JP2015067968A - Water closet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water closet device which is configured to supply wash water at a large flow rate to a rim part by utilizing a jet pump action, and prevents overflow of water from the rim part.SOLUTION: A water closet device FT is configured to execute: a first step of feeding water at a first flow rate to water discharge parts 133, 135; a second step of feeding water at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate to the water discharge parts 133, 135; and a third step of feeding water at a third flow rate larger than the second flow rate to the water discharge parts 133, 135; in a process in which water is fed from a tank 20 to the water discharge parts 133, 135 by a jet pump and thus a water level in the tank 20 is lowered from a full water level to the position of a suction port. A flow pass state of a jet pump unit is switched so that a jet pump action in the second step is suppressed more than the first step as well as the third step.

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 easily affected by changes in the water pressure in the water pipe or the water level (potential energy) in the tank. Water having 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 washing water, and is formed at a bowl portion for receiving filth and an upper edge portion of the bowl portion. A toilet body having a rim portion formed, a water discharge portion for discharging water so as to swirl and flow along the rim portion, a tank storing water therein, and at least a part inside the tank A jet pump unit disposed in a submerged state, and the jet pump unit is a tube having a suction port formed on one end side, and water flowing into the interior from the suction port is supplied to the water discharge unit, A throat pipe arranged to be discharged as washing water from the water discharge section, and a nozzle for inducing jet pump action by injecting high-speed water from the suction port toward the inside of the throat pipe. The jet pump action is to increase the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe more than the flow rate of water jetted from the nozzle, and supply the increased flow rate of water to the water discharge part. The water is supplied from the tank to the water discharge unit by the jet pump unit, and in this process, the first flow rate of supplying the first flow rate of water to the water discharge unit in the process until the water level in the tank drops from the full water level to the suction port position A step following the first step, a second step for supplying water at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate to the water discharge unit, a step following the second step, and a second flow rate And a third step of supplying water at a third flow rate larger than that to the water discharge unit. The jet pump action in the second step is more than the jet pump action in the first step and the third step. Also suppress The way, characterized in that it further comprises a flow channel state switching means for switching the flow path condition of the jet pump unit.

  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. Furthermore, after a 2nd process is performed, the 3rd process which supplies the water of a 3rd flow volume larger than a 2nd flow volume to a water discharging part is performed.

  Moreover, the flush toilet apparatus according to the present invention further includes a flow path state switching unit as a unit for changing the flow rate of the water supplied to the water discharger 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 step is suppressed more than the jet pump action in the first step and the third step. 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.

  In the first step, since the flow path state is not switched and the jet pump action is not suppressed, a large flow rate and substantially constant water is supplied from the jet pump unit to the water discharger. 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 the 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.

  Further, in the third step following the second step, the suppression of the jet pump action is released by the flow path state switching means, and the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharger increases from the second flow rate (from the second flow rate to the first flow rate). 3 flow rate). At this time, since a small flow rate of water is supplied to the water discharger in the second step, the water in the rim is prevented from staying after the second step is executed for a predetermined time. That is, as long as the water in the rim portion is suppressed, the swirling water does not immediately overflow from the rim portion to the outside of the toilet even if a large flow rate of water is supplied to the water discharge portion again. This makes it possible to further improve the cleanability of the bowl surface with a large flow of swirling water.

  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 which concerns on this invention, it is also preferable that the time of a 3rd process is set so that it may become shorter than the time of a 1st process at the longest.

  At the start of the third step, the water in the rim portion is suppressed, but at least the water is present, so the overflow timing is earlier than at the start of the first step. In this preferable aspect, since the time of the third step is set shorter than the time of the first step, overflow in the third step can be prevented. Thereby, in the third step, it is possible to improve the cleaning performance while preventing the swirling water from overflowing.

  Moreover, in the flush toilet apparatus which concerns on this invention, it is also preferable that the 3rd flow volume is set so that it may become a flow volume smaller than a 1st flow volume at the maximum.

  At the start of the third step, as a result of the jet pump action being suppressed in the second step, water retention in the rim portion is suppressed, but at least water is present. Therefore, the overflow timing is earlier than that at the start of the first step. In this preferred embodiment, since the flow rate in the third step is set to be smaller than the flow rate in the first step, overflow in the third step can be prevented.

