Drainpipe joint unit and toilet system

Abstract

To provide a drainpipe joint unit and a toilet system capable of detecting clogging in correspondence with various toilet bowls.SOLUTION: A drainpipe joint unit includes a drainpipe joint disposed between a toilet bowl and a drainpipe passage, and a detection unit that can detect a flow of washing water discharged from the toilet bowl, the detection unit being provided in the drainpipe joint.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention generally relate to drain pipe coupling units and toilet systems. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known toilets that have a detector installed in the toilet to detect clogging in the toilet. There are also known toilets that have a detector installed in a drain pipe installed in a building to detect clogging in a drain pipe through which flush water discharged from the toilet flows (Patent Document 1). (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-159203 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the detection unit is installed in the toilet, the installation position of the detection unit may differ depending on the type of toilet. Also, when the sensor unit is installed in a drainage pipe installed in a building, installation of the sensor unit may require extensive construction work.

[0005] The present invention has been made in recognition of this problem, and aims to provide a drain pipe joint unit and a toilet system that can detect clogging in various types of toilets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is a drain pipe fitting unit comprising a drain pipe fitting located between a toilet bowl and a drain pipe line, and a detection unit capable of detecting the flow of flush water discharged from the toilet bowl, wherein the detection unit is provided in the drain pipe fitting.

[0007] This drain pipe joint unit can detect clogs in a variety of toilets without the need to set optimal installation positions or criteria for toilets of various shapes and specifications. It can also identify the toilet that is clogged, even in a public restroom with multiple toilets.

[0008] A second invention is the drain pipe joint unit according to the first invention, characterized in that the detection unit is provided on an upper part of the drain pipe joint.

[0009] This drain pipe joint unit allows for accurate detection of flush water flowing through the drain pipe joint.

[0010] The third invention is a drain pipe fitting unit characterized in that, in the first invention, the drain pipe fitting has a tubular portion through which cleaning water flows and a convex portion provided on the upper part of the tubular portion, and the detection unit is provided on the convex portion.

[0011] According to this drain pipe joint unit, the distance from the detector to the flush water flowing inside the drain pipe joint is increased, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the detector.

[0012] The fourth invention is a drain pipe fitting unit characterized in that, in the first invention, the drain pipe fitting has a tubular portion through which cleaning water flows, a cleaning port portion provided in the tubular portion, and a lid portion that covers the opening of the cleaning port portion, and the detection unit is provided in the lid portion.

[0013] This drain pipe joint unit increases the distance from the detector to the flush water flowing through the drain pipe joint. This prevents a decrease in the detection accuracy of the detector. In addition, because the detector is provided on the lid, maintenance of the detector can be easily performed.

[0014] The fifth invention is a toilet system characterized by comprising a drain pipe fitting unit described in any one of the first to fourth inventions, and a control unit that determines the clogged state of the toilet bowl based on the detection results of the detection unit.

[0015] This toilet system can detect clogs in a variety of toilets without the need to set optimal installation positions or criteria for toilets of various shapes and specifications. It can also identify the toilet with a clog even in a public restroom with multiple toilets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, a drain pipe joint unit and a toilet system are provided that are compatible with various toilet bowls and are capable of detecting blockages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a public toilet equipped with a drainage pipe joint unit and a toilet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a rear view showing the drain pipe joint unit located on the rear side of the toilet and the drain pipe line. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet, the drain pipe joint unit, and the drain pipe line as viewed from the direction of arrow AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drain pipe joint unit and a drain pipe line. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the range in which the detection unit can be attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which cleaning water flows when there is no blockage. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a characteristic line of a detection value detected by a detection unit when there is no clogging. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which cleaning water flows when there is a blockage. [Figure 9]FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a characteristic line of a detection value detected by a detection unit when a blockage is present; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a drainage pipe joint unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a cover part in FIG. 10 is removed. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a drainage pipe joint unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a drainage pipe joint unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a drain pipe joint unit and a drain pipe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a public toilet equipped with a drainage pipe joint unit and a toilet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the drain pipe joint unit located on the rear side of the toilet and the drain pipe line. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet, the drain pipe joint unit, and the drain pipe line as viewed from the direction of arrow AA in FIG. As shown in Figure 1, the public toilet 1 includes a hand washing area 2, a hand dryer 3, and multiple toilet rooms TR. The public toilet 1 may also include urinals and other amenities. The public toilet 1 is a toilet that can be used by an unspecified number of users, for example.

