Flush toilet apparatus

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet device capable of performing optimal toilet cleaning in accordance with a dirt state every time the toilet is cleaned, achieving more water saving, and improving dirt discharge performance. The present invention is characterized by comprising: a bowl section (15) having a dirt receiving surface (12) and a frame section (14); a drainage elbow pipeline (16); a water spraying part which is arranged on the basin part (15) and sprays washing water; a pressure pump (10) for supplying washing water to the water injection nozzle (20a); a dirt information acquisition unit that acquires information relating to dirt discharged to the bowl section (15); and a control unit (74) that determines the state of the dirt on the basis of the information relating to the dirt, and controls the washing water supply device on the basis of the determination result, the control unit (74) controlling the washing water supply device on the basis of the determination result of the state of the dirt every time the toilet is washed, thereby changing the water spray mode of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet device, and in particular to a flush toilet device for flushing a toilet bowl with flushing water to discharge waste. Background Art

[0002] When cleaning the toilet, the user personally selects a large clean, a small clean, or an eco-friendly small clean (cleaning with less water than a small clean) to clean the toilet. The amount of cleaning water used in each clean is set to an amount that can discharge all the dirt, assuming all the dirt states (the amount of dirt, etc.). The amount of cleaning water is always constant and cannot be changed in accordance with the dirt state each time the toilet is cleaned. Therefore, for example, when the amount of dirt is less than expected, although the dirt can be discharged, it is possible that more water than necessary will be used.

[0003] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, there is known a flush toilet device that changes the instantaneous flow rate of the frame water spray in the next and subsequent toilet cleanings according to whether there is dirt in the bowl after the toilet is cleaned. In the flush toilet device as described above, the instantaneous flow rate of the frame water spray is changed in the next and subsequent toilet cleanings, thereby preventing dirt from remaining in the bowl.

[0004] As described in Patent Document 2, a flush toilet device is known that changes the amount of flush water in accordance with whether toilet paper is used during small flushing. In the above-mentioned flush toilet device, the amount of flush water can be reduced when toilet paper is not used.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-193838

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-526003

[0007] However, although the flush toilet device described in Patent Document 1 changes the instantaneous flow rate of the frame water spray in the next and subsequent toilet flushing, it cannot change the instantaneous flow rate according to the waste state each time the toilet is flushed. Therefore, there is a problem that, for example, when the amount of waste is less than expected, more water than necessary is used.

[0008] In addition, the flush toilet device described in Patent Document 2 changes the amount of flush water in accordance with the presence or absence of toilet paper in small flushing, but cannot change the amount of flush water in accordance with the state of waste in large flushing. Therefore, there is a problem that, for example, when the amount of waste is less than expected, more water than necessary is used. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned existing problems, and its purpose is to provide a flush toilet device that can perform optimal toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state each time the toilet is cleaned, and can achieve further water saving and improved waste discharge performance.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention is a flush toilet device, which uses cleaning water to clean the toilet and discharge waste. The flush toilet device is characterized in that it has: a bowl portion, which has a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a frame portion formed above the waste receiving surface; a drainage elbow pipeline, which is connected to the bottom of the bowl portion to discharge waste; a water spray portion, which is arranged in the bowl portion and sprays cleaning water; a cleaning water supply device, which supplies cleaning water to the water spray portion; a waste information acquisition portion, which acquires information related to the waste discharged into the bowl portion; and a control portion, which determines the waste state through the information related to the waste, and controls the cleaning water supply device based on the determination result. The control portion controls the cleaning water supply device based on the determination result of the waste state each time the toilet is cleaned, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the water spray portion.

[0011] In the present invention constructed as described above, the control unit controls the cleaning water supply device based on the judgment result of the dirt state each time the toilet is cleaned, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the water spray unit. Therefore, each time the toilet is cleaned, the optimal toilet cleaning corresponding to the dirt state can be performed, which can achieve further water saving and improvement of the dirt discharge performance.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the washing water supply device is a pump, and the control unit changes the spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from the water spraying unit by controlling the pump.

[0013] In the present invention constructed as described above, the flushing water supply device is a pump, and the control unit changes the spraying pattern of the flushing water sprayed from the water spraying unit by controlling the pump. Therefore, the spraying pattern can be easily changed every time the toilet is flushed.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit changes the spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit by changing the flow rate or time of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit.

[0015] In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit changes the spray pattern of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit by changing the flow rate or time of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit, so the spray pattern can be easily changed.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit determines the waste state based on information related to the bowl and waste in the accumulated water in the bowl.

[0017] In the present invention constructed as described above, the control unit determines the dirt state based on information related to the bowl and the dirt in the accumulated water in the bowl. Therefore, the dirt state can be determined by information related to the dirt in the bowl that has a great impact on the toilet cleaning performance and information related to the dirt in the accumulated water that has a great impact on the dirt discharge performance, thereby enabling optimal toilet cleaning corresponding to the dirt state.

[0018] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferred to have: a frame water spray portion, which is arranged on the frame portion and sprays cleaning water along the frame portion; and a jet water spray portion, which is arranged at the bottom of the basin portion and sprays cleaning water toward the inlet of the drainage elbow pipe. The control portion changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame water spray portion based on the dirt state in the dirt receiving surface of the basin portion, and changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water spray portion based on the dirt state in the accumulated water in the basin portion.

