Water flush toilet device

Abstract

To provide a flush toilet bowl device capable of cleaning a toilet bowl appropriately even at the time of power failure.SOLUTION: A flush toilet bowl device has a power failure response function and comprises a toilet bowl body, a drain socket, a valve body, a valve body operation part, a feed water system, transmission means, and display means. The toilet bowl body has a bowl part for receiving human waste and a drain trap pipeline extending from the bowl part. The drain socket connects the drain trap pipeline with a drain piping. The valve body moves between an open position and a closed position and opens and closes a flow pass of the drain socket. The valve body operation part moves the valve body to the closed position according to the operation of a user when the power failure response function is performed. The feed water system feeds washing water to the bowl part when the valve body is in the closed position. The transmission means transmits the operation force of the user to the valve body. The display means displays an index indicating a position of a predetermined water level necessary for washing a toilet bowl, of washing water stored in the bowl part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a flush toilet system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a structure in a flush toilet system that can perform a toilet flushing operation by mechanically operating a solenoid valve, etc., during a power outage. In a flush toilet system, toilet flushing operation during a power outage generally involves using one or two operating parts to collect a certain amount of flush water in the bowl section, and then discharging the collected flush water to flush the toilet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-165452 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional flush toilet devices, a larger amount of flush water is required to be stored in the bowl section than during normal use, and so when performing toilet flushing during a power outage, the user is unable to judge how much flush water should be stored, which may result in an excess or shortage of flush water, making it impossible to flush the toilet properly. Furthermore, since operations are performed in the dark during a power outage, it is difficult for the user to judge how much flush water should be stored, and, for example, there may be too little flush water, which means waste does not wash away, or there may be too much flush water, which ends up wasting water. There may also be too much flush water, which may cause the flush water to overflow from the bowl section.

[0005] There is also technology that measures the operation time required to fill the bowl with flushing water, and predicts and notifies the user of the amount of water that will accumulate in the bowl from the operation time (water supply time). However, even in this case, the amount of water supplied may not be constant during a disaster such as a power outage, which can result in either an excess or shortage of flushing water, making it impossible to flush the toilet properly.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a flush toilet apparatus that can perform appropriate toilet flushing even during a power outage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A flush toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a flush toilet device having a power outage response function that enables toilet flushing operation during a power outage, and comprises a toilet body having a bowl portion for receiving waste and a drain trap pipe extending from the bottom of the bowl portion, a drain socket provided downstream of the drain trap pipe and connecting the drain trap pipe and a drain piping, a valve body provided in the drain socket and moving between an open position and a closed position to open and close the flow path of the drain socket, a valve body operation unit that moves the valve body to the closed position in response to operation by a user when the power outage response function is executed, a water supply device that supplies flushing water to the bowl portion when the valve body is in the closed position by the valve body operation unit, a transmission means that transmits the user's operating force for moving the valve body to the valve body via the valve body operation unit, and a display means that displays an indicator indicating the position of a predetermined water level required for toilet flushing of the flushing water supplied by the water supply device and accumulated in the bowl portion.

[0008] With this configuration, during toilet flushing operations during a power outage, the user can easily recognize the position of the predetermined water level of flush water accumulated in the bowl section that is necessary for toilet flushing, so the amount of flush water necessary for toilet flushing can be stored in the bowl section, preventing operational errors such as flush water overflowing from the bowl section. In other words, it is possible to prevent excess or deficiency of flush water during toilet flushing operations during a power outage, thereby enabling appropriate toilet flushing to be performed even during a power outage.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above flush toilet device, the display means begins displaying when operation of the transmission means begins.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of power and to use the display means for a long period of time even during a power outage.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above flush toilet apparatus, the display means ends the display when operation of the transmission means ends.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the user finishes operating the transmission means, the operation of the display means also ends, so that it is possible to reduce wasteful consumption of power, and thus it is possible to use the display means for a long time even during a power outage.

[0013] Moreover, in the above flush toilet apparatus, the display means is a light emitting unit that emits light, The index is a target mark that is displayed by the light irradiated from the light irradiating unit.

[0014] With this configuration, since the toilet flushing operation must be performed in the dark during a power outage, the target mark made by the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is easy for the user to see, allowing the user to easily recognize the position of the specified water level required for toilet flushing.

[0015] Additionally, in the flush toilet apparatus, the indicator is displayed at the rear of the bowl portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, the indicator can be easily recognized by the user. Also, the display means can be provided, for example, on the sanitary washing device disposed at the rear of the bowl portion.

[0017] The flush toilet apparatus further comprises a power supply unit which supplies power to the display means, the power supply unit generating the power required to operate the display means using the flow of flush water.

