Toilet device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of detecting abnormality in a heat exchanger.SOLUTION: The toilet device includes the instantaneous type heat exchanger, an on-off valve for opening / closing a flow path for water flowing in the heat exchanger, a temperature sensor provided on the downstream side of the heat exchanger, and a control device for acquiring a detection temperature detected by the temperature sensor to control the heat exchanger. The control part controls the drive of the heat exchanger in the state of closing the on-off valve to calculate a variation in the detection temperature, and, when the variation is not higher than a first value during a first time after starting the control to drive the heat exchanger, performs determination control to determine that there is abnormality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet devices.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a toilet device may be provided with an instantaneous heat exchanger. The toilet device performs a warm water washing operation of discharging the washing water heated by the heat exchanger toward a local part of the human body such as the buttocks. Abnormalities such as failures may occur in the heat exchanger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet device capable of detecting an abnormality in a heat exchanger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first invention includes an instantaneous heat exchanger, an on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the heat exchanger, a temperature sensor provided downstream of the heat exchanger, and a control unit that acquires a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the heat exchanger. The control unit performs control to drive the heat exchanger with the on-off valve closed to calculate a change amount of the detected temperature, and when the change amount does not become equal to or greater than a first value within a first time from the start of the control to drive the heat exchanger, determination control for determining that there is an abnormality is performed. The toilet device is characterized by this.

[0006] According to this toilet device, an abnormality in the heat exchanger can be detected based on the change amount of the detected temperature of the temperature sensor downstream of the heat exchanger.

[0007] A second invention is a toilet device according to the first invention, characterized in that the determination control performs the control for driving the heat exchanger for a second time, and the second time is shorter than the first time.

[0008] According to this toilet device, in the determination control, since the second time for performing the control for driving the heat exchanger is short, when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchanger, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality in the heat exchanger while suppressing excessive heat generation of the heat exchanger.

[0009] A third invention is a toilet device according to the second invention, characterized in that the control unit can perform a warm water washing control in which water heated by the heat exchanger is discharged from a nozzle toward a user's local part by driving the heat exchanger at a first output, and the control for driving the heat exchanger in the determination control drives the heat exchanger at a second output smaller than the first output.

[0010] According to this toilet device, by reducing the output of the heat exchanger in the determination control, when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchanger, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality in the heat exchanger while suppressing excessive heat generation of the heat exchanger.

[0011] A fourth invention is a toilet device according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that when the control unit determines that there is an abnormality in the determination control, the control unit prohibits the opening of the on-off valve.

[0012] According to this toilet device, since water supply to the heat exchanger is not performed, when there is an abnormality in the heat exchanger, the occurrence of water leakage can be suppressed.

[0013] The fifth invention is an invention according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a toilet seat and a seating detection sensor for detecting the user's seating on the toilet seat, wherein when the seating of the user is detected by the seating detection sensor during the execution of the determination control, the control unit stops the determination control. The toilet device is characterized by this.

[0014] According to this toilet device, by stopping the determination control, a cleaning operation of discharging water toward the user's private part becomes possible. Even when the first time is long, it is possible to prevent the cleaning operation from being unable to be carried out by the determination control, and a toilet device with good usability can be provided.

[0015] The sixth invention is an invention according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control, the control unit executes the determination control when the user is not seated. The toilet device is characterized by this.

[0016] According to this toilet device, by executing the determination control when a predetermined time has elapsed, an abnormality can be detected more reliably. Further, by executing the determination control when the user is not seated, it is possible to prevent the cleaning operation from being unable to be carried out by the determination control.

[0017] The seventh invention is an invention according to the sixth invention, wherein when the determination control is aborted a predetermined number of times or more without being completed, or when the determination control cannot be executed for a second predetermined time or more, the control unit forcibly executes the determination control. The toilet device is characterized by this.

[0018] According to this toilet device, by forcibly executing the determination control, an abnormality in the heat exchanger can be detected.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet device capable of detecting an abnormality in a heat exchanger is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device and a bidet device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 2 includes a Western-style seated toilet 4 (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet" for convenience of explanation) and a bidet device 10. The bidet device 10 is attached on the toilet 4. The bidet device 10 may be integrally attached to the toilet 4 or detachably attached to the toilet 4.

[0022] The bidet device 10 has a main body 12, a toilet seat 14, and a toilet lid 16. The toilet lid 16 is provided as necessary for the bidet device 10 and can be omitted. The toilet seat 14 and the toilet lid 16 are rotatably supported with respect to the main body 12.

[0023] The toilet 4 has a bowl portion 4a. The bowl portion 4a is concave downward. The toilet 4 receives excreta such as urine and feces of the user in the bowl portion 4a.

