Water flushing toilet device

Abstract

To provide a water closet device capable of performing effective washing with a small amount of washing water by accurately setting a period for opening each drain valve.SOLUTION: A water closet device (1) includes a water closet body (2), a washing water tank (4), a first drain valve (10) for selecting washing water to be discharged / stopped from a rim discharge port (2d) provided at the upper edge of a bowl part (2a) by opening / closing a first drain port (4b) of the washing water tank, a second drain valve (12) for selecting the washing water to be discharged / stopped from a jet discharge port (2e) provided in the lower part of the bowl part by opening / closing a second drain port (4c) provided in the washing water tank, and a water pressure drive mechanism (16) utilizing the water supply pressure of the washing water supplied from a water supply to the washing water tank for opening the second drain valve. At the time of finishing the washing of the bowl part, the first drain valve is closed after the second drain valve is closed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 outlet. 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 one for jet spouting, and by opening these drain valves, water is spouted from the rim spout and 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 devices equipped with a single drain valve, the single drain valve controls the start and stop of flush water discharge from the rim spout and jet spout, making it impossible to accurately set the end point of water discharge from each spout, which can result in too much refill water being used after waste is discharged from the bowl, causing excess flush water to flow out of the trap pipe and become wasted.

[0006] Meanwhile, the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with separate drain valves for the rim spout and jet spout, making it possible to independently control the start and stop of water discharge from the rim spout and jet spout. However, because 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, it is not possible to freely set the time at which water discharge from each spout is stopped. For this reason, even the flush toilet described in Patent Document 1 is unable to achieve a sufficient effect in reducing water waste.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet apparatus that can flush effectively with less flush water by accurately setting the period for which each drain valve is open. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 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 with a bowl portion and a drain trap pipe extending from the bottom of the bowl portion, a flush water tank that is located at the rear of the flush toilet main body and stores flush water for flushing the bowl portion of the flush toilet main body, a first drain valve that opens and closes a first drain outlet provided in the flush water tank to switch between discharging flush water from a rim spout provided on the upper edge of the bowl portion and stopping it, a second drain valve that opens and closes a second drain outlet provided in the flush water tank to switch between discharging flush water from a jet spout provided on the bottom of the bowl portion and stopping it, and a water pressure drive mechanism that uses the water supply pressure of flush water supplied to the flush water tank from the water main, and is characterized in that when flushing of the bowl portion has finished, the first drain valve closes after the second drain valve has closed.

[0009] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the discharge of flush water from the rim spout is switched on and off by the first drain valve, and the discharge of flush water from the jet spout is switched on and off by the second drain valve, so the timing of rim spouting and jet spouting can be set freely and independently, allowing the bowl portion of the flush toilet body to be effectively flushed. Also, because the second drain valve is opened by a water pressure drive mechanism using the flush water supply pressure, there is no need to pull the drain valve up with electrical power such as a motor, and the timing of water spouting from the jet spout can be set without using a complex mechanism for opening the drain valve. Furthermore, because the first drain valve closes after the second drain valve is closed, water continues to be discharged from the rim spout even after water discharge from the jet spout has completed and the waste in the bowl portion has been discharged into the drain trap pipe, and the level of retained water in the bowl portion can be set to an appropriate level by refilling.

[0010] In the present invention, the flush water tank is preferably provided with a partition wall that separates a first tank portion provided with a first drain outlet from a second tank portion provided with a second drain outlet.

[0011] If a single flush water tank is equipped with a first drain valve and a second drain valve, even if they are opened at the specified timing, variations in the flow path resistance of the flush water conduit provided within the flush toilet body will result in variations in the amount of flush water discharged from the rim spout and jet spout for each combined flush toilet body. According to the present invention configured as described above, the first tank section, which is provided with the first drain outlet, and the second tank section, which is provided with the second drain outlet, are separated by a partition wall, which makes it possible to suppress variations in the amount of flush water discharged from each spout. As a result, it is possible to perform appropriate flushing of the bowl section while suppressing the amount of flush water, and it is possible to properly set the level of retained water in the bowl section after the completion of one flush.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the first drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the first tank portion, and the second drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the second tank portion, and by setting the pressure loss in the rim water conduit connecting the first drain outlet and the rim water outlet to be greater than the pressure loss in the jet water conduit connecting the second drain outlet and the jet water outlet, the water level in the second tank portion is lowered earlier than the water level in the first tank portion, and the second drain valve is closed earlier than the first drain valve.

