Water-washing toilet device

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a flush toilet device that can achieve further water conservation while maintaining waste discharge performance by performing optimal toilet flushing for each flush. [Solution] The present invention provides a siphon jet type flush toilet device 1 comprising a bowl section 15, a drain trap pipe 16, a jet outlet 24a, a pressure pump 10, a line sensor 70 for detecting an object that has fallen into the bowl section 15, and a control unit 74 for determining whether the object is solid waste or floating waste. The control unit 74 controls the pressure pump 10 to discharge a first jet of water from the jet outlet 24a at a first flow rate, and then discharge a second jet of water at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. If the control unit 74 determines that the object is floating waste, it controls the pressure pump 10 so that the discharge time for the first jet of water is shorter than when the object is determined to be solid waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flushing toilet device, particularly a siphon jet type flushing toilet device.

Background Art

[0002] When performing toilet cleaning, the user selects and performs toilet cleaning by themselves, including large cleaning, small cleaning, and eco small cleaning (cleaning with less water than small cleaning). The amount of cleaning water used in each cleaning is set to an amount that can assume all types and amounts of dirt and discharge all dirt. This cleaning water volume is always constant and cannot be changed according to the dirt state for each toilet cleaning. Therefore, for example, when the amount of dirt is less than expected, although the dirt can be discharged, there is a possibility of using more cleaning water than necessary.

[0003] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, there is known a flushing toilet device that changes the amount of cleaning water according to the presence or absence of toilet paper use during small cleaning. In such a flushing toilet device, during small cleaning, the amount of cleaning water can be reduced when toilet paper is not used.

[0004] Also conventionally, as described in Patent Document 2, there is known a flushing toilet device that determines the type and amount of dirt. In such a flushing toilet device, dirt that has fallen into the bowl or dirt that is falling is imaged, and the imaged image is analyzed to determine the type and amount of dirt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [[ID=3G]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the flush toilet device described in Patent Document 1 changes the amount of flushing water depending on whether or not toilet paper is used during a small flush, but it is not configured to perform optimal toilet flushing according to the type and amount of waste during a large flush. Furthermore, while the flush toilet device described in Patent Document 2 determines the type and amount of waste, it is not configured to perform optimal toilet flushing according to the type and amount of waste. Therefore, the flush toilet devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a problem in that, for example, if the amount of waste is less than expected, more flushing water than necessary is used.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the aforementioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a flush toilet device that can achieve further water conservation while maintaining waste discharge performance by performing optimal toilet flushing for each flush. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a siphon jet type flush toilet device comprising: a bowl portion having a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface; a drain trap pipe connected below the bowl portion for discharging waste; a jet outlet provided below the bowl portion for discharging flushing water toward the inlet of the drain trap pipe; a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the jet outlet; a detection unit for detecting an object that has fallen into the bowl portion; and a device for determining whether the object is solid waste or floating waste based on the detection result from the detection unit. The system comprises a control unit configured to control the washing water supply device based on the determination result, wherein the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that when it is determined that the object is floating waste, the discharge time for the first jet of water is shorter than when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

[0009] In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit controls the flushing water supply device so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate. This allows the siphon effect to be generated early with the first jet of water, and then the waste can be flushed away with the second jet of water. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device so that, when it determines that the object is floating waste, the discharge time of the first jet of water is shorter than when it determines that the object is solid waste. This reduces the amount of flushing water used by shortening the discharge time of the first jet of water, which has less impact on the discharge of floating waste. As a result, by performing optimal toilet flushing for each flush, further water conservation can be achieved while maintaining waste discharge performance.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the amount of the object based on the detection result by the detection unit and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result, and when the control unit determines that the object is floating sludge, it is configured to control the washing water supply device in the first jet discharge so that the discharge time becomes substantially constant regardless of the amount of the object. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to determine the amount of object based on the detection result by the detection unit and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. When the control unit determines that the object is floating waste, it is configured to control the washing water supply device so that the discharge time of the first jet discharge is substantially constant regardless of the amount of object. Therefore, the amount of washing water can be reduced by making the discharge time of the first jet discharge, which has little effect on discharging floating waste, substantially constant.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device in the second jet discharge so that the discharge time increases as the amount of object increases, when it determines that the object is floating waste. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device such that, when it determines that the object is floating waste, the discharge time of the second jet discharge increases as the amount of object increases. Therefore, when there is a large amount of floating waste, the second jet discharge can reliably flush away the floating waste that remains in the drain trap pipe.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the amount of object based on the detection result by the detection unit and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result, and when the control unit determines that the object is solid waste, it is configured to control the washing water supply device in the first jet discharge so that the discharge time becomes longer the greater the amount of object. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to determine the amount of object based on the detection result by the detection unit and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. When the control unit determines that the object is solid waste, it is configured to control the washing water supply device in the first jet discharge so that the discharge time increases as the amount of object increases, thereby ensuring that the siphon action is maintained for a longer period and that solid waste is reliably discharged.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device in the second jet discharge so that the discharge time becomes substantially constant regardless of the amount of object when it determines that the object is solid waste. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that, when it determines that the object is solid waste, the water discharge time of the second jet discharge is substantially constant regardless of the amount of object. Therefore, the amount of washing water can be reduced by making the water discharge time of the second jet discharge, which has less impact on the discharge of solid waste, substantially constant.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste, floating waste, or something other than waste based on the detection result by the detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. If the control unit determines that the object is something other than waste, it is configured to control the washing water supply device in the second jet discharge so that the discharge time is shorter than when the object is solid waste or floating waste. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste, floating waste, or something other than waste based on the detection result from the detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. When the control unit determines that the object is something other than waste, it is configured to control the washing water supply device so that the water discharge time in the second jet discharge is shorter than when the object is solid waste or floating waste. Therefore, the amount of washing water can be reduced by shortening the second jet discharge, which has less impact on discharging things other than waste.