[0020] Cabinet 10 is mounted on a wall or floor within a toilet room. An opening 11a is provided in front portion 11 of cabinet 10, penetrating in the front-to-rear direction. This opening 11a is provided to correspond to toilet bowl 20, which will be described later. Inside cabinet 10, a supply pipe 15, a drain pipe 17, a drain socket 30, a cable (not shown), and the like are arranged. In this specification, "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" refer to directions as seen from a user seated on toilet bowl 20 with their back to cabinet 10.

[0021] A supply pipe 15 is provided for each toilet bowl 20. The supply pipe 15 connects a water supply source (for example, a water supply system) to the toilet bowl 20. Flush water supplied to the toilet bowl 20 flows through the supply pipe 15. An on-off valve 15a is provided in the supply pipe 15. The on-off valve 15a is, for example, a solenoid valve, and is opened and closed by operating a remote control 4 provided on the wall of the toilet room TR. When the on-off valve 15a is open, flush water flows from the supply pipe 15 to the toilet bowl 20.

[0022] The drain pipe 17 extends horizontally within the cabinet 10. The drain pipe 17 is connected to each of the drain pipe fittings 32 connected to the multiple toilet bowls 20 of the public toilet 1. The drain pipe 17 drains flush water and waste discharged from each toilet bowl 20 into the sewer. The drain pipe 17 has a junction pipe 17a connected to the drain pipe fittings 32 and a connecting pipe 17b connected to the junction pipe 17a.

[0023] The toilet bowl 20 is attached to the front surface 11 of the cabinet 10 at a position corresponding to the opening 11a. In other words, the cabinet 10 is located behind the toilet bowl 20. The toilet bowl 20 is attached to the cabinet 10 with a gap formed between it and the floor.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the toilet 20 is a so-called seated toilet, and has a concave bowl portion 21 that is recessed downward from the upper surface 20a. A toilet seat (not shown in Figure 3) on which a user sits is provided on the upper surface 20a of the toilet 20. The toilet 20 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user in the bowl portion 21.

[0025] When the user operates the toilet flush using the remote control 4, flush water is supplied to the bowl portion 21 from the supply pipe 15. The flush water is discharged together with the excrement in the bowl portion 21 into the drain pipe 17 via the drain pipe joint 32. After the toilet flush is completed, flush water (sealing water) collects in the bottom portion 21a of the bowl portion 21.

[0026] The rear surface of the toilet 20 is provided with a supply port 23 to which the supply pipe 15 is connected, and a drain port 25 to which the drain pipe fitting 32 is connected. The supply port 23 is located on the top surface 20a of the toilet 20. The drain port 25 is located below the supply port 23 and opens toward the rear. The drain port 25 communicates with the bottom 21a of the bowl portion 21. In this case, the drain port 25 is located above the bottom 21a. As a result, flush water (sealing water) collects in the bottom 21a of the bowl portion 21 after the toilet flush is completed.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the drain pipe joint unit and the drain pipe. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the range in which the detection unit can be attached. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which cleaning water flows when there is no blockage. FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing a characteristic line of the detection value detected by the detection unit when there is no clogging. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing how cleaning water flows when there is a blockage. FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing a characteristic line of the detection value detected by the detection unit when a blockage occurs.

[0028] The drain socket 30 is connected to the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20. The drain socket 30 is cylindrical and made of, for example, a resin material. In this example, the junction pipe 17a is part of the drain socket 30. That is, the drain socket 30 has a drain pipe joint unit 31 connected to the drain outlet 25, and the junction pipe 17a. The junction pipe 17a may be integrated with the connecting pipe 17b of the drain pipe 17. In this case, one end of the drain socket (drain pipe joint unit) is fixed to the drain outlet 25, and the other end is fixed to the junction pipe 17a of the drain pipe 17.

