Flush toilet device

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet device capable of optimally flushing the toilet according to the waste state at each toilet flush, thereby achieving further water saving and improved waste discharge performance.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises a bowl portion 15 having a waste receiving surface 12 and a rim portion 14, a drain trap pipe 16, a water discharge unit in the bowl portion 15 and discharging flush water, a pressure pump 10 supplying flush water to this jet water discharge port 20a, a waste information acquisition unit acquiring information about waste excreted in the bowl portion 15, and a control unit 74 which determines the waste state from this information about the waste and controls the flush water supply device based on this determination result. The control unit 74 controls the flush water supply device based on the determination result of the waste state at each toilet flush, thereby changing the discharge mode of flush water discharged from the water discharge unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet apparatus, and more particularly to a flush toilet apparatus that flushes the toilet bowl with flush water to expel waste. [Background technology]

[0002] When flushing the toilet, the user can choose between a large flush, a small flush, or an eco small flush (a flush that uses less water than a small flush). The amount of flush water used in each flush is set to an amount that can flush all types of waste, assuming all types of waste conditions (such as the amount of waste). This amount of flush water is always constant, and cannot be changed for each toilet flush depending on the waste condition. For this reason, for example, if the amount of waste is less than expected, the waste can be flushed, but there is a possibility that more water than necessary will be used.

[0003] Conventionally, there has been known a flush toilet device that changes the instantaneous flow rate of rim water spouting during the next and subsequent toilet flushes depending on the presence or absence of waste in the bowl after the toilet flush, as described in Patent Document 1. In such a flush toilet device, the instantaneous flow rate of rim water spouting is changed during the next and subsequent toilet flushes to prevent waste from remaining in the bowl.

[0004] Also, as described in Patent Document 2, there is known a flush toilet apparatus that changes the amount of flush water during a small flush depending on whether or not toilet paper is being used. In such a flush toilet apparatus, it is possible to reduce the amount of flush water when toilet paper is not being used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-193838 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-526003 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, while the flush toilet device described in Patent Document 1 changes the instantaneous flow rate of the rim water discharge for the next and subsequent toilet flushes, it cannot change the instantaneous flow rate for each toilet flush depending on the state of waste. This creates the problem of using more water than necessary when, for example, the amount of waste is less than expected. Furthermore, the flush toilet device described in Patent Document 2 changes the amount of flush water during a small flush depending on whether toilet paper is used or not, but cannot change the amount of flush water during a large flush depending on the state of waste. This creates the problem of using more water than necessary when, for example, the amount of waste is less than expected.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and has as its object to provide a flush toilet device that can perform the optimal toilet flush according to the waste state each time it is flushed, thereby achieving further water savings and improved waste discharge performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is a flush toilet device that flushes the toilet with flushing water and discharges waste, and comprises a bowl section equipped with a waste receiving surface that receives waste and a rim section formed above the waste receiving surface, a drain trap pipe connected below the bowl section and discharging waste, a water discharge section provided in the bowl section and discharges flushing water, a flush water supplying device that supplies flushing water to the water discharge section, a waste information acquiring section that acquires information about waste excreted in the bowl section, and a control section that judges the waste state from the information about the waste and controls the flush water supplying device based on the judgment result, and is characterized in that the control section changes the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the water discharge section for each toilet flush.

[0009] In the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit controls the flush water supply device based on the results of the waste state determination for each toilet flush, thereby changing the manner in which the flush water is discharged from the water discharge unit, thereby enabling the optimal toilet flush to be performed according to the waste state for each toilet flush, thereby achieving further water savings and improved waste discharge performance.

[0010] In the present invention, the flush water supply device is preferably a pump, and the control section controls the pump to change the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the water discharge section. In the present invention configured in this manner, the flushing water supply device is a pump, and the control unit controls the pump to change the discharge pattern of the flushing water discharged from the water discharge section, thereby making it possible to easily change the discharge pattern for each toilet flush.

[0011] Also in the present invention, the control section preferably changes the discharge mode of wash water discharged from the water discharger by changing the flow speed or time of wash water discharged from the water discharger. In the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit changes the discharge pattern of the cleaning water discharged from the water discharge section by changing the flow rate or time of the cleaning water discharged from the water discharge section, thereby making it possible to easily change the discharge pattern.

[0012] In the present invention, the control unit preferably determines the waste state based on information relating to the bowl portion and the waste in the water stored in the bowl portion. In the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit determines the waste state based on information about the waste in the bowl portion and the water stored in the bowl portion, so that the waste state can be determined based on information about the waste in the bowl portion, which has a significant impact on toilet flushing performance, and information about the waste in the stored water, which has a significant impact on waste discharge performance, and the optimal toilet flushing can be performed according to the waste state.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable that the flushing machine have a rim water spouting section provided on the rim section and spouting cleaning water along the rim section, and a jet water spouting section provided on the bottom of the bowl section and spouting cleaning water toward the inlet of the drain trap pipe, and the control section changes the spouting pattern of the cleaning water spouted from the rim water spouting section based on the state of dirt on the waste receiving surface of the bowl section, and changes the spouting pattern of the cleaning water spouted from the jet water spouting section based on the state of dirt in the accumulated water in the bowl section. In the present invention configured in this manner, there is a rim water spouting section provided on the rim section which spouts cleaning water along the rim section, and a jet water spouting section provided on the bottom of the bowl section which spouts cleaning water towards the entrance of the drain trap pipe, and the control section changes the spouting mode of the cleaning water spouted from the rim water spouting section based on the state of dirt on the waste receiving surface of the bowl section, and changes the spouting mode of the cleaning water spouted from the jet water spouting section based on the state of dirt in the accumulated water in the bowl section, so that the water spouting mode can be changed according to the state of dirt in each part, and the toilet can be flushed optimally according to the state of the dirt.