[0015] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a siphon jet type flush toilet device comprising: a bowl portion having a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface; a drain trap pipe connected below the bowl portion for discharging waste; a jet outlet provided below the bowl portion for discharging flushing water toward the inlet of the drain trap pipe; a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the jet outlet; a detection unit for detecting objects that have fallen into the bowl portion; and a determination, based on the detection result by the detection unit, whether the object is solid waste or floating waste. The system includes a control unit configured to control the washing water supply device based on a predetermined result, wherein the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that a first jet of water is discharged from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then a second jet of water is discharged at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that when it is determined that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the first jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

[0016] In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit controls the flushing water supply device so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate. This allows the siphon effect to be generated early with the first jet of water, and then the waste can be washed away with the second jet of water. Furthermore, if the control unit determines that the object is floating waste, it controls the flushing water supply device so that the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet of water is greater than when the object is determined to be solid waste. This allows the siphon effect to be generated early and the floating waste to be discharged. As a result, by performing optimal toilet flushing with each flush, further water conservation can be achieved while maintaining waste discharge performance.

[0017] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device such that, when it determines that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the second jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device such that, when it determines that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the second jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste. As a result, the second jet discharge can reliably flush away floating waste that remains in the drain trap pipe.

[0018] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste, floating waste, or something other than waste based on the detection result by the detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. The control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device such that, when it is determined that the object is something other than waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the second jet discharge is smaller than when it is determined that the object is floating waste. In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste, floating waste, or something other than waste based on the detection result by the detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. The control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device such that, when it is determined that the object is something other than waste, the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge is smaller than when it is determined that the object is floating waste. Therefore, the amount of washing water can be reduced by reducing the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge, which has less impact on discharging things other than waste.

[0019] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a siphon jet type flush toilet device comprising: a bowl portion having a waste receiving surface for receiving waste and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface; a drain trap pipe connected below the bowl portion for discharging waste; a jet outlet provided below the bowl portion for discharging flushing water toward the inlet of the drain trap pipe; a flushing water supply device for supplying flushing water to the jet outlet; a detection unit for detecting objects that have fallen into the bowl portion; and a determination, based on the detection result by the detection unit, whether the object is solid waste or floating waste. The system includes a control unit configured to control the washing water supply device based on a predetermined result, wherein the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that a first jet of water is discharged from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then a second jet of water is discharged at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the control unit is configured to control the washing water supply device so that, when the object is determined to be floating waste, the discharge time for the second jet of water is longer than when the object is determined to be solid waste.

[0020] In the present invention configured as described above, the control unit performs first jet water discharge from the jet water outlet at a first flow rate for generating a siphon action, and then performs second jet water discharge at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. Since the cleaning water supply device is configured to control the cleaning water supply device so that the siphon action can be generated early by the first jet water discharge and then the dirt can be washed away by the second jet water discharge. Further, when the control unit determines that the object is floating dirt, the control unit is configured to control the cleaning water supply device so that the water discharge time in the second jet water discharge is longer than when the object is determined to be solid dirt. Therefore, the floating dirt staying in the drain trap pipe can be surely washed away by the second jet water discharge. As a result, by performing optimal toilet cleaning for each toilet cleaning, it is possible to achieve further water saving while maintaining the dirt discharge performance.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the flushing toilet device of the present invention, by performing optimal toilet cleaning for each toilet cleaning, it is possible to achieve further water saving while maintaining the dirt discharge performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a flushing toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an overall configuration diagram of a flushing toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a control unit of a flushing toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the control of toilet cleaning of a flushing toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a cleaning sequence of jet water discharge in each jet water discharge pattern of a flushing toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is a schematic diagram showing how waste and other materials are discharged in each jet water discharge pattern of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] A flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. First, the overall configuration of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control unit of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a siphon jet type toilet and comprises a ceramic toilet body 2, a local cleaning device 4 positioned on the upper surface of the toilet body 2, a valve unit 6 that supplies flushing water to the toilet body 2, a water storage tank 8 that stores flushing water, and a pressure pump 10 that supplies the flushing water stored in the water storage tank 8 to the toilet body 2.