[0019] In the present invention constructed as described above, there are: a frame water spray part, which is arranged on the frame part and sprays cleaning water along the frame part; and a jet water spray part, which is arranged at the bottom of the bowl part and sprays cleaning water toward the inlet of the drainage elbow pipe. The control part changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame water spray part based on the dirt state in the dirt receiving surface of the bowl part, and changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water spray part based on the dirt state in the accumulated water in the bowl part. Therefore, the respective water spraying modes can be changed according to the dirt state of each part, and the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the dirt state can be performed.

[0020] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit determines the state of the waste based on the type of waste and the amount of waste.

[0021] In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit determines the dirt state based on the type of dirt and the amount of dirt, and thus can determine the dirt state with high accuracy.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit determines the state of the dirt based on the position or distribution of the dirt.

[0023] In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit determines the dirt state based on the position or distribution of the dirt, and thus can determine the dirt state with higher accuracy.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the flush toilet device of the present invention, the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state can be performed every time the toilet is cleaned, and further water saving and improvement of waste discharge performance can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1It is a perspective view of the flush toilet device involved in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 It is an overall structural diagram of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a control unit of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4A 1 and 1 , which are diagrams showing a mode A of a waste state, wherein (a) is a sectional view of a bowl portion of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl portion of the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0030] Figure 4B 1 and 1 , which are diagrams showing a mode B of a waste state, wherein (a) is a sectional view of the bowl of the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl of the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 4C 1 and 1 , which are diagrams showing a mode C of a waste state, wherein (a) is a sectional view of a bowl portion of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl portion of the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0032] Figure 4D 1 and 1 , which are diagrams showing a mode D of a waste state, wherein (a) is a sectional view of the bowl of the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl of the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the control of toilet bowl washing of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 6A 1 is a timing chart showing the flushing mode A in the jet water spraying of the flush toilet apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6B 1 is a timing chart showing the flushing mode B in the jet water spraying of the flush toilet apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6C 1 is a timing chart showing a cleansing mode C in the jet water spraying of the flush toilet apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.6D 1 is a timing chart showing a flushing mode D in the jet water spraying of the flush toilet apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] First, through Figure 1 to Figure 3 , the overall structure of the flush toilet device involved in the embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an overall structural diagram of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a control unit of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flush toilet device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention is a siphon jet toilet, which has a toilet body 2 made of ceramic, a warm water washing toilet seat 4 arranged on the upper surface of the toilet body 2, a valve unit 6 for supplying washing water to the toilet body 2, a water storage tank 8 for storing washing water, and a pressure pump 10 for supplying the washing water stored in the water storage tank 8 to the toilet body 2.

[0042] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the flush toilet device is a siphon jet toilet is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the flush toilet device may be a siphon toilet or a flush toilet.

[0043] The toilet body 2 is formed with: a bowl 15 having a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface 12 for receiving waste and a frame 14 formed above the waste receiving surface 12; and a drainage elbow pipe 16 connected to the bottom of the bowl 15 to discharge waste. A frame water conduit 18 is formed inside the frame 14, and a frame water spraying port 20a for spraying water is formed at the downstream end of the frame water conduit 18, i.e., the frame water spraying portion 20. The frame water spraying port 20a is formed at the front right side of the bowl 15 when the flush toilet device 1 is viewed from the front, and sprays the washing water toward the rear to form a rotating flow along the inner peripheral surface of the frame 14.

[0044] In addition, a jet water conduit 22 is formed below the toilet body 2, and a jet water spout 24a for performing jet water spraying is formed at the downstream end of the jet water conduit 22, i.e., the jet water spouting portion 24. The jet water spout 24a is located at the bottom of the bowl 15, is directed toward the inlet 16a of the drain bend pipe 16, and is arranged approximately horizontally, and sprays washing water toward the inlet 16a of the drain bend pipe 16.

[0045] The drainage elbow pipe 16 is composed of an inlet 16a, an elbow riser 16b rising from the inlet 16a, and an elbow downer 16c descending from the elbow riser 16b, and the space between the elbow riser 16b and the elbow downer 16c forms a top 16d. A drainage socket 26 is connected to the lower end of the elbow downer 16c of the drainage elbow pipe 16.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the warm water washing toilet seat 4 comprises: a main body 4a; a washing nozzle 4b, which is arranged to be able to move forward and backward relative to the main body 4a; a toilet seat 4c, which is rotatably installed relative to the main body 4a; and a toilet cover 4d, which is rotatably installed relative to the main body 4a in a manner covering the toilet seat 4c.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve unit 6 has a main water supply path 30 to which washing water is supplied from the water pipe 28 as a water supply source, and a constant flow valve 38, a diaphragm type electromagnetic on-off valve 40, and a water supply path switching valve 42 are respectively provided from the upstream side in the main water supply path 30. In addition, a water stopper 32, a coarse filter 34, and a branch metal fitting 36 are respectively provided from the upstream side in the main water supply path 30 on the upstream side of the valve unit 6. The main water supply path 30 is composed of a water supply hose connected to the water pipe 28 outside the toilet.

[0048] In addition, a frame side water supply path 44 for supplying washing water to the frame water outlet 20a and a water tank side water supply path 46 for supplying washing water to the water storage tank 8 are connected to the downstream side of the water supply path switching valve 42. The frame water conduit 18 is connected to the downstream end of the frame side water supply path 44, and washing water is supplied to the frame water outlet 20a by the water supply pressure of the water channel.

