflow hole into water supply pipe 34. Flush water that flows into water supply pipe 34 drops into flush water tank 4, and flush water is supplied to flush water tank 4.

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

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

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

[0050] (Jet Waterway 2g) Next, Figures 5 and 6 are a schematic side view and a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively, showing the jet water conduit 2g that runs from the flush water tank 4 to the jet water spouting port 2e.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the jet water spouting port 2e is provided on the front side of the lower part of the bowl portion 2a.

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

[0053] In this embodiment, the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region 61 has a maximum value at cross section A in FIG. 6, which is located at the most downstream side of the upstream region 61, and this maximum value is about 2400 mm 2 The cross section A is shown in Figure 7.

[0054] In this embodiment, the vertical cross section of the intermediate region 62 perpendicular to the front-rear direction has a maximum value at cross section B in FIG. 6, which is located near the rear end of the toilet seat surface, and this maximum value is about 7300 mm 2 The cross section B is shown in Figure 8.

[0055] In this embodiment, the vertical cross section of the downstream region 63 perpendicular to the flow path direction has a maximum value at cross section C in FIG. 5, which is located at the connection portion with the intermediate region 62 (the transition portion from the intermediate region 62), and this maximum value is about 2000 mm 2 The cross section C is shown in Figure 9.

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

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, after water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e, the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the upstream region 61 is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region 62, and the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region 62 is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the downstream region 63.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intermediate region 62 is prevented from becoming full with water between the time the second drain valve 12 is opened and the time the second drain valve 12 is closed (air remains in part of the intermediate region 62).

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

[0060] As a result, as is clear from a comparison of Figure 10(c) and Figure 11(c), the head pressure in the flush water tank 4 can be used efficiently for jet spouting.

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

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

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

[0064] As flush water is discharged from first drain outlet 4b, the water level in flush water tank 4 drops. Then, at time t2 in Figure 16, when the water level in flush water tank 4 falls below set water level L1, float 24 of ball tap 14 drops and pilot valve 28 (Figure 3) opens. This causes the pressure in pressure chamber 18a to drop, opening main valve element 20 and starting the supply of water to water pressure drive mechanism 16, as shown in Figure 13.

[0065] When flush water is supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the flush water that flows into the cylinder 16a (Fig. 4) pushes up the piston 16b against the biasing force of the spring 16c. This causes the rod 30 connected to the piston 16b to pull up the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12, opening the second drain port 4c. In other words, the second drain valve 12 is driven and opened by the action of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 based on the water supply pressure of the tap water supplied via the ball tap 14 (a drive input different from the user pulling up the ball chain 10a).

[0066] When second drain outlet 4c is opened, flush water stored in flush water tank 4 flows from second drain outlet 4c into jet water conduit 2g (Fig. 1) and is discharged from jet water outlet 2e (see Fig. 11). The jet water discharged from jet water outlet 2e fills drain trap pipe 2c, inducing siphon action. The siphon action causes accumulated water and waste in bowl portion 2a to be sucked into drain trap pipe 2c and discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown).

[0067] When the second drain valve 12 is raised to a predetermined height together with the piston 16b of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12 is separated from the rod 30 by the clutch mechanism 32 (Fig. 4). As a result, the second drain valve 12 descends toward the second drain outlet 4c. Then, at time t3 in Fig. 16, the second drain valve 12 seats on the second drain outlet 4c, as shown in Fig. 14, and the second drain outlet 4c is closed. This stops jet water spouting from the jet water spouting outlet 2e. Note that, as described above, because the float ball 12b of the second drain valve 12 is attached at a relatively high position, the second drain valve 12 seats on the second drain outlet 4c earlier than the first drain valve 10.

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

[0069] Here, in this embodiment, the flow rate of flush water flowing out from first drain outlet 4b is adjusted to be greater than the flow rate of flush water flowing into flush water tank 4 from water supply pipe 34. For this reason, in the state shown in Figure 14, the water level in flush water tank 4 drops, and accordingly first drain valve 10 also drops. Then, at time t4 in Figure 16, when the water level in flush water tank 4 drops to dead water level DWL, first drain valve 10 seats on first drain outlet 4b and first drain valve 10 closes, as shown in Figure 15. This stops rim spouting from rim spout outlet 2d.

