Toilet bowl system

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing the period during which seal destruction continues.SOLUTION: A toilet bowl device includes: a toilet bowl; a plurality of water discharge ports; a drain outlet; a toilet bowl body having a drain flow passage that communicates with the drain outlet and discharges cleaning water inside the toilet bowl out of the toilet bowl; and a controller for adjusting the flow rate of the cleaning water discharged from each of the plurality of water discharge ports into the toilet bowl. The plurality of water discharge ports have at least one upper water discharge port located above a water storage part of the toilet bowl. The controller performs cleaning processing for making a water discharge ports, out of the plurality of water discharge ports including at least one upper water discharge port, discharge the cleaning water to clean the toilet bowl, and condensate treatment for making at least one of the plurality of water discharge ports discharge the cleaning water into the toilet bowl for condensation when a seal in the drain flow passage is broken due to the cleaning processing. The maximum flow rate of the cleaning water discharged into the toilet bowl in the condensate treatment may be larger than the maximum flow rate of the cleaning water discharged by at least one upper water discharge port in the cleaning processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flush toilet equipped with a rim located above the bowl and a jet nozzle attached to the bottom of the bowl. Flushing water is flowed from the rim and jet nozzle into the bowl, causing a siphoning action. In a faucet toilet, after the siphoning action has finished and the seal has been broken, flushing is carried out for a predetermined period by spraying flushing water from the jet nozzle in the bowl, and then water is supplied from the rim to the bowl for condensation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-226249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The toilet space where the toilet is placed and the drain pipe outside the toilet are not connected due to the accumulated water in the bowl. When the accumulated water is discharged by flushing the bowl and the seal is broken, the toilet space and the drain pipe are connected. Therefore, if the seal remains broken for a long period of time, the odor from the drain pipe will spread throughout the toilet space.

[0005] The present specification provides a technique that can reduce the period during which the seal breakage continues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to toilet bowl devices. The toilet device comprises a toilet bowl, a toilet body having a plurality of water outlets that eject flushing water into the toilet bowl, a drain outlet that opens to the bottom of the toilet bowl, and a drainage flow path that is connected to the drain outlet and ejects the flushing water in the toilet bowl outside the toilet bowl, and a control unit that adjusts the flow rate of the flushing water ejected from each of the plurality of water outlets into the toilet bowl, wherein the plurality of water outlets include at least one upper water outlet that is located above a water collection area of ​​the toilet bowl, and the control unit executes a flushing process that flushes the toilet bowl by ejecting the flushing water from at least one of the plurality of water outlets, including the at least one upper water outlet, and a condensing process that ejects the flushing water into the toilet bowl from at least one of the plurality of water outlets for condensation after a seal is broken in the drainage flow path by the flushing process, and in the condensing process, the maximum flow rate of the flushing water ejected into the toilet bowl may be increased beyond the maximum flow rate of the flushing water ejected from the at least one upper water outlet in the flushing process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet body and toilet seat taken at the center in the left-right direction and perpendicular to the left-right direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a configuration block diagram of a discharge unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl and upper rim portion taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the discharge portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a discharge section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the water discharge nozzle and the toilet body of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 shows a flowchart of a water discharge control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 shows a time chart of the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl and the pump rotation speed over time in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 shows a flowchart of a water discharge control process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 shows a time chart of the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl and the pump rotation speed over time in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the attachment structure between the water discharge nozzle and the toilet body. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of the surface of the outer wall of FIG. 12 on the side of the storage space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) (Configuration of toilet device 10) As shown in Figure 1, the toilet apparatus 10 is a flush toilet. The toilet apparatus 10 is fixed to the floor when in use. The toilet apparatus 10 may also be, for example, a so-called wall-hung flush toilet that is fixed to a wall.

[0009] The toilet apparatus 10 comprises a toilet bowl section 12, a toilet seat 14, a functional section 16, a reservoir 18 (see Figure 2), a water supply on-off valve 19, a water discharge section 40 (see Figure 3), a control section 100, and a seating sensor 90. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the left-right direction of a toilet bowl 22. As shown in Figure 2, the toilet bowl section 12 comprises a toilet body 20 and an upper rim section 30. The toilet body 20 is made of ceramic. The toilet body 20 comprises a toilet bowl 22 that receives waste. A reservoir 18 is housed in the toilet body 20 at its lower end. The reservoir 18 stores flush water for flushing the toilet bowl 22. Water is supplied to the reservoir 18 from a clean water pipe (not shown). The water supply on-off valve 19 switches between communication and cut-off between the clean water pipe and the reservoir 18. The toilet apparatus 10 is equipped with a flush button (not shown) electrically connected to the water discharger 40. When the flush button is operated by a user, a flushing process is performed in which flush water is discharged from the reservoir 18 via the water discharger 40 into the toilet bowl 22. The function unit 16 may also have functions such as an opening and closing function that automatically opens and closes the toilet lid (not shown) in accordance with the user's actions, a local cleaning function, a warm air drying function, a deodorizing function, etc.

[0010] In the toilet apparatus 10, the flushing process may be performed by operating a lever arranged on the toilet apparatus 10, in addition to operating the flush button. The flush button may be arranged on a remote controller that is electrically connected to the water discharger 40 either wired or wirelessly. Flush water in the reservoir 18 may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 without any operation by the user. For example, flush water in the reservoir 18 may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 when the sensor no longer detects the user. In the toilet apparatus 10, one of two flushing processes, a large flushing process or a small flushing process, is performed in accordance with at least one of the user's operation and settings. For example, the flush button may have multiple buttons that can select either a large flush or a small flush, and one of the two flushing processes, a large flushing process or a small flushing process, is performed depending on the button selected by the user.

[0011] The toilet seat 14 is attached to the toilet bowl body 20 so as to be able to open and close. A user sits on the toilet seat 14. The toilet seat 14 has an opening 14a. A seating sensor 90 is arranged on the toilet seat 14. When a user sits on the toilet seat 14, the toilet seat 14 moves downward. The seating sensor 90 detects the up and down movement of the toilet seat 14, thereby detecting the user sitting and leaving the seat. In a modified example, the seating sensor 90 may be a contact sensor, an infrared sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like that directly detects the user. Instead of the seating sensor 90, a human presence sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor, a camera, etc.) that detects the user may also be used.

[0012] Hereinafter, the direction in which the toilet seat 14 and the functional unit 16 are aligned will be referred to as the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the side on which the toilet seat 14 is arranged relative to the functional unit 16 will be referred to as the front side of the front-rear direction, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction will be referred to as the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the rear side of the paper in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the right side, and the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the left side. The left and right directions correspond to the left and right as seen by a user facing the toilet device 10. The vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction will be referred to as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the side on which the reservoir 18 is arranged relative to the toilet body 20 will be referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the lower side.

[0013] The toilet bowl 22 has a shape that is generally recessed downward. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet bowl 22 has a water collection section 24 that is located at the bottom end of the toilet bowl 22. The toilet body 20 has a drainage flow path 36 that communicates with the water collection section 24, and a drain outlet 34 that opens into the water collection section 24. Water collects in the water collection section 24 up to the water surface WS. The water surface WS coincides with the curved position 36a of the drainage flow path 36. In other words, when flush water is not being supplied to the toilet bowl 22, the area below the water surface WS is referred to as the water collection section 24.