[0025] The toilet bowl body 2 has a bowl section 15 comprising a bowl-shaped waste receiving surface 12 for receiving waste and a rim section 14 formed above the waste receiving surface 12, and a drain trap pipe 16 connected to the bottom of the bowl section 15 for discharging waste. A rim water channel 18 is formed inside the rim section 14, and a rim water outlet 20a is formed at the downstream end of the rim water channel 18, which is the rim water outlet section 20 for discharging water from the rim. The rim water outlet 20a is formed on the right front of the bowl section 15 when the flush toilet device 1 is viewed from the front, and is designed to discharge flushing water backward, forming a swirling flow along the inner circumferential surface of the rim section 14.

[0026] Furthermore, a jet water channel 22 is formed below the toilet bowl body 2, and a jet outlet 24a is formed at the jet water discharge section 24, which is the downstream end of this jet water channel 22, to discharge water in a jet. The jet outlet 24a is located at the bottom of the bowl section 15 and is positioned almost horizontally facing the inlet 16a of the drain trap pipe 16, so as to discharge flushing water toward the inlet 16a of the drain trap pipe 16.

[0027] The drain trap pipe 16 consists of an inlet 16a, an ascending pipe 16b that rises from the inlet 16a, and a descending pipe 16c that descends from the ascending pipe 16b, with the top 16d located between the ascending pipe 16b and the descending pipe 16c. A drain socket 26 is connected to the lower end of the descending pipe 16c of the drain trap pipe 16.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the local cleaning device 4 comprises a main body 4a, a cleaning nozzle 4b that is movable forward and backward from the main body 4a, a toilet seat 4c that is rotatably attached to the main body 4a, and a toilet lid 4d that is rotatably attached to the main body 4a so as to cover the toilet seat 4c.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the valve unit 6 is equipped with a main water supply channel 30 from which flushing water is supplied from the water supply pipe 28, which is the water source. This main water supply channel 30 is equipped with a constant flow valve 38, a diaphragm-type solenoid valve 40, and a water supply channel switching valve 42, from the upstream side. Furthermore, the main water supply channel 30 upstream of the valve unit 6 is equipped with a stopcock 32, a strainer 34, and a branch fitting 36, from the upstream side. The main water supply channel 30 consists of a water supply hose that connects to the water supply pipe 28 outside the toilet.

[0030] Furthermore, a rim-side water supply channel 44 for supplying cleaning water to the rim outlet 20a and a tank-side water supply channel 46 for supplying cleaning water to the water storage tank 8 are connected to the downstream side of the water supply channel switching valve 42. A rim water conduit 18 is connected to the downstream end of the rim-side water supply channel 44, so that cleaning water is supplied to the rim outlet 20a by the water supply pressure of the waterworks.

[0031] The constant flow valve 38 is used to restrict the flow rate of the cleaning water that flows in via the stopcock 32, strainer 34, and branch fitting 36 to below a predetermined flow rate. The cleaning water that has passed through the constant flow valve 38 flows into the electromagnetic valve 40, and the cleaning water that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 40 is supplied by the water supply channel switching valve 42 to the rim outlet 20a from the rim-side water supply channel 44, which is on the rim side, or to the water storage tank 8 from the tank-side water supply channel 46, which is on the tank side.

[0032] The water supply channel switching valve 42 is a switching valve that can supply cleaning water to both the rim-side water supply channel 44 and the tank-side water supply channel 46 at the same time, and can arbitrarily change the ratio of the amount and flow rate of water supplied to the rim side and the tank side. The water supply channel switching valve 42 is equipped with a rotor (not shown) for changing the ratio of the amount and flow rate of water supplied to the rim side and the tank side, and this rotor is driven to a desired position by a motor (not shown).

[0033] A pump-side water supply channel 48 is connected to the lower part of the water storage tank 8, and a pressurizing pump 10 equipped with a pump chamber is connected to the downstream end of this pump-side water supply channel 48. Furthermore, the pressurizing pump 10 and the jet water conduit 22 are connected by a jet-side water supply channel 50, and the pressurizing pump 10 pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank 8 and supplies it to the jet outlet 24a.

[0034] The pressurizing pump 10 is configured to pressurize the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank 8 and discharge it from the jet outlet 24a at a predetermined flow rate. The pressurizing pump 10 is connected to the pump-side water supply channel 48 on its upstream side and to the jet-side water supply channel 50 on its downstream side. The pressurizing pump 10 comprises a casing 10a, an impeller 10b which is a vane that is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions within the casing, and a motor 10c which rotates the impeller 10b. It is a centrifugal pump that uses the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the impeller 10b to pressurize the cleaning water in the water storage tank 8. The pressurizing pump 10 is an example of a "washing water supply device" in the present invention. In this embodiment, a pressurizing pump is used as the washing water supply device, but instead of a pressurizing pump, a pressure-accumulating booster that stores water energy or an air compressor that is powered by compressed air may be used. Alternatively, the above-mentioned water supply channel switching valve or an electromagnetic switching valve that can change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path may be used as the washing water supply device.