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

[0071] When pilot valve 28 is closed, flush water that has flowed into pressure chamber 18a from bleed hole 20a provided in main valve element 20 of ball tap 14 cannot flow out, and the pressure inside pressure chamber 18a rises. Then, at time t6 in Figure 16, the pressure inside pressure chamber 18a presses main valve element 20 so that it seats on valve seat 22, closing main valve element 20. This stops the supply of water from water supply source 6 to water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 via ball tap 14, and stops the supply of flush water into flush water tank 4.

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

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, a desired time lag can be provided between the timing when the water level in the flush water tank 4 rises to set water level L1 and the pilot valve 28 closes (time t5 in Figure 16), and the timing when the main valve element 20 of the ball tap 14 closes (time t6 in Figure 16). Then, because the main valve element 20 is open between times t5 and t6, the supply of flush water continues, and at the point when the main valve element 20 closes at time t6, the water level in the flush water tank 4 reaches the initial water level L2, which is higher than the set water level L1.

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

[0075] As described above, according to the flush toilet device of the first embodiment of the present invention, the discharge of flush water from the rim spout 2d is switched on and off by the first drain valve 10, and the discharge of flush water from the jet spout 2e is switched on and off by the second drain valve 12, making it possible to freely and independently set the timing of rim spouting and jet spouting, and effectively flushing the bowl portion 2a of the flush toilet main body 2 with a small amount of flush water (Figure 1).

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

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

[0078] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device of this embodiment, the ball tap 14, which is a delay mechanism, causes the second drain valve 12 to open later than the first drain valve 10 (Figure 16), so water can be started to be discharged from the rim spout 2d and jet spout 2e when needed depending on the configuration of the flush toilet main body 2, effectively cleaning the bowl portion 2a while reducing the amount of flush water used.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the second drain valve 12 is opened by the water pressure drive mechanism 16, so by adjusting the timing at which flush water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 (time t2 in Figure 16), it is possible to adjust the timing at which water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e, and the timing at which jet water starts to be discharged can be freely set.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device of this embodiment, when the float 24 of the ball tap 14 is lowered to a predetermined position, flush water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16, so that the supply of flush water to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 can be started at an appropriate time based on the water level in the flush water tank 4, and water can be started to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e.

[0081] (Jet water spraying effects) Furthermore, with the flush toilet device of this embodiment, by adopting a dimensional relationship in which the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the intermediate region 62 is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the upstream region 61, and is also greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region 63, it is possible to maintain the watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit 2g (thereby allowing the head pressure of the flush water tank 4 to be used for jet water spouting), while still realizing a state in which some of the internal air remains in the intermediate region 62, and efficient use of flush water (particularly efficient use of the head pressure) can be achieved.

[0082] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device of this embodiment, after water discharge from the jet water outlet 2e has begun, the flow rate of flush water flowing through the upstream region 61 is greater than the flow rate of flush water flowing through the intermediate region 62, and the flow rate of flush water flowing through the intermediate region 62 is greater than the flow rate of flush water flowing through the downstream region 63, so that the watertightness of the flush water flow in the jet water conduit 2g can be maintained more reliably, and the head pressure of the flush water tank 4 can be more reliably utilized for jet water discharge.

[0083] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device of this embodiment, the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the upstream region 61 is greater than the maximum value of the vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region 63, which makes it possible to more reliably maintain the watertightness of the water flow in the jet water conduit 2g, and more reliably utilize the head pressure of the flush water tank 4 for jet water spouting.

[0084] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device of this embodiment, the intermediate area 62 will not become full of water from the time the second drain valve 12 is opened until the time the second drain valve 12 is closed (see Figure 11). This ensures that efficient use of flush water (especially efficient use of head pressure) can be achieved.

[0085] (Effects of rim water discharge) Furthermore, with the flush toilet apparatus of this embodiment, the flush water tank 4 is located above the rim spout 2d, so the head pressure of the flush water tank 4 can also be used efficiently for rim spouting.