  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, It is possible to provide a flush toilet apparatus capable of preventing a phenomenon in which water overflows from the rim portion while having a configuration in which a large amount of flush water is supplied to the rim portion by utilizing a jet pump action.

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 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 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 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.

  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.

  A flow path state switching unit 330 is provided at a position that is substantially in the center along the flow path direction in the ascending portion 322. In the present embodiment, an air introduction pipe 331 is connected to the rising portion 322 as the flow path state switching means 330. The air introduction pipe 331 is a cylindrical pipe disposed along the vertical direction. The lower end of the air introduction pipe 331 is connected to the upper surface side of the ascending part 322, and the internal space of the air introduction pipe 331 and the internal space of the ascending part 322 communicate with each other. An inlet 332 is formed at the upper end of the air inlet tube 331 so that air or water flowing from the inlet 332 can flow into the internal space of the ascending part 322 through the air inlet tube 331. Yes. The position (height) of the introduction port 332 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. A switching plug 333 is provided at a position substantially at the center of the air introduction pipe 331 so as to prevent air from entering from the introduction port 332. The switching plug 333 is connected to the control unit 334, and the opening / closing is controlled according to the water level measured by the water level sensor 335.

  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 having 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 a 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 is rotated by 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 sprayed 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.

  The 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 jetted 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, the jet pump unit 300, and the flow path state switching means 330 are arranged 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. Although the water level in the tank 20 starts to drop from the full water level, the introduction port 332 of the air introduction pipe 331 is blocked by the switching plug 333.

  Inside the throat pipe 320, not only water ejected from the ejection port 311 of the nozzle 310 but also water drawn from around the suction port 321 flows. As a result, a large amount of water by the jet pump action is supplied to the rim portion 120 as cleaning water.

  After the injection of water from the nozzle 310 is started, the water level in the tank 20 decreases and the water level sensor 335 has a predetermined water level lower than the inlet 332 (the water level at this time is referred to as “first water level” below). In the period until it is detected), a large amount of water is supplied to the rim portion 120 as described above. 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, a negative pressure due to the water flow is generated inside the rising portion 322 (near the lower end portion of the air introduction pipe 331). Furthermore, since the introduction port 332 appears on the water surface (not blocked by the switching plug 333), the control unit 334 opens the switching plug 333, so that air flows from the introduction port 332.

  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 by the jet pump action inside the throat pipe 320, but air flowing from the air introduction pipe 331 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).

  In the second step, after the first step is completed, the water level in the tank 20 is further lowered, and the water level sensor 335 is lower than the first water level and higher than the suction port 321 (the water level at this time is hereinafter referred to as “first level”). This is continued for a period until it is detected as “two water levels”. During this period, the water having a reduced flow rate (suppressing the jet pump action) is supplied to the rim portion 120 as cleaning water.

  When the water level in the tank 20 drops to the second water level, the second step is finished (step S06). At this time, the control unit 334 closes the switching plug 333 again to close the air introduction pipe 331. Thereby, mixing of air from the inlet 332 is stopped.

  FIG. 7C schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300 at this time. Water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310, a water flow is generated near the suction port 321 c by a jet pump action, and air from the air introduction pipe 331 is prevented from being mixed.

  As a result, compared with the state shown in FIG. 7B, the flow rate of the water flowing inside the throat pipe 320 in FIG. Compared to the increase. That is, the flow rate of the water supplied to the rim portion 120 is greater than the flow rate in the second step. In this way, after the second step is completed, the step of supplying water having a flow rate increased from that of the second step to the rim portion 120 as cleaning water (after the suppression of the jet pump action is released) is referred to as “ This is also referred to as “third step” (step SS07). The third step 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 S08 and S09).

  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 rotates to reach the state shown in FIG. Also referred to as “three water levels”. That is, the third 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 third step is completed, water is continuously injected from the nozzle 310 as described above, and water is stored in the tank 20 (step S10). 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 S11 and S12).

  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. Such supply of refilled water is started at any timing when the third 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 supply of refill water is started at the time when the third step is completed, storage of water in the tank 20 and addition of refill water to the rim portion 120 are performed simultaneously (step S13). .

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 (t300) of the third 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. In addition, the time when the second process is switched to the third process, that is, the time when the water level in the tank 20 becomes the second water level is defined as time t200. Further, the time required for the first step is T ₁ and the time required for the third step is T ₂ .

