Flush toilet apparatus

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a flush toilet apparatus capable of accurately measuring a urine volume even when a pressure fluctuation occurs in a drain pipe and pooled water is lower than a specified water level.SOLUTION: The present invention is a flush toilet 1 for measuring user urine volume, comprising a bowl 6 for receiving user urine, a discharge trap pipe 8 disposed on the bottom portion of the bowl 6, a urine-volume measuring device 40 for measuring user urine volume from pooled water W flowing over the top portion 8e of the discharge trap pipe 8, a pooled-water level variable device 7 for varying the water level of pooled water W, and a controller 50 for controlling the urine-volume measuring device 40 and the pooled-water level variable device 7 based on a user-urine-volume-measurement start signal. When a control part 50 receives a start signal of urine-volume measurement, the control part 50 operates a pooled-water-level variable device 7 to adjust the pooled water W to a specified water level L1, and then operates a urine-volume measuring device 40 to measure a urine volume.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet apparatus, and more particularly to a flush toilet apparatus that measures the amount of urine a user produces. [Background technology]

[0002] Flush toilet devices that measure a user's urine volume are known, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. In such flush toilet devices, when a user urinates while the water in the bowl has accumulated up to a specified water level, the accumulated water flows over the top of the drain trap pipe, and the user's urine volume is measured by detecting the accumulated water flowing over the top of this drain trap pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-278107 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-097239 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the flush toilet systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the accumulated water in the bowl may be lower than the specified water level when measuring urine volume. Generally, in flush toilet systems, the downstream end of the drain trap pipe is connected to the drain pipe via a drain socket. When a pressure fluctuation of ±400 Pa (40 mmAq) occurs in the drain pipe, as specified in the SHASE-S206 Water Supply and Drainage Sanitary Equipment Standards and Commentary, the accumulated water is drawn toward the drain pipe, and according to experiments conducted by the inventors, the accumulated water level drops by up to approximately 2.5 cm below the specified water level. Thus, when urine volume is measured when the accumulated water is lower than the specified water level, the accumulated water may not flow over the top of the drain trap pipe, resulting in a problem of reduced accuracy in measuring urine volume.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a flush toilet device that can accurately measure urine volume even when pressure fluctuations occur in the drainage pipe and the accumulated water level is lower than the specified water level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a flush toilet device that measures the amount of urine a user receives, and includes a bowl portion that receives the user's urine, an ascending pipe provided at the bottom of the bowl portion and extending upward, and a top portion that is located at the downstream end of the ascending pipe and determines the specified level of the accumulated water, a urine volume measuring device that measures the amount of urine a user receives from the accumulated water that flows over the top of the drain trap pipe, a stored water level variable device that varies the level of the accumulated water, and a control unit that controls the urine volume measuring device and the stored water level variable device based on a start signal for measuring the user's urine volume, and is characterized in that when the control unit receives the start signal for measuring the urine volume, it activates the stored water level variable device to bring the accumulated water to the specified level, and then activates the urine volume measuring device to measure the urine volume.

[0007] In the present invention configured as described above, when the control unit receives a urine volume measurement start signal, it activates the stored water level adjusting device to raise the stored water to a specified level, and then activates the urine volume measuring device to measure the urine volume, so that the stored water can be at the specified level when measuring the urine volume. This allows the urine volume to be measured accurately even if pressure fluctuations occur in the drainage pipe and the stored water falls below the specified level.

[0008] In the present invention, the pooled water level variable device preferably includes a make-up water device that supplies make-up water to the pooled water, and when the control unit receives a signal to start urine volume measurement, it activates the make-up water device to supply make-up water to the pooled water, and then activates the urine volume measurement device to measure the urine volume. In the present invention configured in this manner, the pooled water level variable device is equipped with a make-up water device that supplies make-up water to the pooled water, and when the control unit receives a signal to start urine volume measurement, it activates the make-up water device to supply make-up water to the pooled water, and then activates the urine volume measurement device to measure the urine volume, so that the pooled water can be at a specified level when measuring the urine volume.

