Control device and toilet device

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing bubbles from remaining in drainage pipes.SOLUTION: There is provided a control device for controlling a toilet device. The toilet device comprises a toilet body having a toilet bowl. The control device may include a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in at least one of the toilet bowl and a drain pipe communicating with the toilet bowl, performs discharge processing to discharge into the drain pipe by ejecting water, intermittently over a plurality of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device and a toilet device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a toilet device that supplies foam to a toilet bowl. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-2621 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When surfactants such as foam supplied to the toilet bowl are discharged into the drain pipe, the foam may remain in the drain pipe, which may hinder drainage from the toilet device.

[0005] This specification provides a technology for suppressing bubbles from remaining in drain pipes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device. The control device controls a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet body having a toilet bowl, and the control device may include a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in at least one of the toilet bowl and a drain pipe communicating with the toilet bowl, intermittently executes a discharge process multiple times to discharge water into the drain pipe by discharging the water.

[0007] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device. The control device controls a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl, and a discharge unit that discharges water into the toilet bowl. The control device may also include a processing unit that, if a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, causes the discharge unit to discharge the water, thereby discharging the surfactant into a drain pipe communicating with the drainage flow path, intermittently executing a discharge process multiple times.

[0008] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device. The control device controls a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl, and a discharge unit that discharges water into the toilet bowl. The control device also includes a processing unit that, if a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, intermittently executes a discharge process multiple times to discharge the surfactant into a drain pipe communicating with the drainage flow path by discharging the water from the discharge unit. The processing unit executes the discharge process multiple times, including a first discharge process and a second discharge process, and the control device may reduce the amount of water discharged from the discharge unit between the first discharge process and the second discharge process compared to the amount of water discharged in the first discharge process and the second discharge process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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 flange 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 the discharge member of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the water discharge port and the discharge member of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the discharge member of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the discharge member of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the foam discharge member of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] 3 shows a flowchart of a cleaning process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 shows a flowchart of a first termination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 shows a flowchart of a second end process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which water is stored in a water storage section of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which foam has accumulated in the toilet bowl of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which foam has accumulated in the toilet bowl of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 2, showing the state in which the water level flowing through the drain pipe is at its highest level. [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view showing the state in which the water level flowing through a drain pipe has dropped from its maximum water level. [Figure 20] 10 shows a flowchart of a cleaning process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a discharge unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toilet seat body according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] 13 is a time chart showing the change over time in the rotation speed of the pump in the first termination process of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (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.

[0011] The toilet apparatus 10 comprises a toilet bowl section 12, a toilet seat 14, a functional section 16, a tank 18 (see FIG. 2), a discharge section 40, a control section 100, a seating sensor 90, and a human presence sensor 92. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the left-right direction of the toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet bowl section 12 comprises a toilet body 20 and an upper flange section 30. The toilet body 20 is made of ceramic. In a modified example, the toilet body 20 may be made of resin, or a combination of ceramic and resin. The toilet body 20 comprises a toilet bowl 22 that receives waste. A tank 18 is housed in the toilet body 20 at its lower end. The tank 18 stores flush water for cleaning the toilet bowl 22. Water is supplied to the tank 18 from a water supply pipe (not shown). The toilet apparatus 10 is equipped with a flush button (not shown) electrically connected to the discharge unit 40. When the flush button is operated by a user, flush water is discharged from the tank 18 via the discharge unit 40 into the toilet bowl 22. The function unit 16 may have functions such as an opening / 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, and a deodorizing function. The human presence sensor 92 is, for example, an infrared sensor. The human presence sensor 92 is an infrared sensor that detects a user approaching the toilet apparatus 10.

[0012] In the toilet apparatus 10, flush water in the tank 18 may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 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 discharge portion 40 either wiredly or wirelessly. Flush water in the tank 18 may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 without any operation by the user. For example, flush water in the tank 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 and 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 and a small flushing process, is performed depending on the button selected by the user.

[0013] 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 whether the user has sat on or left 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.

[0014] 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 tank 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.

[0015] The toilet bowl 22 has a shape that is generally recessed downward. 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.

[0016] The water storage section 24 is connected to a drainage flow path 36 from a drain outlet 34. The drainage flow path 36 extends upward from the drain outlet 34. The drainage flow path 36 bends downward at a bending position 36a and continues downward. The drainage flow path 36 extends to a drain pipe 2 outside the toilet bowl section 12. The drainage flow path 36 is defined by tubular members 35, 37, and 38. The tubular member 35 is connected to the drain outlet 34 at the upstream end of the drainage flow path 36. The downstream end of the tubular member 35 is connected to the upstream end of the tubular member 37 at a bending position 36a of the drainage flow path 36. The tubular member 37 is made of resin. The tubular member 38 connects the tubular member 37 to the drain pipe 2.

[0017] An upper flange 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 flange portion 30 is disposed at the upper end of the toilet body 20. The upper flange 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 flange portion 30 is disposed vertically in the up-down direction.

[0018] 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 to the rear edge of the water surface WS. The rear surface 25 is depicted in Figure 6 by multiple parallel horizontal lines, and is an area that connects the rear ends of the left and right side surfaces 26 along the rear edge WS2 of the water surface WS.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In a modified example, in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of the left-right direction of the toilet bowl 22, the front surface 23 may have a shape other than the linear shape 23a and the curved shape 23b. For example, the front surface 23 may have a linear shape 23a, a curved shape that curves downward at a position intermediate between the bottom of the linear shape 23a and the water surface WS, and a linear shape that slopes downward toward the water surface WF as it extends from the bottom of the curved shape to the water surface WS. For example, the front surface 23 may have a curved shape that curves downward from the upper edge 22a. The front surface 23 may have a series of curved shapes with different curvatures arranged in succession. The front surface 23 may be composed of only one of the linear shape 23a and the curved shape 23b. The same applies to the front surface 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the front-inward direction. When front surface 23 is formed only with curved shape 23b and water collecting section 24 is formed with a straight shape, the radius of curvature of front surface 23 is smaller than the radius of curvature of water collecting section 24. In a modified example, in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of toilet bowl 22 in the left-right direction, the portion of water collecting section 24 located below front surface 23 may have a curved shape that curves downward. In this case, the radius of curvature of front surface 23 in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction at the center of toilet bowl 22 in the left-right direction may be smaller than or equal to the radius of curvature of water collecting section 24.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In a modified example, the entire side surface 26 may be configured with at least one of a straight shape 26a and a curved shape 26b, or may not have the curved shape 26c. In this case, the portion of the water collecting section 24 below the side surface 26 may have a curved shape that curves upward.

[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 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.

[0026] (Configuration of the discharge section) Discharge unit 40 discharges flush water in tank 18 into toilet bowl 22. Discharge unit 40 discharges foam generated by mixing a surfactant and water into toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 3 , discharge unit 40 includes pump 42, connecting pipe 44, switching valve 46, branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d, discharge nozzles 50 and 52, discharge opening 54, and foam discharge unit 61.

[0027] Pump 42 sucks in flush water from tank 18 and pressurizes it. Pump 42 sends the pressurized flush water to communicating pipe 44. Communicating pipe 44 is connected to pump 42. Communicating pipe 44 defines a flow path through which flush water flows. Communicating pipe 44 is connected to switching valve 46. Switching valve 46 connects communicating pipe 44 to at least one of branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. Discharge nozzle 50 is connected to branch pipe 48a. When communicating pipe 44 is connected to branch pipe 48a via switching valve 46, flush water is discharged from discharge nozzle 50 into toilet bowl 22. Discharge member 60 of foam discharge section 61 is connected to branch pipe 48b. When the communicating pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48b via the switching valve 46, flush water is discharged from the discharge member 60 into the toilet bowl 22. A discharge nozzle 52 is connected to the branch pipe 48c. When the communicating pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48c via the switching valve 46, flush water is discharged from the discharge nozzle 52 into the toilet bowl 22. A discharge opening 54 is connected to the branch pipe 48d. When the communicating pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48d via the switching valve 46, flush water is discharged from the discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, discharge nozzles 50, 52 and discharge member 60 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Discharge nozzle 50 is arranged near the upper end of toilet bowl 22. Discharge nozzle 50 has an opening 50a that is long in the vertical direction. Discharge nozzle 52 is arranged symmetrically with discharge nozzle 50.