[0013] According to the present invention configured in this way, the pressure loss in the rim water conduit is set to be greater than the pressure loss in the jet water conduit, so the flow rate of flush water flowing out of the first tank portion per unit time is less than the flow rate of flush water flowing out of the second tank portion per unit time. As a result, the water level in the first tank portion drops more slowly than the water level in the second tank portion, and flush water in the first tank portion continues to be discharged from the rim water spout even after the water level in the second tank portion drops and the second drain valve closes. This allows water to continue to be discharged from the rim water spout even after water discharge from the jet water spout has completed, and the level of retained water in the bowl portion can be set to an appropriate level by refilling.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the first drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the first tank portion, and the second drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the second tank portion, and by making the volume of the first tank portion larger than the volume of the second tank portion, the water level in the second tank portion is lowered earlier than the water level in the first tank portion, and the second drain valve is closed earlier than the first drain valve.

[0015] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the volume of the first tank is larger than the volume of the second tank, so the water level in the first tank drops more slowly than the water level in the second tank. As a result, flush water in the first tank continues to be discharged from the rim spout even after the water level in the second tank drops and the second drain valve closes. This allows water to continue to be discharged from the rim spout even after water discharge from the jet spout has finished, and the level of water remaining in the bowl can be set to an appropriate level by refilling.

[0016] In the present invention, the partition wall of the flush water tank is preferably provided with a small hole that connects the first tank section and the second tank section at a predetermined water level.

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the partition wall of the flush water tank is provided with a small hole that connects the first tank portion and the second tank portion at a predetermined water level. Therefore, when the water level in the second tank portion is higher than the water level in the first tank portion, flush water flows from the second tank portion to the first tank. As a result, the water level in the first tank decreases more slowly, and the time that the first drain valve is open can be extended. This allows a larger amount of flush water to be discharged from the rim spout, and water continues to be discharged from the rim spout even after water discharge from the jet spout has completed. This allows refilling to occur, and the level of retained water in the bowl portion can be set to an appropriate water level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the present invention, by accurately setting the period for which each drain valve is open, flushing can be performed effectively with a small amount of flush water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [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. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 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 7] 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 8] 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 9] 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 10] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 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 12] 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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is made up of a flush toilet main body 2, which is a flush toilet, and a flush water tank 4 located at the rear of this 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).

[0022] The flush toilet body 2 comprises 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 flushing the toilet, 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).

[0023] Flush water is supplied to the flush water tank 4 from a water supply source 6 such as a tap via a stop valve 8, and the supplied flush water is stored in the flush water tank 4 up to a predetermined water level. 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. In addition, first drain valve 10 and second drain valve 12 are built into the flush water tank 4, and are configured to open and close first drain outlet 4b and second drain outlet 4c, respectively, which are provided at the bottom of the flush water tank 4.

[0024] 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. 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.

[0025] 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 hydraulic drive mechanism 16.

[0026] The flush water tank 4 is a tank configured to store flush water to be supplied to the flush toilet main body 2, and is formed at the bottom with a first drain outlet 4b and a second drain outlet 4c for discharging the stored flush water into the flush toilet main body 2. Furthermore, a partition wall 5 is provided inside the flush water tank 4, dividing the flush water tank 4 into a first tank section 5a, which is provided with the first drain outlet 4b, and a second tank section 5b, which is provided with the first drain outlet 4b. Furthermore, a small hole 5c is provided at a predetermined height position in the partition wall 5, and this small hole 5c connects the first tank section 5a and the second tank section 5b at a predetermined water level.

[0027] The first drain valve 10 is a valve element 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 the flush water in the first tank section 5a of the flush water tank 4 to be discharged into the rim water conduit 2f (Figure 1) of the flush toilet main body 2 and then discharged from the rim spout 2d.

