Flushing device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of flush toilet device that can more practically detect the failure of temperature sensor.Specifically, flush toilet device has: nozzle, water is discharged towards human body local part;Flow path, water supply source is connected with nozzle;Instantaneous heating heat exchanger, be set on flow path, the water supplied from water supply source is heated;1st temperature sensor, on flow path, be set downstream of instantaneous heating heat exchanger, to detect the temperature of water;2nd temperature sensor, on flow path, be set downstream of 1st temperature sensor, to detect the temperature of water;And control portion, determine whether there is the failure of 1st temperature sensor or 2nd temperature sensor, its characterized in that, the difference between the 1st temperature detected on 1st temperature sensor and the 2nd temperature detected on 2nd temperature sensor is above a specified value, and the control portion determines that 1st temperature sensor or 2nd temperature sensor fails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to toilet flushing devices. Background Technology

[0002] There exists a toilet flushing device that sprays heated water (warm water) from a nozzle towards a specific area of ​​the body. In this device, it is necessary to prevent the spraying of hot water towards the body.

[0003] In the sanitary cleaning device of Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor is placed downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger. When a high temperature is detected on the temperature sensor, the heating of the water is stopped or the water supply to the nozzle is stopped to prevent the hot water from being sprayed towards the human body.

[0004] However, when toilet flushing devices are used for extended periods (e.g., 5-10 years), the temperature sensor may malfunction due to aging, resulting in inaccurate temperature measurements and potentially causing hot water to be sprayed towards the user. Therefore, it is necessary to more thoroughly inspect toilet flushing devices for temperature sensor malfunctions.

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-132005 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is based on the understanding of such a problem, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide a toilet flushing device that can more reliably detect the failure of a temperature sensor.

[0008] The first invention is a toilet flushing device comprising: a nozzle for dispensing water toward a part of the human body; a flow path connecting a water supply source to the nozzle; an instantaneous heat exchanger disposed in the flow path for heating water supplied from the water supply source; a first temperature sensor disposed downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger in the flow path for detecting the water temperature; a second temperature sensor disposed downstream of the first temperature sensor in the flow path for detecting the water temperature; and a control unit for determining whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty, characterized in that when the difference between the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty.

[0009] According to this toilet flushing device, when the difference between the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is above a specified value, it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately detect the malfunction of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

[0010] The second invention is a toilet flushing device, characterized in that, in the first invention, the control unit corrects the first temperature or the second temperature based on a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0011] Because the second temperature sensor is located downstream of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature is more likely to be lower than the first temperature. According to this flushing device, by correcting the first or second temperature, the temperature lost during the flow from the first temperature sensor to the second temperature sensor can be corrected. Furthermore, by setting the correction value based on the length of the flow path between the first and second temperature sensors, the temperature lost during the flow from the first temperature sensor to the second temperature sensor can be corrected more accurately. Therefore, faults in either the first or second temperature sensor can be detected more reliably.

[0012] The third invention is a toilet flushing device, characterized in that, in the first or second invention, when the difference between the first temperature at a first moment and the second temperature at a second moment after a predetermined time from the first moment is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

[0013] Because the second temperature sensor is located downstream of the first temperature sensor, a time difference occurs between the water passing through the first temperature sensor and reaching the second temperature sensor. According to this flushing device, by comparing the first temperature at a first moment with the second temperature at a second moment after a predetermined time from the first moment, the temperature change taking into account the time difference can be detected. Therefore, malfunctions of either the first or second temperature sensor can be detected more reliably.

[0014] The fourth invention is a toilet flushing device, characterized in that, in the third invention, the specified time is set based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0015] According to this toilet flushing device, by setting the time difference (a predetermined time) between the first and second moments based on the length of the flow path between the first and second temperature sensors, temperature changes that take the time difference into account can be detected more accurately. Therefore, malfunctions of either the first or second temperature sensor can be detected more accurately.

