Toilet bowl device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing the generation of odor from a toilet bowl.SOLUTION: A toilet bowl device may include a toilet bowl having a water storage part, one or more water discharge ports including a first water discharge port at least partially immersed in the water storage part, a controller for regulating the flow rate of water discharged from one or more water discharge ports, and a drain flow passage that has a drain outlet opening in the water storage part and discharges water in the toilet bowl out of the toilet bowl. The controller may perform first water discharge control for making at least one water discharge port out of one or more water discharge ports discharge water to generate a siphon phenomenon and positioning the water level in the toilet bowl above the first water discharge port during at least some of the period from the generation till the end of the siphon phenomenon, and second water discharge control for making at least one water discharge port out of one or more water discharge ports discharge water to raise the water level in the toilet bowl after the first water discharge control.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 toilet apparatus that includes a toilet bowl with a water storage section, a water outlet that discharges water into the toilet bowl, and a drainage path that discharges the water from the water storage section. When water is discharged from the water outlet and supplied to the drainage path, a siphon phenomenon occurs. As a result, waste and water in the water storage section are discharged from the drainage path together with the water discharged from the outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-303691 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the siphon phenomenon occurs, the water level in the toilet bowl drops as the water in the water reservoir is discharged through the drainage path, and the toilet bowl and the external drain pipe communicate through the drainage path, which is known as a seal break. If the seal remains broken, there is a problem that odors from the drain pipe move into the toilet bowl via the drainage path.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique for suppressing odor generation from a toilet bowl. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a toilet bowl having a water storage section, one or more water outlets including a first water outlet at least partially submerged in the water storage section, a drain path with an outlet opening into the water storage section and discharging water from the toilet bowl to the outside, and a controller that controls the flow rate of the water discharged from the one or more water outlets. The controller may perform a first water discharge control that causes the water to be discharged from at least one of the one or more water outlets to cause a siphoning effect and position the water level in the toilet bowl above the first water outlet when the siphoning effect ends, and a second water discharge control that, after the first water discharge control, causes the water to be discharged from at least one of the one or more water outlets to raise the water level in the toilet bowl. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a toilet device according to an 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 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a discharge unit according to the 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] 1 shows a side view of a discharge portion of an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a discharge portion of the embodiment. [Figure 7] This shows the connection portion of the drainage pipe with the connecting member in the VII-VII cross section of Figure 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a connecting member according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 shows a flowchart of a cleaning process according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet body and toilet seat after the discharge process, taken at the center in the left-right direction and perpendicular to the left-right direction. [Figure 11] 10 shows a flowchart of a seal breakage prevention process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (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 FIG. 2), a water supply on-off valve 19, a water discharge section 40 (see FIG. 3), a control section 100, and a seating sensor 90. FIG. 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 FIG. 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). A water supply on-off valve 19 (see FIG. 1) 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 functional 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 upper 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 drain pipe 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 level WS. The water level WS coincides with the curved position 36a of the drain pipe 36. In other words, when flush water is not being supplied to the toilet bowl 22, the area below the water level WS is referred to as the water collection section 24.

[0014] The water collection section 24 is connected to a drain pipe 36 through a drain outlet 34. The drain pipe 36 extends upward from the drain outlet 34. The drain pipe 36 bends downward at a bending position 36a and continues to extend downward. The drain pipe 36 extends to the outside of the toilet bowl section 12.

[0015] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the drain pipe 36 is provided with a cover 70 that is arranged on the outer periphery of the drain pipe 36 at the curved position 36a, and a connecting member 80 that connects the drain pipe 36 located inside the toilet bowl portion 12 to a drain pipe (not shown) located outside the toilet bowl portion 12.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 70 extends in a front-rear direction, and has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The cover 70 has a flat surface 70a at the rear that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The flat surface 70a has substantially horizontal upper and lower ends. A protrusion 72 (hereinafter also referred to as a first protrusion 72) that protrudes upward is provided near the center of the upper end of the flat surface 70a. The cover 70 has four holes 71 that extend substantially horizontally from the flat surface 70a toward the front. The four holes 71 are provided near the corners of the flat surface 70a.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting member 80 is made of resin and includes a rectangular plate 81 and a bent pipe 48. The plate 81 has an outer shape that is substantially the same as the flat surface 70a of the cover 70 (see FIG. 7). The plate 81 abuts against the flat surface 70a of the cover 70 when the connecting member 80 is attached to the cover 70. The plate 81 has one large through hole 82 and four small through holes 83. The large through hole 82 is located in the center of the plate 81 and substantially matches the inner shape of the drain pipe 36. The four small through holes 83 are located near the corners of the plate 81. The four small through holes 83 are located at positions that coincide with the holes 71 of the cover 70 when the connecting member 80 is attached to the cover 70. An upwardly protruding protrusion 85 (hereinafter also referred to as a second protrusion 85) is located near the center of the upper end of the plate 81. The second protrusion 85 is positioned so as to align with the first protrusion 72 of the cover 70 when the connecting member 80 is attached to the cover 70. The bent pipe 84 is bent downward from the rear. The upper end of the bent pipe 84 is connected to the plate member 81 and communicates with the large through hole 82. The lower end of the bent pipe 84 is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) located outside the toilet bowl portion 12 and communicates with the drain pipe.