[0014] The water storage section 24 is connected to a drainage channel 36 through a drain outlet 34. The drainage channel 36 extends upward from the drain outlet 34. The drainage channel 36 bends downward at a curved position 36a and continues extending downward. The drainage channel 36 is connected to a drainage pipe (not shown) located outside the toilet bowl section 12.

[0015] An upper rim portion 30 is disposed at the upper end of the toilet bowl 22, surrounding the upper edge 22a of the toilet bowl 22. The upper rim portion 30 is disposed at the upper end of the toilet body 20. The upper rim portion 30 protrudes inward from the upper edge 22a so as to face the surface of the toilet bowl 22. The lower surface 30a of the upper rim portion 30 is disposed vertically in the up-down direction.

[0016] The toilet bowl 22 has a front surface 23, side surfaces 26, and a rear surface 25 in the area above the water collection section 24. The front surface 23 is a surface located in front of the front edge WS1 of the water surface WS. The side surfaces 26 extend from the rear end of the front surface 23 in the rear direction along both the left and right ends of the water surface WS. The side surfaces 26 extend in the rear direction to a position aligned with the rear edge of the water surface WS. The rear surface 25 is a region that connects the rear ends of the left and right side surfaces 26 along the rear edge WS2 of the water surface WS.

[0017] The front surface 23 has a linear shape 23a that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the depth, i.e., toward the water surface WS, and a curved shape 23b that curves downward from the bottom of the linear shape 23a to the water surface WS. In a "downwardly curved curved shape," in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction, a line segment representing a plane located between any two points on the curved shape is located below the line connecting those two points. The linear shape 23a extends tangentially to the curved shape 23b. The boundary between the linear shape 23a and the curved shape 23b is smooth and continuous without any steps. The front surface 23 has a curved shape 23b that curves downward in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at any position in the front-rear direction. The same is true for the front surface 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at any position in the left-right direction of the toilet bowl 22. The front surface 23 does not have an upwardly bulging shape.

[0018] In a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the left-right direction of the toilet bowl 22, the portion of the water collecting section 24 located below the front surface 23 has a linear shape that slopes backward as it extends downward.

[0019] The linear shape 23a has a plane that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the water surface WS in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction at any position in the front-rear direction. The curved shape 23b curves downward from the lower end of the linear shape 23a to the water surface WS in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction at any position in the front-rear direction.

[0020] The side surface 26 has different shapes in the front and rear portions in a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The front portion of the side surface 26 has a curved shape that continues from the front surface 23 and curves downward. This curved shape extends beyond the water surface WS to the water pool 24. As shown in FIG. 4 , the rear portion of the side surface 26 has a linear shape 26a that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the water surface WS, a curved shape 26b that curves downward at an intermediate position between the bottom of the linear shape 26a and the water surface WS, and a curved shape 26c that curves upward from the bottom of the curved shape 26b to the water surface WS. The curved shape 26c extends beyond the water surface WS to the water pool 24. The portion having the curved shape 26c is the rear portion, and the portion not having the curved shape 26c is the front portion. That is, the boundary between the front portion and the rear portion is defined between the side surface 26 having the curved shape 26b and the curved shape 26c and the side surface 26 having the curved shape 26b but not the curved shape 26c. The boundary between the front portion and the rear portion may be defined at the position of the drain outlet 34 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the toilet bowl 22, the rear surface 25 has a linear shape 25a that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the front, i.e., toward the water surface WS, a curved shape 25b that curves downward at an intermediate position between the bottom of the linear shape 25a and the water surface WS, and a curved shape 25c that curves upward from the bottom of the curved shape 25b to the water surface WS. The linear shape 25a may be parallel to the vertical direction. The rear surface 25 is located further back than the rear edge of the opening 14a of the toilet seat 14. This makes the rear surface 25 less visible to the user.

[0022] (Configuration of the water outlet) Water discharger 40 discharges flush water in reservoir 18 into toilet bowl 22. Water discharger 40 also discharges foam generated by mixing a surfactant and water into toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 3 , water discharger 40 includes pump 42, connecting pipe 44, check valve 45, switching valve device 46, branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, water discharge nozzles 50, 52, water discharge opening 54, and foam discharger 61.

[0023] The pump 42 draws in flush water from the reservoir 18 and pressurizes it. The pump 42 sends the pressurized flush water to a communicating pipe 44. The communicating pipe 44 is in communication with the pump 42. The communicating pipe 44 defines a flow path through which the flush water flows. The communicating pipe 44 is in communication with a switching valve device 46 via a check valve 45. The check valve 45 allows flush water to flow from the pump 42 toward the switching valve device 46. The check valve 45 restricts flush water from flowing from the switching valve device 46 toward the pump 42. This makes it possible to prevent flush water from flowing back into the pump 42 via the communicating pipe 44. By arranging the check valve 45 closer to the pump 42 than the switching valve device 46, the number of check valves 45 can be reduced.

[0024] The switching valve device 46 connects the communicating pipe 44 to at least one of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. In the switching valve device 46, the communicating pipe 44 and the branch pipes 48a, 48b, and 48c are each made of a resin such as a synthetic resin. The switching valve device 46 includes a plurality of valve bodies. Each of the plurality of valve bodies is disposed between the communicating pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. Each of the plurality of valve bodies moves between an open state and a closed state, thereby switching between communication and cut-off between the communicating pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d.

[0025] Synthetic rubber is used in branch pipes 48a, 48b to improve liquid-tightness at least in one of the connecting portions between pump 42 and water-discharge nozzles 50, 52. Branch pipe 48d has an upstream portion 48e extending from pump 42 made of the same resin as branch pipe 48a. Meanwhile, downstream of upstream portion 48e of branch pipe 48d is a downstream portion 48f that is disposed in toilet body 20. Downstream portion 48f is made of ceramic.

[0026] A water discharge nozzle 50 communicates with branch pipe 48a. When communication pipe 44 communicates with branch pipe 48a via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from water discharge nozzle 50 into toilet bowl 22. A spreader 60 of foam discharge section 61 communicates with branch pipe 48b. When communication pipe 44 communicates with branch pipe 48b via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from spreader 60 into toilet bowl 22. A water discharge nozzle 52 communicates with branch pipe 48c. When communication pipe 44 communicates with branch pipe 48c via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from water discharge nozzle 52 into toilet bowl 22. A water discharge opening 54 communicates with branch pipe 48d. When communication pipe 44 communicates with branch pipe 48d via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from water discharge opening 54 into toilet bowl 22.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The water-spouting nozzle 50 is arranged near the upper end of the toilet bowl 22. The water-spouting nozzle 50 has an opening that is long in the vertical direction. The water-spouting nozzle 52 is arranged symmetrically with the water-spouting nozzle 50. The water-spouting nozzle 52 has the same configuration as the water-spouting nozzle 50, and has an opening that is long in the vertical direction. The water-spouting nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 are arranged above the water collecting section 24, i.e., above the water surface WS.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the water discharge opening 54 opens into the water storage section 24. The water discharge opening 54 opens from the front side towards the drain outlet 34 on the rear side. When flush water is discharged from the water discharge opening 54, the flush water from the water discharge opening 54 is discharged towards the drain outlet 34. The flush water in the water storage section 24 is drained into the drain flow path 36 together with the flush water from the water discharge opening 54. Waste in the water storage section 24 and any objects floating in the water stored in the water storage section 24 are also discharged from the drain flow path 36 into the drain piping outside the toilet section 12.