[0016] The fifth invention is a toilet flushing device, characterized in that, in any one of the inventions from the first to the fourth, when it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned, the control unit prohibits water from being ejected from the nozzle.

[0017] According to this toilet flushing device, when it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned, water is prevented from being ejected from the nozzle, thus more effectively suppressing the situation of hot water being ejected towards the human body.

[0018] The sixth invention is a toilet flushing device, characterized in that, in any one of the inventions from the first to the fifth, it further comprises: a solenoid valve disposed in the flow path for controlling the water supply from the water source to the nozzle; and a human body detection sensor for detecting a human body, wherein when a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor, the control unit opens the solenoid valve and simultaneously operates the instantaneous heat exchanger, and during the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger, it determines whether the first temperature sensor is present or whether the second temperature sensor is faulty.

[0019] This toilet flushing device determines the presence or malfunction of the first or second temperature sensor when a human body is detected by the human detection sensor. Therefore, it can detect the presence or malfunction of the first or second temperature sensor before the user uses the nozzle. This more effectively prevents hot water from being sprayed towards the human body.

[0020] According to the present invention, a flushing device is provided that can more reliably detect malfunctions of temperature sensors. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toilet flushing device involved in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a toilet flushing device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet flushing device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a toilet flushing device according to a variation of the illustrative embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a toilet flushing device according to a variation of the illustrative embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the toilet flushing device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0027] Symbol Explanation

[0028] 10-Shell; 20-Toilet seat; 30-Nozzle; 31-Water outlet; 31a-Lower body cleaning water outlet; 31b-Buttock cleaning water outlet; 35-Nozzle drive unit; 40-Flow path; 45-Solenoid valve; 50-Instantaneous heat exchanger; 60-First temperature sensor; 65-Second temperature sensor; 70-Control unit; 80-Human body detection sensor; 100-Sanitary cleaning device; 200-Toilet bowl; 201-Basin; 300-Operating unit; 500-Flushing device; WS-Water supply source. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toilet flushing device involved in the embodiment.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the toilet flushing device 500 includes a Western-style toilet (hereinafter referred to as "toilet" for ease of explanation) 200 and a sanitary cleaning device 100 mounted thereon. The toilet 200 can be either a "floor-mounted" type installed on the toilet floor or a "wall-mounted" type installed on the toilet wall or lining. The sanitary cleaning device 100 includes a housing 10, a toilet seat 20, and a toilet lid (not shown). The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid are each supported on the housing 10 by a freely opening and closing pivot.

[0032] Inside the casing 10, there is a built-in body washing function that allows for washing of specific body parts, such as the buttocks, of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20. When the user operates the remote control or similar unit 300 (see...),... Figure 2 When operating, the nozzle 30 can enter the basin 201 of the toilet 200 and discharge water. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the diagram, a double-dotted line indicates the state in which the nozzle 30 enters the basin 201 from the shell 10, and a solid line indicates the state in which the nozzle 30 retracts from the basin 201 and is stored back into the shell 10.

[0033] A water outlet 31 is provided at the tip of the nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 sprays water from the water outlet 31 toward a specific area of ​​the body for localized cleaning. Multiple water outlets 31 may also be provided. For example, water outlets 31 may include a lower body cleaning outlet 31a and a buttocks cleaning outlet 31b. The nozzle 30 can spray water from the lower body cleaning outlet 31a at its tip to clean the female genital area of ​​a woman sitting on the toilet seat 20. The nozzle 30 can also spray water from the buttocks cleaning outlet 31b at its tip to clean the buttocks of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0034] In addition, when referred to as "water" in this instruction manual, it includes not only cold water but also hot water after heating.