[0018] According to this configuration, since the toilet is a self-powered type that generates electricity by utilizing the flow of flush water for flushing the toilet, it is possible to supply power to the display means semi-permanently even during a power outage. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiment, proper toilet flushing can be performed even during a power outage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire flush toilet apparatus pertaining to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the operation of each part during a toilet flushing operation during a power outage. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation procedure of the transmission means during a power outage. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detection means and a notification means. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of detection control and notification control in a toilet flush operation during a power outage. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a power supply unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display means (part 1) in a flush toilet apparatus pertaining to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display means (part 2) in the flush toilet apparatus pertaining to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for display control during a toilet flush operation during a power outage. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a power supply unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Below, an embodiment of a flush toilet apparatus disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0022] First Embodiment First, the overall structure of a flush toilet device 1 pertaining to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the entire flush toilet device 1 pertaining to the first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the flush toilet device 1 has a power outage response function that allows a user to manually perform the toilet flushing operation even during a power outage, and comprises a toilet body 10, a water supply device 20, a drain socket 30, a valve body 41, a valve body operating section 42, a first transmission means 51, and a second transmission means 52.

[0024] The toilet body 10 comprises a bowl portion 11, a skirt portion 12, and a drain trap pipe 13. The bowl portion 11 is a portion formed in a concave shape on the upper surface of the toilet body 10 to receive waste. The skirt portion 12 covers the outside of at least the front region of the bowl portion 11, and forms the external appearance of the toilet body 10. The drain trap pipe 13 is a pipe that is connected to the bottom of the bowl portion 11 and extends from the bottom of the bowl portion 11.

[0025] The bowl portion 11 is formed with a rim outlet 111 which ejects cleaning water at a rim formed on the upper edge of the bowl portion 11 to form a swirling flow of cleaning water inside the bowl portion 11, and a jet outlet 1112 which ejects cleaning water toward the drain trap pipe 13.

[0026] Drain trap pipe 13 has an ascending passage that extends upward from an inlet located at the connection portion with bowl portion 11, and a descending passage that extends downward from the end of the ascending passage and is connected to drain socket 30 described later. Note that flushing water (reservoir water) for forming a water seal is stored in the ascending passage of drain trap pipe 13 from bowl portion 11.

[0027] The water supply device 20 is provided, for example, at the rear of the toilet body 10. The water supply device 20 is connected, for example, to an external power source (not shown), and when there is no power outage, supplies flush water to the bowl portion 11 by driving components such as the solenoid valve 203 using external power supplied from the external power source.

[0028] The water supply device 20 is provided with a constant flow valve 202, an on-off valve (hereinafter referred to as a solenoid valve) 203, and a rim water spouting vacuum breaker 204 on a water supply passage 201. On the water supply passage 201, a tank 205, a switching valve 206 that switches between water supply to the tank 205 that stores flush water and rim water spouting, a pressure pump 207, a jet water spouting vacuum breaker 208, and a water drain plug 209 are arranged.

[0029] The water supply device 20 also includes a control unit 200 that controls the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve 203, the switching operation of the changeover valve 206, and the pressurizing operation of the pressure pump 207, etc.

[0030] Constant flow valve 202 throttles flush water that flows in through stopcock 210, strainer 211, and branch fitting 212 to a predetermined flow rate or less. Constant flow valve 202 limits the flow rate of flush water to 16 liters / minute or less, for example. Flush water that passes through constant flow valve 202 flows into solenoid valve 203, and flush water that passes through solenoid valve 203 is supplied to rim spout 114 or tank 205 by switching valve 206.

[0031] The solenoid valve 203 is a diaphragm type solenoid on-off valve that opens and closes under the control of the control unit 200. The water supply passage 201 is provided with a diaphragm 213 and a pressure chamber 214 adjacent to the diaphragm 213. The solenoid valve 203 changes the pressure in the pressure chamber 214 to operate the diaphragm 213 and control the flow of cleaning water in the water supply passage 201.

[0032] Specifically, when an open signal is input from the control unit 200, the solenoid valve 203 opens, the pressure in the pressure chamber 214 drops, the diaphragm 213 opens the water supply passage 201, and the supplied cleaning water flows into the switching valve 206. On the other hand, when a close signal is input from the control unit 200, the solenoid valve 203 closes, the pressure in the pressure chamber 214 rises, the diaphragm 213 closes the water supply passage 201, and the supply of cleaning water to the switching valve 206 stops.

[0033] The switching valve 206 is switched by a control signal from the control unit 200. The switching valve 206 causes flush water that has flowed in via the solenoid valve 203 to be discharged from the rim spout 111 or to flow into the tank 205.