[0035] A vacuum breaker 52, which acts as a check valve, is provided in the rim-side water supply channel 44, and a vacuum breaker 54, which acts as a check valve, is also provided in the tank-side water supply channel 46. These vacuum breakers prevent backflow from the rim outlet 20a and the water storage tank 8. Furthermore, the wash water that overflows from the atmospheric vent of the vacuum breaker 52 in the rim-side water supply channel 44 flows into the water storage tank 8 through the return pipe 55.

[0036] The water storage tank 8 is a sealed type water storage tank, and a ball-type check valve 56 is provided at the connection between the tank-side water supply channel 46 and the water storage tank 8, and a ball-type check valve 58 is also provided at the connection between the return pipe 55 and the water storage tank 8. These ball-type check valves prevent backflow of the cleaning water even when the water storage tank 8 is full, exceeding the upper limit of the overflow channel.

[0037] A drain valve 62 is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 8. This drain valve 62 is located below the pressure pump 10, and by opening the drain valve 62 during maintenance, the cleaning water inside the water storage tank 8 and the pressure pump 10 can be drained.

[0038] An upper float switch 64 and a lower float switch 66 are located inside the water storage tank 8. The upper float switch 64 switches to the ON state when the water level in the water storage tank 8 reaches a predetermined position L2 that is slightly lower than the maximum water level L3 during normal use, and the control unit 74 detects this and closes the electromagnetic valve 40. The lower float switch 66 switches to the ON state when the water level in the water storage tank 8 drops to the minimum water level L1 during normal use, and the control unit 74 detects this and stops the pressurizing pump 10.

[0039] Furthermore, an overflow channel 60 for draining excess cleaning water is provided inside the water storage tank 8. The upper end of this overflow channel 60 opens into the water storage tank 8, and its lower end is connected to the jet-side water supply channel 50. A flapper valve 67, which is a check valve, is installed in this overflow channel 60 to prevent backflow from the jet outlet 24a.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flush toilet device 1 includes a seating sensor 68 for detecting the user's sitting motion, a line sensor 70 for detecting objects that have fallen into the bowl 15 after the user has defecated, and a control unit 74 that controls the pressurizing pump 10 based on the detection results detected by the line sensor 70.

[0041] The seating sensor 68 is located on the underside of the left rear of the toilet seat 4c of the local washing device 4. The seating sensor 68 is a load sensor that detects the user's weight. The seating sensor 68 is configured to detect changes in weight when the user is seated on the toilet seat 4c, and to detect the start and end of defecation by the user. In this embodiment, a load sensor is used as the seating sensor 68, but an infrared distance measuring sensor or the like may be used instead of the load sensor.

[0042] The line sensor 70 is mounted on the main body 4a of the local cleaning device 4, facing into the bowl section 15, and is configured to detect objects that have fallen into the bowl section 15. The line sensor 70 consists of multiple light-receiving elements arranged in a straight line, and is configured to acquire one-dimensional data (linear still images) over time at predetermined time intervals. The acquired one-dimensional data is arranged in chronological order by the control unit 74 to generate a single two-dimensional image, which is used to determine the type and quantity of the object. The line sensor 70 is an example of a "detection unit" in the present invention. In this embodiment, a line sensor is used as the detection unit, but instead of this line sensor, a camera that images an object that has fallen into the bowl 15 or an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor that measures the height of the water level using ultrasound may be used. Also, in this embodiment, the line sensor 70 is provided on the main body 4a of the local cleaning device 4, but it may also be provided on the underside of the toilet seat 4c or the toilet lid 4d.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 74 is electrically connected to the upper float switch 64, lower float switch 66, seat sensor 68, line sensor 70, toilet flush switch 76, electromagnetic valve 40, water supply channel switching valve 42, and pressure pump 10, and is configured to communicate with various devices. When the toilet flush switch 76 is pressed, the control unit 74 sequentially operates the electromagnetic valve 40, water supply channel switching valve 42, and pressure pump 10, so that flushing water is first discharged from the rim outlet 20a, then flushing water is discharged from the jet outlet 24a while flushing water is being discharged from the rim outlet 20a, and finally flushing water is discharged from the rim outlet 20a. In this embodiment, the control unit 74 is connected to various devices by wire, but the control unit 74 may also be connected to various devices by wireless connection.