[0029] In a modified example, the entire water discharge opening 54 does not have to open into the water collection section 24. The water discharge opening 54 may be positioned so that at least a portion of it opens into the water collection section 24. In another modified example, the entire water discharge opening 54 may open in a part of the toilet bowl 22 other than the water collection section 24. In this case, for example, the water discharge opening 54 may open above the water collection section 24, and the water discharge opening 54 may be located on either the left or right side of the toilet bowl 22.

[0030] Flush water discharged from water discharge nozzle 50 flows near the top of the toilet bowl 22, along the upper rim portion 30. The flush water flow path defined from branch pipe 48a by water discharge nozzle 50 is called the left rim flow path. Flush water discharged from water discharge nozzle 52 flows near the top of the toilet bowl 22, along the upper rim portion 30. The flush water flow path defined from branch pipe 48c by water discharge nozzle 52 is called the right rim flow path. Flush water discharged from water discharge nozzles 50, 52 flows downward from near the top. Flush water discharged from water discharge nozzles 50, 52 flows over a wide area of ​​the toilet bowl 22, from the top to the bottom. Flush water discharged from spreader 60 collides with spreader 60 from branch pipe 48b, spreads out in all directions, and is discharged onto the toilet bowl 22. The flush water flow path defined from branch pipe 48b by spreader 60 is called the spreader flow path. The flush water discharged from the water discharge opening 54 functions as a so-called jet water discharge, which drains away dirt and the like from the water reservoir 24. The flush water flow path defined by the water discharge opening 54 from the branch pipe 48d is called the jet flow path.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the foam discharge unit 61 includes a foam valve 62, an ejector 64, supply pipes 65 and 66, a spreader 60, and a storage reservoir 68. The ejector 64 is in communication with the check valve 45 via the supply pipe 65. A foam valve 62 is disposed in the supply pipe 65. The foam valve 62 switches between a state in which the check valve 45 and the ejector 64 are in communication with each other via the supply pipe 65, and a state in which the supply pipe 65 is shut off, thereby shutting off the check valve 45 and the ejector 64. The supply pipes 65 and 66 are made of the same resin as the communication pipe 44.

[0032] A storage reservoir 68 is connected to the ejector 64. A surfactant such as a detergent is stored in the storage reservoir 68. A communication pipe 68a extending from the storage reservoir 68 communicates with the ejector 64. For example, a foam pump (not shown) is provided between the storage reservoir 68 and the communication pipe 68a, which sends the surfactant stored in the storage reservoir 68 to the ejector 64 via the communication pipe 68a. An air vent pipe 69 (see FIG. 6) communicates with the ejector 64. The air vent pipe 69 communicates with the atmosphere. The ejector 64 generates negative pressure within the ejector 64 by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the cleaning water supplied from the supply pipe 65. The negative pressure generated in the ejector 64 draws the surfactant and air into the ejector 64. As a result, the cleaning water, surfactant, and air mix together, generating foam. A supply pipe 66 that connects the ejector 64 and the spreader 60 is connected to the downstream side of the ejector 64. The foam generated in the ejector 64 passes through the supply pipe 66 and is discharged from the spreader 60 into the toilet bowl 22. The supply pipe 66 merges with the branch pipe 48b downstream of the ejector 64. A check valve is disposed at the downstream end of the ejector 64 to prevent flush water from flowing back from the branch pipe 48b to the ejector 64. The supply pipe 66 downstream from the point where it merges with the branch pipe 48b defines the spreader flow path.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show the configuration of each part of the water discharger 40. All parts of the water discharger 40, except for the branch pipe 48d and the water discharge opening 54, are housed in the toilet body 20 at the back of the toilet bowl 22. In the toilet body 20, each part of the water discharger 40 is housed in a small space. In each of Figures 5 and 6, some of the configuration has been simplified to prioritize ease of viewing.

[0034] Figure 7 shows a plan view of the water-spouting nozzle 50. In order to illustrate the configuration of the toilet body 20 around the water-spouting nozzle 50, Figure 7 shows a horizontal (i.e., vertical) cross section of the toilet body 20 slightly above the upper end of the water-spouting nozzle 50. The water-spouting nozzle 50 is housed in a storage space 70 formed in the toilet body 20. The storage space 70 is defined by a storage wall 74 arranged in the toilet body 20. The storage wall 74 comprises an outer wall 74a, an inner wall 74b, a front wall 74c, a rear wall 74d, a lower wall 74e, and an upper wall 74f (see Figure 3). The outer wall 74a is arranged outside the toilet body 20, i.e., on the left side, of the water-spouting nozzle 50. The left surface of the outer wall 74a forms the surface of the toilet body 20. The surface of the outer wall 74a facing the storage space 70 is inclined downward and to the right in the vertical direction. The surface of the outer wall 74a facing the storage space 70 is continuous with the side surface 26 of the toilet bowl 22. The inner wall 74b is located inside the toilet body 20 relative to the water discharge nozzle 50, i.e., on the right side. The inner wall 74b separates the storage space 70 from the piping space. The connecting pipe 44, which supplies flush water to the water discharger 40, and other components are located in the piping space.

[0035] A rear wall 74d is disposed between the rear edge of the outer wall 74a and the rear edge of the inner wall 74b. The rear wall 74d separates the storage space 70 from the piping space. A branch pipe 48a is attached to the rear wall 74d. The branch pipe 48a is divided into a rear portion and a front portion by the rear wall 74d. The rear and front portions of the branch pipe 48a are connected to each other by a connecting member 49 that penetrates the rear wall 74d. The branch pipe 48a is fixed to the rear wall 74d by the connecting member 49. A front wall 74c is disposed at the front edge of the inner wall 74b and extends toward the front edge of the outer wall 74a. The front wall 74c is disposed at a distance from the outer wall 74a. The surface on the near side of the front wall 74c forms part of the rear surface 25 of the toilet bowl 22. The lower end of the storage space 70 is closed by a lower wall 74e. An upper wall 74f is disposed at the upper end of the storage space 70. An opening is provided in the upper wall 74f to allow for repairs and other work to be performed within the storage space 70. The opening in the upper wall 74f is closed by a lid member that is disposed separately from the toilet body 20.

[0036] A flush water outlet 72 is disposed in the gap between the outer wall 74a and the front side wall 74c at the front end of the storage space 70. The flush water outlet 72 is defined by the outer wall 74a, the front side wall 74c, an upper side wall 74f, and a lower side wall 74e.