[0024] The main body 12 of the bidet device 10 is attached on a portion behind the bowl portion 4a of the toilet 4. The main body 12 has a casing 20. The toilet seat 14 and the toilet lid 16 are rotatably supported in the casing 20.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of the bidet device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the bidet device 10 has a washing water supply unit 30, a seating detection sensor 31, a human body detection sensor 32, a nozzle 34, and a control unit 42.

[0026] The seating detection sensor 31 can detect a human body existing above the toilet seat 14 immediately before the user sits on the toilet seat 14, or the user sitting on the toilet seat 14. The seating detection sensor 31 may detect not only the user sitting on the toilet seat 14 but also a user existing above the toilet seat 14. As such a seating detection sensor 31, for example, an infrared emission-reception type distance measurement sensor can be used. The seating detection sensor 31 may be a switch that is turned ON / OFF by the load when the user sits down. The seating detection sensor 31 outputs a signal indicating the detection of seating to the control unit 42 in response to the detection of the user's seating.

[0027] The human body detection sensor 32 is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that uses an infrared signal, and detects an intruder who has entered the room (toilet room) where the toilet device 2 is installed. The human body detection sensor 32 is connected to the control unit 42. The human body detection sensor 32 inputs the detection result to the control unit 42. The human body detection sensor 32 may be a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor. The human body detection sensor 32 may be able to detect a user before entering the toilet room.

[0028] The washing water supply unit 30 includes, for example, an on-off valve 50, a heat exchanger 51, and a temperature sensor 52. The washing water supply unit 30 may further include a vacuum breaker (VB) 53 and a flow rate adjustment / flow path switching valve 55 (flow path switching unit).

[0029] The on-off valve 50 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed. The on-off valve 50 switches the supply and stop of the washing water supplied from the water supply source. The on-off valve 50 is a water supply valve that opens and closes the flow path 21 of the water flowing into the heat exchanger 51 and controls the supply of water to the heat exchanger 51. That is, when the on-off valve 50 opens, the flow path 21 of the water flowing into the heat exchanger 51 opens, and water is supplied to the heat exchanger 51. When the on-off valve 50 closes, the flow path 21 closes, and the supply of water to the heat exchanger 51 stops.

[0030] After the on-off valve 50 changes from the open state to the closed state, there may be water remaining in the heat exchanger 51 or in the portion of the flow path 21 downstream of the heat exchanger 51. When the on-off valve 50 is in the closed state, water drainage may be performed to discharge the water remaining downstream of the on-off valve 50. That is, when the on-off valve 50 is closed, there may or may not be water in the heat exchanger 51 or in the flow path downstream of the heat exchanger 51.

[0031] For example, the heat exchanger 51 is provided downstream of the on-off valve 50. The heat exchanger 51 is, for example, an instant heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger using a ceramic heater or the like. The instantaneous heat exchanger generates warm water by heating while flowing water inside. In the instantaneous heat exchanger, when the heating element (heater) generates heat, the water flowing in the flow path around the heating element is heated. The heat exchanger 51 heats the washing water supplied from the water supply source by a heater and raises the temperature to, for example, a specified temperature. The heat exchanger 51 converts the washing water supplied from the water supply source into warm water at a set temperature. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the scope of "water" shall include the water (cold water) supplied from the water supply source and the warm water heated by the heat exchanger 51.

[0032] For example, the vacuum breaker 53 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 51. The vacuum breaker 53 promotes water drainage of the portion downstream of the vacuum breaker 53 by taking in air into the flow path when there is no water flow in the flow path. The vacuum breaker 53 promotes, for example, water drainage of the nozzle 34.

[0033] The water that has passed through the heat exchanger 51 is sent to the nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 has a water discharge portion 35. The water discharge portion 35 has, for example, a plurality of water discharge holes 35a, 35b, 35c. The water sent to the nozzle 34 is discharged upward from the water discharge holes of the water discharge portion 35. The water discharged from the water discharge portion 35 is used for local washing of the user sitting on the toilet seat 14 and the like.

[0034] The flow rate adjustment and flow path switching valve 55 is provided between the vacuum breaker 53 and the nozzle 34. The flow rate adjustment and flow path switching valve 55 switches the destination of the water supplied from the upstream to any of the water discharge holes. Further, the flow rate adjustment and flow path switching valve 55 changes the discharge flow rate of the water discharged from each water discharge hole.

[0035] The temperature sensor 52 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 51. The temperature sensor 52 is located upstream of the vacuum breaker 53 and the flow rate adjustment and flow path switching valve 55. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the fluid (water or air) in the downstream portion of the heat exchanger 51 in the flow path 21. For example, the temperature sensor 52 is warmed by the heat exchanger 51 and detects the temperature of the fluid flowing out from the heat exchanger 51. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the fluid flowing from the heat exchanger 51 to the flow rate adjustment and flow path switching valve 55 and the nozzle 34. The temperature sensor 52 is, for example, an outlet water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water immediately after flowing out from the heat exchanger 51. For the temperature sensor 52, a thermistor can be used, for example.