[0014] In the present invention, the control unit preferably determines the soiled state based on the type and amount of soiled matter. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit determines the dirt state based on the type and amount of dirt, so that the dirt state can be determined with high accuracy.

[0015] In the present invention, the control unit preferably determines the soil condition based on the position or distribution of the soil. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit determines the dirt state based on the position or distribution of the dirt, so that the dirt state can be determined with higher accuracy. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the flush toilet device of the present invention, it is possible to perform an optimal toilet flush depending on the waste state each time the toilet is flushed, thereby achieving further water conservation and improved waste discharge performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing configuration related to a control unit of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 shows waste state pattern A, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 shows waste state pattern B, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 4C] Figure 1 shows waste condition pattern C, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 4D] Figure 1 shows waste condition pattern D, where (a) is a cross-sectional view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, and (b) is a plan view of the bowl portion of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the control of toilet flushing in a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 4 is a time chart showing flush pattern A in jet water spouting in a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 4 is a time chart showing flush pattern B in jet water spouting in a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] 13 is a time chart showing flush pattern C in jet water spouting in a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] 13 is a time chart showing flush pattern D in jet water spouting in a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the overall structure of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained using Figs. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control unit of a flush toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a siphon jet type toilet, and comprises a ceramic toilet body 2, a warm water washing toilet seat 4 arranged on the upper surface of the toilet body 2, a valve unit 6 that supplies flush water to the toilet body 2, a water storage tank 8 that stores flush water, and a pressure pump 10 that supplies the flush water stored in the water storage tank 8 to the toilet body 2. Note that, in this embodiment, a case is described in which the flush toilet device is a siphon jet type toilet, but this is not limited to this, and the flush toilet device may also be a siphon type toilet or a wash-down type toilet.

[0020] The toilet body 2 is formed with a bowl section 15 having a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface 12 for receiving waste and a rim section 14 formed above this waste receiving surface 12, and a drain trap pipe 16 connected to the bottom below the bowl section 15 for discharging waste. A rim water conduit 18 is formed inside the rim section 14, and a rim water outlet 20a for rim water outlet is formed in the rim water outlet section 20, which is the downstream end of the rim water conduit 18. The rim water outlet 20a is formed on the front right side of the bowl section 15 when viewing the flush toilet device 1 from the front, and is designed to outlet flush water rearward to form a swirling flow along the inner circumferential surface of the rim section 14.

[0021] Further, below the toilet body 2, a jet water conduit 22 is formed, and a jet water outlet 24a for jet water outlet is formed in the jet water outlet section 24, which is the downstream end of this jet water conduit 22. The jet water outlet 24a is located at the bottom of the bowl section 15 and is arranged almost horizontally, pointing toward the inlet section 16a of the drain trap pipe 16, so that flush water is outlet toward the inlet section 16a of the drain trap pipe 16.

[0022] The drain trap pipe 16 is composed of an inlet 16a, a trap riser pipe 16b rising from the inlet 16a, and a trap downcomer pipe 16c descending from the trap riser pipe 16b, with a top 16d being between the trap riser pipe 16b and the trap downcomer pipe 16c. A drain socket 26 is connected to the lower end of the trap downcomer pipe 16c of the drain trap pipe 16.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the warm water washing toilet seat 4 includes a main body 4a, a washing nozzle 4b that is movable forward and backward from the main body 4a, a toilet seat 4c that is rotatably attached to the main body 4a, and a toilet lid 4d that is rotatably attached to the main body 4a so as to cover the toilet seat 4c.

[0024] 2, the valve unit 6 is equipped with a main water supply passage 30 to which flush water is supplied from a water pipe 28, which is a water supply source, and this main water supply passage 30 is provided with, from the upstream side, a constant flow valve 38, a diaphragm-type electromagnetic on-off valve 40, and a water supply passage switching valve 42. Furthermore, the main water supply passage 30 on the upstream side of the valve unit 6 is provided with, from the upstream side, a stop valve 32, a strainer 34, and a branch fitting 36. The main water supply passage 30 is composed of a water supply hose that connects to the water pipe 28 outside the toilet bowl.

[0025] Additionally, connected downstream of the water supply channel switching valve 42 are a rim-side water supply channel 44 for supplying flush water to the rim water outlet 20a, and a tank-side water supply channel 46 for supplying flush water to the water storage tank 8. The rim water conduit 18 is connected to the downstream end of the rim-side water supply channel 44, so that flush water is supplied to the rim water outlet 20a by the water supply pressure of the waterworks.