[0029] The drain pipe joint unit 31 is located between the toilet 20 and the drain pipe 17. The drain pipe joint unit 31 has a drain pipe joint 32 through which flush water flows, and a detection unit 36 provided in the drain pipe joint 32. The drain pipe joint 32 has a first connecting pipe 33 that is connected to the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20, and a second connecting pipe 34 that is connected to the first connecting pipe 33. Flush water discharged from one toilet 20 flows through the drain pipe joint 32.

[0030] The first connecting pipe 33 has an opening 33a. As shown in Figure 3, in the drain pipe fitting unit 31, the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20 is inserted into the opening 33a of the first connecting pipe 33. The second connecting pipe 34 is a bendable bellows pipe. The second connecting pipe 34 absorbs the force exerted by the flush water, waste, etc., and allows the flush water, waste, etc. to flow smoothly into the drain pipe 17.

[0031] The detector 36 detects the flow of flush water discharged from the toilet bowl 20. The detector 36 is provided in the drain pipe joint 32. The detector 36 is made up of, for example, a radio wave sensor, and detects the flow of flush water flowing inside the drain pipe joint 32. Specifically, the detector 36 detects the magnitude of the waves in the flush water flowing inside the drain pipe joint 32. The detector 36 may also detect the flow speed of the flush water flowing inside the drain pipe joint 32.

[0032] By using a radio wave sensor for the detection unit 36, radio waves can be transmitted to the drain pipe joint 32. Therefore, without having to modify the existing drain pipe joint 32, simply by adhering the detection unit 36 to the drain pipe joint 32, the flow of flush water discharged from the toilet bowl 20 can be easily detected by the detection unit 36 (radio wave sensor).

[0033] When the flow rate of flush water flowing through the drain pipe joint 32 is high, the flow speed is fast and the waves are large. On the other hand, when the flow rate of flush water flowing through the drain pipe joint 32 is low, the flow speed is slow and the waves are small. The detection unit 36 transmits the detected value to the control unit 40. The detection unit 36 may be a vibration sensor that detects vibration components based on the flow of flush water flowing through the drain pipe joint 32, or a flow sensor that detects the flow of flush water from the amount of movement of a string-like member extending through the drain pipe joint 32.

[0034] Of the first connecting pipe 33 and the second connecting pipe 34, the detecting unit 36 is provided in the first connecting pipe 33. Because the outer surface of the second connecting pipe 34 is bellows-shaped, it is difficult to bring the detecting surface of the detecting unit 36 into close contact with it. In addition, the second connecting pipe 34 vibrates significantly due to the flow of cleaning water W.

[0035] Therefore, if the detector 36 were provided on the second connecting pipe 34, there is a risk that the detection accuracy of the detector 36 would decrease. On the other hand, the first connecting pipe 33 is the part that is fixed to the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20, and is therefore a part that is subject to little vibration. Therefore, the detector 36 is provided on the first connecting pipe 33, which is the part of the drain pipe joint 32 that is subject to little vibration.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 5, the detection unit 36 is provided in the upper part 33b of the first connecting pipe 33. The upper part 33b is located above the center in the vertical direction of the first connecting pipe 33 (the dotted line indicating 0 degrees in Fig. 5). The detection unit 36 is preferably provided within a range B of 40 degrees or more and 140 degrees or less from the 0 degree dotted line.

[0037] The inner surface of range B of first connecting pipe 33 is located away from the flush water W flowing through first connecting pipe 33, and is therefore an area where water droplets splashing from the flush water W or wet toilet paper are less likely to adhere. Therefore, by providing detection unit 36 within range B, it is possible to accurately detect the flow of flush water W flowing through first connecting pipe 33. In this example, detection unit 36 is located at a position at 90 degrees from the dotted line at 0 degrees.