[0029] 3, the foam discharge unit 61 includes a switching valve 62, an ejector 64, supply pipes 65 and 66, a discharge member 60, and a storage tank 68. The ejector 64 is in communication with the pump 42 via the supply pipe 65. A switching valve 62 is disposed in the supply pipe 65. The switching valve 62 switches between a state in which the pump 42 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 blocked, thereby blocking the pump 42 and the ejector 64.

[0030] A storage tank 68 is connected to the ejector 64. A surfactant such as a detergent is stored in the storage tank 68. A communication pipe 68a extending from the storage tank 68 communicates with the ejector 64. For example, a foam pump (not shown) is provided between the storage tank 68 and the communication pipe 68a, which sends the surfactant stored in the storage tank 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 is connected to the downstream side of the ejector 64, connecting the ejector 64 and the discharge member 60. The foam generated in the ejector 64 passes through the supply pipe 66 and is discharged from the discharge member 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 arranged at the downstream end of the ejector 64 to prevent flush water from flowing back from the branch pipe 48b into the ejector 64.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the discharge opening 54 opens into the water storage section 24. The discharge opening 54 opens from the front side towards the drain outlet 34 on the rear side. When flush water is discharged from the discharge opening 54, the water in the water storage section 24 is discharged into the drainage flow path 36 together with the flush water from the discharge opening 54. Waste in the water storage section 24 and objects floating in the water in the water storage section 24 are also discharged from the drainage flow path 36 into the drain pipe 2 outside the toilet body 20. The flush water discharged from the discharge opening 54 functions as a jet of water that discharges waste and other matter from the water storage section 24 and surfactants such as foam from the toilet bowl 22. The flow path of flush water defined by the discharge opening 54 from the branch pipe 48d is called the jet flow path.

[0032] The drain pipe 2 extends downward from an upstream end 2a connected to the toilet apparatus 10 to a curved position 2b. The drain pipe 2 curves horizontally at the curved position 2b. The drain pipe 2 has a horizontal portion 4 extending downstream from the curved position 2b. When flush water is discharged from the drainage flow path 36 into the drain pipe 2, the flush water flowing in the drain pipe 2 reaches its highest level at the horizontal portion 4. The horizontal portion 4 is, for example, within a range of approximately 1 m from the curved position 2b. The distance from the upstream end 2a of the drain pipe 2 to the horizontal portion 4 may be shorter or longer than the distance from the upstream end 2a to the curved position 2b. The distance from the upstream end 2a of the drain pipe 2 to the horizontal portion 4 may vary depending on the shape of the drain pipe 2. The horizontal portion 4 may extend horizontally in the drain pipe 2 in a range relatively close to the upstream end of the drain pipe 2. In a variant, the horizontal portion 4 may not be horizontal. For example, the horizontal portion 4 may have a horizontal vector component and be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the horizontal. In another variation, the horizontal portion 4 may have a horizontal vector component and be inclined at an angle greater than 45 degrees.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show the configuration of each part of the discharge unit 40. All parts of the discharge unit 40, except for the branch pipe 48d and the 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 discharge unit 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 cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction directly below the underside 30a of the upper flange portion 30 of the toilet body 20. The discharge nozzle 50 is housed in a storage space 70 in the toilet body 20. A water outlet 70a is arranged in the toilet body 20 on the front side of the discharge nozzle 50. The water outlet 70a is arranged at the front end of the storage space 70. The water outlet 70a has an opening area larger than the opening area of ​​the opening 50a of the discharge nozzle 50. Flush water discharged from the discharge nozzle 50 is supplied to the toilet bowl 22 from the water outlet 70a. The discharge nozzle 52 is housed in the storage space 72, just like the discharge nozzle 50. The storage space 72 has a water outlet 72a similar to the storage space 70.

[0035] Discharge member 60 is positioned further back than water outlets 70a, 72a. Foam discharged from discharge member 60 can be discharged from further back than water outlets 70a, 72a into toilet bowl 22. This allows the foam to clean the back end of toilet bowl 22.

[0036] (Configuration of Discharge Member) The discharge member 60 will be described using Figures 8 to 11. The discharge member 60 is attached to the rear surface 25 at the rear side of the toilet bowl 22. The discharge member 60 is inserted into a through-hole 25d that penetrates the toilet bowl 22. The discharge member 60 has threads that engage with a nut 60x. The discharge member 60 is fixed to the toilet bowl 22 by sandwiching the toilet bowl 22 together with the nut 60x. The discharge member 60 protrudes from the rear surface 25 toward the inside of the toilet bowl 22. The discharge member 60 is composed of an upper surface 60a, a front surface 60b, a lower surface 60c, left and right side surfaces 60d and 60e, and a connecting surface 60g.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, two discharge ports 60f, 60f are arranged on the upper surface 60a of the discharge member 60. The discharge port 60f opens upward. The upper surface 60a is inclined downward from the rear surface 25 of the toilet bowl 22 toward the front side. A connecting surface 60g is connected to the front end of the upper surface 60a. The connecting surface 60g faces downward. As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting surface 60g is bent from the upper surface 60a toward the rear side and connected. As shown in FIG. 10, six discharge ports 60j, 60j, ... are arranged on the connecting surface 60g. The discharge port 60j opens downward.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, the front surface 60b is connected to the rear end of the connecting surface 60g. The front surface 60b faces the front side. The front surface 60b is located below the six outlets 60j. Side surfaces 60d and 60e are located on the left and right sides of the front surface 60b. The side surfaces 60d and 60e are located below the upper surface 60a. As shown in FIG. 10, an outlet 60h is located in each of the side surfaces 60d and 60e. The outlets 60h extend from the upper end to the lower end of each of the side surfaces 60d and 60e. The lower ends of the side surfaces 60d and 60e are connected to the lower surface 60c. Each of the outlets 60h extends beyond the lower ends of the side surfaces 60d and 60e to the left and right ends of the lower surface 60c.

[0039] The lower surface 60c faces downward. On the lower surface 60c, an outlet 60k is disposed between the outlets 60h. The outlet 60k faces downward. Each of the outlets 60f, 60j, 60h, and 60k communicates with an internal space 60m of the discharge member 60. As shown in FIG. 11, the discharge member 60 has a cylindrical portion 60n that defines the internal space 60m that communicates with the supply pipe 66. The inner end of the cylindrical portion 60n is inserted into the supply pipe 66. The internal space 60m extends in the same direction as the supply pipe 66. A collision surface 60p is disposed on the inner side of the front surface 60b. The collision surface 60p is disposed at the front end of the internal space 60m.

[0040] As shown by the arrows in the inner space 60m in Figure 11, foam flowing from the supply pipe 66 into the inner space 60m collides with the collision surface 60p and spreads in the vertical and horizontal directions. The foam that collides with the collision surface 60p is discharged into the toilet bowl 22 from the multiple outlets 60f, 60j, 60h, and 60k. This allows the foam discharged from the discharge member 60 to be discharged in multiple directions, upward, downward, left, and right, from the multiple outlets 60f, 60j, 60h, and 60k. This makes it easier for the foam to spread over the surface of the toilet bowl 22.

[0041] The foam discharged from the outlets 60j, 60j, ... flows downward on the front surface 60b. This allows the foam to clean the front surface 60b. The front surface 60b faces the toilet bowl 22, as does the rear surface 25 of the toilet bowl 22. The water surface WS of the water collection section 24 is located below the front surface 60b. When a user uses the toilet apparatus 10, the water collected in the water collection section 24 splashes, making it easy for dirt to adhere to the front surface 60b. With this configuration, the front surface 60b, which is prone to becoming dirty, can be cleaned with foam.

[0042] The upper surface 60a is cleaned by the foam discharged from the outlet 60f. The lower surface 60c is cleaned by the foam discharged from the outlets 60h and 60k. The side surfaces 60d and 60e are cleaned by the foam discharged from the outlets 60h and 60h, respectively. With the discharge member 60, the foam discharged from the discharge member 60 can clean the parts exposed from the toilet bowl 22.

[0043] In a modified example, there are no limitations on the positions and number of openings in the discharge member 60. For example, the upper surface 60a may be provided with either one opening or a plurality of openings, three or more.