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 ) is abruptly reduced at time t100.

  Also in the third step from time t200 to time 300, the water having a flow rate amplified by the jet pump action reaches the rim portion 120 as in the first step. In the third step, since the air introduction pipe 331 is blocked by the switching plug 333, bubbles are not mixed in the throat pipe 320, and the suppression of the jet pump action performed in the second step is released. It is in the state. As a result, the flow rate of water supplied from the jet pump unit 300 to the rim portion 120 increases from time t200 as a boundary.

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. A line OL ₁ indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 8 overflows water from the rim portion 120 and the flow rate supplied to the rim portion 120 in the first step (when the first step is continued while maintaining the flow rate). It shows the relationship with the 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 lowering as shown by the line OL ₁ in FIG. It becomes the curve.

The dotted line VL ₁ shown in FIG. 8 indicates 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. Is a line. When the first process is continued in this way, the dotted line VL ₁ overlaps the line OL ₁ 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 331 and the control unit so that air is introduced from the introduction port 332 (so that the jet pump action is suppressed) just before the rim portion 120 overflows water. The water level 334 opens the switching plug 333.

  In the first step from time t0 to time t100, the introduction port 332 is submerged in the tank 20 and the switching plug 333 is closed. 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.

  In addition, in the second process from time t100 to time t200, the introduction port 332 is not submerged in the tank 20, and the switching plug 333 is opened. For this reason, the jet pump action is suppressed by the air bubbles mixed from the air introduction pipe 331, and the 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. Thus, the air introduction pipe 331 and the switching plug 333 function 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.

Similarly, in the third step, the relationship between the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120 and the time when the amount of water staying in the rim portion 120 exceeds the limit is indicated by a line OL ₂ in FIG. It becomes a downward sloping curve. The dotted line VL ₂ is a line indicating the flow rate of water supplied to the rim 120 when the third process is continued without being completed at time t300. When the third step is continued in this way, the dotted line VL ₂ overlaps the line OL ₂ at time t320 immediately after time t300. That is, if the supply destination of the water sprayed from the nozzle 310 is not switched, the water will overflow from the rim portion 120 at time t320.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the supply destination of the water jetted from the nozzle 310 by the flow path switching member 350 at a time before the water overflows from the rim portion 120 (time t300 earlier than time t320). Is switched from the rim part 120 to the tank 20 to prevent the water from overflowing from the rim part 120.

Note that at the start of the third step (time t200), although water retention in the rim portion 120 is suppressed, at least the water is present, so the overflow timing is earlier than in the first step. . Therefore, in this embodiment, the overflow in the third process is prevented by setting the time of the third process to be shorter than the time of the first process (T ₁ > T ₂ ). This makes it possible to improve the cleaning performance while preventing the rim portion 120 from overflowing water in the third step.

  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 332 is submerged when the tank 20 is at the full water level, and the water flowing into the descending part 324 from the inlet 332 is supplied to the rim part 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 332 and flowing out to the toilet main body 10 side as it is not during cleaning. .

  Moreover, as a location where air bubbles are mixed into the inside of the throat pipe 320, for example, an aspect that is upstream of the suction port 321 is also conceivable. In this case, the lower end of the air introduction pipe 331 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 331 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 332 of the air introduction pipe 331 is mixed with 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 pipe 331 is prevented from obstructing the flow of water flowing into the throat pipe 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 330, there is a mode in which the flow path state upstream of the suction port 321 in the jet pump unit 300 is changed, thereby suppressing the jet pump action in the second step. Conceivable. 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 330 changes the flow path state downstream of the nozzle 310 and the suction port 321 in the jet pump unit 300 (in the rising portion 322 in the present embodiment). It is configured to switch. 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.

  Moreover, as the flow path state switching means 330, 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, gravity is acting on the water flow flowing downward in the descending portion 324, and the flow rate hardly decreases, for example, when the flow path resistance of the descending portion 324 is slightly increased. 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 330 switches 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. It is configured. 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 330.

  Subsequently, a flush toilet apparatus FTa according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The flush toilet apparatus FTa is different from the flush toilet apparatus FT in the aspect of the flow path state switching means 330a provided in 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.

  FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the configuration of the jet pump unit 300a in the flush toilet apparatus FTa. As shown in FIG. 9 (A), a flow path state switching means 330a is provided at a position that is substantially in the center along the flow path direction in the rising portion 322a of the throat pipe 320a of the flush toilet apparatus FTa. It has been.

