Toilet device, toilet system, and control method

Abstract

A toilet device is provided with: a toilet bowl connected to a drainage path through which flush water is discharged; a supply control unit that controls the flush water supplied to the toilet bowl; the supply control unit supplies a first amount of flushing water when flushing the toilet bowl, and also supplies a second amount of flushing water on the basis of the first amount of flushing water according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet device, a toilet system, and a control method. Background Art

[0002] The Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-162649 discloses a toilet that discharges flushing water supplied to a toilet bowl into a drain pipe of a building. When waste stagnates in the drain pipe, the drain pipe is filled with water, causing a siphon phenomenon. In the toilet, the presence of stagnant waste in the drain pipe is inferred by detecting the siphon phenomenon. When the siphon phenomenon is detected, the toilet increases the flushing water volume to increase the conveying capacity of the drain pipe. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned technology, in order to improve the conveying capacity of the drainage pipe through which the waste water of the toilet flows, the amount of water for one flushing is increased. In this specification, a technology for improving the conveying capacity of the drainage pipe is provided.

[0005] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0006] The first technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet device. The toilet device may include: a toilet bowl connected to a drainage path for discharging flushing water; a supply control unit that controls the flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl; the supply control unit supplies a first amount of flushing water when flushing the toilet bowl, and supplies a second amount of flushing water based on the first amount of flushing water according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

[0007] The second technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet system. It may be that the toilet system comprises: a plurality of toilet devices; a drainage path extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of toilet devices and having a branch drainage pipe connected to the equipment-side drainage pipes respectively possessed by the plurality of toilet devices; the plurality of toilet devices respectively comprise: a toilet bowl connected to the drainage path for discharging flushing water; a supply control unit controlling the flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl; the supply control unit supplies a first amount of flushing water when flushing the toilet bowl, and supplies a second amount of flushing water in addition to the first amount of flushing water according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

[0008] The third technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control method for a toilet system. The toilet system may include: a plurality of toilet devices; a drainage path extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of toilet devices and having a branch drainage pipe connected to the equipment-side drainage pipes respectively provided by the plurality of toilet devices; the plurality of toilet devices respectively include a toilet bowl connected to the drainage path for discharging flushing water, and the control method supplies a first amount of flushing water to the toilet bowl when flushing the toilet bowl, and supplies a second amount of flushing water to the toilet bowl in addition to the first amount of flushing water according to the fluidity of the drainage path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the piping structure of a flush toilet in a management area.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a flush toilet.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the control system.

[0012] Figure 4 : is a flowchart showing the flushing process according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flush water control process according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the flush water volume determination process according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] (First Embodiment)

[0016] (Composition of water supply and drainage system)

[0017] Figure 1 1 shows a water supply and drainage system 2, which includes a plurality of toilet devices 100 installed in a management area 1. Figure 1In the figure, three toilet devices 100a, 100b, and 100c are shown. There is no limit to the number of multiple toilet devices 100 configured in the management area 1. It should be noted that the management area 1 can be a building, a residence, a commercial facility or other structure, a field management area, a block, and at least one area in a town, without any special restrictions. In a block and a town, at least one of more than one building and more than one field management area is included. In the management area 1, the drainage of the multiple toilet devices 100 in the management area 1 is handled by the drainage system 5 in the management area 1. The drainage system 5 has one or more branch drainage pipes 6 and a main drainage pipe 8. The branch drainage pipe 6 extends in the direction in which the multiple toilet devices 100 are arranged. The drainage of the multiple toilet devices 100 merges in a branch drainage pipe 6 and is connected to the main drainage pipe 8 in the management area 1. When the multiple toilet devices 100 are not arranged in a straight line, the branch drainage pipe 6 can be bent in the middle position.

[0018] In the management area 1, a target water volume to be used in a specific period such as one month is preset. The water volume used is centrally managed in the management area 1. In the management area 1, two or more sets of a combination of a plurality of toilet devices 100 and one branch drainage pipe 6 may be provided.

[0019] The plurality of toilet devices 100 each have a flush toilet. Water is supplied to the plurality of toilet devices 100 from a water supply pipe 4 connected to a water supply pipe 3 provided outside the management area 1. The plurality of toilet devices 100 are connected to branch pipes 4a, 4b, and 4c branched from the water supply pipe 4, respectively. The plurality of toilet devices 100 are connected to branch pipes 6a, 6b, and 6c, respectively. Water used by each of the plurality of toilet devices 100 flows to the branch drain pipe 6 via the branch pipes 6a, 6b, and 6c, respectively. Excrement received by the plurality of toilet devices 100 further flows into the branch drain pipe 6 via the branch pipes 6a, 6b, and 6c. The water and excrement of the branch drain pipe 6 flow in the branch drain pipe 6 and reach the main drain pipe 8. The water and excrement reaching the main drain pipe 8 flow to the sewer pipe through the main drain pipe 8.