[0086] (Second embodiment) Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 17 to 19. The flush toilet apparatus of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration of the delay mechanism provided inside the flush water tank. Therefore, below, only the configuration and operation of the second embodiment of the present invention that differs from the first embodiment will be explained, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

[0087] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the flush water tank provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush water tank in a flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] As shown in Figure 17, the flush water tank 4 provided in the flush toilet device of this embodiment has a first drain valve 10, a second drain valve 12, a ball tap 14, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16. Also, as with the first embodiment described above, the ball tap 14 has a float 24, which opens and closes the pilot valve and opens and closes the main valve element of the ball tap 14, also similar to the first embodiment. Here, in this embodiment, in addition to the ball tap 14, a small tank 40 is provided as a delay mechanism, which is arranged to surround the float 24 of the ball tap 14.

[0089] The small tank 40 is a small tank that is placed inside the flush water tank 4 so as to surround the float 24, and the float 24 moves up and down according to the water level inside the small tank 40. Furthermore, in the standby state of the flush toilet apparatus shown in Figure 17, the small tank 40 is placed inside the flush water tank 4 in a state where it is entirely submerged. That is to say, the small tank 40 is formed in the shape of a box that is open at the top so as to receive the float 24 from above, and its upper end is placed at a position lower than the initial water level L2 inside the flush water tank 4. For this reason, in the standby state shown in Figure 17, the small tank 40 is entirely submerged in the flush water inside the flush water tank 4, and the small tank 40 is filled with flush water.

[0090] Furthermore, a discharge hole 40a is provided in the bottom surface of the small tank 40, and this discharge hole 40a is configured to be opened and closed by a check valve float 42 provided on the bottom surface of the small tank 40. The check valve float 42 comprises a float portion that receives buoyancy from the flush water in the flush water tank 4, and a packing for closing the discharge hole 40a. The check valve float 42 is attached to the bottom surface of the small tank 40 so that it can move up and down to open and close the discharge hole 40a.

[0091] In other words, check valve float 42 is configured so that it is pushed upward by the buoyancy of the float portion. For this reason, when the level of flush water in flush water tank 4 is higher than the bottom of small tank 40, the buoyancy presses the packing of check valve float 42 against drain hole 40a on the bottom of small tank 40, closing drain hole 40a. On the other hand, when the water level in flush water tank 4 drops, check valve float 42 also drops under its own weight, opening drain hole 40a and causing the flush water in small tank 40 to be discharged into flush water tank 4.

[0092] With this configuration, when the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops, the water level in the small tank 40 drops later than the water level in the flush water tank 4. As the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops in conjunction with the drop in the water level in the small tank 40, the main valve body of the ball tap 14 opens later than the drop in the water level in the flush water tank 4. Based on this action, the supply of flush water to the water pressure drive mechanism 16, i.e., the opening of the second drain valve 12, is delayed.

[0093] Next, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19. First, at time t11 in Figure 19, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flush water tank 4 to flush the toilet, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. This opens the first drain outlet 4b and causes the flush water in the flush water tank 4 to be discharged from the rim spout 2d.

[0094] As flush water is discharged from first drain outlet 4b, the water level in flush water tank 4 drops. However, when the water level in flush water tank 4 is higher than the bottom surface of small tank 40, the water level in small tank 40 does not change because discharge hole 40a of small tank 40 is closed by check valve float 42. For this reason, float 24 in small tank 40 does not drop either, and the main valve body of ball tap 14 is maintained in a closed state.

[0095] When the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops further and becomes lower than the bottom surface of the small tank 40, the check valve float 42 of the small tank 40 opens, and flush water in the small tank 40 also begins to flow out from the discharge hole 40a. Then, at time t12 in Figure 19, when the water level in the small tank 40 falls below the predetermined set water level L3, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops, and the pilot valve opens, as shown in Figure 18. This opens the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14, and water begins to be supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16. When water is supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the second drain valve 12 is pulled up by the action of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 based on the water supply pressure, and water begins to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e (see Figure 11).