[0009] In the present invention, the control unit preferably operates the makeup water device to supply makeup water to the accumulated water until the accumulated water exceeds the top of the drain trap pipe line. In the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit operates the makeup water device to supply makeup water to the accumulated water until the accumulated water exceeds the top of the drain trap pipe, so that the accumulated water can be brought to the specified water level when measuring the urine volume regardless of the amount by which the accumulated water has dropped below the specified water level.

[0010] In the present invention, the amount of makeup water supplied by the makeup water device is preferably set in advance as a predetermined amount. In the present invention configured in this manner, the amount of makeup water supplied by the makeup water device is set in advance as a predetermined amount, so that the accumulated water can be brought to the specified water level when measuring the urine volume regardless of the amount (degree) to which the accumulated water is lower than the specified water level.

[0011] In addition, in the present invention, the urine volume measuring device is preferably configured to measure the urine volume by measuring the flow velocity or falling position of the accumulated water flowing over the top of the drain trap pipe using image analysis. In the present invention configured in this manner, the urine volume measuring device is configured to measure the urine volume by measuring the flow velocity or falling position of the accumulated water flowing over the top of the drain trap pipe using image analysis, so that the urine volume can be easily measured.

[0012] In the present invention, the urine volume measuring device preferably includes a drain socket that connects the downstream end of the drain trap pipe to the drain pipe, an opening / closing device that is provided in the drain socket and opens and closes the flow path of the drain socket, and a water level detection sensor that detects the water level of the stored water stored in the drain socket when the opening / closing device closes the flow path of the drain socket, and is configured to measure the urine volume by measuring the water level of the stored water stored in the drain socket with the water level detection sensor. In the present invention configured in this manner, there is provided a drain socket that connects the downstream end of the drain trap pipe to the drain pipe, an opening / closing device that is provided in the drain socket and opens and closes the flow path of the drain socket, and a water level detection sensor that detects the water level of the stored water stored in the drain socket when the opening / closing device closes the flow path of the drain socket.The urine volume measuring device is configured to measure the urine volume by measuring the water level of the stored water stored in the drain socket using the water level detection sensor, so that the urine volume can be easily measured.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable to have a toilet seat device that includes a cleaning nozzle that is movable back and forth from the main body and sprays cleaning water, and a toilet seat that is rotatably attached to the main body and placed on the top surface of the toilet body, and the makeup water from the makeup water device is supplied from the cleaning nozzle to the accumulated water in the bowl portion. In the present invention configured in this manner, a toilet seat device is provided which includes a main body, a flushing nozzle which is movable back and forth from the main body and sprays flushing water, and a toilet seat which is rotatably attached to the main body and placed on the top surface of the toilet body.Since the make-up water from the make-up water device is supplied from the flushing nozzle to the accumulated water in the bowl, the make-up water device can be installed on an existing toilet by simply replacing the toilet seat device without making any modifications to the toilet body.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable to have a surfactant supplying device that supplies a surfactant to the pooled water. The present invention, configured as described above, has a surfactant supply device that supplies surfactant to the pooled water, so that the surfactant is mixed into the pooled water, allowing the pooled water to smoothly flow over the top of the drain trap pipe, thereby enabling more accurate measurement of urine volume. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the flush toilet device of the present invention, urine volume can be measured with high accuracy even when pressure fluctuations occur in the drainage pipe and the accumulated water level is lower than the specified water level. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the state in which the opening and closing device of a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention closes the flow path of the drain socket. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the state in which the opening and closing device of a flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention opens the flow path of the drain socket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A flush toilet apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the overall structure of a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained using Figs. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the front will be referred to as "front", the rear as "rear", the left as "left", and the right as "right" when viewed from the perspective of a user seated on the toilet seat.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet device 1 comprises a ceramic toilet body 2, a toilet seat device 4 placed on the top surface of the toilet body 2, a water storage tank 5 that stores flush water to be supplied to the toilet body 2, and a water level variable device 7 that varies the level of the stored water W.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the toilet body 2 is formed with a bowl portion 6 for receiving waste, a drain trap pipe 8 provided at the bottom of the bowl portion 6 for discharging waste by siphon action, a rim spout 10 for rim water spouting, and a rim water conduit 12 for supplying flush water to the rim spout 10. As described above, in this embodiment, the toilet body 2 is a siphon type toilet that discharges waste by generating siphon action through rim water spouting, but it may also be a wash-down type toilet that washes away waste by the flowing water caused by the difference in water height within the bowl portion. Note that a siphon type toilet is preferable when installed in a facility that requires measures against infectious diseases.