[0028] 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 first tank section 5a drops, and to close when the water level drops to a predetermined level.

[0029] 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 second tank section 5b of the flush water tank 4 to be discharged into the jet water conduit 2g (Figure 1) in the flush toilet main body 2 and sprayed from the jet water outlet 2e.

[0030] 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. The second drain valve 12 is a valve body including a valve stem 12a extending upward and a float ball 12b, and the valve stem 12a is pulled up by the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16. Then, when the second drain valve 12 is 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 second tank portion 5b drops, closing the second drain port 4c.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, the float ball 12b of the second drain valve 12 is attached at a higher position than the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10, so it seats on the second drain outlet 4c and closes it when the water level in the second tank portion 5b is relatively high. In other words, even if the water levels in the first tank portion 5a and the second tank portion 5b drop while maintaining the same water level, the second drain valve 12 seats on the second drain outlet 4c and closes it before the first drain valve 10.

[0032] The ball tap 14, which is a delay mechanism, is configured so that flushing water supplied from the water source 6 flows in through the inlet pipe 14a, and in this embodiment, due to the action of this ball tap 14, the second drain valve 12 opens later than the first drain valve 10.

[0033] 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 this main body 18, a valve seat 22 on which this 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 this 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.

[0034] 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 this 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.

[0035] 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 a 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 main valve element 20 from the valve seat 22 (the left side in FIG. 3 ). That is, the pressure chamber 18a is defined by the inner wall surface of the main body 18 and the main valve element 20. When the pressure inside this pressure chamber 18a increases, this pressure presses the main valve element 20 against the valve seat 22, causing it to seat on the valve seat 22.

[0036] 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 this pressure passage 18b. This pilot valve port 28a opens upward and is configured to be opened and closed by the pilot valve 28.

[0037] Meanwhile, the float 24 is supported by an arm portion 26, which is rotatably supported by a support shaft 26a. Furthermore, a pilot valve 28 is connected to the arm portion 26, and is configured so that the pilot valve 28 moves up and down as the arm portion 26 rotates. As a result, when the water level in the first tank portion 5a of the flush water tank 4 rises above a predetermined set water level L1, the float 24 is pushed upward, which causes the pilot valve 28 to move downward and seat on the pilot valve port 28a, closing it. On the other hand, when the flush water in the first tank portion 5a is drained and the water level in the first tank portion 5a drops, the float 24 moves downward, causing the pilot valve 28 to move upward and opening the pilot valve port 28a. For this reason, during standby for toilet flushing when the water level in the first tank portion 5a is higher than the set water level L1, the pilot valve port 28a of the main body portion 18 is in a closed state.

[0038] 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 flows into the pressure chamber 18a through the bleed hole 20a of the main valve element 20. Here, 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 increases. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a increases in this way, this 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.

[0039] On the other hand, when the first drain valve 10 is opened by the flushing operation and the water level in the first tank section 5a of 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.

[0040] 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 bottom end of the cylinder 16a and drives the second drain valve 12. Furthermore, a spring 16c is disposed inside the cylinder 16a and urges the piston 16b downward, and a packing is attached to the piston 16b to ensure watertightness between the inner wall surface of the cylinder 16a and the piston 16b. Furthermore, a clutch mechanism 32 is provided at the bottom end of the rod 30, and this clutch mechanism 32 connects and disconnects the rod 30 and the valve stem 12a of the second drain valve 12.

[0041] Cylinder 16a is a cylindrical member that is disposed with its axis oriented vertically and that slidably accommodates piston 16b inside. An outlet pipe 14b extending from ball tap 14 is connected to the lower end of cylinder 16a, allowing flush water flowing out from ball tap 14 to flow into cylinder 16a. As a result, piston 16b inside cylinder 16a is pushed up against the biasing force of spring 16c by the water that has flowed into cylinder 16a.