[0044] The control unit 74 is configured to generate a single two-dimensional image by arranging multiple one-dimensional data acquired from the line sensor 70 in a time series, and to determine the type and amount of object that has fallen into the bowl section 15. Furthermore, for each toilet flush, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 based on the determination result of the type and amount of object that has fallen into the bowl section 15, and to change the instantaneous flow rate and discharge time of the flushing water discharged from the jet nozzle 24a.

[0045] Next, the control of toilet flushing in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control of toilet flushing in the flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4, S represents each step.

[0046] First, in S1, it is determined whether or not the user is seated on the toilet seat 4c. Specifically, if the control unit 74 detects a signal from the seating sensor 68, it proceeds to S2, assuming that the user is seated on the toilet seat 4c (S1; Yes). If the control unit 74 does not detect a signal from the seating sensor 68, it determines that the user is not seated on the toilet seat 4c (S1; No).

[0047] Next, in S2, the object that has fallen into the bowl section 15 is detected. Specifically, after the user has defecated, the line sensor 70 detects the object that has fallen into the bowl section 15. The line sensor 70 acquires one-dimensional data (linear still images) of the object over time at predetermined time intervals. The acquired one-dimensional data is transmitted to the control unit 74, which arranges multiple data points in chronological order to generate a single two-dimensional image.

[0048] Furthermore, in S3, it is determined whether or not the user has finished defecating. Specifically, if a change in signal (change in seating state) is detected from the seating sensor 68, it is determined that the user has finished defecating and the system proceeds to S4 (S3; Yes). If the control unit 74 does not detect a change in signal from the seating sensor, it is determined that the user has not finished defecating (S3; No).

[0049] Next, in S4, the type and quantity of the object that has fallen into the bowl section 15 are determined. Specifically, the control unit 74 compares the two-dimensional image generated in S2 with a reference image pre-stored in the control unit 74. In S4, it is determined whether the type of object is "solid waste," "floating waste," or "toilet paper (something other than waste)." Furthermore, in S4, it is determined whether the quantity of the object is "small," "standard," or "large." In the comparison between the two-dimensional image and the reference image, the brightness, hue, saturation, and gradation of each image are quantified, and the type and quantity of the object are determined by comparing the values ​​of each image. If "solid waste," "floating waste," and "toilet paper" are mixed, the control unit 74 determines the type of object to be the one with the largest quantity.

[0050] Furthermore, in S5, when the user presses the toilet flushing switch 76 and initiates the toilet flushing operation, the toilet flushing is performed (S6).

[0051] Next, in S6, the control unit 74 controls the electromagnetic switch valve 40, the water supply channel switching valve 42, and the pressure pump 10 to start flushing the toilet. First, the control unit 74 opens the electromagnetic valve 40 and fully opens the water supply channel switching valve 42 to the rim side. As a result, cleaning water is discharged from the rim outlet 20a, and the bowl section 15 is cleaned.

[0052] Next, the control unit 74 drives the pressurizing pump 10 while continuing to discharge water from the rim outlet 20a, causing cleaning water to be discharged from the jet outlet 24a. Specifically, the control unit 74 controls the pressurizing pump 10 so that it discharges a first jet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate. At this time, the control unit 74 selects one of the nine jet discharge patterns described later and controls the pressurizing pump 10 based on the type and amount of the object determined in S4 above. As a result, cleaning water is discharged from the jet outlet 24a according to the selected jet discharge pattern.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 74 stops the pressure pump 10 to stop the water discharge from the jet outlet 24a. After the pressure pump 10 is stopped, flushing water continues to be discharged from the rim outlet 20a, so the water level in the bowl section 15 returns to normal, and toilet flushing is completed (S7).

[0054] Next, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, we will explain in detail the jet discharge patterns that change depending on the type and quantity of the object. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flushing sequence of jet water discharge in each jet water discharge pattern of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing how waste and other debris are discharged in each jet water discharge pattern of a flush toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5, the flushing sequence is shown from the start to the end of the discharge of flushing water from the jet nozzle. In Figure 6, column (a) shows how waste and other debris are discharged by the first jet water discharge, and column (b) shows how waste and other debris are discharged by the second jet water discharge.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the jet spray patterns are divided into nine categories based on the type and amount of the target object (patterns A1-A3, B1-B3, and C1-C3). The types of target objects are divided into three categories: "solid waste," "floating waste," and "toilet paper." Here, "solid waste" refers to waste that is heavier than the specific gravity of water and sinks in water, "floating waste" refers to waste that is lighter than the specific gravity of water and floats in water (diarrhea), and "toilet paper" is water-soluble paper used after defecation. The amount of target objects is also divided into three categories: "small," "standard," and "large." Here, "small" means less than approximately 100g, "standard" means approximately 100-300g, and "large" means more than approximately 300g. In this embodiment, the jet spray patterns are divided into nine categories, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the jet spray patterns may be divided into fewer than nine patterns, or more than nine patterns. Also, in this embodiment, the types of objects are classified into "solid waste," "floating waste," and "toilet paper," but they may also be classified into "solid waste," "floating waste," and "objects other than waste."