[0026] The constant flow valve 38 is for restricting the flush water that flows in via the stopcock 32, strainer 34, and branch fitting 36 to a predetermined flow rate or less. Furthermore, the flush water that passes through the constant flow valve 38 flows into an electromagnetic on-off valve 40, and the flush water that passes through the electromagnetic on-off valve 40 is supplied by a water supply path switching valve 42 from a rim-side water supply path 44 on the rim side to the rim outlet 20a, or from a tank-side water supply path 46 on the tank side to the water storage tank 8.

[0027] The water supply path switching valve 42 (flush water supply device) is a switching valve that can supply flush water to both the rim-side water supply path 44 and the tank-side water supply path 46 at the same time, and can arbitrarily change the ratio of the amount and flow rate of water supplied to the rim side and the tank side. The water supply path switching valve 42 is equipped with a rotor (not shown) for changing the ratio of the amount and flow rate of water supplied to the rim side and the tank side, and this rotor is driven to a desired position by a motor (not shown). In this embodiment, a water supply passage switching valve is used as the flush water supply device, but instead of the water supply passage switching valve, an electromagnetic opening / closing valve capable of changing the flow passage cross-sectional area may be used.

[0028] A pump-side water supply passage 48 is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 8, and a pressurizing pump 10 equipped with a pump chamber is connected to the downstream end of this pump-side water supply passage 48. Furthermore, the pressurizing pump 10 and the jet water conduit 22 are connected by a jet-side water supply passage 50, and the pressurizing pump 10 pressurizes the wash water stored in the water storage tank 8 and supplies it to the jet water outlet 24a.

[0029] The pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) pressurizes flush water stored in the water storage tank 8 and discharges it from the jet water outlet 24a at a predetermined flow rate. The upstream side of the pressurizing pump 10 is connected to a pump-side water supply passage 48, and the downstream side is connected to a jet-side water supply passage 50. The pressurizing pump 10 is equipped with a casing 10a, an impeller 10b which is an impeller mounted within the casing so as to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, and a motor 10c which rotates the impeller 10b, and is a centrifugal pump which pumps out the flush water in the water storage tank 8 by utilizing the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the impeller 10b. In this embodiment, a pressure booster is used as the cleaning water supply device, but instead of the pressure booster, a pressure accumulator booster that accumulates the energy of water or an air compressor that uses compressed air as power may be used.

[0030] A vacuum breaker 52, which is a check valve, is provided in the rim-side water supply passage 44, and a vacuum breaker 54, which is also a check valve, is provided in the tank-side water supply passage 46. These vacuum breakers prevent backflow from the rim outlet 20a and the water tank 8. Furthermore, flush water that overflows from the atmospheric release part of the vacuum breaker 52 of the rim-side water supply passage 44 flows into the water tank 8 through a return pipe 55.

[0031] The water storage tank 8 is a sealed type water storage tank, and a ball type check valve 56 is provided at the connection between the tank side water supply passage 46 and the water storage tank 8, and a ball type check valve 58 is also provided at the connection between the return pipe 55 and the water storage tank 8. These ball type check valves prevent flush water from flowing back even if the water storage tank 8 becomes full beyond the position of the upper end of the overflow passage.

[0032] A drain plug 62 is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 8. This drain plug 62 is located below the pressure pump 10, and by opening the drain plug 62 during maintenance, flush water within the water storage tank 8 and the pressure pump 10 can be drained.

[0033] An upper end float switch 64 and a lower end float switch 66 are disposed inside the water storage tank 8. The upper end float switch 64 switches to the ON state when the water level in the water storage tank 8 reaches a predetermined position L2 that is slightly lower than the maximum water level L3 during normal use, and the control unit 74 detects this and closes the electromagnetic on-off valve 40. The lower end float switch 66 switches to the ON state when the water level in the water storage tank 8 drops to the minimum water level L1 during normal use, and the control unit 74 detects this and stops the pressure pump 10.

[0034] An overflow passage 60 for discharging overflowing flush water is provided inside the water storage tank 8, with the upper end of this overflow passage 60 opening into the water storage tank 8 and the lower end connected to the jet-side water supply passage 50. A flapper valve 67, which is a check valve, is attached to this overflow passage 60 to prevent backflow from the jet water outlet 24a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet device 1 is equipped with a seating sensor 68 for detecting the sitting action of a user, a camera 70 for detecting the state of waste after excretion by the user, a water level detection sensor 72 for detecting changes in the water level of the accumulated water W, and a control unit 74 for controlling the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 40, the water supply line switching valve 42, and the pressure pump 10 based on information obtained from the camera 70 and the water level detection sensor 72.

[0036] The seating sensor 68 is provided on the rear left side of the toilet seat 4c of the warm water washing toilet seat 4. The seating sensor 68 is a load sensor that detects the load of the user. The seating sensor 68 detects a change in load when the user is seated on the toilet seat 4c, and is capable of detecting the start and end of excretion by the user. In this embodiment, a load sensor is used as the seat sensor 68, but an infrared distance measuring sensor or the like may be used instead of the load sensor.