[0018] The connecting member 80 is fixed to the cover 70 using a fastening member (e.g., a screw) not shown. Specifically, with the plate material 81 of the connecting member 80 and the flat surface 70a of the cover 70 in contact, the fastening member is inserted into the small through-hole 83 of the connecting member 80 and the hole 71 of the cover 70. At this time, it is necessary to align the cover 70 and the connecting member 80 so that the small through-hole 83 and the hole 71 coincide with each other. Providing protrusions 72, 85 on the cover 70 and the connecting member 80, respectively, makes it easier to align the connecting member 80 to the cover 70 when attaching the connecting member 80 to the cover 70.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 rearward from the rear end of the front surface 23 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.

[0021] The front surface 23 has a linear shape 23a that slopes downward from the upper edge 22a toward the rear, 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 the position of the drain outlet 34 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 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 WF, 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 behind the rear edge of the opening 14a of the toilet seat 14. This makes the rear surface 25 less visible to the user.

[0026] (Configuration of water discharge section 40) Water discharger 40 discharges flush water from 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, left rim water discharge port 50, right rim water discharge port 52, jet water discharge port 54, and foam discharger 61.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The switching valve device 46 connects the communicating pipe 44 to at least one of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. 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 elements. Each of the plurality of valve elements is disposed between the communicating pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. Each of the plurality of valve elements 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.

[0029] Synthetic rubber is used in branch pipes 48a, 48b to improve liquid-tightness at least in the connecting portion with the switching valve device 46 and in the connecting portion with the rim spouts 50, 52. Branch pipe 48d has an upstream portion 48e extending from the 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 the toilet body 20. Downstream portion 48e of branch pipe 48d is located. Downstream portion 48f is made of ceramic.

[0030] Branch pipe 48a is in communication with left rim spout 50. When communication pipe 44 is in communication with branch pipe 48a via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from left rim spout 50 into toilet bowl 22. Branch pipe 48b is in communication with spreader 60 of foam discharge section 61. When communication pipe 44 is in communication with branch pipe 48b via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from spreader 60 into toilet bowl 22. Branch pipe 48c is in communication with right rim spout 52. When communication pipe 44 is in communication with branch pipe 48c via switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from right rim spout 52 into toilet bowl 22. Branch pipe 48d is in communication with jet spout 54. When the communication pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48d via the switching valve device 46, flush water is discharged from the jet water discharge port 54 into the toilet bowl 22.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the left rim spout 50, right rim spout 52, and spreader 60 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The left rim spout 50 is arranged near the top edge of the toilet bowl 22. The left rim spout 50 has an opening 50a that is long in the vertical direction. The right rim spout 52 is arranged symmetrically to the left rim spout 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the jet spout 54 opens into the water collection section 24. The jet spout 54 opens from the front side toward the drain outlet 34 on the back side. When flush water is discharged from the jet spout 54, the flush water from the jet spout 54 is discharged toward the drain outlet 34. The water in the water collection section 24 is drained into the drain pipe 36 along with the flush water from the jet spout 54. Waste in the water collection section 24 and any objects floating in the water in the water collection section 24 are also discharged from the drain pipe 36 to the outside of the toilet body 20.

[0032] Flush water discharged from the left rim spout 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 the left rim spout 50 is called the left rim flow path. Flush water discharged from the right rim spout 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 the right rim spout 52 is called the right rim flow path. Flush water discharged from the rim spouts 50, 52 flows downward from near the top. Flush water discharged from the rim spouts 50, 52 flows over a wide area of ​​the toilet bowl 22, from the top to the bottom. Flush water discharged from spreader 60 passes through branch pipe 48b and hits the spreader 60, spreading out in all directions before being discharged into the toilet bowl 22. The flush water flow path defined from branch pipe 48b by the spreader 60 is called the spreader flow path. The flush water discharged from the jet water discharge port 54 functions as a so-called jet water discharge to drain away waste and the like in the water reservoir 24. The flush water flow path defined by the jet water discharge port 54 from the branch pipe 48d is called the jet flow path.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. In addition, 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 air into the ejector 64 through the air vent pipe 69. As a result, the cleaning water, the surfactant, and the air are mixed within the ejector 64, 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.