[0056] In each jet discharge pattern, first, a first jet is discharged at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then a second jet is discharged at a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate. As a result, the drain trap pipe 16 is filled with water early on by the first jet discharge, generating a siphon effect. This siphon effect discharges waste and other debris outside the drain trap pipe 16. Subsequently, after the siphon effect has finished or is about to finish, the second jet discharge (blowout flow) pushes any remaining material and return water from the drain trap pipe 16 outside the drain trap pipe 16.

[0057] First, if the object is determined to be "solid waste," one of patterns A1 to A3 will be selected and executed depending on the amount of solid waste.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of "solid waste," the instantaneous flow rate of the washing water discharged from the jet nozzle 24a is common to patterns A1 to A3, with the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge being 50 L / min and the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge being 35 L / min.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of "solid waste," the discharge time of the first jet is set to increase as the amount of solid waste increases. Specifically, the discharge time of the first jet is 0.5 seconds when the amount of solid waste is "small," 0.6 seconds when it is "standard," and 0.7 seconds when it is "large." The discharge time of the second jet is set to be approximately constant (0.7 seconds) regardless of the amount of solid waste. The amount of cleaning water discharged from the jet nozzle 24a is 2.63 L when the amount of solid waste is "small," 2.80 L when it is "standard," and 2.96 L when it is "large."

[0060] As shown in column (a) of Figure 6, in the case of "solid waste," the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge is set to a relatively large flow rate, so the drain trap pipe 16 quickly fills up and a siphon effect occurs. In addition, the discharge time of the first jet discharge is set to be longer as the amount of solid waste increases, so the duration of the siphon effect also increases as the amount of solid waste increases. As a result, even when there is a large amount of solid waste, the solid waste is reliably discharged by the first jet discharge.

[0061] As shown in column (b) of Figure 6, in the case of "solid waste," the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge is set to a relatively small flow rate, so that the amount of washing water is reduced, and the remaining waste and return water from the drain trap pipe 16 are washed away by the second jet discharge. In addition, the discharge time of the second jet discharge is set to be approximately constant regardless of the amount of solid waste, so the amount of washing water is reduced. Here, even if the amount of solid waste increases, it is almost completely discharged by the first jet discharge, so even if the discharge time of the second jet discharge is approximately constant, the discharge performance of solid waste does not decrease.

[0062] Next, if the type of object is determined to be "floating waste," one of patterns B1 to B3 is selected and executed according to the amount of floating waste.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of "floating sewage," the instantaneous flow rate of the washing water discharged from the jet outlet 24a is common to patterns B1 to B3, with the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge being 56 L / min and the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge being 40 L / min. Thus, in the case of "floating sewage," the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge is set to be higher than in the case of "solid sewage" (patterns A1 to A3). Similarly, the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge is set to be higher than in the case of "solid sewage" (patterns A1 to A3).

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of "floating waste," the discharge time of the first jet is set to be approximately constant (0.4 seconds) regardless of the amount of floating waste. Thus, in the case of "floating waste," the discharge time of the first jet is set to be shorter than in the case of "solid waste" (patterns A1 to A3). Also, the discharge time of the second jet is set to be longer as the amount of floating waste increases. Specifically, the discharge time of the second jet is 0.7 seconds when the amount of floating waste is "low," 0.8 seconds when it is "standard," and 1.2 seconds when it is "high." Thus, in the case of "floating waste," the discharge time of the second jet is set to be the same as or longer than in the case of "solid waste" (patterns A1 to A3). Furthermore, the amount of cleaning water discharged from the jet nozzle 24a is 2.81L when the amount of suspended solid waste is "low", 2.94L when it is "standard", and 3.14L when it is "high".

[0065] As shown in column (a) of Figure 6, in the case of "floating sewage," the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge is set to a higher flow rate than in the case of "solid sewage," so the drain trap pipe 16 fills up with water and a siphon effect occurs sooner. In addition, the discharge time of the first jet discharge is set to be shorter and approximately constant than in the case of "solid sewage," regardless of the amount of floating sewage, so the amount of flushing water can be reduced. Here, even if the amount of floating sewage increases, if a siphon effect occurs early, most of the floating sewage can be discharged, except for the floating sewage that remains in the drain trap pipe 16 (see the X portion in Figure 6 (a)). Therefore, even if the discharge time of the first jet discharge is shorter and approximately constant than in the case of "solid sewage," the discharge performance of floating sewage does not decrease.