[0020] (Composition of toilet device)

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the toilet device 100a includes a toilet seat 102, a toilet bowl 104, a drain pipe 106, a toilet cover and a water tank (not shown), and a separate control device 20a (see Figure 3 ). In the toilet device 100a, flushing water stored in the water tank is supplied to the toilet bowl 104 for receiving excrement, thereby flushing the toilet bowl 104. The water tank stores water supplied from the water supply pipe 4. The flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl 104 flows from the drain pipe 106 to the branch drain pipe 6 through the branch pipe 6a. The flushing water flows along the branch drain pipe 6. Figure 2In the modified example, the toilet device 100a may not have at least one of a toilet cover and a water tank. In the toilet device 100a without a water tank, flush water can be supplied from the water supply pipe 4 to the toilet bowl 104 via the branch pipe 4a.

[0022] The drain pipe 106 extends upward from the toilet bowl 104, bends downward with the inflection point 106a as the vertex, and extends to the branch pipe 6a. The drain pipe 106 of the toilet device 100a is arranged above the ground X where the toilet device 100a is installed, and the branch pipe 6a on the management area 1 side is arranged below the ground X. When going downward from the inflection point 106a, a part of the branch drain pipe 6 is exposed through the branch pipe 6a. The multiple toilet devices 100 including the toilet devices 100b and 100c have the same structure as the toilet device 100a.

[0023] (Composition of the management system)

[0024] Water supply and drainage system 2 Figure 3 The management system 10 shown. The management system 10 controls a plurality of toilet devices 100. The management system 10 includes a control unit 11, a camera 110, and a sensor 120. The control unit 11 includes a main control device 12 and a plurality of individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c. The plurality of individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c are respectively arranged in the plurality of toilet devices 100. The main control device 12 manages the plurality of toilet devices 100. The main control device 12 includes a CPU 14, a memory 16, and a communication module 18.

[0025] The CPU 14 , the memory 16 , and the communication module 18 are connected to each other so as to be communicable via a bus bar (not shown). The main control device 12 controls the plurality of toilet devices 100 by causing the CPU 14 to execute processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the memory 16 .

[0026] The memory 16 includes, for example, at least one of a hard disk, a ROM, and a RAM. The memory 16 stores a computer program for the main control device 12 and data required for processing by the main control device 12. The memory 16 stores in advance a combination of identification information inherently assigned to each of the plurality of toilet devices 100 and position information of the flush toilet identified by the identification information. The position information includes information indicating which of the plurality of toilet devices 100 is located from the upstream of the branch drain pipe 6. The memory 16 also stores a combination of the identification information and the current flush water volume of the flush toilet identified by the identification information.

[0027] The communication module 18 includes an interface for connecting the main control device 12 to other devices in a communicable manner. For example, the communication module 18 may include at least one of an interface for communicating with a LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) and an interface for performing wireless communication. The main control device 12 is connected to the plurality of individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c in a communicable manner via the communication module 18.

[0028] The plurality of individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c are respectively disposed in the plurality of toilet devices 100. The individual control device 20a is disposed in the toilet device 100a. The individual control device 20a includes a control unit 22a, a communication module 28, and an operation unit 29. The control unit 22a includes a CPU 24 and a memory 26.

[0029] The CPU 24 , the memory 26 , the communication module 28 , and the operation unit 29 are connected to each other so as to be communicable via a bus bar (not shown). The control unit 22 a controls the plurality of toilet devices 100 by causing the CPU 24 to execute processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the memory 26 .

[0030] The memory 26 includes, for example, at least one of a hard disk, a ROM, and a RAM. The memory 26 stores a computer program for the control unit 22a and data required for the processing of the control unit 22a. The identification information of the toilet device 100a is pre-stored in the memory 26. The control unit 22a controls a valve disposed in the water tank to supply flush water from the water tank to the toilet bowl 104. The control unit 22a controls the valve to adjust the amount of flush water supplied from the water tank to the toilet bowl 104.

[0031] The communication module 28 includes an interface for connecting the control unit 22a to other devices in a communicative manner. For example, the communication module 28 has the same configuration as the communication module 18. The control unit 22a is communicably connected to the main control device 12, the camera 110, and the sensor 120 via the communication module 28. The operation unit 29 includes a flush button for allowing the user of the toilet device 100a to supply flush water to the toilet bowl 104 of the toilet device 100a.