[0035] 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 jet water discharge port 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.

[0036] The spreader 60 is attached to the rear surface 25 at the rear 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. This makes it easier to spread the flush water and foam over the surface of the toilet bowl 22.

[0037] 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.

[0038] (Processing by control unit 100) 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, the jet spout 54, and the spreader 60. In particular, 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. In this way, the control unit 100 switches between open and closed communication between the communication pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. Waste within the toilet bowl 22 is expelled to the outside of the toilet body 20 by the 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.

[0041] (Cleaning treatment and seal prevention treatment) As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 100 executes a cleaning process (S2 to S40) and a seal breakage prevention process (S42 to S52) that is executed after the cleaning process.

[0042] (Cleaning process) In Figure 9, a heavy flush is performed during the flushing process. For example, when a command to perform a heavy flush is input via a flush button, the control unit 100 performs the heavy flushing process. Alternatively, when a command to perform a heavy flush is input via a lever disposed on the toilet apparatus 10, the control unit 100 performs the heavy flushing process. Alternatively, when the seat sensor 90 switches from a state in which it detects a user to a state in which it does not detect a user, the control unit 100 performs the heavy flushing process.

[0043] In S2, the control unit 100 operates the pump 42. The control unit 100 operates the pump 42 at a preset rotation speed. At the timing when the control unit 100 operates the pump 42 in S2, the switching valve device 46 closes each of the multiple valve bodies, thereby blocking communication between the communicating pipe 44 and the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. The switching valve device 46 blocks communication between the right rim flow path, the left rim flow path, the spreader flow path, and the jet flow path.

[0044] In S4, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and branch pipe 48c are in communication. This switches the flush water flow path to the right rim flow path, and flush water in the reservoir 18 is discharged from the right rim spout 52. Furthermore, when flush water in the reservoir 18 is discharged from the right rim spout 52, the water level in the reservoir 18 drops, and the water level sensor 18a enters a state where it does not detect that the float is floating. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , when the control unit 100 obtains a detection result from the water level sensor 18a that the float is not being detected, it switches the water supply opening / closing valve 19 so that the clean water pipe and reservoir 18 are in communication. Then, when the water level sensor 18a detects that the float is floating, the control unit 100 switches the water supply opening / closing valve 19 so that the clean water pipe and reservoir 18 are shut off. Hereinafter, even when flushing water in the reservoir 18 is discharged from a water outlet other than the right rim water outlet 52, the control unit 100 controls the water supply valve 19 to supply water from the clean water pipe into the reservoir 18, but the explanation of the control of the water supply valve 19 by the control unit 100 during the flushing process (S2 to S40) will be omitted.

[0045] In S6, the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the flush water flow path was switched to the right rim flow path in S4. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S6), the process proceeds to S8.

[0046] In S8, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and the branch pipe 48b are in communication. This switches the flush water flow path from the right rim flow path to the spreader flow path, and the flush water is discharged from the spreader 60. In S10, the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the flush water flow path was switched to the spreader flow path in S6. If the predetermined time has elapsed (if the answer is YES in S10), the process proceeds to S12.

[0047] In S12, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and the branch pipe 48a are in communication. This switches the flush water flow path from the spreader flow path to the left rim flow path, and flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50. In S14, the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the flush water flow path was switched to the spreader flow path in S12. If the predetermined time has elapsed (if the answer is YES in S14), the process proceeds to S16.

[0048] In S16, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and branch pipe 48d are in communication, and adjusts the rotation speed of the pump 42. As a result, the flush water flow path is switched from the left rim flow path to the jet flow path, and flush water is discharged from the jet water spouting port 54. In this embodiment, the jet water spouting port 54 is located below the lowest point on the upper surface of the jet flow path. The control unit 100 also adjusts (sets) the rotation speed of the pump 42 so that siphoning occurs when flush water is discharged from the jet water spouting port 54 for the predetermined time set in S20 below. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts (sets) the rotation speed of the pump 42 so that it is less than or equal to the maximum rotation speed of the pump 42 when water is discharged from the right rim outlet 52 from S2 to S4 above, the rotation speed of the pump 42 when water is discharged from the spreader 60 from S8 to S10 above, and the rotation speed of the pump 42 when water is discharged from the left rim outlet 50 from S12 to S14 above.

[0049] In S20, the control unit 100 determines whether a preset predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation speed of the pump 42 was adjusted in S16. When flush water is discharged from the jet water spout 54, at least a portion of the drain pipe 36 between the curved position 36a (see FIG. 7) and the connecting member 80 (see FIG. 8) is filled with flush water, thereby inducing siphoning. The predetermined time in S20 is set to a length that will cause siphoning when flush water is discharged from the jet water spout 54 at the rotation speed of the pump 42 set in S16. When siphoning occurs, the water in the water storage section 24 is drained into the drain pipe 36, and waste is also discharged into the drain pipe 36 along with the water in the water storage section 24. Below, causing siphoning from S16 to S20 may be referred to as the "first discharge process."