[0096] After water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e at time t12, the action of closing the second drain valve 12 at time t13 and the action of closing the first drain valve 10 at time t14 are the same as in the first embodiment described above, so explanations will be omitted. After first drain valve 10 is closed at time t14, the water level in flush water tank 4 rises. Then, when the water level in flush water tank 4 is higher than the bottom of small tank 40, the buoyancy acting on check valve float 42 closes drain hole 40a of small tank 40, and the water level in small tank 40 does not rise. If the water level in flush water tank 4 rises further and becomes higher than the top end of small tank 40, flush water will begin to flow into small tank 40, and the water level in small tank 40 will also rise.

[0097] Then, at time t15, when the water level in the small tank 40 rises above the predetermined set water level L3, the pilot valve closes. Then, at time t16, the main valve element of the ball tap 14 closes, and water supply to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is stopped. This causes the rod extending from the piston 16b of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 to lower, and the action of the clutch mechanism 32 reconnects the rod to the valve stem of the second drain valve 12. With the above operations, one toilet flush is completed, and the flush toilet apparatus returns to the toilet flush standby state shown in Figure 17.

[0098] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the delay mechanism has a small tank 40 and a check valve float 42, and when the water level in the small tank 40 drops below a predetermined set water level L3, flush water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 (Figure 18). For this reason, by adjusting the configuration of the small tank 40 etc., it is possible to freely set the timing at which flush water is supplied to the water pressure drive mechanism 16, and to start water discharge at a timing suitable for flushing.

[0099] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 20 and 21. The flush toilet apparatus of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration of the delay mechanism provided inside the flush water tank. Therefore, below, only the configuration and operation of the third embodiment of the present invention that differs from the first embodiment will be explained, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted.

[0100] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the flush water tank provided in a flush toilet apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 20, the flush water tank 4 provided in the flush toilet device of this embodiment has a first drain valve 10, a second drain valve 12, a first ball tap 50, a second ball tap 52, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16.

[0102] Like the ball tap 14 in the first embodiment described above, the first ball tap 50 is configured to operate in conjunction with the water level in the flush water tank 4 and to commence the supply of water into the flush water tank. That is, the first ball tap 50 has a float 24, and the float 24 moves up and down in conjunction with the water level in the flush water tank 4, thereby opening and closing the pilot valve and opening and closing the main valve body of the first ball tap 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the first ball tap 50, a second ball tap 52 is provided as a delay mechanism.

[0103] The second ball tap 52 is provided downstream of the first ball tap 50 and upstream of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, and the supply of flush water to the second ball tap 52 begins when the main valve body of the first ball tap 50 is opened. The second ball tap 52 also has a float 56, and is configured to open and close the built-in main valve body in conjunction with the water level in the flush water tank 4. In other words, the structure of the second ball tap 52 is similar to the structure of the ball tap 14 in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, a water supply port 58 is provided in the pipe between the first ball tap 50 and the second ball tap 52. When the first ball tap 50 is open and the second ball tap 52 is closed, the entire amount of flush water that flows out from the first ball tap 50 is discharged from the water supply port 58 and flows into the flush water tank 4.

[0104] The first ball tap 50 is configured so that its main valve element opens when the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops to a predetermined first water level L4, and the second ball tap 52 is configured so that its main valve element opens when the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops to a predetermined second water level L5 that is lower than the first water level L4. Therefore, the second ball tap 52 is configured to open with a delay after the first drain valve 10 is opened and the water level in the first tank portion 54a begins to drop. When the second ball tap 52 is opened, water supply to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 begins.

[0105] Next, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. First, at time t21 in Figure 21, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flush water tank 4 to flush the toilet, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. This opens the first drain outlet 4b and causes the flush water in the flush water tank 4 to be discharged from the rim spout.

[0106] As flush water is discharged from first drain port 4b, the water level in flush water tank 4 drops. Then, when the water level in flush water tank 4 drops to predetermined first water level L4, the main valve body of first ball tap 50 opens. In this state, the main valve body of second ball tap 52 is not open, so the entire amount of flush water that is supplied from the water supply source and passes through first ball tap 50 flows into flush water tank 4 from water supply port 58. Here, in this embodiment, the flow rate of flush water discharged from first drain outlet 4b is adjusted to be greater than the flow rate of flush water flowing into flush water tank 4 from water supply port 58. For this reason, the water level in flush water tank 4 drops even after first ball tap 50 is opened.