[0044] A water level sensor (not shown) is disposed at the upper end of the tank 18. The water level sensor has a sensor that detects the water level in the tank 18. A water supply on-off valve 19 is disposed at the upper end of the tank 18. The water supply on-off valve 19 switches between communication between the tank 18 and the clean water pipe and disconnection.

[0045] (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 pump 42, the switching valves 46 and 62, the functional unit 16, the seating sensor 90, and the human presence sensor 92. The control unit 100 controls the pump 42, the switching valves 46 and 62, the functional unit 16, and the seating sensor 90. The control unit 100 is also communicatively connected to operation units operated by the user, such as a flush button and a remote controller.

[0046] The control unit 100 includes a CPU and a memory. The memory has a volatile and a non-volatile storage section. The control unit 100 controls the pump 42, the switching valves 46 and 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.

[0047] When flush water is to be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 due to a user operation or the like, the control unit 100 controls the pump 42 and the switching valve 46 to supply flush water to the toilet bowl 22 from the discharge nozzles 50, 52, the discharge member 60, and the discharge opening 54. Waste in the toilet bowl 22 is expelled to the outside of the toilet body 20 by the flush water.

[0048] In addition to cleaning the toilet bowl 22 with cleaning water, the control unit 100 also executes a cleaning process that cleans the toilet bowl 22 with foam.

[0049] The flushing process executed by the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. The flushing process is executed continuously while the power of the toilet apparatus 10 is on. FIG. 12 shows the flushing process of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in the flushing process, in S12, the control unit 100 monitors whether the flushing conditions are met. The flushing conditions are stored in the control unit 100 in advance. The flushing conditions include time conditions. For example, the flushing conditions include reaching a flush time set in a time period when the toilet apparatus 10 is unlikely to be used by a user (for example, at least one of early morning and late night). In another variation, the flushing conditions may include the number of times the user uses the toilet apparatus 10 or the frequency of use (i.e., the number of times the toilet apparatus 10 is used within a predetermined period of time). In another variation, the flushing conditions may include the user operating a flush button or the like. In another variation, the flushing conditions may include, for example, a predetermined period of time having elapsed since the previous flushing process. The control unit 100 may not execute the flushing process if the predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the previous flushing process, even if an automatic command is issued and the user operates a flush button or the like. The predetermined period of time may be, for example, three hours. In alternative embodiments, the predetermined period of time may be longer or shorter than three hours. The predetermined period of time may be adjustable by the user.

[0050] If the flushing condition is met (YES in S12), in S14 the control unit 100 determines whether the toilet apparatus 10 is in use. Specifically, if the seat sensor 90 detects that a user is seated, the control unit 100 determines that the toilet apparatus 10 is in use (YES in S14). If the seat sensor 90 does not detect that a user is seated, the control unit 100 determines that the toilet apparatus 10 is not in use (NO in S14). If it is determined that the toilet apparatus 10 is in use (YES in S14), the control unit 100 returns to S12. If it is determined that the toilet apparatus 10 is in use (YES in S14), the control unit 100 does not execute the processes from S16 onwards. In other words, foam is not dispensed into the toilet bowl 22. With this configuration, foam is not supplied to the toilet bowl 22 while the user is using the toilet apparatus 10.

[0051] If it is determined that the toilet apparatus 10 is not in use (NO in S14), in S16 the control unit 100 operates the pump 42. Furthermore, in S16 the control unit 100 connects the pump 42 to the ejector 64. Specifically, the control unit 100 switches the selector valve 62 to a state in which the pump 42 and the ejector 64 are connected. The selector valve 46 is maintained so that the connecting pipe 44 is not connected to any of the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. As a result, flush water in the tank 18 passes from the pump 42 through the supply pipe 65 and is sent to the ejector 64. In the ejector 64, negative pressure is generated by narrowing the flush water flow path, causing air to flow into the ejector 64 through the vent pipe 69 and surfactant to flow into the ejector 64 through the connecting pipe 68a. In the ejector 64, the flush water, surfactant, and air mix together to generate foam. The foam passes through the supply pipe 66 and is discharged from the discharge member 60 into the toilet bowl 22. While flush water is being supplied to the ejector 64 by the pump 42, foam continues to be discharged into the toilet bowl 22.

[0052] The supply pipe 66 is in communication with the branch pipe 48b. The branch pipe 48b and the pump 42 are blocked by the switching valve 46. This prevents bubbles from passing through the branch pipe 48b and entering the pump 42.

[0053] In S18, control unit 100 records that foam has been dispensed into toilet bowl 22. Control unit 100 stores the fact that foam has been dispensed into toilet bowl 22 together with time information.

[0054] In S20, the control unit 100 waits until a foam dispensing period has elapsed since the start of foam dispensing, i.e., since the pump 42 was activated. The foam dispensing period is, for example, 40 seconds. The foam dispensing period is pre-stored in the control unit 100. In a modified example, the foam dispensing period may be adjustable by the user. Once the foam dispensing period has elapsed (YES in S18), in S22 the control unit 100 stops the pump 42. Furthermore, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve 62 to a state in which the pump 42 and the ejector 64 are disconnected from each other.

[0055] In S24, control unit 100 waits until the first standby period has elapsed. During the first standby period, foam floats on the accumulated water in toilet bowl 22. The foam adheres to the surface of toilet bowl 22. As a result, dirt adhering to the surface of toilet bowl 22 is removed by the foam. As shown in FIG. 15, water is accumulated in water accumulation section 24 before foam is discharged. As shown in FIG. 16, when foam is supplied, foam BL accumulates in toilet bowl 22. When toilet bowl 22 is viewed from above, foam BL covers 15% or more of the surface of toilet bowl 22. When toilet bowl 22 is viewed from above, foam BL may cover the entire surface of toilet bowl 22, or may cover 80% or more of the surface of toilet bowl 22. Foam BL may cover 50% or more, 40% or more, 30% or more, or 20% or more of the surface of toilet bowl 22. Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of toilet bowl 22 when the foam of Figure 16 is dispensed. As shown in Figure 17, in S24, the thickness T1 of the foam BL floating on the accumulated water in toilet bowl 22 is, for example, 10 mm or more. In a modified example, the thickness T1 of the foam BL may be less than 10 mm, for example, 5 mm or more.

[0056] The first standby period is stored in advance in the control unit 100. The first standby period is, for example, one minute. In a modified example, the first standby period may be adjustable by the user. In a modified example, the first standby period may not be set. In this case, the process of S24 is not executed, and S26 is executed following S20. When the first standby period has elapsed (YES in S22), in S26 the control unit 100 switches the flow path of the cleaning water by connecting the connecting pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48c using the switching valve 46. The control unit 100 further connects the connecting pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48b using the switching valve 46.

[0057] In S28, the control unit 100 operates the pump 42. This causes flush water to be discharged from the discharge nozzle 52 into the toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 16, the flush water discharged from the discharge nozzle 52 flows toward the user along the right surface of the toilet bowl 22. As a result, the foam in the toilet bowl 22 is swirled clockwise when viewed from above by the flush water. The flush water is also discharged from the discharge member 60. In a modified example, the switching valve 46 may block the connection between the connecting pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48b. In this case, the flush water is not discharged from the discharge member 60. The control unit 100 adjusts the output of the pump 42 (e.g., the current value of the pump 42) to make the flow rate of the flush water in the branch pipe 48c supplied to the discharge nozzle 52 faster than the flow rate of the flush water in the supply pipe 65 supplied to the ejector 64 in S16. This increases the swirling speed of the foam. This makes it easier for the foam to remove dirt from the surface of the toilet bowl 22.

[0058] In S28, the control unit 100 causes flush water to be discharged from the discharge nozzle 52 into the toilet bowl 22 for a predetermined period of time. In S30, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the swirling of foam has been completed. Specifically, the control unit 100 stores in advance either the number of times to swirl the foam (e.g., four times) or the period of time (e.g., 20 seconds). If the number of times to swirl the foam is stored in the control unit 100, the control unit 100 determines that the swirling of foam is completed when the pre-stored number of times to swirling the foam has been completed since the determination of YES in S22 (YES in S30). The control unit 100 determines that the swirling of foam is not completed when the pre-stored number of times to swirling the foam has not been completed since the determination of YES in S24 (NO in S30). The number of times to swirl the foam is counted as one each time flush water is discharged from one of the discharge nozzles 50, 52 in S28.