[0049] The constant flow valve 38 is used to reduce the washing water flowing in through the water stopper 32, the coarse filter 34, and the branch metal part 36 to a predetermined flow rate or less. In addition, the washing water after passing through the constant flow valve 38 flows into the electromagnetic opening and closing valve 40, and the washing water after passing through the electromagnetic opening and closing valve 40 is supplied from the frame side water supply path 44 on the frame side to the frame water outlet 20a through the water supply path switching valve 42, or supplied from the water storage tank side water supply path 46 on the water storage tank side to the water storage tank 8.

[0050] The water supply path switching valve 42 (wash water supply device) is a switching valve that can supply wash water to both the frame side water supply path 44 and the water storage tank side water supply path 46 at the same timing, and can arbitrarily change the ratio of the water supply amount and flow rate to the frame side and the water storage tank side. The water supply path switching valve 42 has a rotor (not shown) for changing the ratio of the water supply amount and flow rate to the frame side and the water storage tank side, and the rotor is driven to a desired position by a motor (not shown).

[0051] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the water supply path switching valve is used as the washing water supply device, but an electromagnetic on-off valve capable of changing the flow path cross-sectional area may be used instead of the water supply path switching valve.

[0052] A pump-side water supply path 48 is connected to the lower part of the water storage tank 8, and a booster pump 10 having a pump chamber is connected to the downstream end of the pump-side water supply path 48. The booster pump 10 and the jet water conduit 22 are connected via a jet-side water supply path 50, and the booster pump 10 pressurizes the washing water stored in the water storage tank 8 and supplies it to the jet water outlet 24a.

[0053] The pressure pump 10 (washing water supply device) pressurizes the washing water stored in the water storage tank 8 and sprays water from the spray nozzle 24a at a predetermined flow rate. The upstream side of the pressure pump 10 is connected to the pump side water supply path 48, and the downstream side is connected to the spray side water supply path 50. The pressure pump 10 has: a housing 10a; an impeller 10b, which is an impeller that can rotate in both directions in the forward direction and the reverse direction in the housing; and a motor 10c, which rotates the impeller 10b. The pressure pump 10 is a centrifugal pump that uses the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the impeller 10b to pressurize and transport the washing water in the water storage tank 8.

[0054] In addition, in the present embodiment, a booster pump is used as the washing water supply device, but instead of the booster pump, a pressure accumulator booster that accumulates the energy of water or an air compressor that operates with compressed air as power may be used.

[0055] A vacuum regulating valve 52 as a check valve is provided in the frame side water supply path 44, and a vacuum regulating valve 54 as a check valve is also provided in the water storage tank side water supply path 46. These vacuum regulating valves prevent backflow from the frame water spray port 20a and the water storage tank 8. In addition, the washing water overflowing from the atmosphere opening portion of the vacuum regulating valve 52 of the frame side water supply path 44 flows into the water storage tank 8 through the return pipe 55.

[0056] The water storage tank 8 is a sealed type water storage tank, and a ball check valve 56 is provided at the connection between the water supply path 46 on the water storage tank side and the water storage tank 8, and a ball check valve 58 is also provided at the connection between the return line 55 and the water storage tank 8. Through these ball check valves, even if the water storage tank 8 exceeds the position of the upper end of the overflow flow path and becomes full of water, the washing water will not flow back.

[0057] A drain plug 62 is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 8. The drain plug 62 is disposed below the pressure pump 10, and the washing water in the water storage tank 8 and the pressure pump 10 can be drained by opening the drain plug 62 during maintenance.

[0058] An upper float switch 64 and a lower float switch 66 are arranged inside the water tank 8. If the water level in the water tank 8 reaches a predetermined position L2 slightly lower than the highest water level L3 during normal use, the upper float switch 64 is switched to the on state, and the control unit 74 detects it and closes the electromagnetic on-off valve 40. If the water level in the water tank 8 drops to the lowest water level L1 during normal use, the lower float switch 66 is switched to the on state, and the control unit 74 detects it and stops the pressure pump 10.

[0059] In addition, an overflow flow path 60 for discharging overflowed washing water is provided inside the water storage tank 8, the upper end of the overflow flow path 60 opens in the water storage tank 8, and the lower end thereof is connected to the injection-side water supply path 50. A flapper valve 67 as a check valve is installed in the overflow flow path 60 to prevent backflow from the injection water spout 24a.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the flush toilet device 1 has: a seat sensor 68, which is used to detect the seated action performed by the user; a camera 70, which is used to detect the state of waste after the user's excretion; a water level detection sensor 72, which is used to detect the water level change of the accumulated water W; and a control unit 74, which controls the electromagnetic opening and closing valve 40, the water supply line switching valve 42 and the pressure pump 10 based on the information obtained from the camera 70 and the water level detection sensor 72.

[0061] The seat sensor 68 is provided on the back side of the left rear side of the toilet seat 4c of the warm water washing toilet seat 4. The seat sensor 68 is a load sensor for detecting the load of the user. The seat sensor 68 can detect the change of the load when the user sits on the toilet seat 4c, and detect the start and end of the user's excretion.