[0050] The water level in the toilet bowl 22 when the siphoning that occurred in the first discharge process has ended remains relatively high. Specifically, the water level in the water reservoir 24 when the siphoning that occurred in the first discharge process has ended will be higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water spout 54. In other words, the control unit 100 causes flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 54 in the first discharge process at a rotation speed of the pump 42 and for a duration (predetermined time) that will cause the water level in the water reservoir 24 when the siphoning process has ended to be higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water spout 54. When the predetermined time has elapsed (if the answer is YES in S20), proceed to S22.

[0051] In S22, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and the branch pipe 48a are in communication, and adjusts the rotation speed of the pump 42. As a result, the flush water flow path is switched from the jet flow path to the left rim flow path, and flush water is discharged from the left rim water outlet 50.

[0052] In S26, the control unit 100 determines whether a preset predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation speed of the pump 42 was adjusted in S22. The predetermined time in S26 is set to a length of time that will prevent siphoning from occurring due to flush water discharged from the left rim spout 50 when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50 at the rotation speed of the pump 42 set in S22. The discharge of flush water from the left rim spout 50 in the processing of S22 to S26 will not cause siphoning. Discharging flush water from the left rim spout 50 in the processing of S22 to S26 increases the amount of water in the water collection section 24, making it more likely that siphoning will occur in the subsequent processing (the second discharge processing described below). Once the predetermined time has elapsed (if the answer is YES in S26), proceed to S28.

[0053] The processing from S28 to S32 is substantially the same as the processing from S16 to S20 described above, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted. By discharging flush water from the jet water spout 54 in the processing from S28 to S32, siphoning occurs again. Also, in the processing from S28 to S32, the control unit 100 causes flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 54 at a rotation speed of the pump 42 and for a duration (predetermined time) such that the water level in the water storage section 24 will be higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water spout 54 when the siphoning has ended. Hereinafter, causing the siphoning to occur in S28 to S32 may be referred to as the "second discharge processing." By performing the second discharge processing in addition to the first discharge processing, even if all of the water that was in the water storage section 24 and the drain pipe 36 before the first discharge processing was not discharged (replaced) in the first discharge processing, the second discharge processing can discharge (replace) all of the water that was in the water storage section 24 and the drain pipe 36 before the first discharge processing. By performing the discharge process multiple times in this manner, even if the waste in the toilet bowl 22 is not discharged in the first discharge process, the waste that was not discharged in the first discharge process can be discharged in the subsequent second discharge process.

[0054] In S34, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and the branch pipe 48a are in communication, and adjusts the rotation speed of the pump 42. As a result, the flush water flow path is switched from the jet flow path to the left rim flow path, and flush water is discharged from the left rim water outlet 50.

[0055] In S38, the control unit 100 determines whether a preset predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation speed of the pump 42 was adjusted in S34. The predetermined time in S38 is set so that, when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50 at the rotation speed of the pump 42 set in S34, water will be discharged until the water level in the water storage unit 24 coincides with the curved position 36a of the drain pipe 36 (i.e., up to the water level WS in Figure 2). Below, raising the water level in the water storage unit 24 from S34 to S38 may be referred to as "condensation processing." When the predetermined time has elapsed (if the answer is YES in S38), the process proceeds to S40.

[0056] In S40, the control unit 100 stops the pump 42. This ends the flushing process from S2 to S40. In this embodiment, the pump 42 is stopped when the flushing process is completed, but in order to raise the water level in the reservoir 18 that has dropped due to the condensation process (more specifically, the discharge of flush water from the left rim spout 50 in S36), a clean water pipe (not shown) is connected to the reservoir 18, and water is supplied from the clean water pipe to the reservoir 18.

[0057] (Prevention of seal breakage) Once the flushing process is completed, a seal-break prevention process is executed. The seal-break prevention process is a process for preventing the seal of the toilet apparatus 10 from being broken while the toilet apparatus 10 is not in use.

[0058] In S42, the control unit 100 acquires the detection result from the water level sensor 18a after the cleaning process (S2 to S40) is completed, and determines whether the water level in the reservoir 18 has risen. As described above, when the seal breakage prevention process starts (when the cleaning process is completed), the water supply opening / closing valve 19 is switched so that the clean water pipe and the reservoir 18 are in communication, and water is being supplied from the clean water pipe to the reservoir 18. If the water level in the reservoir 18 has risen (YES in S42), the process proceeds to S44.