[0020] The bowl portion 6 comprises a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface 14, a rim portion 16 formed along the upper edge of the bowl portion 6, and a basin portion 18 formed below the waste receiving surface 14 and in which pooled water W is formed.

[0021] The drain trap pipe 8 includes an inlet portion 8a connected to the pot portion 18, an introduction pipe 8b extending downward from the inlet portion 8a, an ascending pipe 8c extending upward from the introduction pipe 8b, a descending pipe 8d extending downward from the ascending pipe 8c, and a top portion 8e located between the descending pipe 8d and the ascending pipe 8c and defining a specified water level L1 of the accumulated water W. The downstream end of the descending pipe 8d of the drain trap pipe 8 is connected to a drain piping (not shown) via a drain socket 20.

[0022] Rim spout 10 is located on the rear right side in a plan view of bowl portion 6. Rim spout 10 spouts flush water rearward, and this flush water swirls along the inner circumferential surface of rim portion 16 before flowing down to waste receiving surface 14. In this embodiment, rim spout 10 is located on the rear right side in a plan view of bowl portion 6, but rim spout 10 may also be located on the front left side in a plan view of bowl portion 6 and spout water forward.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, flush water from a water supply source 22, such as a water line, is supplied to the toilet seat device 4 and the water storage tank 5 via a stop valve 24 and a branch fitting 26. The water storage tank 5 is provided with a water supply valve 28 for supplying flush water into the water storage tank 5, and a drain valve 30 for discharging flush water out of the water storage tank 5. The drain valve 30 is actuated when the user starts a toilet flush, and supplies flush water from the water storage tank 5 to the toilet body 2. The flush water supplied from the water storage tank 5 to the toilet body 2 is supplied to the rim water conduit 12 and is discharged from the rim spout 10.

[0024] 2 and 3, the toilet seat device 4 includes a main body 32, a flushing nozzle 34 provided so as to be movable forward and backward from the main body 32, a toilet seat (not shown) rotatably attached to the main body 32, a toilet lid 36 rotatably attached to the main body so as to cover the toilet seat, a human body detection sensor 37 for detecting whether or not a user is present, and a surfactant supply device 38 for supplying a surfactant to the accumulated water W. In this embodiment, the surfactant supply device 38 is provided in the toilet seat device 4, but it may be provided separately from the toilet seat device 4.

[0025] The cleaning nozzle 34 is attached to the main body 32 so as to be movable forward and backward toward the inside of the bowl 6. The cleaning nozzle 34 sprays cleaning water from a nozzle 34a provided at the tip, so that the private parts of the user of the toilet seat device 4 are cleaned.

[0026] The toilet seat is rotatably attached to the main body 32 and placed on the top surface of the toilet body 2 so as to surround the bowl 6. The toilet lid 36 is rotatably attached to the rear of the main body 32. When the toilet lid 36 is closed, the main body 32 and the toilet seat are covered by the toilet lid 36.

[0027] The human body detection sensor 37 is an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from the user. The human body detection sensor 37 is provided on the main body 32 so as to face forward. When the human body detection sensor 37 receives infrared rays reflected from the user, it determines that the user is in the toilet room.

