JP2015036485A - Water closet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water closet device that can prevent a phenomenon in which water overflows from a rim part while securing high washing performance by supplying washing water to the rim part at a high flow rate by making good use of a jet pump operation so that the water circles.SOLUTION: A water closet device is configured to execute a first stage of supplying water to discharge parts 133, 135 at a first flow rate and a second stage of supplying water to the discharge parts 133, 135 at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate successively to the first stage during a process in which the water is supplied from a tank 20 to the discharge parts 133, 135 by a jet pump unit and a water level in the tank 20 falls from a water full level down to a position of a suction port. A flow passage state of the jet pump unit is switched so that a jet pump operation in the second stage is suppressed more than a jet pump operation in the first stage. The jet pump operation is suppressed by introducing air from an air introduction pipe by utilizing negative pressure generated in a water flow and mixing the air with the water flow.

Description

  The present invention relates to a flush toilet apparatus for washing a toilet body with flush water.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, flush toilet apparatus using a tank type or direct pressure type water supply mechanism has been widely used as a mechanism for supplying flush water to a toilet body.

  The tank-type water supply mechanism stores water in advance in a tank and supplies the water as flush water to the toilet body. In such a tank-type water supply mechanism, since it is necessary to store all of the water supplied as cleaning water in the tank, there is a problem that the tank mounted on the flush toilet device becomes large. .

  In addition, after the toilet bowl is cleaned, it is necessary to keep the tank full for the next cleaning, but it takes time to fill the large tank with water. . For this reason, it is difficult for the tank-type water supply mechanism to perform continuous cleaning (every short time), and there is a problem that the flush toilet apparatus is not suitable for a situation where the flush toilet apparatus is frequently used.

  The direct pressure type water supply mechanism supplies cleaning water from the water supply pipe to the toilet body using water pressure in the water supply pipe (water pipe) arranged in the building. In such a direct pressure type water supply mechanism, since the flow rate of the washing water depends on the water pressure in the water supply pipe, when the flush toilet apparatus is installed in an environment where the water pressure is low (for example, a high floor), There existed a subject that performance fell. Moreover, in order to be able to supply a large flow rate of water by the direct pressure type water supply mechanism, it is necessary to make the water supply pipe connected to the flush toilet device have a large diameter. For this reason, there was a problem of requiring large-scale construction.

  A jet pump type water supply mechanism has been newly proposed as a water supply mechanism that can simultaneously solve both of the problems in the tank type water supply mechanism and the problems in the direct pressure type water supply mechanism (the following patents). Reference 1).

  The jet pump type water supply mechanism described in Patent Document 1 below includes a tank storing water, and the jet pump unit is disposed in the tank while being submerged. The jet pump unit has a throat pipe. One end of the throat pipe is connected to a flow path toward the bowl portion of the toilet body, and an opening is formed at the other end. When water is sprayed from the spray nozzle to the inside of the throat pipe through the opening, a jet pump action is induced, so that a large flow of water flows toward the bowl portion inside the throat pipe. Since not only the water sprayed from the spray nozzle but also the water stored in the tank is drawn and flows through the throat pipe, a large amount of flush water is supplied to the toilet body.

  In the jet pump type water supply mechanism, it is not necessary to store all the water supplied to the toilet body as cleaning water in the tank. For this reason, compared with a tank-type water supply mechanism, there is an advantage that the tank can be miniaturized and the time required for filling the tank to the full water level can be shortened. Moreover, even if the flush toilet apparatus is installed in an environment where the water pressure in the water supply pipe is relatively low, a large flow of flush water can be supplied to the toilet body. Furthermore, there is an advantage that a large-scale construction that makes the water supply pipe large in diameter is not required.

  By the way, as a configuration for supplying cleaning water to the bowl portion of the toilet body, water is swung along the rim portion formed on the upper edge portion of the bowl portion, and the water is fed to the entire rim portion (entire circumference). In recent years, things that have flowed down toward the bowl have started to spread. The flush toilet apparatus having such a configuration (hereinafter also referred to as “a swirl type flush toilet apparatus”) has a relatively simple shape of the rim portion, and is therefore easy to clean the toilet body. (See Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2004-156382 A JP 2012-237126 A

  When a jet pump type water supply mechanism is installed in a swirling flush toilet as described above, it is not affected by changes in water pressure in the water pipe or changes in water level (potential energy) in the tank. The water of a large flow rate and a substantially constant flow rate is supplied to the rim portion. However, when the present inventors conducted extensive research, the flow rate of water supplied from the jet pump type water supply mechanism to the toilet body (rim portion) is constant, and thus there is a new problem that has not been seen so far. It was found that it occurred. Specifically, at the beginning of the supply of water toward the rim portion, the water supply to the rim portion is maintained while maintaining the flow rate even though the flow rate is such that the water does not overflow from the rim portion. When it was continued, it turned out that water started to overflow from the rim part to the surroundings over time.

  The cause is presumed as follows. At the beginning of water supply to the rim part, the amount of water swirling around the rim part, that is, the amount of water staying in the rim part is relatively small, and there is room for receiving newly supplied water. Therefore, water does not overflow from the rim. However, even if the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion continues to be substantially constant, the amount of water remaining in the rim portion gradually increases, and there is little room for receiving newly supplied water. It is thought that it will become. As a result, it is considered that water newly supplied to the rim portion overflows after the amount of water staying in the rim portion exceeds a certain amount.

  Considering that only water does not overflow from the rim portion, the flow rate of the cleaning water supplied to the toilet body, that is, the flow rate of water swirled along the rim portion may be reduced from the beginning. However, if the flow rate of the water swirled along the rim is reduced from the beginning, all the water will flow to the bowl before it can swivel the entire rim, and a part of the bowl will be washed. It may not be done. In addition, as a result of the insufficient flow rate of the cleaning water, the filth adhering to the surface of the bowl portion may not be sufficiently removed, and may remain in the bowl portion even after the supply of the cleaning water is finished.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and its purpose is to swirl water along the rim formed on the upper edge of the bowl portion, and to move the water from the entire rim portion to the bowl portion. This is a flush toilet device that uses a jet pump action to supply a large flow of flush water to the rim, while ensuring high washing performance and water overflowing from the rim. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flush toilet apparatus capable of preventing the phenomenon.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention is a flush toilet apparatus for washing a toilet body with flush water, and a bowl portion for receiving filth and an upper edge portion of the bowl portion. A toilet body having a formed rim portion, and a water discharge portion that discharges water so as to swirl and flow along the rim portion, a tank that stores water therein, and an inside of the tank A jet pump unit disposed in a state where at least a part is submerged, wherein the jet pump unit is a pipe having a suction port formed on one end side, and water flowing into the inside from the suction port is A throat pipe arranged to be supplied to the water discharge section and discharged from the water discharge section as cleaning water, and jetting high-speed water from the suction port toward the inside of the throat pipe, A nozzle for inducing a pumping action, and by the jet pump action, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe is made larger than the flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle, thereby increasing the flow rate. The water is supplied from the tank to the water discharger by the jet pump unit, whereby the water level in the tank is lowered from the full water level to the position of the suction port. In the process up to, a first step of supplying water at a first flow rate to the water discharge unit, and a step subsequent to the first step, wherein water at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate is supplied to the water discharge unit. And the second step of supplying to the second step, wherein the jet pump action in the second step is suppressed more than the jet pump action in the first step. Further, the flow path state switching means for switching the flow path state of the jet pump unit, the flow path state switching means has an air introduction part formed with an inlet for introducing air, The flow of the jet pump unit is switched by introducing air from the inlet using negative pressure generated by the water flow and mixing the air into the water flow generated by the jet pump action. The inlet is submerged in the tank during the period in which the first step is being performed, and is not submerged in the tank in the period in which the second step is being performed. It is characterized by.

  A flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention includes a tank storing water therein and a jet pump unit disposed inside the tank as a mechanism for supplying flush water to the bowl portion of the toilet body. I have. The toilet body has a rim portion formed at the upper edge of the bowl portion that receives filth, and the water supplied from the tank is swirled along the rim portion. When water is supplied from the tank to the toilet body, the water is discharged from the water discharge portion of the toilet body so as to swirl and flow along the rim portion. The water swirling along the rim portion flows down from the entire rim portion (entire circumference) toward the bowl portion, so that the bowl portion is washed and filth is discharged.

  The jet pump unit is disposed in a state where at least a part is submerged inside the tank, and includes a throat pipe and a nozzle. The throat pipe is a pipe with a suction port formed on one end side, and water that flows into the inside from the suction port is supplied (from the other end side) to the water discharge part of the toilet body, and is discharged as wash water from the water discharge part. Are arranged to be.

  The nozzle induces a jet pump action by jetting high-speed water from the suction port toward the inside of the throat pipe. Due to the jet pump action, not only the water jetted from the nozzle flows into the suction port, but also the water stored in the tank is drawn into the suction port. In other words, when the jet pump action occurs, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe is increased more than the flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle (it may be said that the flow rate is amplified). The water discharge portion of the toilet body is supplied with water having such an increased flow rate, and the water is discharged from the water discharge portion to the rim portion.

  In the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, the process in which water is supplied from the tank to the water discharger by the jet pump unit, that is, until the water level in the tank drops from the full water level to the position of the suction port (or the vicinity thereof). In the process, the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharger is changed. Specifically, after the first step of supplying the first flow rate of water to the water discharger is executed, the second step of supplying the water discharger with a second flow rate of water smaller than the first flow rate is executed.

  The flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention further includes a flow path state switching means as means for changing the flow rate of the water supplied to the water discharge section as described above. The flow path state switching means switches the flow path state of the jet pump unit so that the jet pump action in the second process is suppressed more than the jet pump action in the first process. In other words, the flow rate increase amount (amplification amount) due to the jet pump action is reduced in the second step by switching the flow path state of the jet pump unit.

  Since the jet pump action is not suppressed in the first step, a large flow rate and substantially constant water is supplied from the jet pump unit to the water discharge portion. Since the filth adhering to the bowl portion is removed in a short time, the time for discharging water from the water discharge portion can be shortened, and water saving can be achieved.

  Further, in the second step following the first step, the jet pump action is suppressed by the flow path state switching means, and the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharger is reduced (changes from the first flow rate to the second flow rate). . Before the amount of water remaining in the rim portion increases and the water overflows from the rim portion, the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharge portion can be reduced.

  In order to realize such a flow path state switching means, for example, a movable member is disposed in the vicinity of the nozzle injection port, and the flow path state of the jet pump unit is switched when the movable member moves. It can also be considered. However, in such a configuration, the movable member moves each time the bowl portion is cleaned, and therefore deteriorates due to wear or the like with the passage of time. As a result, there is a possibility that the flow path state cannot be switched appropriately.