[0062] In addition, in the present embodiment, a load sensor is used as the seating sensor 68 , but an infrared distance measuring sensor or the like may be used instead of the load sensor.

[0063] The camera 70 (waste information acquisition unit) is provided on the back side behind the toilet seat 4c of the warm water washing toilet seat 4. When the user sits on the toilet seat 4c, the camera 70 photographs the bowl 15 and the water surface from above, and can acquire a photographed image (waste-related information) of the bowl 15 and the water surface observed from above. The camera 70 has an LED (not shown) and can photograph while irradiating the bowl 15.

[0064] In addition, in the present embodiment, the camera 70 is provided on the back of the toilet seat 4c, but it may be provided on the main body 4a of the warm water washing toilet seat 4 or the toilet lid 4d. In addition, in the present embodiment, a camera for photographing the bowl 15 and the water accumulation surface is used as the waste information acquisition unit, but it may be replaced by a linear sensor camera or a video camera for photographing the falling waste through a line to acquire information related to the falling waste. As described above, as the information related to the waste, information related to the waste existing in the bowl 15 and the water accumulation surface may be acquired, information related to the falling waste may be acquired, and the information may be acquired by selecting arbitrarily.

[0065] The water level detection sensor 72 (the waste information acquisition unit) is an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor that measures the height of the water accumulation surface by ultrasonic waves. The water level detection sensor 72 is arranged on the back of the bowl 15 at a height substantially the same as the highest water level of the accumulated water W. The water level detection sensor 72 can obtain numerical data of the accumulated water level (information related to waste). As described above, by measuring the height of the accumulated water surface, information related to waste existing on the accumulated water surface can be obtained.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, the water level detection sensor 72 is provided on the back of the bowl 15, but it may be provided on the back of the toilet seat 4c or the back of the drainage bend pipe 16. In addition, in the present embodiment, an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor is used as the water level detection sensor, but it may be replaced by an electric wave sensor, an electrostatic capacity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. In addition, the camera 70 may be used as a water level detection sensor, and the height of the water surface may be measured by the image captured by the camera 70.

[0067] like Figure 3As shown, the control unit 74 is electrically connected to the upper float switch 64, the lower float switch 66, the seat sensor 68, the camera 70, the water level detection sensor 72, the toilet cleaning switch 76, the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, the water supply path switching valve 42 and the pressure pump 10. If the toilet cleaning switch 76 is pressed, the control unit 74 operates the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, the water supply path switching valve 42 and the pressure pump 10 in sequence, thereby first spraying the cleaning water from the frame water spray port 20a, then spraying the cleaning water from the jet water spray port 24a while continuing to spray the frame, and finally spraying the cleaning water from the frame water spray port 20a.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 74 is connected to various devices by wire, but the control unit 74 may be connected to various devices wirelessly.

[0069] The control unit 74 determines the waste state through the images of the bowl 15, the water surface, and the falling waste from the camera 70, and the numerical data of the water level from the water level detection sensor 72, and controls the booster pump 10 based on the determination result. In addition, the control unit 74 controls the booster pump 10 based on the determination result of the waste state each time the toilet is cleaned, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet nozzle 24a.

[0070] In addition, the control unit 74 controls the water supply path switching valve 42 based on the determination result of the waste state through the photographed images of the bowl 15, the water accumulation surface, and the falling waste from the camera 70 and the numerical data of the water accumulation level from the water level detection sensor 72. In addition, the control unit 74 controls the water supply path switching valve 42 based on the determination result of the waste state each time the toilet is cleaned, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame water spray port 20a.

[0071] Next, the concept of toilet bowl cleaning of the flush toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4A to Figure 4D The figures are patterns A to D showing waste states, (a) is a sectional view of the bowl of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0072] The dirt state involved in the embodiment of the present invention is divided into the following dirt state modes A to D, for example, based on the type of dirt and the amount of dirt. Here, the types of dirt are set to three types: "solid dirt", "suspended dirt" and "mixed dirt of solid dirt and suspended dirt (hereinafter referred to as mixed dirt)", and the "amount of dirt" is set to four levels of "more", "standard", "slightly less" and "less" relative to the "standard" based on the average amount of dirt of the user. "Solid dirt" is the block-shaped dirt that sinks in the accumulated water, "suspended dirt" is the dirt that floats on the surface of the accumulated water, and "mixed dirt" is the dirt formed by the mixture of solid dirt and suspended dirt.

[0073] First, the mode A of the dirt state is as follows Figure 4A As shown, the type of waste is "solid waste" and the amount of waste is "large". Solid waste X sinks in the accumulated water and is larger than the standard amount of waste. Therefore, in order to fully discharge the waste, it is desirable to increase the amount of washing water compared to the usual large washing, and then perform toilet washing after improving the waste discharge performance.

[0074] Mode B of the dirt state is as follows Figure 4B As shown, the type of dirt is "mixed dirt" and the amount of dirt is "standard". Solid dirt X sinks in the water, and suspended dirt Y floats on the surface of the water. Solid dirt X and suspended dirt Y are the average amount of dirt of the user, that is, the standard amount. Therefore, it is desired to perform a normal large cleaning.

