Patent Publication Number: US-9890527-B2

Title: Operating device, flush water tank device, and flush toilet

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an operating device; a flush water tank device; and a flush toilet, and more particularly relates to an operating device for a flush water tank device including a flush water tank storing flush water and a discharge valve disposed in the flush water tank; a flush water tank device and a flush toilet. 
     BACKGROUND 
     For some time, known flush water tank device operating devices for starting the supply of flush water to a toilet by operating to start the opening of a discharge valve on a flush water tank device for supplying flush water to a toilet have included those in which, as noted for example in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2014-190131), in a discharge valve device for opening and closing a discharge port on a flush water tank by up and down movement (“direct-drive discharge valve device”), the amount of up and down movement of the discharge valve body is controlled by controlling the amount of movement of an operating wire, for example the amount by which an operating wire connected to a discharge valve body is pulled up (or the amount by which the operating wire is wound). 
     Such a conventional operating device for a flush water tank device noted in Patent Document 1 comprises an operating portion such as an operating handle or the like which can be rotationally operated by a user, and a pulley for winding up an operating wire in tandem with the rotational movement of this operating portion. Also, the operating portion and pulley are mutually constantly linked, irrespective of operating state, and the amount of flush water supplied from the flush water tank device to the toilet is determined by the time from the start of the discharge valve opening operation by rotating the operating portion and pulley at an initial position so that the operating wire is wound in, until the discharge valve body drops with the descent of the water level inside the flush water tank to close the valve, i.e., the operating time from the start to end of the operation by the operating portion (operating portion operating time), or by the amount of time the discharge valve body is open (the discharge valve body valve opening time). 
     Hence, for example, the longer the time during which the operating handle and pulley are maintained in a rotated state, the operating wire is maintained in a wound state, and the discharge valve body is maintained in a pulled up state, the longer the operating portion operating time or discharge valve body opening time will extend, and the greater the amount of flush water supplied from the flush water tank device to the toilet. 
     In recent years, on the other hand, due to water conservation in toilet flushing, the amount of flush water usable for a toilet flush has been reduced, for example, to a regulation amount of 3.8 L, but depending on the length of the operating portion operating time, the discharge valve opening time may be longer than the valve opening time over which toilet flushing can be sustained within the regulated flush water amount, making it difficult to flush the toilet while controlling the flush water amount to within the regulated amount. Also, in the above-described conventional flush water tank device operating device, wherein the operating portion and the pulley are mutually constantly linked regardless of operating state, or the operating portion is operated manually, there are limits in the degree to which the operating portion operating time can be shortened, leading to a problem of poor operability and usability. 
     In addition, in an operating device for a flush water tank device, a rotary operation to raise an operating portion or a rotary operation to push down an operating portion are conventionally performed at the start of each toilet flush to wind the operating wire onto a pulley rotating in a predetermined valve opening direction and open a discharge valve body, and thereafter the operating wire is unwound by rotating in a predetermined valve closing direction, thereby closing the discharge valve body. 
     In particular, the operating portion after the discharge valve body has been fully opened is arranged to return by gravity alone to an initial position at which the next discharge valve opening operation can be started, but if the operating portion returns slowly at a relatively low speed, the rubbing resistance of the rotary shaft linked to the operating portion or the pulley and resistance of other related functional parts may be very influential, such that the operating portion will not necessarily be restored correctly to its initial position. This then becomes an obstacle to maintaining the operating performance of an operating device capable of accurately operating in each repeated toilet flushing. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention was therefore undertaken to solve the above-described problems with the conventional art, and has the object of providing an operating device for a flush water tank device capable of quickly and accurately restoring an operating portion to an initial position each time a series of toilet flush operations is completed. 
     In order to accomplish the object above, the present invention is an operating device for a flush water tank device including a flush water tank storing flush water to be supplied to a toilet and a discharge valve disposed in the flush water tank, the operating device comprising: a rotary shaft extending from an inside to an outside of the flush water tank; an operating portion configured to rotate the rotary shaft, the operating portion being attached to an outside end of the rotary shaft positioned on the outside of the flush water tank; a linking member including one end and other end, the one end being linked to the discharge valve; and a drive unit attached to an inside end of the rotary shaft positioned on the inside of the flush water tank so as to be linked to the other end of the linking member, the drive unit being configured to drive the discharge valve by a rotary operation of the operating portion so as to move the linking member from a first operating position to a second operating position, the first operating position corresponding to a closed position of the discharge valve, and the second operating position corresponding to a fully open position of the discharge valve; wherein the drive unit includes: a rotary portion fixed to the rotary shaft, the rotary portion being configured to rotate with the rotary shaft; a rotary windup member to which the other end of the linking member is linked, the rotary windup member being configured to engage the rotary portion so as to rotate together with the rotary portion from the first operating position to the second operating position when the rotary shaft and the rotary portion are rotating in a direction of opening the discharge valve in order to wind up a predetermined amount of the linking member; a locking device configured to mutually lock the rotary portion and the rotary windup member until the rotary windup member rotates from the first operating position and reaches the second operating position; a lock release device configured to release a lock between the rotary portion and the rotary windup member so as to turn the rotary windup member from the second operating position to the first operating position regardless of operating the operating portion when the rotary portion and the rotary windup member respectively rotate from the first operating position and reaches the second operating position; and an initial position restoration biasing device configured to bias the rotary portion so as to restore the rotary portion to the first operating position when the rotary portion reaches the second operating position. 
     According to the invention thus constituted, at the start of supply of flush water to the toilet by an operation opening the discharge valve on the flush water tank device supplying flush water to the toilet, when the operating portion for operating a toilet flush is rotated from a first operating position corresponding to the discharge valve closed position to a second operating position corresponding to the discharge valve fully open position, the rotary shaft rotates along with this operating portion in the valve closing direction, closing the discharge valve, and along with this rotary shaft, the drive unit rotary portion rotates as one piece from the first operating position to the second operating position. 