[0028] The surfactant supplying device 38 is for supplying a surfactant to the pooled water W. The surfactant supplying device 38 is configured to discharge the surfactant toward the pooled water W from a water discharge portion 38a provided in the main body portion 32. By mixing the surfactant into the pooled water W, the surface tension is reduced, allowing the pooled water W to smoothly pass over the top portion 8e of the drain trap pipe 8.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the urine volume measuring device 40 is used to measure the volume of urine excreted by a user (subject). The urine volume measuring device 40 is configured to measure the volume of urine from accumulated water W that flows over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8 when the user urinates. Here, the accumulated water W to be measured includes not only water but also water mixed with urine. The urine volume also includes the total urine volume during urination and the urine flow rate, which is the volume of urine per unit time.

[0030] The urine volume measuring device 40 includes a first sensor 44 provided near the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8, a second sensor 46 provided in the drain socket 20 along the flow direction, and a third sensor 48 provided in the drain socket 20 perpendicular to the flow direction. Each of the sensors 44, 46, 48 measures the flow velocity of accumulated water W that flows over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. The flow velocity measured by each of the sensors 44, 46, 48 serves as basic data for calculating the urine volume.

[0031] The first sensor 44 is a microwave sensor that measures the flow velocity of flush water. The first sensor 44 is provided near the bottom of the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8, and is configured to measure the flow velocity of the accumulated water W that flows over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8.

[0032] The second sensor 46 is a microwave sensor that measures the flow rate of flush water. The second sensor 46 is configured to measure the flow rate of the accumulated water W flowing inside the drain socket 20.

[0033] The third sensor 48 is an image sensor that measures the fall position of the flush water. The third sensor 48 uses a camera to capture an image of the accumulated water W that has fallen into the drain socket 20 and performs image analysis to measure the fall position where the accumulated water W falls after exceeding the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. This fall position serves as basic data for calculating the flow velocity. The flow velocity is calculated from the measured fall position based on a predetermined correlation graph between the fall position and the flow velocity.

[0034] In this embodiment, the sensors 44, 46, and 48 are described as being microwave sensors or image sensors, but this is not limited to this, and a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the flowing accumulated water W or a weight sensor that measures the weight of the accumulated accumulated water W may also be used.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pooled water level variable device 7 is equipped with a make-up water device 42. The make-up water device 42 supplies make-up water to the pooled water W to bring the pooled water W to a specified water level L1. The make-up water device 42 supplies a predetermined amount of flush water from the flush nozzle 34 of the toilet seat device 4 to the bowl portion 6 before starting urine volume measurement. This predetermined amount of flush water is set to a sufficient amount (e.g., approximately 300 cc) so that the pooled water W will exceed the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8 when make-up water is supplied. The supply of make-up water to the pooled water W by the make-up water device 42 is managed by a timer, and flush water is supplied from the flush nozzle 34 for several seconds (e.g., approximately 5 seconds). In this embodiment, make-up water is supplied to the pooled water W from the flush nozzle 34 of the toilet seat device 4, but a water discharge device separate from the flush nozzle 34 may be provided to supply make-up water from this water discharge device. Further, makeup water may be supplied to the stored water W from an overflow pipe (not shown) provided in the water storage tank 5, or makeup water may be supplied to the stored water W from the rim spout 10.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to the flush start switch 52, the measurement start switch 54, the toilet seat device 4, the urine volume measuring device 40, the make-up water device 42, and the drain valve 30 in the water storage tank 5, and is capable of transmitting and receiving various signals. When the control unit 50 receives a flush start signal from the flush start switch 52, it drives the drain valve 30 in the water storage tank 5 to flush the toilet. When the control unit 50 receives a measurement start signal from the measurement start switch 54, it activates the make-up water device 42 to supply make-up water to the stored water W, and then activates the urine volume measuring device 40 to measure the urine volume. Furthermore, the control unit 50 calculates the urine volume based on the flow velocity of the stored water W measured by the sensors 44, 46, and 48. The control unit 50 also transmits the urine volume data to the user's portable information terminal, the administrator's personal computer, or the like.

[0037] Next, the operation of the flush toilet device 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Figure 4 is a time chart showing the operation of a flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which t indicates each time.

[0038] At t1, when a user enters the toilet room, the presence of the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 37. In response, the control unit 50 opens the toilet lid 36. The user sits on the toilet seat and operates the measurement start switch 54 to measure the urine volume.