[0036] The nozzle 34 may be provided with a nozzle motor 36. The nozzle motor 36 drives the nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 can receive the driving force from the nozzle motor 36 and advance into the bowl portion 4a of the toilet 4 or retract into the casing 20.

[0037] The control unit 42 controls the operations of the washing water supply unit 30, the human body detection sensor 32, and the nozzle 34. The control unit 42 controls the operations of each unit, for example, according to the operation instructions input from the operation unit 44. For the control unit 42, a control circuit (such as a microcomputer) including a CPU or the like can be used, for example. The operation unit 44 may be a so-called remote control. The operation unit 44 may be provided on the main body unit 12 or separately from the main body unit 12. The communication between the control unit 42 and the operation unit 44 may be wired or wireless.

[0038] The control unit 42 transmits command signals to each part of the washing water supply unit 30 (the on-off valve 50, the heat exchanger 51, the flow regulator / flow path switching valve 55, and the nozzle motor 36), and controls the operations of each part of the washing water supply unit 30. For example, the control unit 42 controls the on-off valve 50 to control the supply of washing water. For example, the control unit 42 controls the nozzle motor 36 to move the nozzle 34 forward and backward.

[0039] In addition, the control unit 42 can perform control to drive the heat exchanger 51. That is, the control unit 42 performs control to supply driving power for generating heat to the heat exchanger 51. As a result, when there is no abnormality in the heat exchanger 51, the heater of the heat exchanger 51 is energized and generates heat.

[0040] The control unit 42 is connected to the temperature sensor 52 and acquires the detected temperature (detection result) detected by the temperature sensor 52. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature every predetermined time (for example, about every 50 to 100 milliseconds) and outputs the detection result to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 acquires the detected temperature detected every predetermined time. That is, the control unit 42 can acquire the detected temperature that changes every moment. The control unit 42 controls the heat exchanger 51 based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52.

[0041] For example, when the user is seated on the toilet seat, the user inputs a warm water washing operation for causing the toilet device to perform a warm water washing operation to the operation unit 44. The control unit 42 receives a signal instructing the execution of warm water washing control from the operation unit 44. The warm water washing control opens the on-off valve 50, drives the heat exchanger 51, and discharges warm water heated by the heat exchanger 51 from the nozzle 34. In addition, the warm water washing control controls the flow regulator / flow path switching valve 55 to switch the flow rate and flow path of the discharged water, and drives the nozzle motor 36 to move the nozzle 34 into the bowl portion 4a. In this way, in a state where the nozzle 34 has moved into the bowl portion 4a, a warm water washing operation of discharging warm water from the water discharge hole of the water discharge portion 35 toward the user is performed. In the warm water washing control, the control unit 42 drives the heat exchanger 51 at, for example, a first output (for example, 1200 watts).

[0042] For example, when the user sits on the toilet seat 14, the seating detection sensor 31 detects the user's seating. The control unit 42 acquires a detection result indicating that the user has seated from the seating detection sensor 31. In this case, the control unit 42 may perform warm water preparation control. The warm water preparation control drives the heat exchanger 51 with the on-off valve 50 open and controls the flow adjustment / flow path switching valve 55 to make the nozzle 34 communicate with the heat exchanger 51. As a result, warm water heated by the heat exchanger 51 flows through the downstream portion of the heat exchanger 51 and inside the nozzle 34. That is, for example, the water (e.g., cold water) remaining in the downstream portion of the heat exchanger 51 and inside the nozzle 34 is discharged (drained) into the bowl portion 4a and replaced with warm water heated by the heat exchanger 51. In the warm water preparation control, the nozzle 34 does not discharge water toward the user by controlling the flow adjustment / flow path switching valve 55. In this way, a warm water preparation operation is performed in which the heat exchanger 51 and the nozzle 34 are made to communicate with each other, the water in the flow path is drained, and warm water is introduced into the flow path (e.g., the remaining water is replaced with warm water). By the warm water preparation operation, the discharge of cold water toward the user is suppressed during the warm water washing operation. In this example, the warm water preparation operation is performed triggered by the detection of the user's seating by the seating detection sensor 31. However, the trigger for the warm water preparation operation may be any signal that can perform the warm water preparation operation before the warm water washing operation. For example, the trigger for the warm water preparation operation may be the detection of the user by the human body detection sensor 32.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. The control unit 42 can perform determination control for determining an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51. FIG. 3 shows an example of the determination control. FIG. 4(a) is a graph illustrating the output of the heat exchanger in the determination control, and FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c) are graphs illustrating the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors in the determination control. In FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the horizontal axis represents time. The change in the detected temperature may be, for example, as shown in either of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c). Note that these are for illustrative and conceptual purposes and are not necessarily the same as the actual ones.