[0066] As shown in column (b) of Figure 6, in the case of "floating sewage," the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge is set to a higher flow rate than in the case of "solid sewage," so that floating sewage (see part X in (a) of Figure 6) and return water from the drain trap pipe 16 that remain in the drain trap pipe 16 are pushed away by the second jet discharge. In addition, the discharge time of the second jet discharge is set to be longer as the amount of floating sewage increases, so the time for pushing away floating sewage remaining in the drain trap pipe 16 also increases as the amount of floating sewage increases. As a result, even when there is a large amount of floating sewage, the floating sewage remaining in the drain trap pipe 16 is reliably discharged by the second jet discharge.

[0067] Next, if the type of object is determined to be "toilet paper," one of patterns C1 to C3 is selected and executed according to the amount of floating waste.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of "toilet paper," the instantaneous flow rate of the flushing water discharged from the jet nozzle 24a is common to patterns C1 to C3, with the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge being 56 L / min and the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge being 35 L / min. Thus, in the case of "toilet paper," the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet discharge is set to be higher than in the case of "solid waste" (patterns A1 to A3). Also, the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge is set to be lower than in the case of "floating waste" (patterns B1 to B3).

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, in the case of "toilet paper," the discharge time of the first jet is set to be approximately constant (0.4 seconds) regardless of the amount of toilet paper. Thus, in the case of "toilet paper," the discharge time of the first jet is set to be shorter than in the case of "solid waste" (patterns A1 to A3). Also, the discharge time of the second jet is set to be longer as the amount of toilet paper increases. Specifically, the discharge time of the second jet is 0.1 seconds when the amount of toilet paper is "small," 0.2 seconds when it is "standard," and 0.4 seconds when it is "large." Thus, in the case of "toilet paper," the discharge time of the second jet is set to be shorter than in the case of "solid waste" (patterns A1 to A3) and "floating waste" (patterns B1 to B3). Furthermore, the amount of flushing water discharged from the jet nozzle 24a is 2.40L when the amount of toilet paper is "small", 2.46L when it is "standard", and 2.58L when it is "large".

[0070] As shown in column (a) of Figure 6, in the case of "toilet paper," the instantaneous flow rate of the first jet of water is set to a higher flow rate than in the case of "solid waste," so the drain trap pipe 16 fills up with water and a siphon effect occurs sooner. In addition, the discharge time of the first jet of water is set to be shorter and approximately constant than in the case of "solid waste," regardless of the amount of toilet paper, so the amount of flushing water can be reduced. Here, even if the amount of toilet paper increases, if a siphon effect occurs early, the toilet paper will continue to fill the drain trap pipe 16 with water, and the toilet paper can be discharged. Therefore, even if the discharge time of the first jet of water is shorter and approximately constant than in the case of "solid waste," the toilet paper discharge performance does not decrease.

[0071] As shown in column (b) of Figure 6, in the case of "toilet paper," the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet is set to a lower flow rate than in the case of "floating waste," so that the amount of flushing water is reduced, and the remaining toilet paper and return water from the drain trap pipe 16 are flushed away by the second jet. In addition, the discharge time of the second jet is set to be longer as the amount of toilet paper increases, so that the time for flushing away the toilet paper remaining in the drain trap pipe 16 is also increased. As a result, even when there is a large amount of toilet paper, the remaining toilet paper is reliably discharged by the second jet.

[0072] Next, the effects and advantages of the flush toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained. First, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet 24a at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate. This allows the siphon effect to be generated early with the first jet of water, and then the waste can be flushed away with the second jet of water. Furthermore, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 so that, when it determines that the object is floating waste, the discharge time of the first jet of water is shorter than when it determines that the object is solid waste. This reduces the amount of flushing water by shortening the discharge time of the first jet of water, which has less impact on the discharge of floating waste. As a result, by performing optimal toilet flushing for each flush, further water conservation can be achieved while maintaining waste discharge performance.

[0073] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) so that the discharge time of the first jet discharge is substantially constant regardless of the amount of object when it determines that the object is floating waste. Therefore, the amount of flush water can be reduced by making the discharge time of the first jet discharge, which has little effect on the discharge of floating waste, substantially constant.

[0074] In the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) in the second jet discharge so that the discharge time increases as the amount of object increases when the object is determined to be floating waste. Therefore, when there is a large amount of floating waste, the second jet discharge can reliably flush away the floating waste that remains in the drain trap pipe 16.

[0075] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 74 determines that the object is solid waste, it is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) in the first jet discharge so that the discharge time increases as the amount of object increases, thereby ensuring that the siphon action is maintained for a longer period and that solid waste is reliably discharged.

[0076] In the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) so that the water discharge time of the second jet discharge is substantially constant regardless of the amount of object when it determines that the object is solid waste. Therefore, the amount of flush water can be reduced by making the water discharge time of the second jet discharge, which has little effect on the discharge of solid waste, substantially constant.

[0077] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) so that when it determines that the object is toilet paper (something other than waste), the water discharge time in the second jet discharge is shorter than when the object is solid waste or floating waste. Therefore, the amount of flush water can be reduced by shortening the second jet discharge, which has less impact on the discharge of toilet paper.