[0035] The toilet flushing device 500 can be installed either on top of the toilet bowl 200 with a seat-type sanitary cleaning device 100, or the functional part of the sanitary cleaning device 100 can be installed inside the toilet bowl 200. The following is an example of the case where a seat-type sanitary cleaning device 100 is installed on top of the toilet bowl 200.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a toilet flushing device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0037] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows the composition of both the water system and the electrical system.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the toilet flushing device 500 (sanitary cleaning device 100) has a flow path 40. The flow path 40 is disposed inside the housing 10 and connects a water supply source WS, such as a tap water pipe or a water tank, to the nozzle 30. The flow path 40 supplies water from the water supply source WS to the nozzle 30.

[0039] The flow path 40 is equipped with a solenoid valve 45, an instantaneous heat exchanger 50, a first temperature sensor 60, and a second temperature sensor 65. A pressure regulating valve, a check valve, a flow sensor, a vacuum regulating valve, an electrolytic cell unit, a flow adjustment unit, and a flow path switching unit may also be installed on the flow path 40 as needed. For example, the pressure regulating valve and the check valve are installed between the solenoid valve 45 and the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. For example, the flow sensor, the vacuum regulating valve, the electrolytic cell unit, the flow adjustment unit, and the flow path switching unit are installed between the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 and the nozzle 30.

[0040] A solenoid valve 45 is provided on the upstream side of the flow path 40. The solenoid valve 45 controls the water supply from the water source WS downstream and the water supply from the immediate water source WS to the nozzle 30. The solenoid valve 45 is, for example, an openable and closable solenoid valve. The solenoid valve 45 is electrically connected to a control unit 70 located inside the housing 10. The solenoid valve 45 opens and closes the flow path 40 based on commands from the control unit 70. By opening the solenoid valve 45, water supplied from the water source WS can flow downstream. By closing the solenoid valve 45, the water supply to the downstream side is stopped.

[0041] An instantaneous heat exchanger 50 is located downstream of the solenoid valve 45. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 has a heater that heats the water supplied through the solenoid valve 45 to a specified temperature. That is, the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 generates warm water.

[0042] The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 uses, for example, a ceramic heater. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50, for example, does not include a hot water storage tank. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 heats water passing through it while the solenoid valve 45 is open, by discharging water from the nozzle 30. Compared to a hot water storage heat exchanger that uses a hot water storage tank, the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 can heat water to a specified temperature in a shorter time.

[0043] The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The control unit 70, for example, heats the water to the temperature set on the control unit 300 by activating the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 (i.e., turning the heater ON) according to the operation of the user's operation unit 300.

[0044] A first temperature sensor 60 is installed downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. The first temperature sensor 60 detects the temperature of the water flowing downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. The first temperature sensor 60 is, for example, a thermistor. The first temperature sensor 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The first temperature sensor 60 outputs the detection result (temperature-related information) to the control unit 70. Hereinafter, the detection result on the first temperature sensor 60 (i.e., the temperature detected on the first temperature sensor 60) will be referred to as the first temperature T1.

[0045] A second temperature sensor 65 is disposed downstream of the first temperature sensor 60. The second temperature sensor 65 detects the temperature of the water flowing downstream of the first temperature sensor 60. The second temperature sensor 65 is, for example, a thermistor. The second temperature sensor 65 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The second temperature sensor 65 outputs the detection result (temperature-related information) to the control unit 70. Hereinafter, the detection result on the second temperature sensor 65 (i.e., the temperature detected on the second temperature sensor 65) will be referred to as the second temperature T2.

[0046] A nozzle 30 is located downstream of the second temperature sensor 65. When the nozzle 30 is in the forward position from the housing 10, it sprays water heated by the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 toward the local area of ​​the human body.

[0047] The toilet flushing device 500 (sanitary cleaning device 100) has a nozzle drive unit 35 for moving the nozzle 30 forward and backward. The nozzle drive unit 35 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The nozzle drive unit 35 moves the nozzle 30 forward and backward based on commands from the control unit 70.