[0032] The individual control devices 20b and 20c are respectively arranged in the toilet apparatuses 100b and 100c. The individual control devices 20b and 20c have the same configuration as the individual control device 20a.

[0033] The camera 110 and the sensor 120 are disposed in the toilet device 100a. Figure 2As shown, the camera 110 is arranged on the lower surface of the toilet seat 102. The camera 110 takes a picture of the toilet bowl 104 within the range indicated by the two dotted lines extending downward from the camera 110. The sensor 120 is arranged at the inflection point 106a of the drain pipe 106. As shown by the dotted line extending downward from the sensor 120, the sensor 120 sends at least one of ultrasonic waves and radio waves downward toward the branch drain pipe 6 exposed at the inflection point 106a. The sensor 120 detects the position of at least one of the foreign matter and the liquid surface WF2 in the branch drain pipe 6 by receiving the reflected wave of at least one of the foreign matter such as excrement and the liquid surface WF2 in the branch drain pipe 6. Hereinafter, the position of at least one of the foreign matter and the liquid surface WF2 is referred to as the "position of the liquid surface". The same cameras and sensors as the camera 110 and the sensor 120 are respectively arranged in a plurality of toilet devices 100.

[0034] (For supplying flushing water to toilets)

[0035] The main control device 12 and the plurality of individual control devices 20a, 20b, 20c perform a supply process for supplying the flushing water amount to the plurality of toilet devices 100a, 100b, 100c. Specifically, the flushing process is performed in the plurality of individual control devices 20a, 20b, 20c. The flushing water control process is performed in the main control device 12. The process performed by the control unit 22a of the individual control device 20a is described below, but the same is true for the control units 22b, 22c of the individual control devices 20b, 20c.

[0036] (Rinse treatment)

[0037] The control unit 22a continues to perform the flushing process. Figure 4As shown, in the flushing process, in S12, the control unit 22a monitors the situation of obtaining the flushing instruction. When the user of the toilet device 100a operates the flush button of the operating unit 29, the flushing instruction is sent from the operating unit 29 to the control unit 22a. In a modified example, the control unit 22a can determine that the flushing instruction has been obtained by obtaining a signal indicating that the user is seated in the seat sensor configured in the toilet device 100a and then obtaining a signal indicating that the user has left the seat. In a modified example, it is also possible to determine that the flushing instruction has been obtained by obtaining at least one of a signal indicating that the toilet cover is closed in the sensor that detects the opening and closing of the toilet cover configured in the toilet 100a and a signal indicating that the user has left the toilet 100a in the human body sensor configured in the toilet 100a. If the flushing instruction is obtained (Yes in S12), enter S14. The control unit 22a may also supply flushing water at least one of regularly and irregularly without depending on the flushing instruction. In this case, at the timing when flush water should be supplied, it may be determined as YES in S12. If the flush instruction is not obtained (NO in S12), the process proceeds to S32.

[0038] In S14, the control unit 22a obtains the detection result of the position of the liquid level of the branch drain pipe 6 from the sensor 120. In S16, the control unit 22a obtains image data representing an image of the toilet bowl 104 from the camera 110. In S18, the detection result obtained in S14 and the image data obtained in S16 are combined with flushing instruction information indicating that a flushing instruction has been obtained and identification information of the toilet device 100a, and sent to the main control device 12.

[0039] In S20, the control unit 22a receives the amount of flush water to be supplied to the toilet bowl 104 from the main control device 12. In S22, the control unit 22a starts supplying flush water to the toilet bowl 104. In S24, the control unit 22a monitors the situation after a prescribed period has passed since the start of supplying flush water. The prescribed period is pre-stored in the control unit 22a. The prescribed period is a period (e.g., 7 seconds) longer than the period from the supply of flush water to the stabilization of the liquid level in the toilet bowl 104 at a horizontal level when the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is normal.

[0040] S26 and S28 are the same as S14 and S16, respectively. In S30, the control unit 22a combines the detection results and image data obtained in S26 and S28 with the identification information of the toilet device 100a, and sends them to the main control device 12. In S32, the control unit 22a monitors the situation of receiving an additional flushing water supply instruction from the main control device 12. In the case of sending the detection result in S30, it is determined whether the additional flushing water supply instruction is received before a period (for example, 1 second) preset in the control unit 22a after the detection result is sent. In the case where the additional flushing water supply instruction is not received (No in S32), return to S12. In the case where the additional flushing water supply instruction is received (Yes in S32), in S34, the control unit 22a supplies flushing water of the flushing water amount included in the additional flushing water supply instruction to the toilet bowl 104, and returns to S12.