[0038] 6 and 8, the detection unit 36 irradiates radio waves P toward the water surface W1 of the cleansing water W flowing in the lower part of the first connecting pipe 33. That is, the detection unit 36 is provided in a position facing the water surface W1 of the cleansing water W. The detection unit 36 receives radio waves reflected from the water surface W1, thereby detecting the magnitude of the waves on the water surface W1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, when there is no blockage in the toilet bowl 20, a large amount of flush water W flows through the first connecting pipe 33. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when a large amount of flush water W flows through the first connecting pipe 33, the waves on the water surface W1 become larger, and the voltage value V detected by the detection unit 36 becomes larger.

[0040] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when a clog has occurred in the toilet bowl 20, a small amount of flush water W flows through the first connecting pipe 33. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when a small amount of flush water W flows through the first connecting pipe 33, the waves on the water surface W1 become smaller, and the voltage value V detected by the detection unit 36 becomes smaller.

[0041] The junction pipe 17a is connected to the second connecting pipe 34 of the drain pipe joint 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the junction pipe 17a extends in a direction perpendicular to the second connecting pipe 34. Connecting pipes 17b are connected to both ends of the junction pipe 17a. Flush water discharged from multiple toilet bowls 20 flows through the junction pipe 17a. In this example, the junction pipe 17a is part of the drain socket 30.

[0042] Next, we will explain the toilet system 100 for determining whether or not there is a blockage in the toilet bowl 20. The toilet system 100 includes a drain pipe joint unit 31 and a control unit 40.

[0043] The control unit 40 determines the clogged state of the toilet 20 based on the detection result of the detection unit 36. The control unit 40 has a memory unit 41 that stores a control processing program for determining the clogged state of the toilet 20. The memory unit 41 stores a threshold value V1 for determining whether the toilet 20 is clogged.

[0044] The control unit 40 also controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve 15a. A control program for controlling the opening and closing of the on-off valve 15a is stored in the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve 15a based on a command signal from a remote control 4 installed on the wall of the toilet room TR or the like. The control unit 40 also controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve 15a based on the results of a clog determination for the toilet bowl 20. Note that the control of the clog determination for the toilet bowl 20 and the opening and closing control of the on-off valve 15a may be performed by separate control units.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication unit 50 is provided between the control unit 40 and the notification unit 60. The communication unit 50 transmits the clogged state of the toilet bowl 20 determined by the control unit 40 to the notification unit 60. The notification unit 60 may be, for example, a mobile terminal or a PC terminal of the manager who manages the public toilet 1. The notification unit 60 notifies the manager of the toilet bowl 20 in which a clog has occurred by displaying or sounding an alarm. By checking the notification unit 60, the manager can recognize which toilet bowl 20 in the public toilet 1 is clogged. The notification unit 60 may also be a display unit or sound generating unit provided in the toilet bowl 20.

[0046] Next, the determination of clogging of the toilet 20 performed by the control unit 40 will be explained with reference to FIGS.

[0047] First, when the control unit 40 receives a command signal indicating that the user has operated the toilet flush on the remote control 4, it opens and closes the on-off valve 15a. This causes flush water W to be supplied from the supply pipe 15 to the toilet 20. In other words, time t1 shown in Figures 7 and 9 is the time when the control unit 40 receives the command signal to operate the toilet flush, or when the on-off valve 15a is actuated to open. The control unit 40 begins measuring a predetermined time from time t1, and monitors the flow of flush water W during that predetermined time period.

[0048] 6, when no blockage has occurred in the toilet 20, a large amount of flush water W flows into the drain pipe joint 32. The detection unit 36 detects the flow of flush water W flowing inside the drain pipe joint 32.

[0049] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when the supply of flush water W begins at time t1, the detection unit 36 receives radio waves reflected from the surface W1 of the flush water W until time t2, after a predetermined time has elapsed. The time that elapses from time t1 to time t2 is the time from when the supply of flush water begins to when the flush water finishes flowing if there is no blockage in the toilet bowl 20, which is, for example, about 15 seconds.