  Therefore, the flow path state switching means in the present invention is configured not to have a movable member that moves each time cleaning is performed. Specifically, it has an air introduction part in which an inlet for introducing air is formed, and the jet pump action is suppressed by mixing the air into the water flow generated by the jet pump action. Thus, the flow path state of the jet pump unit is switched. The introduction of air from the introduction port is performed by utilizing the negative pressure generated by the water flow.

  Further, the inlet is formed at a position where it is submerged in the tank during the period in which the first step is being performed. For this reason, in the said period, the water in a tank (not air) is attracted | sucked from the air inlet, and it merges with the water flow produced by the jet pump action. As a result, a large flow of water is supplied to the water discharger, and the cleaning performance of the bowl is improved.

  Furthermore, the introduction port is formed at a position where it is not submerged in the tank during the period in which the second step is being performed. For this reason, introduction of air and mixing of the air into the water flow are started at an appropriate timing when the first step is completed and the process proceeds to the second step. As a result, the jet pump action can be suppressed at an appropriate timing while having no movable member that moves each time cleaning is performed.

  Note that, as a specific configuration of the air introduction unit, for example, a pipe having one end connected to the throat pipe may be considered. In this case, the position of the inlet and the position where air is mixed into the water flow are different by the length of the pipe. It is also conceivable to form a through hole in the wall surface of the throat pipe and use the through hole as an air introduction part. In this case, the position of the introduction port coincides with the position where air is mixed into the water flow (corresponding to the case where the length of the pipe is set to 0).

  Thus, in the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, the flow rate is as large as possible while reliably preventing water from overflowing from the rim during the entire period of supplying water to the water discharger. Water can be supplied to the water discharger. As a result, high cleaning performance and water saving performance can be ensured.

  Moreover, in the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, the throat pipe includes an ascending portion extending upward from the suction port, a bent portion disposed downstream of the ascending portion, and a downstream side of the bent portion. And has a descending portion extending downward from the bent portion, and is formed so as to have an inverted U-shape as a whole, and the air introduced from the inlet is It is also preferable that the water is generated by the jet pump action at a position upstream of the descending portion.

  In this preferred embodiment, the throat tube is formed so as to have an inverted U shape as a whole. Specifically, an ascending portion extending upward from the suction port, a bent portion disposed on the downstream side of the ascending portion, and a descending portion disposed on the downstream side of the bent portion and extending downward from the bent portion. have. Since the entire throat pipe is formed in such an inverted U-shape, even when the tank is placed above the toilet body, the water in the tank remains on the toilet body side except during washing. It is prevented that it leaks out.

  By the way, when the throat pipe has such a shape, if the air is mixed in the descending portion of the throat pipe, the tank cannot be filled with water. This is because when the tank is at a full water level, the inlet of the air introduction part is submerged, and the water that has flowed into the descending part from the inlet is supplied to the discharge part of the toilet body as it is.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the position where air is mixed into the water flow generated by the jet pump action is configured to be upstream of the descending portion. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent water in the tank from flowing into the throat pipe from the inlet of the air introduction section and flowing out to the toilet body as it is, even when not being washed.

  In the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the air introduced from the introduction port is mixed into the water flow generated by the jet pump action at a position downstream of the suction port. .

  In the case where the air from the air introduction unit is mixed at a position between the nozzle injection port and the suction port of the throat pipe, the tip of the air introduction unit (for example, a pipe) is connected from the suction port to the throat pipe. This may hinder the flow of water flowing into the interior of the, and may impede the operation of the jet pump. As a result, there is a risk that the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharger (especially in the first step) is reduced.

  Therefore, in this preferred embodiment, the air introduced from the introduction port of the air introduction unit is configured to be mixed into the water flow generated by the jet pump action at a position downstream of the suction port. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the air introduction part from obstructing the flow of water flowing into the throat pipe from the suction port. As a result, the jet pump action in the first step is not hindered, and a large flow of water is supplied to the water discharger, so that high cleaning performance can be ensured.

  Further, in the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, the flow path state switching means has a plurality of the air introduction parts, and the introduction ports formed in the respective air introduction parts have a height thereof. It is also preferable that they are arranged differently.

  In this preferred embodiment, the flow path state switching means has a plurality of air introduction portions, and the introduction ports formed in the respective air introduction portions are arranged so that their heights are different from each other. According to such a configuration, in the process in which water is supplied from the tank to the water discharge unit by the jet pump unit and the water level in the tank is lowered from the full water level, the number of inlets that are not submerged gradually increases. Will go. As a result, in the second step, the amount of suppression of the jet pump action is gradually increased, and the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharge portion (second flow rate) is gradually decreased. Even in the second step, it is possible to supply water at a flow rate as large as possible to the water discharge part while preventing water from overflowing from the rim part, and thus it is possible to ensure even higher cleaning performance. .

  In the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, it is also preferable that the air introduction part has a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the introduction port.

  The flow rate of water supplied to the water discharge unit by the jet pump unit does not strictly conform to the design value due to, for example, a difference in the constant flow valve disposed upstream of the nozzle, and varies from product to product. There is. In addition, even if water with a flow rate as designed is supplied to the water discharge part, the timing at which water overflows from the rim part may vary from product to product due to variations in the shape of the toilet body. Can occur. As a result, depending on the product, there is a risk that the cleaning performance of the bowl portion may be insufficient or water may overflow from the rim portion.

  So, in this preferable aspect, the air introduction part has a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the introduction port. The height of the inlet is substantially equal to the water level in the tank when the transition from the first process to the second process is performed. Therefore, the timing at which the transition from the first process to the second process is performed can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the inlet. Even if the flow rate of the water supplied to the water discharge unit varies from product to product, the transition is performed so that the transition from the first step to the second step is performed immediately before the rim portion overflows. This timing can be adjusted for each product.

  Further, in the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention, the air introduction part is a flow path adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least a part of the flow path cross-sectional area among the flow paths through which the air introduced from the introduction port flows. It is also preferable to have.

  In this preferable aspect, the air introduction part has a flow path adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least a part of the flow path cross-sectional area among the flow paths through which the air introduced from the introduction port flows. The flow path adjustment mechanism can adjust the flow path cross-sectional area to adjust the amount of air introduced in the second step, that is, the amount of suppression of the jet pump action. Even when the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharge unit varies from product to product, as much water as possible is supplied to the water discharge unit while preventing the water from overflowing from the rim. The amount of suppression of the jet pump action in the second step can be adjusted for each product.

  According to the present invention, it is a flush toilet device of a system in which water is swung along the rim portion formed on the upper edge portion of the bowl portion, and the water flows down from the entire rim portion toward the bowl portion, Providing a flush toilet device that can prevent the phenomenon of water overflowing from the rim while ensuring high cleaning performance as a structure that supplies a large amount of flush water to the rim using the action of the jet pump. can do.

It is sectional drawing which shows the flush toilet apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the flush toilet apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the inside of the tank of the flush toilet apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the jet pump unit arrange | positioned inside the tank shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure in the inside of the tank of the flush toilet apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of operation | movement at the time of washing | cleaning of the flush toilet apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating that the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part changes by the flow-path state of a jet pump unit switching. It is a graph which shows the change of the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the air introducing pipe is arrange | positioned in another position. It is a figure for demonstrating the influence of the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part varying. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of a jet pump unit of the flush toilet apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part from the jet pump unit shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the change of the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part in the case of further increasing an air introduction pipe | tube. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the jet pump unit of the flush toilet apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part from the jet pump unit shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the jet pump unit of the flush toilet apparatus which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the flow volume of the water supplied to a rim | limb part from the jet pump unit shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure and operation | movement of a jet pump unit of the flush toilet apparatus which concerns on 5th embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the flow volume of the water supplied to the toilet bowl main body from the jet pump unit shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the air introducing pipe is arrange | positioned in a bending part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  A flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the flush toilet apparatus FT, showing a cross section when the flush toilet apparatus FT is cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. FIG. 2 is a top view of the flush toilet apparatus FT. In FIG. 2, in order to show the internal structure of the tank 20 described later, a state in which the upper cover 201 of the tank 20 is removed is illustrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flush toilet apparatus FT includes a toilet body 10 and an upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10 on the rear side (right side in FIG. 1, upper side in FIG. 2) of the toilet body 10. And a tank 20 installed in the vehicle. The flush toilet device FT is a device that receives filth by the toilet body 10 and discharges the filth to the drain pipe SW with water (wash water) supplied from the tank 20.

  In the following description, the right side (left side in FIG. 2) viewed from the user seated on the toilet body 10 is referred to as the “right side” and is seated on the toilet body 10 unless otherwise specified. The left side when viewed from the state user is referred to as the “left side” (right side in FIG. 2). Further, the front side (left side in FIG. 1, lower side in FIG. 2) viewed from the user seated on the toilet body 10 is referred to as “front side” or “front side” and is seated on the toilet body 10. The rear side (the right side in FIG. 1 and the upper side in FIG. 2) viewed from the user in this state is referred to as “rear side” or “rear side”.

  The toilet body 10 includes a bowl portion 110, a rim portion 120, a water conduit 130, and a drain trap conduit 140. The bowl part 110 is a part that temporarily receives the filth falling from above. The rim portion 120 is formed on the upper edge portion of the bowl portion 110 and has a shape in which a part of the inner side surface of the bowl portion 110 is retreated toward the outer peripheral side as shown in FIG. Yes. As will be described later, the rim 120 is a flow path in which water supplied toward the bowl 110 is swirled. The rim part 120 is formed as a substantially circular (top view) flow path that goes around the upper edge of the bowl part 110.

  The water conduit 130 is a channel formed inside the toilet body 10 in order to guide the water supplied from the tank 20 to the bowl portion 110. One end of the water conduit 130 opens on the upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10, and serves as an inlet 131 for water supplied from the tank 20. The position where the inlet 131 is formed is a rear portion of the upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10 and a central portion in the left-right direction.

  The water conduit 130 is branched into two flow paths (a first water conduit 132 and a second water conduit 134) on the downstream side thereof. The downstream end of the first water conduit 132 that is one of the channels opens at the right side of the rim portion 120, and the opening serves as a water outlet (water discharge portion 133). When water is supplied from the tank 20 to the inlet 131, a part of the water passes through the inside of the first water conduit 132 and is ejected from the water discharge part 133 and supplied to the rim part 120.

  The second water conduit 134, which is the other channel, is open at the downstream end of the rim portion 120 on the left side and the rear side, and the opening serves as a water outlet (water discharge portion 135). ing. When water is supplied from the tank 20 to the inlet 131, a part of the water passes through the inside of the second water conduit 134 and is ejected from the water discharge portion 135 and supplied to the rim portion 120.