     At this point, because the drive unit rotary windup member is locked by the locking device to the rotary portion, the rotary windup member also rotates together with the rotary portion from a first operating position in a predetermined valve opening direction until reaching a second operating position. Therefore winding by the rotary windup member of the linking member linking the discharge valve and the drive unit rotary windup member causes the discharge valve to move in the valve opening direction from a valve closed position, so that flush water is supplied from the flush water tank to the toilet. 
     When the rotary portion and the rotary windup member respectively rotate from the first operating position in their respective predetermined valve opening directions and reach the second operating position, and the linking member linking the discharge valve and the drive unit rotary windup member is wound up by a predetermined amount by the rotary windup member, the discharge valve moves a distance equal to a predetermined amount of this wound linking member, from the valve closed position to the fully open position. Simultaneously, a lock release device releases the lock between the rotary portion and the rotary windup member, and the rotary windup member rotates in a predetermined valve closing direction opposite the predetermined valve opening direction to move to the first operating position, regardless of any operation by the operating portion. 
     I.e., when the discharge valve opening operation is started and the discharge valve moves temporarily to a fully open position, at least the rotary windup member and the linking member promptly move to the first operating position so the discharge valve can close the discharge valve, thereby enabling a toilet flush in which the amount of flush water supplied from the flush water tank to the toilet in each toilet flush is controlled to a specified amount. 
     Also, the time from the start of the discharge valve opening operation until valve closing (the discharge valve opening time) can be shortened by the lock release device and the specified amount of flush water required for toilet flushing can also be set relatively low, therefore toilet flush water can be conserved. 
     In addition, when the rotary portion reaches the second operating position together with rotary windup member, it can also be securely restored, by the biasing force from a biasing device for applying bias, to the initial position at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started. 
     As a result of the above, the operating portion and the rotary portion can respectively both be quickly and securely returned to a position at which the flush toilet operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) each time a sequence of toilet flush operations is completed. 
     In the present invention, preferably, wherein the drive unit rotary portion includes a drive-side rotary portion fixed to the rotary shaft, and a slave-side rotary portion configured to follow a drive of the drive-side rotary portion; and wherein the initial position restoration biasing device is disposed on at least either the drive-side rotary portion or the slave-side rotary portion. 
     According to the invention thus constituted, when the drive-side rotary portion reaches the second operating position together with the rotary windup member, at least the drive-side rotary portion is securely restored to a position at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started. 
     As a result of the above, the operating portion and the rotary portion can respectively both be quickly and securely returned to a position at which the flush toilet operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) each time a sequence of toilet flush operations is completed. 
     In the present invention, preferably, wherein the drive-side rotary portion includes a drive-side rotary member fixed to the rotary shaft, and the slave-side rotary portion includes a first slave-side rotary member configured to engage the drive-side rotary member, and a second slave-side rotary member configured to engage the first slave-side rotary member; and wherein the initial position restoration biasing device is disposed on the second slave-side rotary member. 
     According to the invention thus constituted, when the drive-side rotary portion reaches the second operating position together with the rotary windup member, the slave-side rotary member is securely restored to a position at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started. 
     Simultaneously, the first slave-side rotary member which engages the second slave-side rotary member and the drive-side rotary member which engages this first slave-side rotary member can also be respectively securely restored to initial position at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started. 
     As a result of the above, the operating portion, the drive-side rotary member, the first slave-side rotary member, and the second drive-side rotary member can respectively each be quickly and securely returned to a position at which the flush toilet operation (the discharge valve opening operation) can be started in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve opening operation) each time a sequence of toilet flush operations is completed. 
     Furthermore, using the drive-side rotary member, the first slave-side rotary member engageable with this drive-side rotary member, and the second slave-side rotary member engageable with this first slave-side rotary member enable each rotary member to be disposed in mutually offset positions within the same plane. Therefore compared to a structure in which each rotary member is mutually disposed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft in the drive unit, space for the drive unit in the axial direction of the rotary shaft can be reduced, and interference with internal equipment, etc. inside the flush water tank disposed in the axial direction of the drive unit rotary shaft can be prevented. 
     The present invention is a flush water tank device comprising the above operating device. 
     The invention thus constituted provides a flush water tank device in which the flush water tank device operating portion can be quickly and securely restored to an initial position at which a toilet flush operation (discharge valve opening operation) can be started, in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (discharge valve opening operation) after the end of each sequence of toilet flush operations. 
     In addition, the present invention is preferably a flush toilet comprising the above flush water tank device. 
     The invention thus constituted provides a toilet in which the flush water tank device operating portion can be quickly and securely restored to an initial position at which a toilet flush operation (discharge valve opening operation) can be started, in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (discharge valve opening operation) after the end of each sequence of toilet flush operations. 
     According to the operating device for the flush water tank device of the present invention, the operating portion can be quickly and securely restored to an initial position each time a sequence of toilet flush operations is completed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the toilet seat and toilet lid removed in a flush toilet to which a flush water tank device including an operating device according to an embodiment of the invention is applied. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation cross section showing the internal structure of the flush water tank device including the operating device for the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing the operating device for the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view cross section showing an operating device for the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional diagram along line V-V in  FIG. 3 , showing the standby state before start of operation and after completion of operation, whereby in the operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention, the discharge valve main body is in a closed state. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the operating state when a discharge valve main unit is in the midst of opening, in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the operating state when a discharge valve main unit has fully opened, in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective seen from the axial direction inner side (front side) of the drive unit drive-side rotary member and rotary windup member in an operating device for the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective seen from the axial direction outer side (rear side) of the drive unit drive-side rotary member and rotary windup member, respectively, in an operating device for the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional diagram along line X-X in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is a cross section along line XI-XI in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional diagram similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the state in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention in which the lock between the drive unit drive-side rotary member and the rotary windup member is released and only the rotary windup member is restored to the standby state. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional diagram similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the state immediately before a locking projection portion passes over a locking projection on the rotary windup member side after the lock between the drive unit drive-side rotary member and the rotary windup member is released and only the rotary windup member is restored to a standby state in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a simplified perspective view seen from the axial direction outer side (rear surface side) of a return spring assembled onto the second gear of the drive unit in a conduit for the flush water tank device according to the embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Below, referring to the attached figures, an operating device for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention, a flush water tank device including this operating device, and a flush toilet including this flush water tank device are explained. 