[0044] For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous inspection (judgment by determination control) (step S101: Yes), the control unit 42 proceeds to step S102. In the example of FIG. 3, the predetermined time is set to one day.

[0045] When the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous inspection (step S101: No), the control unit 42 performs normal operations until the predetermined time elapses (step S109). The normal operations include, for example, standby, hot water preparation operation, and hot water washing operation.

[0046] If the toilet device 2 has been used from the previous inspection to the present (step S102: Yes), the control unit 42 proceeds to step S103. In this example, the presence or absence of sitting is regarded as the presence or absence of use of the toilet device 2. In the use of the toilet device 2, control for driving the heat exchanger 51, such as hot water preparation control and hot water washing control, is implemented. The presence or absence of use of the toilet device may also be determined by the presence or absence of driving of the heat exchanger. Detection of the use of the toilet device may be performed by detecting sitting with a sitting detection sensor, detecting entry with an entry detection sensor, or detecting a user with a human body detection sensor.

[0047] If the toilet device 2 has not been used from the previous inspection to the present (step S102: No), the control unit 42 performs normal operations until the toilet device 2 is used (step S109).

[0048] When the on-off valve 50 is closed (step S103: Yes), the control unit 42 proceeds to step S104. When the on-off valve 50 is open (step S103: No), the control unit 42 performs normal operations until the on-off valve 50 is closed (step S109).

[0049] The control unit 42 acquires the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52. When there is no change in the detected temperature for a predetermined time (step S104: Yes), it proceeds to step S105. In this example, the predetermined time is set to 5 minutes. The absence of change in the detected temperature does not necessarily mean there is strictly no change, but rather that the change is small or the detected temperature is stable. For example, when the change in the detected temperature is within about ±1°C, it may be regarded as having no change in the detected temperature.

[0050] When the detected temperature changes during the predetermined time (step S104: No), the control unit 42 performs normal operation until the detected temperature stops changing for a predetermined time or more (step S109). By waiting until the detected temperature stabilizes in this way, for example, the accuracy of the determination is improved.

[0051] The control unit 42 drives the heat exchanger 51 with the on-off valve 50 closed. In the determination control, the control unit 42 performs drive control to drive the heat exchanger 51 at a second output (for example, 100 watts) (step S105). In the determination control, the heat exchanger 51 is driven for a maximum of a predetermined time (second time). The second time is, for example, 3 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less, and in this example, it is set to 20 seconds.

[0052] For example, as shown in Fig. 4(a), the heat exchanger 51 starts to be driven at the second output at time tm1. Then, the heat exchanger 51 stops being driven at time tm2, which is after the second time from time tm1. In this way, in the determination control, the control unit 42 turns off the control for driving the heat exchanger 51 at the second time after the start of the control for driving the heat exchanger 51. That is, the control unit 42 performs control to energize the heater of the heat exchanger 51 only for the second time. For example, the control unit 42 keeps the heat exchanger 51 in the on state and generates heat for 20 seconds.

[0053] After starting the control to drive the heat exchanger 51, the control unit 42 calculates the change amount (for example, increase amount) of the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 52 (step S106). The change amount of the detected temperature is, for example, the change amount since the control unit 42 started the drive control of the heat exchanger 51. As shown in FIG. 3, the change amount of the detected temperature is the value obtained by subtracting the detected temperature (initial) from the detected temperature (latest). The detected temperature (latest) is the latest detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52, that is, the current detected temperature. The detected temperature (initial) is the detected temperature when the drive control of the heat exchanger 51 is started.

[0054] Note that the detected temperature when the drive control is started is not limited to the temperature detected exactly at the same time as the start of the drive control. As long as it is the temperature detected at a timing that can be regarded as substantially the time when the drive control is started, the temperature detected before or after the start of the drive control may be used. For example, the detected temperature (initial) may be the detected temperature detected in step S104. The detected temperature (initial) may also be the detected temperature detected at the same time as or immediately after the drive of the heat exchanger 51.

[0055] When the change amount of the detected temperature becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (first value) within a predetermined time (first time) (step S106: Yes, and FIG. 4(b)), the control unit 42 determines that there is no abnormality, and the determination control is completed. That is, the toilet device 2 returns to the normal operation (step S107). For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b), at time tm4 between time tm1 when the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is started and time tm3 after the first time, the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 52 rises by the first value or more from the detected temperature (initial). At this time, the control unit 42 determines that there is no abnormality.

[0056] Note that the first value is, for example, 0.5°C or higher and 30°C or lower, and in this example, it is +1°C. The first time is, for example, the determination time for the presence or absence of a failure. The first time is, for example, 3 seconds or longer and 2 hours or shorter, and in this example, it is 300 seconds. Even before the elapse of the first time (or the second time) from the start of the control for driving the heat exchanger 51, when the change amount of the detected temperature from the start of the drive control of the heat exchanger 51 becomes equal to or greater than the first value, the determination control may be terminated. For example, in the example of FIG. 4(b), the determination control may be terminated at time tm4 (immediately after).