[0034] The rim water discharge vacuum breaker 204 is positioned midway through the rim side water supply passage 215 which guides flush water that has passed through the switching valve 206 to the rim water discharge port 111, and prevents flush water from flowing back from the rim water discharge port 111. The rim water discharge vacuum breaker 204 is also positioned above the upper end surface of the bowl section 11, thereby reliably preventing backflow. Flush water that overflows from the atmospheric opening of the rim water discharge vacuum breaker 204 flows through the return pipe 216 and into the tank 205 via a float type check valve 217.

[0035] Tank 205 stores flush water that is discharged from jet water outlet 112. Tank 205 has an internal volume of, for example, about 2.5 liters.

[0036] In this embodiment, the tip (lower end) of the tank-side water supply passage 218 is connected to a float-type check valve 217 to prevent backflow from the tank 205 to the tank-side water supply passage 218. An upper end float switch 219 and a lower end float switch 220 are arranged inside the tank 205 to detect the water level inside the tank 205. The upper end float switch 219 switches on when the water level inside the tank 205 reaches a predetermined upper water level, and the control unit 200 detects this and closes the solenoid valve 203. On the other hand, the lower end float switch 220 switches on when the water level inside the tank 205 drops to a predetermined lower water level, and the control unit 200 detects this and stops the pressure pump 207.

[0037] The pressurizing pump 207 pressurizes the wash water stored in the tank 205 and discharges the pressurized wash water from the jet water outlet 112. The pressurizing pump 207 is connected by a pump-side water supply passage 21 extending from the tank 205, and pressurizes the wash water stored in the tank 205. The pressurizing pump 207, for example, pressurizes the wash water inside the tank 205 and discharges the wash water from the jet water outlet 112 at a flow rate of up to approximately 120 liters / minute.

[0038] Drain plug 209 is disposed near the bottom end of tank 205, below pressure pump 207. Therefore, by opening drain plug 209, cleaning water can be drained from inside tank 205 and inside pressure pump 207 during maintenance, etc. In addition, a water receiving tray 222 is disposed below pressure pump 207. Water receiving tray 222 receives condensed water droplets and leaked water.

[0039] Meanwhile, the outlet of the pressure pump 207 is connected to the Z water outlet 112 at the bottom of the bowl portion 11 via the Z side water supply passage 223. The middle of the Z side water supply passage 223 is formed in an upwardly convex shape, and the Z side water supply passage apex 223a, which is the highest part of the convex part, is the highest part of the flush water pipe leading from the tank 205 to the Z water outlet 112. In addition, the downstream side of the Z side water supply passage apex 223a of the Z side water supply passage 223 is set at the same height as the Z water outlet 112.

[0040] An overflow flow path 224 having an overflow port 224a is connected to one end of the Z-side water supply path 223. The overflow port 224a is provided above the upper end float switch 219. When the water level inside the tank 205 becomes higher than the upper end float switch 219, the flush water inside the tank 205 flows from the overflow port 224a into the overflow flow path 224, is pressurized by the pressure pump 207, and is discharged from the Z-side water outlet 112 via the flapper valve 225.

[0041] The jet water discharge vacuum breaker 208 is disposed midway along the tank side water supply passage 218 that guides the flush water that has passed through the switching valve 206 to the tank 205, and prevents the flush water from flowing back from the tank 205. The flush water that overflows from the atmospheric opening of the jet water discharge vacuum breaker 208 flows through the return pipe 216 and into the tank 205 via the float type check valve 217.

[0042] Moreover, the water supply device 20 includes a switching unit 226. The switching unit 226 is provided in a flow path 227 connected to the pressure chamber 214. The flow path 227 is a flow path that allows water to flow out from the inside of the pressure chamber 214 to release the pressure of the pressure chamber 214, and is also called a pilot flow path.

[0043] In response to the user operating a toilet flush switch (not shown), the control unit 200 sequentially operates the solenoid valve 203, the switching valve 206, and the pressure pump 207, sequentially starting water discharge from the rim spout 111 and the jet spout 112 to flush the bowl section 11. After flushing is completed, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve 203 and switches the switching valve 206 to the tank 205 side to supply flush water to the tank 205. When the water level inside the tank 205 rises and the upper end float switch 219 detects the specified water storage amount, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve 203 to stop water supply.

[0044] The control unit 200 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) executing a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) using a random access memory (RAM) as a working area. The storage unit is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0045] A power outage detection unit (not shown) may be connected to the control unit 200. The power outage detection unit detects a power outage, for example, by monitoring the power supply signal. The power outage detection unit detects a power outage when the power supply signal is interrupted for a period of time longer than the period of a so-called momentary power outage (also called a momentary interruption or momentary interruption), in which the power supply signal is interrupted for only an instant even under normal circumstances.