[0075] The dirt state model C is as follows Figure 4C As shown, the type of waste is "mixed waste" and the amount of waste is "slightly less". Solid waste X sinks in the accumulated water, and suspended waste Y floats on the surface of the accumulated water. The amount of solid waste X and suspended waste Y is slightly less than the standard amount. Therefore, although the waste can be discharged by normal large cleaning, if the normal large cleaning is performed, more water than the required amount will be used. Therefore, in order to save water, it is desired to clean the toilet after reducing the amount of cleaning water compared to the normal large cleaning.

[0076] The mode D of the dirt state is as follows Figure 4D As shown, the type of waste is "suspended waste" and the amount of waste is "small". Suspended waste Y floats on the surface of the accumulated water. The amount of suspended waste Y is less than the standard amount. Therefore, although the waste can be discharged by normal heavy cleaning, if the normal heavy cleaning is performed, more water than the required amount will be used. Therefore, in order to save water, it is desired to perform toilet cleaning after reducing the amount of cleaning water compared to the normal heavy cleaning.

[0077] As described above, it can be understood that the desired amount of washing water and waste discharge performance differ depending on the waste state (for example, the type of waste and the amount of waste).

[0078] However, the existing flush toilet device performs normal large flushing regardless of the waste state. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have found that if the best toilet flushing corresponding to the waste state can be performed each time the toilet is flushed, further water saving and improvement of waste discharge performance can be achieved.

[0079] The present invention can perform the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state each time the toilet is cleaned, and can achieve further water saving and improvement of waste discharge performance.

[0080] Next, the control of toilet flushing of the flush toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing toilet flushing control of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing flushing patterns A to D in jet water spraying of the flush toilet device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] In addition, Figure 5 In the figure, S represents each step.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, after the user sits on the toilet seat 4c, the process proceeds to S1 to determine whether the user's excretion is finished. Specifically, when a change in the signal (change in the sitting state) is detected from the seat sensor 68, it is determined that the user's excretion is finished and the process proceeds to S2 (S1; Yes). In addition, when no change in the signal is detected from the seat sensor, the control unit 74 determines that the user's excretion is not finished (S1; No).

[0083] Next, in S2, information related to the excreted waste is obtained. The information related to waste is obtained by the camera 70 and the water level detection sensor 72 immediately after the user has excreted (before toilet paper is used). The camera 70 photographs the bowl 15 from above, and obtains a photographic image of the bowl 15 and the water surface after excretion as information related to waste (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4A to Figure 4D (b) in the figure). In addition, the water level detection sensor 72 obtains numerical data of the water level of the accumulated water after the discharge as information related to waste (for example, information related to the amount of waste present on the accumulated water surface).

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, as information related to waste, the captured images of the bowl and the water accumulation surface and the numerical data of the water level of the accumulated water are obtained, but instead of this, the captured images in the drainage bend pipe and the numerical data of the water pressure of the accumulated water can be obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, the information related to waste is obtained just after the user excretes (before the user uses toilet paper), but it can also be obtained after the user uses toilet paper.

[0085] Next, in S3, the waste state is determined. Specifically, the control unit 74 compares the captured image obtained by the above S2 with the reference image to determine which of the above-mentioned waste state modes A to D it is. The reference image uses an image captured from above of the bowl portion in a waste-free state, which is pre-stored in the control unit 74. In the comparison between the captured image and the reference image, the brightness, hue, chroma, grayscale, etc. of each image are digitized, and by comparing the numerical values ​​of each image, it is determined which of the waste state modes A to D it is. In addition, in the present embodiment, the waste state is determined based on the type of waste and the amount of waste. As described above, the waste state is determined by information related to the waste in the bowl portion that has a great influence on the toilet cleaning performance, so that the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state can be performed.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the dirt state is determined based on the type and amount of dirt, but the dirt state may be determined based on the location or distribution of the dirt in addition to the type and amount of dirt. In addition, in the present embodiment, an image obtained by observing the bowl without dirt from above is used as the reference image, but a standard dirt state pattern B (see Figure 4B The image in (b)).

[0087] In addition, the control unit 74 compares the captured image of the water surface and the numerical data of the water level obtained by the above S2 with the threshold value to determine which of the above-mentioned waste state modes A to D it is. The threshold value is pre-set for each mode A to D of the waste state. As described above, the waste state is determined by the information related to the waste in the water that has a great influence on the waste discharge performance, so that the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state can be performed.

[0088] In addition, in the present embodiment, the waste state is determined based on the numerical data of the accumulated water level. However, the waste state may be determined based on numerical data of the water pressure of the accumulated water W, a captured image of the accumulated water surface, etc. instead of the numerical data of the accumulated water level.

[0089] Furthermore, in S3, the type of waste may be determined based on the images of the basin 15 and the water accumulation surface captured by the camera 70, and the amount of waste may be determined based on the numerical data of the water accumulation level from the water level detection sensor 72. In this case, the waste state is determined by combining the waste-related information from the camera 70 and the water level detection sensor 72, so that the waste state can be determined with higher accuracy. In addition, a linear sensor camera may be used to determine the waste state based on information related to the falling waste. In this case, the waste state may be determined by appropriately combining the waste-related information from the camera 70, the water level detection sensor 72, and the linear sensor camera.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 74 compares the pattern of the waste state determined based on the image of the bowl 15 and the water surface captured by the camera 70 and the pattern of the waste state determined based on the numerical data of the water level from the water level detection sensor 72, and determines that it is the current waste state when the patterns of the waste states are consistent. As described above, the waste state is determined using the image of the bowl 15 and the water surface captured and the numerical data of the water level as information related to waste, so the waste state can be determined with high accuracy.