[0037] The storage space 70 accommodates a water discharge nozzle 50 that is connected to the tip of the branch pipe 48a that is disposed in the storage space 70. The water discharge nozzle 50 is made of resin. In a modified example, the water discharge nozzle 50 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel. The water discharge nozzle 50 may also be made of a combination of resin and metal. The water discharge nozzle 50 is fixed within the storage space 70. Specifically, on the outside of the toilet body 20 of the water discharge nozzle 50, i.e., on the left side, multiple protrusions 50a, 50b that contact the outer wall 74a are arranged. Each of the multiple protrusions 50a, 50b contacts the surface of the outer wall 74a that faces the storage space 70. The protrusion 50b contacts the surface of the outer wall 74a that faces the storage space 70 below the upper edge of the outer wall 74a. In Figure 7, the surface of the outer wall 74a facing the storage space 70 is inclined downward to the right in the vertical direction, and therefore the protrusion 50b is shown spaced apart from the line representing the upper edge of the outer wall 74a. The protrusions 50a, 50b protrude from the outer surface of the water-spouting nozzle 50 towards the outside of the toilet body 20. The protrusion 50a is located at the upper end of the downstream end of the water-spouting nozzle 50. A protrusion not shown is located at the lower end of the downstream end of the water-spouting nozzle 50. The protrusion 50b is located at the upstream end of the water-spouting nozzle 50. The three protrusions 50a, 50b of the water-spouting nozzle 50 are spaced apart from one another, and are each located at the end of the water-spouting nozzle 50, allowing the water-spouting nozzle 50 to make stable contact with the outer wall 74a.

[0038] A support member 80 is disposed inside the toilet body 20 of the water discharge nozzle 50, i.e., on the right side. The support member 80 includes a support post 82 and an adjustment member 84. The support post 82 has a cylindrical shape with a screw thread on its outer periphery. The adjustment member 84 has a tubular shape with a screw thread on its inner periphery. The left-right length of the support member 80 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the adjustment member 84 relative to the support post 82 using the screw threads on the support post 82 and the adjustment member 84. The support member 80 is disposed between the water discharge nozzle 50 and a support wall 74g that protrudes upward from the lower wall 74e. The support wall 74g has a flat plate shape that extends perpendicularly from the lower wall 74e. One end of the support member 80 contacts the support wall 74g. In a modified example, the support wall 74g may not be disposed. In this case, one end of the support member 80 may contact the inner wall 74b. The other end of the support member 80 comes into contact with the water-discharging nozzle 50. By adjusting the length of the support member 80, the water-discharging nozzle 50 is pushed toward the outer wall 74a. As a result, the water-discharging nozzle 50 is fixed by being sandwiched between the outer wall 74a and the support wall 74g.

[0039] The water discharge nozzle 50 is fixed to the rear wall 74d by being fixed to the branch pipe 48a, which makes it possible to prevent the position of the water discharge nozzle 50 from shifting.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the spreader 60 is attached to the rear surface 25 at the rear side of the toilet bowl 22. The spreader 60 is inserted into a through-hole that penetrates the toilet body 20 and is fixed to the toilet body 20. The spreader 60 protrudes from the rear surface 25 into the inside of the toilet bowl 22. The spreader 60 has one or more outlets in each of the up, down, left, and right directions. Flush water and foam that flow into the spreader 60 from the supply pipe 66 collide with the front portion of the spreader 60 and spread in the up, down, left, and right directions. The colliding flush water and foam are then discharged onto the toilet bowl 22 from the multiple outlets of the spreader 60. This allows the flush water and foam discharged from the spreader 60 to be discharged in multiple directions, including upward, downward, left, and right, from the multiple outlets, making it easier to spread over the surface of the toilet bowl 22.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the reservoir 18 extends to the right side of the toilet body 20, up to near the top of the toilet body 20. A water level sensor 18a is located at the top of the reservoir 18. The water level sensor 18a is equipped with a float that rises above the water surface when the water level in the reservoir 18 reaches a predetermined position, and a sensor unit that detects whether the float is floating or not. A water supply on-off valve 19 is located at the top of the reservoir 18. The water supply on-off valve 19 switches between connecting and blocking communication between the reservoir 18 and the clean water pipe.

[0042] (Processing by the control unit) As shown in Fig. 1, the control unit 100 is housed in the toilet body 20. The control unit 100 is communicatively connected to each of the water level sensor 18a, the water supply on-off valve 19, the pump 42, the switching valve device 46, the foam valve 62, the functional unit 16, and the seating sensor 90. The control unit 100 controls the water level sensor 18a, the water supply on-off valve 19, the pump 42, the switching valve device 46, the foam valve 62, the functional unit 16, and the seating sensor 90. The control unit 100 is further communicatively connected to operation units operated by the user, such as a flush button and a remote controller.

[0043] The control unit 100 includes a CPU and a memory. The memory has a volatile and a nonvolatile storage section. The control unit 100 controls the water level sensor 18a, the water supply valve 19, the pump 42, the switching valve device 46, the foam valve 62, the function unit 16, and the seating sensor 90 by the CPU executing processing in accordance with a computer program pre-stored in the memory.

[0044] When flush water is to be supplied to the toilet bowl 22, for example, by a user operation, the control unit 100 controls the pump 42 and the switching valve device 46 to supply flush water to the toilet bowl 22 from at least one of the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54. The control unit 100 supplies flush water to the toilet bowl 22. Specifically, the control unit 100 switches each of the multiple valve bodies between open and closed using a signal supplied to the switching valve device 46. For example, while an open signal for connecting the communicating pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48a is supplied from the control unit 100, the switching valve device 46 opens the valve body, connecting the communicating pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48a. While the supply of the open signal from the control unit 100 for connecting the communicating pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48a is stopped, the switching valve device 46 closes the valve body, disconnecting the communicating pipe 44 from the branch pipe 48a. Similarly to branch pipe 48a, the other branch pipes 48b, 48c, and 48d are also switched between communication and cut-off with the communicating pipe 44. In this way, the control unit 100 switches between communication and cut-off between the communicating pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. In other words, by controlling the switching valve device 46, the control unit 100 adjusts the flow rate discharged from each of the water discharge nozzles 50 and 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54. Waste within the toilet bowl 22 is discharged to the outside of the toilet body 20 by flush water. In addition to cleaning the toilet bowl 22 with flush water, the control unit 100 also cleans the toilet bowl 22 with foam.

[0045] The control unit 100 controls the pump 42 to adjust the flow rate discharged from each of the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54. The control unit 100 changes the rotation speed of the pump 42 to a predetermined value over time. The rotation speed of the pump 42 over time is stored in memory. The control unit 100 changes the rotation speed of the pump 42 in stages. For example, as the rotation speed of the pump increases, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 also increases. In a modified example, the number of water discharge openings for which the flow rate of flush water discharged is adjusted by the rotation speed of the pump 42 may be one, two, or three of the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54.

[0046] (Water discharge control processing) The control unit 100 executes a water discharge control process. The water discharge control process includes a flushing process and a water reconstitution process that is executed after the flushing process.

[0047] (Cleaning process) During the flushing process, the flush water is discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22, thereby cleaning the toilet bowl 22. During the flushing process, a siphon action occurs in the drainage flow path 36 due to the flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22. As a result, waste in the water storage section 24 and objects floating in the water stored in the water storage section 24 are sucked downstream of the drainage flow path 36 and discharged from the drainage flow path 36 to the outside of the toilet body 20. After the siphon action occurs, a seal is broken in the drainage flow path 36. Breaking the seal means that the level of flush water stored in the drainage flow path 36 is below the upper edge 36b of the drain opening 34. In other words, the surface of the flush water at the time of seal breaking is not in contact with the upper edge 36b of the drain opening 34. In other words, there is a gap between the surface of the flush water at the time of seal breaking and the upper edge 36b of the drain opening 34. Therefore, when the seal is broken, the toilet space in which the toilet device 10 is placed and the drainage pipe outside the toilet portion 12 are in communication with each other.