[0037] Camera 70 (waste information acquisition unit) is provided on the rear back surface of toilet seat 4c of warm water washing toilet seat 4. Camera 70 is configured to capture an image of bowl portion 15 and the pooled water surface from above when a user is seated on toilet seat 4c, and to acquire a captured image (information related to waste) of bowl portion 15 and the pooled water surface viewed from above. Camera 70 is equipped with an LED (not shown) and is configured to capture an image while illuminating bowl 15. In this embodiment, the camera 70 is provided on the back surface of the toilet seat 4c, but it may also be provided on the main body 4a of the warm water washing toilet seat 4 or on the toilet lid 4d. Also, in this embodiment, a camera that captures the bowl portion 15 and the surface of the pooled water is used as the waste information acquisition unit, but instead of this camera, a line sensor camera that captures lines of the falling waste or a video camera may be used to acquire information about the falling waste. In this way, as the information about waste, information about the waste present on the bowl portion 15 and the surface of the pooled water, information about the falling waste may be acquired, or these pieces of information may be arbitrarily selected and acquired.

[0038] The water level detection sensor 72 (dirt information acquisition section) is an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor that uses ultrasonic waves to measure the height of the pooled water surface. The water level detection sensor 72 is disposed on the rear surface of the bowl section 15 at approximately the same height as the highest water level of the pooled water W. The water level detection sensor 72 is capable of acquiring numerical data on the pooled water level (information on dirt). In this way, by measuring the height of the pooled water surface, information on the dirt present on the pooled water surface can be acquired. In this embodiment, the water level detection sensor 72 is provided on the rear surface of the bowl portion 15, but it may also be provided on the rear surface of the toilet seat 4c or the rear surface of the drain trap pipe 16. Also, in this embodiment, an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor is used as the water level detection sensor, but instead of the ultrasonic distance measuring sensor, a radio wave sensor, a capacitance sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. may also be used. Also, the camera 70 may be used as the water level detection sensor, and the height of the pooled water surface may be measured from the image captured by the camera 70.

[0039] 3, the control unit 74 is electrically connected to the upper end float switch 64, the lower end float switch 66, the seating sensor 68, the camera 70, the water level detection sensor 72, the toilet flush switch 76, the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, the water supply line switching valve 42, and the pressurizing pump 10. When the toilet flush switch 76 is pressed, the control unit 74 sequentially operates the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, the water supply line switching valve 42, and the pressurizing pump 10, thereby first causing flush water to be discharged from the rim water outlet 20a, then causing flush water to be discharged from the jet water outlet 24a while continuing the rim water spouting, and finally causing flush water to be discharged from the rim water outlet 20a. In this embodiment, the control unit 74 is connected to various devices by wires, but the control unit 74 may be connected to various devices wirelessly.

[0040] The control unit 74 is adapted to determine the state of the waste from images captured by the camera 70 of the bowl portion 15, the pooled water surface, and the falling waste, and from numerical data of the pooled water level from the water level detection sensor 72, and to control the pressure pump 10 based on this determination result. Also, the control unit 74 is adapted to change the manner in which the flush water is discharged from the jet water discharge port 24a for each toilet flush by controlling the pressure pump 10 based on the determination result of the waste state.

[0041] The control unit 74 also controls the water supply line switching valve 42 based on the results of determining the waste state using captured images of the bowl section 15, the pooled water surface, and falling waste from the camera 70, and numerical data on the pooled water level from the water level detection sensor 72. The control unit 74 also controls the water supply line switching valve 42 based on the results of determining the waste state for each toilet flush, thereby changing the spouting mode of the flush water spouted from the rim spout 20a.

[0042] Next, the concept of toilet flushing with a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Figures 4A to 4D are figures showing waste state patterns A to D, with (a) being a cross-sectional view seen from the side of the bowl part of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) being a plan view seen from above of the bowl part of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The waste state according to the embodiment of the present invention is classified into waste state patterns A to D, as described below, based on, for example, the type and amount of waste. Here, the type of waste is set to three types: "solid waste", "floating waste", and "mixed waste of solid waste and floating waste (hereinafter, "mixed waste")", and the "amount of waste" is set to four levels, "large", "standard", "slightly small", and "small", with the average amount of waste by a user being set as a "standard". "Solid waste" is clumpy waste that sinks in the pooled water, "floating waste" is waste that floats on the pooled water surface, and "mixed waste" is waste that is a mixture of both solid waste and floating waste.

[0044] First, in waste condition pattern A, as shown in Figure 4A, the type of waste is "solid waste" and the amount of waste is "large." Solid waste X is submerged in the accumulated water and is greater than the standard amount of waste. Therefore, in order to fully discharge the waste, it is desirable to increase the amount of flush water compared to the normal large flush and improve waste discharge performance before flushing the toilet.

[0045] Pattern B of the waste condition, as shown in FIG. 4B, is a state in which the type of waste is "mixed waste" and the amount of waste is "standard." Solid waste X sinks in the pooled water, and floating waste Y floats on the pooled water surface. Solid waste X and floating waste Y are in standard amounts, which are the average amount of waste from a user. Therefore, it is desirable to perform a normal deep flush.