     First, referring to  FIG. 1 , a flush toilet is explained, to which a flush water tank device including a flush water tank device operating device according to an embodiment of the invention is applied. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the toilet seat and toilet lid removed, in a flush toilet to which a flush water tank device is applied, the latter comprising an operating device for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the operating device  1  for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention is disposed on a flush water tank device  2  in which flush water for toilet flushing is stored, and performs an operation in which flush water is supplied from this flush water tank device  2  to a flush toilet  4  to start a toilet flush. 
     First, the flush toilet  4 , to which is applied the flush water tank device  2 , on which the operating device  1  is mounted, is a water-conserving siphon-type flush toilet flushed, for example, with 3.8 liters to 5.2 liters of flush water, and comprising a ceramic toilet main body  6 . A bowl portion  8  and a trap pipe (not shown) communicating with the bottom portion of this bowl portion  8  are respectively formed on this toilet main body  6 . 
     An inward-overhanging rim  10  and a spout port  12  for spouting flush water supplied from a conduit (not shown) formed within the rear side of the toilet main body  6  are formed on the top edge portion of the bowl portion  8  of the toilet main body  6 , and flush water spouted from this spout port  12  drops down as it circulates, flushing the bowl portion  8 . 
     Moreover, a flush water tank device  2  for storing flush water supplied to the toilet main body  6  is disposed on the top surface at the rear side of the toilet main body  6 . 
     Note that in the present embodiment an example is explained, in which a flush water tank device  2  is applied to what is known as a siphon-type of flush toilet  4 , wherein a siphon action is utilized to draw in waste in the bowl portion  8  and discharge all at once from a discharge trap pipe (not shown), but the invention is not limited to this type of siphon flush toilet, and may also be applied to other types of flush toilet such as a wash-down type of flush toilet, in which waste is pushed out by the flow action caused by the water drop inside the bowl portion. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 2 , the internal structure of the flush water tank device  2  is explained. 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevation cross section showing the internal structure of a flush water tank device including an operating device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the flush water tank device  2  includes a storage tank  14  for storing flush water to flush the flush toilet  4 ; a discharge path  18  communicating with a conduit  16  on the toilet main body  6  is formed at the bottom portion  14   a  of this storage tank  14 , and flush water in the storage tank  14  is supplied to the toilet main body  6  conduit  16 . The amount of flush water stored by the storage tank  14  varies depending on toilet type. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a water supply device  20  for supplying flush water into this storage tank  14  and a discharge valve device  22  for allowing flush water in the storage tank  14  to flow out to the toilet main body  6  conduit  16  by opening the discharge port  18   a  formed on the top edge portion of the discharge path  18  are disposed within the storage tank  14  on the flush water tank device  2 . 
     The water supply device  20  includes: a water supply pipe  24  connected to an external water supply source (not shown) and extending upward from the bottom portion of the storage tank  14 , a water supply valve  26 , attached to the top edge portion of this water supply pipe  24 , for switching between spouting and shutting off flush water supplied from the water supply pipe  24  into the storage tank  14 , and a float  28 , which moves up and down with fluctuations in the water level inside the storage tank  14  and switches between spouting and shutting off water by the water supply valve  26 . 
     A spout port  30  is opened on the outer circumference-side bottom end portion of the water supply pipe  24 , and flush water from the water supply valve  26  is spouted into the storage tank  14  from this spout port  30 . 
     The water supply device  20  includes a refill pipe  32  connected to the water supply valve  26 ; at the downstream end portion of this refill pipe  32 , a portion of the refill pipe  32  is affixed to a predetermined location on the overflow pipe  34  or in the storage tank  14  so as to be positioned close to the top end opening on the overflow pipe  34  of the discharge valve device  22 . 
     The discharge valve device  22  causes an amount of flush water in the storage tank  14  corresponding to the difference between the predetermined water level during a flush and the stop water level (or dead water level) DWL below that to be discharged to the toilet; in the water supply device  20 , the flush water level falls and the float  28  drops; this causes the water supply valve  26  to open so that spouting from the spout port  30  starts and spouting into the storage tank  14  from a supply source (not shown) outside the flush water tank device  2  is started. 
     In addition, when spouting is continued and the water level inside the storage tank  14  rises, the float  28  rises so that the water supply valve  26  closes, and spouting from the spout port  30  is shut off. The flush water level inside the storage tank  14  is by this means maintained at a predetermined water level WL when full. 
     Next, the discharge valve device  22  is a direct drive-type of discharge valve device including a discharge valve main body  36  for opening and closing a discharge port  18   a  by rising and falling. This direct drive type discharge valve device  22  has the same constitution as a conventional discharge valve device, so a specific explanation thereof is here omitted, but one end portion  38   a  of the operating device  1  operating wire  38 , described in detail below, is linked to the top end portion  36   a  of the discharge valve main body  36 , and the other end portion  38   b  of the operating wire  38  is linked to a part of the operating device  1  drive unit  40 , described in detail below. 
     The amount by which the operating wire  38  moves corresponds to the amount of movement up or down by the valve body  42  at the bottom end portion of the discharge valve main body  36 ; when the operating handle  44 , being the operating portion for the operating device  1  toilet flushing operation described in detail below, is driven by a drive unit  40  as the result of a user turning the operating handle  44 , the operating wire  38  pulled up, thereby pulling up the valve body  42  and opening the discharge port  18   a  for a predetermined time, so that a fixed amount of flush water in the storage tank  14  is discharged from the discharge port  18   a  through the discharge path  18  to the toilet main body  6  conduit  16  to perform a toilet flush. 
       FIG. 2  shows by a solid line the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42 , in which the discharge port  18   a  is in a closed state at valve closed position H 1 . The discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  with the discharge port  18  an opened at a valve mid-opening position H 2  above valve closed position H 1 , and the discharge valve main body  36  bead chain  52  with the discharge port  18  an opened at the highest valve open position (fully open position) H 3 , which is above the valve mid-opening position H 2  and fully open, are respectively shown by dot-and-dash lines. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 2 through 4 , an operating device for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention is explained in detail. 