[0048] The level of flush water when the seal is broken varies depending on the shape of the drainage flow path 36. In this embodiment, the drainage flow path 36 extends upward from the drain outlet 34. The drainage flow path 36 bends downward at a curved position 36a and extends downward. Therefore, in the range from the drain outlet 34 to the curved position 36a, the drain outlet 34 is located at the lowest part of the drainage flow path 36. The shape of the drainage flow path 36 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment. For example, the lowest part of the drainage flow path may be located further back than the drain outlet in the range from the drain outlet to the curved position. In that case, breaking the seal may mean that the level of flush water accumulated in the drainage flow path is below the upper edge of the lowest part of the drainage flow path.

[0049] The flushing process is performed as either a large-flush process or a small-flush process depending on predetermined conditions. Figures 8 and 9 explain the water discharge control process when the large-flush process is performed. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of the water discharge control process when the large-flush process is performed. The upper diagram in Figure 9 shows a time chart showing the change over time in the flow rate discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22. The lower diagram in Figure 9 shows a time chart showing the change over time in the rotation speed of the pump. Area A in Figure 9 shows the period during which the control unit 100 supplies an open signal to the switching valve device 46 to connect the connecting pipe 44 and the right rim flow path (i.e., branch pipe 48c). Area B in Figure 9 shows the period during which the control unit 100 supplies an open signal to the switching valve device 46 to connect the spreader flow path (i.e., branch pipe 48b). Area C in Fig. 9 shows the period during which an open signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the switching valve device 46 to connect the connecting pipe 44 to the left rim flow path (i.e., branch pipe 48a). Area D in Fig. 9 shows the period during which an open signal is supplied from the control unit 100 to the switching valve device 46 to connect the connecting pipe 44 to the jet flow path (i.e., branch pipe 48d).

[0050] The predetermined condition for the deep flush process is that either a deep flush operation by the user or the user leaving the seat is identified. When a signal indicating that the deep flush button has been operated is acquired, the control unit 100 identifies the deep flush operation by the user. When a signal indicating that the user has left the seat is acquired from the seat sensor 90, for example, the control unit 100 identifies that the user has left the seat. When the predetermined condition for the deep flush is identified, the control unit 100 executes the deep flush process from S12 to S42.

[0051] In S12, the control unit 100 activates the pump 42. When the pump 42 is activated, cleaning water is sent from the reservoir 18 to the communication pipe 44.

[0052] In S14, the control unit 100 connects the communication pipe 44 to the right rim flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the communication pipe 44 to the right rim flow path by supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This causes wash water to be discharged from the water discharge nozzle 52.

[0053] In S16, the control unit 100 gradually increases the pump rotation speed, as shown in region A in Figure 9. As the pump rotation speed increases, the flow rate of water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 increases. The control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed until the flow rate of water discharged from the right rim flow path during the flushing process reaches the maximum flow rate, and maintains the increased rotation speed for a predetermined period of time. The maximum flow rate while water is being discharged from the right rim flow path is the first flow rate Q11.

[0054] In S18, after flush water has been discharged from the right rim flow path for a predetermined period in S16, the pump rotation speed is reduced. As shown in area A in Figure 9, the flow rate discharged into the toilet bowl 22 decreases in response to the reduction in pump rotation speed.

[0055] In S20, the control unit 100 blocks the communication pipe 44 from the right rim flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 blocks the communication pipe 44 from the right rim flow path by stopping the supply of an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This stops the discharge of wash water from the water discharge nozzle 52.

[0056] In S22, the control unit 100 connects the communication pipe 44 to the spreader flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the communication pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48b by supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This causes wash water to be discharged from the spreader 60.

[0057] In S24, the control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed in stages, as shown in area B in Figure 9. As the pump rotation speed increases, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 increases. The control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed to the rotation speed at which the flow rate of water discharged from the spreader flow path during the flushing process becomes the maximum flow rate, and maintains the increased rotation speed for a predetermined period of time. The maximum flow rate while water is being discharged from the spreader flow path is the second flow rate Q12.

[0058] In S26, after flush water has been discharged from the spreader flow path for a predetermined period in S24, the pump rotation speed is reduced. As shown in region B of Figure 9, the flow rate discharged into the toilet bowl 22 decreases in response to the reduction in pump rotation speed.

[0059] In S28, the control unit 100 disconnects the communication pipe 44 from the spreader flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 disconnects the communication pipe 44 from the spreader flow path by stopping the supply of an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This stops the discharge of wash water from the spreader 60.

[0060] In S30, the control unit 100 connects the connecting pipe 44 to the left rim flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the connecting pipe 44 to the left rim flow path by supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This causes wash water to be discharged from the water discharge nozzle 50.

[0061] In S32, the control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed in stages, as shown in area C in Figure 9. As the pump rotation speed increases, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 increases. The control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed to the rotation speed at which the flow rate of water discharged from the left rim flow path during the flushing process is the maximum flow rate, and maintains the increased rotation speed for a predetermined period of time. During the flushing process, the maximum flow rate of flush water discharged from the left rim flow path into the toilet bowl 22 is the third flow rate Q13. The first flow rate Q11, second flow rate Q12, and third flow rate Q13 are substantially the same. In a modified example, the first flow rate Q11, second flow rate Q12, and third flow rate Q13 may be different from one another.

[0062] In S34, the control unit 100 reduces the pump rotation speed after discharging flush water from the right rim flow path for a predetermined period in S32. As shown in area C of Figure 9, the flow rate of water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 decreases in response to the reduction in pump rotation speed.

[0063] In S36, the control unit 100 closes the communication pipe 44 from the left rim flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 closes the communication pipe 44 from the left rim flow path by stopping the supply of an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This stops the discharge of wash water from the water discharge nozzle 50.

[0064] In S38, the control unit 100 connects the communication pipe 44 to the jet flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the communication pipe 44 to the jet flow path by supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46. This causes wash water to be discharged from the water discharge opening 54.

[0065] In S40, the control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed in stages, as shown in area D in Figure 9. As the pump rotation speed increases, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 increases. The control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed to the rotation speed at which the flow rate of water discharged from the jet flow path during the flushing process reaches the maximum flow rate, and maintains the increased rotation speed for a predetermined period of time. During the flushing process, the maximum flow rate of flush water discharged from the left rim flow path into the toilet bowl 22 is the fourth flow rate Q14. The fourth flow rate Q14 is greater than the first flow rate Q11, the second flow rate Q12, and the third flow rate Q13.

[0066] In S42, the control unit 100 reduces the pump rotation speed after discharging cleaning water from the jet flow path for a predetermined period in S40, and the cleaning process ends. As shown in area D in Figure 9, the flow rate of water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 decreases in response to the reduction in pump rotation speed.

[0067] (Condensate treatment) Once the flushing process is completed, a condensation process is carried out in steps S44 to S54 in Figure 8. In the condensation process, after the flushing process breaks the seal in the drainage flow path 36, flush water is discharged into the toilet bowl 22 from at least one of the multiple water outlets for condensation. Condensation refers to the state in which a seal is broken in the drainage flow path 36, followed by a water seal and flush water pooling in the water pooling section 24 (i.e., up to the water pooling surface WS). A water seal refers to a state in which the seal is not broken. In other words, a water seal refers to the state in which the level of flush water pooling in the drainage flow path 36 is equal to or higher than the upper edge 36b of the drain outlet 34. In other words, Figure 2 shows the drainage flow path 36 in a water-sealed state. At this time, the toilet space and the inside of the drainage piping outside the toilet bowl are not in communication due to the pooled water in the drainage flow path 36.