[0046] The drain socket 30 is provided downstream of the drain trap pipe 13. The drain socket 30 connects the drain trap pipe 13 and the drain pipe 100. The drain pipe 100 is a facility pipe disposed outside the toilet body 10.

[0047] The drain socket 30 is, for example, of a floor drain type, and includes a socket body 31 and a packing 32. The packing 32 is provided at the upper end of the socket body 31, and is formed of, for example, a resilient material such as rubber. The packing 32 has a through hole that penetrates in the vertical direction, and the downstream end of the drain trap pipe 13 is connected to the through hole.

[0048] In this way, in toilet body 10, a drainage channel that connects bowl portion 11 and drainage piping 100 is formed by drain trap pipe 13. Toilet body 10 rim-spouts flushing water from rim spout 111 using direct water pressure. In addition, toilet body 10 uses the siphon effect generated by discharging flushing water from jet spout 112 (jet spouting) to draw waste inside bowl portion 11 into the drainage channel and discharge the waste into drainage piping 100.

[0049] The valve body 41 is, for example, a flapper valve, and is provided inside the drain socket 30. The valve body 41 moves between an "open position" and a "closed position" inside the drain socket 30 to open and close the flow path of the drain socket 30, which is part of the drainage path.

[0050] The valve body operation unit 42 moves the valve body 41 to the closed position in response to the operation of the user when the power failure response function is executed (i.e., when the user operates the toilet flush during a power failure). The valve body operation unit 42 has a rotating shaft (not shown) and supports the valve body 41 so that it can rotate (swing). The rotating shaft is connected to the second transmission means 52, which will be described later.

[0051] The first transmission means 51 transmits the manual operating force of the user. The first transmission means 51 includes a first operating part 511 and a first wire 512. The first transmission means 51 is connected to the switching part 226 via the first wire 512, which is a transmission part that transmits the manual operating force of the user. The first operating part 511 is, for example, a ring-shaped member that accepts manual operation by the user when flushing the toilet during a power outage.

[0052] For example, a release wire can be used as the first wire 512. Although not shown, specifically, the first wire 512 includes an outer tube and an inner wire inserted inside the outer tube. One end of the inner wire of the first wire 512 is connected to the switching unit 226, and the other end is connected to the first operating unit 511.

[0053] The second transmission means 52 transmits the manual operating force of the user to the valve body via the valve body operation unit 42. The second transmission means 52 includes a second operation unit 521 and a second wire 522. The second transmission means 52 is connected to the valve body 41 via the second wire 522, which is a transmission unit that transmits the manual operating force of the user. The second operation unit 521 is, for example, a ring-shaped member that accepts manual operation by the user when flushing the toilet during a power outage.

[0054] As the second wire 522, for example, a release wire can be used, similar to the above-mentioned first wire 512. In this case, the second wire 522 also includes an outer tube and an inner wire inserted inside the outer tube, similar to the first wire 512. The second wire 522 connects between the valve body 41 and the second operating unit 521, and transmits the operation of the second operating unit 521 to the valve body 41.

[0055] For example, when the user manually operates (pulls) the second transmission means 52, such as by pulling the second operating portion 521 (and the second wire 522), the inner wire of the second wire 522 moves, causing the valve body 41 to swing.

[0056] In normal operation when the second operating portion 521 is not operated, the valve body 41 is maintained in the open state. Therefore, in normal operation, the valve body 41 does not change the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the drain socket 30.

[0057] On the other hand, when the user pulls the second operating portion 521, the valve body 41 rotates with the movement of the inner wire to the closed state, that is, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the drain socket 30 is narrowed.

[0058] It is not necessary for the valve body 41 to completely close the flow path of the drain socket 30. In other words, it is sufficient that the water level inside the bowl portion 11 can be raised above the initial water level by the flush water supplied from the rim spout 111 (and the Z spout 112), so there may be some gap between the valve body 41 and the flow path of the drain socket 30.

[0059] The first transmission means 51 and the second transmission means 52 are disposed inside a decorative panel (not shown) provided at the rear of the toilet body 10, and are not visible from the outside. A user can manually operate the first transmission means 51 and the second transmission means 52 by removing the decorative panel.

[0060] Next, the operation of each part during the toilet flushing operation during a power outage will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a time chart showing the operation of each part during the toilet flushing operation during a power outage.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, during a power outage, when the flush toilet device 1 (see Figure 1) is in a standby state, flush water accumulates in the bowl portion 11 (see Figure 1), and the valve body 41 (see Figure 1) of the drain socket 30 is in an open state. When the user pulls the first transmission means 51 (see Figure 1), water supply to the bowl portion 11 begins.

[0062] When the user pulls second transmission means 52 (see FIG. 1), valve body 41 is brought into a closed state, the water level inside bowl portion 11 rises, and toilet flushing begins.