     First,  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing an operating device for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention, and  FIG. 4  is a plan view cross section showing an operating device for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 through 4 , the operating device  1  according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a rotary shaft  46 , which extends so as to penetrate from the inside to the outside of the storage tank  14 ; this rotary shaft  46  is inserted into an attaching hole  14   c  formed to penetrate horizontally into the side wall portion  14   b  to the left and above as seen from the toilet front on the outside of the storage tank  14 , and is rotatably attached. 
     An operating handle  44  is affixed and attached to the outside end portion  46   a  of the rotary shaft  46  positioned outside the storage tank  14 , and this operating handle  44  is disposed on the left side portion of the storage tank  14  as seen from the front side of the toilet. By the gripping portion  44   a  extending downward from the operating handle  44  and pulling it toward the front as seen from the front side of the flush water tank device  2  and causing the operating handle  44  to rotate in the forward direction α, which is the predetermined valve opening direction, the rotary shaft  46  is able to rotate about the center axial line A 1  of the rotary shaft  46  as one piece with the operating handle  44  and thereby function as a “pull-type operating handle.” 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the operating device  1  comprises a support member  48 , placed between the operating handle  44  and the attaching hole  14   c  on the storage tank  14  side wall portion  14   b  for rotatably supporting the rotary shaft  46 , and fasteners  52 ,  54 , for affixing this support member  48  and the drive unit  40  casing  50 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the drive unit  40  comprises a casing  50  and a cover member  56 , attached so as to cover this casing  50 . A rotary member  58  on the drive side (details described below), being a rotary portion affixed to the rotary shaft  46 , and a rotary windup member  60  (details described below) are provided as an internal structure disposed between this casing  50  and the cover member  56 , and the other end portion  38   b  of the operating wire  38  extending from the tube  62  is linked to a part of this rotary windup member  60  (details described below). 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a locking projection  64  (details below) and a thin plate spring  66  (details below), being a locking device mounted on the rotary windup member  60  for locking the rotary windup member  60  to the rotary member  58 , are disposed as an internal structure of the drive unit  40 , and a return spring  68  (details below) is disposed on the rear surface side of the rotary windup member  60 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a first gear  70  (details below), being a drive-side rotary member attached to the drive-side rotary member  58  and affixed to the rotary shaft  46 , a second gear  72  (details below), being a first slave-side rotary member capable of engaging with this first gear  70 , and a third gear  74  (details below), being a second slave-side rotary member capable of engaging with this second gear  72 , are provided as an internal structure of the drive unit  40 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a return spring  76  (details below) is placed on the axial direction rear surface side of the large gear  74   a  on the third gear  74 . 
     Next,  FIG. 5  is a cross sectional diagram along line V-V in  FIG. 3 , showing the standby state before start of operation and after completion of operation, whereby in the operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention, the discharge valve main body is in a closed state;  FIG. 6  is a cross section similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the operating state when a discharge valve main unit is in the midst of opening, in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention;  FIG. 7  is a cross section similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the operating state when the discharge valve main unit has fully opened, in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 through 5 , the drive unit  40  on the operating device  1  is attached to the inside end portion  46   b  of the rotary shaft  46  positioned on the inside of the storage tank  14 , and to the inside end portion of the support member  48 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIGS. 5 through 7 , with respect to the operating wire  38 , the drive unit  40 , by the rotary operation of the operating handle  44 , is able to move from the standby state operating position P 1  prior to start of operation, which corresponds to the valve closed position H 1  (see  FIG. 2 ) on the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42 —i.e., from the initial position P 1  at which a toilet flush operation can be started—through operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) corresponding to the valve mid-opening position P 2  on the valve body  42  of the discharge valve main body  36 , then to an operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) corresponding to the fully open position H 3  (see  FIG. 2 ) on the valve body  42  of the discharge valve main body  36 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 , the drive unit  40  rotary member  58  is built into the casing  50  and the cover member  56  and is affixed to the inside end portion  46   b  of the rotary shaft  46 . 
     Note that in this embodiment, a form is explained, in which the rotary shaft  46  and the rotary member  58  are separate members, but both  46  and  58  may be a single piece integrated member. 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 , the drive unit  40  rotary windup member  60  is a pulley, attached to be rotatable about the center axial line A 1  relative to the rotary member  58 , with the other end portion  38   b  of the operating wire  38  linked thereto, so that rotating it in the forward rotational direction α (the clockwise (right rotation) direction as seen in the plan view shown in  FIG. 6 ) results in a predetermined amount of the operating wire  38  being wound. 
     This rotary member  58  and rotary windup member  60  can be moved by rotary operation of the operating handle  44  from the operating position P 1  in the standby state prior to start of operation (see  FIG. 5 ) through midway operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) to operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 78 ). 
     Next,  FIG. 8  is a perspective view seen from the axial direction inner side (front side) of the drive unit drive-side rotary member and rotary windup member, respectively, in an operating device for a flush water tank device according to a first embodiment of the invention;  FIG. 9  is a perspective view seen from the axial direction outer side (rear side) of the drive unit drive-side rotary member and rotary windup member, respectively, in an operating device for a flush water tank device according to a first embodiment of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 through 9 , the operating wire  38  is made of a metal such as stainless steel, and can be passed through the flexible tube  62  and slide relative to this tube  62 . 
     Also, one end portion  62   a  of the tube  62  is connected to the top end portion of the exterior casing  22   a  on the discharge valve device  22  (see  FIG. 2 ) and affixed; the other end portion  62   b  of the tube  62  is connected to the tube connecting portions  50   a ,  56   a  (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) disposed at the bottom of the side wall portion of the casing  50  and the cover member  56  and affixed. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 5 through 9 , the other end portion  38   b  of the operating wire  38  extending to the outside from the other end portion  62   b  of the tube  62  is formed in a projecting shape, and is inserted and fit into an attaching hole  60   a  for the operating wire, disposed close to the front end portion in the forward rotational direction α on the outer circumferential portion of the approximately fan-shaped rotary windup member  60 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , on the outer circumferential portion of the rotary windup member  60 , a guide channel  60   b  is formed along the circumferential direction to guide the operating wire  38  along the circumferential direction. When the rotary windup member  60  is moved together with the rotary member  58  by the rotary operation of the operating handle  44  from the standby state operating position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) through the midway operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 26 ) to the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the operating wire  38  is wound by a predetermined winding amount along the guide channel  60   b  and moves relative to the tube  62 , to that extent raising the valve main body  36  valve body  42  by a predetermined amount. 