[0046] In waste condition pattern C, as shown in Figure 4C, the type of waste is "mixed waste" and the amount of waste is "slightly small." Solid waste X sinks in the pooled water, and floating waste Y floats on the pooled water surface. The amounts of solid waste X and floating waste Y are slightly less than the standard amounts. Because of this, the waste can be discharged with a normal large flush, but performing a normal large flush uses more water than necessary. Therefore, to conserve water, it is desirable to flush the toilet using less flush water than a normal large flush.

[0047] In waste condition pattern D, as shown in Figure 4D, the type of waste is "floating waste" and the amount of waste is "small." Floating waste Y floats on the surface of the pooled water. The amount of floating waste Y is less than the standard amount. Because of this, the waste can be discharged with a normal large flush, but performing a normal large flush uses more water than necessary. Therefore, to save water, it is desirable to reduce the amount of flush water compared to a normal large flush before flushing the toilet.

[0048] As described above, it can be understood that the desired amount of flush water and waste discharge performance differ depending on the waste condition (for example, the type and amount of waste). However, conventional flush toilet systems perform a regular large flush regardless of the waste state. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention discovered that if it were possible to perform an optimal toilet flush according to the waste state each time the toilet is flushed, it would be possible to achieve further water savings and improved waste discharge performance. The present invention is capable of flushing the toilet optimally according to the state of waste each time it is flushed, thereby achieving further water saving and improved waste discharge performance.

[0049] Next, the control of toilet flushing in a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control of toilet flushing in a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a time chart showing flush patterns A to D for jet water spouting in a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, S indicates each step.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, after the user sits on the toilet seat 4c, the process proceeds to S1, where it is determined whether or not the user has finished excreting. Specifically, if a change in the signal (a change in the sitting state) is detected from the seating sensor 68, it is determined that the user has finished excreting, and the process proceeds to S2 (S1; Yes). On the other hand, if the control unit 74 does not detect a change in the signal from the seating sensor, it is determined that the user has not finished excreting (S1; No).

[0051] Next, in S2, information about the excreted waste is acquired. The information about the waste is acquired by the camera 70 and the water level detection sensor 72 immediately after the user excretes (before using toilet paper). The camera 70 captures an image of the bowl portion 15 from above, and acquires an image of the bowl portion 15 and the pooled water surface after excretion viewed from above as information about the waste (see (b) in Figs. 4A to 4D). The water level detection sensor 72 also acquires numerical data of the pooled water level after excretion as information about the waste (for example, information about the amount of waste present on the pooled water surface). In this embodiment, captured images of the bowl and the surface of the pooled water and numerical data on the pooled water level are acquired as information on waste, but instead of this, captured images of the inside of the drain trap pipe, numerical data on the water pressure of the pooled water, etc. Also, in this embodiment, information on waste is acquired immediately after the user excretes (before the user uses toilet paper), but it may be acquired after the user uses toilet paper.

[0052] Next, in S3, the dirt state is determined. Specifically, the control unit 74 compares the captured image acquired in S2 with a reference image and determines which of the above-mentioned dirt state patterns A to D it corresponds to. The reference image is an image of the bowl part without dirt captured from above, and is stored in advance in the control unit 74. In comparing the captured image with the reference image, the brightness, hue, saturation, gradation, etc. of each image are quantified, and the values ​​of each image are compared to determine which of the dirt state patterns A to D it corresponds to. In this embodiment, the dirt state is determined based on the type and amount of dirt. In this way, the dirt state is determined based on information about the dirt in the bowl part, which has a significant effect on the toilet flushing performance, so that the toilet can be flushed optimally according to the dirt state. In this embodiment, the dirt state is determined based on the type and amount of dirt, but the dirt state may be determined based on the position or distribution of the dirt in addition to the type and amount of dirt. Also, in this embodiment, an image of the bowl portion without dirt viewed from above is used as the reference image, but an image of standard dirt state pattern B (see (b) in FIG. 4B) may also be used.

[0053] The control unit 74 also compares the photographed image of the pooled water surface and the numerical data of the pooled water level acquired in S2 above with thresholds to determine which of the above-mentioned waste condition patterns A to D it corresponds to. The thresholds are set in advance for each of the waste condition patterns A to D. In this way, the waste condition is determined based on information about the waste in the pooled water, which has a significant impact on waste discharge performance, so it is possible to perform an optimal toilet flush according to the waste condition. In this embodiment, the state of the waste is determined based on numerical data of the pooled water level, however, instead of the numerical data of the pooled water level, the state of the waste may be determined based on numerical data of the water pressure of the pooled water W, photographed images of the pooled water surface, etc.