[0048] The toilet flushing device 500 (sanitary cleaning device 100) includes a human body detection sensor 80 for detecting human bodies. The human body detection sensor 80 may be, for example, at least one of the following: a sitting detection sensor that detects a user's sitting on the toilet seat 20, an entry detection sensor that detects a user's entry into the toilet, and a proximity detection sensor that detects a user's approach to the toilet flushing device 500. The human body detection sensor 80 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The human body detection sensor 80 outputs the detection results (information related to human body detection) to the control unit 70.

[0049] The control unit 70 includes control circuitry such as a microcomputer. The control unit 70 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 70 may also include, for example, a comparator. Based on signals from the operation unit 300 or detection results from the human body detection sensor 80, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 45, the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, and the nozzle drive unit 35.

[0050] The control unit 70 controls the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 based on the detection result (first temperature T1) on the first temperature sensor 60. For example, when the first temperature T1 is lower than a set value set on the operation unit 300, the control unit 70 turns the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 ON, and when the first temperature T1 is higher than the set value, it turns the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 OFF. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may also reduce the output of the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the first temperature T1 is higher than the set value, and increase the output of the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the first temperature T1 is lower than the set value. This allows water heated to a temperature close to the set value set on the operation unit 300 to be discharged from the nozzle 30.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 45 based on the detection result (second temperature T2) on the second temperature sensor 65. For example, the control unit 70 closes the solenoid valve 45 when the second temperature T2 is higher than a predetermined value. The control unit 70 can also control the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 based on the detection result (second temperature T2) on the second temperature sensor 65. For example, the control unit 70 can also turn off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the second temperature T2 is higher than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to 65°C or lower (e.g., 53°C). Thus, even if the water is heated to an excessively high temperature due to a malfunction of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, high-temperature water can be prevented from being ejected from the nozzle 30.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 70 can execute a fault diagnosis mode to determine whether the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 is present. The fault diagnosis mode will now be explained. For example, the fault diagnosis mode is executed when the user uses the toilet flushing device 500. For example, the fault diagnosis mode is executed before spot cleaning.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet flushing device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 70 determines whether the user's seat has been detected (step S101). Until the user's seat is detected, the control unit 70 repeats step S101 (step S101: No).

[0055] When the user's seating is detected (step S101: Yes), the control unit 70 begins fault diagnosis mode (step S102). When fault diagnosis mode is initiated, the control unit 70 opens the solenoid valve 45 and turns the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 ON. In fault diagnosis mode, the control unit 70 ensures that water discharged from the nozzle 30 will not come into contact with the user. In fault diagnosis mode, the nozzle 30 discharges water, for example, while it is housed within the casing 10.

[0056] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fault diagnosis mode (step S103). If the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 70 repeats step S103 (step S103: No). The predetermined time is, for example, 0.1 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0057] When the specified time has elapsed (step S103: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the detection results on the first temperature sensor 60, i.e., the first temperature T1, and the detection results on the second temperature sensor 65, i.e., the second temperature T2 (step S104).

[0058] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is above a predetermined value (step S105). If the temperature difference is above the predetermined value (step S105: Yes), the control unit 70 determines that either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned (step S106). The predetermined value is, for example, 2°C or more and 15°C or less.

[0059] When a fault is detected in either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65, the control unit 70 prohibits water from being discharged from the nozzle 30 (step S107). Then, the control unit 70 terminates the fault diagnosis mode (step S108). When terminating the fault diagnosis mode, the control unit 70 closes the solenoid valve 45 and turns the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 OFF.

[0060] On the other hand, when the temperature difference is less than the specified value (step S105: No), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 have not malfunctioned (step S109). At this time, the control unit 70 ends the fault diagnosis mode (step S108) and does not prohibit water from being ejected from the nozzle 30 (step S107 is not performed).

[0061] When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 are not malfunctioning, the control unit 70 enters a standby state that accepts operation input to start partial cleaning. In the standby state, when an operation input to start partial cleaning is made from the operation unit 300, the control unit 70 opens the solenoid valve 45 and turns on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, thereby discharging warm water from the nozzle 30.