[0050] Furthermore, between time t1 and time t2, even if the control unit 40 receives a command signal to flush the toilet transmitted from the remote control 4, the control unit 40 invalidates the command signal. In other words, the control unit 40 sets a flush prohibition time when it receives a command signal to flush the toilet.

[0051] When no clog has occurred in the toilet 20, the waves of the flush water W flowing through the drain pipe joint 32 become larger, and the amplitude of the detected value (voltage value V) becomes larger. The control unit 40 compares the detected value V detected by the detection unit 36 with a threshold value V1. When the control unit 40 detects a detected value V that is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1, it determines that the toilet 20 is "not clogged."

[0052] In this case, the control unit 40 may determine that there is "no" clog in the toilet 20 if the detection value V is detected multiple times to be equal to or greater than the threshold value V1 in amplitude of the detection value V. This allows the control unit 40 to reduce false detection of a clog in the toilet due to noise, for example. The control unit 40 also changes the toilet flush command signal sent from the remote control 4 from disabled to enabled at time t2.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when a clog has occurred in the toilet 20, flush water W accumulates inside the toilet 20, and a small amount of flush water W flows into the drain pipe joint 32. When a clog has occurred in the toilet 20, the waves of the flush water W flowing inside the drain pipe joint 32 become smaller, and the amplitude of the detected value (voltage value V) becomes smaller.

[0054] The control unit 40 compares the detection value V detected by the detection unit 36 with a threshold value V1. For example, if the detection value V is not detected to be equal to or greater than the threshold value V1, the control unit 40 determines that there is a clog in the toilet 20. In this case, the control unit 40 may also determine that there is a clog in the toilet 20 if there is not a plurality of detection values V that are equal to or greater than the threshold value V1.

[0055] The control unit 40 prohibits the opening operation of the on-off valve 15a when it determines that there is a clog in the toilet 20. In other words, when there is a clog in the toilet 20, the control unit 40 continues to disable the toilet flush command signal sent from the remote control 4. This allows flush water W to be supplied to the clogged toilet 20, preventing the flush water W from overflowing from the toilet 20.

[0056] The control unit 40 also causes the communication unit 50 to transmit information about the occurrence of a clog in the toilet 20 to the notification unit 60. The notification unit 60 displays the toilet 20 in which a clog has occurred. This allows the manager to recognize whether or not a clog has occurred in the toilet 20 from a location away from the public toilet 1.

[0057] According to the drain pipe joint unit 31 of the first embodiment, the detection unit 36 is provided in the drain pipe joint 32. Therefore, it is possible to detect a clog in a variety of toilets 20, regardless of the shape and constraints of the toilet 20. Furthermore, because flush water W discharged from one toilet 20 flows through the drain pipe joint 32, it is possible to identify the toilet 20 that is clogged among multiple toilets 20. Furthermore, because the detection unit 36 can be easily attached to an existing drain pipe joint, it is possible to realize a toilet system 100 that can detect a clog in a toilet without having to replace the toilet.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a drainage pipe joint unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the cover in FIG. 10 is removed.

[0059] The drain pipe joint 70 has a tubular portion 71 through which flush water W flows, a cleaning port 72 provided in the tubular portion 71, and a lid portion 73 that closes an opening 72a of the cleaning port 72. The tubular portion 71 has a first connecting pipe 71a that is connected to the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20, and a second connecting pipe 71b that is connected to the first connecting pipe 71a. In this example, the second connecting pipe 71b has a deformable flexible pipe line.

[0060] The cleaning port 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes upward from the first connecting pipe 71a. The cleaning port 72 has an opening 72a at its upper end, which communicates with the inside of the drain pipe joint 70. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cleaning port 72 extends diagonally rearward from the first connecting pipe 71a. This makes it possible to insert a tool or the like into the toilet 20 through the opening 72a of the cleaning port 72 and into the toilet 20 to clear the clog.