[0042] 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. Then, when piston 16b is pushed up to a position above the outflow hole, the water that has flowed into cylinder 16a flows out from the outflow hole into water supply pipe 34. Also, flush water that has flowed into water supply pipe 34 drops into second tank section 5b of flush water tank 4, supplying flush water to flush water tank 4.

[0043] 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, and the rod 30 connects the piston 16b and the second drain valve 12. 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.

[0044] Furthermore, a gap is provided between the rod 30 protruding from below the cylinder 16a and the inner wall of the through-hole of the cylinder 16a, and some of the water that flows into the cylinder 16a flows out through this gap. The water that flows out through the gap flows into the second tank portion 5b. Note that, because this gap is relatively narrow and has a large flow resistance, even if water flows out through the 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.

[0045] Furthermore, a clutch mechanism 32 detachably connects the rod 30 and the second drain valve 12. 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. With the clutch mechanism 32 in a disengaged 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 the second drain valve 12 descends as the water level in the second tank portion 5b of the flush water tank 4 drops.

[0046] Next, with new reference to Figures 5 to 10, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Figures 5 to 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a time chart showing the operation of the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] First, in the standby state for toilet flushing as described above, 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 the second drain valve 12, respectively. Also, because the first tank portion 5a and the second tank portion 5b of the flush water tank 4 are connected by the small hole 5c in the partition wall 5, in the standby state the water levels in the first tank portion 5a and the second tank portion 5b are the same. The initial water level L2 in this flush water tank 4 is higher than the predetermined set water level L1 (the reason why the initial water level L2 is higher than the set water level L1 will be described later). As a result, the pilot valve port 28a of the main body portion 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.

[0048] Next, at time t1 in Figure 10, 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, as shown in Figure 5, and the first drain outlet 4b opens. When the first drain outlet 4b opens, flush water that had been stored in the first tank section 5a of 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 section 2a, cleaning the waste receiving surface. Furthermore, when the water level in the first tank section 5a becomes higher than the water level in the second tank section 5b due to the discharge of cleaning water, the cleaning water in the second tank section 5b flows little by little into the first tank section 5a through the small hole 5c in the partition wall 5.

[0049] As flush water is discharged from the first drain port 4b, the water level in the first tank portion 5a drops. Then, at time t2 in Figure 10, when the water level in the first tank portion 5a falls below the set water level L1, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops, opening the pilot valve 28 (Figure 3). This reduces the pressure in the pressure chamber 18a, opening the main valve element 20, and water supply to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 begins, as shown in Figure 6.

[0050] When flush water is supplied to the water pressure 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 water supply pressure of the tap water supplied via the ball tap 14.

[0051] When second drain outlet 4c is opened, flush water that had been stored in second tank section 5b of 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. The jet water discharge from jet water outlet 2e fills drain trap pipe 2c, inducing siphon action. Due to the siphon action, the accumulated water and waste in bowl section 2a are sucked into drain trap pipe 2c and discharged into the sewer pipe (not shown).

[0052] 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. 10, the second drain valve 12 seats on the second drain outlet 4c, as shown in Fig. 7, and the second drain outlet 4c is closed. This stops jet water spouting from the jet water spouting port 2e. As mentioned 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, even if the water levels in the first tank portion 5a and the second tank portion 5b are approximately the same.

[0053] In the state shown in Figure 7, main valve body 20 of ball tap 14 is open, so flush water supplied from water supply source 6 (tap water) is supplied to water pressure drive mechanism 16 via ball tap 14 and flows into second tank portion 5b from water supply pipe 34 connected to cylinder 16a. Meanwhile, first drain valve 10 is still open, so flush water in first tank portion 5a flows out from first drain outlet 4b and is discharged from rim water outlet 2d. After jet water spouting is stopped at time t3 in Figure 10, flush water discharged from rim water outlet 2d is used as refill water to return the water level in bowl portion 2a to the stored water level in standby state.

[0054] Here, because only a small amount of flush water flows from second tank portion 5b into first tank portion 5a through small hole 5c in partition wall 5, even though water is being supplied into second tank portion 5b from water supply pipe 34, the water level in first tank portion 5a drops, and accordingly first drain valve 10 also drops. Then, at time t4 in Figure 10, 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 closes, as shown in Figure 8. This stops rim spouting from rim spout outlet 2d.