[0059] If it is determined that the swirling of the foam is not complete (NO in S30), the process returns to S26, and the control unit 100 switches the flow path of the flush water. Specifically, the control unit 100 uses the switching valve 46 to connect the connecting pipe 44 to the branch pipe 48a. The connecting pipe 44 is connected to the branch pipe 48b. In S28, the control unit 100 operates the pump 42. This causes flush water to be discharged from the discharge nozzle 50 into the toilet bowl 22. As shown in FIG. 16, the flush water discharged from the discharge nozzle 50 flows along the left surface of the toilet bowl 22 in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, the foam in the toilet bowl 22 is swirled counterclockwise by the flush water when viewed from above. Flush water is also discharged from the discharge member 60. In a modified example, the switching valve 46 may block the connection between the connecting pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48b. In this case, flush water is not discharged from the discharge member 60.

[0060] During the cleaning process, the foam in toilet bowl 22 is swirled alternately clockwise and counterclockwise until it is determined in S30 that swirling of the foam is complete (YES in S30). This allows the foam to remove dirt adhering to the surface of toilet bowl 22. In the vertical direction, the upper end of the foam in toilet bowl 22 is located above discharge member 60 throughout the period during which the foam is swirling after being discharged. By allowing the foam to accumulate near the upper end of toilet bowl 22, the foam in toilet bowl 22 can be brought into contact with a wide area of ​​the surface of toilet bowl 22. This allows dirt adhering to the surface of toilet bowl 22 to be removed over a wide area.

[0061] The front surface 23, side surfaces 26, and rear surface 25 of the toilet bowl 22 are not configured with shapes that would hinder the swirling of foam. The shapes of the front surface 23, side surfaces 26, and rear surface 25 allow the foam to swirl smoothly.

[0062] In the processes from S24 to S30, no surfactant is supplied. This prevents an increase in the amount of foam in toilet bowl 22 to which surfactant has been supplied when swirling the foam in toilet bowl 22. This prevents the foam from overflowing from toilet bowl 22.

[0063] When it is determined that the swirling of the foam has been completed (YES in S30), the control unit 100 stops the pump and switches the switching valve 46 to a state in which it is disconnected from the communicating pipe 44 and the branch pipes 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. In S32, the control unit 100 executes a supply process.

[0064] (Supply Processing) In the supply process of S32, a liquid surfactant, i.e., a surfactant with a small amount of foam, is supplied to the toilet bowl 22. In S32, the control unit 100 connects the pump 42 to the ejector 64. Specifically, the control unit 100 switches the selector valve 62 to a state in which the pump 42 and the ejector 64 are connected to each other. Furthermore, the control unit 100 operates the pump 42. As a result, flush water in the tank 18 passes from the pump 42 through the supply pipe 65 and is sent to the ejector 64. In the ejector 64, negative pressure is generated by narrowing the flush water flow path, causing air to flow into the ejector 64 through the vent pipe 69 and surfactant to flow into the ejector 64 through the communication pipe 68a. At this time, the control unit 100 adjusts the output of the pump 42 (e.g., the current value of the pump 42) to slow the flow rate of the flush water in the supply pipe 65 supplied to the ejector 64 compared to when foam is ejected into the toilet bowl 22 in S16. As a result, flush water, surfactant, and air are mixed in ejector 64, but the amount of foam generated from ejector 64 is less than the amount of foam discharged in S16. That is, surfactant with a small amount of foam passes through supply pipe 66 and is discharged from discharge member 60 into toilet bowl 22. This makes it possible to supply surfactant to toilet bowl 22 while suppressing an increase in foam within toilet bowl 22, and therefore reduces the number of discharge processes for discharging foam compared to when a foam surfactant is discharged.

[0065] The amount of surfactant foam supplied to toilet bowl 22 in S32 is less than the amount of foam supplied in S16 and already present in toilet bowl 22. That is, the amount of surfactant foam discharged in S32 is less than the amount of surfactant foam discharged in S16. The amount of surfactant foam discharged in S32 is 10% or less of the amount of surfactant foam discharged in S16. In a variant, the amount of surfactant foam discharged to toilet bowl 22 in S32 may be more than 10% of the amount of surfactant foam discharged in S16. For example, the amount of surfactant foam discharged to toilet bowl 22 in S32 may be 15% or less, 20% or less, or 30% or less of the amount of surfactant foam discharged in S16.

[0066] In S34, the control unit 100 waits until a liquid discharge period has elapsed since the discharge of the liquid surfactant began, i.e., since the pump 42 was activated. The liquid discharge period is, for example, approximately 12 seconds. The liquid discharge period is stored in advance in the control unit 100. In a modified example, the liquid discharge period may be adjustable by the user. Once the liquid discharge period has elapsed (YES in S34), in S36 the control unit 100 stops the pump 42. Furthermore, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve 62 to a state in which the pump 42 and the ejector 64 are disconnected.

[0067] In S38, the control unit 100 monitors the entry of a user. Specifically, when the human presence sensor 92 detects that a user is present within a predetermined range from the toilet apparatus 10 (YES in S38), the control unit 100 identifies the user's entry. While the control unit 100 does not detect that a user is present within the predetermined range from the toilet apparatus 10 (NO in S38), the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of S40 and waits until the second standby period has elapsed. During the second standby period, as in the first standby period, foam floats on the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 22. The foam adheres to the surface of the toilet bowl 22. As a result, dirt adhering to the surface of the toilet bowl 22 is removed by the foam. During the second standby period, as in the first standby period, when the toilet bowl 22 is viewed from above, the foam BL may cover 15% or more of the surface of the toilet bowl 22. The second standby period is, for example, three hours. The second standby period is stored in advance in the control unit 100. In a modified example, the second waiting period may be longer or shorter than three hours. In another modified example, the second waiting period may be adjustable by the user. If the second waiting period has elapsed (YES in S40), the control unit 100 executes the first termination process of S42. If the second waiting period has not elapsed (NO in S40), the control unit 100 returns to the process of S38 and continues monitoring for a user's entry into the room. If the control unit 100 determines that a user has entered the room (YES in S38), the control unit 100 executes the second termination process of S44.

[0068] (Termination process) The termination process will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. As described above, in the termination process, whether to execute the first termination process or the second termination process is selected in S38 to S40 depending on whether a user enters the room before the second standby period has elapsed. In the termination process, a discharge process is executed in which cleaning water is discharged from the discharge opening 54 to discharge the surfactant discharged into the toilet bowl 22 in S16 and S18 into the drain pipe 2, thereby ending the cleaning process. In the termination process, the discharge process is executed intermittently multiple times.

[0069] (First termination process) The first termination process will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of the first termination process of this embodiment. In the first termination process, the discharge process from S50 to S60 is executed a first number of times, and then the discharge process from S70 to S80 is executed a second number of times.

[0070] In S50, the control unit 100 connects the connecting pipe 44 to the jet flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 switches the switching valve 46 to a state in which the connecting pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48d are connected. In S52, the control unit 100 operates the pump 42 at high speed (for example, approximately 4000 rpm or higher). This causes flush water to be discharged from the discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22. When flush water is discharged from the discharge opening 54 by operating the pump at high speed in S52, the drainage flow path 36 is filled with foam and flush water. As a result, the foam and flush water in the drainage flow path 36 are opened by siphon action, and surfactant containing foam present in the toilet bowl 22 is discharged into the drain pipe 2. The water accumulated in the water storage section 24 and the foam in the toilet bowl 22 can be discharged via the drain opening 34 and the drainage flow path 36 into the drain pipe 2 outside the toilet body 20. After the seal is broken by the siphon action, the control unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the pump 42. Generally, breaking the seal is a state in which the space within the toilet bowl 22 and the drain pipe 2 are in communication.

[0071] The seal piercing will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The seal piercing refers to the state where the level of flush water accumulated in the drainage flow path 36 is below the upper end 36b of the drain outlet 34. That is, the surface of the flush water at the time of seal piercing is not in contact with the upper end 36b of the drain outlet 34. That is, there is a gap between the surface of the flush water at the time of seal piercing and the upper end 36b of the drain outlet 34. The level of flush water at the time of seal piercing 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 this case, breaking the seal may be when the level of flush water accumulated in the drainage flow path is lower than the upper end of the lowermost part of the drainage flow path.