[0068] In S44, the control unit 100 connects the connecting pipe 44 to the left rim flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the connecting pipe 44 to the left rim flow path by supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46 in addition to the jet flow path. That is, the connecting pipe 44 is connected to both the jet flow path and the left rim flow path. As a result, flush water is discharged from the water discharge opening 54 and the water discharge nozzle 50. In the condensation process, the maximum flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 is a fifth flow rate Q15. The fifth flow rate Q15 is less than the fourth flow rate Q14. The fifth flow rate Q15 is greater than the first flow rate Q11, the second flow rate Q12, and the third flow rate Q13.

[0069] In S46, the control unit 100 blocks the communication pipe 44 from the jet flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 stops supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46, thereby blocking the communication pipe 44 from the jet flow path. The control unit 100 maintains communication of the communication pipe 44 with the left rim flow path by maintaining the supply of an open signal to the switching valve device 46. In other words, the communication pipe 44 is connected only to the left rim flow path. This stops the discharge of wash water from the water discharge opening 54, while maintaining the discharge of wash water from the water discharge nozzle 50.

[0070] In S48, the control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed, as shown in area C on the right side of Figure 9. The control unit 100 maintains the increased rotation speed for a predetermined period of time. In S46, the discharge of water from the water discharge opening 54 gradually stops as the valve body switches from open to closed, so even after the pump rotation speed is increased in S48, the water discharge opening 54 continues to discharge water until the valve body is completely closed.

[0071] In S54, the control section 100 discharges flush water from the left rim flow path for a predetermined period of time in S48, and then stops the pump 42 in S56, ending the condensation process. This ends the water discharge control process.

[0072] In the water discharge control process, if the predetermined conditions for the small flush process are identified, the flush process from S12 to S42 is executed. In the condensation process, the condensation process from S44 to S54, which is the same as the large flush process described above, is executed. The predetermined conditions for the small flush process are that the user has operated a small flush and that the user has left the seat. The control unit 100 identifies the user's small flush operation when a signal indicating that the small flush button has been operated is acquired. The control unit 100 identifies the user's leaving the seat when, for example, a signal indicating that the toilet seat 14 is closing is acquired from the seating sensor 90. In a modified example, the order in which water is discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 in the small flush process may be different from that in the large flush process. For example, the water discharge nozzle 52 and the spreader 60 may discharge water simultaneously.

[0073] In Figure 9, time t1 indicates the time when the drainage flow path 36 is broken, time t2 indicates the time when water sealing is completed, and time t3 indicates the time when condensation is completed. The period during which the flushing process is performed is from time 0 until water discharge from the water discharge nozzle 50 begins between times t1 and t2 (S42 in Figure 8). The period during which the condensation process is performed is from the start of discharge from the water discharge nozzle 50 (S44 in Figure 8) until time t3. After the seal is broken at time t1, in S44 in Figure 8, flush water is discharged from the water discharge opening 54 and the water discharge nozzle 50, thereby sealing the drainage flow path 36 with water (time t2). Between time t1 and time t2, the maximum flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 is a fifth flow rate Q15. Between time t2 and time t3, flush water is discharged at a substantially constant flow rate until condensation is completed.

[0074] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, after seal breaking occurs (after time t1) and until condensation is completed (time t3), the maximum flow rate of flush water discharged into toilet bowl 22 during the condensation process (fifth flow rate Q15) is increased compared to the maximum flow rates of flush water discharged from water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and spreader 60 during the large flush process (first, second, and third flow rates Q11, Q12, Q13). With this configuration, the condensation process can be completed early after seal breaking. In other words, the period over which seal breaking continues can be relatively reduced. This prevents odors from inside the drainage pipe from diffusing into the toilet space.

[0075] In S44 to S46 of this embodiment, flush water begins to be discharged from the water discharge nozzle 50 before the discharge of flush water from the water discharge opening 54 is stopped. Therefore, flush water is discharged into the toilet bowl 22 from the water discharge opening 54 and the multiple water discharge ports of the water discharge nozzle 50. By discharging water from multiple water discharge ports, the condensation process after seal breakage can be completed quickly. In particular, performing the condensation process using the water discharge opening 54, which can discharge a large flow rate compared to the other water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and spreader 60, is more effective in quickly completing condensation, particularly water sealing. This makes it possible to further reduce the period over which seal breakage continues.

[0076] The water outlets that discharge flush water at the maximum flow rate into toilet bowl 22 during condensation processing are not limited to water outlet 54 and water outlet nozzle 52. The two or more water outlets that discharge flush water at the maximum flow rate into toilet bowl 22 during condensation processing may include water outlet 54 and one or more of water outlet nozzles 50, 52, and spreader 60. In a modified example, there may be only one water outlet that discharges flush water at the maximum flow rate into toilet bowl 22 during condensation processing. In that case, the one water outlet may be water outlet 54, or one of water outlet nozzles 50, 52, and spreader 60.

[0077] The water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60 are an example of "at least one upper water discharge port." The water discharge port 54 and the water discharge nozzle 50 are an example of "plurality of water discharge ports." The water discharge port 54 is an example of a "jet water discharge port." The large flushing process and the small flushing process are each an example of a "cleaning process."

[0078] (Second embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the water discharge control process when the large-flush process is performed. The upper diagram of FIG. 11, like the upper diagram of FIG. 9, shows a time chart of the change over time in the flow rate discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22. The lower diagram of FIG. 11, like the lower diagram of FIG. 9, shows a time chart of the change over time in the pump rotation speed. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. The water discharge control process of this embodiment differs in the condensation process. The flushing process from S112 to S140 in FIG. 11 is the same as the flushing process from S12 to S40 in FIG. 8.

[0079] As shown in region A of FIG. 11, in S116, the maximum flow rate while water is being discharged from the right rim flow path during the flushing process is a first flow rate Q21. As shown in region B of FIG. 11, in S124, the maximum flow rate while water is being discharged from the spreader flow path during the flushing process is a second flow rate Q22. As shown in region C of FIG. 11, in S132, the maximum flow rate while water is being discharged from the left rim flow path during the flushing process is a third flow rate Q23. The first flow rate Q21, the second flow rate Q22, and the third flow rate Q23 are substantially the same. As shown in region D of FIG. 11, in S140, the maximum flow rate while water is being discharged from the jet flow path during the flushing process is a fourth flow rate Q24. The fourth flow rate Q24 is greater than the first flow rate Q21, the second flow rate Q22, and the third flow rate Q23.

[0080] From S144 to S156, condensation processing is carried out. The processing of S144 is the same as the processing of S44 in Figure 8. In S145, the control unit 100 increases the pump rotation speed while the connecting pipe 44 is connected to each of the jet flow path and the left rim flow path in S144. The pump rotation speed increased in S145 may be greater than the pump rotation speed increased in S48. From S144 to S145, when the connecting pipe 44 is connected to each of the jet flow path and the left rim flow path, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 is greater than the fourth flow rate Q24.