[0041] (Rinse water control treatment)

[0042] The main control device 12 continuously performs the flushing water control process. In the flushing water control process, Figure 5 As shown, in S52, the main control device 12 monitors the situation of receiving the detection results and image data from any control unit of the plurality of control units 22a, 22b, 22c. If the detection results and image data are received (yes in S52), then in S54, the main control device 12 performs the flushing water volume determination process.

[0043] (Flushing water volume determination process)

[0044] like Figure 6As shown, in the flush water determination process, in S72, the main control device 12 uses the detection result and image data obtained in S52 to determine whether the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced and whether there is a stain on the toilet bowl 104. Specifically, the main control device 12 determines that the fluidity is reduced when the position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 is higher than the first reference value. The first reference value is the liquid level position +H1 (for example, 30 mm) of the branch drain pipe 6 when there is no dirt in the branch drain pipe 6 and the flush water does not flow from any toilet device 100a, 100b, 100c to the branch drain pipe 6. In S72, the main control device 12 uses the image data obtained in S52 to determine whether there is a stain on the toilet bowl 104. Specifically, when the image represented by the image data contains a color different from the color when there is no stain attached to the toilet bowl 104, the main control device 12 determines that there is a stain on the toilet bowl 104. The main control device 12 combines the judgment result of S72 with the identification information of the toilet device 100a and accumulates and stores them. In a modified example, the main control device 12 can use the image data obtained in S52 to judge whether at least one of the suspended matter such as paper and excrement remains in the toilet bowl 104. Specifically, the main control device 12 can judge that at least one of the suspended matter such as paper and excrement remains when the image represented by the image data contains a color different from the color when at least one of the suspended matter such as paper and excrement does not remain in the toilet bowl 104.

[0045] In the case where it is determined that at least one of the fluidity is reduced and there is a stain on the toilet bowl 104 (Yes in S72), in S74, the main control device 12 determines whether the flushing water volume currently set in the toilet device 100a is the upper limit of the flushing water volume. The upper limit of the flushing water volume is, for example, 6.0L, which is predetermined and stored in the memory 16. In the case where the flushing water volume set in the toilet device 100a is the upper limit of the flushing water volume (Yes in S74), the main control device 12 ends the flushing water determination process. In this case, the flushing water volume determined in the flushing water determination process is the current flushing water volume stored in the memory 16 in combination with the identification information of the toilet device 100.

[0046] If the flush water volume set in the toilet 100a is not the upper limit flush water volume (S74: No), in S76, the main control device 12 determines the flush water volume by adding a predetermined water volume VP2 (e.g., 0.5 L) to the current flush water volume as a new flush water volume. Thereafter, the main control device 12 terminates the flush water volume determination process.

[0047] In S72, when it is not determined that the fluidity is reduced and there is a stain on the toilet bowl 104 (No in S72), in S78, the main control device 12 determines whether the fluidity is determined to be reduced in the previously specified number of flushes (for example, 5 times). The main control device 12 uses the judgment result of the reduced fluidity stored in the memory 16 in combination with the identification information of the toilet device 100a to determine whether the fluidity is determined to be reduced in the previously specified number of flushes. In the case where it is determined that the fluidity is reduced in the previously specified number of flushes (No in S78), the main control device 12 ends the flush water determination process. In this case, the flush water volume determined in the flush water determination process is the current flush water volume stored in the memory 16 in combination with the identification information of the toilet device 100a.

[0048] In the case where the fluidity is not determined to be reduced in the previously specified number of flushing times (Yes in S78), in S80, the main control device 12 determines whether the flushing water volume currently set in the toilet device 100a is the lower limit flushing water volume. The lower limit flushing water volume is, for example, 2.0L, which is predetermined and stored in the memory 16. In the case where the flushing water volume set in the toilet device 100a by the main control device 12 is the lower limit flushing water volume (Yes in S80), the main control device 12 ends the flushing water determination process. In this case, the flushing water volume determined in the flushing water determination process is the current flushing water volume stored in the memory 16 in combination with the identification information of the toilet device 100.

[0049] If the flush water volume is not the lower limit (No in S80), in S82, the main control device 12 determines the flush water volume by subtracting a predetermined water volume VP1 (e.g., 0.5 L) from the current flush water volume as a new flush water volume, and the flush water volume determination process ends. In the flush water volume determination process, the water volume required to transport the flush water used to flush the toilet bowl 104, that is, the drainage, from the toilet bowl 104 to the branch drain pipe 6 via the drain pipe 106 is determined.