[0107] When the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops further and reaches a predetermined second water level L5, the main valve element of the second ball tap 52 is also opened. As a result, water begins to be supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 at time t22 in Figure 21. When water begins to be supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the action of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 pulls up the second drain valve 12, and water begins to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e. Furthermore, the flush water supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 flows into the flush water tank 4 through the cylinder of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16. When the main valve body of the first ball tap 50 and the main valve body of the second ball tap 52 are open, some of the flush water supplied to the flush water tank 4 flows into the flush water tank 4 from the water supply port 58, and the remaining flush water flows into the flush water tank 4 through the cylinder of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16.

[0108] After time t22, when the second drain valve 12 has been raised to a predetermined height, the clutch mechanism 32 separates the second drain valve 12 from the rod of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, and the second drain valve 12 begins to descend. Then, at time t23 in Figure 21, the second drain valve 12 seats on the second drain outlet 4c, and water spouting from the jet water spout 2e stops. Even after the second drain valve 12 is closed, the first ball tap 50 and second ball tap 52 remain open, so the flow of flush water into the flush water tank 4 from the water supply port 58 and the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 continues.

[0109] Because the first drain valve 10 remains open even after the second drain valve 12 is closed, the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops even though flush water flows into the flush water tank 4. Then, at time t24 in Figure 21, when the water level in the flush water tank 4 drops to a predetermined dead water level, the first drain valve 10 seats on the first drain outlet 4b and water discharge from the rim spout 2d stops. With the first drain valve 10 closed, the water level in the flush water tank 4 begins to rise.

[0110] Then, at time t25, when the water level in the flush water tank 4 exceeds second water level L5, the main valve element of second ball tap 52 closes. As a result, the entire amount of flush water supplied from the water supply source flows into flush water tank 4 from water supply port 58. Also, because the supply of flush water from second ball tap 52 to water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is stopped, the rod extending from piston 16b of water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 lowers, and the clutch mechanism 32 reconnects the rod to the valve stem of second drain valve 12.

[0111] Furthermore, at time t26, when the water level in the flush water tank 4 exceeds the first water level L4, the main valve element of the first ball tap 50 closes, and the supply of flush water to the flush water tank 4 is also stopped. This stops the supply of flush water from the water supply source to the flush water tank 4. The above operation completes one toilet flush, and the flush toilet apparatus returns to the toilet flush standby state shown in Figure 20.

[0112] The flush toilet apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a first ball tap 50 that starts the supply of water into the flush water tank 4 at a first water level L4 (time t21 in Figure 21), and a second ball tap 52 that starts the supply of flush water to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 at a second water level L5 that is lower than the first water level L4 (time t22 in Figure 21). For this reason, by setting (adjusting) the float 56 etc. of the second ball tap 52, it is possible to freely set the timing at which flush water is supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, and to start water discharge at a timing suitable for flushing.

[0113] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, jet water spouting begins with a delay after rim water spouting has begun, but the present invention can also be configured so that rim water spouting begins after jet water spouting has begun. In this case, the present invention can be configured so that the water pressure drive mechanism opens the first drain valve, which switches between discharging and stopping flush water from the rim spout port.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second drain outlets of the flush water tank were provided separately, but these drain outlets may be configured to overlap each other when viewed from above. In this case, for example, the present invention can be configured so that the first and second drain outlets are provided concentrically, with the inner drain outlet being opened and closed by a circular drain valve and the outer drain outlet being opened and closed by a donut-shaped drain valve.