[0081] The process of S146 is the same as the process of S46 in FIG. 8, and the control unit 100 blocks the communication pipe 44 from connecting with the jet flow path.

[0082] In S150, the communicating pipe 44 is connected to the spreader flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the communicating pipe 44 to the spreader flow path by supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46, in addition to the left rim flow path. That is, the communicating pipe 44 is connected to both the left rim flow path and the spreader flow path. As a result, wash water is discharged from the water discharge nozzle 50 and the spreader 60. At this time, in S146, the discharge of water from the water discharge opening 54 gradually stops as the valve disc switches from open to closed, so even after the communicating pipe 44 and the spreader flow path are connected in S150, the water discharge opening 54 continues to discharge water until the valve disc is completely closed. That is, in S150, water is temporarily discharged from the three water discharge openings: the water discharge opening 54, the water discharge nozzle 50, and the spreader 60. When water is being discharged from these three water outlets, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 is a fifth flow rate Q25. The fifth flow rate Q25 is approximately the same as the fourth flow rate Q24. The fifth flow rate Q25 is greater than all of the first flow rate Q21, the second flow rate Q22, and the third flow rate Q23. In S150, when water discharge from the water discharge opening 54 is stopped and flush water is being discharged from the two water outlets of the water discharge nozzle 50 and the spreader 60, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 is a sixth flow rate Q26. The sixth flow rate Q26 is less than the fourth flow rate Q24. The sixth flow rate Q26 is greater than all of the first flow rate Q21, the second flow rate Q22, and the third flow rate Q23. The sixth flow rate Q26 is less than the fifth flow rate Q25. In a modified example, the sixth flow rate Q26 may be greater than the fifth flow rate Q25, or may be substantially the same as the fifth flow rate Q25.

[0083] In S152, after reducing the pump rotation speed as shown in area C on the right side of Figure 9, the communication pipe 44 and the spreader flow path are blocked. Specifically, the control unit 100 stops supplying an open signal to the switching valve device 46, thereby blocking the communication pipe 44 from the spreader flow path. The control unit 100 maintains communication between the communication pipe 44 and the left rim flow path by maintaining the supply of an open signal to the switching valve device 46. In other words, the communication pipe 44 is connected only to the left rim flow path. This stops the discharge of flush water from the spreader 60, and maintains the discharge of flush water from the water discharge nozzle 50. In response to the reduction in pump rotation speed, the flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22, i.e., the flow rate of flush water from the water discharge nozzle 50, is reduced. In S154 to S156, the same processing as S54 to S56 in Figure 8 is carried out, and the water discharge control processing ends.

[0084] In Figure 11, time t1 indicates the time when the drainage flow path 36 is unsealed, time t2 indicates the time when water sealing is completed, and time t3 indicates the time when condensation is completed. The flushing process is performed from time 0 until time t1, i.e., when water discharge from the water discharge nozzle 50 begins. The period from time t1 to t3 is the period when condensation process is performed. After time t1, in S146 of Figure 10, flush water is discharged from the water discharge opening 54, the water discharge nozzle 50, and the spreader 60, and then in S150, the drainage flow path 36 is sealed with water by being discharged from the water discharge nozzle 50 and the spreader 60 (time t2). Between time t1 and time t2, the maximum flow rate of flush water discharged into the toilet bowl 22 is a fifth flow rate Q25, and the minimum flow rate is a sixth flow rate Q26. Between time t2 and time t3, flush water is discharged until condensation is completed.

[0085] In this embodiment, from after seal breakage occurs (time t1) until water sealing (time t2), not only is the maximum flow rate (fifth flow rate Q25) of flush water discharged from the water discharge opening 54, water discharge nozzle 50, and spreader 60 into the toilet bowl 22 during the condensation process increased compared to the maximum flow rates (first, second, and third flow rates Q21, Q22, Q23) of flush water discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and spreader 60 during the flushing process, but also the minimum flow rate (sixth flow rate Q26) of flush water discharged from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and spreader 60 into the toilet bowl 22. This configuration allows the condensation process after seal breakage, particularly water sealing, to be completed early. In other words, the period during which the seal breakage continues can be relatively shortened. This prevents odors from inside the drainage pipe from diffusing into the toilet space.

[0086] In this embodiment, the water discharge opening 54 and the water discharge nozzle 50, and the water discharge nozzle 50 and the spreader 60 are examples of "plurality of water discharge ports." The water discharge nozzle 50 and the spreader 60 are examples of "plurality of upper water discharge ports."

[0087] In the toilet apparatus 10 of the embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the flow paths are shortest in the order of left rim flow path, spreader flow path, and right rim flow path. The multiple upper water outlets that discharge flush water into the toilet bowl 22 during condensation treatment use a combination of a water discharge nozzle 50 of the left rim flow path, which has a relatively short flow path, and a spreader 60 of the spreader flow path. Therefore, by using a water discharge nozzle 50 and a spreader 60 with a relatively short flow path, pressure loss is reduced and a large amount of flush water can be efficiently discharged into the toilet bowl 22. In a modified example, the multiple upper water outlets that discharge flush water into the toilet bowl 22 during condensation treatment may be a spreader 60 and a water discharge nozzle 52, or may be the water discharge nozzles 50, 52.

[0088] In the condensation process, the number of upper water outlets that discharge flushing water into the toilet bowl 22 is not limited to two, but may be three: the water discharge nozzles 50, 52 and the spreader 60. By discharging from multiple water outlets, a large amount of flushing water can be discharged into the toilet bowl 22.

[0089] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0090] The first aspect is a toilet apparatus. The toilet device comprises a toilet bowl, a toilet body having a plurality of water outlets that eject flushing water into the toilet bowl, a drain outlet that opens to the bottom of the toilet bowl, and a drainage flow path that is connected to the drain outlet and ejects the flushing water in the toilet bowl outside the toilet bowl, and a control unit that adjusts the flow rate of the flushing water ejected from each of the plurality of water outlets into the toilet bowl, wherein the plurality of water outlets include at least one upper water outlet that is located above a water collection area of ​​the toilet bowl, and the control unit executes a flushing process that flushes the toilet bowl by ejecting the flushing water from at least one of the plurality of water outlets, including the at least one upper water outlet, and a condensing process that ejects the flushing water into the toilet bowl from at least one of the plurality of water outlets for condensation after a seal is broken in the drainage flow path by the flushing process, and in the condensing process, the maximum flow rate of the flushing water ejected into the toilet bowl may be increased beyond the maximum flow rate of the flushing water ejected from the at least one upper water outlet in the flushing process.

[0091] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit may cause the flush water to be discharged from the plurality of water discharge ports during the condensation process.

[0092] A third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the at least one upper water outlet includes a plurality of upper water outlets, and the control unit may cause the cleaning water to be discharged from the plurality of upper water outlets during the condensation process.

[0093] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the second to third aspects, the plurality of water outlets further include a jet water outlet, at least a portion of which opens into the water storage section, and the control unit may cause the cleaning water to be discharged from the at least one upper water outlet and the jet water outlet during the condensation process.

[0094] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit may increase the maximum flow rate of the flushing water to be discharged into the toilet bowl during the condensation process from when the drainage flow path is broken until it is sealed, to be greater than the maximum flow rate of the flushing water discharged from the at least one upper water outlet during the flushing process.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit may increase the minimum flow rate of the flushing water to be discharged into the toilet bowl during the condensation process from the time when the drainage flow path is broken until the water seal is formed, to be greater than the maximum flow rate of the flushing water discharged from the at least one upper water outlet during the flushing process.