[0050] When the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced (Yes in S72), the foreign matter D1 (see Figure 2 ) flows to the main drain pipe 8. By allowing the foreign matter D1 to flow to the main drain pipe 8, the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 can be improved. However, when the current flushing water volume is the upper limit of the flushing water volume, by not increasing the flushing water volume, it is possible to prevent the increase in water usage due to excessive flushing water volume.

[0051] When it is determined that there is stain on the toilet bowl 104 (Yes in S72), the amount of flushing water is increased to flush the stain on the toilet bowl 104. In a modified example, when at least one of suspended matter such as paper and excrement remains in the toilet bowl 104 (Yes in S72), at least one of the suspended matter such as paper and excrement remaining in the toilet bowl 104 can be discharged from the toilet bowl 104 by increasing the amount of flushing water.

[0052] When the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 does not continue to decrease (Yes in S78), the flushing water volume can be reduced to suppress the flushing water volume. However, when the current flushing water volume is the lower limit of the flushing water volume, by not reducing the flushing water volume, it is possible to suppress the residual foreign matter in the branch drain pipe 6 and the decrease in the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 due to the flushing water volume becoming too small.

[0053] return Figure 5 When the flush water determination process is completed, in S56, the main control device 12 sends the flush water volume determined in S54 to the individual control device 20a. In S58, the main control device 12 waits for the detection results and image data of S26 and S28 to be obtained from the individual control device 20a. If the detection results and image data are obtained (Yes in S58), in S59, the main control device 12 determines whether the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced and whether there is stain on the toilet bowl 104.

[0054] Specifically, the main control device 12 determines that the fluidity is reduced when the position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 is higher than the third reference value. The third reference value is determined based on the position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 when flushing water flows from the toilet device 100a to the branch drain pipe 6 in a state where no foreign matter is present in the branch drain pipe 6. For example, the third reference value is the liquid level of the branch drain pipe 6 detected in S14 + H3 (for example, 30 mm). The main control device 12 determines that there is a stain in the toilet bowl 104, similarly to S72, when the image represented by the image data includes a color different from the color when there is no stain attached to the toilet bowl 104. In a modified example, the main control device 12 can use the image data obtained in S52, similarly to S72, to determine whether at least one of suspended matter such as paper and excrement remains in the toilet bowl 104. Specifically, the main control device 12 can determine that at least one of suspended matter such as paper and excrement remains in the toilet bowl 104 when the image represented by the image data contains a color different from the color when at least one of the suspended matter such as paper and excrement does not remain in the toilet bowl 104.

[0055] When the position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 is below the third reference value, the main control device 12 determines that the fluidity has not decreased. When it is determined that at least one of the fluidity is decreased and there is stain on the toilet bowl 104 (Yes in S59), the main control device 12 determines the additional flushing water volume in S60. When it is determined that the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is decreased, in order to make the cause of the decreased fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6, i.e., foreign matter such as excrement and toilet paper in the branch drain pipe 6, flow into the main drain pipe 8, additional flushing water is supplied to the branch drain pipe 6 in addition to the flushing water supplied according to the flushing instruction. The additional flushing water volume (e.g., 1.0L) is preset and stored in the memory 16. In a modified example, the main control device 12 may determine the additional flushing water volume based on at least one of the fluidity and the degree of stain on the toilet bowl 104. For example, the main control device 12 can determine any one of three water volumes (e.g., 0.5L, 1.0L, 1.5L) as the additional flushing water volume based on the degree of fluidity, that is, the position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6. With respect to the degree of fluidity, the main control device 12 can also determine a lower fluidity when the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 detected in S26 is higher. For example, the main control device 12 can determine the additional flushing water volume based on the size of a color included in an image represented by the image data that is different from the color when the toilet bowl 104 is not attached with stains. The additional flushing water volume is the amount of water required to flush the stains from the toilet bowl 104. In a modified example, the additional flushing water volume is the amount of water required to flush the stains from the toilet bowl 104 and to move the floating matter, i.e., residues, such as paper and excrement remaining in the toilet bowl 104 to the branch drain pipe 6.

[0056] In S64, the additional flush water volume determined in S60 is sent to the individual control device 20a, and the process returns to S52.