[0072] In S54, once flush water has been discharged from the discharge opening 54 in S52, the control unit 100 supplies water to the tank 18. Specifically, the control unit 100 switches the water supply opening / closing valve 19 from a state in which the clean water pipe and the tank 18 are blocked to a state in which they are connected.

[0073] In S56, the control unit 100 switches the flush water flow path. Specifically, the control unit 100 connects the connecting pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48a using the switching valve 46. In S56, the control unit 100 also increases the rotation speed of the pump 42. This causes flush water to be discharged from the discharge nozzle 50. When flush water is discharged from the discharge nozzle 50 for a predetermined period in S56, the previously opened drainage flow path 36 is sealed with water, and then flush water is accumulated in the toilet bowl 22, completing condensation. When the predetermined period has elapsed in S56, the control unit 100 determines that the condensation process is complete and stops the pump 42. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may connect the connecting pipe 44 and the branch pipe 48b using the switching valve 46. In this case, flush water may also be discharged from the discharge member 60.

[0074] Condensation refers to a state in which a seal break occurs in the drainage flow path 36, followed by a water seal and flush water collecting in the water collecting section 24 (i.e., up to the water collecting surface WS). A water seal refers to a state in which the seal is not broken. In other words, a water seal means that the level of flush water collecting in the drainage flow path 36 is equal to or higher than the upper end 36b of the drain outlet 34. In other words, Figure 2 shows the drainage flow path 36 in a water sealed state.

[0075] In S58, the control unit 100 monitors whether water has been supplied to the tank 18 up to a predetermined amount. Specifically, the control unit 100 monitors whether a signal indicating that the tank 18 is full (i.e., that the water level in the tank 18 has reached a predetermined level) is acquired from the water level sensor of the tank 18. If a signal indicating full water is acquired from the water level sensor, it is determined that the predetermined amount of water has been supplied (YES in S58), and the process proceeds to S60. In S60, the control unit 100 stops the supply of water to the tank 18. Specifically, the control unit 100 switches the water supply valve 19 from a state in which the clean water pipe and the tank 18 are connected to each other to a state in which they are blocked.

[0076] In S62, the control unit 100 waits until the discharge conditions are met. That is, flush water is not discharged from the discharge opening 54 until the discharge conditions are met. The discharge conditions are stored in the control unit 100 in advance. The discharge conditions include foam generated in the drain pipe 2 during the discharge process descending to a position where it will be discharged by flush water in the next discharge process. Figures 18 and 19 show cross-sectional views of the horizontal portion 4 of the drain pipe 2. As shown in Figure 18, flush water discharged from the drain flow path 36 into the drain pipe 2 reaches the maximum water level WL1 in the horizontal portion 4. At this time, foam BL generated in the drain pipe 2 by surfactants present in the toilet bowl 22 before the discharge process (i.e., before the process in S50) is located above the surface of the flush water, i.e., above the maximum water level WL1 of the flush water. As shown in Figure 19, the foam BL moves downward over time. That is, the discharge condition includes the flush water level in the drain pipe 2 dropping below half the maximum water level WL1 to WL2 in the horizontal portion 4 during the discharge process. The period during which the flush water level in the drain pipe 2 drops below half the maximum water level WL1 to WL2 in the horizontal portion 4 is referred to as the foam descending period. The foam descending period is, for example, approximately 10 seconds. The foam descending period is stored in the control unit 100. When the foam descending period has elapsed, the control unit 100 determines that the discharge condition is met and proceeds to processing of S64. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may store a table in which the foam descending period and the diameter of the drain pipe 2 are recorded in combination. In this case, the foam descending period may be set by the contractor of the toilet apparatus 10. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may include the flush water level in the drain pipe 2 dropping below one-third the maximum water level WL1 during the discharge process. In a variant, the discharge condition may include that the level of the flushing water in the drain pipe 2 is 20 mm or less at the horizontal portion 4 during the discharge process, or 10 mm or less. In another variant, the discharge condition may include sealing the drain channel 36 that was opened by the first discharge process with water.

[0077] If the discharge condition is satisfied (YES in S62), in S64, the control unit 100 determines whether the discharge process has been completed a first number of times. The control unit 100 stores in advance the first number of times to execute the discharge process. The first number of times is, for example, two times. In a modified example, the first number of times may be three or more times. The number of times the discharge process is executed is counted as one each time the process from S50 to S60 is completed. If the first number of times has not been completed (NO in S64), the control unit 100 returns to the process of S50 and executes the discharge process from S50 to S60 until the first number of times is completed. If the discharge condition is satisfied in S62 (YES in S62) and the first number of times has been completed (YES in S64), the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of S70.

[0078] The discharge process from S70 to S80 is the same as the discharge process from S50 to S60 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In S81, the control unit 100 determines whether the discharge process has been completed a second number of times after the first number of times of the discharge process has been completed. The control unit 100 stores in advance the second number of times of the discharge process. The second number of times is, for example, four. In a modified example, the second number of times may be five or more. In a modified example, the second number of times may be less than three. The second number of times of the discharge process is counted as one each time the process from S70 to S80 is completed. If the second number of times has not been completed (NO in S81), the control unit 100 returns to the process from S70 and executes the process from S70 to S80. If the second number of times has been completed (YES in S81), the control unit 100 stops the pump 42 in S86 and ends the first termination process.

[0079] In the flushing process, flush water containing a surfactant is discharged into the toilet bowl 22 in S16 and S34. In S26, flush water containing no surfactant, i.e., flush water with a surfactant concentration of 0%, is discharged into the toilet bowl 22. In the flushing process, the surfactant concentration of the flush water supplied to the toilet bowl 22 may be varied by changing the amount of surfactant-free flush water. In a modified example, a dilution process may be performed using surfactant-free flush water to reduce the surfactant concentration in the toilet bowl 22 between the time when flush water containing a surfactant is discharged into the toilet bowl 22 in S34 and the time when the second standby period in S40 has elapsed and the time when the first termination process in S42 is initiated. In this case, the dilution process can reduce the amount of surfactant present in the toilet bowl 22 before the discharge flush without affecting the ability of the surfactant to clean the toilet bowl 22. This allows the amount of foam generated in the drain pipe by the surfactant to be reduced before the discharge process is initiated. As a result, foam is prevented from remaining in the drain pipe 2. The timing of the dilution process is not particularly limited. The dilution process may be performed before the first termination process. In a variant, the surfactant supplied in S34 may be one that generates a relatively small amount of foam (i.e., is less likely to foam), thereby preventing foam from remaining in the drain pipe 2.

[0080] The toilet apparatus 10 dispenses foam BL into the toilet bowl 22 at times other than during the flushing process. Specifically, the control unit 100 dispenses foam into the toilet bowl 22 when the toilet seat 14 is opened. The control unit 100 connects the pump 42 to the ejector 64 via the switching valve 62 and operates the pump 42. This dispenses foam BL into the toilet bowl 22. The amount of foam BL dispensed into the toilet bowl 22 is less than that during the flushing process. As shown in FIG. 17 , the thickness T2 of the foam BL dispensed into the toilet bowl 22 above the accumulated water is smaller than the thickness T1 of the foam dispensed into the toilet bowl 22 above the accumulated water in S16 of the flushing process described above. For example, the thickness T2 of the foam BL dispensed into the toilet bowl 22 above the accumulated water may be less than approximately 10 mm. After the foam is dispensed into the toilet bowl 22, the control unit 100 does not dispense flush water into the toilet bowl 22 until flush water is dispensed, as instructed by a user. This prevents urine from splashing when the user urinates into toilet bowl 22 while standing and hitting toilet bowl 22 and the water accumulated in water collection section 24. When flushing water is supplied to toilet bowl 22 by a user's operation or the like, foam is discharged from toilet bowl 22. Control section 100 executes a process similar to the first termination process of S41 to discharge foam from toilet bowl 22. In this case, control section 100 reduces the number of discharge processes to be less than the number of discharge processes in the above-mentioned cleaning process. Control section 100 changes the number of discharge processes depending on the amount of foam supplied to toilet bowl 22, i.e., the amount of surfactant.

[0081] (Second termination process) The second termination process will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of the second termination process of this embodiment. The second termination process is executed when the control unit 100 identifies entry into the room in S38 of the cleaning process in Fig. 12. In the second termination process, the discharge process from S150 to S160 is executed a third number of times, and then the discharge process from S170 to S180 is executed a fourth number of times.