[0091] Next, the process proceeds to S4, where the control unit 74 controls the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, the water supply path switching valve 42, and the pressure pump 10 to start toilet cleaning. First, the control unit 74 sets the electromagnetic on-off valve 40 to open, and sets the water supply path switching valve 42 to fully open on the frame side. As a result, cleaning water is sprayed from the frame water spray port 20a to clean the bowl 15 (so-called "front frame water spray").

[0092] Next, in S5, the control unit 74 drives the booster pump 10 while continuing to spray water from the frame water spray port 20a, and sprays washing water from the jet water spray port 24a (so-called "frame jet water spray"). Washing water is sprayed from the jet water spray port 24a, thereby filling the drainage elbow pipe 16 with water, causing a siphon effect in advance. In S5, the control unit 74 selects any one of the washing modes A to D corresponding to the modes A to D of the dirt state determined in S3 above, and controls the booster pump 10 based on the selected washing mode. As a result, the spraying mode of the washing water sprayed from the jet water spray port 24a is changed according to the dirt state.

[0093] Here, the cleaning patterns A to D in the jet water spraying executed in S5 will be described in detail.

[0094] First, in Figure 6A to Figure 6DIn the washing patterns A to D shown, the time taken from the start to the end of the water jetting is substantially the same. As described above, since the time taken from the start to the end of the water jetting is substantially the same, it is possible to prevent the user from mistaking the change in the water jetting time for a malfunction.

[0095] Fig. 6A The cleaning mode A shown is executed when it is determined that the dirt state is mode A of the dirt state (the type of dirt is "solid dirt", the amount of dirt is "large"). In order to improve the dirt discharge performance compared with the usual large cleaning, the cleaning mode A is set to drive the pressure pump 10 at 100% output from the start (time t1) to the end (time t2) of the jet water spray. Specifically, the pressure pump 10 is stopped during the period when the front frame water spray is performed (time t0-t1). At time t1, the speed of the pressure pump 10 increases and reaches the maximum speed (output 100%), and the jet water spray starts. During the period from time t1 to t2, the pressure pump 10 is driven at a constant maximum speed to perform a large flow of jet water spray. At time t2, the speed of the pressure pump 10 decreases and the jet water spray ends. Then, the cleaning water is sprayed out from the frame water spray port 20a, and the accumulated water W returns to the state before the start of cleaning (the so-called "rear frame water spray"). During the period of spraying water on the rear frame (time t2-t3), the booster pump 10 is stopped. As described above, in the cleaning mode A, the flow rate of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water spray port 24a is increased compared with the normal large cleaning. In addition, in the cleaning mode A, during the jet water spraying, the control unit 74 can drive the water supply path switching valve 42 to supply cleaning water to the water storage tank 8. As a result, the water storage tank 8 can be miniaturized and the amount of cleaning water for the jet water spraying can be increased, and the dirt discharge capacity can be improved.

[0096] Figure 6BThe cleaning mode B shown is executed when it is determined that the dirt state is the dirt state mode B (the type of dirt is "mixed dirt", the amount of dirt is "standard"). Cleaning mode B is a normal large cleaning, and the rotation speed of the pressure pump 10 is set to 100% output after the start of the water jet, and then the pressure pump 10 is driven at 60% output (relative to the maximum rotation speed). Specifically, during the period of water jetting on the front frame (time t0-t1), the pressure pump 10 is stopped. At time t1, the rotation speed of the pressure pump 10 rises to the maximum rotation speed (output 100%), and the water jet starts. During the period from time t1 to t2, the pressure pump 10 is driven at a constant maximum rotation speed to perform a large flow of water jet. At time t2, the rotation speed of the pressure pump is reduced to a rotation speed of 60% output (relative to the maximum rotation speed). During the period from time t2 to t3, the pressure pump 10 is driven at a constant rotation speed of 60% output to perform a medium flow of water jet. At time t3, the rotation speed of the pressure pump 10 is reduced, and the water spraying is terminated. During the period of water spraying on the rear frame (time t3 to t4), the pressure pump 10 is stopped. As described above, in the cleaning mode B, normal heavy cleaning is performed.

[0097] Figure 6C The cleaning mode C shown is executed when it is determined that the dirt state is the mode C of the dirt state (the type of dirt is "mixed dirt", the amount of dirt is "slightly less"). The cleaning mode C is set so that after the jetting of water starts, the pressure pump 10 is driven at 100% output, but then temporarily stops, and the pressure pump 10 is driven again at 60% output (relative to the maximum speed). Specifically, the pressure pump 10 stops during the period of front frame water spraying (time t0-t1). At time t1, the speed of the pressure pump 10 rises to the maximum speed (output 100%), and the jetting of water starts. During the period from time t1 to t2, the pressure pump 10 is driven at a constant maximum speed, and a large flow of water is jetted. At time t2, the speed of the pressure pump 10 decreases, and the jetting of water temporarily ends. During the period from time t2 to t3, the pressure pump 10 stops. At time t3, the speed of the pressure pump 10 rises again to a speed of 60% output, and the jetting of water is performed again. During the period from time t3 to t4, the booster pump 10 is driven at a constant output speed of 60% to perform a medium flow jet water spray. At time t4, the speed of the booster pump 10 is reduced and the jet water spray ends. During the period of spraying water on the rear frame (time t4 to t5), the booster pump 10 is stopped. As described above, in cleaning mode C, compared with the usual large cleaning, the time for spraying water from the jet water nozzle 24a becomes shorter, and the flow rate of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water nozzle 24a is reduced. In addition, in cleaning mode C, the booster pump 10 is stopped before the water level of the water storage tank 8 drops to the lowest water level L1 during normal use. As a result, the amount of cleaning water for the jet water spray is reduced, and water saving can be achieved.