[0054] In addition, in S3, the type of waste may be determined from an image captured by the camera 70 of the bowl portion 15 and the surface of the pooled water, and the amount of waste may be determined from numerical data of the pooled water level from the water level detection sensor 72. In this case, the waste state is determined by combining information about the waste from the camera 70 and the water level detection sensor 72, so that the waste state can be determined with higher accuracy. Also, a line sensor camera may be used, and the waste state may be determined from information about the falling waste. In this case, the waste state may be determined by appropriately combining information about the waste from the camera 70, the water level detection sensor 72, and the line sensor camera.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 74 compares the pattern of the filth state determined based on the captured images of the bowl portion 15 and the pooled water surface taken by the camera 70 with the pattern of the filth state determined based on the numerical data of the pooled water level taken by the water level detection sensor 72, and determines that the filth state is the current filth state when the patterns of the filth states match. In this way, the filth state is determined using the captured images of the bowl portion 15 and the pooled water surface and the numerical data of the pooled water level as information related to the filth, so that the filth state can be determined with high accuracy.

[0056] Next, the process proceeds to S4, where the control unit 74 starts toilet flushing by controlling the electromagnetic on-off valve 40, the water supply line switching valve 42, and the pressure pump 10. First, the control unit 74 opens the electromagnetic on-off valve 40 and fully opens the water supply line switching valve 42 to the rim side. This causes flush water to be spouted from the rim spout 20a, flushing the bowl portion 15 (so-called "pre-rim spouting").

[0057] Next, in S5, the control unit 74 drives the pressurizing pump 10 while continuing to discharge water from the rim water outlet 20a, and flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 24a (so-called "rim jet water discharge"). By discharging flush water from the jet water outlet 24a, the drain trap pipe 16 becomes full, and the siphon action is caused early. In S5, the control unit 74 selects one of the flush patterns A to D corresponding to the dirty state patterns A to D determined in S3 above, and controls the pressurizing pump 10 based on the selected flush pattern. This changes the discharge mode of flush water discharged from the jet water outlet 24a depending on the dirty state.

[0058] Here, the cleaning patterns A to D in the jet water spouting executed in S5 will be described in detail. First, the time taken from the start to the end of jet water spouting is approximately the same in cleaning patterns A to D shown in Figures 6A to 6D. In this way, since the time taken from the start to the end of jet water spouting is approximately the same, it is possible to prevent the user from mistaking the change in jet water spouting time for a malfunction.

[0059] Cleansing pattern A shown in FIG. 6A is executed when it is determined that the dirt state corresponds to dirty state pattern A (type of dirt: "solid dirt", amount of dirt: "large"). Cleansing pattern A is set so that the pressurizing pump 10 is always driven at 100% output from the start (time t1) to the end (time t2) of jet water spouting to improve dirt discharge performance more than the normal large flush. Specifically, while pre-rim water spouting is being performed (times t0 to t1), the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. At time t1, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 increases to the maximum rotation speed (output 100%) and jet water spouting begins. Between times t1 to t2, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at a constant maximum rotation speed and a large amount of jet water spouting is performed. At time t2, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 decreases and the jet water spouting ends. After this, flushing water is spouted from the rim water spouting port 20a and the pooled water W returns to the state before the start of the flush (so-called "post-rim water spouting"). While rear rim water spouting is being performed (times t2 to t3), the pressure pump 10 is stopped. In this way, in flush pattern A, the flow rate of flush water spouted from the jet water spouting port 24a is increased compared to a normal large flush. Also, in flush pattern A, the control unit 74 may drive the water supply path switching valve 42 during jet water spouting so that flush water is supplied to the water storage tank 8. This makes it possible to increase the amount of flush water from the jet water spout while miniaturizing the water storage tank 8, thereby improving waste discharge capacity.

[0060] Cleansing pattern B shown in FIG. 6B is executed when it is determined that the dirt state corresponds to dirty state pattern B (dirt type: "mixed dirt", dirt amount: "standard"). Cleansing pattern B is a normal large flush, and the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 is set to 100% output after the start of jet water spouting, and then the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at 60% output (relative to the maximum rotation speed). Specifically, while the front rim water spouting is being performed (time t0 to t1), the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. At time t1, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 increases to the maximum rotation speed (output 100%), and jet water spouting is started. Between times t1 and t2, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at a constant maximum rotation speed, and a large flow rate of jet water spouting is performed. At time t2, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump decreases to the rotation speed of 60% output (relative to the maximum rotation speed). Between times t2 and t3, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at a constant rotation speed of 60% output, and a medium flow rate of jet water spouting is performed. At time t3, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 decreases, and the jet water spouting ends. While rear rim water spouting is being performed (times t3 to t4), the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. In this way, in flush pattern B, a normal large flush is performed.

[0061] Cleansing pattern C shown in FIG. 6C is executed when it is determined that the dirt state corresponds to dirty state pattern C (type of dirt: "mixed dirt", amount of dirt: "slightly small"). Cleansing pattern C is set so that the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at 100% output after the start of jet water spouting, but is then stopped once, and the pressurizing pump 10 is driven again at 60% output (relative to the maximum rotation speed). Specifically, the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped while the front rim water spouting is being performed (time t0 to t1). At time t1, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 increases to the maximum rotation speed (output 100%), and jet water spouting is started. Between times t1 and t2, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at a constant maximum rotation speed, and a large amount of jet water spouting is performed. At time t2, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 decreases, and jet water spouting is temporarily stopped. Between times t2 and t3, the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. At time t3, the rotational speed of the pressurizing pump 10 rises again to 60% output, and jet water spouting is performed again. Between times t3 and t4, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at a constant rotational speed of 60% output, and a medium flow rate of jet water spouting is performed. At time t4, the rotational speed of the pressurizing pump 10 drops, and the jet water spouting ends. While rear rim water spouting is being performed (times t4 to t5), the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. Thus, in flushing pattern C, the time that water is spouted from the jet water spouting port 24a is shorter than in a normal large flush, and the flow rate of the flush water spouted from the jet water spouting port 24a is reduced. Also, in flushing pattern C, the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped before the water level in the water storage tank 8 falls to the minimum water level L1 during normal use. This reduces the amount of flush water from the jet water spouting, making it possible to save water.