[0057] On the other hand, when the change amount of the detected temperature does not become equal to or greater than the first value within the first time (step S106: No, and FIG. 4(c)), the control unit 42 determines that there is an abnormality (step S108), and the determination control is completed.

[0058] For example, in the heat exchanger, an abnormality such as a disconnection may occur. For example, a disconnection may occur in the power supply path to the heater. When an abnormality (failure) occurs in the heat exchanger, it is assumed that the heater is not energized normally and the water (or air) in the heat exchanger cannot be heated. On the other hand, in the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the control unit 42 performs control to drive the heat exchanger 51 with the on-off valve 50 closed, calculates the change amount of the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 52, and when the change amount does not become equal to or greater than the first value during the first time from the start of the control for driving the heat exchanger 51, determines that there is an abnormality. Thus, according to the embodiment, an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 can be detected based on the change amount of the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 52 downstream of the heat exchanger 51.

[0059] In addition, for example, conventional toilet devices may be provided with a flow rate sensor and an inlet water temperature sensor. The flow rate sensor detects the flow rate of water flowing through the heat exchanger. The inlet water temperature sensor is provided upstream of the heat exchanger and detects the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, in a conventional toilet device, an abnormality in the heat exchanger is detected based on the difference between the inlet water temperature (the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger) and the outlet water temperature (the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger). On the other hand, in the toilet device 2 according to the embodiment, an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 can be detected without using a flow rate sensor or an inlet water temperature sensor. Since it is not necessary to provide a flow rate sensor or an inlet water temperature sensor, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. For example, an inexpensive toilet device can be provided.

[0060] In addition, for example, when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchanger, if control is performed to drive the heat exchanger, a part of the heat exchanger may overheat. As a result, the heat exchanger may be damaged. For example, the flow path (such as the cover of the heat exchanger) may be damaged, leading to water leakage. On the other hand, in the example described with reference to FIG. 3 and the like, in the determination control, the second time during which the heat exchanger 51 is in the on state is shorter than the first time (for example, the failure determination time). Since the second time is short, when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchanger 51, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 while suppressing excessive heat generation of the heat exchanger 51. Further, in the determination control, the on-off valve 50 is in the closed state. Therefore, even when the second time is short, by making the first time long, the change amount of the detected temperature can be detected.

[0061] The output of the heat exchanger 51 in the determination control may be smaller than the output of the heat exchanger 51 in the normal operation (e.g., the warm water washing operation). For example, as described above, the control unit can perform warm water washing control to drive the heat exchanger 51 at a first output (e.g., 1200 watts) and discharge the water warmed by the heat exchanger 51 toward the user's local area through the nozzle 43. The control for driving the heat exchanger 51 in the determination control is a control for driving the heat exchanger 51 at a second output (e.g., 100 watts) that is smaller than the first output. By reducing the output of the heat exchanger 51 in the determination control, when an abnormality occurs in the heat exchanger 51, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 while suppressing excessive heat generation of the heat exchanger 51.

[0062] Also, in the example of FIG. 3, in step S108 where it is determined that there is an abnormality in the determination control, the water discharge from the nozzle 43 is locked. For example, when the control unit 42 determines that there is an abnormality in the determination control, it prohibits the opening of the on-off valve 50 thereafter. That is, for example, even if the user sits down or inputs a warm water washing operation to the operation unit 44, the control unit 42 does not open the on-off valve 50. As a result, since water supply to the heat exchanger 51 is not performed, when there is an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51, the occurrence of water leakage can be suppressed. Further, the control unit 42 may prohibit the subsequent driving of the heat exchanger 51 when it determines that there is an abnormality in the determination control.

[0063] In this way, when the control unit 42 determines that there is an abnormality in the determination control, it does not perform, for example, warm water preparation control or warm water washing control thereafter. On the other hand, when the control unit 42 determines that there is no abnormality in the determination control, it does not prohibit the opening of the on-off valve 50. That is, when the control unit 42 determines that there is no abnormality in the determination control, it subsequently performs warm water washing control according to the user's warm water washing operation and performs warm water preparation control according to the user's sitting down.

[0064] FIGS. 5(a) to 9(b) are timing charts illustrating the operations of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Figs. 5(a), 6(a), 7(a), 8(a) and 9(a) show the timing of the determination control described with reference to Fig. 3 and the like. Figs. 5(b), 6(b), 7(b), 8(b) and 9(b) show the timing when the user uses the toilet device. For example, "in use" means a state where seating is detected, and "not in use" means a state where seating is not detected.