[0082] The processes from S150 to S162 are the same as S50 to S62 of the first termination process in FIG. 13, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In S164, the control unit 100 determines whether the discharge process has been completed a third time. The control unit 100 stores in advance the first number of times to execute the discharge process. The third number of times is, for example, two times. In a modified example, the third number of times may be three or more times. The number of times the discharge process has been executed is counted as one each time the processes from S150 to S160 are completed. If the third number of times has not been completed (NO in S164), the control unit 100 returns to the process of S150 and executes the discharge process from S50 to S60 until the first number of times is completed.

[0083] In S166, the control unit 100 determines whether the user is using the toilet apparatus 10. Specifically, if the seat sensor 90 detects that the user is sitting (YES in S166), the control unit 100 determines that the user is using the toilet apparatus 10. If the seat sensor 90 does not detect that the user is sitting (NO in S166), the control unit 100 determines that the user is not using the toilet apparatus 10. While the user is using the toilet apparatus 10 (YES in S14), the control unit 100 does not execute the processes from S170 onwards. In other words, the discharge process by jet water spouting is not performed. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid causing discomfort to the user by sudden jet water spouting when the toilet apparatus 10 is in use.

[0084] In a modified example, in S166, the control unit 100 may determine whether the user is using the toilet apparatus 10 based on whether the toilet seat 14 is open or closed. The control unit 100 may be able to detect whether the toilet seat is open or closed based on the rotor rotation position of the motor that drives the toilet seat 14. The control unit 100 may determine that the user is using the toilet apparatus 10 when it detects that the toilet seat is open. In this case, the control unit 100 may determine that the user is using the toilet apparatus 10 when it detects that the toilet seat 14 is open. In another modified example, the control unit 100 may determine whether the user is using the toilet apparatus 10 using a distance sensor. In another modified example, the control unit 100 may determine whether the user is using the toilet apparatus 10 based on a signal obtained when the user operates either a button or a lever.

[0085] The processes from S170 to S180 are the same as those from S170 to S180 in the first termination process of FIG. 13, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In the process of S181, the control unit 100 determines whether the discharge process has been completed a fourth time after the discharge process has been completed a third time. The control unit 100 stores in advance the fourth number of times to execute the discharge process. The fourth number of times is, for example, five times. The first process of the fourth number of times may be jet water spouting to discharge waste. In this case, wash water may be spouted from the discharge nozzles 50, 52 and the discharge member 60 before the discharge opening 54 (i.e., S170 in FIG. 13). In a modified example, the fourth number of times may be five or more. In a modified example, the fourth number of times may be less than three. The number of times the discharge process has been executed is counted as one each time the processes from S170 to S180 are completed. If the fourth number of times has not been completed (NO in S181), the process proceeds to S182. 14, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. If the fourth number of times has not been completed in S181 (NO in S181) and the discharge condition is met in S182 (NO in S180), control unit 100 returns to the process of S170 and executes the processes of S170 to S180. If the fourth number of times has been completed (YES in S181), control unit 100 stops pump 42 in S186 and ends the second termination process.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the surfactant supplied in S16 and S34 is present in the toilet bowl 22, flush water is discharged from the discharge opening 54 into the toilet bowl 22, and a drainage process is performed intermittently multiple times to discharge the surfactant in the toilet bowl 22 together with the flush water into the drain pipe 2 in large quantities. In other words, there is an interval between two drainage processes in which large amounts of flush water flow. With this configuration, the second drainage process is performed after the foam pushed up to the upper side of the drain pipe 2 by the large amount of flush water discharged in the first drainage process has moved downward. Therefore, in the second drainage process, the foam that has moved downward can be effectively discharged from the drain pipe 2. This makes it possible to prevent foam from remaining in the drain pipe 2.

[0087] In particular, in this embodiment, in the interval between two drainage processes, at the point where the flush water flowing through the drain pipe 2 reaches the maximum water level WL1, the flush water in the drain pipe 2 drops to a level WL2 that is half of the maximum water level WL1. With this configuration, the second drainage process can be performed after the bubbles that had been pushed up above the maximum water level in the drain pipe have moved downward from the maximum water level. This allows the bubbles to be more effectively discharged during the second drainage process.

[0088] In a modified example, the surfactant may be present not only in the toilet bowl 22 but also in the drain pipe 2. Even in this case, the above-described multiple discharge processes can prevent bubbles from remaining in the drain pipe 2. In another modified example, the surfactant may not be present in the toilet bowl 22. For example, the surfactant may be present only in the drain pipe 2. In this case, the above-described multiple discharge processes can be performed, for example, by discharging water directly from the discharge opening 54 into the drain flow path 36 through another pipe (e.g., a hose). This can prevent bubbles from remaining in the drain pipe 2.

[0089] The discharge opening 54 is an example of a "water discharge portion." The flush water is an example of "water." The discharge conditions are an example of "predetermined conditions."

[0090] (Second embodiment) Differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 20. The toilet apparatus 10 of this embodiment differs in the flushing process executed by the control unit 100. When the power is turned off, i.e., when the power supply to the control unit 100 is stopped, the control unit 100 continues to store the foam discharged information recorded, for example, in S18 of Figure 8 in the flushing process of the first embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the flushing process of this embodiment. In S202, the control unit 100 determines whether the power is turned on. That is, the control unit 100 determines that power supply to the control unit 100 has started. If the control unit 100 determines that the power is turned on (YES in S202), the control unit 100 determines whether foam-discharged information is stored in S204. If foam-discharged information is stored in the control unit 100 (YES in S204), the control unit 100 executes a first termination process in S242. The first termination process in S242 is the same as the first termination process in S42 of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment, and therefore the description ends here. With this configuration, if the power supply to the control unit 100 is stopped due to, for example, a power outage, it is possible to determine whether surfactant has been dispensed into the toilet bowl 22 from the foam-discharge information executed before the power supply was stopped. This allows the discharge process to be executed reliably if surfactant has been dispensed into the toilet bowl 22. In a modified example, the process of S202 may not be executed. The control unit 100 may execute the processes of S204 to S242 when information indicating a cleaning instruction is acquired by a user operation. In another modified example, when the control unit 100 detects that the user is seated during the processes of S202 to S242, the control unit 100 may execute a second termination process that is the same as the second termination process of S44 in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment, instead of the first termination process of S242.

[0092] (Third embodiment) Differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a discharge section 140 in a toilet apparatus 10 of this embodiment. The toilet apparatus 10 of this embodiment has a different configuration of the discharge section 140. The discharge section 140 further includes a storage tank 174 in addition to the discharge section 40 of the first embodiment. A defoaming agent is stored in the storage tank 174. The storage tank 174 is connected to the discharge nozzle 52. A communication pipe 174a extending from the storage tank 174 communicates with the discharge nozzle 52. A supply valve may be disposed between the storage tank 174 and the communication pipe 174a. The storage tank 174 is located above the discharge nozzle 52. Therefore, when the supply valve is opened, the defoaming agent stored in the storage tank 174 passes through the communication pipe 174a and is discharged from the discharge nozzle 52. If a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl 22, the control unit 100 executes a foam suppression process to suppress foam generated by the surfactant. This configuration makes it possible to suppress foam generated in the toilet bowl 22 before the discharge process. The type of defoaming agent is not particularly limited. The defoaming agent may be a material with defoaming properties. The defoaming agent may be a liquid such as alcohol, oil, or electrolyzed water, or may be a powder.

[0093] In a modified example, the defoaming agent may be discharged from discharge nozzle 50. By discharging the defoaming agent from either discharge nozzle 50 or 52, the defoaming agent can be supplied from a wide side surface of toilet bowl 22. This allows the defoaming agent to be dispersed over a wide area on the surface of the water in toilet bowl 22. In another modified example, the defoaming agent may be discharged from both discharge nozzles 50 and 52. This allows the defoaming agent to be discharged over a wide area. In another modified example, the defoaming agent may be discharged from a source other than discharge nozzles 50 and 52. For example, the defoaming agent may be discharged from discharge opening 54 or from discharge member 60.

[0094] In another variation, wind may be supplied to the toilet bowl 22 instead of the defoaming agent. In this case, the toilet apparatus may be equipped with a blower that blows air into the toilet bowl. The air supplied from the blower can destroy bubbles that have formed in the toilet bowl 22. The supplied air may be warm air. The warm air may be supplied using the warm air drying function of the functional unit 16.