[0055] Furthermore, even after first drain valve 10 is closed, main valve element 20 of ball tap 14 remains open, so flush water supplied from water supply source 6 (tap water) flows from water supply pipe 34 via ball tap 14 and water pressure drive mechanism 16 into second tank portion 5b of flush water tank 4. Then, when the water level in second tank portion 5b rises above the position of small hole 5c in partition wall 5, flush water flows from second tank portion 5b through small hole 5c into first tank portion 5a. Furthermore, when the water level in second tank portion 5b rises further, flush water flows from second tank portion 5b over partition wall 5 into first tank portion 5a. This causes the water level in first tank portion 5a to rise. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the water level in first tank portion 5a rises to set water level L1, float 24 of ball tap 14 rises and pilot valve 28 (FIG. 3) is closed.

[0056] In this way, 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 t5 in Figure 10, 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 pressure drive mechanism 16 via ball tap 14, and stops the supply of flush water into flush water tank 4.

[0057] Here, at time t5 in Figure 10, when the water supply to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 is stopped, the flush water being supplied from the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 into the second tank portion 5b causes the water level in the second tank portion 5b to be higher than the water level in the first tank portion 5a, as shown in Figure 9. As a result, the flush water in the second tank portion 5b flows into the first tank portion 5a through the small holes 5c in the partition wall 5. Therefore, after time t5 in Figure 10, the water level in the second tank portion 5b becomes lower than the height of the partition wall 5, and the water level in the first tank portion 5a becomes higher than the set water level L1. Then, at time t6 in Figure 10, the water levels in the first tank portion 5a and the second tank portion 5b become the same and return to the initial water level L2 (Figure 2).

[0058] Meanwhile, 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. This completes one toilet flush, and the flush toilet device 1 returns to the toilet flush standby state shown in Figure 2.

[0059] In this way, the water level in the first tank portion 5a of the flush water tank 4 rises to the set water level L1 and the pilot valve 28 closes (time t5 in Figure 10), and after the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 closes, the flush water in the second tank portion 5b flows into the first tank portion 5a through the small hole 5c in the partition wall 5. For this reason, at time t6 after time t5 in Figure 10, the water level in the first tank portion 5a becomes an initial water level L2, which is higher than the set water level L1.

[0060] As a result, the initial water level L2 inside the first tank section 5a when the flush toilet apparatus 1 is in standby mode is higher than the predetermined set water level L1 at which the pilot valve 28 is closed. For this reason, when the user operates the lever handle 4a in standby mode (time t1 in Figure 10), the water level inside the first tank section 5a is higher than the set water level L1, and the main valve element 20 of the ball tap 14 is not opened. Then, between times t1 and t2, a predetermined amount of flush water is discharged from the first drain outlet 4b as rim spouting, and when the water level inside the first tank section 5a drops to the set water level L1, the pilot valve 28 is opened and the main valve element 20 of the ball tap 14 is also opened. As a result, at time t2, water supply to the water pressure drive mechanism 16 begins, the water pressure drive mechanism 16 opens the second drain valve 12, and jet spouting begins.

[0061] According to the flush toilet apparatus 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the discharge and stopping of flush water from the rim spout 2d is switched on and off by the first drain valve 10, and the discharge and stopping of flush water from the jet spout 2e is switched on and off by the second drain valve 12, so it is possible to freely and independently set the timing of rim water spouting and jet water spouting, effectively flushing the bowl section 2a of the flush toilet main body 2. Also, because the second drain valve 12 is opened by a water pressure drive mechanism 16 using the flush water supply pressure, there is no need to pull up the drain valve with electrical power such as a motor, and the timing of water spouting from the jet spout 2e can be set without using a complex mechanism for opening the drain valve. Furthermore, since the first drain valve 10 is closed after the second drain valve 12 is closed, water continues to be discharged from the rim outlet 2d even after the water discharge from the jet outlet 2e is completed and the waste in the bowl section 2a is discharged into the drain trap pipe 2c, and the water level in the bowl section 2a can be set to an appropriate level by refilling.