[0039] At t2, when the control unit 50 receives a urine volume measurement start signal from the measurement start switch 54, it activates the make-up water device 42 to supply make-up water to the accumulated water W before performing the urine volume measurement. At t2, the accumulated water W has dropped below the specified water level L1 due to the influence of pressure fluctuations in the drainage pipe, and has reached the initial water level L0 (see FIG. 2). This initial water level L0 fluctuates depending on the magnitude of the pressure fluctuations in the drainage pipe. Note that in this embodiment, the supply of make-up water is initiated by the urine volume measurement start signal from the measurement start switch 54, but the supply of make-up water may also be initiated automatically when a start signal is received from the human body detection sensor 37, for example.

[0040] Between t2 and t3, the control unit 50 operates the makeup water device 42 to supply makeup water from the wash nozzle 34 to the pooled water W in the bowl 6. The control unit 50 starts counting the timer after the measurement start switch 54 is operated, and causes makeup water to be discharged from the wash nozzle 34 for several seconds (e.g., approximately 5 seconds). The amount of makeup water is preset to a predetermined amount (e.g., approximately 300 cc). As makeup water is supplied to the pooled water W, the pooled water level gradually rises from the initial water level L0 to reach the specified water level L1. The supply of makeup water continues even after the pooled water level reaches the specified water level L1, and the pooled water W flows over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. In this way, the control unit 50 operates the makeup water device 42 until the pooled water W exceeds the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8.

[0041] Between t2 and t3, the control unit 50 operates the surfactant supply device 38 to supply the surfactant from the water discharge unit 38a to the pooled water W. This causes the surfactant to be mixed into the pooled water W, allowing the pooled water W to smoothly flow over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8.

[0042] At t3, the control unit 50 starts measuring the amount of urine by operating the urine volume measuring device 40. At t3, the pooled water W reaches a specified water level L1 (see FIG. 2).

[0043] Between t4 and t5, the user urinates into the bowl portion 6 to measure the urine volume. As urine is urinates, the accumulated water level gradually rises, and accumulated water W flows over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe line 8. The accumulated water W that exceeds the top 8e of the drain trap pipe line 8 falls through the descending pipe line 8d of the drain trap pipe line 8 and the drain socket 20. The amount of accumulated water W that exceeds the top 8e of the drain trap pipe line 8 is approximately equal to the amount of urine excreted by the user. At t5, the user's excretion is complete.

[0044] Between t3 and t6, the control unit 50 continues to operate the urine volume measuring device 40 to measure the urine volume. Specifically, the first sensor 44, the second sensor 46, and the third sensor 48 measure the flow rate of the accumulated water W flowing over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. The first sensor 44 is provided near the bottom of the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8 and measures the flow rate of the accumulated water W flowing through the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. The second sensor 46 is provided in the drain socket 20 and measures the flow rate of the accumulated water W flowing through the drain socket 20. The third sensor 48 is provided in the drain socket 20 and measures the fall position of the accumulated water W that has fallen into the drain socket 20. The control unit 50 calculates the flow rate based on the fall position measured by the third sensor 48 using a correlation graph between a predetermined fall position and flow rate. The control unit 50 calculates the urine volume using a predetermined equation relating the flow rate and urine volume based on the flow rate of the accumulated water W measured by each of the sensors 44, 46, and 48. The control unit 50 transmits the urine volume data to the user's portable information terminal or the administrator's personal computer. At time t6, the urine volume measurement is completed.

[0045] At t6, the user operates the flush start switch 52 to flush the toilet. In this embodiment, the completion of the user's excretion and urine volume measurement is detected by operating the flush start switch 52, but a separate measurement completion switch may be provided so that the completion of the user's excretion and urine volume measurement is detected by operating the measurement completion switch.