[0115] The present invention includes the following features (inventions): [Feature 1] A flush toilet device that flushes using flush water stored in a flush water tank, a flush toilet body having a bowl portion and a drain trap pipe extending from a lower portion of the bowl portion; a flush water tank arranged at the rear of the flush toilet main body and storing flush water for flushing the bowl portion of the flush toilet main body; a first drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping flush water from a rim spout provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion by opening and closing a first drain outlet provided in the flush water tank; a second drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping flush water from a jet spout provided on the front side of the lower part of the bowl portion by opening and closing a second drain outlet provided in the flush water tank; Equipped with the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different (non-common) drive inputs, The jet water conduit from the second drain valve to the jet outlet comprises: an upstream region located directly below the second drain valve; an intermediate region extending forward from the upstream region in a plan view; A downstream area extends laterally from the front area of ​​the intermediate area below the water level of the accumulated water, bypassing the lower part of the bowl section and / or the drain trap pipe line to the jet water outlet (provided on the front side of the lower part of the bowl section); It has a maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region is greater than a maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region, The maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region is greater than the maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region. A flush toilet apparatus characterized by: [Feature 2] After water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet, the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the upstream region is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region; The flow rate of the wash water flowing through the intermediate region is greater than the flow rate of the wash water flowing through the downstream region. A flush toilet apparatus according to Feature 1, characterized in that: [Feature 3] The maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction in the upstream region is greater than the maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction in the downstream region. 3. The flush toilet apparatus according to feature 1 or 2. [Feature 4] The intermediate area is not filled with water during the period from when the second drain valve is opened to when the second drain valve is closed. A flush toilet apparatus according to any one of Features 1 to 3, characterized in that: [Feature 5] The flush water tank is located above the rim spout. A flush toilet apparatus according to any one of Features 1 to 4, characterized in that: [Feature 6] The flush water tank is integrated with the flush toilet body. A flush toilet apparatus according to any one of Features 1 to 5. [Feature 7] The flush water tank is separate from the flush toilet body. A flush toilet apparatus according to any one of Features 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Flush toilet device 2 Flush toilet body 2a Bowl section 2c Drain trap pipe 2D Rim Spout 2e Jet spout 2F Rim Waterway 2g Jet Waterway 4 Cleaning water tank 4a Lever handle 4b 1st drain 4c 2nd drain 6 Water source 8 Stop valve 10. First drain valve 10a ball chain 10b Floating ball 12 Second drain valve 12a Valve stem 12b Floating ball 14 Ball tap (delay mechanism) 14a Inflow pipe 14b Outflow pipe 16 Water Hydraulic Drive Mechanism 16a cylinder 16b piston 16c spring 18 Main body 18a Pressure chamber 18b Pressure passage 20 Main valve body 20a bleed hole 22 Valve seat 24 Float 26 Arm section 26a Support shaft 28 Pilot valve 28a Pilot valve port 30 rods 32 Clutch mechanism 34 Water supply pipe 40 Small Tank 40a Discharge hole 42 Check valve float 50 First ball tap 52 Second ball tap 56 Float 58 Water inlet 61 Upstream area 62 Intermediate area 63 Downstream area

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 and a drain trap pipe extending from a lower portion of the bowl portion; a flush water tank arranged at the rear of the flush toilet main body and storing flush water for flushing the bowl portion of the flush toilet main body; a first drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping flush water from a rim spout provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion by opening and closing a first drain outlet provided in the flush water tank; a second drain valve that switches between discharging and stopping flush water from a jet spout provided on the front side of the lower part of the bowl portion by opening and closing a second drain outlet provided in the flush water tank; Equipped with the first drain valve and the second drain valve are driven based on different drive inputs, The jet water conduit from the second drain valve to the jet outlet comprises: an upstream region located immediately below the second drain valve; an intermediate region extending forward from the upstream region in a plan view; a downstream region extending laterally from the front region of the intermediate region below the water level of the accumulated water, bypassing the lower portion of the bowl portion and / or the drain trap pipe line to the jet spout; It has a maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region is greater than a maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the upstream region, The maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the intermediate region is greater than the maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction of the downstream region. A flush toilet apparatus characterized by:

2. After water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet, the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the upstream region is greater than the flow rate of the cleaning water flowing through the intermediate region; The flow rate of the wash water flowing through the intermediate region is greater than the flow rate of the wash water flowing through the downstream region. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction in the upstream region is greater than the maximum value of a vertical cross section perpendicular to the flow path direction in the downstream region.

3. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The intermediate area is not filled with water during the period from when the second drain valve is opened to when the second drain valve is closed. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The flush water tank is located above the rim spout. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The flush water tank is integrated with the flush toilet body. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The flush water tank is separate from the flush toilet body. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 5.

Images