[0062] Furthermore, with the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the first tank portion 5a, which is provided with the first drain outlet 4b, and the second tank portion 5b, which is provided with the second drain outlet 4c, are separated by the partition wall 5, so it is possible to reduce variation in the amount of flush water discharged from each outlet. As a result, it is possible to flush the bowl portion 2a appropriately while reducing the amount of flush water used, and it is also possible to set the level of retained water in the bowl portion 2a appropriately after one flush has finished.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the partition wall 5 of the flush water tank 4 is provided with a small hole 5c that connects the first tank portion 5a and the second tank portion 5b at a predetermined water level, so that flush water flows from the second tank portion 5b to the first tank portion 5a when the water level in the second tank portion 5b is higher than the water level in the first tank portion 5a. As a result, the drop in the water level in the first tank portion 5a is slowed, and the time that the first drain valve 10 is open can be extended. This makes it possible to increase the amount of flush water discharged from the rim spout 2d, and water discharge from the rim spout 2d continues even after water discharge from the jet spout 2e has completed. This allows refilling to occur, and the level of retained water in the bowl portion 2a can be set to an appropriate water level.

[0064] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. The flush toilet device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration for delaying the closing of the first drain valve relative to the closing of the second drain valve. Therefore, below, only the configuration and operation of the second embodiment of the present invention that differ from the first embodiment will be explained, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted. FIG. 11 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.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, the flush water tank 4 provided in the flush toilet apparatus of this embodiment has a first drain valve 10, a second drain valve 42, a ball tap 14, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16. Also, as in the first embodiment described above, the bottom surface of the flush water tank 4 is provided with a first drain outlet 40a that is opened and closed by the first drain valve 10, and a second drain outlet 40b that is opened and closed by the second drain valve 42. Furthermore, a partition wall 5 is provided in the flush water tank 4, and the inside of the flush water tank 4 is divided into a first tank section 5a in which the first drain outlet 40a is provided, and a second tank section 5b in which the second drain outlet 40b is provided. Also, a small hole 5c is provided in the partition wall 5.

[0066] In this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first drain outlet 40a, which is opened and closed by the first drain valve 10, and the rim water conduit 2f which communicates with it, is configured to be smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second drain outlet 40b, which is opened and closed by the second drain valve 12, and the jet water conduit 2g which communicates with it. As a result, the pressure loss in the rim water conduit 2f which connects the first drain outlet 40a and the rim water outlet 2d is set to be larger than the pressure loss in the jet water conduit 2g which connects the second drain outlet 40b and the jet water outlet 2e.

[0067] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the float ball 12b of the second drain valve 12 was attached at a higher position than the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10, and was configured so that the second drain valve 12 would close earlier for the same drop in water level. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the float ball 42b of the second drain valve 42 is attached at approximately the same height as the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10.

[0068] Next, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. First, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flush water tank 4, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. This opens the first drain outlet 40a, and flush water in the first tank section 5a of the flush water tank 4 is discharged from the rim spout.

[0069] As flush water is discharged from the first drain port 40a, the water level in the first tank portion 5a drops. However, as in the first embodiment, the initial water level L2 in the first tank portion 5a is higher than the predetermined set water level L1 at which the pilot valve 28 closes, so the main valve element of the ball tap 14 remains closed.

[0070] When the water level in the first tank portion 5a drops further and becomes lower than the set water level L1, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops and the pilot valve opens. This opens the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 and starts the supply of water to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16. When water is supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 lifts the second drain valve 42, flush water is discharged from the second tank portion 5b, and water starts to be discharged from the jet water outlet 2e. Furthermore, after being lifted, the valve shaft 42a of the second drain valve 42 is disconnected from the rod 30 of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 by the clutch mechanism 32.