[0065] As shown in Figs. 5(a), 6(a), 7(a), 8(a) and 9(a), in each example, the previous determination control has been completed at time t1. In the examples of Figs. 5(a) and 5(b), the control unit 42 performs the determination control again, for example, at time t2 which is after the first predetermined time from time t1. The first predetermined time is, for example, 1 hour or more and 48 hours or less, and is about 24 hours, for example.

[0066] In the examples of Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), as shown in Fig. 6(b), the user is using the toilet device at time t2 which is after the first predetermined time from time t1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the control unit 42 does not perform the determination control at time t2. For example, the control unit 42 does not perform the determination control while the user is seated. The control unit 42 performs the determination control again at time t3 after the use of the toilet device by the user ends. For example, the control unit 42 performs the determination control when the departure of the user is detected.

[0067] In this way, when the first predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control, the control unit 42 may perform (start) the determination control when the user is not seated. For example, the determination control is performed every predetermined time. By repeating the determination control when the predetermined time has elapsed, an abnormality can be detected more reliably. Also, by performing the determination control when the user is not seated, it is possible to prevent the cleaning operation from not being performed by the determination control.

[0068] For example, in determination control, the determination accuracy can be improved by increasing the failure determination time. On the other hand, it is desirable not to perform long-time determination control if it is unnecessary. For example, by not repeating the determination control until the first predetermined time has elapsed, the frequency of performing time-consuming determination control can be reduced.

[0069] In the examples of FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), as shown in FIG. 7(b), the user is not using the toilet device between time t1 and time t2 which is after the first predetermined time. For example, if there is no use of the toilet device where damage accumulation in the heat exchanger is assumed, the necessity of performing determination control is low. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the control unit 42 does not have to perform determination control at time t2. For example, the control unit 42 performs determination control when the toilet device is used (seated) from the previous implementation of determination control until the first predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, the implementation of unnecessary determination control can be avoided, and a user-friendly toilet device can be provided.

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the user uses the toilet device at time t4 after time t2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the control unit 42 may perform determination control at time t5 when the use of the toilet device ends. For example, the control unit 42 performs determination control when the user's unseating is detected.

[0071] In the examples of FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), as shown in FIG. 8(b), from time t1 to time t2 after the first predetermined time, the user is using the toilet device. In this case, the control unit 42 does not perform the determination control at time t2. As time further elapses from time t2, at time t6 after the second predetermined time from time t1, the user is also using the toilet device. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 42 performs the determination control at time t6. Thus, when the determination control cannot be performed over a long period of time, the control unit 42 may forcibly perform (start) the determination control. For example, when the control unit 42 cannot perform (start or complete) the determination control for the second predetermined time or more, it forcibly performs the determination control. The second predetermined time is, for example, 1 hour or more and 168 hours or less, but is not particularly limited.

[0072] Note that the implementation of the forced determination control means performing the determination control regardless of whether the toilet device is in use. For example, the implementation of the forced determination control means performing the determination control regardless of the detection or non-detection of sitting. In the implementation of the forced determination control, for example, even if there is an input of the user's sitting or a warm water washing operation to the operation unit 44, the control unit 42 does not perform the warm water preparation control or the warm water washing control and continues to perform the determination control.

[0073] In the examples of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), as shown in FIG. 9(a), the determination control is started at time t2 after the first predetermined time from time t1. As shown in FIG. 9(b), at time t7 after time t2 and before the determination control is completed, the user uses the toilet device. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the control unit 42 stops the determination control.

[0074] Also, after time t7, at time t8 after the user has used the toilet device, the control unit 42 starts the determination control again. For example, when the end of the use of the toilet device 2 (for example, the user getting up detected by the sitting detection sensor 31) is detected, the control unit 42 performs the determination control from the beginning again. Alternatively, the control unit 42 may start the determination control again after a predetermined time from the stop of the determination control.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9(b), at time t9 after time t8 and before the determination control is completed, the user uses the toilet device. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the control unit 42 stops the determination control again.

[0076] In this way, for example, when the use of the toilet device by the user (seating of the user by the seating detection sensor 31 in this example) is detected during the execution of the determination control, the control unit 42 stops the determination control. By stopping the determination control, a cleaning operation of discharging water toward the user's local part becomes possible. Even when the failure determination time (the first time in FIG. 4(b)) is long, it is possible to prevent the cleaning operation from being unable to be performed by the determination control, and a toilet device with good usability can be provided.

[0077] When the control unit 42 cannot repeatedly execute the determination control, that is, when the determination control is stopped without being completed after the start of the determination control for a predetermined number of times or more, the control unit 42 may forcibly execute the determination control. For example, in FIG. 9(a), the control unit 42 stops the determination control twice in a row. For example, the control unit 42 may forcibly start the third determination control after a predetermined time from the stop of the second determination control. In the example of FIG. 9(a), the control unit 42 starts the determination control when the use of the toilet device ends at time t10. Then, even if the use of the toilet device by the user is detected at time t11 during the execution of the third determination control, the control unit 42 does not stop the determination control. Note that the predetermined number of times is not limited to two times, and may be one time or three times or more.