  The direction in which water is ejected from the water discharger 133 is a direction along the circumference of the rim 120 formed as a substantially circular flow path, and is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. The direction in which water is ejected from the water discharger 135 is also a direction along the circumference of the rim 120 formed as a substantially circular flow path, and is also a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. As indicated by arrows in FIG. 2, the water spouted from the water discharger 133 and the water discharger 135 to the rim part 120 flows while swirling counterclockwise along the rim part 120, and the entire rim part 120. Then flows down toward the bowl 110.

  The drain trap pipe 140 is a flow path that connects the lower end of the bowl part 110 and the drain pipe SW. The drain trap pipe 140 has an ascending channel 141 formed so as to rise upward along the direction from the lower end of the bowl part 110 toward the downstream, and along the direction from the upper end of the ascending channel 141 toward the downstream. And a descending flow path 142 formed to have a downward slope. With such a configuration, water can be stored in a portion extending from the lower part of the bowl part 110 to the lower part of the ascending flow path 141, and the sealed water WT is formed by the stored water. A drain pipe SW is connected to the lower end of the descending flow path 142. The drain pipe SW is a pipe arranged inside the building, and its downstream end is connected to a sewer pipe (not shown).

  When water is supplied from the tank 20 toward the bowl portion 110, the water flows down from the entire rim portion 120 toward the bowl portion 110 while swirling and flowing through the rim portion 120 as described above. Water is added to the bowl part 110 from above, and is discharged from the lower end part of the bowl part 110 through the ascending channel 141 and the descending channel 142. As a result, a downward flow occurs in the water (sealed water WT) stored in the bowl portion 110.

  The filth that has been temporarily received in the bowl portion 110 is pushed downward by the water supplied from the upper rim portion 120 and moves toward the lower end of the bowl portion 110. Thereafter, the filth passes through the ascending channel 141 and reaches the descending channel 142 by the water flow, and falls together with the water toward the drain pipe SW.

  The tank 20 is a container in which water is stored, and supplies the water to the inlet 131 of the water conduit 130. The tank 20 includes a first tank part 210 and a second tank part 220 formed so as to extend a part of the bottom wall 211 of the first tank part 210 downward. The first tank part 210 and the second tank part 220 are both substantially rectangular parallelepiped containers, and their internal spaces communicate with each other. The second tank portion 220 is connected to a rear portion of the bottom wall 211 of the first tank portion 210.

  The bottom wall 211 of the first tank part 210 (the part on the front side of the second tank part 220) is in a state of being close to the part on the rear side of the upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10 from above. Specifically, an inlet 131 is formed in a rear side portion of the upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10, but the bottom wall 211 of the first tank unit 210 covers the periphery of the inlet 131 from above. The upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10 is close to the upper surface 101 from above. In addition, an opening 212 having substantially the same shape as the inlet 131 is formed in the bottom wall 211, and the opening 212 and the inlet 131 overlap in a top view. For this reason, the water stored in the tank 20 can flow into the water conduit 130 through the opening 212 and the inlet 131 and flow toward the bowl portion 110.

  As a result of arranging the first tank part 210 as described above, the second tank part 220 is located behind the toilet body 10. That is, it is in a state of being located further rearward than the rear end of the toilet body 10. Further, the bottom wall 221 of the second tank unit 220 is disposed at a position lower than the upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10.

  By arranging the tank 20 as described above, the front end portion of the tank 20 is positioned on the front side of the rear end portion of the toilet body 10. Further, the lower end portion of the tank 20 is located below the upper surface 101 of the toilet body 10. As a result, the dimension in the front-rear direction and the dimension in the vertical direction of the entire flush toilet apparatus FT are both small, and the design of the flush toilet apparatus FT is improved.

  Next, the internal configuration of the tank 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the tank 20 when the flush toilet apparatus FT is viewed from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 3, a water supply pipe 231, a main valve 233, a pilot valve 234, and a jet pump unit 300 are disposed inside the tank 20.

  The water supply pipe 231 is a pipe for supplying water toward the main valve 233, and is arranged to extend vertically upward from the bottom wall 221 of the second tank portion 220. The lower end of the water supply pipe 231 is connected to a water pipe (not shown) outside the tank 20. The upper end of the water supply pipe 231 is connected to the main valve 233 from below in the tank 20. The water supply pipe 231 is disposed in the tank 20 at a position on the left side of the center in the left-right direction.

  A constant flow valve 232 (not shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the middle of the water supply pipe 231 (between the water pipe and the main valve 233). When the main valve 233 is opened, the flow rate of water flowing into the main valve 233 is constant by the constant flow valve 232, and does not fluctuate due to the water pressure in the water pipe.

  The main valve 233 is an open / close valve that opens and closes the water flow path from the water supply pipe 231 to the jet pump unit 300. A vacuum breaker 235 is provided between the main valve 233 and the jet pump unit 300, and the upstream side of the vacuum breaker 235 is prevented from being negatively pressured to prevent water from flowing backward. As described above, the water supply pipe 231 extends upward, and the main valve 233 and the vacuum breaker 235 are arranged at a high position in the tank 20. For this reason, the vacuum breaker 235 will not be submerged even when the water level of the tank 20 is full.

  The main valve 233 is provided with a pilot valve 234, and the operation of the pilot valve 234 is configured to switch between opening and closing of the main valve 233. A manual lever 236 disposed outside the tank 20 is connected to the pilot valve 234 via a transmission mechanism 237 disposed inside the tank 20. Further, a float 238 disposed inside the tank 20 is further connected to the pilot valve 234.

  When the manual lever 236 is operated by the user of the flush toilet apparatus FT, the operation is transmitted to the pilot valve 234 via the transmission mechanism 237, and the pilot valve 234 is opened. As a result, the main valve 233 is opened, and water flows from the water supply pipe 231 toward the jet pump unit 300. As will be described later, the water flowing toward the jet pump unit 300 is supplied to the water conduit 130 as cleaning water together with the water stored in the tank 20. For this reason, the water level inside the tank 20 gradually decreases.

  Even after the cleaning of the bowl part 110 is completed, the main valve 233 is not closed, and water continues to flow from the water supply pipe 231 toward the jet pump unit 300. The water that flows toward the jet pump unit 300 is supplied into the tank 20 and stored for the next cleaning. When water is supplied to the inside of the tank 20 (water injection into the tank 20), the water level inside the tank 20 gradually rises. The float 238 connected to the pilot valve 234 inside the tank 20 rises as the water level rises, whereby the pilot valve 234 is closed.

  Thus, when the water level inside the tank 20 rises, the pilot valve 234 is closed by the change in buoyancy that the float 238 receives. When the pilot valve 234 is closed, the main valve 233 is closed, and the supply of water from the water supply pipe 231 to the jet pump unit 300 is stopped. At this time, the arrangement of the float 238 is adjusted so that the amount of water stored in the tank 20 becomes a necessary amount for the next cleaning (so as to reach a predetermined full water level). .

  The jet pump unit 300 is for inducing a jet pump action by the water supplied from the water supply pipe 231 and thereby supplying water toward the water conduit 130. The jet pump unit 300 includes a nozzle 310 and a throat pipe 320.

  The nozzle 310 is a tube having one end connected to the vacuum breaker 235 via a connecting tube 239 and the other end formed with an injection port 311. The nozzle 310 is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall 221 of the second tank unit 220. When the main valve 233 is opened, the water supplied from the water supply pipe 231 flows through the connection pipe 239, reaches the nozzle 310, and is injected from the injection port 311 as a high-speed water flow. The nozzle 310 is disposed at the rear side and right corner (corner in top view) of the second tank portion 220. As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle 310 is U-shaped, and its downstream side is folded from the corner. The injection port 311 has an injection direction directed toward the inside of the throat pipe 320.

  The throat pipe 320 is a pipe having a circular cross section, and is disposed inside the tank 20 with a part thereof passing through an opening 212 formed in the bottom wall 211. One end of the throat pipe 320 is connected to the inlet 131 of the water conduit 130, and a suction port 321 that is an opening is formed at the other end. In the throat pipe 320, a portion on the inlet 131 side of the water conduit 130 is along the vertical direction, and a portion on the suction port 321 side is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. For this reason, the whole becomes an inverted U shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the throat pipe 320 is disposed inside the tank 20 in a state inclined with respect to the front-rear direction in a top view.

  The specific shape of the throat pipe 320 will be described in more detail. The throat pipe 320 is disposed on the rising portion 322 extending obliquely upward from the suction port 321, the bent portion 323 disposed on the downstream side (upper side) of the rising portion 322, and the downstream side (lower side) of the bent portion 323. And a descending portion 324 extending downward from the bent portion 323.

  The ascending portion 322 is a cylindrical tube having a uniform tube diameter as a whole, and is disposed in an inclined state with respect to the horizontal plane. The suction port 321 is formed at the lower end of the rising portion 322. The suction port 321 is formed so that the entire edge is along a horizontal plane (in parallel with the horizontal plane).

  The descending portion 324 is a cylindrical tube having a uniform tube diameter as a whole, and is disposed along the vertical direction. The tube diameter of the descending part 324 is larger than the tube diameter of the ascending part 322. The tube diameter on the rising portion 322 side of the bent portion 323 is equal to the tube diameter of the rising portion 322. Further, the tube diameter of the bent portion 323 on the descending portion 324 side is equal to the tube diameter of the descending portion 324. For this reason, it can be said that the ascending portion 322 and the descending portion 324 having different tube diameters are smoothly connected by the bent portion 323.

  An air introduction pipe 330 is connected to a position of the rising portion 322 that is substantially in the center along the flow path direction. The air introduction tube 330 is a cylindrical tube arranged along the vertical direction. The lower end of the air introduction pipe 330 is connected to the upper surface side of the ascending part 322, and the internal space of the air introduction pipe 330 and the internal space of the ascending part 322 communicate with each other. An inlet 331 is formed at the upper end of the air inlet tube 330 so that air or water flowing from the inlet 331 can flow into the internal space of the ascending portion 322 through the air inlet tube 330. Yes. The position (height) of the inlet 331 is a position where the tank 20 is submerged when the water level of the tank 20 is full. Further, the position is higher than the suction port 321.

  The configuration and operation of the jet pump unit 300 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A schematically shows a state in which water is injected from the nozzle 310 when the water level in the tank 20 is higher than the suction port 321 (for example, the full water level), thereby inducing a jet pump action. It is a thing.