[0057] The main control device 12 performs an average water volume management process at a specified time (for example, every 6 hours) in parallel with the supply process. The main control device 12 calculates the average water volume of each flush water within a specified period (for example, 1 day) for each of the multiple toilets 100. In the case where there is a toilet whose average water volume exceeds the specified water volume (for example, 3L), the current water volume of the toilet whose average water volume exceeds the specified water volume is set as the lower limit water volume. In this way, the average water volume of the flush water used by each of the multiple toilets 100 can be controlled to a preset water volume. The water volume of the flush water in the management area 1 can be adjusted.

[0058] According to the management system 10, when it is determined that the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced, flushing water is additionally supplied to the branch drain pipe 6 from the upstream side, so that foreign matter, which is the cause of the reduced fluidity, can flow from the branch drain pipe 6 to the main drain pipe 8. By eliminating the reduction in the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6, the conveying capacity of the branch drain pipe 6 can be improved. Since it is possible to identify whether the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced, the normal flushing water volume can be suppressed, and when the fluidity of the specific branch drain pipe 6 is reduced, a process of increasing the flushing water volume is performed. Through this process, the reduction in the conveying capacity of the branch drain pipe 6 can be suppressed, and the flushing water volume used in the plurality of toilet devices 100 can be suppressed.

[0059] In order to identify whether the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced, the detection result of the sensor 120 is used. By using the sensor 120 to detect the position of the liquid level of the branch drain pipe 6, it is possible to estimate that the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced. The sensor 120 is installed in a plurality of toilet devices 100. It is not necessary to configure a detection device for identifying whether the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is reduced in the branch drain pipe 6.

[0060] The main control device 12 supplies additional flushing water when determining that dirt is attached to the toilet bowl 104 using the image of the toilet bowl 104 captured by the camera 110. The toilet bowl 104 can be kept clean by the additional flushing water.

[0061] (Corresponding relationship)

[0062] The branch drain pipe 6 and the branch pipes 6a, 6b, 6c are an example of a "drainage path". The position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 is an example of a "first indicator". The image of the toilet bowl 104 is an example of a "second indicator". The water volume determined by the flush water volume determination process is an example of a "first water volume". The additional flush water volume is an example of a "second water volume".

[0063] (Second Embodiment)

[0064] The difference from the first embodiment is described. The processing of S59 is different from that of the first embodiment. In S59, the main control device 12 determines whether to suppress the frequency of supplying additional flushing water based on the amount of water flowing in the portion of the branch drain pipe 6 directly below the toilet device 100a, that is, the portion of the branch drain pipe 6 detected by the sensor 120. Specifically, the main control device 12 determines to suppress the frequency of supplying additional flushing water when the number of times flushing water is supplied within a specified period (for example, 1 hour) in the toilet device 100a and the flush toilet located on the upstream side of the toilet device 100a exceeds a predetermined number of times. In this configuration, when the amount of water flowing in the portion of the branch drain pipe 6 directly below the toilet device 100a is large, the possibility of foreign matter existing in the branch drain pipe 6 around the toilet device 100a, that is, the possibility of reduced fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6 is low. Therefore, when the amount of water flowing in the portion of the branch drain pipe 6 directly below the toilet device 100a is large, it is determined to suppress the frequency of supplying additional flushing water.

[0065] If it is determined to suppress the frequency of supplying additional flushing water, the main control device 12 determines that the fluidity is reduced when the position of the liquid level in the branch drain pipe 6 is higher than the fifth reference value. The fifth reference value is set higher than the third reference value. For example, the fifth reference value is the liquid level of the branch drain pipe 6 detected in S14 + H5 (for example, 35 mm). The main control device 12 determines that the fluidity is reduced when the position of the liquid level in the toilet bowl 104 is higher than the sixth reference value. The sixth reference value is set higher than the fourth reference value. The sixth reference value is, for example, the position of the liquid level of the accumulated water assumed in the toilet device 100a + H6 (for example, 15 mm). Thereby, the frequency of supplying additional flushing water can be suppressed and the water volume can be suppressed.

[0066] The main control device 12 determines not to suppress the frequency of supplying additional flushing water when the number of times flushing water is supplied within the specified period is less than a predetermined number of times. In this case, the main control device 12 uses the third reference value and the fourth reference value to determine whether to supply additional flushing water, as in the first embodiment.

[0067] When determining to suppress the frequency of supplying additional flushing water, the main control device 12 may determine the frequency based on the amount of water flowing into the branch drain pipe 6, the number of times additional flushing water is supplied, the frequency of supplying additional flushing water, etc., in addition to the number of times flushing water is supplied.

[0068] This embodiment also has the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0069] The following lists the technical solutions disclosed in this specification.