[0063] In the flush toilet device 1, when the user stops pulling on the second transmission means 52, for example by releasing the pulling force, the valve body 41 opens. At this time, water continues to be supplied to the bowl portion 11, so flush water is replenished (refilled) to the bowl portion 11. Then, when the user ends the operation of the first transmission means 51, the flush toilet device 1 stops supplying water to the bowl portion 11 and ends the toilet flush.

[0064] The operation procedure of the transmission means (second transmission means) 52 during a power outage will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation procedure of the transmission means (second transmission means) 52 during a power outage. Note that Fig. 3 shows the release of the pull as a state in which the user releases the second operation unit 521 from a state in which the second operation unit 521 is gripped with the fingers, but in actual operation, the pull is released by loosening the pulling force while still gripping the second operation unit 521 with the fingers.

[0065] As described above, the user opens and closes valve body 41 by operating second transmission means 52. By operating second transmission means 52, the user raises the water level inside bowl portion 11, and then discharges flush water W accumulated in bowl portion 11, thereby discharging waste together with flush water W.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 3, when flush water W is supplied by first operating first transmission means 51 (see Fig. 1), the user pulls second wire 522 via second operating part 521 held with the fingers, moving valve body 41 from the open position to the closed position. This causes the water level inside bowl portion 11 (the surface of flush water W) to rise.

[0067] When the water level inside bowl portion 11 reaches a predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing, the user moves valve body 41 to the open position by releasing the tension on second wire 522. This causes waste matter to be discharged together with flush water W from inside bowl portion 11 via drain trap pipe 13 and drain socket 30.

[0068] Here, because manual toilet flushing operation requires a larger amount of flush water W to be stored in bowl portion 11 than during normal use, the user may not be able to determine how much flush water should be stored when performing toilet flushing operation during a power outage. For this reason, in this embodiment, the detection means 60 and notification means 70 notify the user when the specified water level WL required for toilet flushing is reached, thereby preventing excess or deficiency of flush water W.

[0069] Next, the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the detection means 60 and the notification means 70.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, the flush toilet device 1 (1A) according to the first embodiment comprises detection means 60 and notification means. Detection means 60 detects at least either the level of flush water accumulated in bowl portion 11 (predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing), or an indicator related to the water level (predetermined water level WL). Note that an "indicator related to the water level" is, for example, the presence or absence of flush water in the internal surface area of ​​bowl portion 11, the pressure of flush water accumulated inside bowl portion 11, etc.

[0071] As the detection means 60, for example, a water level detection sensor such as a radio wave sensor, a capacitance sensor, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor, or an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor is used.

[0072] The radio wave sensor emits radio waves and detects the reflected waves. The strength of the reflected waves varies depending on the presence or absence of wash water at the position where the radio waves are emitted. When a radio wave sensor is used as the detection means 60, the detection means 60 is positioned so that the radio waves are emitted to a predetermined area on the surface inside the bowl portion 11.

[0073] The capacitance sensor detects the capacitance between the capacitance sensor and a predetermined area facing the capacitance sensor. The capacitance changes depending on the presence or absence of flush water in the predetermined area. When a capacitance sensor is used as the detection means 60, the detection means 60 is disposed so as to face a predetermined area on the inner surface of the bowl portion 11.

[0074] In this way, by using a radio wave sensor or a capacitance sensor as detection means 60, it is possible to detect whether the water level inside bowl portion 11 is higher than a predetermined area (predetermined water level WL). Note that the capacitance sensor can directly detect the water level by arranging multiple sensors consecutively at different heights.

[0075] The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the wash water accumulated inside the bowl portion 11. Since the pressure is proportional to the amount of wash water inside the bowl portion 11, by using a pressure sensor as the detection means 60, the water level can be indirectly detected.

[0076] The ultrasonic distance sensor emits ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected waves. When the ultrasonic waves are emitted vertically to the water surface, the time from when the ultrasonic waves are emitted to when the peak of the reflected waves is detected varies depending on the height of the water surface.

[0077] The optical distance sensor irradiates light (e.g., infrared light) toward the target and forms an image of the reflected light on the light receiving element. In this case, the image forming position of the light receiving element changes depending on the height of the water surface. In this way, by using an ultrasonic distance sensor or an optical distance sensor as the detection means 60, the water level inside the bowl section can be directly detected.

[0078] If detection means 60 is, for example, a capacitance sensor, it is positioned slightly below the predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing in bowl portion 11. Specifically, the user can check notification means 70 and, taking into consideration the timing of the end operation of second transmission means 52, set the water level to be 1 to 3 seconds before the predetermined water level WL is reached.