[0059] In S44, the control unit 100 switches the water supply opening / closing valve 19 so as to cut off the connection between the clean water pipe and the reservoir 18. As a result, the water supply from the clean water pipe to the reservoir 18 is stopped.

[0060] In S46, the control unit 100 causes flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 54. Specifically, the control unit 100 operates the pump 42 at a preset rotation speed. The rotation speed of the pump 42 is set so that siphoning will not occur even when flush water is discharged from the jet water spout 54. The control unit 100 then switches the switching valve device 46 so that the pump 42 and the branch pipe 48d are in communication. This causes flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 54. The control unit 100 then determines whether a preset predetermined time has elapsed since switching to the jet flow path in S48. The predetermined time is set to a length of time that will prevent siphoning from occurring due to flush water discharged from the jet water spout 54 when flush water is discharged from the jet water spout 54 at the rotation speed of the pump 42 set above. In other words, siphoning will not occur during the seal breakage prevention process.

[0061] In S46, flush water is discharged from the jet water discharge port 54 after the flushing process has finished. As a result, more flush water is discharged into the water storage section 24, whose water level has risen during the condensation process. For example, in a toilet apparatus 10 or the like installed in an apartment building, depending on the condition of the outside of the drain pipe 36, the water in the water storage section 24 may move toward the drain pipe 36 after the condensation process. By discharging more water into the water storage section 24 after the condensation process, even if the water in the water storage section 24 moves toward the drain pipe 36 after the condensation process, it becomes more difficult for the seal to break.

[0062] In S48, the control unit 100 acquires the detection result from the water level sensor 18a and determines whether the water level in the reservoir 18 has dropped. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether the water level sensor 18a is in a state where it does not detect that the float is floating. Because flush water is discharged from the jet water discharge port 54 in S46, the water level in the reservoir 18 drops and the water level sensor 18a no longer detects that the float is floating. When the water level sensor 18a no longer detects that the float is floating (NO in S48), the process proceeds to S50.

[0063] In S50, the control unit 100 switches the water supply on-off valve 19 so that the clean water pipe and the reservoir 18 are in communication with each other. This starts the supply of water from the clean water pipe to the reservoir 18. In S52, the control unit 100 acquires a detection result from the water level sensor 18a and determines whether the water level in the reservoir 18 has risen. If the water level in the reservoir 18 has risen (YES in S52), the process proceeds to S54. In S54, the control unit 100 switches the water supply on-off valve 19 so that the clean water pipe and the reservoir 18 are cut off from each other. This stops the supply of water from the clean water pipe to the reservoir 18.

[0064] In S56, the control unit 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the water level sensor 18a detected a rise in the water level in the reservoir 18 (detected the float) in S52. The predetermined time in S56 is set to a length of time during which a long period of time has elapsed since the water level sensor 18a detected a rise in the water level in the reservoir 18, and the water in the water storage unit 24 may have evaporated and the water level may have dropped (for example, three hours after the pump 42 stopped). Once the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S56), the process returns to S46, and the seal breakage prevention process from S46 to S56 continues until the cleaning process is performed.

[0065] In this embodiment, in the flushing process, flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 54 in each of the first discharge process (S16 to S20) and the second discharge process (S28 to S32), causing a siphoning effect. In the first discharge process and the second discharge process, flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 54 so that the water level in the water reservoir 24 is higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water outlet 54 when the siphoning effect ends. Therefore, when the siphoning effect ends, the water-sealed state is maintained without being broken, or even if the seal is broken, the water level in the water reservoir 24 is maintained at a high position. If the seal is not broken and the water is sealed when the siphoning effect ends, odors will not migrate from the drain pipe 36 into the toilet bowl 22. Furthermore, even if the seal is broken when the siphoning effect ends, if the water level in the water reservoir 24 is maintained at a high position, the water-sealed state can be quickly restored. This makes it difficult for odors to migrate from the drain pipe 36 into the toilet bowl 22.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a seal-breaking prevention process is performed. This makes it possible to prevent seal breakage caused by the water in the water storage section 24 evaporating and the water level dropping when the toilet apparatus 10 is not used for a long period of time. Furthermore, in the seal-breaking prevention process, flush water is discharged from the jet water spout 54 in S46. By discharging water from the jet water spout 54, flush water is discharged into the water storage section 24 from a position lower than the water level WS (see FIG. 2). If water is discharged from a position higher than the water level WS when the toilet apparatus 10 has not been used for a long period of time, there is a risk that mold will grow inside the toilet bowl 22 due to the water discharged from a position higher than the water level WS while the toilet apparatus 10 is not being used thereafter. By discharging flush water from the jet water spout 54 in the seal-breaking prevention process, it is possible to prevent mold from growing due to the water discharged for the seal-breaking prevention process.