[0095] (Fourth embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet body 220 in a toilet apparatus 210 of this embodiment. The toilet apparatus 10 of this embodiment has a different configuration for the toilet body 220. The toilet body 220 has a drainage flow path 236 that is different from the drainage flow path 36 of the first embodiment, and a housing 282 that communicates with the drainage flow path 236. The housing 282 is formed as a liquid-tight space inside the toilet body 220. The drainage flow path 236 is defined by a tubular member 35. That is, the drainage flow path 236 extends upward from the drain outlet 34 to a curved position 236a. The toilet body 220 has a movable trap pipe 237 connected to the curved position 36a of the drainage flow path 236. The movable trap pipe 237 has an upstream end 237a connected to the drainage flow path 36 and a downstream end 237b extending opposite the upstream end 237a. The downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 is arranged inside the housing 282 so as to be movable between a condensation position and a discharge position. The condensation position is arranged above the upper end 36b of the drain outlet 34. That is, when the downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 is in the condensation position, flush water is collected in the toilet bowl 22 and the drain flow path 236. The discharge position is arranged at a position not exceeding the upper end 36b of the drain outlet 34. When the downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 is in the discharge position, flush water collected in the toilet bowl 22 and the drain flow path 236 is discharged toward a drain pipe (not shown). The downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 moves between the condensation position and the discharge position by driving the motor 280. The control unit 100 controls the motor 280 to operate the movable trap pipe 237. The control unit 100 executes the drain process by moving the downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 from the condensing position to the drain position. With this configuration, the drain process can be executed intermittently two or more times by moving the downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 from the condensing position to the drain position two or more times, without using the siphon action as in the toilet apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. The downstream end 237b of the movable trap pipe 237 may be moved gradually over time from the condensing position to the drain position.By moving the downstream end 237b relatively slowly, not only the cleaning water but also the foam can be effectively discharged from the movable trap pipe 237.

[0096] (Fifth embodiment) Differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows a time chart of the change in pump rotation speed over time in the first termination process of this embodiment. FIG. 23 shows a water discharge period P1 during which water is discharged into the toilet bowl 22 and a water supply period P2 during which water is supplied to the tank 18. During the water discharge period P1, water is discharged from the discharge opening 54 during periods when the pump rotation speed is relatively high, and water is discharged from the discharge nozzle 50 during periods when the pump rotation speed is relatively low. In this embodiment, similar to S58 in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, the control unit 100 stops supplying water to the tank 18 when a signal indicating full water is acquired from the water level sensor of the tank 18. In the toilet apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the timing of water supply to the tank 18 is different. As shown in FIG. 23, water is supplied to the tank 18 during periods when flush water is not being sent from the pump 42 to the discharge opening 54, discharge nozzle 50, and other water outlets. Hereinafter, the discharge opening 54 and discharge nozzle 50 will each be referred to as the "water outlet." That is, the water discharge period and the water supply period do not overlap. Specifically, the control unit 100 supplies water to the tank 18 when the pump 42 is not rotating. In this case, the valves of each outlet of the switching valve 46 may be open, i.e., the connecting pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48d are connected to each other. Alternatively, the valves of each outlet of the switching valve 46 may be closed, i.e., the connecting pipe 44 and each of the branch pipes 48a, 48d are blocked from each other. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may supply water to the tank 18 when the valves of each outlet of the switching valve 46 are closed. In this case, the pump 42 may or may not be rotating.

[0097] The control unit 100 monitors whether water needs to be supplied to the tank 18. Specifically, when a signal indicating that the tank 18 is not full (i.e., the water level is lower than a predetermined level) is acquired from the water level sensor, the control unit 100 determines that water needs to be supplied. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since it was determined that water needs to be supplied, the control unit 100 starts supplying water to the tank 18. The predetermined period is set in advance so that the water discharge period P1 and the water supply period P2 do not overlap. The predetermined period is stored in the control unit 100. In a modified example, if it is determined that flush water is not being sent from the pump 42 to each flow path after it has been determined that water needs to be supplied, the control unit 100 supplies water to the tank 18. In a modified example, the control unit 100 may detect the water level in the tank 18 using two or more water level sensors, or may detect it using a distance sensor.

[0098] Even if it is determined that water supply is necessary, the control unit 100 prohibits water supply to the tank 18 while flush water is being delivered from the pump 42 to each outlet, i.e., does not start water supply. Specifically, the control unit 100 prohibits water supply to the tank 18 while water is being discharged from each outlet. For example, if the pump 42 is rotating and the valves of each outlet are open, the control unit 100 prohibits water supply to the tank 18. More specifically, the control unit 100 may prohibit water supply to the tank 18 when a signal indicating that water is being discharged from each outlet is supplied from the control unit 100. The signal indicating that water is being discharged from each outlet may include, for example, a signal supplied to the pump 42 to rotate the pump 42 and a signal supplied to the switching valve 46 to indicate that the valves of each outlet should be kept open. In another variation, sensors that detect the flow of flush water may be arranged in the branch pipes 48a, 48d that communicate with each outlet. In this case, when a signal indicating that flush water is flowing in each branch pipe 48a, 48d from each sensor is acquired, the control unit 100 may prohibit water supply to the tank 18. The sensor that detects the flow of flush water may be, for example, a pressure sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a flow rate sensor, etc.

[0099] The control unit 100 prohibits water from being discharged from each water outlet while water is being supplied to the tank 18. Specifically, the control unit 100 prohibits water from being discharged from each water outlet when at least one of the water supply on-off valve 19 is open and the valves downstream of the tank 18 (e.g., the multiple valves of the switching valve 46) are closed. More specifically, the control unit 100 prohibits water from being discharged from each water outlet when a signal indicating that water is to be supplied to the tank 18 is supplied from the control unit 100. The signal indicating that water is to be supplied to the tank 18 may include, for example, at least one of a signal indicating that the water supply on-off valve should be kept open and a signal indicating that the valves downstream of the tank 18 should be closed.

[0100] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0101] A first aspect is a control device for controlling a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus includes a toilet body having a toilet bowl, and the control device may include a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in at least one of the toilet bowl and a drain pipe communicating with the toilet bowl, intermittently executes a discharge process multiple times to discharge water into the drain pipe by discharging the water.

[0102] A second aspect is a control device for controlling a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl, and a water discharge unit that discharges water into the toilet bowl. The control device may also include a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, intermittently executes a discharge process multiple times to discharge the surfactant into a drain pipe communicating with the drainage flow path by discharging the water from the water discharge unit.

[0103] A third aspect is a control device for controlling a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl, and a discharge unit that discharges water into the toilet bowl. The control device may include a processing unit that, if a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, intermittently executes a discharge process multiple times to discharge the surfactant into a drain pipe communicating with the drainage flow path by discharging the water from the discharge unit, the processing unit may execute the discharge process multiple times, including a first discharge process and a second discharge process, and the control device may reduce the amount of water discharged from the discharge unit between the first discharge process and the second discharge process compared to the amount of water discharged in the first discharge process and the second discharge process.

[0104] A fourth aspect may be such that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the discharge process is performed multiple times, including a first discharge process and a second discharge process, and the processing unit performs the second discharge process after the first discharge process and after a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0105] A fifth aspect is that in the above fourth aspect, the specified condition may include that the water in the drain pipe drops to a level equal to or less than half of the maximum water level at the point where the water flowing through the drain pipe reaches the maximum water level during the first discharge process.

[0106] A sixth aspect is the fourth aspect, wherein the predetermined condition may include sealing the drainage channel that has been opened by the first discharge process with water.

[0107] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the processing section may generate a siphon effect in the drainage channel during the discharge process.

[0108] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the toilet body has a trap pipe having an upstream end connected to the drainage flow path and a downstream end extending opposite the upstream end, the downstream end of the trap pipe is arranged to be movable between a condensation position located above the upper end of the drain outlet and a discharge position located at a position not exceeding the upper end of the drain outlet, and the processing unit may perform the discharge process by moving the downstream end from the condensation position to the discharge position.

[0109] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the toilet device further includes a tank for storing a predetermined amount of water, and the control device further includes a water supply unit for supplying water to the tank when the water stored in the tank by the discharge process is discharged from the discharge unit, and the water supply unit may stop supplying water when the predetermined amount of water is stored in the tank.