[0062] Conversely, when water discharge from nozzle 30 is prohibited (prohibited state), control unit 70 does not accept operation input to start partial cleaning. That is, in the prohibited state, even if operation input to start partial cleaning is made from operation unit 300 or the like, control unit 70 will not open solenoid valve 45. Thus, water discharge from nozzle 30 can be prohibited.

[0063] Thus, since the difference between the first temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature T2 detected by the second temperature sensor 65 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned, thereby more reliably detecting malfunctions of either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65. When the toilet flushing device is used for a long period (e.g., 5 to 10 years), aging (aging deviation) may occur in either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65, where the detected temperature is lower than the real-time temperature. According to the embodiment, malfunctions caused by such aging of the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 can be detected.

[0064] Furthermore, since water is prevented from being ejected from the nozzle 30 when the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 is determined to be faulty, the situation of ejecting hot water toward the human body can be more effectively suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, since the fault determination for the presence or absence of the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 is made after a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 before the user uses the nozzle 30. This allows for more effective suppression of the spraying of hot water towards the human body.

[0066] Furthermore, although in this example, the control unit 70 initiates the fault diagnosis mode based on the user's sitting detection by the seating detection sensor, the trigger point for initiating the fault diagnosis mode is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 70 can initiate the fault diagnosis mode based on the user's entry detection sensor's detection of the user entering the toilet, or it can initiate the fault diagnosis mode based on the user's proximity detection sensor's detection of the user's proximity to the flushing device 500. Additionally, the control unit 70 can also initiate the fault diagnosis mode based on an operation input such as using the nozzle 30 (i.e., starting partial cleaning) on ​​the operation unit 300. In this case, the control unit 70 initiates the fault diagnosis mode before starting partial cleaning, and only starts partial cleaning if it determines that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 are not malfunctioning.

[0067] In addition to executing the fault diagnosis mode when the user uses the toilet flushing device 500 as described above, the control unit 70 can also execute the fault diagnosis mode periodically. More specifically, the control unit 70 can, for example, execute the fault diagnosis mode every predetermined time interval. The control unit 70 can also, for example, execute the fault diagnosis mode every time a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since the last fault diagnosis mode.

[0068] Furthermore, if the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 is determined to be faulty, the control unit 70 may not prohibit the water discharge from the nozzle 30, but instead prohibit the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 (i.e., turn the heater ON).

[0069] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a toilet flushing device according to a variation of the illustrative embodiment.

[0070] like Figure 4As shown, in this example, the control unit 70 corrects the first temperature T1 after acquiring the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, but before determining whether the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is above a predetermined value. Otherwise, with... Figure 3 The flowchart shown is the same.

[0071] More specifically, when a user is detected sitting down (step S201: Yes), the control unit 70 begins fault diagnosis mode (step S202). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fault diagnosis mode (step S203: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 (step S204). Steps S201 to S204 are the same as steps S101 to S104.

[0072] When the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are acquired, the control unit 70 corrects the first temperature T1 based on a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 (step S205). When the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is longer, the correction value is set to a larger value, and when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is shorter, it is set to a smaller value. That is, the correction value V1 when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is L1 is larger than the correction value V2 when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is L2, which is shorter than L1. The control unit 70 corrects the first temperature T1, for example, by subtracting the correction value from the first temperature T1.

[0073] When the temperature difference between the corrected first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is above a predetermined value (step S206: Yes), the control unit 70 determines that either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned (step S207). When it is determined that either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned, the control unit 70 prohibits water discharge from the nozzle 30 (step S208) and ends the fault diagnosis mode (step S209). On the other hand, when the temperature difference between the corrected first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is less than a predetermined value (step S206: No), the control unit 70 determines that neither the first temperature sensor 60 nor the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned (step S210), ends the fault diagnosis mode (step S209), and does not prohibit water discharge from the nozzle 30 (step S208 is not performed). Steps S206 to S210 are the same as steps S105 to S109.