  In the present embodiment, an open / close plate 336a is connected to the rising portion 322a as the flow path state switching means 330a. The opening / closing plate 336a is a plate having a substantially L shape, and includes an arc-shaped side surface portion 337a along a side surface of the throat pipe 320a and a bottom surface portion 338a having a substantially U shape. The side surface portion 337a is connected to the rising portion 322a at the upper end, and the control portion 334a rotates the opening / closing plate 336a around the connection point. Further, the bottom surface portion 338a can block a part of the suction port 321a.

  When the water level in the tank 20a is equal to or lower than the first water level, the control unit 334a rotates the opening / closing plate 336a to block a part of the suction port 321a by the bottom surface part 338a, and the water level in the tank 20a is the second water level. When it becomes below, it controls again so that the opening-and-closing plate 336a may be rotated and the suction port 321a may be opened. In the present embodiment, the first water level is a level below the full water level and higher than the suction port 321a, and the second water level is lower than the first water level and higher than the suction port 321a.

  FIG. 9A 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 first water level. For this reason, since the control part 334a does not rotate the opening-and-closing plate 336a, the suction port 321a is in the open state.

  Inside the throat pipe 320a, not only water ejected from the ejection port 311a of the nozzle 310a but also water drawn from the periphery of the suction port 321a flows. As a result, during the period from the start of water injection from the nozzle 310a until the water level in the tank 20a drops to the first water level, a large amount of water is supplied to the rim portion 120a as described above. Is done.

  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, the first step is terminated and the process proceeds to the second step. At this time, the opening / closing plate 336a is rotated by the control unit 334a, and a part of the suction port 321a is blocked by the bottom surface portion 338a.

  FIG. 9B schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300a at this time. Although water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310a, the suction port 321a is blocked, so that the amount of water flow drawn from the suction port 321a by the jet pump action is suppressed. That is, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120a is lower than the flow rate in the first step.

  Thereafter, when the water level in the tank 20a further decreases to the second water level, the control unit 334a rotates the opening / closing plate 336a again, so that the suction port 321a is opened again.

  FIG. 9C schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300a at this time. Since water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310a and a large amount of water is sucked from the suction port 321a by the jet pump action, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320a in FIG. More than the second step. That is, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120a is greater than the flow rate in FIG.

  Thereafter, the water level in the tank 20a is further lowered, and the water is supplied to the rim portion 120a until the water level in the tank 20a reaches the vicinity of the suction port 321a (third water level). When the water level in the tank 20a is lowered to the third water level, the third step is finished, 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. 9, also in this embodiment, the jet pump action is suppressed at the time of switching from the first step to the second step, and the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120a is drastically increased. Get smaller. In the subsequent third step, the suppression of the jet pump action is released, and a large amount of water is again supplied to the rim portion 120a.

  In this way, in the first step, as much flow rate and constant water as possible is supplied to the rim portion 120a, while in the second step, the flow rate is decreased, and in the third step, the flow rate is increased again. Yes. 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.

  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 aspect of the flow path state switching means 330b provided in the throat pipe 320b, 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. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the jet pump unit 300b in the flush toilet apparatus FTb. As shown in FIG. 10A, an opening 325b is provided at a position that is substantially in the center along the flow path direction in the rising portion 322b. The opening 325b is formed at a position where the whole is submerged when the water level in the tank 20b is full. The height of the lower end of the opening 325b is higher than that of the suction port 321b. Further, the ascending portion 222b is further connected to the opening / closing plate 336b on the downstream side of the opening 325b along the flow path direction. The opening / closing plate 336b has a float 339b at the tip, and has a convex portion 340b at a position facing the opening 325b, and the opening 325b can be closed by the convex 340b. .

  FIG. 10A schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300b immediately after water starts to be supplied to the rim portion 120b. Although the water level in the tank 20b starts to drop from the full water level, the float 339b is in a submerged position. Therefore, the opening / closing plate 336b is rotated by the buoyancy received by the float 339b, and is in a state separated from the outer surface of the descending portion 324b. For this reason, the opening 325b is in a submerged position and is not blocked by the convex portion 340b.