[0071] After being raised, the first drain valve 10 descends in conjunction with the drop in the water level in the first tank portion 5a, and after being raised, the second drain valve 42 descends in conjunction with the drop in the water level in the second tank portion 5b. Here, in this embodiment, the pressure loss in the rim water conduit 2f, which connects the first drain outlet 40a and the rim water outlet 2d, is set to be greater than the pressure loss in the jet water conduit 2g, which connects the second drain outlet 40b and the jet water outlet 2e. For this reason, in this embodiment, the water level in the second tank portion 5b, which discharges flush water from the second drain outlet 40b, falls earlier than the water level in the first tank portion 5a.

[0072] And in this embodiment, although the float ball 42b of the second drain valve 42 is provided at approximately the same height as the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10, the water level in the second tank section 5b drops quickly, so the second drain valve 42 closes earlier than the first drain valve 10. In this way, after the second drain valve 42 is closed and jet water spouting is stopped, there is a delay before the first drain valve 10 closes and rim water spouting is stopped. Furthermore, the operation after rim water spouting is stopped until the flush water tank 4 returns to its standby state is the same as in the first embodiment described above, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the pressure loss in the rim water conduit 2f is set to be greater than the pressure loss in the jet water conduit 2g, so the flow rate of flush water per unit time flowing out of the first tank portion 5a is less than the flow rate of flush water per unit time flowing out of the second tank portion 5b. As a result, the water level in the first tank portion 5a falls more slowly than the water level in the second tank portion 5b, and flush water in the first tank portion 5a continues to be discharged from the rim water outlet 2d even after the water level in the second tank portion 5b has dropped and the second drain valve 42 has closed. As a result, water continues to be discharged from the rim water outlet 2d even after water discharge from the jet water outlet 2e has completed, and the level of retained water in the bowl portion 2a can be set to an appropriate level by refilling.

[0074] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. The flush toilet device of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the configuration for delaying the closing of the first drain valve relative to the closing of the second drain valve. Therefore, below, only the configuration and operation of the third embodiment of the present invention that differ from the first embodiment will be explained, and similar configurations will be given the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted. FIG. 12 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.

[0075] As shown in Figure 12, the flush water tank 4 provided in the flush toilet apparatus of this embodiment has a first drain valve 10, a second drain valve 52, a ball tap 14, and a water pressure drive mechanism 16. Also, as in the first embodiment described above, the bottom surface of the flush water tank 4 is provided with a first drain outlet 4b that is opened and closed by the first drain valve 10, and a second drain outlet 4c that is opened and closed by the second drain valve 52. Furthermore, a partition wall 50 is provided in the flush water tank 4, and the inside of the flush water tank 4 is divided into a first tank section 50a in which the first drain outlet 4b is provided, and a second tank section 50b in which the second drain outlet 4c is provided. Also, a small hole 50c is provided in the partition wall 50.

[0076] In this embodiment, the volume of the first tank portion 50a in which the first drain valve 10 is disposed is configured to be larger than the volume of the second tank portion 50b in which the second drain valve 52 is disposed. Also, in this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first drain port 4b opened and closed by the first drain valve 10 and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second drain port 4c opened and closed by the second drain valve 52 are configured to be approximately the same.

[0077] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the float ball 12b of the second drain valve 12 was attached at a higher position than the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10, and was configured so that the second drain valve 12 would close earlier for the same drop in water level. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the float ball 52b of the second drain valve 52 is attached at approximately the same height as the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10.

[0078] Next, the operation of the flush toilet apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. First, when the user rotates the lever handle 4a of the flush water tank 4, the ball chain 10a connected to it pulls up the first drain valve 10. This opens the first drain outlet 4b, and flush water in the first tank section 50a of the flush water tank 4 is discharged from the rim spout.

[0079] As flush water is discharged from the first drain port 4b, the water level in the first tank portion 50a drops. However, as in the first embodiment, the initial water level L2 in the first tank portion 50a is higher than the predetermined set water level L1 at which the pilot valve 28 closes, so the main valve element of the ball tap 14 remains closed.