[0074] Additionally, in step S205, the control unit 70 may, for example, correct the second temperature T2 based on a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65. At this time, the control unit 70 corrects the second temperature T2, for example, by adding the correction value to the second temperature T2. Furthermore, in step S206, the control unit 70 determines whether the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the corrected second temperature T2 is above a predetermined value.

[0075] Because the second temperature sensor 65 is located downstream of the first temperature sensor 60, the second temperature T2 is more likely to be lower than the first temperature T1. By correcting either the first temperature T1 or the second temperature T2, the temperature loss during the flow from the first temperature sensor 60 to the second temperature sensor 65 can be corrected. Furthermore, by setting the correction value based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65, the temperature loss during the flow from the first temperature sensor 60 to the second temperature sensor 65 can be corrected more accurately. Therefore, faults in either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 can be detected more reliably.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a toilet flushing device according to a variation of the illustrative embodiment.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the control unit 70 acquires the second temperature T2 after acquiring the first temperature T1 and after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, with... Figure 3 The flowchart shown is the same.

[0078] More specifically, when a user is detected sitting down (step S301: Yes), the control unit 70 starts the fault diagnosis mode (step S302). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fault diagnosis mode (step S303: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 (step S304). Steps S201 to S203 are the same as steps S101 to S103.

[0079] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first temperature T1 was acquired (step S305). If the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 70 repeats step S305 (step S305: No). The predetermined time can be set, for example, based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65. The predetermined time is, for example, 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

[0080] When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S305: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the second temperature T2 (step S306). When the second temperature T2 is acquired, the control unit 70 determines whether the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S307). If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S307: Yes), the control unit 70 determines that either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned (step S308). When it is determined that either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has malfunctioned, the control unit 70 prohibits water discharge from the nozzle 30 (step S309) and ends the fault diagnosis mode (step S310). On the other hand, when the temperature difference is less than the specified value (step S307: No), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 have not malfunctioned (step S311), and ends the fault diagnosis mode (step S310), and does not prohibit water discharge from the nozzle 30 (step S309 is not performed). Steps S307 to S311 are the same as steps S105 to S109.

[0081] Since the second temperature sensor 65 is located downstream of the first temperature sensor 60, a time difference occurs between the water passing through the first temperature sensor 60 and reaching the second temperature sensor 65. By comparing the first temperature T1 at the first moment with the second temperature T2 at the second moment after a predetermined time from the first moment, the temperature change taking into account the time difference can be detected. Therefore, faults in either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 can be detected more reliably.

[0082] Furthermore, by setting the time difference (predetermined time) between the first and second moments based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65, temperature changes taking into account the time difference can be detected more accurately. Therefore, faults in either the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 can be detected more accurately.

[0083] Additionally, the control unit 70 may, after acquiring the second temperature T2, and before determining whether the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is above a predetermined value (i.e., between steps S306 and S307), correct the first temperature T1 or the second temperature T2. The correction may, for example, be related to the above-described... Figure 4 The same steps as step S205 in the flowchart shown are performed.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the toilet flushing device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0085] like Figure 6As shown, at time t0, when the seating detection sensor detects the user sitting down, the control unit 70 starts the fault diagnosis mode, opening the solenoid valve 45 and simultaneously turning on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. At time t0, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are, for example, room temperature. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the diagram, solid lines represent the first temperature T1, and dashed lines represent the second temperature T2.

[0086] At time t1, the first temperature T1 reaches the set temperature. On the other hand, at time t1, the second temperature T2 has not yet reached the set temperature. At time t2, the second temperature T2 reaches the set temperature.

[0087] When time t2 is reached, the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, and determines whether there is a fault in the presence or absence of the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65. After the fault determination is completed, the control unit 70 closes the solenoid valve 45, turns off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, and ends the fault diagnosis mode. The fault diagnosis mode is performed, for example, with the nozzle 30 housed inside the housing 10.

[0088] At time t3, when an operation input to start partial cleaning is made on the operation unit 300, the control unit 70 opens the solenoid valve 45, turns the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 ON, and sprays water by entering through the nozzle 30.