[0078] For example, in a toilet in a public facility with a high usage frequency, there is a possibility that the seating of the user is detected and the determination control is stopped repeatedly after the start of the determination control and before the determination control is completed. Also, for example, due to long-term use of the toilet device or a malfunction of the seating detection sensor, the seating detection sensor may continue to detect the seating and the determination control may not be able to be started for a long time. Even in such a case, by forcibly executing the determination control, an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 can be detected.

[0079] In the above example, when the control unit 42 cannot execute the determination control (first determination control) described with reference to FIG. 3 or the like for a second predetermined time or more, or when it cannot repeatedly execute the first determination control, the first determination control is forcibly executed. However, a second determination control different from the first determination control may be executed. The second determination control is, for example, a preliminary or simple detection of an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51. The time required for the second determination control may be shorter than the time required for the first determination control, for example. Thereby, the time during which the user cannot use the cleaning function of the toilet device can be shortened. An example of the second determination control will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the detected temperature of the temperature sensor. As shown in FIG. 10, when the control unit 42 can execute the first determination control at the first predetermined time after the execution of the previous first determination control (for example, disconnection detection) (step S201: Yes), it clears the time count (step S202).

[0081] When the control unit 42 cannot execute the first determination control at the first predetermined time after the execution of the previous first determination control (step S201: No), it determines whether the second predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the previous first determination control (step S203). The control unit 42 counts the time until the second predetermined time elapses (step S203: No). When the second predetermined time elapses (step S203: Yes), the control unit 42 starts the second determination control from step S204 and subsequent steps.

[0082] The control unit 42 closes the on-off valve 50 (step S204), obtains the detected temperature (TH1) of the temperature sensor 52 (step S205), and turns on the heat exchanger 51 (step S206). The control unit 42 counts the time until a predetermined time (minute interval Δt) elapses after the heat exchanger 51 is turned on (step S207: No). When the predetermined time (minute interval Δt) elapses (step S207: Yes), the control unit 42 obtains the detected temperature (TH2) of the temperature sensor 52 (step S208), and calculates the value (Δ℃) obtained by subtracting TH1 from TH2 (step S209).

[0083] When the minute interval Δt elapses (step S207: Yes), the control unit 42 may turn off the heat exchanger 51. The minute interval Δt is, for example, 3 seconds or more and 2 hours or less. The minute interval Δt is, for example, shorter than the time (second time) for turning on the heat exchanger in the first determination control and the failure determination time (first time). The minute interval Δt corresponds to the measurement interval shown in FIG. 11.

[0084] For example, when water exists inside the heat exchanger 51 or around the temperature sensor 52 and there is no abnormality (for example, disconnection) in the heat exchanger 51, Δ℃ is greater than Δ℃ air (see FIG. 11). When Δ℃>Δ℃ air (step S210: Yes), the control unit 42 determines that water exists inside the heat exchanger 51 or around the temperature sensor 52 and there is no abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 (step S211), and clears the time count (step S212). Note that Δ℃ air is, for example, 0.5℃ or more and 30℃ or less.

[0085] For example, when there is no water inside the heat exchanger 51 or around the temperature sensor 52, or when there is an abnormality (for example, disconnection) in the heat exchanger 51, Δ℃ becomes equal to or less than Δ℃ air (see FIG. 11). When Δ℃ air ≧ Δ℃>0 (step S213: Yes), the control unit 42 tentatively determines that there is dry firing and / or an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51 (step S214), and performs "discharge water stop and main detection" (see FIG. 12) (step S215).

[0086] When Δ℃ air ≥ Δ℃ > 0 does not hold (step S213: No), and when Δ℃ = 0 (step S216: Yes), the control unit 42 determines that there is an abnormality (for example, a disconnection) (step S217), and prohibits water discharge (step S218). That is, for example, the opening of the on-off valve 50 is prohibited.

[0087] When Δ℃ = 0 does not hold (step S216: No), and when Δ℃ < 0 and the number of retry times is within the predetermined number of times (step S219: Yes), the control unit 42 adds 1 to the count of the number of retry times (step S220), and returns to step S204 (step S221).

[0088] When Δ℃ < 0 and the number of retry times is more than the predetermined number of times (step S219: No), the control unit 42 tentatively determines that there is dry burning and / or an abnormality in the heat exchanger 51, and performs "water discharge stop and main detection" (step S222). The predetermined number of times is, for example, 2 or more and 12 or less.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates "water discharge stop and main detection". For example, before performing "water discharge stop and main detection", the control unit 42 may once open the on-off valve 50.

[0090] When starting "water discharge stop and main detection", the control unit 42 performs notification to inform the user that water discharge is stopped (step S301). In this example, the control unit 42 blinks an LED (not shown) to inform the user that water discharge is stopped. Then, when the on-off valve 50 is open, the control unit 42 closes the on-off valve 50 (step S302).