[0080] When the water level in the first tank portion 50a drops further and becomes lower than the set water level L1, the float 24 of the ball tap 14 drops and the pilot valve opens. This opens the main valve body 20 of the ball tap 14 and starts the supply of water to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16. When water is supplied to the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16, the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 pulls up the second drain valve 52, flush water is discharged from the second tank portion 50b, and water starts to be discharged from the jet spout 2e. Furthermore, after being pulled up, the valve shaft 52a of the second drain valve 52 is disconnected from the rod 30 of the water hydraulic drive mechanism 16 by the clutch mechanism 32.

[0081] After being raised, the first drain valve 10 descends in conjunction with the drop in the water level in the first tank portion 50a, and after being raised, the second drain valve 52 descends in conjunction with the drop in the water level in the second tank portion 50b. Here, in this embodiment, the volume of the first tank portion 50a is formed to be larger than the volume of the second tank portion 50b. For this reason, in this embodiment, although the flow rates per unit time of flush water discharged from the first drain outlet 4b and the second drain outlet 4c are approximately the same, the water level in the second tank portion 50b descends earlier than the water level in the first tank portion 50a.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the float ball 52b of the second drain valve 52 is provided at approximately the same height as the float ball 10b of the first drain valve 10, the water level in the second tank section 50b drops quickly, so the second drain valve 52 closes earlier than the first drain valve 10. In this way, after the second drain valve 52 is closed and jet water spouting is stopped, there is a delay before the first drain valve 10 closes and rim water spouting is stopped. Furthermore, the operation after rim water spouting is stopped until the flush water tank 4 returns to its standby state is the same as in the first embodiment described above, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] According to the flush toilet apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the first tank portion 50a is made larger than the volume of the second tank portion 50b, so the water level in the first tank portion 50a drops more slowly than the water level in the second tank portion 50b. As a result, flush water in the first tank portion 50a continues to be discharged from the rim spout even after the water level in the second tank portion 50b drops and the second drain valve 52 closes. This allows water to continue to be discharged from the rim spout 2d even after water discharge from the jet spout has completed, and the level of retained water in the bowl portion 2a can be set to an appropriate level by refilling.

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. In particular, in the first embodiment described above, the first drain valve is configured to close after the second drain valve is closed by changing the height of the float of each drain valve, in the second embodiment by changing the flow path resistance of the flow path extending from each drain port, and in the third embodiment by changing the volumes of the first tank section and the second tank section. However, by appropriately combining the configurations of the above-described embodiments, the present invention can also be configured so that the first drain valve is closed after the second drain valve is closed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 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 First drain 4c Second drain 5 Partition wall 5a First tank section 5b Second tank section 5c small hole 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 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 40a First drain 40b Second drain 42 Second drain valve 42a Valve stem 42b Floating ball 50 Partition Wall 50a First Tank Section 50b Second tank section 50c small hole 52 2nd Drainage Section

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 that is disposed at the rear of the flush toilet main body and stores 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 at the bottom of the bowl portion by opening and closing a second drain outlet provided in the flush water tank; a water pressure drive mechanism that uses the water supply pressure of flush water supplied from a water main to the flush water tank to open the second drain valve; and A flush toilet apparatus characterized in that, when flushing of the bowl portion is completed, the first drain valve is closed after the second drain valve is closed.

2. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flush water tank is provided with a partition wall that separates a first tank portion in which the first drain outlet is provided, and a second tank portion in which the second drain outlet is provided.

3. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the first tank portion, and the second drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the second tank portion, and by setting the pressure loss in the rim water conduit connecting the first drain outlet and the rim water outlet to be greater than the pressure loss in the jet water conduit connecting the second drain outlet and the jet water outlet, the water level in the second tank portion is lowered earlier than the water level in the first tank portion, and the second drain valve is closed earlier than the first drain valve.

4. A flush toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the first drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the first tank, and the second drain valve is configured to close in conjunction with a drop in the water level in the second tank, and by making the volume of the first tank larger than the volume of the second tank, the water level in the second tank is lowered earlier than the water level in the first tank, and the second drain valve is closed earlier than the first drain valve.

5. 3. A flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall of the flush water tank is provided with a small hole that connects the first tank section and the second tank section at a predetermined water level.

Images