[0089] At time t4, when an operation input to stop partial cleaning is made on the operation unit 300, the control unit 70 closes the solenoid valve 45, turns the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 OFF, stops water discharge, and retracts the nozzle 30 into the housing 10.

[0090] Furthermore, although in this example, the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 and determines the fault at time t2, the timing of acquiring the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 and determining the fault is not limited to this. The control unit 70 may acquire the first temperature T1 at the same time as time t1 or later than time t1. The control unit 70 may acquire the second temperature T2 at the same time as time t2 or later than time t2.

[0091] For example, the control unit 70 may acquire the first temperature T1 at time t1, acquire the second temperature T2 at time t2, and determine a fault at time t2. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may acquire the first temperature T1 later than time t1, acquire the second temperature T2 later than time t2, and determine a fault later than time t2. Furthermore, the control unit 70 may acquire both the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 later than time t2, and determine a fault later than time t2.

[0092] Figure 3 The specified time for step S103 in the flowchart shown can be set, for example, to be a longer time than the time from time t0 to time t2. Figure 4 The specified time for step S203 in the flowchart shown is also the same.

[0093] Figure 5 The specified time for step S303 in the flowchart shown is, for example, set to be a longer time than the time from time t0 to time t1. Figure 5 The specified time for step S305 in the flowchart shown is, for example, set to be a longer time than the time from time t1 to time t2.

[0094] As described above, according to the embodiments, a flushing device that can more reliably detect malfunctions of temperature sensors can be provided.

[0095] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Regarding the aforementioned embodiments, any product that possesses the features of the present invention and is appropriately modified by those skilled in the art is also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, configuration, and installation method of the various elements of the toilet flushing device 500 are not limited to the illustrated contents and can be appropriately modified.

[0096] Furthermore, the elements of the aforementioned embodiments can be combined as long as they are technically feasible, and any product resulting from such combination of elements is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it contains the features of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toilet flushing device, comprising: The nozzle sprays water towards a specific area of ​​the body. The flow path connects the water supply source to the nozzle; An instantaneous heat exchanger is installed in the flow path to heat water supplied from the water source; A first temperature sensor is located downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger in the flow path to detect the temperature of the water. A second temperature sensor is located downstream of the first temperature sensor in the flow path to detect the temperature of the water. The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty. The toilet flushing device is characterized in that... When the difference between the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit determines that either the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned. The control unit corrects the first temperature or the second temperature based on a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

2. The toilet flushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned, the control unit prohibits water from being ejected from the nozzle.

3. The toilet flushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: A solenoid valve is disposed in the flow path to control the water supply from the water source to the nozzle; And human body detection sensors to detect human bodies. When a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor, the control unit opens the solenoid valve and starts the instantaneous heat exchanger. During the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger, the control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty.

4. A toilet flushing device, comprising: The nozzle sprays water towards a specific area of ​​the body. The flow path connects the water supply source to the nozzle; An instantaneous heat exchanger is installed in the flow path to heat water supplied from the water source; A first temperature sensor is located downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger in the flow path to detect the temperature of the water. A second temperature sensor is located downstream of the first temperature sensor in the flow path to detect the temperature of the water. The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty. The toilet flushing device is characterized in that... When the difference between the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit determines that either the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned. If the difference between the first temperature at a first moment and the second temperature at a second moment after a predetermined time interval is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit determines that either the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned. The specified time is set based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

5. The toilet flushing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit corrects the first temperature or the second temperature based on a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

6. The toilet flushing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has malfunctioned, the control unit prohibits water from being ejected from the nozzle.

7. The toilet flushing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also has: A solenoid valve is disposed in the flow path to control the water supply from the water source to the nozzle; And human body detection sensors to detect human bodies. When a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor, the control unit opens the solenoid valve and starts the instantaneous heat exchanger. During the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger, the control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is faulty.

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