     For example, if the operating wire  38  is wound by a maximum winding amount L 1  by the rotary windup member  60 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  rises to the maximum valve opening position (fully open position) H 3 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Note that the rotary member  58  and rotary windup member  60  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are shown in a mutually locked state; the rotary member  58  and rotary windup member  60  shown in  FIG. 7  are shown in a state immediately prior to releasing the mutual lock. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the thin plate spring  66  comprises: at one end an affixing end portion  66   a , affixed to the rear surface  60   c  of the rotary windup member  60 , and at the other end a free end portion  66   b  to which the locking projection  64  is attached. 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 4 through 9 , an attaching hole  60   d  for a locking projection 
     Here, with the locking projection  64  inserted into the attaching hole  60   d , from the free end portion  66   b  of the thin plate spring  66  relative to the locking projection  64 , a biasing force F 1  (see  FIG. 9 ) is constantly acting in the axial direction from the rear surface side toward the front side of the rotary windup member  60 . Thus until the rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60  rotates in the forward rotational direction α from the operating position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) through the operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) and reaches the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the front end portion  62   a  of the locking projection  64  is caused by the biasing force F 1  to project from the rotary windup member  60  attaching hole  60   d.    
     Next, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 9 , the rotary member  58  comprises a locking projecting portion  58   a  formed to project radially outward from a portion of the outer circumferential portion thereof. 
     With the tip portion  64   a  of the locking projection  64  projecting from the rotary windup member  60  attaching hole  60   d , contact by the front end portion in the forward rotational direction ax of the projecting portion  58   a  for locking the rotary member  58  with the back end side of the tip portion  64   a  of the locking projection  64  results in mutual locking of the rotary windup member  60  and the rotary member  58 . 
     Next,  FIG. 10  is a cross sectional diagram along line X-X in  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 11  is a cross sectional diagram along line XI-XI in  FIG. 7 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7, 10, and 11 , a lock release projecting portion  50   b  is placed in the casing  50 , for releasing the lock between the rotary windup member  60  and the rotary member  58  by engaging with the locking projection  64  when the rotary windup member  60  reaches operating position P 3 . 
     When the rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60  rotate in the forward rotational direction α from operating position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) through operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) and reach operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the sloped surface  64   b  on the forward rotational direction α front side of the tip portion  64   a  on the locking projection  64 , by contacting the sloped surface  50   c  at the lower side and rear side of the lock release projecting portion  50   b  and the  60  as shown in  FIG. 11 , causes the locking projection  64  to be pushed downward by the lock release projecting portion  50   b.    
     At this point, at the locking projection  64  the downward pressing force F 2  shown in  FIG. 11  from the lock release projecting portion  50   b  exceeds the upward biasing force F 1  shown in  FIG. 11  from the thin plate spring  66 , therefore the locking projection  64  tip portion  64   a  retracts from a projected state into the attaching hole  60   d , and the lock with the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a  (see  FIG. 10 ) is released. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the top end  58   b  of the locking projecting portion  58   a  on the rotary member  58  engaged with the locking projection  64  at operating position P 3  and the bottom end portion  50   d  of the lock release projecting portion  50   b  in the casing  50  are mutually separated by a predetermined distance d in the vertical direction. 
     By so doing, the engaging part of the locking projection  64  engaged with the locking projecting portion  58   a  on the rotary member  58  and the locking projection  64  engaged with the lock release projecting portion  50   b  on the casing  50  are mutually separated, therefore the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a  and the casing  50  lock release projecting portion  50   b  can be prevented from mutually colliding. 
     Next,  FIG. 12  is a cross sectional diagram similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the state in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention in which the lock between the drive unit rotary member and the rotary windup member is released and only the rotary windup member is restored to the standby state. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9 , the drive unit  40  comprises a return spring  68  placed on the rear surface side of the rotary windup member  60 ; this return spring  68  is a helical coil spring, one end of which is affixed to part of the inside of the casing  50 . 
     Note that in the present embodiment, a form is explained, in which a return spring  68  comprised of a helical coil spring is employed, however spring elements other than helical coils may also be used. 
     When the rotary windup member  60  rotates in the forward rotational direction α from operating position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) through operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) and reaches operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) so that the lock between the rotary windup member  60  and the rotary member  58  is released, the rotary windup member  60  is biased so as to rotate in the reverse rotational direction β, which is the predetermined valve closing direction, therefore only the rotary windup member  60  rotates in the reverse rotational direction ( 3  (the counterclockwise (left rotation) direction as seen in the plan view shown in  FIG. 12 ), which is the opposite direction to forward rotational direction α, and can thus return to the standby state operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     I.e., when the lock between the rotary windup member  60  and the rotary member  58  is released, then even if the operating handle  44  and rotary member  58  operating position P 4  is maintained at the same position as the operating position P 3  of the operating handle  44  and the rotary member  58  shown in  FIG. 7 , only the rotary windup member  60  and operating wire  38  will be able to return to the standby state operating position P 4 , regardless of the operating position of such operating handle  44  or rotary member  58 , therefore the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  drops down to the valve closed position H 1  (see  FIG. 2 ) with the drop in the water level inside the storage tank  14 , so that the discharge port  18   a  can be shut off. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the surface of the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a  on the rear side and lower side toward the forward rotational direction α forms a sloping surface  58   c . Thus after the lock between the rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60  is released at operating position P 3  as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10  and the rotary windup member  60  returns to operating position P 4  as shown in  FIG. 12 , and furthermore the rotary member  58  returns to the standby state operating position P 1  as shown in  FIG. 5 , the sloping surface  58   c  on the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a  faces and engages with the locking projection  64  sloped surface  64   b , pressing on the locking projection  64  in opposition to the biasing force F 1  of the thin plate spring  66 , so that the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a  is able to pass over on the rear side of the locking projection  64  facing in the forward rotational direction α (the bottom side of the locking projection  64  in  FIG. 5 ). 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 3 through 7  and  FIGS. 12 through 14 , the first gear  70 , second gear  72 , third gear  74 , and return spring  76  in the drive unit  40  in the operating device  1  of the present embodiment are explained specifically. 