[0067] (Correspondence) The left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, the jet spout 54, and the spreader 60 are examples of "one or more spouts." The jet spout 54 is an example of a "first spout." The left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, and the spreader 60 are an example of a "second spout." The drain outlet 34 is an example of an "exhaust outlet." The drain pipe 36 is an example of a "discharge path." The first discharge process and the second discharge process are examples of "first water discharge control." The condensate process is an example of "second water discharge control." The reservoir 18 is an example of a "storage section."

[0068] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0069] A first aspect is a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a toilet bowl having a water storage section, one or more water outlets including a first water outlet at least partially submerged in the water storage section, a control unit that controls the flow rate of water discharged from the one or more water outlets, and a discharge path that has an outlet that opens into the water storage section and discharges water from within the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl. The control unit may perform a first water discharge control that causes the water to be discharged from at least one of the one or more water outlets to cause a siphoning effect and position the water level in the toilet bowl above the first water outlet for at least a portion of the period from when the siphoning effect begins to when it ends, and a second water discharge control that, after the first water discharge control, causes the water to be discharged from at least one of the one or more water outlets to raise the water level in the toilet bowl.

[0070] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the first water outlet may be located below the lowest point on the upper surface of the flow path through which water is discharged from the first water outlet.

[0071] A third aspect is any one of the first and second aspects, wherein the control unit, in the first water discharge control, causes a siphoning effect by discharging the water from at least one of the one or more water discharge outlets, and positions the water level in the toilet bowl above the first water discharge outlet when the siphoning effect ends.

[0072] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit, in the first water discharge control, may cause the water level in the toilet bowl when the siphoning phenomenon ends to be positioned above the discharge outlet by discharging the water from at least one of the one or more water discharge outlets.

[0073] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the toilet apparatus may further include a pump that pressurizes the water and sends the water from the water outlet into the toilet bowl. The control unit may control the pump to control the flow rate of the water discharged from the water outlet.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the toilet apparatus may further include a second water outlet located above the water collection section, and at least one pump that sends the water from the first water outlet and the second water outlet into the toilet bowl. The control unit may control the pump to control the flow rate of the water discharged from the first water outlet and the second water outlet.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the control unit may operate the pump at a first rotation speed when discharging the water from the first water outlet, and may operate the pump at a second rotation speed different from the first rotation speed when discharging the water from the second water outlet.

[0076] An eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, wherein the first rotation speed may be lower than the second rotation speed.

[0077] In a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the control unit, in the second water discharge control, may discharge the water from each of the first water discharge outlet and the second water discharge outlet, and when discharging the water from the first water discharge outlet, may operate the pump at the first rotation speed, and when discharging the water from the second water discharge outlet, may operate the pump at the second rotation speed which is higher than the first rotation speed.

[0078] In a tenth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the control unit may, in the first water discharge control, discharge the water from the first water discharge outlet at a first flow rate, and in the second water discharge control, discharge the water from the first water discharge outlet at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate.

[0079] In an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the toilet apparatus may further include a second water outlet disposed above the water collection section. The control section may be capable of adjusting the flow rate of the water from at least one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet.

[0080] In a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the control unit may be capable of adjusting the flow rate of the water from the first water outlet.

[0081] In a thirteenth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the control unit may be capable of performing a first flush and a second flush in which the water flow rate is lower than that of the first flush by discharging the water from the first water outlet and the second water outlet. In each of the first flush and the second flush, the flow rate of the water from at least one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet may be adjustable.

[0082] In a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the control unit may cause the water to be discharged from the first water outlet when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0083] In a fifteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect, the control unit may discharge the water from the first water outlet so as not to cause the siphoning phenomenon when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0084] In a sixteenth aspect, in any one of the fourteenth to fifteenth aspects, the toilet apparatus may further include a storage section that stores the water to be discharged from the first outlet. The predetermined condition may include the water level stored in the storage section reaching a predetermined level.

[0085] A seventeenth aspect is any one of the fourteenth to fifteenth aspects above, wherein the specified condition may include a specified period of time having elapsed since the water was most recently ejected from the first water outlet.

[0086] 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.

[0087] (1) The rotation speed of the pump 42 when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50, right rim spout 52, jet spout 54, and spreader 60 may be set to be different. The rotation speed of the pump 42 when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50, right rim spout 52, jet spout 54, and spreader 60 is each stored in advance in the control unit 100. By changing the pump rotation speed stored in the control unit 100, it is possible to change the rotation speed of the pump 42 when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50, right rim spout 52, jet spout 54, and spreader 60. In addition, the duration (predetermined time) for which flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50, right rim spout 52, and spreader 60 can also be changed as appropriate.