[0091] Thereafter, the control unit 42 counts the time until a predetermined time (water supply time) elapses (step S303: No). When the predetermined time (water supply time) elapses (step S303: Yes), the control unit 42 performs first determination control (for example, a normal disconnection detection sequence) (step S304).

[0092] When the determination result in step S304 is normal (for example, no disconnection) (step S305: Yes), the control unit 42 clears the time count (step S306), ends the notification that the water discharge is stopped (step S307), and returns to the control for performing normal operation (step S308).

[0093] When the determination result in step S304 is abnormal (step S305: No), the control unit 42 determines that there is an abnormality (for example, there is a disconnection) (step S309) and prohibits water discharge (step S310).

[0094] The embodiment may include the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An instantaneous heat exchanger, An on-off valve for opening and closing the flow path of water flowing through the heat exchanger, A temperature sensor provided downstream of the heat exchanger, A control unit that acquires the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the heat exchanger, Comprising, The control unit performs control to drive the heat exchanger with the on-off valve closed to calculate the change amount of the detected temperature. When the change amount does not become equal to or greater than the first value within the first hour from the start of the control to drive the heat exchanger, the toilet device is characterized in that it performs determination control to determine that there is an abnormality. (Configuration 2) The determination control performs the control to drive the heat exchanger for a second time, The toilet device according to Configuration 1, wherein the second time is shorter than the first time. (Configuration 3) The control unit can perform warm water washing control to drive the heat exchanger at a first output and discharge the water warmed by the heat exchanger toward the local part of the user through a nozzle, The control to drive the heat exchanger in the determination control is a control to drive the heat exchanger at a second output smaller than the first output. The toilet device according to Configuration 1 or 2 is characterized in that. (Configuration 4) The toilet device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein when the control unit determines that there is an abnormality in the determination control, the opening of the on-off valve is prohibited. (Configuration 5) A toilet seat, a seating detection sensor that detects a user's seating on the toilet seat, further comprising: The toilet device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein when the control unit detects a user's seating by the seating detection sensor during the execution of the determination control, the determination control is terminated. (Configuration 6) The toilet device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control unit executes the determination control when the user is not seated when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control. (Configuration 7) The toilet device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, wherein when the control unit aborts the determination control a predetermined number of times or more without completing it, or when the control unit cannot execute the determination control for a second predetermined time or more, the determination control is forcibly executed.

[0095] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Regarding the above-described embodiments, those obtained by appropriately making design changes by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element are not limited to those illustrated and can be appropriately changed. In addition, each element included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and those obtained by combining these are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 2: Toilet device 4: Western-style sitting toilet 4a: Bowl part 10: Sanitary washing device 12: Body part 14: Toilet seat 16: Toilet lid 20: Casing 21: Flow path 30: Washing water supply section 31: Occupancy detection sensor 32: Human body detection sensor 34: Nozzle 35: Water discharge section 35a, 35b, 35c: Water discharge holes 36: Nozzle motor 42: Control section 43: Nozzle 44: Operation section 50: On-off valve 51: Heat exchanger 52: Temperature sensor 53: Vacuum breaker 55: Flow regulation and flow path switching valve

Claims

1. An instantaneous heat exchanger, a switching valve for opening and closing a water flow path through which water flows through the heat exchanger, a temperature sensor provided downstream of the heat exchanger, a control unit that acquires a detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the heat exchanger, and comprising, the control unit performs control to drive the heat exchanger in a state where the switching valve is closed to calculate a change amount of the detected temperature, and when the change amount does not become equal to or greater than a first value within a first time from the start of the control to drive the heat exchanger, a determination control for determining that there is an abnormality is performed. A toilet device characterized by that.

2. The determination control performs the control to drive the heat exchanger for a second time, The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the second time is shorter than the first time.

3. The control unit can perform warm water washing control to drive the heat exchanger at a first output and discharge water heated by the heat exchanger toward a local part of a user through a nozzle, The control to drive the heat exchanger in the determination control is a control to drive the heat exchanger at a second output smaller than the first output. The toilet device according to claim 2.

4. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the control unit determines that there is an abnormality in the determination control, the control unit prohibits the switching valve from opening.

5. A toilet seat, a seating detection sensor for detecting a user's seating on the toilet seat, and further comprising, The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the control unit detects a user's seating by the seating detection sensor during the execution of the determination control, the control unit aborts the determination control.

6. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the previous execution of the determination control, the control unit performs the determination control when the user is not seated.

7. The toilet device according to claim 6, wherein when the control unit aborts the determination control a predetermined number of times or more without completing the determination control, or when the control unit cannot perform the determination control for a second predetermined time or more, the control unit forcibly performs the determination control.

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