  When the main valve 233 is opened and water is injected from the injection port 311 of the nozzle 310, the injected high-speed water flows toward the inside of the ascending part 322. The lower portion of the rising portion 322 and the nozzle 310 are submerged in the water stored in the tank 20. For this reason, the water stored in the tank 20 is drawn into the rising portion 322 by the high-speed water flow ejected from the ejection port 311 and flows toward the water conduit 130. As a result of the jet pump action being induced, not only water jetted from the jet port 311 of the nozzle 310 but also water drawn from around the suction port 321 flows inside the throat pipe 320. These flow through the water conduit 130 and are supplied to the rim portion 120 from the water discharge portions 133 and 135 as cleaning water.

  As described above, in the flush toilet apparatus FT, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 is larger than the flow rate of water injected from the injection port 311 of the nozzle 310. In other words, even when the flow rate of water ejected from the ejection port 311 of the nozzle 310 is small, water having a sufficient flow rate as cleaning water is supplied to the rim portion 120. For this reason, even if the flush toilet apparatus FT is installed in a low environment where the water pressure of the water pipe is small, sufficient washing performance can be exhibited.

  Further, the total amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120 (and the bowl portion 110) as cleaning water is the amount of water previously stored in the tank 20 and the amount of water injected from the injection port 311 of the nozzle 310. The amount is added. Since it is not necessary to store all the wash water inside the tank 20, the tank 20 is downsized and its design is improved.

  By the way, of the water stored in the tank 20, the water present in the portion below the suction port 321 is not supplied from the suction port 321 to the inside of the throat pipe 320. As a result, it remains as residual water in the tank 20. However, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the nozzle 310 and the suction port 321 are both arranged inside the (narrow) second tank portion 220. For this reason, the amount of residual water remaining in the portion below the suction port 321 is relatively small.

  With such a configuration, the flush toilet apparatus FT reduces the amount of residual water at the time when the supply of water to the rim portion 120 is completed. As a result, most of the internal space of the tank 20 can be used as a space for storing water supplied to the rim portion 120 (water that does not become residual water). The increase in size is suppressed.

  A flow path switching member 350 is attached in the vicinity of the lower end of the ascending portion 322, that is, in the vicinity of the suction port 321. The flow path switching member 350 is a rod-shaped member, and has a float 351 at one end along the longitudinal direction thereof and a switching plate 352 at the other end. The flow path switching member 350 is not shown in FIG. 3 and the like referred to above.

  The flow path switching member 350 is attached such that the portion between the float 351 and the switching plate 352 is rotatable with respect to the vicinity of the lower end of the rising portion 322. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the water level in the tank 20 is higher than the suction port 321, the flow path switching member 350 rotates due to the buoyancy applied to the float 351. Specifically, the float 351 moves upward, the switching plate 352 moves downward, and stops at the positions shown in FIG.

  In the state of FIG. 4A, the water jetted from the nozzle 310 flows into the rising portion without directly hitting the switching plate 352. As a result, the jet pump action as described above is induced, and water as cleaning water is supplied to the rim portion 120.

  Thereafter, the water level in the tank 20 gradually decreases as the water in the tank 20 is supplied to the rim portion 120.

  FIG. 4B schematically shows a state in which the water level in the tank 20 has dropped to the vicinity of the suction port 321 and the supply of water to the rim portion 120 has stopped. When the water level in the tank 20 decreases to the vicinity of the suction port 321, the buoyancy applied to the float 351 decreases. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4B, the flow path switching member 350 rotates so that the float 351 moves downward. The switching plate 352 moves upward so that the water sprayed from the nozzle 310 directly hits the switching plate 352.

  A surface of the switching plate 352 that faces the injection port 311 has a concave curved shape. When the water jetted from the nozzle 310 hits the surface, the water flows along the surface and changes its traveling direction by approximately 90 degrees. As a result, the water jetted from the nozzle 310 does not flow into the rising portion 322 but is stored in the tank 20 as water for the next cleaning. Thus, the flow path switching member 350 is for switching the supply destination of the water sprayed from the nozzle 310 from the rim portion 120 (toilet bowl body 10) to the tank 20.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows a configuration inside the tank 20. As already described, the water supply pipe 231, the main valve 233, and the jet pump unit 300 are disposed inside the tank 20.

  In a state where the bowl portion 110 is not cleaned (standby state), the water level of the tank 20 is full. When the manual lever 236 is operated by the user of the flush toilet apparatus FT, the main valve 233 is opened as described above, and water is injected from the injection port 311 of the nozzle 310 (arrow in FIG. 5). AR1). The water stored in the tank 20 is drawn into the throat pipe 320 (arrow AR2 in FIG. 5) and supplied to the rim portion 120 as the cleaning water (arrow AR3 in FIG. 5).

  When the supply of water to the rim portion 120 is completed, the supply destination of water from the nozzle 310 is switched by the flow path switching member 350, and water injection to the tank 20 is started (arrow AR4 in FIG. 5). The water level in the tank 20 gradually rises, and the pilot valve 234 is closed by the float 238 when the water level becomes full. At the same time, the main valve 233 is closed, whereby the water injection into the tank 20 is completed and the standby state is restored.

  The other configuration inside the tank 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 again. As shown in FIG. 3, a partition wall 240 is disposed inside the tank 20 so as to surround the descending portion 324 of the throat pipe 320. The partition wall 240 is formed to extend upward from the bottom wall 211. A part of the internal space of the tank 20 is partitioned by the partition wall 240, the front side wall surface 213 of the tank 20, the left side wall surface 214, and the bottom wall 211 of the first tank portion 210, thereby forming a small tank 260. The small tank 260 is a container having an upper portion opened to the inside of the tank 20, and is disposed in the front and left corner of the first tank unit 210. In the throat pipe 320, the lower end portion of the descending portion 324 is disposed inside the small tank 260. A suction port 321 is disposed outside the small tank 260.

  An opening / closing window 241 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the partition wall 240. The opening / closing window 241 is normally open, and the inside and outside of the small tank 260 communicate with the outside (the space behind the partition wall 240) through the opening / closing window 241. For this reason, in a state where the bowl part 110 is not washed (standby state), the water level stored in the tank 20 and the water level stored in the small tank 260 are equal.

  The manual lever 236 can be operated in two directions (large direction and small direction). When the manual lever 236 is operated in a large direction, the pilot valve 234 and the main valve 233 are opened while the open / close window 241 is opened. The water stored in the small tank 260 passes through the opening / closing window 241, flows out into the second tank unit 220, and reaches the suction port 321. For this reason, most of the water stored in the tank 20, including the amount stored in the small tank 260, is drawn into the throat pipe 320 and supplied to the rim portion 120.

  On the other hand, when the manual lever 236 is operated in the small direction, the open / close window 241 is closed and the pilot valve 234 and the main valve 233 are opened simultaneously. For this reason, the water stored in the small tank 260 out of the water stored in the tank 20 cannot pass through the opening / closing window 241 and remains in the small tank 260. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120 as cleaning water is small.

  In the following description, “the water level stored in the tank 20” or “the water level in the tank 20” indicates the water level outside the small tank 260. That is, the water level stored in the space in which the suction port 321 is arranged in the space divided into two by the partition wall 240 is shown. The water level stored in the small tank 260 is not considered in the following description.

  Next, a flow rate of water supplied as cleaning water to the rim portion 120 (which may be referred to as a flow rate of water supplied to the water discharge portions 133 and 135) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of operation of the flush toilet apparatus FT during washing. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 changes, and schematically shows how the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300 is switched. FIG. 8 is a graph showing changes in the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120.

  First, when the manual lever 236 is operated by the user of the flush toilet apparatus FT (step S01), water is jetted from the nozzle 310, and water is supplied to the rim portion 120 by the jet pump action as already described. (Step S02).

  FIG. 7A schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300 immediately after water starts to be supplied to the rim portion 120. The water level in the tank 20 starts to drop from the full water level, but is higher than the inlet 331 of the air inlet tube 330. That is, the introduction port 331 is in a submerged state.

  In the inside of the ascending part 322, the water flowing in from the suction port 321 flows toward the bent part 323. Due to this water flow, negative pressure acts on the water present in the air introduction pipe 330, and the water is drawn into the rising portion 322. As a result, not only the water that flows in from the suction port 321 but also the water that flows in from the introduction port 331 flows inside the ascending portion 322, so that a large amount of water by the jet pump action is supplied to the rim portion 120 as cleaning water. Is done.

  In the period from the start of water injection from the nozzle 310 to the time when the water level in the tank 20 is lowered to the position of the inlet 331 (the water level at this time is also referred to as “first water level” below). As described above, a large amount of water is supplied to the rim portion 120. The process of supplying a large amount of water from the jet pump unit 300 during the period is also referred to as “first process” (step S03).

  When the water level in the tank 20 falls to the first water level, the first process is finished (step S04). At this time, although the negative pressure due to the water flow still occurs in the inside of the rising portion 322 (near the lower end portion of the air introduction pipe 330), the introduction port 331 appears on the water surface (not submerged). Air enters the mouth 331 instead of water.

  FIG. 7B schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300 at this time. Water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310, and a water flow is generated inside the throat pipe 320 by a jet pump action, but air from the air introduction pipe 330 is mixed in the water flow.

  As a result, compared with the state shown in FIG. 7A, the air mixed in the throat pipe 320 suppresses the jet pump action, so that the water flowing through the throat pipe 320 in FIG. The flow rate is low. That is, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 is lower than the flow rate in the first step. In this way, after the first step is completed, the step of supplying the reduced flow rate of water (with the jet pump action being suppressed) to the rim portion 120 as cleaning water is also referred to as a “second step” below ( Step S05). The second process is continued until the water level in the tank 20 further decreases and the flow path switching member 350 is in the state shown in FIG. 4B (steps S06 and S07).

  Note that the water level in the tank 20 when the buoyancy applied to the float 351 of the flow path switching member 350 is reduced and the flow path switching member 350 is rotated to reach the state shown in FIG. Also referred to as “two water levels”. That is, the second water level is the water level in the tank 20 when the supply of the cleaning water to the rim portion 120 is stopped.

  When the second step is completed, as described above, water is continuously injected from the nozzle 310, and water is stored in the tank 20 (step S08). When the water level in the tank 20 rises and reaches the full water level, the injection of water from the nozzle 310 is stopped, and the storage of water in the tank 20 is stopped (steps S09 and S10).

  In addition, after the bowl part 110 is washed, water (refill water) for forming the sealed water WT may be additionally supplied from the jet pump unit 300 to the rim part 120. The supply of such refilled water is started at any timing when the second step is completed (immediately after step S07) or when storage of water in the tank 20 is stopped (immediately after step S10). It is desirable to do. When the supply of refill water is started at the time when the second step is finished, the storage of water in the tank 20 and the addition of the refill water to the rim portion 120 are performed simultaneously.