[0078] In the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) so that when it determines that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the first jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste, thereby enabling the siphon action to be generated early and the floating waste to be discharged.

[0079] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) so that when it determines that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the second jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste. As a result, the second jet discharge can reliably flush away floating waste that remains in the drain trap pipe 16.

[0080] In the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) such that when the object is determined to be toilet paper (something other than waste), the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge is smaller than when the object is determined to be floating waste. Therefore, the amount of flush water can be reduced by reducing the instantaneous flow rate of the second jet discharge, which has less impact on the discharge of toilet paper.

[0081] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 74 is configured to control the pressurizing pump 10 (flush water supply device) such that when the object is determined to be floating waste, the water discharge time in the second jet discharge is longer than when the object is determined to be solid waste. As a result, the second jet discharge can reliably flush away floating waste that remains in the drain trap pipe 16.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. In particular, the numerical values ​​of the instantaneous flow rate, discharge time, and washing water volume described above are not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1: Flush toilet device 10: Pressure pump (washing water supply device) 12: Waste receiving surface 14: Rim section 15: Bowl Section 16: Drain trap pipe 20a: Rim outlet 24a: Jet nozzle 68: Seat sensor 70: Line sensor (detection unit) 74: Control Unit 76: Toilet flushing switch X: Floating sewage accumulating in the drain trap pipe.

Claims

1. A siphon jet type flush toilet system, A bowl portion comprising a waste receiving surface for receiving waste, and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface, A drain trap pipe is connected below this bowl section for discharging waste, A jet nozzle is provided below the bowl section and discharges cleaning water toward the entrance of the drain trap pipe, A cleaning water supply device that supplies cleaning water to this jet nozzle, A detection unit for detecting an object that has fallen into the bowl section, A control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste or floating waste based on the detection result from this detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. It has, The control unit is configured to control the cleaning water supply device so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate. The flush toilet device is characterized in that the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device such that, when it is determined that the object is floating waste, the water discharge time in the first jet discharge is shorter than when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

2. The control unit is configured to determine the amount of the object based on the detection result from the detection unit and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. The flush toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device in the first jet discharge so that the discharge time is substantially constant regardless of the amount of the object when it is determined that the object is floating waste.

3. The flush toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device in the second jet discharge so that the discharge time increases as the amount of the object increases when it is determined that the object is floating waste.

4. The control unit is configured to determine the amount of the object based on the detection result from the detection unit and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. The flush toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flush water supply device in the first jet discharge so that the discharge time increases as the amount of the object increases when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

5. The flush toilet device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device in the second jet discharge so that the discharge time is substantially constant regardless of the amount of the object when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

6. The control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste, floating waste, or something other than waste based on the detection result from the detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. The flush toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device in the second jet discharge so that, when it determines that the object is something other than sewage, the discharge time is shorter than when the object is solid sewage or floating sewage.

7. A siphon jet type flush toilet system, A bowl portion comprising a waste receiving surface for receiving waste, and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface, A drain trap pipe is connected below this bowl section for discharging waste, A jet nozzle is provided below the bowl section and discharges cleaning water toward the entrance of the drain trap pipe, A cleaning water supply device that supplies cleaning water to this jet nozzle, The bowl section includes a detection unit for detecting objects that have fallen into it, A control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste or floating waste based on the detection result from this detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. It has, The control unit is configured to control the cleaning water supply device so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate. The flush toilet device is characterized in that the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device such that, when it determines that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the first jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

8. The flush toilet device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device so that when it determines that the object is floating waste, the instantaneous flow rate in the second jet discharge is greater than when it is determined that the object is solid waste.

9. The control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste, floating waste, or something other than waste based on the detection result from the detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. The flush toilet device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device such that, when it is determined that the object is something other than filth, the instantaneous flow rate in the second jet discharge is smaller than when it is determined that the object is floating filth.

10. A siphon jet type flush toilet system, A bowl portion comprising a waste receiving surface for receiving waste, and a rim portion formed above the waste receiving surface, A drain trap pipe is connected below this bowl section for discharging waste, A jet nozzle is provided below the bowl section and discharges cleaning water toward the entrance of the drain trap pipe, A cleaning water supply device that supplies cleaning water to this jet nozzle, The bowl section includes a detection unit for detecting objects that have fallen into it, A control unit is configured to determine whether the object is solid waste or floating waste based on the detection result from this detection unit, and to control the washing water supply device based on this determination result. It has, The control unit is configured to control the cleaning water supply device so that it discharges a first jet of water from the jet outlet at a first flow rate to generate a siphon effect, and then discharges a second jet of water at a second flow rate that is less than the first flow rate. The flush toilet device is characterized in that the control unit is configured to control the flushing water supply device such that, when the object is determined to be floating waste, the water discharge time in the second jet discharge is longer than when the object is determined to be solid waste.

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