[0098] in addition, Fig.6D The cleaning mode D shown is executed when it is determined that the dirt state is the mode D of the dirt state (the type of dirt is "suspended dirt", the amount of dirt is "small"). The cleaning mode D is set so that the pressure pump 10 is always driven at 60% output (relative to the maximum speed) from the start (time t1) to the end (time t2) of the jet water spray. Specifically, the pressure pump 10 is stopped during the period of front frame water spraying (time t0-t1). At time t1, the speed of the pressure pump 10 increases to 70% output, and the jet water spraying starts. During the period of time t1-t2, the pressure pump 10 is driven at a constant speed of 70% output, and the jet water spraying is performed at a medium flow rate. At time t2, the speed of the pressure pump 10 is reduced, and the jet water spraying ends. During the period of rear frame water spraying (time t2-t3), the pressure pump 10 is stopped. As described above, in the cleaning mode D, the flow rate of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water nozzle 24a is reduced compared with the usual large cleaning. In the washing mode D, the pressure pump 10 is stopped until the water level of the water tank 8 drops to the lowest water level L1 during normal use. This reduces the amount of washing water for jetting, and water conservation can be achieved.

[0099] As described above, in S5, any one of the above-mentioned cleaning modes A to D is sprayed. Then, the rear frame is sprayed, and the control unit 74 sets the water supply path switching valve 42 to be fully opened on the water storage tank side, thereby supplying water to the water storage tank 8. If the water storage tank 8 becomes full of water, the control unit 74 closes the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, and the toilet cleaning is completed (S6).

[0100] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in S5, the control unit 74 changes only the spraying mode of the washing water sprayed from the jet water spraying port 24a, but the spraying mode of the washing water sprayed from the frame water spraying port 20a may also be changed. In this case, the control unit 74 controls the water supply path switching valve 42 based on the determination result of the dirt state each time the toilet is cleaned, thereby changing the spraying mode of the washing water sprayed from the frame water spraying port 20a. Specifically, the control unit 70 determines the dirt state (the dirt attachment state of the dry surface) of the dirt receiving surface 12 based on the image captured by the bowl portion 15 from the camera 70, and changes the spraying mode of the washing water sprayed from the frame water spraying port 20a according to the dirt state.

[0101] Furthermore, in S5, the control unit 74 may also change the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water spray port 24a and the frame water spray port 20a simultaneously. In this case, the control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10 based on the determination result of the dirt state each time the toilet is cleaned, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water spray port 24a, and controls the water supply path switching valve 42 to change the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame water spray port 20a. Specifically, the control unit 74 determines the dirt state (the dirt attachment state of the dry surface) of the dirt receiving surface 12 based on the image captured by the bowl portion 15 from the camera 70, and changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame water spray port 20a according to the dirt state. In addition, the control unit 74 determines the dirt state based on the captured image of the water surface from the camera 70 and the numerical data of the water level from the water level detection sensor 72, and changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the spray nozzle 24a. In this way, the respective spraying modes can be changed according to the dirt state of each part, and the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the dirt state can be performed.

[0102] Next, the effects of the flush toilet device 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] First, in the flush toilet device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 obtains information related to waste each time the toilet is cleaned, and controls the pressure pump 10 or the water supply line switching valve 42 (cleaning water supply device) based on the judgment result of the waste state, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water outlet 24a or the frame water outlet 20a. Therefore, each time the toilet is cleaned, the best toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state can be performed, which can achieve further water saving and improvement of waste discharge performance.

[0104] In addition, in the flush toilet device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning water supply device is a pressure pump 10, and the control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water outlet 24a, so that the spraying mode can be easily changed each time the toilet is cleaned.

[0105] In the flush toilet device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 changes the flow rate or time of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water outlet 24a or the frame water outlet 20a, thereby changing the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water outlet 24a or the frame water outlet 20a, so that the spraying mode can be easily changed.

[0106] In addition, in the flush toilet device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 determines the waste state based on the information related to the bowl 15 and the waste in the accumulated water W in the bowl 15. Therefore, the waste state can be determined by the information related to the waste in the bowl 15 that has a great influence on the toilet cleaning performance and the information related to the waste in the accumulated water that has a great influence on the waste discharge performance, and the optimal toilet cleaning corresponding to the waste state can be performed.

[0107] In the flush toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 determines the waste state based on the type and amount of waste, so the waste state can be determined with high accuracy. In addition, in the flush toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 determines the waste state based on the position or distribution of waste, so the waste state can be determined with higher accuracy.

[0108] In addition, in the flush toilet device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame water spray port 20a based on the dirt state in the dirt receiving surface 12 of the bowl portion 15 (the dirt adhesion state of the dry surface), and changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet water spray port 24a based on the dirt state in the accumulated water in the bowl portion 15. Therefore, the respective water spraying modes can be changed according to the dirt state of each part, and the optimal toilet cleaning corresponding to the dirt state can be performed.