[0088] (2) The water spouting section 40 may be equipped with multiple pumps 42. For example, the water spouting section 40 may be equipped with four pumps 42 corresponding respectively to the right rim flow path, the left rim flow path, the spreader flow path, and the jet flow path. The control section 100 may also be able to adjust the flow rate of flush water spouted from the left rim water spout 50, the right rim water spout 52, the jet water spout 54, and the spreader 60. The control section 100 may also be able to adjust the flow rate of flush water spouted from the left rim water spout 50, the right rim water spout 52, the jet water spout 54, and the spreader 60.

[0089] (3) In the first discharge process and the second discharge process, the control unit 100 may cause flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 54 at a rotation speed and for a duration (predetermined time) of the pump 42 such that the water level in the water storage section 24 is higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water spout 54 not only when the siphoning process has ended, but also from the time the siphoning process begins to end. Also, the control unit 100 may cause flush water to be discharged from the jet water spout 54 at a rotation speed and for a duration (predetermined time) of the pump 42 such that the water level in the water storage section 24 is higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water spout 54, for at least a portion of the period from the time the siphoning process begins to end. Also, the rotation speed of the pump 42 of the jet water spout 54 in the first discharge process and the rotation speed of the pump 42 of the jet water spout 54 in the second discharge process may be set to be the same rotation speed, or may be set to be different rotation speeds. Furthermore, in the flushing process, in addition to the first discharge process and the second discharge process, flushing water may be discharged from the jet water discharge port 54 one or more times to cause a siphoning phenomenon.

[0090] (4) In the processing of S24 (processing between the first discharge processing and the second discharge processing), the control unit 100 may switch the switching valve device 46 so that flushing water is discharged from two or more of the left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, the jet spout 54, and the spreader 60.

[0091] (5) In the processing of S36 (condensation processing), the control unit 100 may switch the switching valve device 46 so that flush water is discharged from the right rim spout 52, the jet spout 54, or the spreader 60. Also, in the processing of S36, the control unit 100 may switch the switching valve device 46 so that flush water is discharged from two or more of the left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, the jet spout 54, and the spreader 60.

[0092] (6) In the process of S36 (condensation process), the control unit 100 may switch the switching valve device 46 so that water is discharged only from the jet water outlet 54 during condensation process. When water is discharged only from the jet water outlet 54 during condensation process, the control unit 100 may set the rotation speed of the pump 42 to a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed of the pump 42 when water is discharged from the left rim water outlet 50, the spreader flow path, or the right rim water outlet 52 in S12, S8, and S24. This makes it possible to reduce noise when water is discharged from the jet water outlet 54 for condensation process in environments where quietness is required (for example, homes, offices, etc.).

[0093] (7) In the flushing processes of S2 to S40, if the discharge capacity for discharging waste is low, the rotation speed of the pump 42 does not need to be reduced in S16. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the pump 42 may be increased in S16. This makes it possible to improve the discharge capacity for waste in the first discharge process (S18 to S20). In such a case, in the second discharge process (S28 to S32), flush water may be discharged from the jet water spout 54 so that the water level in the water storage section 24 when the siphoning phenomenon ends is higher than the upper end 54a of the jet water spout 54. This makes it possible to maintain a water-sealed state without breaking the seal after the second discharge process before the condensation process is completed, or to maintain a high water level in the water storage section 24 even if the seal is broken.

[0094] (8) For the large-flush process, the rotation speed of the pump 42 when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, and the spreader 60 can each be set and may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the small-flush process, the rotation speed of the pump 42 when flush water is discharged from the left rim spout 50, the right rim spout 52, and the spreader 60 can each be set and may be changed as appropriate.

[0095] (9) The seal breakage prevention process can be performed not only after the large-scale cleaning process has been performed, but also after the small-scale cleaning process has been performed. When an instruction to perform the small-scale cleaning is input via the cleaning button, the control unit 100 performs the small-scale cleaning process. After the small-scale cleaning process is completed, the control unit 100 performs the seal breakage prevention process.

[0096] (10) The process of S46 (discharge of flush water from the jet water outlet 54 immediately after the flushing process has finished) does not have to be executed. Whether or not to execute the process of S46 can be set appropriately depending on the installation location and usage conditions of the toilet apparatus 10. In addition, the length of the predetermined time period of S56 (the interval at which flush water is discharged from the jet water outlet 54 during the seal breakage prevention process) can also be changed appropriately.