[0046] Between t7 and t8, when the control unit 50 receives a flush start signal from the flush start switch 52, it drives the drain valve 30 in the water storage tank 5, causing flush water to be discharged from the rim spout 10. The flush water discharged from the rim spout 10 flows down while swirling around the waste receiving surface 14, and flows into the drain trap pipe 8 from the inlet 8a of the drain trap pipe 8. This causes a siphon action in the drain trap pipe 8, discharging the waste. After the siphon action ends, the accumulated water level falls to the seal-breaking water level L2, and the accumulated water W is almost gone (see Figure 2). Flush water continues to be discharged from the rim spout 10 even after the siphon action ends, and the accumulated water W returns to the specified water level L1. At t8, the toilet flush is completed, and at t9 the user leaves the toilet room.

[0047] Next, the effects (operations) of the flush toilet apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0048] According to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, when the control unit 50 receives a signal to start measuring the user's urine volume, it activates the water makeup device 42 (pooled water level variable device 7) to supply makeup water to the pooled water W, bringing the pooled water W to a specified water level L1. The control unit 50 then activates the urine volume measuring device 40 to measure the urine volume, so that the pooled water W can be brought to the specified water level L1 when measuring the urine volume. This allows the urine volume to be measured accurately even if pressure fluctuations occur in the drainage piping and the pooled water W falls below the specified water level L1.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 50 operates the make-up water device 42 to supply make-up water to the accumulated water W until the accumulated water W exceeds the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8, so that the accumulated water W can be brought to the specified water level L1 when measuring the urine volume, regardless of the amount (degree) by which the accumulated water W is lower than the specified water level L1.

[0050] According to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of makeup water supplied by the makeup water device 42 is preset to a predetermined amount (for example, approximately 300 cc), so that the accumulated water W can be brought to the specified water level L1 when measuring the urine volume, regardless of the amount (degree) to which the accumulated water W is lower than the specified water level L1.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the urine volume measuring device 40 measures the flow rate or falling position of the accumulated water flowing over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8 using image analysis, making it easy to measure urine volume.

[0052] The flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment has a toilet seat device 4 that includes a main body 32, a flush nozzle 34 that is movable forward and backward from the main body 32 and sprays flushing water, and a toilet seat (not shown) that is rotatably attached to the main body 32 and placed on the top surface of the toilet body 2; and since makeup water from the water makeup device 42 is supplied from the flush nozzle 34 to the accumulated water W in the bowl, the water makeup device 42 can be installed on an existing toilet by simply replacing the toilet seat device 4 without making any modifications to the toilet body 2.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the second sensor 46 and third sensor 48 are provided in the drain socket 20, so the urine volume measuring device 40 can be installed on an existing toilet simply by replacing the drain socket 20 without making any modifications to the toilet body 2.

[0054] The flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment has a surfactant supply device 38 that supplies surfactant to the accumulated water W, so the surfactant is mixed into the accumulated water W, allowing the accumulated water W to smoothly pass over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. This allows the volume of urine to be measured with greater accuracy.

[0055] Next, a flush toilet apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. The basic configuration of the flush toilet apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be explained below. Figure 5A is an enlarged view showing the state in which the opening and closing device 122 of a flush toilet apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention closes the flow path of the drain socket, and Figure 5B is an enlarged view showing the state in which the opening and closing device 122 of a flush toilet apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention opens the flow path of the drain socket.

[0056] A flush toilet apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a drain socket 120 equipped with an opening / closing device 122 that opens and closes the flow path of the drain socket 120, a water level detection sensor 124 that detects the level of stored water S stored in the drain socket 120 when the opening / closing device 122 closes the flow path of the drain socket 120, and an air vent pipe 126 that connects the upstream and downstream sides of the opening / closing device 122.

[0057] The opening and closing device 122 includes a rotary shaft 122a provided on the rear side of the drain socket 120, a valve element 122b that rotates around the rotary shaft 122a, and a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the valve element 122b around the rotary shaft 122a. The opening and closing device 122 closes the flow path within the drain socket 120 during urine volume measurement (see FIG. 5A), and opens the flow path within the drain socket 120 during normal use (cleaning) (see FIG. 5B). The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the opening and closing device 122, and is configured to close the opening and closing device 122 at the start of urine volume measurement and open the opening and closing device 122 when the urine volume measurement is completed.