FIG. 8 shows a change in the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 during the period from the start time (time t0) of the first process to the end time (t200) of the second process. That is, it shows a change in the flow rate of the cleaning water supplied to the rim portion 120 during the period in which the bowl portion 110 is being cleaned. In the figure, the time when the first process is switched to the second process, that is, the time when the water level in the tank 20 becomes the first water level is defined as time t100. The flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle 310 is denoted as Q _jet, and the flow rate of water drawn into the suction port 321 by the jet pump action (water drawn into the throat pipe 320 from the tank 20) is denoted as Q _tank . It is written.

As already described, in the first step from time t0 to time t100, a large flow of water by the jet pump action is supplied to the rim portion 120. As shown in FIG. 8, the flow rate of water reaching the rim portion 120 is the sum of the flow rate Q _jet and the flow rate Q _tank . In other words, the flow rate Q _jet is a flow rate amplified by the jet pump action.

In the second step from the time t100 to the time t200, the water having a flow rate amplified by the jet pump action reaches the rim portion 120 as in the first step. However, in the second step, the jet pump action is suppressed due to air bubbles mixed in the throat pipe 320. That is, the flow rate Q _jet of water ejected from the nozzle 310 remains unchanged after switching to the second step, but the flow rate Q _tank of water drawn into the suction port 321 switches to the second step. At the same time it is getting smaller. As a result, the flow rate of water supplied from the jet pump unit 300 to the rim portion 120 (the sum of the flow rate Q _jet and the flow rate Q _tank ) suddenly decreases from the time t100 (from the flow rate Q ₁ to the flow rate Q ₂ ).

  The reason why the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 is reduced as described above during the period in which the bowl portion 110 is being cleaned will be described. In FIG. 8, a line OL indicated by a one-dot chain line indicates that the flow rate supplied to the rim portion 120 in the first step and the water overflows from the rim portion 120 (when the first step is continued while maintaining the flow rate). It shows the relationship with the end time.

  At the beginning when water is ejected from the water discharge parts 133 and 135 and water is started to be supplied to the rim part 120, the amount of water swirling around the rim part 120, that is, the amount of water remaining in the rim part 120. Are relatively few. For this reason, the rim portion 120 has room for receiving newly supplied water, and the rim portion 120 does not overflow with water.

  However, even if the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 continues to be substantially constant, the amount of water remaining in the rim portion 120 gradually increases, and there is room for accepting newly supplied water. Will decrease. As a result, after the time when the amount of water staying in the rim portion 120 exceeds a certain amount (hereinafter also referred to as “limit amount”), the water newly supplied to the rim portion 120 overflows. May end up.

  In the first step, when the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 is relatively large, the amount of water staying in the rim portion 120 increases quickly, so that the limit amount is reached early. On the other hand, when the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 is relatively small, the amount of water staying in the rim portion 120 increases slowly, so it takes a long time to reach the limit amount. . Therefore, the relationship between the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 and the time when the amount of water staying in the rim portion 120 exceeds the limit amount is as shown by the line OL in FIG. It becomes a curve.

  The dotted line VL shown in FIG. 8 is a line indicating the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 when the first process is continued without switching to the second process at time t100. It is. When the first process is continued in this way, the dotted line VL overlaps the line OL at time t120 immediately after time t100. That is, if switching to the second process is not performed, water will overflow from the rim portion 120 at time t120.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by rapidly reducing the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 at a time before the water overflows from the rim portion 120 (time t100 earlier than time t120). The rim 120 prevents the water from overflowing. Specifically, the jet pump action is suppressed by mixing air into the water flow caused by the jet pump action and changing the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300. In other words, the length of the air introduction pipe 330 is adjusted so that air is introduced from the introduction port 331 (so that the jet pump action is suppressed) immediately before the rim portion 120 overflows with water. ing.

  In the first step from time t0 to time t100, the inlet 331 is submerged in the tank 20. Therefore, the jet pump action is not suppressed, and a large flow rate and substantially constant water is supplied from the jet pump unit 300 to the rim portion 120 (water discharge portions 133 and 135). Since the filth adhering to the bowl part 110 is removed in a short time, it is possible to shorten the time for discharging water from the water discharge parts 133 and 135 and to save water.

Further, in the second process from time t100 to time t200, the inlet 331 is not submerged in the tank 20. Therefore, the jet pump action is suppressed by bubbles entrained from the air inlet pipe 330, (change from the flow Q ₁ to a flow Q ₂₎ flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 is reduced. Thus, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 is reduced before the amount of water staying in the rim portion 120 increases and the water overflows from the rim portion 120. In this way, the air introduction pipe 330 functions as “flow path state switching means” that switches the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300 so as to suppress the jet pump action.

  The position (height) of the introduction port 331 is determined in consideration of the timing for shifting from the first process to the second process. Further, the position of the lower end of the air introduction pipe 330 is determined in consideration of appropriately suppressing the jet pump. In general, the positions thus determined are different from each other. However, if they coincide, the length of the air introduction pipe 330 may be zero. That is, a through hole may be formed in the wall surface of the throat pipe 320, and air may be introduced from the through hole. In this case, the position of the through hole is the position of the introduction port 331 and is also the position where air is mixed into the water flow in the throat pipe 320.

  As described above, in the flush toilet apparatus FT according to this embodiment, water overflows from the rim portion 120 during the entire period (from time t0 to time t200) during which water is supplied to the rim portion 120. It is possible to supply as much water as possible to the rim portion 120 (water discharge portions 133 and 135) while reliably preventing this. As a result, high cleaning performance and water saving performance are ensured.

  In addition, as a location where air bubbles are mixed in the throat pipe 320, it is conceivable to use the descending portion 324 in addition to the manner of the ascending portion 322 as in the present embodiment. However, if air is mixed in the descending portion 324, the tank 20 cannot be filled with water. This is because the inlet 331 is submerged when the tank 20 is at the full water level, and the water flowing into the descending portion 324 from the inlet 331 is supplied to the rim portion 120 as it is due to gravity.

  Therefore, the flush toilet apparatus FT is configured to mix air at a location upstream of the descending portion 324. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent water in the tank 20 from flowing into the throat pipe 320 from the introduction port 331 and flowing out to the toilet body 10 side as it is, not at the time of washing. .

  Moreover, as a location where air bubbles are mixed in the throat pipe 320, for example, as shown in FIG. In this case, the lower end of the air introduction tube 330 is disposed at a position between the nozzle 310 and the suction port 321. However, in such a configuration, the lower end of the air introduction pipe 330 may hinder the flow of water flowing into the throat pipe 320 from the suction port 321 and the jet pump action may be hindered. is there. As a result, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 may decrease (particularly in the first step).

  Therefore, in the flush toilet apparatus FT, the air introduced from the introduction port 331 of the air introduction pipe 330 is mixed into the water flow generated by the jet pump action at a position downstream of the suction port 321. It has become. With such a configuration, the air introduction tube 330 is prevented from obstructing the flow of water flowing into the throat tube 320 from the suction port 321. As a result, the jet pump action in the first step is not hindered, and a large flow of water is supplied to the rim portion 120, so that high cleaning performance can be ensured.

By the way, as the flow path state switching means, a mode in which the flow path state on the upstream side of the suction port 321 in the jet pump unit 300 is changed to thereby suppress the jet pump action in the second step is considered. It is done. For example, it can be considered that the jet pump action in the second step is suppressed by reducing the flow rate Q _jet of water jetted from the nozzle 310. In addition, it is conceivable to increase the flow path resistance in the portion between the nozzle 310 and the suction port 321 to suppress the jet pump action in the second step.

However, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320 is obtained by increasing (amplifying) the flow rate Q _jet of water jetted from the nozzle 310 by the jet pump action. Therefore, even if the flow rate Q _jet of water jetted from the nozzle 310 is slightly reduced, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320 is greatly reduced. Similarly, even if the flow path resistance in the portion between the nozzle 310 and the suction port 321 is slightly increased, the flow rate of the water flowing inside the throat pipe 320 is greatly reduced.

Thus, it is not easy to change the flow path state upstream of the suction port 321 and thereby change the flow rate Q ₁ to the appropriate flow rate Q ₂ (see FIG. 8). In such a case, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 in the second step becomes too small, and the necessary cleaning performance may not be ensured.

  Therefore, in the flush toilet apparatus FT, the flow path state switching means switches the flow path state downstream of the nozzle 310 and the suction port 321 (in the present embodiment, inside the ascending portion 322) in the jet pump unit 300. It is structured as a thing. With such a configuration, it is easy to appropriately adjust the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320. As a result, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 in the second step is prevented from becoming too small.

  Further, as the flow path state switching means, a mode in which the flow path state of the descending portion 324 in the jet pump unit 300 is changed to thereby suppress the jet pump action in the second step is also conceivable. However, the flow rate of the water flowing inside the descending portion 324 is relatively slow (the high-speed water jetted from the nozzle 310 and the water in the tank 20 conveyed thereby are sufficiently mixed, and the flow rate is As a result of averaging in the cross section of the path, the flow rate of water that is jetted from the nozzle 310 is slower than that of the nozzle 310). Thus, it is difficult to change the flow path state of the descending part 324 and thereby suppress the jet pump action in the second step.

  Therefore, in the flush toilet apparatus FT, the flow path state switching means is configured to switch the flow path state upstream of the descending part 324 (in the present embodiment, inside the ascending part 322) in the jet pump unit 300. Has been. With such a configuration, it is further easy to appropriately adjust the flow rate of the water flowing inside the throat pipe 320 by switching the flow path state by the flow path state switching means.

Next, the influence of the variation in the flow rate of water ejected from the nozzle 310 will be described with reference to FIG. A graph GJ1 in FIG. 10 shows a change over time in the flow rate of the water ejected from the nozzle 310. As already described, water is ejected from the nozzle 310 at a constant flow rate Q _jet . The graph GT1 shows the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 by the jet pump action. In the first step, as a result of the flow rate Q _jet being amplified by the action of the jet pump, water at the flow rate Q ₁ is supplied to the rim portion 120. In addition, in FIG. 10, the graph which shows the flow volume of the water supplied to the rim | limb part 120 after the time t100 (2nd process) is not drawn.

By the way, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 by the jet pump unit 300 is strictly as designed (Q _jet ) due to, for example, a difference in the constant flow valve 232 arranged on the upstream side of the nozzle 310. Rather, it may vary from product to product. The graph GJ2 in FIG. 10 shows the time change of the flow rate when the flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle 310 does not become the design value and the flow rate Q _jet2 is slightly larger than the flow rate Q _jet. Show. At this time, the flow rate of the water supplied to the toilet body 10 becomes a flow rate Q ₁₂ larger than the flow rate Q ₁ as shown by the graph GT12.