[0110] In a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the control device may further include an identification unit that identifies that the surfactant will be supplied to the toilet bowl, and the processing unit may execute the discharge process when it is identified that the surfactant will be supplied to the toilet bowl.

[0111] In an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the control device may further include a storage unit that stores specified supply information indicating that the surfactant has been supplied to the toilet bowl, and the processing unit may execute the discharge process when the supply information is stored in the storage unit.

[0112] In a twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the storage unit may continuously store the supplied information when power supply to the control device is stopped, and the processing unit may execute the discharge process when power supply to the control device is started and the supplied information is stored in the storage unit.

[0113] In a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the processing unit may prohibit the discharge process if it is determined that a user is using the toilet device while the discharge process is being performed intermittently multiple times.

[0114] In a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the processing unit may change the number of times the discharge process is performed intermittently depending on the amount of surfactant present in the toilet bowl.

[0115] In a fifteenth aspect, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the processing unit may perform a foam suppression process to suppress foam generated by the surfactant when the surfactant is present in the toilet bowl.

[0116] In a sixteenth aspect, in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the processing unit may perform a dilution process to reduce the concentration of the surfactant if the surfactant is present in the toilet bowl.

[0117] In a seventeenth aspect, in any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, when foam generated from the surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, the processing unit may perform a supply process to supply the surfactant containing an amount of foam that is less than the amount of foam present in the toilet bowl to the toilet bowl.

[0118] An eighteenth aspect is a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl, a discharge unit that discharges water into the toilet bowl, and the control device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects.

[0119] 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.

[0120] (1) In this embodiment, water is not discharged from the discharge opening 54 during the period between two successive discharge processes among the multiple discharge processes. In a modified example, water may be discharged from the discharge opening 54 during the period between the two discharge processes. In this case, the amount of water discharged from the discharge opening 54 during the period between the two discharge processes may be less than the amount of water discharged from the discharge opening 54 during the two discharge processes. In other words, the discharge opening 54 may continuously discharge water over multiple discharge processes. In other words, cleaning water containing a surfactant may be continuously discharged into the drain pipe 2 by water discharge from the discharge opening 54 over multiple discharge processes.

[0121] (2) In this embodiment, the drain pipe 2 is an example of a "drain pipe," but the drain pipe may include the drain pipe 2 and the tubular member 38. The drain pipe may be located below the curved position 36a of the drain flow path.

[0122] (3) In this embodiment, the discharge process was performed by discharging water from the discharge opening 54 in all of the multiple discharge processes, but the discharge process may also include discharging water from other sources than the discharge opening 54. For example, in the discharge process, a larger amount of flush water than the amount of flush water discharged in the large flush process (e.g., 6 L) may be discharged from at least one of the discharge nozzles 50, 52, the discharge member 60, and the discharge opening 54. The amount of water discharged in the flush process may be larger than the capacity of the tank 18 (e.g., 8 L). In this case, flush water containing a surfactant may be continuously discharged into the drain pipe 2 by discharging water from at least one of the discharge nozzles 50, 52, the discharge member 60, and the discharge opening 54 over multiple drainage processes.

[0123] (4) In the third embodiment, the movable trap pipe 237 does not have to move from the condensation position to the discharge position two or more times during the drainage process. For example, the drainage process may be performed by discharging a large amount of flush water (for example, the amount of flush water discharged in the large flush process) after moving the movable trap pipe 237 once.

[0124] (5) The toilet device does not have to have a pump. For example, the toilet device may be a siphon type or a wash-down type. In a modified example, the toilet device does not have to have a discharge opening for jetting water.

[0125] (6) The toilet apparatus does not have to be equipped with the switching valve 46. In this case, an on-off valve may be disposed between the branch pipe 38d for jet water spouting and the communication pipe 44. The on-off valve may switch between communication between the branch pipe 38d and the communication pipe 44 and blocking communication. The on-off valve may switch between spouting water from the discharge opening 54 and stopping water spouting. In other words, the on-off valve may adjust the amount of water spouted from the discharge opening 54.

[0126] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 2: drain pipe, 4: horizontal portion, 10, 210: toilet device, 18: tank, 20, 220: toilet body, 22: toilet bowl, 24: water storage section, 36: drainage flow path, 40, 140: discharge section, 42: pump, 44: connecting pipe, 46, 62: switching valve, 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d: branch pipe, 50, 52: discharge nozzle, 54: discharge opening, 60: discharge member, 61: foam discharge section, 64: ejector, 90: seating sensor, 92: seating sensor, 100: control section, 237: movable trap pipe, 237a: upstream end, 237b: downstream end

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a toilet device, The toilet device comprises: A toilet body having a toilet bowl, The control device is equipped with a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in at least one of the toilet bowl and the drain pipe connected to the toilet bowl, performs a discharge process of discharging water into the drain pipe intermittently multiple times.

2. A control device for controlling a toilet device, The toilet device comprises: a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl; a water discharge unit that discharges water into the toilet bowl, The control device is equipped with a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, intermittently performs a discharge process multiple times by ejecting water from the water outlet, thereby discharging the surfactant into a drain pipe connected to the drain flow path.

3. A control device for controlling a toilet device, The toilet device comprises: a toilet body having a toilet bowl and a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl; a discharge portion that discharges water into the toilet bowl, the control device includes a processing unit that, when a surfactant is present in the toilet bowl, intermittently executes a discharge process multiple times to discharge the surfactant into a drain pipe communicating with the drain flow path by discharging the water from the discharge unit; the processing unit executes the discharge process a plurality of times, including a first discharge process and a second discharge process; The control device reduces the amount of water discharged from the discharge portion between the first discharge process and the second discharge process compared to the first discharge process and the second discharge process.

4. The processing unit performing the discharge process a plurality of times, including the first discharge process and the second discharge process; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second discharge process is executed after a predetermined condition is satisfied after the first discharge process.

5. The control device described in claim 4, wherein the specified condition includes the water in the drain pipe dropping to a level equal to or less than half of the maximum water level at the point where the water flowing through the drain pipe reaches the maximum water level during the first discharge process.

6. The control device according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined condition includes sealing the drainage channel that has been opened by the first discharge process with water.

7. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit generates a siphon effect in the drainage flow path during the discharge process.

8. The toilet body has a trap pipe having an upstream end connected to the drainage flow path and a downstream end extending opposite the upstream end, the downstream end of the trap pipe is arranged to be movable between a condensation position arranged above an upper end of the drain outlet and a discharge position arranged at a position not exceeding the upper end of the drain outlet, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit performs the discharge process by moving the downstream end from the condensing position to the discharge position.

9. The toilet apparatus further includes a tank for storing a predetermined amount of water, the control device further includes a water supply unit that supplies water to the tank when the water stored in the tank is discharged from the discharge unit by the discharge process; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the water supply unit stops supplying water when the predetermined amount of water is stored in the tank.

10. The control device further includes a specifying unit that specifies that the surfactant is to be supplied to the toilet bowl, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit executes the discharge process when it is determined that the surfactant is to be supplied to the toilet bowl.

11. The control device further includes a storage unit that stores specified supply completion information indicating that the surfactant is supplied to the toilet bowl, The control device according to claim 10 , wherein the processing unit executes the ejection process when the supplied information is stored in the storage unit.

12. the storage unit continuously stores the supplied information when power supply to the control device is stopped; The control device according to claim 11 , wherein the processing unit executes the ejection process when power supply to the control device is started and the supply completion information is stored in the storage unit.

13. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing unit prohibits the discharge process if it is determined that a user is using the toilet device while the discharge process is being performed intermittently multiple times.

14. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit changes the number of times the discharge process is intermittently performed depending on the amount of surfactant present in the toilet bowl.

15. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit executes a foam suppression process to suppress foam generated by the surfactant when the surfactant is present in the toilet bowl.

16. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit executes a dilution process to reduce a concentration of the surfactant when the surfactant is present in the toilet bowl.

17. A control device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing unit executes a supply process to supply the surfactant containing an amount of foam that is less than the amount of foam present in the toilet bowl when foam generated from the surfactant is present in the toilet bowl.

18. A toilet bowl and a toilet body having a drainage flow path communicating with the toilet bowl; a discharge portion that discharges water into the toilet bowl; A toilet apparatus comprising the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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