[0096] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the toilet device further includes a switching valve that switches the water discharge from the multiple water outlets, and the control unit may adjust the flow rate of the flushing water discharged from each of the multiple water outlets into the toilet bowl by controlling the switching valve.

[0097] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the toilet device further includes a pump that sends the flushing water to be discharged into the toilet bowl to the plurality of water outlets, and the control unit may adjust the flow rate of the flushing water discharged into the toilet bowl from at least one of the plurality of water outlets by controlling the pump.

[0098] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0099] (1) In the flushing process of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, while the flow path connected to the communication pipe 44 is being switched from the right rim flow path to the spreader flow path (S20 to S22 in Fig. 8), while it is being switched from the spreader flow path to the left rim flow path (S28 to S30 in Fig. 8), and while it is being switched from the left rim flow path to the jet flow path (S36 to S38 in Fig. 8), a relatively small flow rate of flush water is being discharged into the toilet bowl 22 from at least one of the water discharge nozzle 52, spreader 60, water discharge nozzle 50, and water discharge opening 54. In a modified example, while the above-mentioned flow paths are being switched in the flushing process, flush water does not have to be discharged into the toilet bowl 22 from any of the water discharge nozzle 52, spreader 60, water discharge nozzle 50, and water discharge opening 54.

[0100] (2) The toilet apparatus does not have to be equipped with a switching valve device. In that case, the toilet apparatus may have multiple valve devices arranged in each flow path. Each valve device may switch between connecting and blocking communication between the communication pipe 44 and each flow path. The control unit 100 may switch the water discharge from the water discharge nozzles 50, 52, the spreader 60, and the water discharge opening 54 by controlling each valve device.

[0101] (3) The toilet device may be equipped with two or more pumps. In a modified example, the toilet device may not be equipped with a pump. For example, the toilet device may be a direct water pressure type that supplies water directly from the water supply to the connecting pipe 44. In a modified example, the toilet device may be a booster type that has a booster that can adjust the water pressure. In another modified example, the toilet device may be a wash-down type or a siphon type that utilizes the siphon action.

[0102] (4) The toilet apparatus 10 does not have to be equipped with a reservoir. A supply valve that can supply flush water directly from the water supply to the connecting pipe 44 may be provided.

[0103] (5) Figures 12 and 13 show modified mounting structures for the water-spouting nozzle 50. Figure 12 shows a horizontal (i.e., vertical) cross section of the toilet body 20 slightly above the top end of the water-spouting nozzle 50 to illustrate the configuration of the toilet body 20 around the water-spouting nozzle 50. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the surface of the outer wall 74a facing the storage space 70, with the water-spouting nozzle 50 omitted. Figure 12 also shows the inclined surface of the outer wall 74a facing the storage space 70, which slopes downward and to the right in the vertical direction. The surface 500 may have grooves 504 and 506 extending in the vertical direction at the front and rear of a contact surface 502 that contacts the protrusion 50a of the water-spouting nozzle 50 and a protrusion located below the protrusion 50a. A protrusion 508 may be provided at the location on the contact surface 502 that contacts the protrusion located below the protrusion 50a. The grooves 504, 506 may be recessed from the surface 500 toward the outside of the toilet body 20. The contact surface 502 excluding the protruding portion 508 may be located on the same plane as the surface 500. The protruding portion 508 may protrude further inward into the toilet body 20 than the surface 500. Furthermore, the surface 500 may have grooves 514, 516 extending in the vertical direction at the front and rear of the contact surface 512 with which the protruding portion 50b of the water-discharging nozzle 50 comes into contact. The grooves 514, 516 may have the same configuration as the grooves 504, 506. A protruding portion 518 may be located at the location of the contact surface 512 with which the protruding portion 50b comes into contact. The contact surface 512 excluding the protruding portion 518 may be located on the same plane as the surface 500. The protruding portion 518 may protrude further inward into the toilet body 20 than the surface 500. With this configuration, the water-discharging nozzle 50 may be aligned during construction by scraping the contact surfaces 502, 512 at the construction site. By arranging the grooves 504, 506, 514, 516 and the protrusions 508, 518, it is possible to make it easier to scrape the contact surfaces 502, 512. By arranging the protrusions 508, 518, it is possible to increase the scraping allowance. At least one of the grooves 504, 506, 514, 516 and the protrusions 508, 518 may be provided.

[0104] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10: toilet device, 18: reservoir, 20: toilet body, 22: toilet bowl, 24: water collection section, 30: upper rim section, 34: drain outlet, 36: drainage flow path, 40: water discharge section, 42: pump, 44: connecting pipe, 45: check valve, 46: switching valve device, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d: branch pipes, 50, 52: water discharge nozzle, 54: water discharge opening, 60: spreader

Claims

1. a toilet body having a toilet bowl, a plurality of water outlets that discharge flushing water into the toilet bowl, a drain outlet that opens to the bottom surface of the toilet bowl, and a drainage flow path that communicates with the drain outlet and discharges the flushing water in the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl; a control unit that adjusts the flow rate of the flush water discharged from each of the plurality of water discharge ports into the toilet bowl, The plurality of water outlets include at least one upper water outlet located above a water collecting portion of the toilet bowl, The control unit a flushing process for flushing the toilet bowl by discharging flush water from outlets including the at least one upper outlet among the plurality of outlets; After the flushing process breaks the seal in the drainage flow path, a condensation process is performed in which the flush water is discharged from at least one of the plurality of water outlets into the toilet bowl for condensation; A toilet apparatus in which the maximum flow rate of the flush water discharged into the toilet bowl during the condensation process is increased to be greater than the maximum flow rate of the flush water discharged from the at least one upper spout during the flushing process.

2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the flush water to be discharged from the plurality of water outlets during the condensation process.

3. the at least one upper spout includes a plurality of upper spouts; The toilet apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit causes the flush water to be discharged from the plurality of upper water discharge ports during the condensation process.

4. The plurality of water outlets further include a jet water outlet at least a portion of which opens into the water reservoir, The toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the flush water to be discharged from the at least one upper water spout and the jet water spout during the condensation process.

5. 5. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit increases the maximum flow rate of the flushing water to be discharged into the toilet bowl during the condensation process from the time when the drainage flow path is broken until the water seal is formed, to more than the maximum flow rate of the flushing water discharged from the at least one upper outlet during the flushing process.

6. 5. A toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit increases the minimum flow rate of the flushing water to be discharged into the toilet bowl during the condensation process from the time when the drainage flow path is broken until the water seal is formed, to be greater than the maximum flow rate of the flushing water discharged from the at least one upper outlet during the flushing process.

7. The toilet apparatus further includes a switching valve for switching the discharge of water from the plurality of water discharge ports, The toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit adjusts the flow rate of the flush water discharged from each of the plurality of water outlets into the toilet bowl by controlling the switching valve.

8. The toilet apparatus further includes a pump that sends the flush water to be discharged into the toilet bowl to the plurality of water outlets, The toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit adjusts the flow rate of the flush water discharged into the toilet bowl from at least one of the plurality of water outlets by controlling the pump.

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