[0061] 11, the lid portion 73 has an outer lid 73a and an inner lid 73b provided inside the outer lid 73a. The inner lid 73b has an attachment portion 73b1 to which the detection unit 36 is attached. The attachment portion 73b1 is recessed, for example, in a concave shape from the upper surface of the inner lid 73b. The detection unit 36 detects the flow of cleaning water W flowing from the opening 72a of the cleaning port 72 through the first connecting pipe 71a.

[0062] The lid part 73 is provided at a position away from the flush water W flowing through the first connecting pipe 71a. Therefore, for example, water droplets splashed from the flush water W or wet toilet paper are less likely to adhere to the back surface of the lid part 73. This allows the detection part 36 to accurately detect the water surface W1 of the flush water W flowing through the first connecting pipe 71a.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a drainage pipe joint unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The drain pipe joint 80 has a tubular portion 81 through which flush water flows, and a convex portion 82 provided on the upper part of the tubular portion 81. The tubular portion 81 has a first connecting pipe 81a that is connected to the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20, and a second connecting pipe 81b that is connected to the first connecting pipe 81a.

[0064] The convex portion 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes upward from the first connecting pipe 81 a. Unlike the cleaning port 72 of the second embodiment, the convex portion 82 is not used for cleaning, but serves as a detection unit attachment portion provided for attaching the detection unit 36.

[0065] The detection unit 36 is provided on the convex portion 82. Specifically, the detection unit 36 is provided on the upper end of the convex portion 82. The detection surface of the detection unit 36 faces the water surface W1 of the cleaning water W flowing through the first connecting pipe 81a. The detection unit 36 detects the flow of the cleaning water W flowing from inside the convex portion 82 through the first connecting pipe 81a.

[0066] Even in such cases, because the detection unit 36 is separated from the flush water W flowing through the first connecting pipe 81a, water droplets splashed from the flush water W or wet toilet paper are less likely to adhere to the detection surface side of the detection unit 36. Therefore, the detection unit 36 can accurately detect the water surface W1 of the flush water W flowing through the first connecting pipe 81a.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a drainage pipe joint unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment described above, the drain pipe fitting 32 has a first connecting pipe 33 and a bellows-shaped second connecting pipe 34 connected to the first connecting pipe 33, and the detection unit 36 is attached to the first connecting pipe 33. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, a drain pipe fitting 85 that does not have a bellows-shaped second connecting pipe 34, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 13, may also be used.

[0068] The drain pipe joint 85 has a first connecting pipe 86 that is attached to the drain outlet 25 of the toilet 20, and a second connecting pipe 87 that is connected to the first connecting pipe 86. The second connecting pipe 87 is a flexible pipe with a flat curved surface, and is made up of multiple cylinders.

[0069] The detection unit 36 is attached to the first connecting pipe 86 or the second connecting pipe 87. In this example, the detection unit 36 is attached to the upper part of the second connecting pipe 87. This allows the detection unit 36 to detect the flush water flowing inside the second connecting pipe 87.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a rear view showing a drain pipe joint unit and a drain pipe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the detection unit 36 is provided in the drain pipe joint 32 connected to each toilet bowl 20 of a public toilet 1 having multiple toilet rooms TR. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection unit 95 may also be provided in the drain pipe joint 91 connected to the toilet bowl 20 of one toilet room provided in a house, for example.

[0071] As shown in Figure 14, the drain pipe joint unit 90 has a drain pipe joint 91 located between the toilet bowl 20 and the drain pipe line 17, and a detection unit 95 that can detect the flow of flush water discharged from the toilet bowl 20. The drain pipe joint 91 is separate from the drain pipe line 17. The drain pipe joint 91 connects the toilet bowl 20 and the drain pipe line 17. The drain pipe line 17 is a water pipe laid in the building. The detection unit 95 is provided in the drain pipe joint 91.

[0072] In this example, the detection unit 95 is provided on the cover 93 that closes the opening of the cleaning port 92. The detection unit 95 may be attached directly to the cylindrical body of the drain pipe joint, as in the first and fourth embodiments. Furthermore, the drain pipe joint may have a dedicated convex portion for attaching the detection unit 95, as in the third embodiment.