  As is apparent from FIG. 10, even in such a case, if the first step is continued until time t100, the graph GT12 and the line OL intersect. That is, the water will overflow from the rim portion 120 at a time point before the time t100.

However, in this embodiment, when the water level in the tank 20 falls to the 1st water level (introduction port 331), the 1st process is complete | finished and it switches to the 2nd process. For this reason, when the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim part 120 increases from the flow rate Q ₁ to the flow rate Q ₁₂ , the first step is completed at a time point earlier than the time t100 (time t90). As a result, the graph GT12 and the line OL do not intersect with each other as shown in FIG. 10, and the switching to the second step is performed before water overflows from the rim portion 120.

The graph GJ3 in FIG. 10 shows the time change of the flow rate when the flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle 310 does not become the design value and the flow rate Q _jet3 is slightly smaller than the flow rate Q _jet. Show. At this time, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 is a flow rate Q ₁₃ smaller than the flow rate Q ₁ as shown by the graph GT13.

  As is apparent from FIG. 10, even in such a case, if the first step is ended at time t100, the first step starts at a point far before the water starts to overflow from the rim portion 120. Switching to the second step will be performed. That is, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 is reduced even though the rim portion 120 has sufficient room for receiving newly supplied water. In this case, since the cleaning performance in the first step cannot be sufficiently obtained, the cleaning performance of the bowl portion 110 cannot be ensured.

However, in the present embodiment, the first process is continued until the water level in the tank 20 is lowered to the first water level (inlet 331). For this reason, when the flow rate of the water supplied to the toilet main body 10 decreases from the flow rate Q ₁ to the flow rate Q ₁₃ , the first process is continued until a time point later than the time t100 (time t110). As a result, the cleaning performance of the bowl part 110 in the first step is sufficiently ensured.

  Thus, in this embodiment, it is comprised so that the timing which transfers to a 2nd process from a 1st process becomes earlier, so that the flow volume of the water supplied to the rim | limb part 120 in a 1st process is large. That is, the timing of shifting from the first step to the second step (the length of the period of the first step) is not fixed, but is changed according to the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 in the first step. It is configured. With such a configuration, even when the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 fluctuates in the first step, the timing for shifting from the first step to the second step is appropriate according to the variation. To be adjusted.

  In addition, when the water level in the tank 20 drops to the first water level (inlet 331), the timing is automatically adjusted as described above by adopting a configuration in which the transition from the first process to the second process is performed. To be done. Therefore, the timing for shifting from the first step to the second step is appropriately and automatically adjusted without directly measuring the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 in the first step. That is, a device such as a flow meter is not required, and the timing for shifting to the second step is appropriately and automatically adjusted with a simple configuration.

  Subsequently, a flush toilet apparatus FTa according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The flush toilet apparatus FTa differs from the flush toilet apparatus FT in the arrangement and the number of air introduction pipes connected to the throat pipe 320a, but the other configurations are the same as the flush toilet apparatus FT. For this reason, below, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which is common in flush toilet apparatus FT.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, two air introduction pipes (a first air introduction pipe 330a and a second air introduction pipe 340a) are connected to the throat pipe 320a of the flush toilet apparatus FTa. These are all cylindrical tubes arranged along the vertical direction, and the lower ends thereof are connected to the upper surface side of the rising portion 322a of the throat tube 320a.

  The first air introduction pipe 330a has the same shape as the air introduction pipe 330 of the flush toilet apparatus FT and is disposed at the same position. An introduction port 331a is formed at the upper end of the first air introduction pipe 330a, and air or water flowing in from the introduction port 331a can flow into the internal space of the rising portion 322a through the first air introduction pipe 330a. It has a configuration. The position (height) of the inlet 331a is a position where the tank 20a is submerged when the water level of the tank 20a is full, and is higher than the suction port 321a.

  The second air introduction pipe 340a has the same shape as the first air introduction pipe 330a and is connected to a position on the upstream side of the first air introduction pipe 330a in the ascending portion 322a. An introduction port 341a is formed at the upper end of the second air introduction pipe 340a, and air or water flowing in from the introduction port 341a can flow into the internal space of the ascending portion 322a through the second air introduction pipe 340a. It has a configuration. The position (height) of the introduction port 341a is lower than the introduction port 331a and higher than the suction port 321a.

  The flow rate of water supplied as cleaning water to the rim portion 120a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the structure and operation of the jet pump unit 300a, and schematically shows how the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300a is switched. FIG. 12 is a graph showing changes in the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120a.

  FIG. 11A schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300a immediately after the water starts to be supplied to the rim portion 120a. The water level in the tank 20a starts to drop from the full water level, but is higher than the inlet 331a of the first air inlet tube 330a. For this reason, both the inlet 331a and the inlet 341a are submerged.

In the rising part 322a, water flowing from the suction port 321a flows toward the bent part 323a. Due to this water flow, negative pressure acts on the water present in the first air introduction pipe 330a, and the water is drawn into the rising portion 322a. Similarly, negative pressure also acts on the water present in the second air introduction pipe 340a, and the water is drawn into the rising portion 322a. As a result, not only water that flows in from the suction port 321a but also water that flows in from the inlet 331a and the inlet 341a flows inside the ascending portion 322a, so that a large amount of water due to the jet pump action flows into the rim portion 120a. Supplied as wash water. During the period from the start of water injection from the nozzle 310a (time t0) until the water level in the tank 20a decreases to the position of the inlet 331a (first water level) (time t100), Thus, a large flow rate (flow rate: Q ₁ ) of water is supplied to the rim portion 120a.

  As in the case of the flush toilet apparatus FT, when the water level in the tank 20a is lowered to the first water level (position of the inlet 331a), the first process is terminated and the process proceeds to the second process. At this time, the negative pressure due to the water flow is still generated inside the rising portion 322a (near the lower end portion of the first air introduction pipe 330a), but the introduction port 331a appears on the water surface (not submerged). Air, not water, flows in from the inlet 331a. On the other hand, since the inlet 341a is still submerged, water continues to flow from the inlet 341a.

FIG. 11 (B) schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300a at this time. Water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310a, and a water flow is generated by the jet pump action inside the throat pipe 320a, but air from the first air introduction pipe 330a is mixed in the water flow. . Since air mixed in the throat pipe 320a suppresses the jet pump action, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320a is reduced in FIG. That is, the flow rate (flow rate: Q ₂ ) of water supplied to the rim portion 120a is lower than the flow rate (flow rate: Q ₁ ) in the first step.

  Thereafter, when the water level in the tank 20a further decreases to the position of the inlet 341a (time t130), air also flows from the inlet 341a. For this reason, in addition to the air from the first air introduction pipe 330a, the air from the second air introduction pipe 340a also starts to enter the water flow inside the throat pipe 320a.

FIG. 11C schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300a at this time. Water is continuously sprayed from the nozzle 310a, and a water flow is generated by the jet pump action inside the throat pipe 320a, but more air is mixed in the water flow. Since the jet pump action is further suppressed by the mixed air, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320a is further reduced in FIG. That is, the flow rate (flow rate: Q ₃ ) of the water supplied to the rim portion 120a is further lower than the flow rate (flow rate: Q ₂ ) in FIG.

  Thereafter, water is supplied to the rim 120a until the water level in the tank 20a further decreases and reaches the second water level. When the water level in the tank 20a is lowered to the second water level, the second step is completed, and the storage of water in the tank 20a is started by the operation of the flow path switching member 350a.

  As is clear from the above description and FIG. 12, also in this embodiment, the jet pump action is suppressed at the time of switching from the first step to the second step (time t100), and the water supplied to the rim portion 120a. The flow rate decreases rapidly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the jet pump action is suppressed again in the middle of the period in which the second step is performed (time t130), and the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120a is further reduced.

  As described above, in the first step (until time t100), as much flow as possible and constant water is supplied to the rim portion 120a, while in the second step (after time t100), the flow rate is decreased stepwise. I am letting. In other words, the portion in the second step in the graph GT2 (see FIG. 12) showing the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120a is brought close to the line OL by making it stepped. For this reason, it is possible to supply as much water as possible to the rim portion 120a while preventing water from overflowing from the rim portion 120a.

  Note that the number of air introduction pipes is not limited to two, and may be further increased. That is, three or more air introduction pipes may be connected to the throat pipe 320a so that the heights of the upper ends (introduction ports) of the respective air introduction pipes are different from each other. By setting it as such a structure, when reducing the quantity of the water supplied to the rim | limb part 120a in a 2nd process in steps, the number of stages can further be increased. For example, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120a in the second step can be changed almost smoothly as shown in the graph GT3 shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, a flush toilet apparatus FTb according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The flush toilet apparatus FTb is different from the flush toilet apparatus FT in the shape and material of the air introduction pipe connected to the throat pipe 320b, but the other configuration is the same as the flush toilet apparatus FT. For this reason, below, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which is common in flush toilet apparatus FT.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the jet pump unit 300b in the flush toilet apparatus FTb. As shown in FIG. 14A, the air introduction pipe 330b is connected to a position of the rising portion 322b that is substantially in the center along the flow path direction. The air introduction tube 330b is a cylindrical tube formed of a flexible resin. One end of the air introduction pipe 330b is connected to the upper surface side of the ascending part 322, and the internal space of the air introduction pipe 330b and the internal space of the ascending part 322b communicate with each other. An inlet 331b is formed at the other end of the air inlet tube 330b so that air or water flowing from the inlet 331b can flow into the internal space of the ascending portion 322b through the air inlet tube 330b. ing.

  A holding member 360b is attached to the upper surface of the rising portion 322b. The holding member 360b can hold the air introduction tube 330b with the other end of the air introduction tube 330b deformed into an inverted U shape (the end on the introduction port 331b side) facing downward. .

  Further, the height of the inlet 331b when held by the holding member 360b can be adjusted. That is, as shown in FIG. 14A, the air inlet tube 330b can be held so that the inlet 331b is at a relatively high position, while the inlet 331b is compared as shown in FIG. It is possible to hold the air introduction pipe 330b so as to be at a lower position. By changing the height of the introduction port 331b, the timing of shifting from the first step to the second step can be changed.

  The reason why such timing adjustment is possible will be described. The flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120b by the jet pump unit 300b does not strictly conform to the design value due to, for example, a difference in the constant flow rate valve 232b arranged on the upstream side of the nozzle 310b, and is different for each product. May vary. Further, even if water having a flow rate as designed is supplied to the rim portion 120b, the timing at which the water overflows from the rim portion 120b varies depending on the product due to the shape variation of the toilet body 10b. May occur. As a result, depending on the product, the cleaning performance of the bowl portion 110b may be insufficient, or water may overflow from the rim portion 120b.