[0079] The predetermined water level WL detected by the detection means 60 may be set slightly below the water level required for toilet flushing. In this way, by setting the predetermined water level WL below the water level required for toilet flushing, it is possible to prevent flush water W from accumulating excessively in the bowl portion 11 due to the time lag between when it is detected by the detection means 60 and when the user operates the second transmission means 52 (see FIG. 3).

[0080] Furthermore, the detection means 60 starts detecting the water level inside the bowl portion 11 based on the start of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user. Furthermore, the detection means 60 ends detection of the inside of the bowl portion 11 based on the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user.

[0081] The notification means 70 notifies the user or those around the user of the timing of the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 based on detection by the detection means 60. The notification means 70 notifies by at least one of sound and light. The notification means 70 is a buzzer or the like when notifying by sound, and an LED lamp or the like when notifying by light. Such a buzzer or LED lamp may be provided, for example, in a sanitary washing device (not shown) that is installed at the rear of the toilet body 10 and washes the private parts of the user.

[0082] Furthermore, the notification means 70 ends the notification when the user starts operating the second transmission means 52.

[0083] Next, the processing procedures for detection control and notification control in the toilet flushing operation during power outage will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedures for detection control and notification control in the toilet flushing operation during power outage.

[0084] 5, after the user operates first transmission means 51 to start the supply of water to bowl portion 11, when the user starts operating second transmission means 52, this is detected (step S101). Note that in the process of step S101, for example, when second transmission means 52 is pulled, power to detection means 60 is turned on, which is regarded as detection of the start of operation of second transmission means 52.

[0085] When it is detected that the user has started to operate second transmission means 52, detection means 60 starts operating (step S102). Detection means 60 detects the water level inside bowl portion 11 (step S103). That is, detection means 60 detects a predetermined water level WL.

[0086] When the detection means 60 detects the predetermined water level WL, the notification means 70 notifies that the water level inside the bowl portion 11 has reached the predetermined water level WL (step S104). In this case, the notification means 70 notifies by sounding a buzzer, turning on an LED lamp, or the like.

[0087] When the user ends the operation of the second transmission means 52, this is detected (step S105). Note that in the process of step S105, for example, when the pulling operation of the second transmission means 52 is released, the power supply of the detection means 60 is turned off, which is regarded as the detection of the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52.

[0088] Then, when it is detected that the user has finished operating the second transmission means 52, the detection means 60 ends its operation (step S106).

[0089] Furthermore, in the flush toilet apparatus 1A, during a power outage, electricity may be supplied to the detection means 60 and notification means 70 using batteries or the like, but it may also be possible to have a self-generating power supply unit 80 (see Figure 6) that does not use batteries and supplies power to at least either the detection means 60 or the notification means 70. Additionally, electricity can also be supplied by utilizing the temperature difference heat that makes use of the temperature difference between the flush water W and the space in which the flush toilet apparatus 1A is installed.

[0090] Next, the power supply unit 80 in the flush toilet apparatus 1A will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the power supply unit 80.

[0091] As shown in Figure 6, the flush toilet apparatus 1A (see Figure 4) is equipped with a power supply unit 80. As described above, the power supply unit 80 supplies power to at least one of the detection means 60 and the notification means 70. The power supply unit 80 generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W used to flush the toilet. The power supply unit 80 has an impeller, for example, and generates power when the impeller rotates due to the flow of flush water W.

[0092] 6, the power supply unit 80 is disposed, for example, inside the rim water conduit 14 for guiding the flush water W into the inside of the bowl portion 11 (see FIG. 4). This allows the flow of the flush water W to be utilized efficiently.

[0093] According to the first embodiment described above, in toilet flushing operation during a power outage, the user can easily recognize the timing of completion of operation of second transmission means 52 operated by the user, so the amount of flush water W necessary for toilet flushing can be stored in bowl portion 11, preventing operational errors such as flush water overflowing from bowl portion 11. In other words, it is possible to prevent excess or deficiency of flush water W during toilet flushing operation during a power outage, thereby enabling appropriate toilet flushing to be performed even during a power outage.

[0094] Furthermore, by having the detection means 60 start detection based on the start of operation of the second transmission means 52, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the detection means 60. For example, if the detection means 60 were constantly operating, there is a possibility that the detection means 60 may malfunction during normal toilet flushing operations or when the toilet is being used, but since the detection means 60 starts detection when the second transmission means 52 is operated by the user, the detection means 60 operates only when necessary. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the detection means 60. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of power, and the detection means 60 can be used for a long time even during a power outage.

[0095] Moreover, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of power by the detection means 60 ending detection based on the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52. This allows the detection means 60 to be used for a long time even during a power outage.

[0096] Furthermore, by having the notification means 70 notify by sound or light, the user can recognize the timing of the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 regardless of the state of the user or the time of a disaster such as a power outage. For example, when the notification is by light, the user can easily recognize in the dark during a power outage, and when the notification is by sound, even a visually impaired user can easily recognize.