[0109] Next, more embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0110] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the flush toilet device sprays the cleaning water pressurized by the pressure pump 10 only from the jet water outlet 24a, but it is also possible to spray water from both the jet water outlet 24a and the frame water outlet 20a. In this case, the downstream side of the pressure pump 10 is connected to the jet side water supply path 50 and the frame side water supply path 44.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10 according to the dirt state, thereby changing the spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from both the frame spray port 20a and the jet spray port 24a.

[0112] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the flush toilet device has the pressure pump 10 only arranged in the injection side water supply path 50, but other pressure pumps different from the pressure pump 10 can also be arranged in the frame side water supply path 44, so that the cleaning water pressurized by each pressure pump is sprayed from the injection water outlet 24a and the frame water outlet 20a respectively.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 74 controls each of the pressure pumps according to the dirt state, thereby being able to change the spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from the frame spray port 20a and the jet spray port 24a.

[0114] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the flush toilet device performs jet spraying, but it is also possible to perform frame spraying only. In this case, the downstream side of the pressure pump 10 is connected to the frame side water supply path 44, so that the cleaning water pressurized by the pressure pump 10 is sprayed from the frame water spray port 20a.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10 according to the dirt state, thereby being able to change the spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from the frame spray port 20a.

[0116] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the flush toilet device obtains waste excreted by the user as waste-related information, but toilet paper used by the user may be obtained as waste-related information to determine the waste state.

[0117] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the waste state is determined by obtaining information related to waste after the excretion is completed, but it is also possible to obtain information related to waste while waste is falling using a linear sensor camera or the like to determine the waste state. In addition, it is also possible to combine information related to waste after the excretion is completed with information related to waste that is falling to determine the waste state. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the amount of washing water is changed according to the state of waste present in the bowl and the water accumulation surface, but it is also possible to change the amount of washing water according to the state of waste that is falling.

[0118] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, cleaning modes A to D corresponding to the modes A to D of the waste state are set, but for example, the mode of the waste state of the waste receiving surface of the bowl and the mode of the waste state in the accumulated water may be set separately, and a cleaning mode corresponding to the combination of the modes of each waste state may be set. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the toilet is cleaned by the cleaning modes A to D corresponding to the modes A to D of the waste state, but it is not limited to the modes A to D, and the mode can be increased or decreased according to the flush toilet device. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the mode of the waste state and the cleaning mode are pre-stored in the flush toilet device, but they can also be stored in an external device of the flush toilet device, and the flush toilet device reads the mode from the external device wirelessly.

[0119] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims.

[0120] Description of the label

[0121] 1: Flush toilet device

[0122] 10: Booster pump

[0123] 12: Dirt receiving surface

[0124] 14: Border

[0125] 15: Pelvis

[0126] 16: Drainage elbow pipeline

[0127] 20: Border water spraying part

[0128] 20a: Border water spout

[0129] 24: Water jet

[0130] 24a: Water jet nozzle

[0131] 40: Solenoid opening and closing valve

[0132] 42: Water supply line switching valve

[0133] 68: Seat sensor

[0134] 70: Camera

[0135] 72: Water level detection sensor

[0136] 74: Control Department

[0137] 76: Toilet cleaning switch

[0138] W: Water

[0139] X: Solid dirt

[0140] Y: Suspended dirt

Claims

1. A flush toilet device that uses flushing water to clean the toilet and discharge waste. The flush toilet device is characterized by having: The basin portion has a dirt receiving surface for receiving dirt and a frame portion formed above the dirt receiving surface; A drainage elbow pipeline is connected to the bottom of the basin to discharge waste; A water spraying part, which is arranged on the basin part and sprays out cleaning water; a washing water supply device for supplying washing water to the water spraying portion; a waste information acquisition unit that acquires information related to waste discharged into the bowl; and a control unit that determines the state of the waste using information related to the waste and controls the washing water supply device based on the determination result; The control unit controls the flushing water supply device based on the determination result of the waste state every time the toilet is flushed, thereby changing the spraying mode of the flushing water sprayed from the water spraying unit.

2. The flush toilet device according to claim 1, wherein: The cleaning water supply device is a pump, The control unit controls the pump to change a spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from the water spraying unit.

3. The flush toilet device according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit changes a spraying pattern of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit by changing a flow rate or a time of the washing water sprayed from the water spray unit.

4. The flush toilet device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit determines the waste state based on information about the bowl and waste in the accumulated water in the bowl.

5. The flush toilet device according to claim 4, wherein: have: a frame water spraying portion, which is disposed on the frame portion and sprays cleaning water along the frame portion; and The water jetting part is arranged at the bottom of the basin and sprays the cleaning water toward the inlet of the drainage elbow pipe. The control unit changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the frame spray unit based on the dirt state in the dirt receiving surface of the bowl unit, and changes the spraying mode of the cleaning water sprayed from the jet spray unit based on the dirt state in the accumulated water in the bowl unit.

6. The flush toilet device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit determines the dirt state based on the type of dirt and the amount of dirt as information related to the dirt.

7. The flush toilet device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit determines the contamination state based on the position or distribution of the contamination.

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