       FIG. 13  a cross sectional diagram similar to  FIG. 5 , showing the state immediately before a locking projection portion passes over a locking projection on the rotary windup member side after, in an operating handle, drive unit, and operating wire for an operating device on a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention, the lock between the drive unit drive-side rotary member and the rotary windup member is released and only the rotary windup member is restored to the standby state. 
     Also,  FIG. 14  is a simplified perspective view seen from the axial direction outer side (rear surface side) of a return spring assembled onto the second gear of the drive unit in a conduit for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     First, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7  and  FIGS. 12 through 14 , the first gear  70  is attached to the end side in the axial direction of the rotary member  58  relative to the locking projecting portion  58   a  on the outer circumferential surface of the approximately cylindrical drive-side rotary member  58 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIGS. 5-7 , and  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an additional radially outwardly projecting mating projection  58   d  is formed in one part of the outer circumferential surface of the rotary member  58 , in addition to the locking projecting portion  58   a.    
     Also, a mating key channel  70   a  extending in the axial direction is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first gear  70  opposing the rotary member  58  projection  58   d , and with the first gear  70  attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rotary member  58 , the first gear  70  is affixed to the rotary member  58  by the mutual engagement of the rotary member  58  projection  58   d  and the first gear  70  mating key channel  70   a  so that this first gear  70  and rotary member  58  are able to rotate as one unit. 
     Note that in the present embodiment, a form is explained, in which the rotary shaft  46 , the drive side rotary member  58 , and the first gear  70  are each mutually independent members, but a drive-side rotary member formed as a single unit of these three members may be employed, as may a drive side rotary member in which a rotary member  58  other than the rotary shaft  46  is formed as one piece with the first gear  70 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 and 12 through 14 , the second gear  72  is attached so as to rotate inside the casing  50  about a center axial line A 2  in a shaft portion  50   e  formed to extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotary shaft  46 . This second gear  72  is disposed so that it can only mesh with the first gear  70 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7 and 12 through 14 , the third gear  74  is attached so as to rotate about a center axial line A 3  in the shaft portion  50   f  formed to extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the shaft portion  50   e  and the rotary shaft  46 . This third gear  74  comprises a large gear  74   a  disposed to mesh only with the second gear  72 , and a small gear  74   b  integrally formed on the tip side of the shaft portion  50   f  relative to this large gear  74   a.    
     Also, in the present embodiment, it is true that the small gear  74   b  on the third gear  74  does not mesh with either of the other gears  70  or  72 , but if the first gear  70  and/or second gear  72  are changed to gears (not shown) with different specifications in accordance with the drive unit  40  specifications, the small gear  74   b  may be used as a gear capable of meshing with at least one of these replaced gears (not shown of different specifications. 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7  and  FIGS. 12 through 14 , the return spring  76  disposed on the axial rear surface side of the large gear  74   a  on third gear  74  is formed of a helical coil. This return spring  76  is fit into a spring holding portion  74   c  on the third gear  74  formed in a ring shape at the rear surface of the large gear  74   a.    
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the return spring  76  comprises an arm portion  76   a  at one end, affixed to a part within the casing  50 , and an arm  76   b  at the other end, capable of contacting one of either of the contacting portions  74   d ,  74   e  at the two ends in the circumferential direction of the spring holding portion  74   c , according to the rotational direction of third gear  74  (large gear  74   a ). 
     When each of the operating handle  44 , the rotary shaft  46 , and the rotary member  58  reaches the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the return spring  76  functions as a biasing device to restore them to the initial position by biasing the third gear  74  so that the operating handle  44 , the rotary shaft  46 , and the rotary member  58  are returned from operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ), through operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ), to the initial position (initial position P 1 ) at which the toilet flushing operation can be started. 
     I.e., a torsion moment T 1  seeking to rotate in the reverse rotational direction β about a center axial line A 3  relative to the third gear  74  is generated on the return spring  76  after the third gear  74  reaches the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), and this biasing force from the torsion moment T 1  of the return spring  76   d  enables the third gear  74  to be restored from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     At the same time, after the third gear  74  reaches operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the second gear  72  is able to rotate in the forward rotational direction α about the center axial line, following the rotation of the large gear  74   a  on the third gear  74  to return from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through the operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Also, at the same time the first gear  70  is able to follow the rotation of the second gear  72  and rotate in the reverse rotational direction β about the center axial line A 1  to be restored from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through the operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     At the same time, moreover, after the first gear  70  reaches the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the rotary member  58  and rotary shaft  46 , by rotating in the reverse rotational direction β about the center axial line A 1  as one piece with the first gear  70 , move from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) to the operating position P 5  ( FIG. 13 ). 
     Thereafter the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a , under the biasing force transmitted from the return spring  76  through the third gear  74 , second gear  72 , and first gear  70 , passes from operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) over the locking projection  64  on the rotary windup member  60  side, and the operating handle  44 , rotary shaft  46 , and rotary member  58  is each able to return to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Note that in the operating device  1  according the present embodiment, a form is explained, in which, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 7  and  FIGS. 12 through 14 , a single return spring  76  is disposed on the second gear  72 , but the return spring  76  may also be disposed on other gears  70  or  72  other than the third gear  74 , and may be disposed on each gear  70 ,  72 , and  74 , so long as the rotary member  58  is able to return to the initial position (operating position P 1 ). I.e., the return spring  76  may be disposed on at least one of the multiple gears  70 ,  72 , and  74 . 