[0097] Furthermore, by having the notification means 70 end the notification based on the end of operation of the second transmission means 52, it is possible to prevent the flush water W from overflowing from the bowl portion 11. For example, if the notification time is short and the user does not notice the notification, there is a risk that the flush water W will overflow from the bowl portion 11, but by continuing the notification until the user ends operation of the second transmission means 52, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a risk.

[0098] Furthermore, by arranging detection means 60 below the predetermined water level WL in bowl portion 11 required for toilet flushing, it is possible to prevent an excessive accumulation of flush water W in bowl portion 11. Because there is a time lag between when the user receives a notification from notification means 70 and when they finish operating second transmission means 52, for example, if detection means 60 is arranged at the predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing, there is a possibility that an excessive accumulation of flush water W in bowl portion 11 will occur; however, by arranging detection means 60 below the predetermined water level WL, it is possible to prevent an excessive accumulation of flush water W in bowl portion 11, even if there is a time lag between when the user receives a notification from notification means 70 and when they finish operating second transmission means 52, and the toilet can be flushed without any problems.

[0099] In addition, since the power supply unit 80 capable of supplying power to the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 is a self-generating type that generates power by utilizing the flow of flushing water W for flushing the toilet, power can be supplied semi-permanently to the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 even during a power outage.

[0100] <Second embodiment> Next, a flush toilet apparatus 1 (1B) pertaining to a second embodiment will be explained with reference to Fig. 2. Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the display means 90 in a flush toilet apparatus 1 (1B) pertaining to the second embodiment. Note that Fig. 7 shows a first example of the display means 90 (display means 90a), and Fig. 8 shows a second example of the display means 90 (display means 90b).

[0101] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a display means 90, which will be described later. The second embodiment does not include the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 as in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same or equivalent parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7, the flush toilet device 1 (1B) pertaining to the second embodiment is equipped with display means 90a pertaining to the first example. The display means 90a displays an index 91 that indicates the position of the prescribed water level WL required for toilet flushing of flush water W that accumulates in the bowl section 11. A light emitting section that emits light having an LED light source or the like is used as the display means 90a, for example.

[0103] The display means 90a is provided, for example, on a sanitary washing device (not shown) installed at the rear of the bowl portion 11.

[0104] Furthermore, the display means 90a starts displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the start of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user. Furthermore, the display means 90a ends displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user.

[0105] The index 91 displayed on the display means 90a is a target mark displayed by light irradiated from the display means (light irradiating section) 90a. The index (target mark) 91 is displayed at the rear inside the bowl portion 11.

[0106] As shown in Figure 8, the flush toilet apparatus 1 (1B) pertaining to the second embodiment may be equipped with a second example of display means 90b. Like the display means 90a described above, the display means 90b displays an indicator 91 that indicates the position of the flush water W that collects in the bowl section 11 at a predetermined water level WL that is necessary for toilet flushing. As with the display means 90a described above, a light emitting section that irradiates light having an LED light source or the like is used as the display means 90b.

[0107] The display means 90b is provided, for example, on the back surface side of the bowl portion 11, at the rear of the bowl portion 11. The display means (light emitting unit) 90b irradiates light to display an indicator 91 on the front surface side of the interior of the bowl portion 11 through the ceramic wall that forms the bowl portion 11.

[0108] Furthermore, the display means 90b starts displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the start of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user. Furthermore, the display means 90b ends displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user.

[0109] The index 91 displayed on the display means 90b is a target mark displayed by light irradiated from the display means (light irradiating section) 90b, similar to the case of the display means 90a. The index (target mark) 91 is displayed at the rear inside the bowl section 11.

[0110] Next, the processing procedure for display control during toilet flushing operation during a power outage will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for display control during toilet flushing operation during a power outage.

[0111] 9, after the supply of water to bowl portion 11 is started by the user operating first transmission means 51, when the user starts operating second transmission means 52, this is detected (step S201). Note that in the process of step S201, for example, when second transmission means 52 is pulled, the power of display means 90 is turned on, which is regarded as the detection of the start of operation of second transmission means 52.

[0112] When it is detected that the user has started to operate the second transmission means 52, power is supplied to the display means 90, and the display means 90 displays an index (target mark) 91 (step S202).

[0113] When the user ends the operation of the second transmission means 52, this is detected (step S203). Note that in the process of step S203, for example, when the pulling operation of the second transmission means 52 is released, the power supply of the display means 90 is turned off, which is used to detect the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52.

[0114] Then, when it is detected that the user has finished operating the second transmission means 52, the power supply to the display means 90 is stopped and the display means 90 hides the index (target mark) 91, that is, erases the index (target mark) 91 (step S204).