[0062] Furthermore, cleaning pattern D shown in FIG. 6D is executed when it is determined that the dirt state corresponds to dirt state pattern D (type of dirt: "floating dirt", amount of dirt: "low"). Cleansing pattern D is set so that the pressurizing pump 10 is always driven at 60% output (relative to maximum rotation speed) from the start (time t1) to the end (time t2) of jet water spouting. Specifically, while the front rim water spouting is being performed (time t0 to t1), the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. At time t1, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 increases to 70% output, and jet water spouting begins. Between times t1 to t2, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven at a constant rotation speed of 70% output, and jet water spouting at a medium flow rate is performed. At time t2, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 10 decreases, and jet water spouting ends. While the rear rim water spouting is being performed (time t2 to t3), the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped. In this way, in flush pattern D, the flow rate of the flush water spouted from the jet water outlet 24a is slower than in the normal large flush. Also, in flush pattern D, the pressure pump 10 is stopped before the water level in the water storage tank 8 drops to the minimum water level L1 for normal use. This reduces the amount of flush water spouted from the jet, making it possible to conserve water.

[0063] As described above, in S5, jet water spouting is performed in any one of the flushing patterns A to D described above. After that, rear rim water spouting is performed, and the control unit 74 fully opens the water supply path switching valve 42 to the tank side, thereby supplying water to the water storage tank 8. When the water storage tank 8 becomes full of water, the control unit 74 closes the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 40, and the toilet flush ends (S6).

[0064] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in S5, the control unit 74 changes only the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the jet water outlet 24a, but it may also change the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 20a. In this case, the control unit 74 changes the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 20a by controlling the water supply channel switching valve 42 based on the result of the determination of the waste state for each toilet flush. Specifically, the control unit 70 determines the waste state of the waste receiving surface 12 (the state of dirt adhesion on the drying surface) based on the image of the bowl portion 15 captured by the camera 70, and changes the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 20a according to this waste state.

[0065] Furthermore, in S5, the control unit 74 may simultaneously change the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the jet water outlet 24a and the rim water outlet 20a. In this case, the control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10 to change the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the jet water outlet 24a for each toilet flush based on the result of the determination of the waste state, and controls the water supply path switching valve 42 to change the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 20a. Specifically, the control unit 74 determines the waste state of the waste receiving surface 12 (the state of waste adhesion on the dry surface) based on the image of the bowl portion 15 captured by the camera 70, and changes the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the rim water outlet 20a according to this waste state. The control unit 74 also determines the waste state based on the image of the pooled water surface captured by the camera 70 and the numerical data of the pooled water level from the water level detection sensor 72, and changes the discharge mode of the flush water discharged from the jet water outlet 24a. This allows the water discharge pattern to be changed depending on the state of waste in each area, making it possible to perform the optimal toilet flush depending on the state of waste.

[0066] Next, the effects of the flush toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained. First, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 obtains information related to waste for each toilet flush, and controls the pressure pump 10 or water supply line switching valve 42 (flush water supply device) based on the results of the waste state determination, thereby changing the manner in which the flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 24a or rim water outlet 20a, so that the optimal toilet flush can be performed according to the waste state for each toilet flush, thereby achieving further water savings and improved waste discharge performance.

[0067] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flush water supply device is a pressure pump 10, and the control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10 to change the discharge pattern of the flush water discharged from the jet water outlet 24a, so that the discharge pattern can be easily changed for each toilet flush.

[0068] In a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 changes the discharge pattern of the flush water discharged from the jet outlet 24a or the rim outlet 20a by varying the flow speed or time of the flush water discharged from the jet outlet 24a or the rim outlet 20a, so that the discharge pattern can be easily changed.

[0069] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 determines the waste state based on information relating to the waste in the bowl portion 15 and the accumulated water W within this bowl portion 15, so that the waste state can be determined based on information relating to the waste in the bowl portion 15, which has a significant impact on toilet flushing performance, and information relating to the waste in the accumulated water, which has a significant impact on waste discharge performance, allowing optimal toilet flushing to be performed according to the waste state.

[0070] In a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 judges the waste state based on the type and amount of waste, allowing for highly accurate judgment of the waste state. Furthermore, in a flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 judges the waste state based on the position or distribution of the waste, allowing for even more accurate judgment of the waste state.