[0070] The first technical solution disclosed in this specification is a toilet device. The toilet device may include: a toilet bowl connected to a drainage path for discharging flushing water; a supply control unit that controls the flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl; the supply control unit supplies a first amount of flushing water when flushing the toilet bowl, and supplies a second amount of flushing water based on the first amount of flushing water according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

[0071] In the second scheme, based on the above-mentioned first scheme, the toilet device may also include a first detection unit for detecting a first indicator related to the fluidity of the drainage path, and the control unit supplies the second amount of flushing water when the detected first indicator indicates that the fluidity of the drainage path is reduced.

[0072] In a third scheme, based on any one of the first to second schemes, the toilet device may also include a second detection unit for detecting a second indicator related to the stains on the toilet bowl, and the control unit supplies the second amount of flushing water when the detected second indicator indicates that there are stains on the toilet bowl.

[0073] In a fourth aspect, based on any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit supplies flushing water having a smaller amount than the first amount of water when flushing the toilet bowl after the flushing water having the second amount of water has been supplied.

[0074] In a fifth aspect, based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first amount of water may be an amount of water required to allow drainage from the toilet bowl to flow to the drainage path.

[0075] In a sixth aspect, based on any one of the first to fifth aspects, the second amount of water may be an amount of water required for at least one of flushing the toilet bowl and flushing away residues remaining in the toilet bowl.

[0076] In a seventh aspect, based on any one of the first to sixth aspects, the supply control unit may supply flush water in such a manner that an average water volume of flush water supplied to the toilet bowl multiple times during a prescribed period is less than a prescribed water volume.

[0077] In an eighth aspect, based on the above-mentioned second aspect, the first indicator may include the position of the liquid level of the branch drainage pipe.

[0078] In a ninth aspect, based on the third aspect, the second indicator may include an image of the toilet bowl.

[0079] In the tenth scheme, it may be that the toilet system comprises: a plurality of toilet devices; a drainage path extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of toilet devices and comprising a branch drainage pipe connected to the equipment-side drainage pipe respectively possessed by the plurality of toilet devices; the plurality of toilet devices respectively comprise: a toilet bowl connected to the drainage path for discharging flushing water; a supply control unit controlling the flushing water supplied to the toilet bowl; the supply control unit supplies a first amount of flushing water when the toilet bowl is flushed, and supplies a second amount of flushing water in addition to the first amount of flushing water based on the fluidity of the drainage path.

[0080] In the eleventh scheme, it may be that in the control method of a toilet system, the toilet system comprises: a plurality of toilet devices; a drainage path extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of toilet devices and comprising a branch drainage pipe connected to the equipment-side drainage pipe respectively possessed by the plurality of toilet devices; the plurality of toilet devices respectively comprise a toilet bowl connected to the drainage path for discharging flushing water, and the control method supplies a first amount of flushing water to the toilet bowl when the toilet bowl is flushed, and supplies a second amount of flushing water to the toilet bowl in addition to the first amount of flushing water based on the fluidity of the drainage path.

[0081] Specific embodiments have been described in detail. These are only examples and do not limit the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples exemplified above. The following lists the modified examples of the above embodiments.

[0082] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the equipment that causes water to flow to the branch drain pipe 6 may include, in addition to the toilet device 100, sanitary equipment such as a washbasin, a sink, a bathroom, a dishwasher, and a washing machine that uses water supplied from the water supply pipe 3 via the water supply pipe 4.

[0083] (2) Instead of the camera 110, a sensor for detecting the liquid level of flushing water in the toilet bowl 104 may be provided. The main control device 12 may use the liquid level detected by the sensor to infer a reduction in the fluidity of the branch drain pipe 6. The camera 110 may be used together with the sensor. At least one of the sensor and the camera 110 may be provided at a position other than the lower surface of the toilet seat 102, such as the toilet bowl 104. At least one of the sensor and the camera 110 may be installed later on one of the toilet cover and the toilet seat 104. At least one of the sensor and the camera 110 may be provided at a position capable of detecting flushing water in the toilet bowl 104.

[0084] (3) The camera 110 may not be provided. The detection result of the sensor 120 may be used to estimate the decrease in fluidity of the branch drainage pipe 6 .

[0085] (4) The configuration of the control unit 11 is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments.

[0086] For example, the main control device 12 may not be configured. In this case, any one of the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c may replace the main control device 12 to perform the flushing water control process and the flushing water volume determination process. In this modification, the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c are an example of a "control device." For example, the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c may not be configured. In this case, the main control device 12 may also replace the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c to perform the flushing process. In this modification, the main control device 12 is an example of a "control device."