[0115] Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1B as well, during a power outage, power may be supplied to the display means 90 using a battery or the like, but as with the first embodiment above, a self-generating power supply unit 80 (see Figure 10) may be provided that supplies power to the display means 90 without using a battery.

[0116] Next, the power supply unit 80 in the flush toilet apparatus 1B will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the power supply unit 80.

[0117] As shown in Figure 10, the flush toilet device 1B (see Figures 7 and 8) is equipped with a power supply unit 80. As described above, the power supply unit 80 supplies power to the display means 90. The power supply unit 80 generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W used to flush the toilet. The power supply unit 80 has an impeller, for example, and generates power when the impeller rotates due to the flow of flush water W.

[0118] According to the second embodiment described above, in toilet flushing operations during a power outage, the user can easily recognize the position of the predetermined water level WL of flush water W accumulated in bowl portion 11 that is necessary for toilet flushing, so the amount of flush water W necessary for toilet flushing can be accumulated in bowl portion 11, preventing operational errors such as flush water overflowing from bowl portion 11. In other words, it is possible to prevent excess or deficiency of flush water W during toilet flushing operations during a power outage, thereby enabling appropriate toilet flushing to be performed even during a power outage.

[0119] Furthermore, by having the display means 90 start displaying when the second transmission means 52 is operated, it is possible to reduce unnecessary consumption of power, and the display means 90 can be used for a long time even during a power outage.

[0120] In addition, by having the display means 90 end the display based on the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52, the operation of the display means 90 also ends when the user ends the operation of the second transmission means 52, thereby reducing wasteful consumption of power. This allows the display means 90 to be used for a long time even during a power outage.

[0121] In addition, because the display means 90 is a light-emitting unit, during a power outage the toilet flushing operation will be performed in the dark, and the target mark 91 made of light emitted from the light-emitting unit will be easy for the user to see, allowing the user to easily recognize the position of the specified water level WL required for toilet flushing.

[0122] Furthermore, by displaying the target mark 91 by the display means 90 at the rear of the bowl portion 11, it is easy for a user to visually recognize the target mark 91. Furthermore, the display means 90 can be provided, for example, in a sanitary washing device (not shown) installed at the rear of the bowl portion 11.

[0123] In addition, since the power supply unit 80 capable of supplying power to the display means 90 is a self-power generating type that generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W for flushing the toilet, power can be supplied to the display means 90 semi-permanently even during a power outage.

[0124] In the above second embodiment, a light irradiation unit is used as the display means 90, and a target mark made by light irradiated from the light irradiation unit is used as the indicator 91. However, in addition to this, for example, a mark may be provided in advance on the inside of the bowl portion 11 by changing the shape or painting, and this may be used as the display means 90 (and the indicator 91).

[0125] The above first and second embodiments may also be combined. That is, the flush toilet device 1 may be equipped with the above detection means 60, notification means 70, and display means 90. Furthermore, when the first and second embodiments are combined, the power supply unit 80 supplies power to at least one of the detection means 60, notification means 70, and display means 90.

[0126] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1 Flush toilet device 10 Toilet bowl body 11 Bowl section 13 Drain trap line 20 Water supply equipment 30 Drain Socket 41 Valve body 42 Valve body operating section 52 Means of transmission (second means of transmission) 90 Display means (light irradiation part) 91 Indicator (target mark) 80 Power supply unit 100 Drainage pipe W Cleaning water WL Specified water level

Claims

1. A flush toilet device having a power outage response function that enables toilet flushing operation during a power outage, a toilet body having a bowl portion for receiving waste and a drain trap pipe extending from the bottom of the bowl portion; A drain socket provided downstream of the drain trap pipe and connecting the drain trap pipe and a drain pipe; a valve body provided in the drain socket and movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close a flow path of the drain socket; A valve body operation unit that moves the valve body to the closed position in response to an operation by a user when the power outage response function is executed; a water supply device for supplying flush water to the bowl portion when the valve body is in the closed position by the valve body operation portion; a transmission means for transmitting an operating force of the user for moving the valve body to the valve body via the valve body operation unit; a display means for displaying an indicator showing a position of a predetermined water level required for flushing the toilet, the water level being stored in the bowl portion and supplied by the water supply device; Equipped with A flush toilet apparatus in which the display means begins displaying information based on start of operation of the transmission means.

2. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display means ends the display when operation of the transmission means ends.

3. the display means is a light emitting unit that emits light, The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator is a target mark displayed by light emitted from the light emitting section.

4. The flush toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indicator is displayed on the rear part of the bowl portion.

5. a power supply unit for supplying power to the display means; 5. The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit generates the electricity required to operate the display means by using the flow of flush water.

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