[0058] The water level detection sensor 124 is used to detect the water level of the stored water S stored in the drain socket 120. The water level detection sensor 124 is a pressure sensor that measures the pressure according to the amount of stored water S, and the water level of the stored water S is calculated based on the measured pressure, and the urine volume is measured. The water level detection sensor 124 is provided in the flow path on the front side of the drain socket 120. Note that in this embodiment, a pressure sensor is used as the water level detection sensor, but instead, a weight sensor that measures the weight of the stored water S or a water level sensor that directly measures the water level of the stored water S may be used.

[0059] The vent pipe 126 is used to release the pressure of air trapped in the drain trap pipe 8 when the opening / closing device 122 closes the flow path of the drain socket 120. The vent pipe 126 is a hollow, cylindrical pipe, and its upstream end is connected to the drain socket 120 upstream of the opening / closing device 122, and its downstream end is connected to the drain socket 120 downstream of the opening / closing device 122. As a result, even when the opening / closing device 122 closes the flow path of the drain socket 120, air trapped in the drain trap pipe 8 is discharged through the vent pipe 126 and the air pressure is released, allowing the accumulated water W to flow over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. In addition, the upstream and downstream ends of the vent pipe 126 are arranged in the flow path on the forward side of the drain socket 120. As a result, the flow of flush water flowing through the drain socket 120 beyond the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8 is not obstructed. In addition, a check valve 128 is provided in the ventilation pipe 126 to allow air to flow in only one direction, from upstream to downstream, thereby preventing pressure fluctuations in the drainage pipe from causing errors in the urine volume measurement results.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5A, at the start of urine volume measurement, the control unit 50 actuates the opening and closing device 122 to close the opening and closing device 122 and close the flow path in the drain socket 120. When the user subsequently urinates, the accumulated water W flows over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. At that time, because the upstream and downstream sides of the opening and closing device 122 are connected by the air vent pipe 126, the pressure of the air remaining in the drain trap pipe 8 is released, allowing the accumulated water W to smoothly flow over the top 8e of the drain trap pipe 8. As shown in FIG. 5B, at the completion of urine volume measurement, the control unit 50 actuates the opening and closing device 122 to open the opening and closing device 122 and open the flow path in the drain socket 120.

[0061] The flush toilet device 1 of this embodiment has a drain socket 120 that connects the downstream end of the drain trap pipe 8 to the drain piping, an opening / closing device 122 that is provided in the drain socket 120 and opens and closes the flow path of the drain socket 120, and a water level detection sensor 124 that detects the water level of the stored water S stored in the drain socket 120 when the opening / closing device 122 closes the flow path of the drain socket 120, and the urine volume measuring device 40 is configured to measure the urine volume by measuring the water level of the stored water S stored in the drain socket 120 with the water level detection sensor 124, so that the urine volume can be measured easily.

[0062] Next, we will explain a flush toilet apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the flush toilet apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment described above, so only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0063] A flush toilet apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a stored water level variable device, a drain trap pipe with a movable flow path, and a drive unit that moves the drain trap pipe; moving the drain trap pipe allows the level of stored water W to be varied. The drain trap pipe includes a flexible trap tube and a case that houses the trap tube and connects to a drain pipe (not shown). When the downstream end of the trap tube faces upward, stored water W is formed within the bowl, and when the downstream end of the trap tube faces downward, the stored water W within the bowl is discharged into the drain pipe (not shown). When the downstream end of the trap tube faces upward, it defines a specified water level L1 for the stored water W. The control unit is electrically connected to the drive unit, and is configured to move the downstream end of the trap tube upward or downward upon receiving start signals from the flush start switch and measurement start switch.