[0097] (11) The connecting member 80 may be formed of a material other than resin. Furthermore, the protrusions 72, 85 provided on the cover 70 and the connecting member 80, respectively, may be provided at positions other than near the center of the upper ends of the cover 70 (specifically, the flat surface 70a) and the connecting member 80 (specifically, the plate material 81) as long as they can align the cover 70 and the connecting member 80. For example, from the back side to the front side, protrusions may be provided near the left ends of the upper ends of the flat surface 70a and the plate material 81, respectively, or protrusions may be provided near the right ends of the upper ends of the flat surface 70a and the plate material 81, respectively. Furthermore, as long as they can align the cover 70 and the connecting member 80, they are not limited to protrusions. For example, recesses may be provided on the cover 70 and the connecting member 80, or marks or colors may be applied.

[0098] 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]

[0099] 10: toilet device, 12: toilet bowl, 14: toilet seat, 14a: opening, 16: functional part, 18: reservoir, 18a: water level sensor, 19: water supply opening / closing valve, 20: toilet body, 22: toilet bowl, 23: front surface, 24: water storage part, 25: back surface, 26: side surface, 30: upper end rim part, 34: drain outlet, 36: drain pipe, 40: water discharge part, 42: pump, 44: connecting pipe, 45: check valve, 46: switching valve Device, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d: branch pipe, 50: left rim water outlet, 52: right rim water outlet, 54: jet water outlet, 60: spreader, 61: foam discharge part, 62: foam valve, 64: ejector, 65, 66: supply pipe, 68: storage reservoir, 69: vent pipe, 70: cover, 72: first protrusion, 80: connecting member, 85: second protrusion, 90: seating sensor, 100: control part

Claims

1. a toilet bowl having a water collection section; one or more water outlets including a first water outlet at least partially immersed in the water reservoir; a control unit that controls the flow rate of water discharged from the one or more water outlets; a drain outlet that opens to the water collecting section and a drain path that drains water from within the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet bowl, The control unit a first water discharge control that causes a siphoning phenomenon by discharging the water from at least one of the one or more water discharge ports, and positions the water level in the toilet bowl above the first water discharge port for at least a portion of the period from when the siphoning phenomenon occurs until when it ends; After the first water discharge control, the toilet device executes a second water discharge control, which raises the water level in the toilet bowl by discharging the water from at least one of the one or more water discharge ports.

2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first water outlet is located below the lowest point on the upper surface of the flow path through which water is discharged from the first water outlet.

3. A toilet device as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the control unit, in the first water discharge control, causes a siphoning effect by discharging the water from at least one of the one or more water discharge outlets, and positions the water level in the toilet bowl above the first water discharge outlet when the siphoning effect ends.

4. A toilet device as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the control unit, in the first water discharge control, causes the water to be discharged from at least one of the one or more water discharge outlets, thereby positioning the water level in the toilet bowl above the discharge outlet when the siphoning phenomenon ends.

5. The toilet apparatus further includes a pump that sends the water from the water outlet to the toilet bowl, The toilet apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the pump to control the flow rate of the water discharged from the water outlet.

6. The toilet device comprises: A second water outlet disposed above the water reservoir; and at least one pump that sends the water from the first water outlet and the second water outlet to the toilet bowl. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the pump to control the flow rate of the water discharged from the first water outlet and the second water outlet.

7. The control unit When discharging the water from the first water outlet, the pump is operated at a first rotation speed; The toilet apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the water is discharged from the second water outlet, the pump is operated at a second rotation speed different from the first rotation speed.

8. The toilet apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first rotational speed is less than the second rotational speed.

9. The toilet device described in claim 8, wherein the control unit, in the second water discharge control, discharges the water from each of the first water discharge outlet and the second water discharge outlet, and when discharging the water from the first water discharge outlet, operates the pump at the first rotation speed, and when discharging the water from the second water discharge outlet, operates the pump at the second rotation speed which is higher than the first rotation speed.

10. The control unit In the first water discharge control, the water is discharged from the first water discharge port at a first flow rate, The toilet apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the second water discharge control, the water is discharged from the first water discharge port at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate.

11. The toilet device further includes a second water outlet disposed above the water reservoir, The toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the water from at least one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet.

12. The toilet apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the water from the first water outlet.

13. the control unit is capable of performing a first flush and a second flush of the toilet bowl, the first flush having a smaller water flow rate than the first flush, by discharging the water from the first water outlet and the second water outlet; The toilet apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the flow rate of the water from at least one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet is adjustable in each of the first flush and the second flush.

14. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the water to be discharged from the first water outlet when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

15. The toilet apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control unit causes the water to be discharged from the first water outlet so as not to cause the siphoning phenomenon when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

16. The toilet apparatus further includes a storage section that stores the water to be discharged from the first water outlet, The toilet apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition in which the water level stored in the storage portion reaches a predetermined water level.

17. The toilet apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined condition includes a predetermined period of time having elapsed since the water was most recently discharged from the first water outlet.

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