     Also, in the present embodiment, a form is explained, in which the return spring  76  formed of a helical coil spring can be adopted as a biasing device for restoring to initial position, but spring elements other than the helical coil spring may also be used. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the operation (action) of the operating device for a flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention is explained. 
     First, with respect to the operating handle  44  in the standby state operating position P 1  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , when a toilet flush is started, a user grips the downward-extending gripping portion  44   a , raising it through operating position P 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) on the front side as seen from the front in  FIG. 2  and up to the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), rotating the operating handle  44  in the forward rotational direction α, so that the rotary shaft  46  and the rotary member  58  rotate as one piece with the operating handle  44  about the center axial line A 1  up to the operating position P 3 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , during the period until the operating handle  44  reaches operating position P 3  from operating position P 1 , contact by the front end portion in the forward rotational direction α of the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a  with the back end portion in the forward rotational direction α of the locking projection  64  results in the rotary member  58  being locked with the rotary windup member  60 , therefore the rotary windup member  60  also rotates as one piece with the operating handle  44 , rotary shaft  46 , and rotary member  58  about the center axial line A 1 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the operating wire  38  is wound by a maximum winding amount L 1  by the rotary windup member  60  and, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  rises from the closed valve position H 1  to the highest open valve position (fully open position) H 3 . Then, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , flush water in the storage tank  14  is discharged from the discharge port  18   a  through the discharge path  18  to the conduit  16  on the toilet main body  6  and flush water is supplied into the bowl portion  8  from a spout port  12  or the like on the toilet main body  6  to perform a toilet flush. 
     At the same time, because the locking projection  64  engages the lock release projecting portion  50   b  in the casing  50  and the lock between the rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60  is released, the rotary windup member  60  rotates in the reverse rotational direction β opposite the forward rotational direction α and moves to operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     The discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  then drops down to valve closed position H 1  with the fall in the flush water level inside the storage tank  14 , and the water level inside the storage tank  14  goes to the stopped water level (or dead water level) DWL. 
     Also, at the point when the user releases his/her hand from the operating handle  44  gripping portion  44   a , the operating handle  44 , rotary shaft  46 , and rotary member  58  also return to the standby state operating position P 1 . 
     Here, when the operating handle  44 , rotary shaft  46  and rotary member  58  each reaches the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the return spring  76  biases the third gear  74  so that they are returned from operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ), then to initial position P 1  at which the toilet flushing operation can be started. 
     The third gear  74  at operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) thus rotates in the reverse rotational direction β about the center axial line A 3 , returning from operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) to initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     At the same time, the second gear  72  at operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) rotates in the forward rotational direction α about the center axial line, following the rotation of the third gear  74  large gear  74   a  to return from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through the operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     At the same time, the first gear  70  at operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) follows the rotation of the second gear  72  and rotates in the reverse rotational direction β about the center axial line A 1  to be restored from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) through the operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     At the same time, moreover, the rotary member  58  and rotary shaft  46  at operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), by rotating in the reverse rotational direction β about the center axial line A 1  as one piece with the first gear  70 , move from the operating position P 4  (see  FIG. 12 ) to the operating position P 5  ( FIG. 13 ). 
     Thereafter the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a , under the biasing force transmitted from the return spring  76  through the third gear  74 , second gear  72 , and first gear  70 , and the weight of the operating handle  44  itself, passes from operating position P 5  (see  FIG. 13 ) over the locking projection  64  on the rotary windup member  60  side, and the operating handle  44 , rotary shaft  46 , and rotary member  58  each return to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ), so that the next toilet flush operation may be started. 
     Using the operating device  1  for the flush water tank device according to the above-described embodiment of the invention, when supplying flush water to the toilet main body  6  by an operation opening the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  on the flush water tank device  2  supplying flush water to the toilet, rotating the operating handle  44  from operating position P 1  corresponding to the closed valve position of the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  to the operating position P 3  corresponding to the fully open position of the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  results in the operating handle  44  and the rotary shaft  46  rotating in the valve opening direction (forward rotational direction α) to the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42 , and together with this rotary shaft  46  the drive unit  40  rotary member  58  rotates as one piece from the operating position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) to the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     At this point, because the rotary windup member  60  is locked to the rotary member  58  by the locking projection  64  and the thin plate spring  66 , the rotary windup member  60  also rotates together with the rotary member  58  (see  FIG. 7 ) in a predetermined valve opening direction (forward rotational direction α) from operating position P 1  until reaching operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ). Therefore, since the operating wire  38  linking the discharge valve main body  36  and the drive unit  40  rotary windup member  60  is wound onto the rotary windup member  60 , the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  moves from a closed valve position to an open valve position, and flush water is supplied from the storage tank  14  to the toilet main body  6 . 
     The rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60  then each rotates in a predetermined valve opening direction (forward rotational direction α) from operating position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) to reach operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), and a predetermined amount L 1  of the operating wire  38  linking the discharge valve main body  36 , the drive unit  40 , and the rotary windup member  60  is wound by the rotary windup member  60 . Thus at the same time as the valve body  42  moves by a predetermined amount L 1  of this wound operating wire  38  from valve closed position H 1  (see  FIG. 2 ) to fully open position H 3  (see  FIG. 2 ), the casing  50  lock release projecting portion  50   b  and locking projection  64  release the lock between the rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60 . Furthermore, the rotary windup member  60  rotates in a predetermined valve closing direction (reverse rotational direction ( 3 ) opposite the predetermined valve opening direction (forward rotational direction α), regardless of any operation of the operating handle  44 . 
     I.e., when a toilet flush operation (a valve opening operation on the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42 ) is started and the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  temporarily moves to fully open position H 3  (see  FIG. 2 ), at least the casing  50  and the operating wire  38  quickly move to operating position P 1  so that the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  can be closed, regardless of any operation of the operating handle  44 . Therefore the toilet can be flushed while controlling the amount of flush water supplied from the storage tank  14  to the toilet main body  6  to a specified amount, for each toilet flush. 