[0071] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 changes the manner in which the flush water is discharged from the rim water outlet 20a based on the state of dirt on the waste receiving surface 12 of the bowl portion 15 (the state of dirt adhesion on the dry surface), and changes the manner in which the flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 24a based on the state of dirt in the accumulated water in the bowl portion 15. Therefore, the water discharge manner can be changed according to the state of dirt in each part, and the optimal toilet flush can be performed according to the state of dirt.

[0072] Further embodiments of the present invention will now be described. In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the flush toilet apparatus discharges flush water pressurized by the pressure pump 10 only from the jet water outlet 24a, but it may also be configured to discharge water from both the jet water outlet 24a and the rim water outlet 20a. In this case, the downstream side of the pressure pump 10 is connected to the jet-side water supply passage 50 and the rim-side water supply passage 44. In such an embodiment, the control unit 74 can change the spouting manner of flush water spouted from both the rim spout 20a and the jet spout 24a by controlling the pressure pump 10 according to the waste state.

[0073] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the flush toilet device is provided with the pressurizing pump 10 only in the jet side water supply passage 50, but a pressurizing pump separate from the pressurizing pump 10 may be provided in the rim side water supply passage 44, and flush water pressurized by each pressurizing pump may be discharged from the jet water outlet 24a and the rim water outlet 20a, respectively. In such an embodiment, the control unit 74 can change the spouting manner of the flush water spouted from the rim water spouting port 20a and the jet water spouting port 24a by controlling each of the pressure pumps in accordance with the waste state.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the flush toilet device performs jet water spouting, but it may also be configured to perform rim water spouting only. In this case, the downstream side of the pressure pump 10 is connected to the rim-side water supply passage 44, and flush water pressurized by the pressure pump 10 is spouted from the rim water outlet 20a. In such an embodiment, the control unit 74 can change the spouting manner of flush water spouted from the rim spout 20a by controlling the pressure pump 10 in accordance with the state of the waste.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the flush toilet device acquires waste excreted by the user as information relating to the waste, but it is also possible to acquire toilet paper used by the user as information relating to the waste and use that information to determine the state of the waste.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, information about the waste is acquired after excretion is completed to determine the waste state, but the waste state may also be determined by acquiring information about the waste while it is falling using a line sensor camera or the like. The waste state may also be determined by combining information about the waste after excretion is completed with information about the waste while it is falling. In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the amount of flushing water is changed depending on the waste state present in the bowl section and the pooled water surface, but the amount of flushing water may also be changed depending on the waste state of the waste while it is falling.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, flushing patterns A to D are set corresponding to waste condition patterns A to D, but for example, the waste condition pattern on the waste receiving surface of the bowl portion and the waste condition pattern in the accumulated water may be set separately, and a flushing pattern may be set corresponding to a combination of each waste condition pattern. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the toilet is flushed using flushing patterns A to D corresponding to waste condition patterns A to D, but this is not limited to patterns A to D, and the number of such patterns can be reduced or increased depending on the flush toilet apparatus. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the waste condition patterns and flushing patterns are stored in the flush toilet apparatus beforehand, but they may also be stored in a device external to the flush toilet apparatus, and the flush toilet apparatus may wirelessly read in the patterns from the external device.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Flush toilet device 10: Pressure pump 12: Waste receiving surface 14: Rim section 15: Bowl section 16: Drain trap pipe 20: Rim outlet 20a: Rim outlet 24: Jet water outlet 24a: Jet outlet 40: Solenoid valve 42: Water supply channel switching valve 68: Seat sensor 70: Camera 72: Water level detection sensor 74: Control section 76: Toilet flush switch W:Retained water X: Solid waste Y: Floating waste

Claims

1. A flush toilet device that flushes the toilet bowl with flush water to expel waste, a bowl portion including a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface; A drain trap pipe connected to a lower portion of the bowl portion for discharging waste; A water discharge section provided in the bowl section and discharging wash water; A wash water supply device that supplies wash water to the water discharge portion; a waste information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding waste excreted in the bowl portion; a control unit that determines a state of the waste based on the information about the waste and controls the flush water supply device based on the result of the determination; having A flush toilet apparatus characterized in that the control unit changes the discharge mode of flush water discharged from the water discharge section by controlling the flush water supply device based on the result of the waste state determination for each toilet flush.

2. The cleaning water supply device is a pump, 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the discharge pattern of flush water discharged from the discharge unit by controlling the pump.

3. 3. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the discharge mode of flush water discharged from the water discharger by varying the flow speed or time of flush water discharged from the water discharger.

4. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the waste state based on information regarding the bowl portion and waste in the water stored in the bowl portion.

5. a rim water spouting section provided on the rim section and spouting wash water along the rim section; a jet water spouting section provided at the bottom of the bowl section and spouting flush water toward an inlet of the drain trap pipe; having The flush toilet device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the spouting pattern of the flush water spouted from the rim spouting section based on the state of waste on the waste receiving surface of the bowl section, and changes the spouting pattern of the flush water spouted from the jet spouting section based on the state of waste in the accumulated water in the bowl section.

6. 2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the waste state based on the type and amount of waste as information about the waste.

7. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit determines the waste state based on a position or distribution of the waste.

Images