  Inside the throat pipe 320b, not only water jetted from the jet port 311b of the nozzle 310b but also water drawn from around the suction port 321b flows. As a result, in the period (first step) from when the injection of water from the nozzle 310b is started until the water level in the tank 20b decreases to the upper end position (first water level) of the opening 325b, As described above, a large flow of water is supplied to the rim portion 120b.

  As in the case of the flush toilet apparatus FT, when the water level in the tank 20b is lowered to the first water level (the position at the upper end of the opening 325b), the first process is terminated and the process proceeds to the second process. At this time, since the float 339b is still submerged, the opening / closing plate 336b is in a floating state, and the opening 325b is not blocked by the projection 340b. However, since the water level is lower than the upper end of the opening 325b, air can flow from the opening 325b.

  FIG. 10B schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300b at this time. Although water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310b and a water flow is generated inside the throat pipe 320b, air from the opening 325b is mixed in the water flow. That is, since air mixed in the throat pipe 320b suppresses the jet pump action, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320b is reduced in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the water level in the tank 20b further decreases to a position (second water level) lower than the float 339b, the opening / closing plate 326b is closed and the opening 325b is closed by the convex portion 340b. .

  FIG. 10C schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300b at this time. Since the opening 325b is closed, air does not enter the throat pipe 320b, and the suppression of the jet pump action is released. Therefore, in FIG.10 (C), the flow volume of the water which flows through the inside of the throat pipe 320b has increased rather than the 2nd process. That is, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120b is greater than the flow rate in FIG.

  Thereafter, the water level in the tank 20b is further lowered, and the water is supplied to the rim portion 120b until the water level in the tank 20b reaches the vicinity of the suction port 321b (third water level). When the water level in the tank 20b drops to the third water level, the third step is finished, and the storage of water in the tank 20b is started by the operation of the flow path switching member 350b.

  As is clear from the above description and FIG. 10, also in the present embodiment, the jet pump action is suppressed at the time of switching from the first step to the second step, and the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120b is abrupt. Get smaller. In the subsequent third step, the suppression of the jet pump action is released, and a large amount of water is again supplied to the rim portion 120b.

  As described above, in the first step, as much flow rate and constant water as possible is supplied to the rim portion 120b, while in the second step, the flow rate is decreased, and in the third step, the flow rate is increased again. Yes. For this reason, it is possible to supply as much water as possible to the rim portion 120b while preventing water from overflowing from the rim portion 120b.

  Subsequently, a flush toilet apparatus FTc according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As in the flush toilet apparatus FT, the flush toilet apparatus FTc is provided with an air introduction pipe 331c at the rising portion 322c of the throat pipe 320c as the flow path state switching means 330c. In addition, a switching plug 333c is provided at a position that is substantially in the center of the air introduction pipe 331c, and opening and closing is controlled by the control unit 334c. Below, the description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which is common in flush toilet apparatus FT.

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

  FIG. 11A schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300c immediately after water starts to be supplied to the rim portion 120c (time t0). Although the water level in the tank 20c starts to decrease from the full water level, the inlet 332c of the air introduction pipe 331c is blocked by the switching plug 333.

Inside the throat pipe 320c, not only water jetted from the jet port 311c of the nozzle 310c but also water drawn from around the suction port 321c flows. As a result, water having a large flow rate (Q _jet + Q _tank1 ) due to the action of the jet pump is supplied to the rim portion 120c as cleaning water.

  After the injection of water from the nozzle 310c is started (time t0), the water level in the tank 20c decreases and the water level sensor 335c detects a predetermined water level (first water level) lower than the inlet 332c. In the period, as described above, a large flow of water is supplied to the rim portion 120c.

  As in the case of the flush toilet apparatus FT, when the water level in the tank 20c decreases to the first water level, the first step is completed (time t100) and the process proceeds to the second step. At this time, a negative pressure due to the water flow is generated inside the rising portion 322c (near the lower end portion of the air introduction pipe 331c). When the control unit 334c opens the switching plug 333c, the introduction port 332c appears on the water surface (not blocked by the switching plug 333c), so that air flows in from the introduction port 332c due to negative pressure. .

  FIG. 11B schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300c at this time (time t100). Water is continuously jetted from the nozzle 310c, and a water flow is generated by the jet pump action inside the throat pipe 320c, but air from the air introduction pipe 331c is mixed in the water flow.