For example, if the magnitude of the flow rate Q ₁ shown in FIG. 8 has increased due to the machine difference of the constant flow valve 232b, if the first step is continued until time t100, water from the rim portion 120b is removed. It will overflow. Further, when the dotted line OL in FIG. 8 moves downward due to the shape variation of the toilet body 10b, if the first step is continued until time t100, water will overflow from the rim portion 120b. .

  Therefore, when the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120b does not match the design value, the timing of shifting from the first step to the second step is changed by changing the height of the inlet 331b. adjust. Specifically, so as to shift from the first step to the second step immediately before water overflows from the rim portion 120b (so that the height of the inlet 331b is the water level in the tank 20b at this time), The height of the inlet 331b is adjusted for each product. By this adjustment, it is possible to make adjustments and optimize for each product so that the cleaning performance of the bowl 110b and the prevention of water overflow from the rim 120b are balanced. It has become.

  By the way, when the end timing of the second step, that is, the timing at which the supply of water to the rim portion 120b by the action of the jet pump ends (time t200 in FIG. 8) is fixed, The length of the period from (time t0) to the end of the second step (time t200) is always constant. For this reason, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120b during the period changes depending on the height (adjustment amount) of the inlet 331b.

  For example, when it is adjusted so that the timing of shifting from the first step to the second step is advanced (when shifting to the second step at a timing earlier than time t100 in FIG. 8), the first step having a large flow rate. The period of (2) becomes shorter, and the period of the second step with a small flow rate becomes longer. As a result, since the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120b is smaller than that before adjustment, the cleaning performance of the bowl portion 110b may be deteriorated.

  On the contrary, when it is adjusted so that the timing of shifting from the first step to the second step is delayed (when shifting to the second step at a timing later than time t100 in FIG. 8), the first flow rate is large. The period of the process becomes longer and the period of the second process with a small flow rate becomes shorter. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120b is larger than that before adjustment, so that the water level in the tank 20b may drop to the suction port 321b before the bowl portion 110b is completely cleaned. In such a case, the water jetted from the nozzle 310b reaches the rim portion 120b without being amplified by the jet pump action, and is consumed as wasted water that does not contribute to cleaning.

  Therefore, the flush toilet apparatus FTb is configured to change the end timing of the second step based on the height (adjustment amount) of the inlet 331b.

  The end timing of the second step will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a graph showing a change in the flow rate of water supplied from the jet pump unit 300b to the rim portion 120b. The graph GT3 indicated by the solid line in FIGS. 15A and 15B is the time of the flow rate when the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120b changes at the same timing as in FIG. It shows a change. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the flow rate when the process moves to the second process at time t100 and the second process ends at time t200 is shown.

  When the adjustment is made so that the height of the introduction port 331b is lowered, as shown by the dotted line DL1 in FIG. 15A, the timing of shifting from the first process to the second process is delayed (time t100). The process proceeds to the second step at a later time t101). For this reason, the quantity of the water supplied to the rim | limb part 120b in a 1st process increases.

  As already described for the flush toilet apparatus FT, in the present embodiment, the second step is configured to end when the water level in the tank 20b becomes the second water level. For this reason, when the above adjustment is made (the flow rate is large) and the period of the first step becomes long, the timing at which the water level in the tank 20b becomes the second water level is advanced. That is, as indicated by a dotted line DL2 in FIG. 15A, the timing at which the second process is completed is advanced (the second process is completed at time t199 earlier than time t200).

  In this way, the period of the first step becomes longer while the period of the second step becomes shorter. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120b in the period from the start of the first step to the end of the second step is substantially equal to the amount before adjusting the height of the inlet 331b.

  When the adjustment is made so that the height of the introduction port 331b is increased, as indicated by the dotted line DL3 in FIG. 15B, the timing of shifting from the first process to the second process is advanced (time t100). The process proceeds to the second step at an earlier time t99). For this reason, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120b in the first step is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the second step is configured to end when the water level in the tank 20b becomes the second water level. For this reason, when the above adjustment is made (the flow rate is large) and the period of the first step is shortened, the timing at which the water level in the tank 20b becomes the second water level is delayed. That is, as indicated by a dotted line DL4 in FIG. 15B, the timing at which the second step ends is delayed (the second step ends at time t201 later than time t200).

  Thus, the period of the first step is shortened while the period of the second step is lengthened. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120b during the period from the start of the first step to the end of the second step is also substantially equal to the amount before adjusting the height of the inlet 331b.

  As described above, when the height of the inlet 331b is adjusted, the end time of the second step (the length of the period during which the second step is performed) automatically changes based on the adjustment amount. It has a configuration. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent deterioration in cleaning performance and generation of waste water.

  Subsequently, a flush toilet apparatus FTc according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The flush toilet apparatus FTc is different from the flush toilet apparatus FT in that the air introduction pipe 330c is provided with an opening adjustment mechanism, but the other configurations are the same as the flush toilet apparatus FT. For this reason, below, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which is common in flush toilet apparatus FT.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the jet pump unit 300c in the flush toilet apparatus FTc. As shown in FIG. 16 (A), an air introduction pipe 330c is connected to a position of the rising portion 322c that is substantially in the center along the flow path direction. The air introduction tube 330c is a cylindrical tube disposed along the vertical direction. The air introduction pipe 330c has substantially the same shape as the air introduction pipe 330 of the flush toilet apparatus FT, and is disposed at the same position.

  An inlet port 331c is formed at the upper end of the air inlet tube 330c, and air or water flowing in from the inlet port 331c can flow into the internal space of the rising portion 322c through the air inlet tube 330c. Yes. The position (height) of the inlet 331c is a position where the tank 20c is submerged when the water level is full, and is higher than the suction port 321c.

  An opening adjustment mechanism 370c is attached to the air introduction pipe 330c. The opening adjustment mechanism 370c has a handle 371c disposed outside the air introduction pipe 330c and a valve body 372c partially disposed inside the air introduction pipe 330c. When the operator grasps and rotates the handle 371c, the position of the valve body 372c is changed, and the flow passage cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c is changed in the portion.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, when the flow passage cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c is adjusted to be large, the amount of air flowing into the introduction port 331c in the second step, that is, the throat pipe 320c The amount of air mixed in the internal water flow increases. As a result, the amount of suppression of the jet pump action is increased, and the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c in the second process is decreased.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the flow passage cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c is adjusted to be small, the amount of air flowing into the introduction port 331c in the second step, that is, the throat pipe The amount of air mixed into the water flow inside 320c is reduced. As a result, the amount of suppression of the jet pump action is reduced, and the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c in the second step is increased.

  As already described, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c may vary from product to product due to machine differences in the constant flow valve 232c, shape variations in the toilet body 10c, and the like. As a result, after shifting to the second step, the time until the water overflows from the rim portion 120c may vary from product to product.

  Therefore, when the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120c is not as designed, the amount of suppression of the jet pump action is adjusted by changing the cross-sectional area of the air introduction pipe 330c. To do. Specifically, the opening degree is adjusted so that the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c in the second step is a flow rate so that water does not overflow from the rim portion 120c until the second step is completed. The mechanism 370c is operated to adjust the flow path cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c.

  By the adjustment, it is possible to adjust so that water with a flow rate as large as possible is supplied to the rim portion 120c as long as the water does not overflow from the rim portion 120c. In other words, it is possible to adjust and optimize for each product so that ensuring the cleaning performance of the bowl portion 110c and preventing the overflow of the water from the rim portion 120c are balanced. It has become.

  By the way, when the flow passage cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c is increased and adjusted so that the amount of suppression of the jet pump action in the second step is increased (so that the flow rate is reduced), the rim portion 120c is supplied. The amount of water used is less than before adjustment. As a result, the overflow of water from the rim portion 120c is prevented, while the cleaning performance of the bowl portion 110c may be reduced.

  On the other hand, when the flow passage cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c is reduced and adjusted so that the suppression amount of the jet pump action in the second step is reduced (the flow rate is increased), the rim portion 120c The amount of water supplied is greater than before adjustment. As a result, water may overflow from the rim portion 120c in the second step.

  Therefore, the flush toilet apparatus FTc is configured to change the end timing of the second step based on the flow path cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c (adjustment amount by the opening adjustment mechanism 370c).

The end timing of the second step will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a graph showing a change in the flow rate of water supplied from the jet pump unit 300c to the rim portion 120c. A graph GT4 indicated by a solid line in FIGS. 17A and 17B shows a temporal change in the flow rate when the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c is the same as that in FIG. ing. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first step until the time t100 water flow Q ₁ is supplied to the rim portion 120c, the second step rim portion 120c of water flow Q ₂ is in the up to time t200 Shows the time variation of the flow rate in the case of being supplied to

When adjusted to the flow path cross-sectional area of the air inlet pipe 330c is increased is made, as indicated by the dotted line DL5 in Fig. 17 (A), the flow rate in the second step is reduced (from the flow Q ₂ changes to the flow rate Q _21).

  As already described for the flush toilet apparatus FT, in the present embodiment, the second step is configured to end when the water level in the tank 20c becomes the second water level. For this reason, when the above adjustment is made and the flow rate in the second step is reduced, the timing at which the water level in the tank 20c becomes the second water level is delayed. That is, as indicated by the dotted line DL6 in FIG. 17A, the timing at which the second step ends is delayed (it ends at time t202 later than time t200).

  Thus, while the flow rate in the second step is reduced, the period of the second step is increased. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120c in the period from the start of the first step to the end of the second step is substantially the same as the amount before adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c. equal.

When adjusted to the flow path cross-sectional area of the air inlet pipe 330c is increased is made, as indicated by the dotted line DL7 in FIG. 17 (B), the flow rate in the second step is increased (from the flow Q ₂ changes to the flow rate Q _22).

  In the present embodiment, the second step is configured to end when the water level in the tank 20c becomes the second water level. For this reason, when the above adjustment is performed and the flow rate in the second step is increased, the timing at which the water level in the tank 20c becomes the second water level is advanced. That is, as indicated by the dotted line DL8 in FIG. 17B, the timing at which the second step ends is earlier (ends at time t198 earlier than time t200).

  Thus, while the flow rate in the second step is increased, the period of the second step is shortened. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the rim portion 120c in the period from the start of the first step to the end of the second step is substantially the same as the amount before adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c. equal.

  As described above, when the flow path cross-sectional area in the air introduction pipe 330c is adjusted, the end time of the second step (the length of the period during which the second step is performed) is automatically set based on the adjustment amount. It has a configuration that changes. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent deterioration in cleaning performance and generation of waste water.