[0064] Before urine volume measurement begins, the downstream end of the tubular trap faces upward, and accumulated water W is formed in the bowl. At this time, due to pressure fluctuations in the drainage pipe, the accumulated water W may be at an initial water level L0, which is lower than the specified water level L1. In this case, upon receiving a measurement start signal from the measurement start switch, the control unit moves the downstream end of the tubular trap downward so that the downstream end of the tubular trap is at the initial water level L0. In this way, the control unit sets the initial water level L0 to the specified water level when measuring urine volume. When the user urinates, the control unit measures the flow velocity of the accumulated water W flowing over the downstream end of the tubular trap using each sensor, thereby measuring the urine volume. This allows for accurate measurement of urine volume even when pressure fluctuations occur in the drainage pipe and the accumulated water W is lower than the specified water level L1.

[0065] After the urine volume measurement is completed, when a flush start signal is received from the flush start switch, the control unit moves the trap cylinder downward to discharge the accumulated water W into the drain pipe. When the accumulated water W reaches the seal-breaking water level L2 and is almost gone, the control unit moves the trap cylinder upward. After that, flush water is discharged from the rim spout, and the accumulated water W returns to the specified water level L1.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention 2: Toilet bowl body 4: Toilet seat device 6: Bowl section 8: Drain trap pipe 8a: Inlet of drain trap pipe 8b: Inlet pipe for drain trap pipe 8c: Drain trap pipe riser 8d: Downstream pipe of drain trap pipe 8e: Top of drain trap pipe 20: Drainage socket 32: Main body 34: Cleaning nozzle 38: Surfactant supply device 40: Urine volume measuring device 42: Makeup water device 44: First sensor 46: Second sensor 48: Third sensor 50: Control unit 52: Cleaning start switch 54: Measurement start switch L0: Initial water level L1: Standard water level L2: Breaking water level W:Retained water 100: Flush toilet apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention 120: Drainage socket 122: Switchgear 124: Water level detection sensor 126: Ventilation pipe 128: Check valve

Claims

1. A flush toilet device that measures the amount of urine a user produces, a bowl portion for receiving urine from the user; a drain trap pipe provided at the bottom of the bowl portion and including an upwardly extending riser pipe and a top portion located at the downstream end of the riser pipe and defining a predetermined water level of the accumulated water; a urine volume measuring device for measuring the amount of urine of the user from the accumulated water flowing over the top of the drain trap pipe; a pooled water level varying device that varies the pooled water level; a control unit that controls the urine volume measuring device and the pooled water level varying device based on a start signal for urine volume measurement from a user; and A flush toilet apparatus characterized in that, upon receiving a signal to start the urine volume measurement, the control unit activates the pooled water level variable device to bring the pooled water to the specified water level, and then activates the urine volume measuring device to measure the urine volume.

2. The pooled water level varying device includes a makeup water device that supplies makeup water to the pooled water, The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving a signal to start the urine volume measurement, the control unit operates the make-up water device to supply make-up water to the accumulated water, and then operates the urine volume measurement device to measure the urine volume.

3. 3. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit operates the make-up water device to supply make-up water to the accumulated water until the accumulated water exceeds the top of the drain trap pipe line.

4. 4. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the amount of makeup water supplied by the makeup water apparatus is set in advance as a predetermined amount.

5. A flush toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the urine volume measuring device is configured to measure urine volume by measuring the flow velocity or falling position of accumulated water flowing over the top of the drain trap pipe using image analysis.

6. a drain socket that connects the downstream end of the drain trap pipe to a drain pipe; an opening and closing device provided in the drain socket for opening and closing a flow path of the drain socket; a water level detection sensor that detects the level of water stored in the drain socket when the opening and closing device closes the flow path of the drain socket; and The flush toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the urine volume measuring device is configured to measure the urine volume by measuring the water level of the stored water stored in the drain socket using the water level detection sensor.

7. a toilet seat device including a main body, a cleaning nozzle that is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat from the main body and that sprays cleaning water, and a toilet seat that is rotatably attached to the main body and that is placed on the upper surface of the toilet body; The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the makeup water from the makeup water device is supplied from the flush nozzle to the pooled water in the bowl portion.

8. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a surfactant supply device that supplies a surfactant to the pooled water.

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