     By releasing the lock between the rotary member  58  and the rotary windup member  60  using the casing  50  lock release projecting portion  50   b  and locking projection  64 , the time from the start of a toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) until valve closing (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening time) can be shortened, and the specified amount of flush water required for a toilet flush can be set to a relatively small amount. Conservation of toilet flush water can therefore be achieved. 
     In addition, it is also the case that when, together with the rotary windup member  60  the rotary member  58  restores to the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ), the rotary member  58 , rotary shaft  46 , and operating handle  44  can be securely restored to the initial position P 1  at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started by using the biasing force of the return spring  76 , which is the initial position restoration biasing device for biasing to restore the flush toilet operation to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ), and by the weight of the operating handle  44  itself. 
     As a result of the above, the operating handle  44 , rotary shaft  46 , and rotary member  58 , in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) upon each completion of a sequence of toilet flush operations, can each be quickly and securely restored to the initial position P 1  at which the toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started. 
     Also, using an operating device  1  for the flush water tank device according to an embodiment of the invention, the drive unit  40  comprises a first gear  70 , being a drive-side rotary portion affixed to the rotary shaft  46 , and a second gear  72  and third gear  74 , which are slave-side rotary portions capable of following this first gear  70  drive, while the return spring  76  for restoring to the initial position is disposed on the third gear  74 . Thus when the rotary member  58  and the first gear  70  reach the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) together with the rotary windup member  60 , the first gear  70 , second gear  72 , and third gear  74  can each be securely restored to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started. 
     As a result of the above, the operating handle  44  for toilet flush operation, the rotary shaft  46 , and the rotary member  58 , in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) upon each completion of a sequence of toilet flush operations, can also each be quickly and securely restored to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) at which the toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started. 
     Furthermore, in the operating device  1  according an embodiment of the invention the drive-side rotary portion comprises a first gear  70  affixed to the rotary shaft  46  through the rotary member  58 . Also, the slave-side rotary portion comprises a second gear  72 , being a first slave-side rotary member capable of engaging the first gear  70 , and a third gear  74 , being a second slave-side rotary member capable of engaging the second gear  72 . In addition, the return spring  76  for restoring to the initial position is mounted on the third gear  74 . Thus when the first gear  70 , being a drive-side rotary member, reaches the operating position P 3  (see  FIG. 7 ) together with the rotary windup member  60 , the third gear  74  can be securely restored to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started. 
     At the same time, the second gear  72  which engages the third gear  74  and the first gear  70  which engages the second gear  72  can also be securely restored to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) at which the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started. 
     As a result of the above, the operating handle  44  for toilet flush operation, the rotary shaft  46 , the rotary member  58 , the first gear  70 , the second gear  72 , and the third gear  74 , in preparation for the next toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) upon each completion of a sequence of toilet flush operations, can each be quickly and securely restored to the initial position P 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) at which the toilet flush operation (the discharge valve main body  36  valve body  42  valve opening operation) can be started. 
     Moreover, using the first gear  70 , the second gear  72  capable of engaging this first gear  70 , and the third gear  74  capable of engaging this second gear  72 , each of the gears  70 ,  72 , and  74  can be disposed in a mutually offset position within the same plane. Therefore compared to a structure in which each gear  70 ,  72 ,  74  is disposed along the axial direction of the rotary shaft  46  in the casing  50  of the drive unit  40 , space along the axial direction of the rotary shaft  46  in the casing  50  of the drive unit  40  can be reduced, and interference with related internal equipment, etc. such as the water supply device  20  or the discharge valve device  22  inside the storage tank  14  disposed in the axial direction of the drive unit  40  rotary shaft  46  can be prevented. 
     Note that in the operating device  1  according to the above-described embodiment of the invention, a form is explained, in which, as the locking device for locking the rotary windup member  60  and the rotary member  58 , a locking projection  64  and a thin plate spring  66  are respectively disposed on the rotary windup member  60  to lock the locking projection  64  and the rotary member  58  locking projecting portion  58   a . However, it is also possible to dispose a locking projecting portion on the rotary windup member  60 , or to dispose a locking projection and biasing member on the rotary member  58 . It is also sufficient for the locking device to be disposed on at least either the rotary member or the rotary windup member. 
     Also, for the operating device  1  of the above-described embodiment of the invention, a form is explained, in which a lock release projecting portion  50   b  is disposed on a portion of the drive unit  40  casing  50  as the lock release device for releasing the lock between the rotary windup member  60  and the rotary member  58 . However, the invention is not limited to such embodiment, and a separate lock release device may also be mounted at a location other than the casing  50 , or a separate lock release device may be mounted on the rotary member  58  or the rotary windup member  60  itself, etc. 
     Furthermore, for the operating device  1  according to the above-described embodiment of the invention, a form is explained, in which the operating handle  44  is disposed on the left side portion of the storage tank  14  of the flush water tank device  2  as seen from the front side of the toilet. However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments, and may also be of a form in which the operating handle  44  is disposed on the right side portion of the storage tank  14  of the flush water tank device  2  as seen from the front of the toilet. 
     Also, for the operating device  1  according to the above-described embodiment of the invention, the case is explained, in which the operating handle  44  is applied to a “pull-type operating handle,” in which the operating handle is pulled upward when starting a toilet flush operation. However, with respect to the multiple gears  70 ,  72 ,  74 , etc. pertaining to the drive unit  40 , the invention may, by appropriately changing the gears to other specifications, or adding or subtracting gears, also be applied to a “push-type operating handle” in which the operating handle is pushed and rotated when starting a flush toilet operation. 
     For example, parts other than the first gear  70  in the drive unit  40  of an operating device  1  (a pull-type operating handle  44  operating device  1 ) according to the above-described embodiment may be also be used in common with parts for the operating device drive unit in a push-type operating handle form. By so doing, the operating handle operating method (push-type or pull-type) can be easily changed as appropriate simply by changing the first gear  70  to a gear part of a different specification, or by adding additional gear parts when switching from a pull-type operating handle  44  operating device  1  to a push-type operating handle operating device. 
     Although the present invention has been explained with reference to specific, preferred embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modifications and improvements can be made while remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined solely by appended claims.