  Subsequently, a flush toilet apparatus FTd according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the flush toilet apparatus FTd, the tank 20d is arranged at a position higher than the position of the tank 20 shown in FIG. For this reason, when water is supplied from the tank 20d to the rim portion 120d, a siphon action is generated inside the inverted U-shaped throat pipe 320d. That is, the water flow by the head (potential energy) of the water stored in the tank 20d is generated, and the water flow is added to the water flow by the already described jet pump action. The flush toilet apparatus FTd is different from the flush toilet apparatus FT in this respect, but the other configurations are the same as the flush toilet apparatus FT. For this reason, below, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which is common in flush toilet apparatus FT.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the structure and operation of the jet pump unit 300d, and schematically shows how the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300d is switched. FIG. 19 is a graph showing changes in the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120d.

  FIG. 18 (A) schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300d immediately after the water starts to be supplied to the rim portion 120d. The water level in the tank 20d starts to drop from the full water level, but is higher than the inlet 331d of the air inlet pipe 330d. For this reason, the inlet 331d is in a submerged state.

  In the rising portion 322d, water flowing from the suction port 321d flows toward the bent portion 323d. By this water flow, negative pressure acts on the water present in the air introduction pipe 330d, and the water is drawn into the rising portion 322d. As a result, not only water flowing in from the suction port 321d but also water flowing in from the introduction port 331d flows inside the ascending portion 322d. Further, in addition to this, a water flow by a siphon action is also generated inside the throat pipe 320d. For this reason, a large amount of water by the jet pump action and siphon action is supplied to the rim portion 120d as washing water.

  In the period from the start of water injection from the nozzle 310d (time t0) until the water level in the tank 20d decreases to the position of the inlet 331d (first water level) (time t100), As described above, a large flow of water is supplied to the rim portion 120d. However, since the water level in the tank 20d gradually decreases, the water flow due to the jet pump action gradually decreases accordingly. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19, in the first step up to time t100, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120d gradually decreases.

  As in the case of the flush toilet device FT, when the water level in the tank 20d is lowered to the first water level (position of the inlet 331d), the first step is terminated and the process proceeds to the second step. At this time, although the negative pressure due to the water flow is still generated inside the rising portion 322d (near the lower end portion of the air introduction pipe 330d), the introduction port 331d appears on the water surface (not submerged). Air, not water, flows from the port 331d.

  FIG. 18B schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300d at this time. Water is continuously jetted from the nozzle 310d, and a water flow is generated by the jet pump action inside the throat pipe 320a, but air from the air introduction pipe 330d is mixed in the water flow. Since the air mixed in the throat pipe 320d suppresses the jet pump action, the flow rate of water flowing through the throat pipe 320d is reduced. As shown in FIG. 19, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120d is drastically reduced when the process moves from the first process to the second process (time t100).

  Even after air flows from the inlet 331d and the process moves to the second step, the siphon action continues without stopping. As the water level in the tank 20d gradually decreases, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120d gradually decreases even after time t100.

  Air that has flowed into the throat pipe 320d from the inlet 331d floats toward the bent portion 323d and accumulates inside the bent portion 323d (near the top). When a short time elapses from time t100 and time t140 is reached, water (water mass) filling the inside of the throat pipe 320d is divided by the air in the bent portion 323d. As a result, the siphon action stops in the middle of the second step (time t140). Thus, in addition to functioning to suppress the jet pump action in the second step, the air introduction pipe 330d in the present embodiment also functions to stop the siphon action at time t140. As a result of the air introduction pipe 330d having these two functions, the internal structure of the tank 20d is simplified.

  FIG. 18C schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300d at this time. Water is continuously jetted from the nozzle 310d, and only a water flow by a jet pump action is generated inside the throat pipe 320d. In addition to air mixing from the air introduction pipe 330d, the siphon action is stopped, so that the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320d is further reduced. As shown in FIG. 19, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120d rapidly decreases again at time t140 when the siphon action is stopped.

  Thereafter, water is supplied to the rim portion 120d until the water level in the tank 20d further decreases and reaches the second water level. When the water level in the tank 20d is lowered to the second water level, the second step is ended, and the storage of water in the tank 20d is started by the operation of the flow path switching member 350d.

  As is clear from the above description and FIG. 19, also in the present embodiment, the jet pump action is suppressed at the time of switching from the first step to the second step (time t100), and the water supplied to the rim portion 120d. The flow rate decreases rapidly. Further, in the present embodiment, the siphon action is stopped in the middle of the period in which the second step is performed (time t140), and the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120d is rapidly decreased again.

  In the first process, since both the jet pump action and the siphon action occur, a large amount of water is supplied to the rim portion 120d. This ensures high cleaning performance. Moreover, it is comprised so that the siphon effect | action which has arisen until then may stop in time t140 after the time of transfering to a 2nd process. For this reason, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120d (at a large flow rate) is greatly reduced in the second step, thereby reliably preventing the water from overflowing from the rim portion 120d.

  By the way, since the throat pipe 320d has an inverted U shape, even when air is mixed in the descending portion 324d, the air floats toward the bent portion 323d and accumulates at the top of the bent portion 323d. Seems also.

  However, when a siphon action is occurring in the throat pipe 320d, a strong water flow is generated downward in the descending portion 324d. For this reason, when air is mixed in the descending portion 324d, the air may be swept downward by a water flow (with a force stronger than buoyancy) and may not accumulate on the top of the bent portion 323d. As a result, the siphon action may not stop even if air is mixed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the air introduced from the inlet 331d is mixed into the water stream on the upstream side of the descending portion 324d. The introduced air accumulates at the top of the bent portion 323d without being pushed downward, so that the siphon action can be reliably stopped by the air.

  In addition, it is also possible to constitute so that the shift to the second process by the introduction of air from the inlet 331d and the stop of the siphon action can be performed simultaneously. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, when the air introduction tube 330d is disposed on the lower surface of the bent portion 323d, the air introduced from the inlet 331d immediately accumulates at the top of the bent portion 323d, and the siphon action is stopped. . For this reason, the siphon action stops almost simultaneously with the transition to the second step.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the timing (time t100) when the air is introduced from the inlet 331d and the process shifts to the second process is different from the timing (time t140) when the siphon action stops. Yes. The timing at which the siphon action stops is delayed by the amount of time that the air mixed in the water flow in the ascending part 322d moves to the bent part 323d.

  With such a configuration, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120d in the second step decreases stepwise as time passes, as shown in FIG. In other words, the portion in the second step of the graph GT5 (see FIG. 19) showing the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120d is stepped and approaches the line OL. In this way, water is supplied to the rim portion 120d as much as possible while preventing the water from overflowing from the rim portion 120d.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10, 10b: Toilet bowl body 101: Upper surface 110, 110b, 110c: Bowl part 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d: Rim part 130: Water conduit 131: Inlet 132: First water conduit 133: Water discharge part 134: No. Two conduits 135: Water discharge part 140: Drain trap pipe 141: Ascending flow path 142: Downflow path 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d: Tank 201: Upper lid 210: First tank part 211: Bottom wall 212: Opening 213: Front side wall surface 214: Left side wall surface 220: Second tank portion 221: Bottom wall 231: Water supply pipe 232, 232b: Constant flow valve 233: Main valve 234: Pilot valve 235: Vacuum breaker 236: Manual lever 237: Transmission mechanism 238 : Float 239: Connection pipe 240: Bulkhead 241: Opening and closing window 260: Small tank 3 00, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d: jet pump units 310, 310a, 310b, 300c, 310d: nozzles 311, 311a, 311b, 311c, 311d: injection ports 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d: throat pipes 321, 321a, 321b, 321c, 321d: suction port 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d: ascending part 323, 323a, 323b, 323c, 323d: bent part 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d: descending part 330, 330b, 330c, 330d: air introduction pipe 330a: first air introduction pipe 331, 331a, 331b, 331c, 331d: introduction port 340a: second air introduction pipe 341a: introduction port 350, 350a, 350d: flow path switching unit Material 351: Float 352: Switching plate 360b: Holding member 370c: Opening adjustment mechanism 371c: Handle 372c: Valve body FT, FTa, FTb, FTc, FTd: Flush toilet device SW: Drain pipe WT: Seal water

Claims (6)

A flush toilet device for washing the toilet body with wash water,
A toilet body having a bowl portion for receiving filth, a rim portion formed on an upper edge portion of the bowl portion, and a water discharge portion for discharging water so as to swirl and flow along the rim portion;
A tank storing water inside,
A jet pump unit disposed in a state where at least a part of the tank is submerged in water,
The jet pump unit is
A throat pipe having a suction port formed on one end side, the throat pipe disposed so that water flowing into the inside from the suction port is supplied to the water discharge part and discharged from the water discharge part as cleaning water;
A nozzle that induces a jet pump action by injecting high-speed water from the suction port toward the inside of the throat pipe, and
The flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe is increased by the jet pump action to be higher than the flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle, and the increased flow rate of water is supplied to the water discharge part,
In the process until water is supplied from the tank to the water discharge unit by the jet pump unit, thereby the water level in the tank is lowered from the full water level to the position of the suction port.
A first step of supplying a first flow rate of water to the water discharger;
A step that follows the first step, and is configured to perform a second step of supplying water at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate to the water discharger,
A flow path state switching means for switching a flow path state of the jet pump unit so that the jet pump action in the second step is suppressed more than the jet pump action in the first step;
The flow path state switching means is
It has an air introduction part in which an introduction port for introducing air is formed, air is introduced from the introduction port using a negative pressure generated by the water flow, and the water flow generated by the jet pump action By mixing the air, the flow path state of the jet pump unit is switched,
The inlet is
It is formed in a position where it is submerged in the tank during the period in which the first step is being performed, and is not submerged in the tank in the period in which the second step is being performed. Flush toilet device. The throat pipe is disposed at a rising portion extending upward from the suction port, a bending portion disposed on the downstream side of the rising portion, and on a downstream side of the bending portion, and downward from the bending portion. And has a descending part that extends, and is formed so as to have an inverted U shape as a whole,
The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the air introduced from the introduction port is mixed into the water flow generated by the jet pump action at a position upstream of the descending portion. apparatus.   The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the air introduced from the introduction port is mixed into the water flow generated by the jet pump action at a position downstream of the suction port. apparatus. The flow path state switching means has a plurality of the air introduction parts,
The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlets formed in each of the air introduction portions are arranged so that their heights are different from each other.   The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air introduction unit includes a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a height of the introduction port.   The air introduction part has a flow path adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least a part of the flow path cross-sectional area among the flow paths through which the air introduced from the introduction port flows. Item 5. A flush toilet apparatus according to item 1.

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