[0087] (5) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, in the supply process, the main control device 12 performs the flushing water control process and the flushing water volume determination process, and the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c perform the flushing process respectively. In a modified example, the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c may respectively perform at least a part of the flushing water control process and the flushing water volume determination process. The main control device 12 may also perform at least a part of the flushing process. The main control device 12 may also perform storage of data such as the current flushing water volume, and the multiple individual control devices 20a, 20b, and 20c may respectively perform other processes.

[0088] (6) The sensor 120 may include a sensor for detecting the pressure at the inflection point 106a (i.e., the curved portion) of the drain pipe 106. The main control device 12 determines that the fluidity is reduced and there is a possibility of reduced fluidity when the change in air pressure at the inflection point 106a is greater than a specified change. In the case where the fluidity is reduced when the change is greater than a specified change, and there is a possibility of reduced fluidity, the detected air pressure can be said to represent a situation where the fluidity is reduced. The specified change may be, for example, 0.3 kPa. The situation where the air pressure at the inflection point 106a changes means that, in the toilet on the upstream side, foreign matter flows to the branch drain pipe 6 together with the flushing water, and when the foreign matter passes under the drain pipe where the sensor is installed, the air pressure of the branch drain pipe 6 temporarily decreases when the foreign matter is large. The specified change may also be set to be able to detect the phenomenon of a temporary decrease in the air pressure of the branch drain pipe 6.

[0089] The technical elements described in at least one of the present specification and the drawings can be used alone or in various combinations to achieve technical practicality, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. The technology illustrated in at least one of the present specification and the drawings can achieve multiple purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical practicality.

[0090] Description of Reference Numerals

[0091] 1: management area; 2: water supply and drainage system; 3: water supply pipe; 4: water supply pipe; 5: drainage system; 6: branch drainage pipe; 8: main drainage pipe; 10: management system; 11: control unit; 12: main control device; 20a, 20b, 20c: separate control devices; 100: multiple toilet devices; 100a, 100b, 100c: toilet devices; 110: camera; 120: sensor.

Claims

1. A toilet device, comprising: a toilet bowl connected to a drainage path for discharging flushing water; a supply control unit that controls the supply of flushing water to the toilet bowl; The supply control unit supplies flush water of a first volume when flushing the toilet bowl, and supplies flush water of a second volume in addition to the first volume according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1, further comprising a first detection unit for detecting a first index related to the fluidity of the drainage path, The supply control unit supplies flush water of the second water volume when the detected first index indicates that the fluidity of the drainage path is reduced.

3. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, The device further comprises a second detection unit for detecting a second indicator related to the stain of the toilet bowl, The supply control unit supplies the second amount of flush water when the detected second indicator indicates that the toilet bowl is soiled.

4. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 and 3, The supply control unit supplies flush water having a smaller amount than the first amount of water when flushing the toilet bowl after the flush water of the second amount of water is supplied.

5. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 and 4, The first water volume is the water volume required to allow drainage from the toilet bowl to flow to the drainage path.

6. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 and 5, The second amount of water is an amount of water required for at least one of flushing the toilet bowl and flushing away residues remaining in the toilet bowl.

7. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 and 6, The supply control unit supplies flush water in such a manner that an average water volume of flush water supplied to the toilet bowl a plurality of times during a predetermined period becomes equal to or less than a predetermined water volume.

8. The toilet device according to claim 2, The first indicator includes the position of the liquid level of the branch drain pipe.

9. The toilet device according to claim 3, The second indicator includes an image of the bedpan.

10. A toilet system comprising: Multiple toilet installations; a drainage path extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of toilet devices and having a branch drainage pipe connected to the equipment-side drainage pipes respectively provided in the plurality of toilet devices; The plurality of toilet devices respectively include: a toilet bowl connected to the drainage path for discharging flushing water; a supply control unit that controls the supply of flushing water to the toilet bowl; The supply control unit supplies flush water of a first volume when flushing the toilet bowl, and supplies flush water of a second volume in addition to the first volume according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

11. A method for controlling a toilet system, The toilet system comprises: Multiple toilet installations; a drainage path extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of toilet devices and having a branch drainage pipe connected to the equipment-side drainage pipes respectively provided in the plurality of toilet devices; Each of the plurality of toilet devices includes a toilet bowl connected to the drainage path for discharging flush water. The control method supplies a first amount of flushing water to the toilet bowl when the toilet bowl is flushed, and supplies a second amount of flushing water to the toilet bowl in addition to the first amount of flushing water according to the fluidity of the drainage path.

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