[0073] The detection unit 95 is provided in the drain pipe joint 91. Therefore, it is possible to detect clogs in various toilets 20, regardless of the shape and constraints of the toilet 20. Furthermore, because the detection unit 95 can be easily attached to an existing drain pipe joint, it is possible to realize a toilet system 100 that can detect clogs in the toilet without replacing the toilet. Furthermore, if the detection unit 95 were to be provided in the drain pipe 17, extensive installation work would be required. The drain pipe joint 91 is located behind the toilet 20. Therefore, the detection unit 95 can be easily attached when assembling the toilet 20 into the toilet room TR.

[0074] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) a drain pipe joint located between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe; a detection unit capable of detecting the flow of flush water discharged from the toilet; Equipped with A drain pipe joint unit characterized in that the detection unit is provided in the drain pipe joint. (Configuration 2) The drain pipe joint unit according to configuration 1, wherein the detection unit is provided on an upper portion of the drain pipe joint. (Configuration 3) The drain pipe joint is a cylindrical portion through which cleaning water flows; a convex portion provided on an upper portion of the cylindrical portion; and The drainage pipe joint unit according to configuration 1, wherein the detection portion is provided on the convex portion. (Configuration 4) The drain pipe joint is a cylindrical portion through which cleaning water flows; a cleaning port provided in the cylindrical portion; a cover portion that closes the opening of the cleaning port portion; and The drainage pipe joint unit according to configuration 1, wherein the detection unit is provided on the lid. (Configuration 5) A drainage pipe joint unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, a control unit that determines a clogged state of the toilet based on the detection result of the detection unit; A toilet system comprising:

[0075] The above describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the drain pipe fitting unit and toilet system are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Public toilets 2. Hand washing area 3 Hand dryer 4 Remote Control 10 Cabinet 11 Front part 11a opening 15 Supply pipeline 15a On-off valve 17 Drainage pipeline 17a Merging pipeline 17b Connecting pipe 20 Toilet bowl 20a top surface 21 Bowl section 21a bottom 23 Supply port 25 Drain 30 Drainage socket 31 Drainage pipe joint unit 32 Drainage pipe fittings 33 First connecting pipe 33a opening 33b upper part 34 Second connecting pipe 36 Detector 40 Control Unit 41 Storage section 50 Communications Department 60 Information Department 70 Drainage pipe fittings 71 Cylinder part 71a First connecting pipe 71b Second connecting pipe 72 Cleaning port 72a aperture 73 Lid 73a Outer lid 73b Inner lid 73b1 Mounting part 80 Drainage pipe fittings 81 Cylinder part 81a First connecting pipe 81b Second connecting pipe 82 Convex part 85 Drainage pipe fittings 86 First connecting pipe 87 Second connecting pipe 90 Drainage pipe joint unit 91 Drainage pipe fittings 92 Cleaning port 93 Lid 95 Detector 100 Toilet System TR Toilet Room P Radio waves W Cleaning water W1 Water surface

Claims

1. a drain pipe joint located between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe; a detection unit capable of detecting the flow of flush water discharged from the toilet; Equipped with A drain pipe joint unit characterized in that the detection unit is provided in the drain pipe joint.

2. The drain pipe joint unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is provided on an upper portion of the drain pipe joint.

3. The drain pipe joint is a cylindrical portion through which cleaning water flows; a convex portion provided on an upper portion of the cylindrical portion; and The drainage pipe joint unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection portion is provided on the convex portion.

4. The drain pipe joint is a cylindrical portion through which cleaning water flows; a cleaning port provided in the cylindrical portion; a cover portion that closes the opening of the cleaning port portion; and The drain pipe joint unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection portion is provided on the lid portion.

5. A drainage pipe joint unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a control unit that determines a clogged state of the toilet based on the detection result of the detection unit; A toilet system comprising:

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