As a result, compared with the state shown in FIG. 11A, the air mixed in the throat pipe 320c suppresses the jet pump action, so that the water flowing inside the throat pipe 320c in FIG. The flow rate is low. That is, the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c (Q _jet + Q _tank2 ) is lower than the flow rate (Q _jet + Q _tank1 ) in the first step.

  Similarly to the case of the flush toilet device FT, when the water level in the tank 20c further decreases and reaches the second water level (time t200), the control unit 334c again controls the switching plug 333c to control the air introduction pipe. A part of 331c is closed.

  FIG. 11C schematically shows the flow path state of the jet pump unit 300c at this time. Water is continuously ejected from the nozzle 310c, and a negative pressure is generated in the rising portion 322c (near the lower end portion of the air introduction pipe 331c) due to the water flow. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the case of the flush toilet apparatus FT, in the third step, since the air introduction pipe 331c is only partially closed, air still flows from the air introduction pipe 331c due to negative pressure. ing.

As a result, compared with the state shown in FIG. 11B, the suppression of the jet pump action is eased, and in FIG. 11C, the flow rate of water flowing through the throat pipe 320c (Q _jet + Q _tank3 ) is the first. Compared to the flow rate in the two processes (Q _jet + Q _tank2 ). However, when compared with the state shown in FIG. 11A, since the jet pump action is suppressed due to the mixing of air, the flow rate of water flowing inside the throat pipe 320c in FIG. 11A. (Q _jet + Q _{tank 3} ) is at most smaller than the flow rate (Q _jet + Q _{tank 1} ) in the first step. As described above, in the third step in the present embodiment, water having a flow rate smaller than that in the first step and larger than that in the second step is supplied to the rim portion 120c.

  The third step is continued until the water level in the tank 20c is further lowered and the flow path switching member 350c is in the state shown in FIG. 4B, as in the case of the flush toilet device FT.

  Thus, at the start of the third step, as a result of the jet pump action being suppressed in the second step, water retention in the rim portion is suppressed, but at least water is present. Therefore, the overflow timing is earlier than at the start of the first process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the overflow in the third step can be prevented by setting the flow rate in the third step to be smaller than the flow rate in the first step.

  As is clear from the above description and FIG. 11, also in the present embodiment, the jet pump action is suppressed at the time of switching from the first step to the second step, and the flow rate of water supplied to the rim portion 120c is abrupt. Get smaller. In the subsequent third step, the suppression of the jet pump action is eased, and a large flow of water is again supplied to the rim portion 120c.

  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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toilet bowl main body 20,20a, 20b, 20c Tank 110 Bowl part 120,120a, 120b, 120c Rim part 130 Water conveyance path 131 Inlet 132 First water conveyance path 133 Water discharge part 134 Second water supply path 135 Water discharge part 140 Drain trap pipe 141 Ascending flow path 142 Downflow path 201 Upper lid 210 First tank portion 211 Bottom wall 212 Opening 213 Front wall surface 214 Left side wall surface 220 Second tank portion 221 Bottom wall 222b Ascending portion 231 Water supply pipe 232 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 Open / close window 260 Small tank 300, 300a, 300b, 300c Jet pump units 310, 310a, 310b, 310c Nozzles 311, 311a, 3 1b, 311c Injecting port 320, 320a, 320b, 320c Throat tube 321, 321a, 321b, 321c Suction port 322, 322a, 322b, 322c Ascending portion 323 Bending portion 324, 324b Lowering portion 325b Opening portion 326b Opening / closing plate 330, 330a, 330b Flow path state switching means 331, 331c Air inlet pipe 332, 332c Inlet port 333, 333c Switching plug 334, 334a, 334c Control unit 335, 335c Water level sensor 336a, 336b Open / close plate 337a Side surface portion 338a Bottom surface portion 339b Float 340b Convex portion 350, 350a, 350b, 350c Flow path switching member 351 Float 352 Switching plate AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4 Arrow FT, FTa, FTb, FTc Flush toilet device SW Drain pipe WT Sealed water

Claims (3)

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 second step following the first step, the second step supplying water at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate to the water discharger;
A step that follows the second step, and is configured to perform a third step of supplying water at a third flow rate greater than the second 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 and the third step. A flush toilet device characterized by comprising.   The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time of the third step is set to be shorter than the time of the first step at the longest.   The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third flow rate is set to be a flow rate smaller than the first flow rate at the maximum.

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